Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: Jan 11-17, 2026

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anna43

Veteran Member
kyrsyan said:
One warning on all teeth pulled. Friend had that done. Within a year, the dentures no longer fit correctly due to his mouth shape shifting.
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That's why 6 months healing is required. Dentures put in immediately almost always end up not fitting.

University of Iowa Hospital is where people without funds have to go for care. Also, it is for special care not available elsewhere in the state. My late dh had surgery for prostate cancer there.
 
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Digger

Veteran Member
I forgot to mention a couple of things earlier.

The first is that the new Aldi store in Russellville is really nice. We bought the produce we needed there instead of going to Kroger. It all looked good except some oranges had a bad one or 2 in the bags, but we didn't buy oranges.

The other thing was kind of crazy. Last week while doing my job, we came out of one Wildlife Management Areas and there was a Walmart delivery box in the middle of the intersection. It was not there when we came through the intersection 20 minutes earlier. I was afraid someone had dumped a box of puppies or something, but it was a delivery just left in the road. Not at a house even. It was in the middle of the y intersection. We put it in the truck bed and found where it belonged pretty easily. It was maybe a mile to the house. Dropped it off and a neighbor came out to see what we were doing. I told him about where we found the package and how strange it being there. The people weren't home where it belonged. We met a Fedx truck not far from where the package was supposed to go. We wondered if he was the delivery person that put it out in the road. They are bad to leave packages at the wrong house, but this is a new one to me.

We have a visitation to go to this evening. One of our neighbors passed away. She was in her early eighties. We used to go to the same church for years. She taught Sunday school to lots of kids over the years. She was a very kind lady.

Winter may be here finally. It was 26* when I got up. It down to 23* now. It got in the 20s at least 2 hours sooner than the hourly forecast said and so far is 3 degrees colder than predicted. It's still dropping too.
 
SouthernBreeze

SouthernBreeze

TB Fanatic
We will be having winter again for the next 8 days, at least. 42 for high, today, and 23, tonight. It's supposed to drop down into the teens for a couple of nights. Light snow for Saturday night and early Sunday morning, but no accumulation is expected. Light rain starting tomorrow.

Just every day chores for us, today. Nothing special.
 
Meemur

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie
It's 22 and sunny here. I'm trying to get some tasks done this morning, and then I'll walk outside at lunch.

I stayed up far too late watching live steams of the crap going on in Minneapolis. It got me to thinking a little bit more about preps and how I'd handle civil unrest if it occurred nearby or (more likely) if I ran into it in Des Moines.

One thing that stood out to me: the advantages of being gray in public -- no political clothing or car bumper stickers -- no one knows what side you are on, so your chances of being able to leave the area quickly and safely are greatly increased.
 
SouthernBreeze

SouthernBreeze

TB Fanatic
Meemur said:
It's 22 and sunny here. I'm trying to get some tasks done this morning, and then I'll walk outside at lunch.

I stayed up far too late watching live steams of the crap going on in Minneapolis. It got me to thinking a little bit more about preps and how I'd handle civil unrest if it occurred nearby or (more likely) if I ran into it in Des Moines.

One thing that stood out to me: the advantages of being gray in public -- no political clothing or car bumper stickers -- no one knows what side you are on, so your chances of being able to leave the area quickly and safely are greatly increased.
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We stayed up late last night, too, watching to see if there was going to be any developments in Iran. Got up late this morning. I've got several chores to do, today. Laundry, freezer meal cooking, and bread baking.

I know we're good on food for a long time. It's other prep items that we need to go through to see if we need to add more, or replace some of the older items. All of our water pails are getting sorta rusty, along with our 2 large washtubs. We use those daily during the summer, and they could use replacing, or, at least, new ones put in storage. More twine, glue, tape of all kinds, etc.

We always stay "gray" when we go out in public. Absolutely nothing that might draw undue attention to ourselves. Even nothing that speaks of wealth, either. I gave up wearing jewelry in public. Nothing but tiny earrings and a small gold wedding band. Never speak of politics, unless someone else brings it up, and we can tell they are like-minded.

The world is becoming more and more dangerous by the day. Can never be too prepared with what we can do. For the rest, we leave in God's capable hands.
 
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anna43

Veteran Member
I do gray without trying. I am old, I am gray, my coat is 20 years old, I drive a 19-year-old dirty vehicle!

