Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: Feb 14-20
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SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
The icing is supposed to start around lunch time here. Possible power outages as early as this afternoon.
So, I got up this morning, and made a big pot of Taco Soup. It's simmering on the stove, but can easily be transferred over to my wood stove if the power goes out. I also made a Lemon Ice Box pie. It's cold enough outside to freeze the pie, but I can find a place to put it where it won't freeze solid.
I've got all my laundry done, house cleaned, and we both have taken showers already this morning. We can heat water on the wood heater or wood stove to take sponge baths if necessary.
Our outdoor kitties are all snuggled into their new plush bed underneath a 250 watt heat lamp on the covered part of our deck, and Frisco is just wondering what is going on, LOL. He's already getting bored, because it's too cold for Cary to go out and play. Wind chill right now is 14. High for today is 25.
So, I got up this morning, and made a big pot of Taco Soup. It's simmering on the stove, but can easily be transferred over to my wood stove if the power goes out. I also made a Lemon Ice Box pie. It's cold enough outside to freeze the pie, but I can find a place to put it where it won't freeze solid.
I've got all my laundry done, house cleaned, and we both have taken showers already this morning. We can heat water on the wood heater or wood stove to take sponge baths if necessary.
Our outdoor kitties are all snuggled into their new plush bed underneath a 250 watt heat lamp on the covered part of our deck, and Frisco is just wondering what is going on, LOL. He's already getting bored, because it's too cold for Cary to go out and play. Wind chill right now is 14. High for today is 25.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
I asked DH if he had antifreeze for his tractor and he said no, so I went to the little general store that is about 5 miles away. I did call first to make sure they had some. I can't think of anything else that we might need, except maybe for a better cook.
We are fortunate that we've had no rain in the last few days to speak of, so no ice on the road, yet. Its supposed to start snowing later this afternoon, and last until Friday.
God is good all the time
Judy
We are fortunate that we've had no rain in the last few days to speak of, so no ice on the road, yet. Its supposed to start snowing later this afternoon, and last until Friday.
God is good all the time
Judy
WanderLore
Veteran Member
Bitter cold next 2 days then maybe a warm up? Just trying to keep animals and humans comfortable. Tractor is on the charge. Everything pretty much stocked minus a few items son will pick up later. So hoping this is the last of it, MI
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
Right now I have on two pair of everything, except socks. Long underware shirt with a long sleeve shirt over it. Nylon biking shorts and knee length shorts over them, compression stockings and rubber boots. Only the wood stove is going right now, but I'm comfortable.
I'm not even letting a spoon stay in the kitchen sink without washing it.
Hand warmers, yesterday I finally got DH to try the hand warmers. He didn't use them very long and just left them on the table, so I put them in a canning jar with a lid an ring, it pinged almost immediately. This morning he took them out of the jar and shook them up and that warmed them up again. He's been doing this off and on today, he's working outside off and on and then coming in to warm up, using the hand warmers. Now he wants a supply, which I already have.
He's hauling wood from the barn with the scoop on his tractor. He fills up 5 gallon buckets with wood and brings the buckets in. it's not a pretty sight but its works.
I bought a new oragami thing with wire drawers in it for the kitchen. New and better place to keep the air fryer oven and the double toaster. Where the toaster was (and the pizza cooker) was I moved the microwave oven to, so much easier to use and clean.
So the cart that the air fryer oven was on is now in the back room and its perfect for stacking cases of my dehydrated food jars on, they are almost all out of the kitchen, I can now see the bottom of the china cabinet.
The cold weather makes me want to reorganize and clean.
God is good all the time
Judy
I'm not even letting a spoon stay in the kitchen sink without washing it.
Hand warmers, yesterday I finally got DH to try the hand warmers. He didn't use them very long and just left them on the table, so I put them in a canning jar with a lid an ring, it pinged almost immediately. This morning he took them out of the jar and shook them up and that warmed them up again. He's been doing this off and on today, he's working outside off and on and then coming in to warm up, using the hand warmers. Now he wants a supply, which I already have.
He's hauling wood from the barn with the scoop on his tractor. He fills up 5 gallon buckets with wood and brings the buckets in. it's not a pretty sight but its works.
I bought a new oragami thing with wire drawers in it for the kitchen. New and better place to keep the air fryer oven and the double toaster. Where the toaster was (and the pizza cooker) was I moved the microwave oven to, so much easier to use and clean.
