Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: May 30 ~ June 5, 2021
- Thread starter ReneeT
- Start date
coloradohermit
Veteran Member
Good morning!
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Good Morning! I should have waited about making my today's post for this thread. Crazy me, I forgot today was Sunday. Got up thinking it was Saturday.
OzRural
Inactive
Morning all. I have to help clear out a deceased estate of a beloved relative this week and as a beneficiary I get to take a few mementos. I have already earmarked the old 70's japanese appliances, the old mason type jars and the garden tools. Interestingly I have no competition for this "junk", the others are eyeing the TV sets and modern appliances.
amazon
Veteran Member
After preparing to sell house, selling the house, and getting semi established in the new house I'm finally going to do something worthy of being posted here. : ) Dh is at the farm so I'm trying to clean/organize my very large pantry (former 4th BR). Will be vacuum sealing in mason jars and sealing in mylar bags today. Dry goods. Should have already been done. Sigh. I found cereal from 2017.....
On a side note, does anyone else hate having so much STUFF in their house. I'm not referring to preps. Things like lots of sheets, rugs, art work, kitchen stuff, clothes, towels, ect. I feel another purge coming on. Its just too much for 3 people. It bothers me. I just can't live my life fearing "well I might need it one day." Its too much. I'm guessing im in the minority on this. Thoughts?
On a side note, does anyone else hate having so much STUFF in their house. I'm not referring to preps. Things like lots of sheets, rugs, art work, kitchen stuff, clothes, towels, ect. I feel another purge coming on. Its just too much for 3 people. It bothers me. I just can't live my life fearing "well I might need it one day." Its too much. I'm guessing im in the minority on this. Thoughts?
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
I got rid of something one time and later needed it. LOL I know what you you mean about too much stuff, but I just can't seem to part with much. Although the other day I ran across a brand new set of flat ware that I bought years ago. There is a chicken on each handle. DH and I will never use them because we have plenty. So I gave them away to a young family. If I had kept them they would have been discarded by whom ever comes after me. So now they have a new home. I am passing along things in that regard.
Our young pastor told me the other day that he and his wife are buying extra heirloom seeds to save and I told him I have a book on seed saving that I will pass along to him. Now to find it.
God is good all the time
Judy
Don't feel bad, SB - I said something at work about the next day being Tuesday.... three heads swiveled 'round. I said "Let me guess; today isn't Monday; right?" Nope; it was Wednesday 
Weird work shifts week - lots of graduations, a wedding, a couple of people on vacation, so I filled in here and there. I'm just glad to know it really IS Sunday - and will admit to checking my phone to be sure!
I had trouble sleeping after I got home from work yesterday; was up and down throughout the morning, so finally just gave up and got up. I went to the neighbor lady's greenhouse - she was having a close out sale - $1/plant - and I somehow managed to spend $30. Hopefully it will be dry enough to get them in the ground today - I guess I will find out if the little bunny likes basil as much as he does dill I did get a few more dill plants, but will put them in the garden on the other side of the house - maybe he won't make his way out there...
Looks like we are supposed to get another inch of rain over Tuesday evening, Wednesday, and possibly Thursday, so if I'm going to plant anything, I guess I'd better get it done today. There won't be anyone at the sale barn to load compost for me on Monday since it's Memorial Day, Tuesday is sale day, so that's out; and if it rains again it will be too soggy to get it Wednesday morning; then I work Wednesday and Thursday nights so Thursday is out too. Darn gainful employment just messes with my gardening something awful Maybe Friday morning would work - I'll probably have to go get the boys then anyway as it is daughter's birthday so we will have cake and ice cream; then I'll bring them home with me.
Well, I'm not getting anything done sitting here; and the dew has finally dried off the grass so I'm off to do some tilling and to pull weeds. You folks all take care out there - stay safe!
