Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: Jan 18-24, 2026

[20Gauge]

We had a check valve break on our well. I tried to pull it apart but the pipes were 20 year old cast iron and beyond what I could do.

So we had the people who installed it come out.

I must say they probably get a lot of these as they were able to unscrew what looked to be rust covered welded cast iron, but then were able to install a new check valve, all without pulling the pump from the well.

Fantastic job.

They also took the time to tell us to buy a new pressure tank as theirs was way too expensive......


side note:

Why the heck are pressure tanks only rated for 5 years when they are to be on a well for at lest 40 years???
Also why the heck are they so expensive if they only last 5 years?

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I'm glad we have community water, but I wish we could afford to have a backup well bored. We have a great water catchment system set up, but it wouldn't work too well during some of the severe droughts we have here almost every summer if we had only that to depend on. We have a small spring fed pond near by.

 

[Wildwood]

When this ice storm danger has passed, I'm going to can some without salt...sooner if I get all my ducks in a row. I'm in the process of purging and have really made some headway lately so I want to keep going while I have that momentum. Later this week, I'll be busy cooking but if I catch a break, I might just throw a few jars in the canner.

Because of the flu, I haven't bought serious groceries in about four weeks. I've just sent after the bare necessities when the kids go to town. I have to go do a big haul myself, check my booth in town and go to the bank. I could be a serious hermit without much effort. The longer I stay at home, the more I dread going to town or anywhere for that matter. Home is my happy place, especially the garden.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

When this ice storm danger has passed, I'm going to can some without salt...sooner if I get all my ducks in a row. I'm in the process of purging and have really made some headway lately so I want to keep going while I have that momentum. Later this week, I'll be busy cooking but if I catch a break, I might just throw a few jars in the canner.

Because of the flu, I haven't bought serious groceries in about four weeks. I've just sent after the bare necessities when the kids go to town. I have to go do a big haul myself, check my booth in town and go to the bank. I could be a serious hermit without much effort. The longer I stay at home, the more I dread going to town or anywhere for that matter. Home is my happy place, especially the garden.

Cary and I both have to watch our salt intake. If I use salt when canning, and then have to resalt when I cook them, that's too much salt for us. I just lightly salt them when I cook them.

Tomorrow is our regular twice a month shopping day. We could wait, until later in the week, but it's getting colder by the day, and I don't want to wait for the crowd rush to set in. If it wasn't for needing more eggs and fresh produce, we wouldn't even have to go. I've been thinking of switching from fresh produce to the frozen bag version on things that I can buy frozen like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, Brussel sprouts, etc. They sure would keep longer than buying fresh.

 

[Meemur]

I have to watch my salt intake, as well. I can have a bit more in the summer when I'm sweating all day. I start craving potato chips when my sodium is low.

WanderLore, I'm sorry that everything has frozen! I hope that you can get it thawed out today. Yes, I hope you can make other arrangements for next winter.

It's warmed up a bit here -- 17 degrees, no wind -- the outside vents are mostly clear. I had a tiny bit of ice on the furnace vent, which was easily cleared and not a danger.

I'm eating chicken soup and half of a grilled cheese sandwich (last of my cheese) and then I'm going run my car a bit and go somewhere to get in some of my steps, probably Menard's and Home Depot. I'm still looking for a non-ugly 5' x 7' area rug for my home office. I'm finding affordable rugs, but they've either been for children (train tracks and castles) or really ugly. I just want a solid blue or solid gray berber.

 

[Wildwood]

Cary and I both have to watch our salt intake. If I use salt when canning, and then have to resalt when I cook them, that's too much salt for us. I just lightly salt them when I cook them.

Tomorrow is our regular twice a month shopping day. We could wait, until later in the week, but it's getting colder by the day, and I don't want to wait for the crowd rush to set in. If it wasn't for needing more eggs and fresh produce, we wouldn't even have to go. I've been thinking of switching from fresh produce to the frozen bag version on things that I can buy frozen like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, Brussel sprouts, etc. They sure would keep longer than buying fresh.