So the cart that the air fryer oven was on is now in the back room and its perfect for stacking cases of my dehydrated food jars on, they are almost all out of the kitchen, I can now see the bottom of the china cabinet.
The cold weather makes me want to reorganize and clean.
God is good all the time
Judy
Just cause I know you're interested:
- got up this am and broke open 18 eggs that were getting too old to do much with. The eggs went to the cats outside, and the eggshells got crushed on a cookie sheet and set on the woodstove. When cool and dry, they get crunched more and put in a jar. I'll add them around the tomato plants this spring.
- got in the hot tub. Ahhhhh!
- cleaned the kitchen - should have done this AFTER I decided to grind wheat for WW flour -
- baked a spaghetti squash and a loaf of Boston brown bread at the same time. I used buttermilk I have in the fridge with an expiration date of April (of 2020). It smells fine, so why not. Used up some raisins and a few dried cranberries when I didn't have quite enough raisins.
- Cooked baked beans in instapot with a ham bone instead of the bacon called for. They are old beans, I had soaked them, but they're still not quite done. No big deal to just set the IP a little longer.
- brought in jars to heat up to can with. Put a pot of water on the woodstove to heat, since what I'm canning is just waterbathed.
- cleaned the kitchen. Again. Did a laundry load of rags and hung them up.
- tore up some steaks we had used for sandwiches this week, added marinara, water and tomato powder. Used that to cover the squash once it was done and shredded. I had thought to add some cottage cheese, but I estimated wrong and the pan is a bit small. I'll just cover it with shredded mozzarella and bake it tonight for dinner.
- tore up ribs we had this week, gave the bones and fat to the outside cats. It's really cold (our low is -17* - not including wind chill tonight) and they need it. Added the meat to mashed potatoes with some cooked carrots and canned corn. It's not gourmet, but will do for lunches this week. Heavy on carbs, but Dh works out in the cold doing physical labor and me, meh - well, I ate a lot of cabbage and salads last week. Have to balance that out, ya know.
- Packy - I will add the recipe for the spaghetti squash pad thai to grandma's kitchen today. I promise.
- I still plan on canning some limeade/lemonade concentrate and cranberry juice if I have enough 'umph'.
- got up this am and broke open 18 eggs that were getting too old to do much with. The eggs went to the cats outside, and the eggshells got crushed on a cookie sheet and set on the woodstove. When cool and dry, they get crunched more and put in a jar. I'll add them around the tomato plants this spring.
- got in the hot tub. Ahhhhh!
- cleaned the kitchen - should have done this AFTER I decided to grind wheat for WW flour -
- baked a spaghetti squash and a loaf of Boston brown bread at the same time. I used buttermilk I have in the fridge with an expiration date of April (of 2020). It smells fine, so why not. Used up some raisins and a few dried cranberries when I didn't have quite enough raisins.
- Cooked baked beans in instapot with a ham bone instead of the bacon called for. They are old beans, I had soaked them, but they're still not quite done. No big deal to just set the IP a little longer.
- brought in jars to heat up to can with. Put a pot of water on the woodstove to heat, since what I'm canning is just waterbathed.
- cleaned the kitchen. Again. Did a laundry load of rags and hung them up.
- tore up some steaks we had used for sandwiches this week, added marinara, water and tomato powder. Used that to cover the squash once it was done and shredded. I had thought to add some cottage cheese, but I estimated wrong and the pan is a bit small. I'll just cover it with shredded mozzarella and bake it tonight for dinner.
- tore up ribs we had this week, gave the bones and fat to the outside cats. It's really cold (our low is -17* - not including wind chill tonight) and they need it. Added the meat to mashed potatoes with some cooked carrots and canned corn. It's not gourmet, but will do for lunches this week. Heavy on carbs, but Dh works out in the cold doing physical labor and me, meh - well, I ate a lot of cabbage and salads last week. Have to balance that out, ya know.
- Packy - I will add the recipe for the spaghetti squash pad thai to grandma's kitchen today. I promise.
- I still plan on canning some limeade/lemonade concentrate and cranberry juice if I have enough 'umph'.
It is six degrees with heavy snow coming down this morning. I had to use our spider web cleaning tool to clean off our Hughesnet dish. Our internet was out from so much snow on it.
