Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: August 23 ~ 29, 2020

Digger

Veteran Member
Jmurman thank you for the prayers. He is better this morning. Still waiting on the Covid-19 test results. His oxygen level was normal this morning and his blood pressure is coming back up. He gave me quite a scare.

Hopefully I can get a few more tomatoes canned today. I have some to toss to the chickens because I couldn't get them canned while caring for hubby. But they will like the tomatoes so it is not a waste.
 

amazon

Veteran Member
I am going through old preps. I was wondering if you all keep your expired meds? I'm talking 2011/12 mucinex, ibuprofen, tylenol. I have quite a bit. I know it is less potent, but is it even worth keeping? Also, do you keep canned goods from 2016 or let them go? We hope to sell our house at some point, so I'm looking at everything. I'd appreciate anyone's input/experience. Thanks!
 

nomifyle

TB Fanatic
That's where we are, too. I will still be doing my twice a month shopping, but the only things I will be buying for storage are items I might find on sale along the way, or what I've used in that two week period between trips. My pantry room is full. The small space I cleared out in our bedroom is finally full, too. Any other food preps will have to be stored off site, LOL! I still have a few household items to buy, but it's things that I need already, not necessarily for storage.

DS bought Cary two boxes of ammo for his birthday a few days ago! We'll never have too much of that. Plus, Cary replaced the battery in his Jeep. He's thinking of going ahead and replacing the battery in my car. It's due. Both batteries died at the same time, on the same day the last time they needed replacing. Both vehicles have been fitted with new tires.

I'm doing the same with my preps, I'm replacing what I use and likewise if I see a good sale I'm going for it. Yesterday at walmart I found 6 boxes of quinoa in bolling bags for 1.04 each, I grabbed all six boxes. I bought 4 cans of mandarin oranges with no sugar added to replace 4 cans that I ate, its my favorite snack.

Most of what I got yesterday were salad mixes to dehydrate although I did buy a small watermelon.

God is good all the time,

Judy
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Agreed. If it's a commercially packed turkey (vacuum packed in the heavy plastic) it's less likely to freezer burn, but 2 years is starting to get near the outside of the time that the quality stays intact.

Summerthyme

It's the same for smoked hams that are packaged that way. I've come across one or two in the bottom of my freezer that were approaching the two year mark. I had forgotten about them, since they kept getting pushed to the bottom. I had no issues with them being freezer burned.
 

summerthyme

Administrator
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I am going through old preps. I was wondering if you all keep your expired meds? I'm talking 2011/12 mucinex, ibuprofen, tylenol. I have quite a bit. I know it is less potent, but is it even worth keeping? Also, do you keep canned goods from 2016 or let them go? We hope to sell our house at some point, so I'm looking at everything. I'd appreciate anyone's input/experience. Thanks!

I haven't even seen less potency in meds under 15 years old (about the oldest we've used). The main exception is aspirin... it breaks down after a couple of years. It starts to smell like vinegar... at which point, it should be tossed.

I currently have some Sudafed from 2008 which is perfectly effective.

(mine is stored in a cabinet that never gets above 80 degrees, and generally stays around 70... cooler would be better, and hotter will definitely reduce lifespan)

Summerthyme
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I am going through old preps. I was wondering if you all keep your expired meds? I'm talking 2011/12 mucinex, ibuprofen, tylenol. I have quite a bit. I know it is less potent, but is it even worth keeping? Also, do you keep canned goods from 2016 or let them go? We hope to sell our house at some point, so I'm looking at everything. I'd appreciate anyone's input/experience. Thanks!

I don't keep med's that are that old. I only keep them a couple of years, before I buy all new. Summerthyme would know, though.

Canned goods from 2016 aren't too old. I would definitely keep them, unless the cans are beginning to rust, or are bulging. I have several canned items that are that old, and I'm still using them.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I haven't even seen less potency in meds under 15 years old (about the oldest we've used). The main exception is aspirin... it breaks down after a couple of years. It starts to smell like vinegar... at which point, it should be tossed.

I currently have some Sudafed from 2008 which is perfectly effective.

(mine is stored in a cabinet that never gets above 80 degrees, and generally stays around 70... cooler would be better, and hotter will definitely reduce lifespan)

Summerthyme

Thanks, Summerthyme. I've been getting rid of all my med's way too soon, I see.
 

amazon

Veteran Member
I haven't even seen less potency in meds under 15 years old (about the oldest we've used). The main exception is aspirin... it breaks down after a couple of years. It starts to smell like vinegar... at which point, it should be tossed.

I currently have some Sudafed from 2008 which is perfectly effective.

