Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: Dec. 28, 2025 - Jan. 3, 2026
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WanderLore
Veteran Member
Son has to work tonight till morning. So it's just me. But tomorrow we will have black eye peas, ham, rice and cornbread.
SouthernBreeze
TB Fanatic
We love Hoppin Johns with cornbread. I just chose a smoked ham this year, since I had it in my freezer.
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I don't have any New Year traditions. Son's stomach has been acting up so this week is likely to be mainly chicken. I have ginger in the double boiler which will give him syrup and candy for the stomach. And I may make a batch of unsweetened for me to make soda for me. I can use katemfe to sweeten it when I make it.
I picked up a small corned beef brisket, small head of cabbage, and a can of black eyed peas - those were the three things that were expected to be on the table on New Year's Day, along with with whatever other family members brought. It will be a much smaller gathering - we have lost some family members; and there have been some who have moved . So probably just Hubby and myself at our house this year, and I've found that I'm okay with that.
I'll cut the brisket into chunks and cook it in the crock pot; then top it with the cabbage to cook. I'll rinse a can of black eyed peas as a side dish. Oh, and cornbread with plenty of butter, and apple butter.
It is sad to see the family grow smaller - there were 10 children in Pop's generation but only two are left. We are a bit spread out from each other now so no big gatherings.
SouthernBreeze
TB Fanatic
It's just going to be Cary and myself this year, too. We, once, had huge gatherings for each holiday at my grandparent's house. Both sets, too. Once they passed, it was just my parents and our small family. Now that Dad has passed, Mom doesn't like large family gatherings. Our kids don't do anything for New Year's celebrations, so that just leaves Cary and myself. I want to keep the family traditional meal going, even if it's just us, two.
SouthernBreeze
TB Fanatic
Yes! We all miss you.
Since my oven is now working, I will cook my Christmas ham. Not sure what I'll fix to go with it maybe use a home canned jar of sweet potatoes and whatever else I think of. I have Rhodes cinnamon rolls rising to have for breakfast and I think I'll do a custard pie. My pie recipe is one that makes its own crust by adding 4 tbsp. of flour ... first time my sister made it she put in 4 CUPS of flour. I'm pretty sure I would not have made that mistake, but I once put in 4 tbsp. of chili powder in a recipe that called for 4 tsp. and it was too spicy for my family to eat.
I've enjoyed another sunny day and sunny to partly sunny is in the forecast for the next week. Also, temps climbing to almost 50º as the week goes along. If dries up enough I'll go out and clean up the mess in the yard made when the snow was "plowed" from my sidewalk which also scalped the flower bed next to the sidewalk. The guy had a shovel and a snowblower in the back of his Ranger so he could have done a much better job if he'd been willing to do the work. He also tore up my downspout drainage across the end of the sidewalk. I complained to the man this guy works for, so he at least avoided what remains of my drainage the next time he plowed. It will still all need to be replaced come spring.
I've enjoyed another sunny day and sunny to partly sunny is in the forecast for the next week. Also, temps climbing to almost 50º as the week goes along. If dries up enough I'll go out and clean up the mess in the yard made when the snow was "plowed" from my sidewalk which also scalped the flower bed next to the sidewalk. The guy had a shovel and a snowblower in the back of his Ranger so he could have done a much better job if he'd been willing to do the work. He also tore up my downspout drainage across the end of the sidewalk. I complained to the man this guy works for, so he at least avoided what remains of my drainage the next time he plowed. It will still all need to be replaced come spring.
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
We had leftovers for tonight. Tomorrow I'll cook some more.
Son is enjoying the homemade candied ginger, even though it's not even dried yet. The syrup needed some cane syrup to help keep the sugar in suspension. I've got 3 18 oz bottles made.
I'm just chilling and listening to neighbors set off fireworks.
Son is enjoying the homemade candied ginger, even though it's not even dried yet. The syrup needed some cane syrup to help keep the sugar in suspension. I've got 3 18 oz bottles made.
I'm just chilling and listening to neighbors set off fireworks.
WanderLore
Veteran Member
I'm sitting in the kitchen. Have all 6 dogs in here. It is blowing like mad out there and snow.
Just listening to YouTube. Having a Pepsi. Son is working the ambulance tonight.
I got him a new set of sheets for his birthday which is coming up.
Pulled all his clothes and shoes out his room to living room. We're going to go thru all that tomorrow.
Coal stove is working great. Just sick of this weather .I'm still looking daily for something in the South for me and him to stay in during the winter.
Just listening to YouTube. Having a Pepsi. Son is working the ambulance tonight.
I got him a new set of sheets for his birthday which is coming up.