So far the rural electric is holding well. We are set if it doesn't. The wood stove has done a beautiful job keeping the house warm. I brought my outside dog in last night. She appreciates the wood heat too. She slept on a towel in front of the stove most of the night. Her dog house is usually warm enough, but this is not usual weather for us.
My son and his family came over yesterday before the snow yesterday to shower. Their water was frozen to their shower. The roads are impassable now. I am figuring many of the workplaces will be closed today. The snow plows are working the state roads, but the side roads are untouched. We do not get enough of this kind of weather to have a lot of equipment to deal with it.
So far the rural electric is holding well. We are set if it doesn't. The wood stove has done a beautiful job keeping the house warm. I brought my outside dog in last night. She appreciates the wood heat too. She slept on a towel in front of the stove most of the night. Her dog house is usually warm enough, but this is not usual weather for us.
My son and his family came over yesterday before the snow yesterday to shower. Their water was frozen to their shower. The roads are impassable now. I am figuring many of the workplaces will be closed today. The snow plows are working the state roads, but the side roads are untouched. We do not get enough of this kind of weather to have a lot of equipment to deal with it.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Our current temp is 23 with the feels like temp of 11. Supposed to drop to 7 tonight. We also have an ice accumulation of about 1/2 inch from sleet overnight. The snow is supposed to start anytime now, according to our radar. Power outages are expected, and roads and bridges are impassable. Deaths from this storm are expected. Everything around here is shut down.
I've been expecting our HughesNet satellite feed to go out, too. Sleet was coming down so hard last night, It almost blocked the signal. The same for our Direct TV service. We'll be watching for ice and snow accumulations on the dishes. 8 inches of ice and snow is what is forecast for us today, and another round on Wednesday.
We have no snow plows down here. All the county can do is throw out a little sand mixed with a bit of salt and gravel on the bridges and overpasses. Some farmers have been known to get their tractors with grader blades out on the rural roads. That's not happening, because the roads are solid ice at the moment.
Hopefully, we won't lose power and water, but if we do, we're prepared.
I've been expecting our HughesNet satellite feed to go out, too. Sleet was coming down so hard last night, It almost blocked the signal. The same for our Direct TV service. We'll be watching for ice and snow accumulations on the dishes. 8 inches of ice and snow is what is forecast for us today, and another round on Wednesday.
We have no snow plows down here. All the county can do is throw out a little sand mixed with a bit of salt and gravel on the bridges and overpasses. Some farmers have been known to get their tractors with grader blades out on the rural roads. That's not happening, because the roads are solid ice at the moment.
Hopefully, we won't lose power and water, but if we do, we're prepared.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
It's 17 degrees here in north of central Louisiana and snowing, maybe 4", supposed to get down to 7 degrees tonight. I absolutely do not like snow. We still have power, although DH said the outside faucet at the chicken house is frozen, so far so good with water in the house. No heavy accumulation of snow in the threes, yet, that will help keep the power on.
The tractor was frozen up and DH put a heater on it and now he's out on it, still using the same hand warmers from the other day. Its amazing how those hand warmers have held up, keeping them in a sealed jar when not being used has kept them alive. He is clearing off some snow. The dog is running around outside, probably to keep warm, she refuses to come inside. DH has to bring some more wood up from the barn. Thank God he got the tractor started to do that or I would have to be outside helping him with it. The goats are in a barn eating their bedding.
Its warm and toasty inside the house. We are clean, the kitchen is clean and the laundry is done. Now if I could just get the laundry folded, ugh, hurts my back.
God is good all the time
Judy
The tractor was frozen up and DH put a heater on it and now he's out on it, still using the same hand warmers from the other day. Its amazing how those hand warmers have held up, keeping them in a sealed jar when not being used has kept them alive. He is clearing off some snow. The dog is running around outside, probably to keep warm, she refuses to come inside. DH has to bring some more wood up from the barn. Thank God he got the tractor started to do that or I would have to be outside helping him with it. The goats are in a barn eating their bedding.
Its warm and toasty inside the house. We are clean, the kitchen is clean and the laundry is done. Now if I could just get the laundry folded, ugh, hurts my back.
God is good all the time
Judy
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
-11 (actual) here earlier. Up to -5 (or so) with the sun peeking through. Plumbing is OK. Furnace is OK. (Knock loudly on wood!)
