Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: February 7 ~ 13, 2021

[ivantherussian03]

I got my eye on the river, a little spot where the river is eating away into the bank. The spruce trees are big there. There a nice beach there to collect the logs and load on the sled. I can take three at a time, make trips all day in the spring. Easy work.

 

[Meemur]

Ivan, I try to start the car and drive around town a bit: I'm older and have older friends. One of us might need to go to the hospital or have a related emergency that needs professional care.

 

[Illini Warrior]

Ivan, I try to start the car and drive around town a bit: I'm older and have older friends. One of us might need to go to the hospital or have a related emergency that needs professional care.

Minus 45 this fine day. I didn’t start any vehicles. Just waited, tomorrow supposed to warm substantially . A village elder said I was wise not starting my vehicle, saying it is hard on the valves. All I know is fuel injected vehicles are hard to start when temperatures drop to minus 20, and oil turns to sludge.

Besides if your ready, you shouldn’t need much. Tomorrow is a new day.

that cold - trickle charger on the battery for sure >>> a block heater or two/three on the engine oil sump and valve area - need to hope about the fuel ....

 

[Illini Warrior]

It's fine, Philkar. I chose to live here for now. My druggie relatives from the sunny South would sooner eat out of dumpsters than come to Iowa and get a job. When I get into my 70s, I'll give some thought to relocating to an area with a milder climate, depending on what's happening. I expect they will either be in jail or dead at that point.

I do miss gardening. I need to start some mini tomatoes on my window sill.

the way things are going IA might kidnap you and make you stay - right now with all this unemployment in the more menial job sector >>> any warm body is welcome - I think there's more guys out plowing & shoveling snow for cash $$$$ than working a 9 >>5 ....

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Rain with a little ice mixed in this morning, especially icing in the counties just west and north of us. Could change to all ice for us later tonight. Accumulated snow is in our forecast for Sunday night, into Monday, and Monday night, unless things change. Yesterday, they changed our higher temp forecast. They have us, once again, back into the deep freeze of teen's and single digits.

Yesterday morning, Cary cranked our generators to make sure they are good to go. I'm doing all my laundry today to get that out of the way. Will go ahead a cook a few meals to last us for a few days tonight, and store in the freezer. Plenty of wood brought in for a few days, water pipes are wrapped and hoses disconnected, so we are good to go.

Good news from Cary's surgeon, yesterday. He couldn't schedule Cary's surgery, until sometime in March. We are waiting for the hospital to call to let us know when in March. Surgeon wants Cary to have a heart stress test, before the surgery, and Cary needs 7 days to get the blood thinners he takes out of his system, also, before surgery. Surgery will take 4 hours, but Cary will only stay in the hospital overnight up to 2 days if all goes according to plan. Surgery will remove 1/3 of his right kidney. He will be scanned every 3 months afterwards for the first year, and every 6 months for the next 5 years. At this stage of the cancer, surgeon is very hopeful that this surgery will remove any chance that it will return. He's not even going to need any type of cancer treatment.

 

[hiwall]

Rain with a little ice mixed in this morning, especially icing in the counties just west and north of us. Could change to all ice for us later tonight. Accumulated snow is in our forecast for Sunday night, into Monday, and Monday night, unless things change. Yesterday, they changed our higher temp forecast. They have us, once again, back into the deep freeze of teen's and single digits.

Yesterday morning, Cary cranked our generators to make sure they are good to go. I'm doing all my laundry today to get that out of the way. Will go ahead a cook a few meals to last us for a few days tonight, and store in the freezer. Plenty of wood brought in for a few days, water pipes are wrapped and hoses disconnected, so we are good to go.

Good news from Cary's surgeon, yesterday. He couldn't schedule Cary's surgery, until sometime in March. We are waiting for the hospital to call to let us know when in March. Surgeon wants Cary to have a heart stress test, before the surgery, and Cary needs 7 days to get the blood thinners he takes out of his system, also, before surgery. Surgery will take 4 hours, but Cary will only stay in the hospital overnight up to 2 days if all goes according to plan. Surgery will remove 1/3 of his right kidney. He will be scanned every 3 months afterwards for the first year, and every 6 months for the next 5 years. At this stage of the cancer, surgeon is very hopeful that this surgery will remove any chance that it will return.