Weird work shifts week - lots of graduations, a wedding, a couple of people on vacation, so I filled in here and there. I'm just glad to know it really IS Sunday - and will admit to checking my phone to be sure! I had trouble sleeping after I got home from work yesterday; was up and down throughout the morning, so finally just gave up and got up. I went to the neighbor lady's greenhouse - she was having a close out sale - $1/plant - and I somehow managed to spend $30. Hopefully it will be dry enough to get them in the ground today - I guess I will find out if the little bunny likes basil as much as he does dill
I did get a few more dill plants, but will put them in the garden on the other side of the house - maybe he won't make his way out there...Looks like we are supposed to get another inch of rain over Tuesday evening, Wednesday, and possibly Thursday, so if I'm going to plant anything, I guess I'd better get it done today. There won't be anyone at the sale barn to load compost for me on Monday since it's Memorial Day, Tuesday is sale day, so that's out; and if it rains again it will be too soggy to get it Wednesday morning; then I work Wednesday and Thursday nights so Thursday is out too. Darn gainful employment just messes with my gardening something awful
Maybe Friday morning would work - I'll probably have to go get the boys then anyway as it is daughter's birthday so we will have cake and ice cream; then I'll bring them home with me.Well, I'm not getting anything done sitting here; and the dew has finally dried off the grass so I'm off to do some tilling and to pull weeds. You folks all take care out there - stay safe!
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
I just read your post in the other thread, thought I'd bring my comments to the new thread. Your bp does seem high, could be caused by your back pain, your back pain sounds like sciatica to me. I've been having similiar issues lately too. I bought an inversion table a few years back to use for sciatic pain and it works wonders. It takes up space but it can be folded up. Its in our bed room right now but I've had it in different places, once in the she shed and that was all fine until I was inverted and saw a mouse. That's when it came back in the house and DH let me put it in the bedroom.
Praying for relief for you.
God is good all the time
Judy
Just smell the lard. For me, it depends on how well it sealed as to how long it will keep.
It's raining here. God is so good - he's watering my plants so I don't have to!! The plans for today are cleaning the house, laundry, and changing the sheets. I have let housecleaning go the last month to try to get the garden in - and due to work and other things. Hopefully, I'll be able to do enough today that I can see a difference!
amazon
Veteran Member
SB hope you're feeling better. Pressure in chest can be anxiety, indigestion, or cardiac related. Don't be afraid/ashamed to get it checked out. Women present differently for cardiac events. Any pain radiating into neck, shoulder or arm with or without nausea is very concerning and should be evaluated. If it hasn't lessened or resolved, consider getting evaluated anyway.. If for no other reason than it will give you some peace to know it's not cardiac related. (I'm sure you kmow all that, but it bears repeating. )
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Yes, it is sciatica. I've had it for a long time, and it acts up with me from time to time. I twisted my back playing with our dog a few weeks ago, and it's given me fits, since. It's getting better, but I haven't been doing much, either. My house is so small that an inversion table would be impossible to fit in any room.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I'm feeling much better now. I haven't had any chest pain/other pain or nausea at all, and BP is back to normal. The heaviness in my chest is gone, too. I think it was a slight panic attack, but it resolved, without having to take any medication for it. I have been under a lot of stress, lately, plus the sciatica, and a light Lupus flare up. I just need more down time in order to rest. I'm not letting my guard down just yet, though..
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
They do take up space, but for me the difference between feeling crippled or feeling normal. A fellow that we knew from an auction that we use to go to came in every Friday night hobbling with a cane, then one week he came in walking normally. He had gotten an inversion table, I got mine from amazon for about $100, and with in a day or two he was pain free. I think he was using it about three times a day. I did the same and the pain went away in a day or two. Well worth the price and the space it takes up. You could even use it on your deck or patio and then fold it up and store it out of the weather.
God is good all the time
Judy
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I haven't thought about using it on the deck. That's an idea for sure!
aviax2
Veteran Member
SB- Glad you’re feeling better.
Renee- I was several hours into the day when I finally figured out that it was actually Tuesday rather than Thursday this past week.
I decided to get a few more items from Sam’s that were on sale so I ordered 2 more canisters of coffee, some regular aluminum foil (I bought a 2 pack of the heavy duty kind last week), another container of the Finish Max dishwasher tablets, thats the limit I could get with my membership of those. Also ordered another container dried chopped onions and Rubbermaid storage containers.