I would be going today but DH is having to give someone a ride this week and he's been using my vehicle. His is so full of tools that I couldn't get a serious amount of groceries in it, much less my tubs of stock for my booth so I'm kind of stuck. Both of our other old vehicles need minor repair...we ordered the parts last night. Since they are rarely used and we are so busy, it's easy to procrastinate. We also ordered a diesel heater just in case.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I would be going today but DH is having to give someone a ride this week and he's been using my vehicle. His is so full of tools that I couldn't get a serious amount of groceries in it, much less my tubs of stock for my booth so I'm kind of stuck. Both of our other old vehicles need minor repair...we ordered the parts last night. Since they are rarely used and we are so busy, it's easy to procrastinate. We also ordered a diesel heater just in case.

We get paid twice a month. We just got in the habit of shopping on those days. Tomorrow is payday. Cary's pension check on the first, and our SS checks the 3rd Wednesday in each month. We always plan our shopping days on or around those days. I have my shopping list ready.

 

[hd5574]

Wildwood...we get a lot of canned Goya beans here...but we also get lots of packages of Goya dried beans..you're correct..they are better..
You might check Amazon for Goya beans...I think they carry them..

 

[anna43]

I've checked a couple more items off my to do list for our Christmas next Saturday. Slowly, slowly. I had to shovel snow from the weekend off my sidewalk and front steps which set me back on accomplishing my list. Had to get in the recliner for an hour to rest my back.

If my car starts, I want to run errands before my 3:00 haircut appointment. I need to go to post office, bank, library and then haircut. If it doesn't, I'll have to call for a jump start and hope he can do so before my appointment. Think positive, it will start, it will start.

My leftovers are good for one more meal then I'll have to cook again. Maybe I'll cook tonight and then have leftovers the rest of the week. I have three days dirty dishes piled that have to be done sometime before I go to bed tonight. I refuse to wake up to dirty dishes another morning.

I'm always a month ahead on spending so my last month's SS is what I'm living on this month, and this month's will be for next month. That takes a lot of pressure off budgeting process. It also means I can shop anytime without waiting for this month's check. I started that before I retired and it has been a blessing.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I've checked a couple more items off my to do list for our Christmas next Saturday. Slowly, slowly. I had to shovel snow from the weekend off my sidewalk and front steps which set me back on accomplishing my list. Had to get in the recliner for an hour to rest my back.

If my car starts, I want to run errands before my 3:00 haircut appointment. I need to go to post office, bank, library and then haircut. If it doesn't, I'll have to call for a jump start and hope he can do so before my appointment. Think positive, it will start, it will start.

My leftovers are good for one more meal then I'll have to cook again. Maybe I'll cook tonight and then have leftovers the rest of the week. I have three days dirty dishes piled that have to be done sometime before I go to bed tonight. I refuse to wake up to dirty dishes another morning.

I'm always a month ahead on spending so my last month's SS is what I'm living on this month, and this month's will be for next month. That takes a lot of pressure off budgeting process. It also means I can shop anytime without waiting for this month's check. I started that before I retired and it has been a blessing.

I cooked a big batch of chicken spaghetti last night. We'll have that for leftovers, tonight. There was enough left in the batch for another 2 meals that I put in the freezer. I love cooking in large batches and either canning it, or putting it in the freezer as freezer meals to have later in the month. I do believe it saves on electricity doing it this way.

We always have enough money in our checking account to buy groceries whenever we want to. You never know when an emergency will come up, and we have to buy groceries other than when we get paid. That's also why I keep a fully stocked pantry and freezers.

Cary is as busy as a bee getting everything set up in the house for this weekend in the event we lose power and water.

 

[Meemur]

Fingers crossed that you car starts, Anna!

Fingers also crossed that you don't lose power or water, SB.