(mine is stored in a cabinet that never gets above 80 degrees, and generally stays around 70... cooler would be better, and hotter will definitely reduce lifespan)

Summerthyme
Thanks so much! They are kept in a cool, dark place that stays around 70 degrees year round. Same for canned goods. I'll hold on to them. Appreciate y'all!
 

nomifyle

TB Fanatic
I've got some just about impossible to get meds from many years ago and I swear they have gotten stronger. They will be here until the day I die, and after me some fool will go through my stuff and toss them. That and dusty jars that contain perfectly good food, good jar and all will go to the dump. That is if I can find some like minded folks to bequith it all to.

God is good, all the time

Judy
 

psychgirl

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I haven't even seen less potency in meds under 15 years old (about the oldest we've used). The main exception is aspirin... it breaks down after a couple of years. It starts to smell like vinegar... at which point, it should be tossed.

I currently have some Sudafed from 2008 which is perfectly effective.

(mine is stored in a cabinet that never gets above 80 degrees, and generally stays around 70... cooler would be better, and hotter will definitely reduce lifespan)

Summerthyme
I tossed aspirin that smells like vinsger.

I also have antibiotics Sulfamethoxizole ( sp? In hurry to go check the spelling) from 2014-about 5 bottles.

Should I toss those?? Been on the frig the entire time.
 

summerthyme

Administrator
_______________
I tossed aspirin that smells like vinsger.

I also have antibiotics Sulfamethoxizole ( sp? In hurry to go check the spelling) from 2014-about 5 bottles.

Should I toss those?? Been on the frig the entire time.
We've used plenty of outdated sulfas in livestock without problems. Can't specifically say about humans...

Summerthyme
 

amazon

Veteran Member
I have 2 frozen turkeys that are about 2 years old. Is it ok to cut them up into chunks or slices and pressure can? I've never heard of doing it, but I'm sure one of y'all will know. : )
 

SAPPHIRE

Veteran Member
Most meds last years and years......I haven't tossed old meds unless the package is severely compromised...oxidation takes it's toll.......we don't use aspirin. We have a backlog of older meds from this hospital stay, this DR and that DR... stored for future need or for people who will need them and they're no longer available.
 

psychgirl

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Most meds last years and years......I haven't tossed old meds unless the package is severely compromised...oxidation takes it's toll.......we don't use aspirin. We have a backlog of older meds from this hospital stay, this DR and that DR... stored for future need or for people who will need them and they're no longer available.
They were given to me after the person no longer needed a monthly supply.. longbstory lol.

I just never felt like throwing them away, but I probably should
 

summerthyme

Administrator
_______________
They were given to me after the person no longer needed a monthly supply.. longbstory lol.

I just never felt like throwing them away, but I probably should
I NEVER toss antibiotics (or anything potentially useful, truthfully). I've just seen too many nasty infections that my crazy prepper brain whispers to me about, "imagine if antibiotics weren't available?"

And then reading stories about folks in Sarajevo and Vevezuela (recent, too!) that can't find what they need for love or money...

Nope... we store them carefully, keep an up-to-date inventory, and also keep the appropriate info sheets on dosage and posdible side effects and interactions for any med on hand.

Summerthyme
 

psychgirl

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I NEVER toss antibiotics (or anything potentially useful, truthfully). I've just seen too many nasty infections that my crazy prepper brain whispers to me about, "imagine if antibiotics weren't available?"

And then reading stories about folks in Sarajevo and Vevezuela (recent, too!) that can't find what they need for love or money...

Nope... we store them carefully, keep an up-to-date inventory, and also keep the appropriate info sheets on dosage and posdible side effects and interactions for any med on hand.

Summerthyme
Yes, you’re right!
I guess I’ll hang onto them.

Something “else” I kept, and have kept a very strict eye on is... the liquid morphine that was never opened when my stepdad was dying of cancer in 2011. He was at home, they supplied us with plenty of pain meds but he died before the first bottle was even emptied. :(

They never asked us for it, no one seemed to care or forgot it was in the house. I didn’t.

I grabbed that “liquid gold” like nobodies business, too.

Shhhh! It’s a secret.


Edit: oops. I was wrong, just checked it. It’s sublingual Lorazapam. I could swear it was morphine. Oh well. Either way, it’s liquid goldtonhave on hand for shtf.
 