It is currently 27º/feels like 7º with 18 mph winds with snow showers expected. I'm going to put out my trash can shortly before snow starts. I've gone three weeks without putting it out and it's FULL.

I keep getting mail for my son who has not lived here since 1979. I keep sending them back to the post office and I've asked them not to deliver, but it never stops. I suspect that he uses this address when he's attempting to avoid stuff although I did get something for Social Security a while back. I don't throw anything away, it all goes back to the PO.
 
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prudentwatcher

Veteran Member
Getting ready for a short trip next week and getting over some type of crud from the last couple of weeks.

Went to Sams this week. Very short list, but I noticed some things. The 4 pack of butter was under $11--used to be $14 something. Some beef prices were down a little bit, roasts and some lean hamburger. My freezers are full, so I didn't look too much.

THe Publix ad this week had some much lower prices on beef than normal. Publix is usually very expensive on their meats, but this week they were what I would consider "competitive", including Ribeyes for $10.99 a lb. So there are a few deals out there, you just have to get lucky to find them.

Put in a big order for cat food and treats today. Little stinkers eat well.

I think I'm going to put myself on a YouTube ban at night as the bad news is starting to get to me a bit. It is all so hyped and I'm stressing (especially since I am travelling to Europe next week), so I'm just going to take a break. Looking back at old YouTube videos, you can see that the same thing has been done before with every possible crisis. The world hasn't ended yet, and hopefully it won't end in the five days I am gone :)
 
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moldy

Has No Life - Lives on TB
@prudentwatcher = have a wonderful time! HBO treatments are going much better; I am just struggling with the forced inactivity. I can't always nap, most TV shows are so dumb, and I can't take anything in the tube with me - not even my glasses. Whine, whine. At least insurance is covering the treatments.

I feel like I am missing so much time, although in reality I get home about the time I would get home from work. It's going to make for a really full weekend.
 
Meemur

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie
prudentwatcher said:
Looking back at old YouTube videos, you can see that the same thing has been done before with every possible crisis. The world hasn't ended yet, and hopefully it won't end in the five days I am gone :)
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I think you'll be just fine! Depending on where you are going, check with the locals about what specific areas to avoid. For example, I'm hearing from relatives that not all of Paris is a danger zone, just certain neighborhoods. Things have calmed a lot now that it's past Christmas and a lot colder.

My other recommendation: make sure you're aware of any new baggage size restrictions and if you will be in the UK, you'll need an ETA before they will even let you board the plane. I'm sure you know all that. I just can't believe how many rules there are in 2026! There's so much crap that can trip up a traveler these days.

Praying for a smooth and safe trip!
 
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anna43

Veteran Member
Oh goodie, goodie, we're under a winter weather advisory again. Pretty much the same as last time, 1 inch of snow but 45 mph winds which equals whiteout conditions. Advisory runs until 9:00 pm on Friday. It means I'll need to get up at stupid o'clock to bring in my garbage can before it blows away. It's too heavy to go anywhere tonight even if it tips over.

So thankful for my pantry and knowing I do not need to go out when these storms blow through.

I was very cold so checked the thermostat which told me battery was low and the temp had defaulted to cold. I had a heck of a time getting the batteries out and new ones in but finally succeeded using a screwdriver to pry them out and then the handle to push the second one back into place. Non-working thumbs make easy projects difficult. I leave the covers off the battery compartments of remotes as I cannot remove them myself. Always finding work arounds.

I stopped watching news reports several years ago because they are mostly propaganda or scare scenarios to get people to stay focused on the news. I sleep better. I read the main page of the forum to keep up with what's happening. I'm pretty sure if the world comes to an end someone will post about it there. Beyond the end happening, I don't see the need to be emersed in news about stuff I cannot change. As far as traveling, I would go to the primary sources as to where/what to avoid for safety not the very unreliable media.
 
SouthernBreeze

SouthernBreeze

TB Fanatic
When it comes to news reports, it's come down to propaganda, scare tactics, misinformation, or AI generated. After all the hubbub over in Iran, I'm not believing anything anymore, even if it comes from Trump's own mouth. I'm done with the news. It's family first from now on. We will either survive, or we won't. God's plan, not man's, anyway.
 
nomifyle

nomifyle

TB Fanatic
I check the headlines on Citizens Free Press for news updates, can't stand the tv. As for Iran and any other hot spot, what will be will be, I pray for them. I guess my health issue has caused my disinterest in looking at it all day long.

