Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: October 3 ~ 9, 2021

[ReneeT]

Good Morning, All! Hope you are all doing well today. It's a bright and pretty morning here - I have the kitchen door open, kittens winding around my feet wanting attention, the first load of laundry in the washer.... and a whole long list of things that I need to get done. But I'm going to sit here and enjoy my first cup of coffee with y'all and think about all my blessings before I dive in head first

Harvest is in full swing around here - the corn field across the road is still standing; they'd brought equipment in, but then left and went to harvest a different area. I'm going to have to get used to seeing long distances again once it comes out They let me walk their corn fields after harvest to pick up missed ears. (hint - if someone lets you pick up missed ears - check the corners first!) I usually pick up a couple of large trash cans worth, then leave the rest for the critters.

My zinnias are full of Monarch butterflies - I walked through the garden yesterday to find a pepper and the butterflies were swirling all around my head - so beautiful! I saw one hummingbird on a feeder two days ago, but none last evening, and none so far this morning. I thought that it was usually later in October when they headed south, so I'm a little concerned for what the weather will bring this winter. No major influx of wooly-worms yet; I'll have to wait a bit on their forecast. And the persimmons still have plenty of pucker power, so I'll wait a bit to get their weather forecast as well
.
Minimal prepping this week other than buying Hubby a couple more pair of work pants - don't know why he waits until he gets down to just a couple of pair before he starts complaining about needing some Maybe he thought he could hold out until it's time to pull out the fleece lined ones?? I might as well ask him how many decent pair of those he has so I can check to see if they have any while I'm already out shopping.

I probably need to round up my houseplants that are on the porch and move them up closer to the house and give them a good drink. Might carry in a few that I would miss if we got a frost - they'll be safe in the basement stair well or laundry room with the kittens having a sleepover at daughter's

Well, I'm quickly getting nothing done, so I guess I'd better finish my cup of coffee and get to work...

You folks all take care out there; stay safe, stay happy!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

It's a rainy and stormy day, today. I'm tidying up the house a bit, before our Sunday Bible study group gets here. I did the main housework, yesterday.

Tomorrow, Cary has to see his Urologist for the CT Scan results. I hope he has the results, cause we sure don't want to have to make another trip to Big town later in the week. We're praying for good results. Cary has one more doctor visit on the 14th, and that should be it for both of us the rest of the year.

I'm done with all my shopping/prepping, until the 15th. Right now, I can't think of anything we need, even though, I have my new shopping list started. I've bought up enough of a variety and quantity of canned veggies to have plenty in stock, so I'm back to only buying more as I use them from now on. Use one, buy two to replace. Meat stock is good. Coffee is good. All other storage foods are good. Winter clothing is good. Other than getting a couple of new sets of flannel bed sheets, household items are good. Firewood for the winter is good. Cary still needs to clean both flues. It's still too warm here to think of starting up the heater or stove, but Fall is definitely in the air.

Hope everyone has a safe and blessed week!

 

[nomifyle]

ReneeT: I don't wait for DH to say he needs more, I keep him stocked.

Sherree: Me too on replacing what I use except I did get a flat of green beans because I was scratching around trying to find some for my soup. I know I have plenty, somewhere. I saw witch hazel at the dollar tree yesterday and got a couple of bottles, I don't think I have any.

I bought some barretts yesterday for my hair. With the weather cooling down I wearing it down more instead of a pony tail. Can't stand it in my face so pulling it up on the sides seems to be working.

Still trying to get recent purchases put away.

I've been feeling pretty good the last couple of days. Even with grocery shopping two stores yesterday I wasn't falling on my face (not literally) when we got home. I didn't leave anything in the truck. DH is out and at it already this morning.

God is good all the time

Judy

 

[SouthernBreeze]

ReneeT: I don't wait for DH to say he needs more, I keep him stocked.

Sherree: Me too on replacing what I use except I did get a flat of green beans because I was scratching around trying to find some for my soup. I know I have plenty, somewhere. I saw witch hazel at the dollar tree yesterday and got a couple of bottles, I don't think I have any.

I bought some barretts yesterday for my hair. With the weather cooling down I wearing it down more instead of a pony tail. Can't stand it in my face so pulling it up on the sides seems to be working.

Still trying to get recent purchases put away.