 

[herbgarden]

I live in Missouri. And I grow my own dried beans.
Thank you all for the many suggestions on beans and food help. We are good on food. I was just looking for more ways to save money since the decrease in my social security.
You all are so caring and kind. May God bless each one of you in extraordinary ways.

 

[philkar]

Back to beans! Maybe use insta pot to cook beans? I haven’t noticed a problem with cooking old beans and mine are years old. Like SB I do keep 2 canner loads canned for each type of bean we eat. I keep baked beans and chili beans canned up too.
My silly chickens and about 30 of them are laying for the first time are finally laying. I guess they are finally of laying age and I have the light right…maybe!
We too are anticipating the bad weather. Praying we get just snow and no ice.
Picked the last ponderosa lemon that was ripe! Weird isn’t it!
Hope your tomorrow is peaceful and calm.

 

[Wildwood]

Back to beans! Maybe use insta pot to cook beans? I haven’t noticed a problem with cooking old beans and mine are years old. Like SB I do keep 2 canner loads canned for each type of bean we eat. I keep baked beans and chili beans canned up too.
My silly chickens and about 30 of them are laying for the first time are finally laying. I guess they are finally of laying age and I have the light right…maybe!
We too are anticipating the bad weather. Praying we get just snow and no ice.
Picked the last ponderosa lemon that was ripe! Weird isn’t it!
Hope your tomorrow is peaceful and calm

Unfortunately you can't can in an instapot and that's what we've been talking about. As far as just cooking a pot of dried beans, there's nothing better than just letting them cook slow and easy...that does sound good. I'm making a huge pot of chili on Thursday or Friday and I'll get my pinto beans fix then.

Wildwood...we get a lot of canned Goya beans here...but we also get lots of packages of Goya dried beans..you're correct..they are better..
You might check Amazon for Goya beans...I think they carry them..

I had no idea they sold dried beans so I went to check them out on Amazon...$7.50 for one pound. I've run into that before with dried beans on Amazon but not the Goya brand. I'm sure I can find them somewhere at a reasonable price. Thanks for the heads up. I'd be real curious if they use the same exact pinto for the dried as they do for the canned.

Their canned pintos are some of the prettiest canned beans I've ever seen. The color, texture and taste is exactly like I've simmered a pot of beans on the stove until they hit perfection. They aren't overcooked or mushy but they aren't undercooked and hard like some commercially canned ones are.

 

[moldy]

I have a lot of old beans that I have been experimenting with. We live at over 4000 feet, and I just could not get them to cook soft, even pressure cooking them. For New Years, I soaked black eyed peas overnight, then drained (not totally, but mostly) and froze them. My thought was that the water inside the beans would help break the cell walls and make them softer. They cooked up beautifully. I need to can some more, but just haven't had the time.

This morning was .... rough and peopley. I told DH, "I'd like to call EG (ebay guy) and tell him I'd like to work for him full-time. But that would mean no insurance and unreliable hours." I didn't call him, but it was tempting. I'll take cleaning a house with a dead skunk in the basement over some of the people I dealt with today!

This afternoon was better. DH has a good line on cheaper and better insurance, I think we have figured out part of the tax issues, and I finally got my intermittent leave approved. And therapy wasn't bad. The doctor was concerned about a nodule in my lung until I told him it had been there for probably 10 years without changing. I will get a copy of my last CT for him though, just so he feels covered. A few Ebay items have sold and it's a quiet night at home.

 

[Wildwood]

I have a lot of old beans that I have been experimenting with. We live at over 4000 feet, and I just could not get them to cook soft, even pressure cooking them. For New Years, I soaked black eyed peas overnight, then drained (not totally, but mostly) and froze them. My thought was that the water inside the beans would help break the cell walls and make them softer. They cooked up beautifully. I need to can some more, but just haven't had the time.

This morning was .... rough and peopley. I told DH, "I'd like to call EG (ebay guy) and tell him I'd like to work for him full-time. But that would mean no insurance and unreliable hours." I didn't call him, but it was tempting. I'll take cleaning a house with a dead skunk in the basement over some of the people I dealt with today!