Pulled all his clothes and shoes out his room to living room. We're going to go thru all that tomorrow.
Coal stove is working great. Just sick of this weather .I'm still looking daily for something in the South for me and him to stay in during the winter.
I too am perusing seed catalogs! I would rather buy seeds than shoes!
feralferret
Veteran Member
Hoping for a quieter New Year than an year ago. Way too many fireworks last year.
Wishing all a safe and prosperous new year.
Wishing all a safe and prosperous new year.
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie
Garden porn! (aka seed catalogs) Gotta love them.
Would you believe that Menards had several aisles of spring seeds and indoor planting supplies out? In December. In Iowa. In general, we don't start seeds indoors until February/March.
Yes, I'm going to go back and look when I have more time.
Fireworks going off down the street here, too. At least the ground is soaking wet, so there's little chance of fire.
I'm going to put my white noise machine on and try to sleep. I'll watch the ball drop on youtube tomorrow. I don't really want to risk another back and neck ache from falling asleep on the couch.
Good night, everyone! I truly hope all of you have good luck and good health in 2026!
Would you believe that Menards had several aisles of spring seeds and indoor planting supplies out? In December. In Iowa. In general, we don't start seeds indoors until February/March.
Yes, I'm going to go back and look when I have more time.
Fireworks going off down the street here, too. At least the ground is soaking wet, so there's little chance of fire.
I'm going to put my white noise machine on and try to sleep. I'll watch the ball drop on youtube tomorrow. I don't really want to risk another back and neck ache from falling asleep on the couch.
Good night, everyone! I truly hope all of you have good luck and good health in 2026!
Fireworks here starting around 9:00 and off and on since. The first of a volley always startles me. I think I'll stay up until after midnight because the fireworks would probably wake me and then I'd have trouble getting back to sleep.
I do not get seed catalogs anymore. Not sure why as I always used to get at least six. I do need seeds this year because I used all I had last year. The old ones were used or tossed. I have tomato and pepper seeds that I save each year. I'm hoping I can find seed potatoes this year because last year I couldn't. I used sprouted potatoes from the grocery store with so-so results.
I'm not at all comfortable about the terrorist situation in the country, so I will move forward keeping my eyes open, my head down and trust the Lord will get me through whatever comes my way.
I do not get seed catalogs anymore. Not sure why as I always used to get at least six. I do need seeds this year because I used all I had last year. The old ones were used or tossed. I have tomato and pepper seeds that I save each year. I'm hoping I can find seed potatoes this year because last year I couldn't. I used sprouted potatoes from the grocery store with so-so results.
I'm not at all comfortable about the terrorist situation in the country, so I will move forward keeping my eyes open, my head down and trust the Lord will get me through whatever comes my way.
Check out True Leaf seeds. Great variety, good prices, and excellent customer service. Good quality seeds, too!
True Leaf Market Seed Company | Heirloom & Organic Seeds
Over half a million customers have chosen True Leaf Market seed company for non-GMO, heirloom & organic garden seeds since 1974. Vegetable Gardening, Sprouts, Microgreens, Flower Seeds.
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Summerthyme
SouthernBreeze
TB Fanatic
Happy New Year! We had lots of fireworks in our little neck of the woods starting about 9 pm last night. Startled me at first when the first volley went off. Some were still going off when we went to bed, but they were in the distance not our neighbors just down the road.
High of 66, today. Rain, tomorrow, with some rumbles of thunder mixed in.
Just another quiet day at home for us. Daily chores, and nothing special. I have a big supper planned.
High of 66, today. Rain, tomorrow, with some rumbles of thunder mixed in.
Just another quiet day at home for us. Daily chores, and nothing special. I have a big supper planned.
patriotgal
Veteran Member
Resting today. Easy meals -BBQ sandwiches etc. Might read 2 or 3 books later. Or play games on pc.
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie
Good morning! Happy 2026! I hope that this year is a much better one for all of us.
It's in the teens but full sunshine. I'm going on a short hike at noon at the nature center (group event). We're outside, so I'm not that worried about the flu.
It should warm up into the 40s. I'm going to grill a small steak and pork chops, the latter will be de-boned and used for sandwiches and stir fries.
I hope everyone has a fun and relaxing day!
It's in the teens but full sunshine. I'm going on a short hike at noon at the nature center (group event). We're outside, so I'm not that worried about the flu.
It should warm up into the 40s. I'm going to grill a small steak and pork chops, the latter will be de-boned and used for sandwiches and stir fries.
I hope everyone has a fun and relaxing day!