I've been feeling pretty good the last couple of days. Even with grocery shopping two stores yesterday I wasn't falling on my face (not literally) when we got home. I didn't leave anything in the truck. DH is out and at it already this morning.

God is good all the time

Judy

I've got all my hair accessories covered, too. I have a dresser drawer full of barretts, ponytail rings, scrunchies, head bands, bandanas, hair pins, you name it, I got it, LOL. If all of that fails, I've got plenty of ball caps in different colors to wear.

I'm doing really well, since getting off all my prescription meds. All I'm taking now is OTC and herbal meds and vitamins. I had to ween myself off one of them, and I'm glad I'm finally off. I take Melatonin to help me sleep at night, instead. It's working great.

I'm glad you're feeling better.

 

[moldy]

Sitting here with the dog licking my toes...he's hoping he'll get more treats. DD is coming next weekend, so I need to clean the house. She wants to learn how to can picked beets and chicken.

 

[amazon]

Sounds like everyone is staying busy. I have one more batch of apples to do something with, applesauce w/o sugar or dehydrated. I may get another bushel. I bought a food saver today, the cheaper one. I just want to vacuum seal meats. Kroger had some nice beef roasts for $3.97/lb. Bought 3 of them. Have a big *log* of hamburger to work up too.

Went to Sam's when they opened. Tons of people there. They were reasonably stocked on most things, but there was very little fresh veg and almost no fresh fruits. Found hubs favorite Eddie Bauer lounge pants. They only seem to carry them in the fall, bought 2.

I got out about 1/3 of my fall decorations. I LOVE fall, but not feeling it this year.

Dd's car won't start. We hope it's just the battery. Seems like we replaced the alternator not that long ago. I need to keep a little notebook with home and car repairs and who did them.

Tomorrow have an apt with DMV to get drivers license corrected. We moved to VA 27 years ago and they typed my birthday wrong, off by one day. I've never gotten it fixed. I always forget aboutit. It's in my mind so I figure G-d is trying to get my attention. I've rounded up my documents. Hope that goes well.

Have a good week!

 

[blackguard]

Went and did a Sam's run today. It's about an hour away so arrived right after it was open, glad I did. Overall, the store was decently stocked. In certain areas (meat in particular) they had a good selection just not very much of some items. Bought ground beef, sausage, chicken and pork. Got home and broke down the pork loins into chops and portions for roasts. Portioned the chicken and hamburger into smaller lots, vacuum sealed it all as well as the sausage and into the freezer it all went. The canned veggies were slim pickings, 8 packs of corn or peas. That was it. There were notices up limiting paper goods to one package per customer and water to three per customer. When I was in there three weeks ago those notices were not up. This was the west side of Oklahoma City.

 

[Faroe]

Pushups and stretching daily. Running later this afternoon.

I keep a heavy backpack for training out on our land, and for this morning's hike, put most of what I would need in it for a full on-foot bug-out. Turns out, I need a bigger pack, with a frame, and a hip belt. (Used to have one, but it got left behind in a long distance move, and have sorely regretted its loss ever since.) Have two possibilities selected and will order as soon as seller answers one question.

Also ordered a vintage LL Bean 80% wool insulated shirt (quilted nylon lining) in men's L. I have another cheap thrifted one with a cotton-ish outer layer that I wear all the time in chilly weather, but it is completely in tatters. Ugh....these are pricey! Well, I've wanted one for a full year, so when I found the perfect one today, I grabbed it. No fun fabric orders for this month; that spent the entire budget.

 

[WanderLore]

Oh don't I know it on the budget. My saying is cheap is good free is better lol.
Doesn't apply to everything. Some things really need quality.
Finished at son's. Got home tended animals in cabin and cleaned up messes. Also helped tend horse with thrush. Has to be done daily for at least a week.
Boys are busy with mom so I haven't got my grandkids fix today.
I'm wondering if I need to look at hiring some help for a few jobs. Everyone at work and dh says isn't able.
It's just a few things before winter. Cabin stuff. I can do most but not all.
It's starting to storm.
Judy, I got some cans of that Southgate beef stew from dollar tree, the kind I think you said your hubby likes. It's really good. Had some for dinner.