This afternoon was better. DH has a good line on cheaper and better insurance, I think we have figured out part of the tax issues, and I finally got my intermittent leave approved. And therapy wasn't bad. The doctor was concerned about a nodule in my lung until I told him it had been there for probably 10 years without changing. I will get a copy of my last CT for him though, just so he feels covered. A few Ebay items have sold and it's a quiet night at home.

I'm sorry you've had a rough day...people can be so mean. People like that are one reason DH and I left the rat race at a young age. We don't have the security we would have had if we'd stayed. It's a hard spot to be in and hard decision to make. If I'd known then what I know now, I would have probably toughed it out. Prayers that people get kinder.

 

[patriotgal]

DH is making a groc run tomorrow in case we get nasty weather.

I tried to check our kw use on the elec company website but usage page won't load and gives error messages. Called them and got numbers. Not good. Getting propane filled tomorrow. Will have to leave fireplace running 24/7 if we hit single digits this weekend.

My top client is out of Florida so everyone I talk to thinks I am in Florida waiting for iguanas to start falling out of trees, lol.

 

[philkar]

Unfortunately you can't can in an instapot and that's what we've been talking about. As far as just cooking a pot of dried beans, there's nothing better than just letting them cook slow and easy...that does sound good. I'm making a huge pot of chili on Thursday or Friday and I'll get my pinto beans fix then.

I had no idea they sold dried beans so I went to check them out on Amazon...$7.50 for one pound of dried beans. I've run into that before with dried beans on Amazon but not the Goya brand. I'm sure I can find them somewhere at a reasonable price. Thanks for the heads up. I'd be real curious if they use the same exact pinto for the dried as they do for the canned.

Their canned pintos are some of the prettiest canned beans I've ever seen. The color, texture and taste is exactly like I've simmered a pot of beans on the stove until they hit perfection. They aren't overcooked or mushy but they aren't undercooked and hard like some commercially canned ones are.

Wildwood I was referring to cooking beans when they are older and are slow to soften. Just a suggestion to cooking them not proposing that you would can with an insta pot. But I agree! A pot of beans on the stove cooking slow is always a delight!

 

[philkar]

I have a lot of old beans that I have been experimenting with. We live at over 4000 feet, and I just could not get them to cook soft, even pressure cooking them. For New Years, I soaked black eyed peas overnight, then drained (not totally, but mostly) and froze them. My thought was that the water inside the beans would help break the cell walls and make them softer. They cooked up beautifully. I need to can some more, but just haven't had the time.

This morning was .... rough and peopley. I told DH, "I'd like to call EG (ebay guy) and tell him I'd like to work for him full-time. But that would mean no insurance and unreliable hours." I didn't call him, but it was tempting. I'll take cleaning a house with a dead skunk in the basement over some of the people I dealt with today!

This afternoon was better. DH has a good line on cheaper and better insurance, I think we have figured out part of the tax issues, and I finally got my intermittent leave approved. And therapy wasn't bad. The doctor was concerned about a nodule in my lung until I told him it had been there for probably 10 years without changing. I will get a copy of my last CT for him though, just so he feels covered. A few Ebay items have sold and it's a quiet night at home.

Moldy I am on a self imposed people break! When people are talking to me and my only thought is how can I get away from you I need a time out! So I get you and people! Believe tomorrow will be better for you!

 

[anna43]

My car started on first try and I let it run about 15 minutes before going uptown. I shut it off at the library and it started first time again. I turned it off for bank and haircut (one time they are next to each other) and it was slow starting afterwards. I was going to drive around a while to charge the battery, but it was snowing like crazy so I just came home. I'll try to remember to back it out of the garage and let it run for 30 minutes tomorrow or the next day.

Thursday is mobile food pantry, and the list came out today. It is good if it is accurate.