I'm working on my budget figures and setting up my ledger (notebook paper) pages for 2026. When I added everything up, I came with 13¢ of accounting for every penny for 2025. Never ever have I come this close, I think best before was $3.14 and most years its closer to $10. I have a net of $40 increase in SS after increase in Medicare. That is more than taken with increase in Medicare supplement and RX policy increases. The tape on my calculator is not working (needs a new ink roller), so I'm having to add every column twice to be sure I'm accurate. Pain in the backside but it is what it is, guess I need to be glad calculator is still working.
I'm cooking my Christmas ham for supper and still thinking about sides. I'll freeze most and have ham throughout the year which will make a nice change from chicken, pork and ground beef.
It was sunny early but has turned cloudy 22º and gloomy again. Low tonight is 20º then each day thereafter temps are forecast to increase to 49º by next Wednesday. Except for Wednesday it's supposed to be cloudy or mostly cloudy most days ... more gloom.
I'm cooking my Christmas ham for supper and still thinking about sides. I'll freeze most and have ham throughout the year which will make a nice change from chicken, pork and ground beef.
It was sunny early but has turned cloudy 22º and gloomy again. Low tonight is 20º then each day thereafter temps are forecast to increase to 49º by next Wednesday. Except for Wednesday it's supposed to be cloudy or mostly cloudy most days ... more gloom.
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Meemur
Voice on the Prairie
Wow! $0.13 is awesome. I haven't done mine, yet. I call it a win when it's within $15 or lower. I get in a hurry and either don't record stuff or transpose numbers.
I saw lots of geese both at the nature center and on ponds. That's a little odd to me. We do have some that over-winter but I've never seen that many in early January.
I saw lots of geese both at the nature center and on ponds. That's a little odd to me. We do have some that over-winter but I've never seen that many in early January.
I think the number of geese depends on the amount of open water. If water is frozen, they move elsewhere.
Meemur if you knew how I keep up with the days you would howl on the floor! I think a sticky note is appropriate behavior!
My goal this month is to reduce my cleaning straightening up routine. So far so good. Oh wait it has only been a day!
I started my therapy exercises today after over 1½ year hiatus. I had to get the notebook out to figure out the exercises and not sure I have them all correct. I also started my 'read the Bible in a year' once again. I've tried this several times and have never succeeded but who knows maybe this time will be a win. Procrastination seems to be more of a thing than actually accomplishing anything.
I fixed my ham for supper. My sides flopped so got tossed. I have several jars of home canned sweet potatoes and every time I fix one, I do not like them PERIOD. Tomorrow, I think I will dump all of them so I can stop feeling guilty about not eating them. I sliced the whole ham ready for vacuum sealing and freezing tomorrow ... it's a LOT of ham. Fortunately, it's very good ham and once I get it into my time bank a/k/a deep freeze, I'll be set with ham for the year. The ends got cut into a fine dice and will be added to scrambled eggs. No waste at all.
My ledger pages for 2026 are all set up and my budget decided. Barring a major crisis it should work. It helped that I was able to cut both car and auto insurance by a total of nearly $500 making changes for 2026. Considering my income only increased $40 and my health insurance will go up again in June and December that $40 unlikely will even cover it.
Since I have not shopped since the week before Thanksgiving, I'm getting a lot of practice in eating from my pantry. This week I made a tuna/macaroni/mushroom soup/shredded cheddar casserole that made four meals. I used to make this all the time to feed my family but hadn't made it for quite some time and I enjoyed it. All pantry items.
I fixed my ham for supper. My sides flopped so got tossed. I have several jars of home canned sweet potatoes and every time I fix one, I do not like them PERIOD. Tomorrow, I think I will dump all of them so I can stop feeling guilty about not eating them. I sliced the whole ham ready for vacuum sealing and freezing tomorrow ... it's a LOT of ham. Fortunately, it's very good ham and once I get it into my time bank a/k/a deep freeze, I'll be set with ham for the year. The ends got cut into a fine dice and will be added to scrambled eggs. No waste at all.
My ledger pages for 2026 are all set up and my budget decided. Barring a major crisis it should work. It helped that I was able to cut both car and auto insurance by a total of nearly $500 making changes for 2026. Considering my income only increased $40 and my health insurance will go up again in June and December that $40 unlikely will even cover it.
Since I have not shopped since the week before Thanksgiving, I'm getting a lot of practice in eating from my pantry. This week I made a tuna/macaroni/mushroom soup/shredded cheddar casserole that made four meals. I used to make this all the time to feed my family but hadn't made it for quite some time and I enjoyed it. All pantry items.
feralferret
Veteran Member
If you can average 3.25 chapters a day you can get through the whole Bible in one year. I've never done it in a year. I would read two or three chapters a night if they were short and one chapter
if it was long. A lot depended on how tired I was which affected how long I could focus well.