 

[nomifyle]

Oh don't I know it on the budget. My saying is cheap is good free is better lol.
Doesn't apply to everything. Some things really need quality.
Finished at son's. Got home tended animals in cabin and cleaned up messes. Also helped tend horse with thrush. Has to be done daily for at least a week.
Boys are busy with mom so I haven't got my grandkids fix today.
I'm wondering if I need to look at hiring some help for a few jobs. Everyone at work and dh says isn't able.
It's just a few things before winter. Cabin stuff. I can do most but not all.
It's starting to storm.
Judy, I got some cans of that Southgate beef stew from dollar tree, the kind I think you said your hubby likes. It's really good. Had some for dinner.

yes, that is what he likes and I have a good stash.

God is good all the time

Judy

 

[WanderLore]

They have some chili there too, don't know if you two have tried it? Always looking for easy to fix stuff.

 

[Digger]

We had to go pick up hubbys prescription yesterday and a package at the post office. We ran in Harps since we were in town. We found several marked down meats, including that bottom round roast that had been too expensive earlier in the week. I also got some mushrooms and bell peppers that were on sale. The mushrooms, I have already dehydrated. Half the peppers are drying now.

I wrote on the calendar when I opened another coffee and the size. Then I can see how long it last. That will allow me to better figure how long our stored coffee will last.

I checked the bees. They look to be doing well. They are making lots of honey and bring in lots of fall pollen. I saw no drone bees today. They are beginning to reduce the hive numbers for winter. But there was still plenty of brood.

Last week I went to my favorite resale shop. I bought both grandsons some fall clothing. I even got me a couple of things. Hubby does not wear long sleeve shirts much, so I did not look for him any. He has plenty. I would like to go back this week if I get the chance.

I am trying to get the outside work done that needs to be done before winter. There is so much to do. But I learned a long time ago to do what I can and don't stress about the rest. We have fire wood to finish and I have to do some repair work on the chicken house. And there is still my in laws house to clean out. The kids have not decided when to tackle that. They are still dealing with financial details.

Stay well everyone and have a good week.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I wrote on the calendar when I opened another coffee and the size. Then I can see how long it last. That will allow me to better figure how long our stored coffee will last.

I did the same thing early on in my prepping. I buy those 51oz jugs of Folgers coffee at Sam's. Each jug last us close to a month. So, I bought 12 jugs. That would last us a year at one jug a month. Then, I doubled it to 24 jugs for a 2 yr. supply, and keep it rotated by dating it. I've thrown in a few extra jugs just in case.

 

[Marseydoats]

Did a WM pick up order this morning. Since other folks have said that there is a turkey shortage, I thought I'd go ahead and get out Thanksgiving meal. My store usually has a free standing freezer full of turkeys year round. I had to hunt to find them. They only had 4 turkeys and I bought one.
I've got pumpkin and canned sweet potatoes left over from last year, I don't stock a lot of that. usually by the first week of October they have all those center aisles crammed full of Thanksgiving food. Two of the displays were actually empty. I looked for cranberry sauce, but they didn't have any. The past month, when I do a pick up order, of the store doesn't have it, it automatically goes to "ship to home". But the only option they had for the cranberry sauce was to order a case of 24...
Puppy ran away from me yesterday chasing wild turkeys, and I thought I had lost her. So she no longer gets off leash to run. I'm looking for a shock collar for her, I'm too old to chase her.

 

[WanderLore]

Got flashing done on cabin chimney. Half of ceiling done. Then get cinder blocks for bookcase and cut boards. Still need another cement board cut down.
It's still warm though and has been raining few days.

Got son's paperwork faxed and parting gift to our mail lady who retired.
Last CERT meet of the year tonight. Director is retiring too. No word on who will take over.

 

[paxsim2]

Didn't do a Walmart pickup last week but I need to get stuff from the last one put away. I am doing one this week.
Getting ready to plant some ginger and pot up some basil. I will put them in my bay window. I'm thinking of doing a tomato plant too.
Working on laundry, dishes and getting rid of more stuff.
Need to package up and label some seeds I've saved.
My beans are doing well and my tatsoi is doing great and so is my little gem lettuce. I don't think the green house will happen due to dh's immune disorder so I'm looking at cold frames.
Life happens! Take care everyone!