I sure hope all of this comes together and works out perfect for you two. All the best!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I sure hope all of this comes together and works out perfect for you two. All the best!

Thank you!

 

[nomifyle]

The shorts I like were available online at Walmart. I ordered several pairs of those and several lightweight polo shirts. Hard to be thinking about summer when it's -2 degrees, but I continue to be concerned about cotton shortages and clothing shortages (since they are imports).

Next up will be rechecking towels and summer blankets, but I think I'm OK there. I bought some last year around this time.

I loaded up on shorts many years ago when I found some that fit me well and come to my knees. My ex told me not to buy anymore, so I ordered 6 more pair. And I've never been sorry, he's gone and I have a nice supply of shorts.

God is good all the time

Judy

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I don't even own a pair of shorts. It's not that I won't wear them. It's that I like to wear sundresses during the summer when we go out. At home, I wear pool loungers. I got a good stock of each.

 

[nomifyle]

I don't even own a pair of shorts. It's not that I won't wear them. It's that I like to wear sundresses during the summer when we go out. At home, I wear pool loungers. I got a good stock of each.

I don't even own a dress or a skirt. I quit wearing them when I don't have to wear them or stockings for work, a long time ago. I don't have fond memories of wearing a dress, it would seem like a straight jacket to me. Everyone has their own kick going on and that's a good thing.

My 6 year old granddaughter told me the other night that she's a fashion girl and she loves to wear dresses and of course she looks adorable.

God is good all the time

Judy

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I don't even own a dress or a skirt. I quit wearing them when I don't have to wear them or stockings for work, a long time ago. I don't have fond memories of wearing a dress, it would seem like a straight jacket to me. Everyone has their own kick going on and that's a good thing.

My 6 year old granddaughter told me the other night that she's a fashion girl and she loves to wear dresses and of course she looks adorable.

God is good all the time

Judy

I guess I just like my more feminine side to show in the summer. A simple sundress thrown over my head with a pair of flip flops or sandals, hair in a ponytail, and I'm good to go.

I know several women who don't own any dresses. My DDIL is one of them.

 

[nomifyle]

I guess I just like my more feminine side to show in the summer. A simple sundress thrown over my head with a pair of flip flops or sandals, hair in a ponytail, and I'm good to go.

I know several women who don't own any dresses. My DDIL is one of them.

I'm over weight and your are not, that makes a difference in what works and what does not. I bet your are really cute in your pony tail and sun dress.

I don't really care whether I look feminine or not and the older I get the less I care. My avitar picture is not me at all but I do like to costume.

God is good all the time

Judy

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I'm over weight and your are not, that makes a difference in what works and what does not. I bet your are really cute in your pony tail and sun dress.

I don't really care whether I look feminine or not and the older I get the less I care. My avitar picture is not me at all but I do like to costume.

God is good all the time

Judy

No, not over weight, but am 61 yrs. old. At my age, I don't really care, either, what others think, but I do feel comfortable in them.

 

[nomifyle]

No, not over weight, but am 61 yrs. old. At my age, I don't really care, either, what others think, but I do feel comfortable in them.

Exactly, I need to be comfortable.

God is good all the time

Judy

 

[moldy]

So, a little tearful at the moment..... went to go get the chip in the windshield fixed. When I was there, I asked about the one of the owners that had had a burn about 2 years ago and got to see him. We chatted for a while (it's cold here and the windshield had to be warmed up) and he showed me scars and how he had healed up. When I got ready to pay and leave, he made a comment to one of the other guys that 'you don't often get to thank the people that saved your life', then would not allow me to pay. I tried to insist, but he wouldn't take anything. It humbles me to think someone thinks that highly of me, and that God deigns to sometimes use my hands to do His work. I am so grateful.