I left a trouble light on near the engine block. I'll try to start the car later. Today is the last day of these extremes. My house systems handle air down to zero just fine. It's when temps drop below zero for prolonged periods that things can happen. I added new insulation to the attic and walls when I moved in. Smart move! I think that's what's really helping now.
Prep goals for the week: deep cleaning here, too! Closet re-organization continues.
I left a trouble light on near the engine block. I'll try to start the car later. Today is the last day of these extremes. My house systems handle air down to zero just fine. It's when temps drop below zero for prolonged periods that things can happen. I added new insulation to the attic and walls when I moved in. Smart move! I think that's what's really helping now.
Prep goals for the week: deep cleaning here, too! Closet re-organization continues.
WanderLore
Veteran Member
coal stove perking along. no electric needed. got a ton of coal on the ready. had to go get chicken feed this morning. 20 mph all the way there and back. will heat up canned meat for animals today. everyone and animals are all hunkered down.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I don't remember ever having a wind chill advisory issued for us here. We just went under one for tonight. Like I said, our air temp is supposed to be down to 7 tonight, but with the wind chill, it will go below 0.
I'm so ready for this to be over! We should be planting our Spring gardens. All my daffodils are incased in ice, so is everything else.
Ice and snow are coming down so hard right now that we may lose our satellite signal. Internet is beginning to run really slow.
I'm so ready for this to be over! We should be planting our Spring gardens. All my daffodils are incased in ice, so is everything else.
Ice and snow are coming down so hard right now that we may lose our satellite signal. Internet is beginning to run really slow.
Illini Warrior
Illini Warrior
a "warm" battery is also an advantage - you can use a heavy full amp charger in the short usage or just keep a trickle (1-2amp) charger going for a few days while it's this cold ....
a magnetic base block heater isn't cheap at $20-$30 >> but it can get an engine started when it normally wouldn't - also it can help assure an engine doesn't bust up trying to use Kero syrup for lub .....
Need to go pick up bedding and chicken scratch.
Bringing the birds into the basement tonight.
Only supposed to get down to 27 here, but may have wind.
I have several 5 gal buckets and seed plants waiting to be planted.
They may have to get planted and come in under a heat lamp for now.
Bringing the birds into the basement tonight.
Only supposed to get down to 27 here, but may have wind.
I have several 5 gal buckets and seed plants waiting to be planted.
They may have to get planted and come in under a heat lamp for now.
aviax2
Veteran Member
Good news/bad news. Good news is we didn’t get much in the way of freezing rain. Bad news we’ve gotten a really fine sleet mixed with a little snow and baby it’s cold. I don’t mind snow but I hate freezing rain and sleet And I really hate when it’s all mixed together. The rest of the week doesn’t look to be any better.
The birds have been a constant at the feeders out back and DH has been tossing some scratch feed for the birds that don’t use the feeders.
DH made another trip to the store yesterday in hopes of getting more bacon to stock the freezer, they were out and they didn’t have much the other day. He actually wasn’t able to get any of the few things on the list, the store was pretty decimated which didn’t surprise me any. He went to another store and was able to get a small bag of potatoes, I had used all our fresh potatoes in a beef stew and although I have plenty of other potato options, I like to have fresh ones on hand.
Stay safe and warm!
The birds have been a constant at the feeders out back and DH has been tossing some scratch feed for the birds that don’t use the feeders.
DH made another trip to the store yesterday in hopes of getting more bacon to stock the freezer, they were out and they didn’t have much the other day. He actually wasn’t able to get any of the few things on the list, the store was pretty decimated which didn’t surprise me any. He went to another store and was able to get a small bag of potatoes, I had used all our fresh potatoes in a beef stew and although I have plenty of other potato options, I like to have fresh ones on hand.
Stay safe and warm!
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
It looks like we've got all we're gonna get for the time being. Total of around 3inches of ice, freezing rain, and snow all mixed together. Everything here is covered, including the road in front of my house. There's been a few ATV's on it, and that's it. No power outages where we are, but south of us there is. Now, if we can get through the night without our water freezing up. We're taking extra measures to insure that doesn't happen.
Wednesday is our regular shopping day, but with these temps, we're staying home. From what I'm hearing, there is hardly anything left in the grocery stores anyway. They've been cleaned out. It may take a few day to restock, once all the ice clears from the roads/interstates. The main interstate artery that runs through our area is closed right now in sections from where we are (Tupelo area) all the way to Memphis.