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WanderLore

Veteran Member
I am just pooped out. Love having grandkids and their mom here. They had to go home for a week or so. I take this time to re stock and good cleaning.
Got more insulation done in my little cabin. Made a dog run and gate today all by myself. We got the gutter screens on the cabin gutter and rain barrels washed out.
Horses are out cutting the grass. I don't let them out in yard when littles are here. No chances for injuries.
Chickens are getting out in yard several hours late afternoon and evening. I have the 2 baby chicks that are getting out too. Looks like a hen (pullet) and a rooster. They love me though they jump in my hand and call for me. I might get rid of the old rooster as he is mean and hurts my hens. I gave him several talking to's but he is getting on my nerves.
I'm trying to find box milk, the shelf stable as my grandkids love it and have depleted my supplies.
Praise the Lord still getting plenty of produce. I got my porch up, well DH and DD did it, on my cabin and DS got me pallets for sides and all and I will have vine stuff on them and the fence all around my cabin next year.
Took all the grandkids on a hike. Took my chair and sat when needed. They played and played in the woods and creek all day and I showed them how to make a safe campire and cook hot dogs.
Next day took 2 of them that were here, to state park beach 10 miles away, used the little blow up boat.
Next trip in a couple weeks is hike to caves and creek. Extra pain meds and a chair and I'm good LOL
 

aviax2

Veteran Member
DH decided to go top off the gas in his truck and fill all the gas cans in case prices start rising because of the storm coming in from the gulf.

We have tomorrow off from babysitting, thank goodness, little granddaughter is cutting some teeth and has been so cranky I think she’s freaked her older brothers out. I’m not sure if I’ll rest up from today or see if I can accomplish something?!

WanderLore- You are making wonderful memories for your grandkids!
 

ivantherussian03

Veteran Member
I am up to 30 salmon, cut up, packed and frozen, although I gave 5 or 6 away. Maybe a few more. Then I can smoke a batch or two. Then I am done.


card reader is broken at gas station. Ugh, and because of Covid it can’t be fixed till November. They are requiring money orders for payment. The renegade gas store still takes credit cards, so I stored some gas.
 
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SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I couldn't help myself. I took advantage of the sale on Keystone Beef at Walmart today, online. I placed an order, then turned around and placed another order. They would only let me order two cans at a time. I also ordered another 2 DAK hams.

I've got all kinds of canned meat, except for beef. I'm gonna keep taking advantage of Keystone beef as long as I can at these prices.
 

hiwall

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I couldn't help myself. I took advantage of the sale on Keystone Beef at Walmart today, online. I placed an order, then turned around and placed another order. They would only let me order two cans at a time. I also ordered another 2 DAK hams.

I've got all kinds of canned meat, except for beef. I'm gonna keep taking advantage of Keystone beef as long as I can at these prices.
I got some today too. You can get up to 4 cans if you order both the double pack and 2 of the single cans.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I got some today too. You can get up to 4 cans if you order both the double pack and 2 of the single cans.

I don't know what's up with their website. Each time I ordered, all I could get was either 2 single cans, or the 2 can pack. After I ordered the first 2 can pack, I got an "out of stock" notice the second order I turned around and tried to place. I waited about an hour, tried again, and was able to order another 2 can pack. Strange.
 

Digger

Veteran Member
Hubby's Covid-19 test was negative. His blood pressure is still low, but not scary low anymore. He has not taken any BP meds since Sunday morning. Normally, he takes 4 different kinds each day. Our dr is having me call with a report on him each morning.

I got the tomatoes in the canner, but not without burning my wrist . I dropped a jar and slopped boiling water onto it. I ran cold water over it and then smeared Burn Free burn cream on it. But it still hurts. No blisters though, just red.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Hubby's Covid-19 test was negative. His blood pressure is still low, but not scary low anymore. He has not taken any BP meds since Sunday morning. Normally, he takes 4 different kinds each day. Our dr is having me call with a report on him each morning.

I got the tomatoes in the canner, but not without burning my wrist . I dropped a jar and slopped boiling water onto it. I ran cold water over it and then smeared Burn Free burn cream on it. But it still hurts. No blisters though, just red.

I'm praying that your husband continues to do well. Good to know that he doesn't have Covid-19.