 

[summerthyme]

That's wonderful, Moldy. My Amish clients aren't very effusive with thanks, but occasionally, one will bring up a big "win" months or years after the fact. And so often, I come home with fresh baked bread or cookies, or maple syrup.

But since they know I'm moving, I've been told so many times, "we don't know what we'll do without you". It's nice to hear, but I do worry about it. It truly is nice to be appreciated.

Summerthyme

 

[Meemur]

I don't even own a pair of shorts. It's not that I won't wear them. It's that I like to wear sundresses during the summer when we go out. At home, I wear pool loungers. I got a good stock of each.

I'm hauling mulch and working in the garden once it warms up. I do wear sundresses to the store on occasion.

 

[hiwall]

I played a little with my home-made coal forge today. I used wood because I haven't found a local source for coal yet. Made this simple hanger for one of our bird feeders.

 

[Grounded Idealist]

Looky what I found at the thrift store today . . . for a dollar!

I had one years ago and it didn’t make my last long distance move (=my ex still has it). This one was printed in 1977.

 

[nomifyle]

That's wonderful, Moldy. My Amish clients aren't very effusive with thanks, but occasionally, one will bring up a big "win" months or years after the fact. And so often, I come home with fresh baked bread or cookies, or maple syrup.

But since they know I'm moving, I've been told so many times, "we don't know what we'll do without you". It's nice to hear, but I do worry about it. It truly is nice to be appreciated.

Summerthyme

Dear lady, you will find other people to bless, because that's who you are.

God is good all the time

Judy

 

[Meemur]

Reminder: if you need footwear, consider getting it soon. There has been an increase locally in spring stuff. I got email that two of the dress shoe styles that have been out for months were now back in. I bought one pair of them (plain black). I went back online in a few hours for the other pair (plain navy), and it was sold out!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Reminder: if you need footwear, consider getting it soon. There has been an increase locally in spring stuff. I got email that two of the dress shoe styles that have been out for months were now back in. I bought one pair of them (plain black). I went back online in a few hours for the other pair (plain navy), and it was sold out!

I finished my shoe shopping a few weeks ago with two new pair of Skechers. I'm good on spring and summer shoes for awhile longer. If I buy anymore, it'll be more flip flops.

I placed an order online at Sam's this morning, taking advantage of their plush, winter, pullover hoodies. They were on sale for $10/each. I got a light purple one and a blue one.

 

[philkar]

Might be the wrong place for this question just redirect me if it is...Anyone ever grown hard red wheat in the deep south for grinding? If so how did you harvest and process?

 

[hiwall]

Might be the wrong place for this question just redirect me if it is...Anyone ever grown hard red wheat in the deep south for grinding? If so how did you harvest and process?

There is this option.................................
Hard Red Wheat
Hard red wheat can be used as part of your home food storage or basic food supply. Can be used for breads, other baked goods, and more. Each case contains 6 number 10 cans and has an estimated shelf life of 30 years if stored in a cool, dry place.

$36.25


https://store.churchofjesuschrist.org/usa/en/food-storage-3074457345616678849-1/hard-red-wheat

 

[ReneeT]

Hi folks - so glad to see you all on this thread every week sharing your knowledge!

I need to ask someone to please start the thread this coming Sunday - it's another three day work weekend, and looking at the weather report, I may end up stuck at work or staying with a friend in my work town, and will only have my tablet with me. Thanks!

 

[philkar]

There is this option.................................
Hard Red Wheat
Hard red wheat can be used as part of your home food storage or basic food supply. Can be used for breads, other baked goods, and more. Each case contains 6 number 10 cans and has an estimated shelf life of 30 years if stored in a cool, dry place.

$36.25


https://store.churchofjesuschrist.org/usa/en/food-storage-3074457345616678849-1/hard-red-wheat

Have used this option. Wanting to be independent of that need! But Thank you!