Pork Tenderloin
Great Northern Beans
Avocados
Apples
Eggs
Vegetable Oil
Rotini Pasta
Tomato Sauce
Peanut Butter
Masa Harina Corn Flour
Whole Kernal Corn
Grape Fruit Spread
Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce
1% Milk
Cheesy Tuna Skillet Mealkit
Mixed Vegetables
Pecans
Canned Chickpeas
Onions
Honey Nut Cheerios

I can't eat the beans, vegetable (soy) oil, chickpeas and don't care for the meal kit. Last time the list had onions, and we did not get any so hopefully this time we do. I still have some frozen onions from the time we got a large bag of them. I've learned to freeze them before they go bad. I don't care for 1% milk but will either use it or pass it on to the guy that picks up the box for me. The meal kits are too salty for my taste. I bought a tortilla press a while back and with the Masa flour, I'm going to try making some tortillas as soon as I can remember where I put the press! So glad to see pork tenderloin on the list instead of the usual frozen chicken hind quarters. Sometimes the loins are quite large and other times tiny, either way I'll enjoy a change from chicken and ground beef.

I heard the weather may turn bad for the weekend. I hope it doesn't, so we are able to have our Christmas. My sidewalk is covered in snow, so I'll need to sweep it off in the morning. I'm so done with winter but know very well the worst is likely yet to come. Thankfully, my pantry allows me to hibernate.

 

[WanderLore]

Praise the Lord and Scot who always watches out for us! Faucets are all running!
Friday Saturday Sunday very very bad here. I will keep the water running.
We are stocked on everything I think. My son has to go to work today but just noon to 7:00. We may have to get another bale of hay. I'll see you when I go out this morning. Cuz I don't want to have to be doing it and the bitter cold. Supposed to be really really bad this weekend.
Everybody please be safe no matter where you're at I think it's hitting the whole US

 

[nomifyle]

A couple of cold winters ago dh built boxes around all the out side faucets to keep them from freezing, he’s an old farm boy from Illinois. Works well

 

[WanderLore]

Water lines are in basement. Outside hydrant where horses are is separate and is fine. Old house.
I did seal it all up down there but the high winds and brutal cold we just had, plus I forgot to drip the faucets, is what did it.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Depending on which weather forecast we look at, our forecast just keeps getting worse. We are already under a Winter Weather Advisory, until Sunday night. 3/4 inch of ice expected during the day, Saturday, plus more Saturday night and Sunday. We could wind up with over an inch of ice by Sunday night. That's not counting the snow. 14-17 inches. Like I said, it depends on which weather forecast we go by. If all of that comes true, we will be crippled with nothing moving, structures will be damaged and roads closed. No power, more than likely, too.

Lots of traffic out on this old country road this morning. I was hoping to beat the crowd by shopping, today. It seems that folks are taking this weather threat seriously, and not waiting until the last minute to gather supplies they might need. I think that's why there is so much traffic out, already.

Cary added a few items to my shopping list. 2 more cases of bottled water, batteries, and more bird seed.

Update from earlier. We have now been issued a Winter Storm Watch through Sunday 6pm.

 

[Meemur]

Anna, you might want to consider getting a battery maintainer/trickle charger if your car is going to sit for several weeks in the winter. Walmart has them, and they aren't that expensive. Prolonged cold and weak charges can decrease the life of batteries, as I sadly found out during the pandemic.

In any case, it's a balmy 25 degrees here with snow coming in later, maybe. There's new reporters on the TV news from Phoenix and points south. They are totally freaking out about the 0 degrees / -35 chill factors for Friday. It is serious but not unusual for Central Iowa. I imagine that they haven't bought any "big coats," yet. That's a joke: we wear our "big coats" when it's that cold.

I've got to go do paying work in a bit. I'm also trying to get some blue tooth ear buds that I borrowed to work with my Kobo (eReader) so I can hear audio books borrowed online from the library. So far, it's not working. I'll try a different set of instructions. Yes, I know -- it's meant to be done on a phone. My phone can't handle the apps to play audio books.