I tried a new to me Walmart Equate brand of shampoo that I didn’t have a bad reaction to, so I ordered a couple of more bottles and different size freezer bags. I can’t find any pints bags which is what I like to use for freezing whole kernel corn that will ship, only for pick up in Murray KY that’s a little over an hours drive from me. And as the lady says “I ain’t doing it”!
Discovered today that I may be running very low on chocolate chips! Sent DD to the basement pantry and she said she found white chocolate and butterscotch chips but the only semi sweet was the mini chips. I think DH and his beloved crockpot candy has put a huge dent in my supply.
Renee- I was several hours into the day when I finally figured out that it was actually Tuesday rather than Thursday this past week.
I decided to get a few more items from Sam’s that were on sale so I ordered 2 more canisters of coffee, some regular aluminum foil (I bought a 2 pack of the heavy duty kind last week), another container of the Finish Max dishwasher tablets, thats the limit I could get with my membership of those. Also ordered another container dried chopped onions and Rubbermaid storage containers.
I tried a new to me Walmart Equate brand of shampoo that I didn’t have a bad reaction to, so I ordered a couple of more bottles and different size freezer bags. I can’t find any pints bags which is what I like to use for freezing whole kernel corn that will ship, only for pick up in Murray KY that’s a little over an hours drive from me. And as the lady says “I ain’t doing it”!
Discovered today that I may be running very low on chocolate chips! Sent DD to the basement pantry and she said she found white chocolate and butterscotch chips but the only semi sweet was the mini chips. I think DH and his beloved crockpot candy has put a huge dent in my supply.
prudentwatcher
Veteran Member
Got the canned beef put up. The pork shoulder made six pints of shredded pork. My canner can do five pints at a time and I didn't want to run it just for one, so I went back to Winn Dixie to look for more meat at $3.49 a pound. Nothing marked down, but I did get a 3 lb london broil at $3.49 a pound and chunked it up myself. Those last four jars are cooling down in the canner now.
I also bought two packages of boneless rib eye steaks at $7.99 a pound, a total of 6 steaks. They were 10-12 oz each, the right size for the two of us to share. We had one for dinner tonight and the other five have been vacuum sealed and are in the freezer. I have had good luck this year on steaks. We have rib eyes, t-bones, and strip steaks in the freezer-easily enough for the rest of the year. Several good sized roasts, lots of pork steaks and boneless ribs, about 10 lbs of bacon, and a lot of boneless chicken breasts. I am going to eat my meat no matter what anyone says!!
I also bought two packages of boneless rib eye steaks at $7.99 a pound, a total of 6 steaks. They were 10-12 oz each, the right size for the two of us to share. We had one for dinner tonight and the other five have been vacuum sealed and are in the freezer. I have had good luck this year on steaks. We have rib eyes, t-bones, and strip steaks in the freezer-easily enough for the rest of the year. Several good sized roasts, lots of pork steaks and boneless ribs, about 10 lbs of bacon, and a lot of boneless chicken breasts. I am going to eat my meat no matter what anyone says!!
amazon
Veteran Member
Well, My O2 absorbers didn't work, even though they were new, never opened. Will have to get more and reseal. Disappointed about that. Today will be more cleaning and organizing. My new steam mop got here yesterday. Its easy to use, but I wouldn't call it a deep clean, plus you can't get into corners. Still useful and much easier than mop and bucket for 1700 sf.
I have never canned meat and want to try. This house has an electric glasstop stove. So I'm thinking about buying one of these.
My husband doesn't want me to use the outdoor propane one. I just have 2 Presto 7 qt canners, not the larger ones.
Hope everyone has a nice Memorial Day!
I have never canned meat and want to try. This house has an electric glasstop stove. So I'm thinking about buying one of these.
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www.amazon.com
My husband doesn't want me to use the outdoor propane one. I just have 2 Presto 7 qt canners, not the larger ones.
Hope everyone has a nice Memorial Day!
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thanks to everyone for all your thoughts and prayers. I'm feeling lots better today. Even the sciatica is almost gone.