It's so cold that we have both wood heater and wood stove going today. I made a big pot of taco soup, yesterday, and it's simmering on the wood stove today. I have flour tortillas to heat up to go with it tonight for our supper. I was prepared for our power to go out.
Wednesday is our regular shopping day, but with these temps, we're staying home. From what I'm hearing, there is hardly anything left in the grocery stores anyway. They've been cleaned out. It may take a few day to restock, once all the ice clears from the roads/interstates. The main interstate artery that runs through our area is closed right now in sections from where we are (Tupelo area) all the way to Memphis.
It's so cold that we have both wood heater and wood stove going today. I made a big pot of taco soup, yesterday, and it's simmering on the wood stove today. I have flour tortillas to heat up to go with it tonight for our supper. I was prepared for our power to go out.
I made it home from work without any trouble this morning; maybe three inches of snow at that time. Wind was coming out of the north so the east/west roads were starting to drift a little but it wasn't bad. The roads hadn't been plowed for that dinky amount and I was driving our 4WD truck.
I had stopped before heading out on the country roads to pick up some dry cat food at Dollar General for the kitty that's hanging around - with our current temperatures, the canned stuff and leftovers had been freezing and I wanted to encourage him to stick around (anything that eats rodents is a friend of mine). I had already picked up wild bird feed on my way in to work last night, so was set for critter food. I called Hubby from the DG parking lot when I got there and he said we didn't need anything from the grocery store - I had cinnamon bread and plenty of milk on hand already so I could do the traditional snow day French Toast
My truck was the only vehicle in either lot at 0830 so no panic shopping going on as of that time. Schools were closed for President's day - and have already cancelled for tomorrow since the forecast is calling for another 7-10" of snow tonight. Daughter said half of her clients have already cancelled for tomorrow as well. I'll be keeping the prayers going out for the oldest grandson and his co-workers; the plow crews as well.
I must be getting old - I'm shaking my head at my younger co-workers. I gave 'em the Mama lecture again at work about keeping their gas tanks at least half full, blah blah blah - one was at a quarter tank, the other about an 8th. I loaned the 8th of a tank one $20 'til payday. Neither one of them had any emergency supplies in their vehicles; one didn't even wear a coat to work; the other had a light jacket. -20* wind chill yesterday when we got to work
Got some news yesterday - the pool I go to was suddenly shut down for at least this week; maybe longer. Seems their natural gas bill suddenly went through the roof; and they are going to have to evaluate what they are going to do. Only took three posts on their FB page before the 'Thank Biden' hits started being posted - I'd laugh at that part, but I'm really going to miss the pool if it doesn't reopen. They already took a hit from Covid; now this.
I'd better go ahead and post this and go set the table - today is Hubby's day to cook and he's making chili and tamales; I may have to look for a bib if it isn't done soon, it smells so good!
Take care all; stay safe, stay sane!!
I had stopped before heading out on the country roads to pick up some dry cat food at Dollar General for the kitty that's hanging around - with our current temperatures, the canned stuff and leftovers had been freezing and I wanted to encourage him to stick around (anything that eats rodents is a friend of mine). I had already picked up wild bird feed on my way in to work last night, so was set for critter food. I called Hubby from the DG parking lot when I got there and he said we didn't need anything from the grocery store - I had cinnamon bread and plenty of milk on hand already so I could do the traditional snow day French Toast
My truck was the only vehicle in either lot at 0830 so no panic shopping going on as of that time. Schools were closed for President's day - and have already cancelled for tomorrow since the forecast is calling for another 7-10" of snow tonight. Daughter said half of her clients have already cancelled for tomorrow as well. I'll be keeping the prayers going out for the oldest grandson and his co-workers; the plow crews as well.I must be getting old - I'm shaking my head at my younger co-workers. I gave 'em the Mama lecture again at work about keeping their gas tanks at least half full, blah blah blah - one was at a quarter tank, the other about an 8th. I loaned the 8th of a tank one $20 'til payday. Neither one of them had any emergency supplies in their vehicles; one didn't even wear a coat to work; the other had a light jacket. -20* wind chill yesterday when we got to work
Got some news yesterday - the pool I go to was suddenly shut down for at least this week; maybe longer. Seems their natural gas bill suddenly went through the roof; and they are going to have to evaluate what they are going to do. Only took three posts on their FB page before the 'Thank Biden' hits started being posted - I'd laugh at that part, but I'm really going to miss the pool if it doesn't reopen. They already took a hit from Covid; now this.