We spent New Years Eve at our friends get to gather. Lots of food and people. Six or 7 of the county law enforcement officers stopped in to eat. They have been coming for several years. They eat a quick bite and head back out. I guess we are all getting old. Everyone left by 10.00. We usually stay till about 12:30. Happy New Year everyone.
I went to the food plot to pick greens for dinner yesterday. I saw sign of wild hogs in the end next to the woods. There was also some sign at the pond in the woods. I don't think there were but a couple of hogs, but even one is too many.
Yesterday morning, I was making biscuits for breakfast. The milk in the fridge said best by December 31st. But it must have changed like Cinderella at midnight, because it was chunky. Thank goodness for powdered milk. I added milk to the grocery list.
I am not sure what we are doing today. Hubby got most of the brush hogging done yesterday and it is raining anyway. We still have plenty to do around here. I wanted to take the Christmas tree down, but Hubby wants to leave it a few more days till after we babysit again. It's artificial so I don't have to be in a hurry.
Winter has been incredibly mild so far. Sometimes we don't have much of a winter other times we get hammered.
Have a blessed weekend everyone.
I went to the food plot to pick greens for dinner yesterday. I saw sign of wild hogs in the end next to the woods. There was also some sign at the pond in the woods. I don't think there were but a couple of hogs, but even one is too many.
Yesterday morning, I was making biscuits for breakfast. The milk in the fridge said best by December 31st. But it must have changed like Cinderella at midnight, because it was chunky. Thank goodness for powdered milk. I added milk to the grocery list.
I am not sure what we are doing today. Hubby got most of the brush hogging done yesterday and it is raining anyway. We still have plenty to do around here. I wanted to take the Christmas tree down, but Hubby wants to leave it a few more days till after we babysit again. It's artificial so I don't have to be in a hurry.
Winter has been incredibly mild so far. Sometimes we don't have much of a winter other times we get hammered.
Have a blessed weekend everyone.
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie
Unfortunately, I've never completed the Bible in a year. I start out strongly, but the end of April until mid-July derails those efforts. That's planting and "go" season. Mornings are hectic and I'm ready for a nap by dinnertime. Maybe I'll have better luck when I "retire."
Hitting the ground running today -- it's in the twenties but still without ice or snow. I'm looking at used cars again, among other on-going projects.
Hitting the ground running today -- it's in the twenties but still without ice or snow. I'm looking at used cars again, among other on-going projects.
SouthernBreeze
TB Fanatic
It's going to be 57 degrees and raining, today. Supposed to rain all day.
The ham I fixed last night was so good. I never buy a big one, since it's just Cary and myself. We'll have leftovers, tonight, and again tomorrow night. That should finish it off. After 2 days of leftovers, we're tired of it. I didn't stick to my eating plan last night. I had to have cornbread with my collard greens and black-eyed peas. No worse for wear this morning. I didn't gain any weight from it. It's ok if I cheat a bit every now and then, as long as I don't make a habit out of it. I'm loving the benefits of it too much to go back, now.
I've got bills to pay this morning. After Medicare, Cary and I, together, got a whopping $63/month raise. That should pay for our gas for the SUV for a year, LOL. Seriously, though, we're always thankful for what we get. We have no other monthly bills other than utilities and life insurances. The new lawn tractor Cary bought last year and put on payments for the purpose of keeping our good credit line open was paid off last month. Our house insurance went up big time this year. It was paid a few days ago. We pay it quarterly. It went up $300/year. I'm glad we can pay it quarterly. This quarter it was $551+ change.
We slept in late this morning. It was 8:30 when we got up. It's been a long, long time, since we've slept that late. Half of my day is gone, already! Probably won't get much of anything done.
The ham I fixed last night was so good. I never buy a big one, since it's just Cary and myself. We'll have leftovers, tonight, and again tomorrow night. That should finish it off. After 2 days of leftovers, we're tired of it. I didn't stick to my eating plan last night. I had to have cornbread with my collard greens and black-eyed peas. No worse for wear this morning. I didn't gain any weight from it. It's ok if I cheat a bit every now and then, as long as I don't make a habit out of it. I'm loving the benefits of it too much to go back, now.
I've got bills to pay this morning. After Medicare, Cary and I, together, got a whopping $63/month raise. That should pay for our gas for the SUV for a year, LOL. Seriously, though, we're always thankful for what we get. We have no other monthly bills other than utilities and life insurances. The new lawn tractor Cary bought last year and put on payments for the purpose of keeping our good credit line open was paid off last month. Our house insurance went up big time this year. It was paid a few days ago. We pay it quarterly. It went up $300/year. I'm glad we can pay it quarterly. This quarter it was $551+ change.