I'm nursing a burn I got on my thumb from touching a hot skillet while cooking supper last night. It made a blister. I keep a bottle of pure Aloe Vera gel in my fridge just for burns. It soothes the burn, quickly, and helps to heal fast, too.
 

hiwall

Has No Life - Lives on TB
A warning when ordering online from Walmart:
Just the price on the item at the time of ordering because sometimes they change prices on items daily. Some prices are bizarre. Sometimes they have canning lids in stock but the price is $12 per single box of 12. A case of Quart canning jars at $28. I didn't look one day and ordered a small bag of Masa and it was $13.85 instead of a more normal amount of around 3 bucks.
 

summerthyme

Administrator
_______________
A warning when ordering online from Walmart:
Just the price on the item at the time of ordering because sometimes they change prices on items daily. Some prices are bizarre. Sometimes they have canning lids in stock but the price is $12 per single box of 12. A case of Quart canning jars at $28. I didn't look one day and ordered a small bag of Masa and it was $13.85 instead of a more normal amount of around 3 bucks.
Not everything on walmart.com comes from Wal-Mart. They have *a lot* of stuff from third party sellers, and yes, the prices can be obscene.

Summerthyme
 

Jmurman

Veteran Member
A warning when ordering online from Walmart:
Just the price on the item at the time of ordering because sometimes they change prices on items daily. Some prices are bizarre. Sometimes they have canning lids in stock but the price is $12 per single box of 12. A case of Quart canning jars at $28. I didn't look one day and ordered a small bag of Masa and it was $13.85 instead of a more normal amount of around 3 bucks.
Ive noticed this too. The other day I went to order some of those Ball ajr lids and yes they were stupid, like $13 for 12. The website said they had them at the store for $3.85
 

psychgirl

Has No Life - Lives on TB
It’s here it’s here!!!

Half hog all wrapped up and fit nicely into the basement freezer!
Getting that cleaned out was a “good thing”, in and of itself :)

I’m a little surprised by the large amount of sausage and kind of expected more ribs and chops (only one ?)

But again, this is first time and honestly, I’m SO glad it’s all done. The logistics of being three hours away, getting it all done was pretty nerve wracking. I’ll know better next time.

Whew! Now I can focus on other things and learned a lot! Especially about the silly stuff I’d packed away in the freezer. I’m such a hoarder.
 

hiwall

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I sure hope that nomifyle is doing ok. She's getting battered by Laura right now from the way it looks on radar this morning.
She's east of it isn't she? At least I hope so. Many people are losing power over a wide area, fair chance she is one of them but I hope not.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
She's east of it isn't she? At least I hope so. Many people are losing power over a wide area, fair chance she is one of them but I hope not.

Yes, she's a bit east of the eye, but should still be getting high winds and loads of rain. Her power is probably out, too. Unless, I'm mistaken, she is east of Shreveport.
 
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Rabbit

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Yesterday Aldi's was out of molasses so early this morning I went to Winn Dixie to get some, and I mean early, they had not been open long at all.

I couldn't find it so I asked one of the employees if they had any, she said they did and you are the second person asking for it this morning. I thought that odd. She said there must be a lot of people making cookies and I'm thinking there must be a lot of people stocking up.

One tablespoon of molasses in a cup of sugar makes brown sugar. Brown sugar does not have as long a shelf life as both ingredients separately. I also use it for my baked beans and it is not something I want to run out of.
 

nomifyle

TB Fanatic
She's east of it isn't she? At least I hope so. Many people are losing power over a wide area, fair chance she is one of them but I hope not.
The eye propably went right over us, I know it did in the town of Natchitoches, we are 28 miles from there. Thanks so much for your concern. The weather said we would have squalls her and we did, hard hard blowing rain. But I've been through hurricanes before so I'm not scared to death.

Thanking God for a generator, well I always thank God for our generators. Yesterday I put salad mixes in the dehydrator, all nine trays. I woke up about 6 ish, I was stuck in the lift chair because the power was off. DH got the generator (our new one with the electric start) going and I was free of the chair. First thing I check was the dehydrator. The food was still limp and hardly dry at all, except the kale leaves, they were getting dry. I made sure the extra air conditioners were off and turned it back on. So now the food is getting close to being dry.

DH has our other dual power generator out with his electric chain saw cutting up limbs. He is not going to touch the mass of them that are on the power line though, we'll wait for the power company to do that.

All the freezers and refrigerators are going strong. I cooked breakfast in a small electric skillet. I have a hot pot to heat up water to wash dishes (thank God I don't have a sink full of dirty dishes, no dishwasher). I'm a bless one in every way.

God is good all the time,

Judy
 

Walrus

Veteran Member
Ive noticed this too. The other day I went to order some of those Ball ajr lids and yes they were stupid, like $13 for 12. The website said they had them at the store for $3.85
I was rummaging around at a local roadside produce place yesterday and discovered a bunch of wide-mouth rings at $2.50 per dozen. (just the rings but they've always been harder to find than lids - for me, anyway) We have a big box full of Tattler reusable lids anyway.

I left maybe 15 rings there; I think I'll go back and get all of them later.
 
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