 

[paxsim2]

We are expecting to have a lot of snow starting tonight with extremely low temps this okie isn't used to! So far I have almost everything for power outages except wood. I have enough for a couple of days but this will last a week. We'll do the best we can. I have lighting, cooking and some warmth taken care of.

But, we are more concerned about our small farm a bit outside of town. It's 120 years old but it has pex water lines and we keep the heat on. It's down the street from a small hospital so we're first to get fixed if the power goes out. Hard part will be getting out there everyday to check on things.

I've started a new Walmart list and have some things I need to order from other places. No more amazon if I can help it.

 

[moldy]

Renee....I'll start it Sunday when I get up, if no one else has. Please be careful and stay warm.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

We are expecting to have a lot of snow starting tonight with extremely low temps this okie isn't used to! So far I have almost everything for power outages except wood. I have enough for a couple of days but this will last a week. We'll do the best we can. I have lighting, cooking and some warmth taken care of.

But, we are more concerned about our small farm a bit outside of town. It's 120 years old but it has pex water lines and we keep the heat on. It's down the street from a small hospital so we're first to get fixed if the power goes out. Hard part will be getting out there everyday to check on things.

I've started a new Walmart list and have some things I need to order from other places. No more amazon if I can help it.

I'm glad you mentioned your Walmart list. I ordered from Sam's this morning, and absolutely forgot that I needed to order from Walmart, too. I'm all out of their dehydrated sweet bell pepper. I'm on my last jar! Gotta get that done.

 

[summerthyme]

Have used this option. Wanting to be independent of that need! But Thank you!

This may help... first, you need to find out if wheat will grow and produce grain in your area.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...FjANegQIGxAB&usg=AOvVaw1IvP61-kHb7CGGvMC2nlbt

[/URL]

Harvesting and winnowing is a plain PITA. There is no simple solution, and barring finding a fanning mill in good condition (or being able to fabricate one) you're going to have to fall back to a tarp, a large container and a breezy day.

If you ever grow and harvest a small patch of wheat by hand, it will give you a major appreciation for those pails of wheat!

Summerthyme

 

[philkar]

This may help... first, you need to find out if wheat will grow and produce grain in your area.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...FjANegQIGxAB&usg=AOvVaw1IvP61-kHb7CGGvMC2nlbt

[/URL]

Harvesting and winnowing is a plain PITA. There is no simple solution, and barring finding a fanning mill in good condition (or being able to fabricate one) you're going to have to fall back to a tarp, a large container and a breezy day.

If you ever grow and harvest a small patch of wheat by hand, it will give you a major appreciation for those pails of wheat!

Summerthyme

We grew corn for meal this past year and it was a challenge. We used old tools found on the family farm and experimented to get it right. Just a small patch of corn! But we are going to add to the flint corn patch and add some wheat in the fall but wanted first hand info about the process wondering if there was a way to simplify any of the steps. I think only soft wheat does well thus the food history of biscuits or cornbread at every meal. Love a challenge!

 

[summerthyme]

Corn actually is practical on a small scale. I'm not sure wheat is! I've grown both... the only truly successful wheat project was when I planted 1/2 acre of hard red winter wheat. We took care of it by hand- no pesticides- but we had an advantage... my Amish neighbors brought a team and binder and it took about a half hour to cut and bind it. Another couple hours to stand it all up in stooks.

Then we loaded it onto a wagon and hauled it to their thresher when they were threshing oats.

We ended up with about 450 pounds of delicious wheat.

I honestly think the easiest way to harvest a tiny patch is with sharp scissors and a pail... just snip the heads by hand into a pail.

Summerthyme

 

[philkar]

Thanks Summerthyme. I was thinking a small hand held scythe but scissors would do the job. We have space to do about a half acre of wheat. We will do about a half acre of corn and are planning on planting a new heirloom variety from the area. Unfortunately we don't have Amish neighbors but I am steady looking for the old timers that grew wheat for grinding and may know where old machinery is! Glad to hear your eye is on the mend. God is so faithful isn't He?!