Added: Kudos to Google AI! I had it create some instructions, and I got the headphones to sync. Awesome! I want to be able to take it on the road with me. This refurbished Kobo is much cheaper than most eReaders, so if someone steals it, I'm not out mega bucks. I'll pay my friend a few bucks for the headphones since I got them to work.

 

[nomifyle]

Saw my oncologist yesterday, I gained a little weight, which he said is very good. People with cancer don't gain weight. My appetite has definitely come back. I still refused any further treatment, he scheduled another pet scan for two months out, I think this will be the last one for awhile, per me.

For the most part I feel normal, just still unsteady on my feet. Trying to eat healthy. God is in charge.

Stay warm.

 

[Meemur]

Weight gain is excellent in this case! Congrats!

 

[connie]

We are on western edge of front but still have possibility of snow and ice. Family in DFW area have dire predictions of 1-3 inches of ice plus snow. Hope Texas can keep the power on. Stay safe everyone.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Well, my hopes of beating the rush didn't happen. It was mass chaos at Walmart and everywhere else in town. In all my years, I have never seen such a crowd at Walmart. We had to park almost out at the highway to get a space. It was raining, too. By the time we got to the front door, we were soaked. 46 degrees. There was no milk, bread, eggs, chips, sandwich meat of any kind, and other stock up stuff in the store. We were lucky to get 2 cases of bottled water, and it was low. Only a few cases of any brand of water left. I was able to get everything on my list, except eggs. I've only got 2 dozen in the fridge. I try to keep 4. If I run out, I can go back after the storm is over and everything thaws out.

I have everything put away, and Cary is thinking of going out to the woodshed and bringing lots of firewood up to stack on the porch. I don't want him sliding down with an arm load of firewood when things get icy. He can do that, tomorrow.

I'm tired, and having been around too many people has caused my nerves to be on edge. Glad to be back home for the duration. Nice and quiet.

 

[WanderLore]

Lord Sheree.
Yes have him bring up as much wood as he thinks you will need and then double that.
I found two small pipe leaks in the basement. One is on the spicket that turns the house water on. So everything is shut off. That is the horses water too but there is a pressure tank full out there I will use that and then I can turn on the water just long enough to fill that. So they can get water.
I have a plumber coming out late this afternoon or in the morning to look and see if they can fix it I think they can at least one of them easily. The other one is under the boards I don't know about that one

 

[Wildwood]

Wildwood I was referring to cooking beans when they are older and are slow to soften. Just a suggestion to cooking them not proposing that you would can with an insta pot. But I agree! A pot of beans on the stove cooking slow is always a delight!

I'm so sorry...I started not to respond but I was afraid you'd try canning them in an instapot. My comprehension isn't as sharp as it use to be.

 

[anna43]

Just to keep life interesting I'm under not one but three weather warnings (not watches). One high wind steady at 35/45 with gusts to 60 mph until 11 p.m. tonight. Second extreme cold Thurs. thru Sat. with -35º windchills. Third ground blizzard till 11 p.m. tonight. I was across the street to senior complex for Bible Study and while I was there, we had a brief heavy snow and the winds picked up. I struggled walking back across the street but managed to stay on my feet.

I have a trickle charger -- however, my hands/fingers cannot unlatch the hood of the car. If I think of it, I might have my grandson put it on when he's here Saturday -- if the weather permits them to come. Lots of simple things I know how to do that I can no longer manage.

I didn't sleep much last night and am not up to much today. I took a quick nap just before time to go to Bible study and was deep asleep when the alarm went off. I was tempted to stay home but am very glad I went because we're at the beginning of a new study and I think it's going to be very interesting.

Pray everyone stays safe from the weather. I know I'm very thankful for having a deep pantry and a generator to see me through whatever weather heads my way.