We went over to friends the other night and i got sick and passed out. I hope that doesn't keep them from inviting us again. It just come on me all of a sudden. I'm fine now.
 
SouthernBreeze

SouthernBreeze

TB Fanatic
WanderLore said:
I haven't watched TV in years not missing anything
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Yep. Trying to find something fit to watch on tv is almost an effort in futility now days. We usually watch old DVD's or binge watch older tv series. Our tv is turned on about 3 hours each night for that purpose. That's the only time it's on. Cary also likes to watch his soccer teams play, too, when they are available.
 
Meemur

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie
Yes, the weather is frightful, but I'm safely at home and don't need to go anywhere for the next couple of days, although I'll probably do some fitness walking at a nearby venue indoors at some point.

I've decided not to try to rent any fitness equipment. It's already the middle of January. I'll be walking mainly indoors for the next 8 weeks or so but then the weather will start to get better. I will set up my fitness chair and exercise mat in the living room and store them against the wall when not in use. It's not the best look, but it'll be fine for two - three months. When I see them, it reminds me to use them.
 
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moldy

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Having a no-good, rotten day. Well, I take that back. It can always be worse! Day started with getting the estimate from the second (implant) dentist. About $15K if we have to pay all of it out of pocket, and there is a good chance of that. Insurance will cover the extractions, but may or may not cover the implants.

Found I have lost more weight (although not as much as I had initially feared).

Driving to therapy was a nightmare with 60 mph winds and toppled semis. Driving back, I was diverted and had to go the long way, adding about 15 miles, during which my 'check engine' light came on. Dh is unhappy about the state of a couple of rooms (and he is right), so I should address that. But before I can, I need to work on some things (per DH request and due to time) for tax prep and make a decision on insurance. I don't think this weekend is going to be particularly relaxing.
 
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anna43

Veteran Member
Currently 10º/feels like -21º and the wind is still howling. Advisory is to expire at 9:00 p.m. We've not gotten any snow to count but what has arrived came at a 90-degree angle.

I'm still current on both physical therapy and Bible reading. I haven't accomplished anything worthwhile all week and next weekend is our family Christmas so lots of catching up to do next week and I have appointments which I must keep and two Bible studies which I may end up skipping.

I woke up before 5 a.m. and lay awake for a couple hours before falling back asleep, then shortly after 8:00 I got a scam phone call. I wasn't awake enough at first to figure out what she was saying and told her it was a scam and hung up. She kept saying they had my medical records from Medicare. I wish I'd been awake enough to tell her if she had my medical records, she was in violation of the law, but I wasn't.
 
Meemur

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie
I let those go to voicemail, Anna. I've stopped answering the phone during my quiet hours.

I also don't answer numbers I don't recognize. Criminals can record your voice and then spoof it with AI and use that for scamming relatives.

Unfortunately, criminals can also spoof numbers, so it pays to have code words to verify friends and family. Yeah, I know that sounds really paranoid, but guarding one's funds is important these days. If anyone I cared about asked me for money, I would call them back to confirm.

And that's why I hate cell phones and AI!
 
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anna43

Veteran Member
Meemur said:
I let those go to voicemail, Anna. I've stopped answering the phone during my quiet hours.

I also don't answer numbers I don't recognize. Criminals can record your voice and then spoof it with AI and use that for scamming relatives.

Unfortunately, criminals can also spoof numbers, so it pays to have code words to verify friends and family. Yeah, I know that sounds really paranoid, but guarding one's funds is important these days. If anyone I cared about asked me for money, I would call them back to confirm.

And that's why I hate cell phones and AI!
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If anyone asks me for money, they are totally out of luck! No way would I pay anything from a call. I would tell them to mail me a bill with details about when/what/why they think I owe it. I have a friend that usually calls about that time and didn't have on my glasses so could not read the number. Reminder to self -- do not answer the phone until your brain is awake.