I'm not going to overdo it. I've got 2 loads of laundry to wash, and hang on the clothesline. That's going to be it. If I stll feel good, tomorrow, I'm going small town grocery shopping and to TSC. I'm running a week behind on my normal grocery shopping, so I plan a larger haul than usual, tomorrow.
Menu for tonight will be boneless chicken breasts on the grill with Kraft Deluxe mac&cheese, Bush's baked beans, and toasted garlic bread on the grill.
I have in storage several cases of the Deluxe mac & cheese (8 boxes per case). I like using it, because everything you need is inside the box. I don't have to use any individual items out of my pantry to make it, although I have everything I need to make it from scratch, too. Also, in storage, I have several different flavors of chicken spices to marinate the chicken in. I get those big bottles of different flavored chicken rubs at Sam's for storage. All kinds of different spices for pork, steak/burger, and chicken.
Our high temp, today, is going to be 82 with sunny skies and low humidity.
I'm not going to overdo it. I've got 2 loads of laundry to wash, and hang on the clothesline. That's going to be it. If I stll feel good, tomorrow, I'm going small town grocery shopping and to TSC. I'm running a week behind on my normal grocery shopping, so I plan a larger haul than usual, tomorrow.
Menu for tonight will be boneless chicken breasts on the grill with Kraft Deluxe mac&cheese, Bush's baked beans, and toasted garlic bread on the grill.
I have in storage several cases of the Deluxe mac & cheese (8 boxes per case). I like using it, because everything you need is inside the box. I don't have to use any individual items out of my pantry to make it, although I have everything I need to make it from scratch, too. Also, in storage, I have several different flavors of chicken spices to marinate the chicken in. I get those big bottles of different flavored chicken rubs at Sam's for storage. All kinds of different spices for pork, steak/burger, and chicken.
Our high temp, today, is going to be 82 with sunny skies and low humidity.
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20Gauge
TB Fanatic
I finally tasted my canned stew test. I really worked out great!
All I did was use pint jars and added the following:
Cubed red meat
Celery
Carrots
Potatoes
Onions
Water
Then I canned it. No salt or spices. Came out really tasty / tender and I could eat it without warming it up.
Thanks to those who posted recipes in the past. I used them as a guide. Nothing like making a great stew / soup at a fraction of the cost. A small fraction at that.
All I did was use pint jars and added the following:
Cubed red meat
Celery
Carrots
Potatoes
Onions
Water
Then I canned it. No salt or spices. Came out really tasty / tender and I could eat it without warming it up.
Thanks to those who posted recipes in the past. I used them as a guide. Nothing like making a great stew / soup at a fraction of the cost. A small fraction at that.
John Deere Girl
Veteran Member
Thanks for the reminder! Our generator needs the oil changed.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
This makes me want to do something similiar, but since I do not like to pressure can, the feeling may pass.
Although I may dig my All American canner out of my camper and put it in the summer kitchen, and for that matter I need to take all of my canners out there. If I was going to can it would be there.
God is good all the time
Judy
20Gauge
TB Fanatic
It is well over $2 per can of decent stew ./ soup. I can do mine for less than a $1. I am very happy to do so. I make a $1 for each jar I can.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
We just got home from grocery shopping (Food Giant) and TSC. Stocked up on more dog and cat food, plus treats at TSC. I was afraid the shelves at Food Giant would have big holes in them, since it is the day after a 3 day weekend, but every shelf was filled to the brim. No shortages anywhere. I managed to restock the pantry holes, and bought more to add to it. There were several items I wanted that were on sale, so I bought extra of those. It was a good trip.
It appears I'm having BP issues. If it stays high, I'm going to have to make a call to my GP. I'm not due to see her again for a few months (once a year wellness check up). The other day, when I felt I was having a panic attack, My BP was high (141/89). Since I'm feeling well, now, just thought it would be back down. I decided to take my BP again this morning just to make sure. It was 153/84! I almost fell out of my chair! Never have I had a BP that high! So, something might be going on. I'm looking into natural remedies for this while I watch and wait a few more days.