I'd better go ahead and post this and go set the table - today is Hubby's day to cook and he's making chili and tamales; I may have to look for a bib if it isn't done soon, it smells so good!
Take care all; stay safe, stay sane!!
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
3* and snow this morning when we got up. I guess this was our round #2. Supposed to keep getting hit, until Friday. Thankfully, our water didn't freeze last night.
If anyone is interested, I posted a photo of our front yard in the snowstorm photo thread on main. It's not too often it looks like that. There's about 3 1/2 inches of ice and snow there. It's not going to be melting anytime soon.
If anyone is interested, I posted a photo of our front yard in the snowstorm photo thread on main. It's not too often it looks like that. There's about 3 1/2 inches of ice and snow there. It's not going to be melting anytime soon.
John Deere Girl
Veteran Member
12 inches of snow on our farm with 6-10 more expected tomorrow through Thursday. All the prep I'm doing is making sure the wood stove gets stoked, and the family fed and dishes washed. It's supposed to be a balmy 19 today. I'm ready for spring.
Illini Warrior
Illini Warrior
the melt starts tomorrow - the pavement will be melting down and slush everywhere >>> next week it's mid to high 30sF and 20sF overnite - here comes the flooding - we have a 20"+ snow pack that will be looking to drain off on the surface only ....
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
its a balmy 28 here with the sun shinning and no wind to speak of. Its supposed to start snowing again tomorrow (wednesday) and after Saturday no more freezing temps at night and in the 40's and 50's during the day and lots of rain predicted next week.
Thank God we still have electricity and water.
I've been clinching my teeth badly and my mouth is killing me. I know I have some clove oil around here somewhere, just need to find it.
I need to figure out something that DH will eat. I've got some Bear Creek Creamy potato Soup that I may try. Me, I like potato soup, not sure about DH, he's outside in the snow covering up outside faucets that he didn't cover before the freezing weather started. I've got some ribs I could put in the oven. thank God again for our power still being on.
God is good all the time
Judy
Thank God we still have electricity and water.
I've been clinching my teeth badly and my mouth is killing me. I know I have some clove oil around here somewhere, just need to find it.
I need to figure out something that DH will eat. I've got some Bear Creek Creamy potato Soup that I may try. Me, I like potato soup, not sure about DH, he's outside in the snow covering up outside faucets that he didn't cover before the freezing weather started. I've got some ribs I could put in the oven. thank God again for our power still being on.
God is good all the time
Judy
Finally got the cranberry juice and limeade concentrate canned up. Ended up with 2 dozen pints of juice and a couple pints of limeade. Ran into town and picked up a nice screen door. Our local hardware is going out of business (and boy is that going to leave a hole!), and everything is on sale. Still paid way too much, but it is what it is.
Dinner tonight was lemon chicken. I used chicken fat from canning that I keep in the fridge instead of butter, and the broth from the chicken to flavor the rice. Add some lemon jello, a little mustard and garlic salt - stir in chicken and cook for 30 minutes or so till done. Not the most healthy, but it's quick and not too bad. Had a client stop by today for more herbs - that always makes my day!
Dinner tonight was lemon chicken. I used chicken fat from canning that I keep in the fridge instead of butter, and the broth from the chicken to flavor the rice. Add some lemon jello, a little mustard and garlic salt - stir in chicken and cook for 30 minutes or so till done. Not the most healthy, but it's quick and not too bad. Had a client stop by today for more herbs - that always makes my day!
prudentwatcher
Veteran Member
We bought a 7 cubic foot chest freezer today. We already have a large upright freezer, but I wanted a second one so I could stockpile more meat. It should be delivered tomorrow. I'm a happy camper 
briches
Veteran Member
We have an ice storm headed our way again (VA). Thankfully we didn’t lose power last time.
I’ll be topping off the bird feeders after work today. Hubby is headed to the grocery store for a few needed items, not because storm is coming, but because we haven’t been in close to three weeks.
Judy - we did the bear creek potato soup last night for dinner with grilled cheese. It was actually good. If yours calls for 4 cups of water, I might do 3 and a cup of milk to give it a little more richness. Also, it was a thinner soup. If you like it thicker, reduce the liquid or add some instant potatoes to it. Enjoy!