We slept in late this morning. It was 8:30 when we got up. It's been a long, long time, since we've slept that late. Half of my day is gone, already! Probably won't get much of anything done.
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I won't tell you how many times my brain has told me that today is Monday so far.
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie
Yes, today has a "Monday" sort of feel to it, but I also put a sticky note on my car console, so -- at least so far! -- I'm on track. Part of the problem is being so far off any of my routines. The typical Friday activities I would normally do have either been cancelled or moved to tomorrow, plus I'm off work.
If I didn't have stuff to do tomorrow, I wouldn't be a bit concerned, but I have several activities that I want to attend.
If I didn't have stuff to do tomorrow, I wouldn't be a bit concerned, but I have several activities that I want to attend.
I read two daily commentaries, Daily Bread and In Touch, both have Bible through the year at the bottom of the page. In Touch does Old Testament then New and Daily Bread lists reading from both each day. I decided to sort of combine the two unless or until they become too divergent. Meemur, I'm the same start strong then garden season comes and I get lost.
I always seem to have a problem with Friday thinking it's Saturday. Today is the same, keep reminding myself Friday NOT Saturday.
I just mended a turtleneck that had a tiny hole in it. I swear it is more difficult to mend a tiny hole than something big. Maybe it's my old eyes and difficulty holding a needle especially a tiny one for knits. Anyway, it's done. A tiny hole in a knit can quickly unravel to the point it cannot be mended so I always try to catch them at the tiny stage. I need to set aside a day for sewing and get everything caught up. I have a couple projects I'd like to do but will not allow myself to cut them out until I have the decks cleared.
Now that everything is sorted for 2026 budget, my shredding basket is full. I need to start shredding a bit every day as the shredder overheats and shuts down if I try to do very much at one time. Perfect to put in the bottom of garbage bags to absorb the moisture when I dump the jars of sweet potatoes. I'm trying to decide whether I want to carry the jars up to dump and wash or carry a heavy garbage bag upstairs with the contents of the jars. Neither sounds appealing. I have a sink in the basement so could wash jars downstairs.
I always seem to have a problem with Friday thinking it's Saturday. Today is the same, keep reminding myself Friday NOT Saturday.
I just mended a turtleneck that had a tiny hole in it. I swear it is more difficult to mend a tiny hole than something big. Maybe it's my old eyes and difficulty holding a needle especially a tiny one for knits. Anyway, it's done. A tiny hole in a knit can quickly unravel to the point it cannot be mended so I always try to catch them at the tiny stage. I need to set aside a day for sewing and get everything caught up. I have a couple projects I'd like to do but will not allow myself to cut them out until I have the decks cleared.
Now that everything is sorted for 2026 budget, my shredding basket is full. I need to start shredding a bit every day as the shredder overheats and shuts down if I try to do very much at one time. Perfect to put in the bottom of garbage bags to absorb the moisture when I dump the jars of sweet potatoes. I'm trying to decide whether I want to carry the jars up to dump and wash or carry a heavy garbage bag upstairs with the contents of the jars. Neither sounds appealing. I have a sink in the basement so could wash jars downstairs.
SouthernBreeze
TB Fanatic
It's still raining. Better rain, though, than ice. We still have the wood heater going, but I had to open the front door to let some cool air in while I was cooking supper. With the oven going, it got rather warm in here.
I never have liked to sew or mend. But, I'm going to have to break down and do some mending, myself. 2 big bath towels have the edging coming unraveled on each end that need to be fixed. The towel are still good, though. I also have a pullover hoodie that has the inside seam on one sleeve that is unraveling. It's one of my good hoodies, too. I really do need to get that done in case my fingers act up again. It's hard to use a small needle with arthritis. I might get to do that, tomorrow. I need to stop putting it off.
Today went well. Since getting up so late in the day, I didn't get much done. Just a few household chores. By the time I had my 2 cups of coffee and took my morning shower, it was time to start making lunch!
I never have liked to sew or mend. But, I'm going to have to break down and do some mending, myself. 2 big bath towels have the edging coming unraveled on each end that need to be fixed. The towel are still good, though. I also have a pullover hoodie that has the inside seam on one sleeve that is unraveling. It's one of my good hoodies, too. I really do need to get that done in case my fingers act up again. It's hard to use a small needle with arthritis. I might get to do that, tomorrow. I need to stop putting it off.
Today went well. Since getting up so late in the day, I didn't get much done. Just a few household chores. By the time I had my 2 cups of coffee and took my morning shower, it was time to start making lunch!