 

[Wildwood]

Well, my hopes of beating the rush didn't happen. It was mass chaos at Walmart and everywhere else in town. In all my years, I have never seen such a crowd at Walmart. We had to park almost out at the highway to get a space. It was raining, too. By the time we got to the front door, we were soaked. 46 degrees. There was no milk, bread, eggs, chips, sandwich meat of any kind, and other stock up stuff in the store. We were lucky to get 2 cases of bottled water, and it was low. Only a few cases of any brand of water left. I was able to get everything on my list, except eggs. I've only got 2 dozen in the fridge. I try to keep 4. If I run out, I can go back after the storm is over and everything thaws out.

I have everything put away, and Cary is thinking of going out to the woodshed and bringing lots of firewood up to stack on the porch. I don't want him sliding down with an arm load of firewood when things get icy. He can do that, tomorrow.

I'm tired, and having been around too many people has caused my nerves to be on edge. Glad to be back home for the duration. Nice and quiet.

I got back from our WM about an hour ago and it looked like Christmas Eve out there...it was wild but they were constantly stocking and I got pretty much everything on my list...there were employees running everywhere to keep things topped off and customers taken care of. My cart was overflowing but it was all big bulky stuff and I only got the bare minimum that I needed because I hate to handle that many groceries without DH. As I started running out of room in my cart, I started mentally deleting things that weren't essential from my list. Still, the basket was rounded over. DH usually gets a basket too when we go and he starts picking up the nonfood items and he gets his list knocked out quicker than mine so he comes and finds me and takes a few things from my cart to give me more room.

We rarely keep bottled water because I swear I can taste the plastic. DH will occasionally throw a case in his vehicle in case he doesn't have enough to get him through the day. We love the water that comes out of our Berkey so that saves a little money. I use distilled water with my business so if the Berkey runs low before we can get enough through it, I borrow a gallon.

Some poor guy grabbing a gallon of milk while I was getting mine dropped it in the process of putting it in his cart and it exploded all around us. Thankfully there was a guy filling an online order right beside him and he kept the masses from walking through it. He was getting an expensive brand I'd never even noticed before and as he grabbed it, he pointed out to anyone around him that it was the good stuff and then it hit the floor before he even finished his sentence.

I was terrified of germs after having that dad gum flu but I didn't see a single person with a sniffle until I got ready to check out. Just as the poor checker was scanning my last few items, she told me they made her come to work with the flu...OMG!!! Upon closer inspection I could see lots of makeup and all the signs. I had one disinfectant wipe in my vehicle and I hit my face with it first and then my hands.

I'm glad to be home. We may make one more trip to get the things I left out and for DH to pick up some last minute things like gas, etc. They are talking like we might be in the dead center of it in our area and it could shut things down for a long time if we get all the ice they are now predicting and our snow totals go up every time I look at the weather. We started out in the snow zone but that ice zone keeps creeping north. I haven't seen them hype a storm like this in at least a decade.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I got back from our WM about an hour ago and it looked like Christmas Eve out there...it was wild but they were constantly stocking and I got pretty much everything on my list...there were employees running everywhere to keep things topped off and customers taken care of. My cart was overflowing but it was all big bulky stuff and I only got the bare minimum that I needed because I hate to handle that many groceries without DH. As I started running out of room in my cart, I started mentally deleting things that weren't essential from my list. Still, the basket was rounded over. DH usually gets a basket too when we go and he starts picking up the nonfood items and he gets his list knocked out quicker than mine so he comes and finds me and takes a few things from my cart to give me more room.

We rarely keep bottled water because I swear I can taste the plastic. DH will occasionally throw a case in his vehicle in case he doesn't have enough to get him through the day. We love the water that comes out of our Berkey so that saves a little money. I use distilled water with my business so if the Berkey runs low before we can get enough through it, I borrow a gallon.

Some poor guy grabbing a gallon of milk while I was getting mine dropped it in the process of putting it in his cart and it exploded all around us. Thankfully there was a guy filling an online order right beside him and he kept the masses from walking through it. He was getting an expensive brand I'd never even noticed before and as he grabbed it, he pointed out to anyone around him that it was the good stuff and then it hit the floor before he even finished his sentence.