 

[nomifyle]

They have some chili there too, don't know if you two have tried it? Always looking for easy to fix stuff.

Yes indeed, Southgate is DH's favorite chili.

A large canister of folger's coffee lasts us a good two months, I have a good supply, plus instant.

God is good all the time

Judy

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I have great news! We just got back from seeing Cary's doctor, and he is still cancer free! All of his tests and bloodwork were all good, too. So, he will only have to be scanned once a year from here on out for the next 5 yrs. He'll still have a follow up check up in 3 months, though, just to make sure his kidney function remains normal.

His next appointment on the 14th is with his Pulmonologist, and will most likely have to have a CT Scan done on his lungs to make sure there is no cancer there. With kidney cancer that isn't caught in time, there is a likely spread to the lungs. Doctor just wants to keep a check there as a just in case. Cary's kidney cancer was caught in the earliest possible stage, so we're not expecting any issues with his lungs.

 

[aviax2]

I have great news! We just got back from seeing Cary's doctor, and he is still cancer free! All of his tests and bloodwork were all good, too. So, he will only have to be scanned once a year from here on out for the next 5 yrs. He'll still have a follow up check up in 3 months, though, just to make sure his kidney function remains normal.

His next appointment on the 14th is with his Pulmonologist, and will most likely have to have a CT Scan done on his lungs to make sure there is no cancer there. With kidney cancer that isn't caught in time, there is a likely spread to the lungs. Doctor just wants to keep a check there as a just in case. Cary's kidney cancer was caught in the earliest possible stage, so we're not expecting any issues with his lungs.

That’s great news!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

That’s great news!

I was a bit nervous about the results, but everything turned out great.

 

[hiwall]

I have great news! We just got back from seeing Cary's doctor, and he is still cancer free! All of his tests and bloodwork were all good, too. So, he will only have to be scanned once a year from here on out for the next 5 yrs. He'll still have a follow up check up in 3 months, though, just to make sure his kidney function remains normal.

His next appointment on the 14th is with his Pulmonologist, and will most likely have to have a CT Scan done on his lungs to make sure there is no cancer there. With kidney cancer that isn't caught in time, there is a likely spread to the lungs. Doctor just wants to keep a check there as a just in case. Cary's kidney cancer was caught in the earliest possible stage, so we're not expecting any issues with his lungs.

 

[summerthyme]

Wonderful news, Sheree...

And an incredible example of God turning even what seems terrible at the time (Cary's sepsis) to good because you love the Lord! God is so good!

Summerthyme

 

[nomifyle]

Just to be on the safe side green bean wise, I ordered two flats of green beans from walmart.com for 50 cents each. They are the poptops but I need to feel comfortable with what I have.

God is good all the time

Judy

 

[aviax2]

I finally made it down to the basement one day last week when I had an unexpected day off from babysitting and did the most thorough inventory of the pantry that’s been done in awhile, minus the #10 cans and some buckets (that’s for another day). I think our daughters will be inheriting lots of q-tips, aluminum foil and plastic wrap LOL! DH has been going down and organizing everything and it made the doing the inventory so much better. Some things I had no idea I had that much of, like 4 of the 32oz containers of cornstarch! Now to get the working upstairs pantry organized better and the freezers.

I haven’t done much in the way of online shopping in the past few weeks except some instant mashed potatoes in different flavors to try, 3lbs of walnuts, a 4 pack of canned salmon from Sam’s. From Walmart 2 containers of oxi clean for whites, 3 cases of 24oz canning jars and some dress up Princess wands to go with granddaughters other dress up items for Christmas. Now, I wonder how long until it gets here!?

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Wonderful news, Sheree...

And an incredible example of God turning even what seems terrible at the time (Cary's sepsis) to good because you love the Lord! God is so good!

Summerthyme

Absolutely! If it had not been for Cary going septic, the doctors would have never caught the cancer. We are still left in awe of how God worked the whole thing out. If we had not thought Cary had Covid first, we never would have gone to the clinic to be tested, and that's when the doctor found the sepsis. It was a walk from beginning to end. We are so thankful! It has sure increased our faith and trust in Him.

 

[WanderLore]

Praise the Lord SB! Always great news!

Last cert meet of the year and maybe forever.
Director retired. No word on when or if city commissioners will do with it.
Sad. Another "Shirt" I will retire.