 

[ivantherussian03]

Warm today.....34 but it feels great. Still 2 more month of winter, but I am not complainin, just enjoying the break in weather.

 

[nomifyle]

I thought I needed to go to walmart but then I couldn't remember what it was and that was a few days ago and I still can't remember what it was. So it must not be important.

With the freezing weather coming quickly, I have a whole chicken in the crockpot and the beginnings of beef vegetable soup on the stove. The crockpot will run off the generator and I have an electric hot plate I could finish the soup on if the electric goes out. And if worse came to worse I could haul the soup out to the summer kitchen on the propane powered stove.

God is good all the time

Judy

 

[briches]

I haven’t done too much prepping over the past couple of weeks but continue to enjoy reading and seeing what everyone has been up to.

I have been working hard to stick to a budget (and pushed myself even more than beforehand).
Hubby and I have been eating more from the pantry a bit and saving some money on groceries.

We decided not to celebrate V-Day. I truly believe it’s how you treat each other day in and day out, and shouldn’t be about one certain day.

Ice storm on the way here tomorrow. Wood stove is going. Water in the bathtub (we are on a well). I filled bird feeders to the top. We’re ready to stay put.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

We've just been issued a winter storm watch, until Tuesday noon. Possible of 1/2 inch of ice accumulation Sunday night through the day Monday. We may get an ice snow mix before then, starting tonight. We are prepped for power and water outages for an extended period, but I sure hope we don't have to. The last time I saw our forecast this evening, our temps were dipping down to 9* Monday night. We'll be having sub freezing temps all this weekend, and through next week during the daytime hours.

Instead of making meals in advance like I started to do, I went through the pantry and got out everything I needed to make soup or stew for the coming days. I can cook/simmer those on the wood stove if we lose power.

We have no plans to be out, until possibly Wednesday.

 

[nomifyle]

We've just been issued a winter storm watch, until Tuesday noon. Possible of 1/2 inch of ice accumulation Sunday night through the day Monday. We may get an ice snow mix before then, starting tonight. We are prepped for power and water outages for an extended period, but I sure hope we don't have to. The last time I saw our forecast this evening, our temps were dipping down to 9* Monday night. We'll be having sub freezing temps all this weekend, and through next week during the daytime hours.

Instead of making meals in advance like I started to do, I went through the pantry and got out everything I needed to make soup or stew for the coming days. I can cook/simmer those on the wood stove if we lose power.

We have no plans to be out, until possibly Wednesday.

Thanks for the reminder of cooking on the wood stove, I completely forgot about being able to do that. I'm leaving the vegetable beef soup on the electric stove over night on low, there is plenty of liquid so it should be fine

I've got one more small load of laundry to do, no biggie if it doesn't get done, then if the electric and the water keeps going then I can do that tomorrow.

DH is feeling under the weather, sore throat and generally feeling lousy. He has felt this way before, but we are always afraid it might be covid, although we have not been around any one lately. No fever, just general malaise.

God is good all the time

Judy

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Thanks for the reminder of cooking on the wood stove, I completely forgot about being able to do that. I'm leaving the vegetable beef soup on the electric stove over night on low, there is plenty of liquid so it should be fine

I've got one more small load of laundry to do, no biggie if it doesn't get done, then if the electric and the water keeps going then I can do that tomorrow.

DH is feeling under the weather, sore throat and generally feeling lousy. He has felt this way before, but we are always afraid it might be covid, although we have not been around any one lately. No fever, just general malaise.

God is good all the time

Judy

We got up this morning with ice all over our back deck, and it's still drizzling ice at 28*, feels like 19 with wind chill. High of 32* today. We have a fire going in both wood heater and stove. Nice and toasty in here.

I've got one more load of laundry to do today, too. Also, we forgot to get all of our emergency plastic bottles of water ( a small case for each vehicle) out of both vehicles. Cary is doing that now. Sure don't want them to freeze and burst. What a mess that would be!

Hope your DH feels better soon.

 

[briches]

Judy - hope your hubby is feeling better. Saying prayers for him!