When I was working, I prepared bankruptcies and once clients paid their retainer they were told to refer all creditors to our office. You can imagine how that went. My answers were brief, yes, Mr. Joe Blow has retained us. When will the bankruptcy be filled -- when its ready. We are going to sue -- fine, please send copy of papers to our office. On one occasion two men were on a call and kept calling our client who kept referring them to me over and over for a whole afternoon. They refused to check their records that the bankruptcy was filed and when I'd had enough, I asked if they had an attorney. They asked are you threatening us -- I said no, just advising you that you will need an attorney if you persist in violating the bankruptcy stay -- Bankruptcy Judge really does not like that. For some reason they suddenly decided to stop calling.
 
nomifyle

nomifyle

TB Fanatic
All my dogs lived well into old age and never ever gave them shots and that was before I became so anti vax. If you won’t take one yourself then why give that poison to your beloved pet, just because a vet recommends it doesn’t make it good for them, the vets make money from giving them
 
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WanderLore

Veteran Member
Morning all. Coffee.
Shot was the second librela to see if it helped with arthritis.
Son took him to vet to get opinion. $500 later. He's very old, failing systems, prognosis not good. He got some fluids, pain/nausea med. (He isn't in any pain but was nauseous).
He's resting comfortably on sons bed. We'd like him to pass peacefully at home, which he will.
He's over 16. Long healthy happy life on the farm. Born here. Never sick. Never a problem. Precious sweet boy.
He got a full set of labs and x-rays also .
 
SouthernBreeze

SouthernBreeze

TB Fanatic
5 quarts of taco soup made and 4 of those are in the canner. I saved one quart to cook for supper, tonight. Once the canner is done, I've got 6 lbs of bacon to cook out for the freezer. Lots of chopping has been going on, LOL. I'm taking a coffee break.

ps. Meant to add that Cary fixed up our taxes this morning. We hope to not have to pay any this year, but it came within $18 of us having to pay, so far. Cary still hasn't received his 1099 for his pension, yet. Fingers crossed.
 
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kyrsyan

kyrsyan

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Long week. My brain hurts. I really hate sales tax. And I'm not fond of not receiving accurate sales tax data for new clients.

I didn't get much cleaning done this week. Adjustment to supplements is causing some issues that are taking a bit to settle out. Add the work week and I just didn't have any extra bandwidth this week.

I am currently working on picking up that slack. A little at a time. And hopefully will have made a good dent by Monday.

Purchase of this house is on temporary hold since I don't have a contract in hand, and certain people are delaying. I'm too tired to take other steps immediately but if I don't have that actual contract by end of month, I will. And they have stopped arguing price now. Or they are no longer trying to pull me into the middle of the argument. And they have told me that they are moving on getting a contract written. So we'll see.

Had a crazy brainstorm the other day about getting a hoop house to fit over the raised beds, in their current position. Hoops would be permanent. Plastic would be seasonal. That would extend my growing season by a lot. And let me grow all but the most tender vegetables almost year round. I will test it after the whole house situation gets settled. I may decide to go with a carport style framework instead of full hoop, so I have more flexibility for the openings at the ends.

Yes, it would put it about 6' from the road. But not a permanent structure so the town can't object to it any more than it can object to the raised beds.
 
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moldy

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I feel ya, @kyrsyan . It's been a rough week. Not feeling great, but i think a lot of it is the wind. There's a lot of pressure In need my head.

Middle DD just texted that she is going to urgent care. She thinks she has food poisoning. Luckily Dsil has a long weekend and can care for the baby.
 
Meemur

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie
It's cold here: 11 degrees actual with something like -12 chill factors (depending on the wind). I'm not going out there until tomorrow, when I'll walk around and check the furnace vents for ice. There's probably 3/4 of an inch of snow, with flurries off and on.

I've got vegetable soup simmering on the stove, and I'll bake a meat loaf a little later.

I did some chair exercises and marched in place. I got in extra steps earlier this week, so I don't have to go anywhere today, like go walk at the mall. I may do that Monday.
 
SouthernBreeze

SouthernBreeze

TB Fanatic
I've got my canning done, and the 6 lbs. of bacon cooked and back in the freezer. I also did a load of laundry, dried, folded, and put away. I'm tired. Taco soup is on the stove simmering for supper. I'll make cornbread to go with it.

No home fellowship tomorrow, so I'm planning to have another bread baking day. I've used a lot out of one freezer, so I have room for several more loaves of bread. I like to have several loaves in there in case I have to go for a bit where I can't make it fresh. I wrap it good, before it goes in the freezer. I've never had any to taste stale when thawed. It doesn't stay in the freezer long, anyway, the way Cary eats it. I've got to order more bread flour, plus the vital wheat gluten, too. That will be done, Wednesday, our next shopping day.
 
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