Edited to add - ours was actually a “loaded baked potato soup” I think we got from Lidl but looked just like the ones I’ve seen from bear creek.
I’ll be making a big pot of “goolash” tonight we can eat on for a few days. Good comfort food in the midst of a storm.
I’ll be topping off the bird feeders after work today. Hubby is headed to the grocery store for a few needed items, not because storm is coming, but because we haven’t been in close to three weeks.
Judy - we did the bear creek potato soup last night for dinner with grilled cheese. It was actually good. If yours calls for 4 cups of water, I might do 3 and a cup of milk to give it a little more richness. Also, it was a thinner soup. If you like it thicker, reduce the liquid or add some instant potatoes to it. Enjoy!
Edited to add - ours was actually a “loaded baked potato soup” I think we got from Lidl but looked just like the ones I’ve seen from bear creek.
I’ll be making a big pot of “goolash” tonight we can eat on for a few days. Good comfort food in the midst of a storm.
We have lots of snow for our area, north central AR. Many people aren't trying to make it to work and many places aren't open. There are rolling blackouts in some areas and now they are asking people to cut back on natural gas too. Factories are closed for both reasons. There maybe a lot of busted pipes where the gas and power are both off. Our wood heater has kept us toasty. Our power from the co-OP has never even blinked that I know of, but they are asking us to conserve. The bigger energy company has had several areas out not related to planned outages.
My son's in laws have a small goat dairy. They go buy feed on Tuesdays. Last week they did not buy any extra, so now they are out. They tried to make it to town to buy some, but can't even get to the state hwy. Our son prepared ahead. Other than his water in the house being frozen, they and the animals are good. His freeze proof faucet in the yard works. He and his wife cut firewood for a neighbor that stopped and asked if they could get some wood out of the road ditch. Our daughter in law called to ask her mom since it was outside her parents fence. Her mom had an absolute screaming fit. The wood has been there 3-4 years already, in the ditch, on the county road. They don't heat with wood even. But they were not about to share anything. But they think socialism is the way to go, just don't ask them to give anything. My son is very conservative and he can't understand his in laws. Our son called to see if we had burned our brush pile yet. We told him no. He asked if he could cut wood out of it for those neighbors. It is not the best wood and still green, though some has been cut a few months. He and his wife got a truck load for the neighbor. They had some dry wood, just not enough. Our son told them to mix this wood in with the dry wood and keep an eye on the chimney for build up. I was very proud of the kids for helping out someone in need. The man told my son if he needed a hand with anything, just let him know and he would help. I found it ironic that the socialist would not help at all and the conservative jumped into action.
I have sold most of my hay. I did not carry a lot through winter. I hope to cut at least part of another field this year. We don't have any animals except chickens now. With this weather, I am glad. I have let the outside dog in even. Usually i just put her coat on her if it is getting into the twentys, but I bought her in with this cold. She is very short haired.
I guess I have rambled enough. Be safe and stay warm.
My son's in laws have a small goat dairy. They go buy feed on Tuesdays. Last week they did not buy any extra, so now they are out. They tried to make it to town to buy some, but can't even get to the state hwy. Our son prepared ahead. Other than his water in the house being frozen, they and the animals are good. His freeze proof faucet in the yard works. He and his wife cut firewood for a neighbor that stopped and asked if they could get some wood out of the road ditch. Our daughter in law called to ask her mom since it was outside her parents fence. Her mom had an absolute screaming fit. The wood has been there 3-4 years already, in the ditch, on the county road. They don't heat with wood even. But they were not about to share anything. But they think socialism is the way to go, just don't ask them to give anything. My son is very conservative and he can't understand his in laws. Our son called to see if we had burned our brush pile yet. We told him no. He asked if he could cut wood out of it for those neighbors. It is not the best wood and still green, though some has been cut a few months. He and his wife got a truck load for the neighbor. They had some dry wood, just not enough. Our son told them to mix this wood in with the dry wood and keep an eye on the chimney for build up. I was very proud of the kids for helping out someone in need. The man told my son if he needed a hand with anything, just let him know and he would help. I found it ironic that the socialist would not help at all and the conservative jumped into action.
I have sold most of my hay. I did not carry a lot through winter. I hope to cut at least part of another field this year. We don't have any animals except chickens now. With this weather, I am glad. I have let the outside dog in even. Usually i just put her coat on her if it is getting into the twentys, but I bought her in with this cold. She is very short haired.