Anyway. See if I can get any work out of anybody today. Got to finish this stuff before winter.

Very sad to hear about momof23goats passing. She was a good lady and friend.

 

[nomifyle]

My brother is really getting into the cabin DH has been building. In other words, he's laid his claim to it. He's paying for materials, beds, what's needed for the bathroom, wood stove, etc.. DH has already installed the two air conditioners he bought. This makes me really happy because, even part time, we will have someone else here, someone that has our best interest at heart and someone we love.

As for corn starch, I can't have enough of it because I use it for body powder every day.

Did you ever look for something and can't find it and then later found it right where you were looking, frusterating isn't it.

I still think I need more green beans, maybe I've used more than I thought I did. Its one vegetable that DH will eat.

God is good all the time

Judy

 

[SouthernBreeze]

As for corn starch, I can't have enough of it because I use it for body powder every day.

I read some years ago that women don't need to use commercial under arm deoderant. It isn't good for breast health. Corn starch is a main ingredient if you want to make your own.

When I went for my yearly mammogram last year, the nurse mentioned the same thing. She told me she used just plain cornstarch herself. I try to stay away from commercial products on my skin, too. I also use cornstarch and other all natural products.

 

[WanderLore]

Ps; several of the cert team members said they got the shot and still got covid months later, as did Many of their friends. A few of us sat and smiled and said nothing.

 

[amazon]

I heard a prepper say flour is only good for a year. I have some over 5 years old. Should I throw it away? It's stored in 5 gallon buckets. No O2. Stored around 60 to 70 degrees year round. How can I tell if it's bad? It's quite a few buckets.

SB, great news about hubby. So many things that happen we get upset about, but one day we'll fully see all G-d has done for us.

I've never tried cornstarch. Good to know. We buy aluminum free deo. It's expensive.

Wander, so many are retiring now. It's a real loss of knowledge and experience. The young ones coming up have a completely different mindset. No doubt this will play a part in our Brave New World too.

I need to do a good pantry inventory, but we're very busy this month. I'm thinking about getting a hand crank grain mill Anyone have rec? I have a small one, never used . Need to research benefits of grinding your own grains. Seems like a lot of work, but it's probably what you get used to.

Have a good evening!

 

[nomifyle]

I need to do a better pantry inventory since I was so wrong about having a good supply of green beans.

I'm not sure about the shelf life of flour, but I think its got to be longer than a year. Mine gets the sniff test and if it smells off out it goes. Most of my stored flour is in mylar with o2 or in the freezer. I really don't use flour very often, never have been one to bread things. If all my flour goes bad I've still got wheat berries to grind and a way to do that for what little I might want for something.

God is good all the time

Judy

 

[etdeb]

Absolutely! If it had not been for Cary going septic, the doctors would have never caught the cancer. We are still left in awe of how God worked the whole thing out. If we had not thought Cary had Covid first, we never would have gone to the clinic to be tested, and that's when the doctor found the sepsis. It was a walk from beginning to end. We are so thankful! It has sure increased our faith and trust in Him.

They found my brother's kidney cancer when doing a workup for back surgery. I think that is a cancer that is too advance before it shows signs.

 

[summerthyme]

I heard a prepper say flour is only good for a year. I have some over 5 years old. Should I throw it away? It's stored in 5 gallon buckets. No O2. Stored around 60 to 70 degrees year round. How can I tell if it's bad? It's quite a few buckets.

SB, great news about hubby. So many things that happen we get upset about, but one day we'll fully see all G-d has done for us.

I've never tried cornstarch. Good to know. We buy aluminum free deo. It's expensive.

Wander, so many are retiring now. It's a real loss of knowledge and experience. The young ones coming up have a completely different mindset. No doubt this will play a part in our Brave New World too.

I need to do a good pantry inventory, but we're very busy this month. I'm thinking about getting a hand crank grain mill Anyone have rec? I have a small one, never used . Need to research benefits of grinding your own grains. Seems like a lot of work, but it's probably what you get used to.

Have a good evening!

Open a pail and sniff it. It should smell like good, fresh flour. If it smells OK, taste a tiny bit. If you get any sort of tingling, or metallic taste, it's rancid.

It keeps longer than a year, but definitely will go stale s d eventually bad if you don't use O2 absorbers.