Mississippi is almost free of COVID! Only 42 cases for the whole state, yesterday. That's the official word, anyway.
It appears I'm having BP issues. If it stays high, I'm going to have to make a call to my GP. I'm not due to see her again for a few months (once a year wellness check up). The other day, when I felt I was having a panic attack, My BP was high (141/89). Since I'm feeling well, now, just thought it would be back down. I decided to take my BP again this morning just to make sure. It was 153/84! I almost fell out of my chair! Never have I had a BP that high! So, something might be going on. I'm looking into natural remedies for this while I watch and wait a few more days.
Mississippi is almost free of COVID! Only 42 cases for the whole state, yesterday. That's the official word, anyway.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
I buy soup and stew at the Dollar Tree, BH likes the brand. I do make a homemade vegetable beef soup from time to time that we like.
Went to town today, Dh wanted to take me out to lunch at IHOP. He wanted waffles but was cheap and got a cheaper meal with very think pancakes. I did not let his being cheap stop me from getting what I like. I got an order of bacon with would usually be wonderful, but I've been having sore teeth issues and had a hard time chewing the bacon. Dh was disappointed in what he got, serves him right for not spending $3 more to get what he really wanted.
We went to walmart, Dh was out of the stuff he likes to drink so we bought 14 bottles of it. He usually goes through one bottle a day. I got a few things but only spent $24, DH spent a lot more. I do not buy all the groceries any more. I did get 12 more cans of Great Value Mandarin oranges with out sugar. They make a nice low calorie snack
God is good all the time
Judy
20Gauge
TB Fanatic
I understand buying the soup, but it seems to have way too much salt for my taste
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I can't store any canned soups or stews. Cary doesn't like any type or brand. I'm not crazy about them, either. The only soups I store are the "cream of" kind, since I use those in recipes. We like my homemade much better.
Rain and thunderstorms for today. 71 degrees out right now with humidity at 94%. Yeah, it's humid and muggy. Looks like we're about to get a downpour right now. We actually need the rain, though.
Took my BP again this morning. It was back to normal. 124/75, so I don't know what's going on. I feel fine, but my stress level hasn't come down much. Youngest DS, with MS, is going through a very nasty divorce. Keeps me so upset all the time, even though, I've tried to just put it all in God's hands. He may be 42 yrs. old, but he is still my son, and he's being hurt really bad. So far, his MS hasn't flared back up, and I can thank God for that.
Got a fresh load of produce and bread, yesterday, so tonight's menu will be Chef Salad with garlic bread. Pleanty of salad dressing in the pantry (it was on sale yesterday, so I bought 3 more bottles to add to storage). Diced ham and shredded cheese taken out of my freezer. I don't have anyone to get fresh eggs from, so I have to buy them. Stocked up with 6 more dozen, yesterday.
Rain and thunderstorms for today. 71 degrees out right now with humidity at 94%. Yeah, it's humid and muggy. Looks like we're about to get a downpour right now. We actually need the rain, though.
Took my BP again this morning. It was back to normal. 124/75, so I don't know what's going on. I feel fine, but my stress level hasn't come down much. Youngest DS, with MS, is going through a very nasty divorce. Keeps me so upset all the time, even though, I've tried to just put it all in God's hands. He may be 42 yrs. old, but he is still my son, and he's being hurt really bad. So far, his MS hasn't flared back up, and I can thank God for that.
Got a fresh load of produce and bread, yesterday, so tonight's menu will be Chef Salad with garlic bread. Pleanty of salad dressing in the pantry (it was on sale yesterday, so I bought 3 more bottles to add to storage). Diced ham and shredded cheese taken out of my freezer. I don't have anyone to get fresh eggs from, so I have to buy them. Stocked up with 6 more dozen, yesterday.
SouthernBreeze note what you eat before the blood pressure spikes. We bought a cooked pork loin from the Lions Club fund raiser one time. It was really good, but sent my blood pressure through the roof for 3 days. I tried some later that we froze and same thing. Blood pressure spike for a couple days. I am very sensitive to whatever they inject in some of the meats. That is why we do not buy meat at Walmart or Kroger. Recently, bacon seems to be raising my BP. That is a new thing. Hubby immediately said he bet they changed their formula. Try keeping a food log and check your BP twice a day to see if there is a connection.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
That's a great idea. Thanks!