I guess I have rambled enough. Be safe and stay warm.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
We're still dealing with 3 1/2 inches of ice snow mix frozen on the ground here. We're expecting to get hit again today and overnight. Thank God our forecast for next week puts us back into the 60's and 70's.
We're still waiting for the call to let us know when Cary is scheduled for surgery. Everything is closed down, here, and we've been calling, but the offices are closed due to the weather.
Has anyone tried to order any dehydrated bell peppers lately?!!! I've been ordering Zatarain's dehydrated sweet bell peppers for a few years. Paid around $5 for a 3oz bottle. Today, I went online to order more, since I'm on my last bottle, and the price was $ 31.62 for a 3oz bottle!!!!!!! What has happened to the price? Needless to say, I didn't order any. I double checked that price twice. Is there a shortage of bell peppers?
We're still waiting for the call to let us know when Cary is scheduled for surgery. Everything is closed down, here, and we've been calling, but the offices are closed due to the weather.
Has anyone tried to order any dehydrated bell peppers lately?!!! I've been ordering Zatarain's dehydrated sweet bell peppers for a few years. Paid around $5 for a 3oz bottle. Today, I went online to order more, since I'm on my last bottle, and the price was $ 31.62 for a 3oz bottle!!!!!!! What has happened to the price? Needless to say, I didn't order any. I double checked that price twice. Is there a shortage of bell peppers?
hiwall
Has No Life - Lives on TB
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thanks, hiwall! Augason Farms brand will work nicely. I'm ordering a few cans of those.
| What a lovely day! I was planning on going out to lunch with a friend, but the weather didn't cooperate. another friend dropped by, dropped off some goodies for our garden experiment, and changed out a waterer for me that had frozen up. Dinner is pork chops with rice and some peach salsa that's been in the fridge that didn't seal. Just have to say - I really love my instapot. I'm not one for kitchen gadgets, but it has been quite useful. |
ivantherussian03
Veteran Member
I sold out of my fur hats. Apparently you real Eskimo hats keep you warm....who knew. Luckily, I was sitting on a dozen. I learned to look on the bright side a long time ago.
Illini Warrior
Illini Warrior
what kind of fur? >>> I'd like a martin fur hat - beauty of a hat when the skins are matched well - anything that isn't ranch raised is almost toooooo expensive to wear on the street around here ....
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
We picked up another 3-4 inches of snow last night which gives us a grand total of 6-7 inches on the ground. Cary had to rake snow off our internet satellite dish this morning in order for us to get a signal. I have over a foot long icicles hanging from my roof, and in the photo of our front yard I posted, now all those railroad ties are buried, instead of only some of them. They've all disappeared. Looks like a sea of white out my front door this morning.
We're doing really great. Wood stove and heater are chugging along. Hot water and coffee are on the wood stove. We haven't lost power or water through this, so am thankful. We haven't left our property, since this all started. Cary had to shovel ice and snow from our drive way gate, yesterday, just so he could open it. Snow is banked up against it again this morning.
I missed my shopping day this week. All of my fresh produce is gone. Next week our temps will be above freezing, so this white stuff will finally be gone, and I can get out. Spring like temps are just around the corner for us. 60's and 70's are in our forecast. Yay!
We're doing really great. Wood stove and heater are chugging along. Hot water and coffee are on the wood stove. We haven't lost power or water through this, so am thankful. We haven't left our property, since this all started. Cary had to shovel ice and snow from our drive way gate, yesterday, just so he could open it. Snow is banked up against it again this morning.
I missed my shopping day this week. All of my fresh produce is gone. Next week our temps will be above freezing, so this white stuff will finally be gone, and I can get out. Spring like temps are just around the corner for us. 60's and 70's are in our forecast. Yay!
We have 6.5 inches with 1 inch sleet added yesterday its been below freezing since Saturday night. Its 26 right now and about to go try to get septic system sprinklers going because running water round the clock has the tank full. Plumber under daughters house finding shattered pipes. We have DH with prosthetic leg, daughter with left knee in a brace from torn ligaments and me with right knee in a brace hobbling in the ice and snow we are a sad sight.
coloradohermit
Veteran Member
I'm currently pressure canning 6 pints of dried beans and ham. Usually one jar in a batch doesn't seal so I'll have that one(or a sealed one if all seal) for dinner with leftover cornbread I found in the freezer. Num num!