Summerthyme

 

[SouthernBreeze]

They found my brother's kidney cancer when doing a workup for back surgery. I think that is a cancer that is too advance before it shows signs.

When Cary was in ICU with spesis, they did a scan on his abdomen to make sure he didn't have an aneurysm, since that does run in his family. His PC doctor had ordered one, but he got sick, before he could have it done.The doctor thought while he was there in the hospital, they would go ahead and scan him for that. That's how they found the cyst on his kidney. It came as a shock to both of us.

 

[Old Gray Mare]

Have I said how much I appreciate my husband is not a DGI? He came to me last week with a prepping idea. I am soooo blessed. We are rebuilding. There was a killer sale on canned soups last week. I noticed store employees watching us as we loded the cart.

It's a double edged sword. Pay with cash, remain anonymous and don't get the discounted price or enter the code. I entered the code. Over rice or pasta, maybe add some home canned meat or beans and these soups give us about 2 to 3 months of dinners. These are dinners the family will like and eat willingly. Sometimes you have to roll the dice and take your chances.

 

[tech]

Came home to a kitchen table full of oatmeal, coffee, and varieties of noodles. I guess that's what I get for making more storage room.

Got the new breaker panel installed...saved over $1600 by doing it myself. Of course, to get the permit (after the fact since it was on the weekend) a licensed electrician has to apply for it. First one I called (over 30 yrs in the business) said "sure, let me eat lunch and I'll be there in an hour." Lucky me! He did make a couple changes, since code had changed, but didn't have to re-do any of my work. At least we don't have to worry about that for a while.

Got another fuel tank...now to fill and stabilize it.

 

[Illini Warrior]

Came home to a kitchen table full of oatmeal, coffee, and varieties of noodles. I guess that's what I get for making more storage room.

Got the new breaker panel installed...saved over $1600 by doing it myself. Of course, to get the permit (after the fact since it was on the weekend) a licensed electrician has to apply for it. First one I called (over 30 yrs in the business) said "sure, let me eat lunch and I'll be there in an hour." Lucky me! He did make a couple changes, since code had changed, but didn't have to re-do any of my work. At least we don't have to worry about that for a while.

Got another fuel tank...now to fill and stabilize it.

WOW - getting an electrician to put his name on someone else's work - an "amatuer" tooo boot - like one in 10 MILLION

had a local guy do the new 220V and the electric company came out to check on his license before he started - couldn't touch their pole without it ....

 

[nomifyle]

They found my brother's kidney cancer when doing a workup for back surgery. I think that is a cancer that is too advance before it shows signs.

A few years back DH was having lower gut issues to the point we went to ER. They did a CT and found a spot on the tail of his pancreas. It was precancerous and would have eventually killed him. Surgery was done and no problems since then. He gets it checked out from time to time. We are not going to tell them that he was sick last month. He's fine and back out working on the cabin all day.

And actually he has an appointment today to have a CT to check on it. I have a regular check up. I'm so greatful that I'm feeling so much better. I wouldn't have wanted to see the doctor feeling like a did after my fall. Like I've said before, I do not trust my doctor.

I may get an opportunity to pick up some green beans today, we will be in a big town.

God is good all the time

Judy

 

[SouthernBreeze]

We are gagging and almost puking here this morning! Can hardly breathe. About 3 am, our dog started acting like he was going to throw up. Cary got up, and opened the front door to let him outside. All of a sudden, the house got filled with SKUNK spray through the door!!! There must have been a skunk on the porch when Cary opened the door, and he startled it. Now, we're stuck with skunk scent all throughout the house! Dog, too. Even the porch still reeks with the scent. I'm waiting for it to get a bit warmer outside, so I can open the windows on the back. Won't do any good to open the windows on front, cause the scent is still so strong. I've sprayed the entire house with air freshener, but it's not doing much good. Maybe, I should light some scented candles. Doggie will definitely be getting a bath.

A fine way to start the morning!

 

[moldy]

SB - I had the same experience last week. Nothing like bathing a dog at 10 pm when you want to be in bed!! I can't remember who asked about grain mills - I have a Country Living mill that I really like. You can get extra burrs for cornmeal, and extra parts. If necessary, you can also set it up to run with a stationary bike.