Cary has high BP, and is on med's for it. I try to watch our salt intake, but not as strictly as I should. I'll begin keeping a food log, and see if what I'm eating has anything to do with it. I've started checking BP every morning and afternoon.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
years ago I bought some stew meat at walmart, and it tasted funny, not spoiled but something off. I checked the package and it was injected with stuff. Next time went I checked the more expensive package of stew meat and it was injected and so was all of the other meat at walmart, I never bought beef at walmart again. I buy bacon ends and pieces and ribs, meat wise, and that's it. We don't buy any other meat at all.
We are going back to the VA today for DH's to get his fingers checked. They are better, still painful but not as much.
My BP was sneaking up a couple of years ago and my feet were swelling. Doctor recommened compression stockings/socks and they work wonders. My normal BP is 110/68.
God is good all the time
Judy
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
We gave up buying meat of any kind at Walmart long ago. The ground beef stank while it was cooking. I would almost gag everytime I cooked it. I always bought the freshest, too. I've finally used up all of the meat in my freezers that came from Walmart. I'm amazed at how much difference there is in the smell while cooking, and the taste of what I'm using now that came from Food Giant. Both freezers are stocked now with all Food Giant meats.
20Gauge
TB Fanatic
There is a lot of the divorce thing going around. I have seen more in the last year than I did in the last 10 years. I expect part of it is due to the China Virus and part to how society is changing.
20Gauge
TB Fanatic
I have found the same thing. Some places are putting out food that has some odd additives. This is why I avoid BK at all costs. I wake up later that night with sweats and dying of thirst.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Long ugly story with our DS. Bottom line is the fact that he has MS, and she couldn't handle it, after 6 yrs of marriage. She's also addicted to pain meds (Oxy). She abandoned him, and went to Kentucky back to her family a few months ago. He's still in Texas with no one to help him with his daily struggles. He's moving back here in a couple more weeks. He had to stay out there to take care of business, before he could move, or we would have gone out there to get him. He's managing the best way he can at the moment. I've offered to go out there to stay with him, but he doesn't want me to.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
Odd additives have been in food for a good while, I've always read the labels on foods. Although I've added foods to my pantry that in the past I would not have touched with a ten food pole. These are foods that we would not eat every day, just once in a while to fight off food fatigue or just because I hate to cook.
God is good all the time
Judy
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
I've tried to take the middle road: I have enough for me (towels, sheets, summer & winter blankets) to last me for the next few years. I bought a set of towels, sheets, winter and summer blankets for the guest bed. If more is needed, that person/people will need to provide it. Same with other supplies. I have a few extra things for a temporary guest but if -- let's say I found a male companion -- wanted to move in, he would need to provide a lot of his preps.
I just don't have the time, money, energy, storage to organize, keep track of mega preps. At the same time, if a tornado hit or the stores closed again, I wouldn't be high and dry, either.
That's my compromise. It may end up biting me, but it works on a day-to-day basis.
20Gauge
TB Fanatic
No, it sounds like you have the basics covered for a time of anarchy. We never know how long it will last, so prep for the most likely which will be 6 months or less. Which you appear to have done.
Since our tiller is still “in the shop”, it’s not looking like our garden will get fully planted this year. We’ve tucked in plants in different places though, and did get the raised bed planted. And my dear friend, known here as philkar, offered to put in a row of purple hull peas for me. She is awesome!!
We’ve upped our water storage lately. Hubby has a bad feeling about water and keeps wanting to store more. That’s never a bad thing.
Going on a grocery run either today or tomorrow to buy more canned chicken. Today I’m at piano camp with the grand girls.
We’ve upped our water storage lately. Hubby has a bad feeling about water and keeps wanting to store more. That’s never a bad thing.
Going on a grocery run either today or tomorrow to buy more canned chicken. Today I’m at piano camp with the grand girls.