I was terrified of germs after having that dad gum flu but I didn't see a single person with a sniffle until I got ready to check out. Just as the poor checker was scanning my last few items, she told me they made her come to work with the flu...OMG!!! Upon closer inspection I could see lots of makeup and all the signs. I had one disinfectant wipe in my vehicle and I hit my face with it first and then my hands.

I'm glad to be home. We may make one more trip to get the things I left out and for DH to pick up some last minute things like gas, etc. They are talking like we might be in the dead center of it in our area and it could shut things down for a long time if we get all the ice they are now predicting and our snow totals go up every time I look at the weather. We started out in the snow zone but that ice zone keeps creeping north. I haven't seen them hype a storm like this in at least a decade.

Our forecast keeps changing, so I have no idea how bad it will get here.

Yes, Walmart was crazy, today. No one seemed to be in panic mode. There was a seriousness to everyone, though. Lots of folks on their phones. I guess they were calling back home letting someone know that Walmart was out of what they wanted. Shopping for us this morning was worse than any Christmas Eve shopping I've ever encountered.

 

[etdeb]

I got back from our WM about an hour ago and it looked like Christmas Eve out there...it was wild but they were constantly stocking and I got pretty much everything on my list...there were employees running everywhere to keep things topped off and customers taken care of. My cart was overflowing but it was all big bulky stuff and I only got the bare minimum that I needed because I hate to handle that many groceries without DH. As I started running out of room in my cart, I started mentally deleting things that weren't essential from my list. Still, the basket was rounded over. DH usually gets a basket too when we go and he starts picking up the nonfood items and he gets his list knocked out quicker than mine so he comes and finds me and takes a few things from my cart to give me more room.

We rarely keep bottled water because I swear I can taste the plastic. DH will occasionally throw a case in his vehicle in case he doesn't have enough to get him through the day. We love the water that comes out of our Berkey so that saves a little money. I use distilled water with my business so if the Berkey runs low before we can get enough through it, I borrow a gallon.

Some poor guy grabbing a gallon of milk while I was getting mine dropped it in the process of putting it in his cart and it exploded all around us. Thankfully there was a guy filling an online order right beside him and he kept the masses from walking through it. He was getting an expensive brand I'd never even noticed before and as he grabbed it, he pointed out to anyone around him that it was the good stuff and then it hit the floor before he even finished his sentence.

I was terrified of germs after having that dad gum flu but I didn't see a single person with a sniffle until I got ready to check out. Just as the poor checker was scanning my last few items, she told me they made her come to work with the flu...OMG!!! Upon closer inspection I could see lots of makeup and all the signs. I had one disinfectant wipe in my vehicle and I hit my face with it first and then my hands.

I'm glad to be home. We may make one more trip to get the things I left out and for DH to pick up some last minute things like gas, etc. They are talking like we might be in the dead center of it in our area and it could shut things down for a long time if we get all the ice they are now predicting and our snow totals go up every time I look at the weather. We started out in the snow zone but that ice zone keeps creeping north. I haven't seen them hype a storm like this in at least a decade.

You should keep iodine nasal spray and use faithly.
I started using in 2019 and no flu or colds. I work around truck drivers that drag stuff in all the time.

 

[anna43]

Oh, goodie, goodie, we're now up to three weather warnings plus two winter advisories.

 

[moldy]

Glad to see people stocking up. Prayers for everyone in its path.

 

[WanderLore]

One leak is in the sub floor. Know more tomorrow.

 

[connie]

Per family Costco in Ft W out of water bread and other items.

 

[Meemur]

I'll admit it: I stopped at Fareway on the way home. I did a full shopping several days ago, but I got some morale items: fresh oranges, a small block of cheddar cheese, Wasa bread (the cracker-bread), and bag of yellow popcorn (local farm).

It was just starting to get crowded when I got in line.

I have water, but I filled up several more containers, and I've got a small load of laundry going. I'll take a full shower tonight and a sink bath tomorrow. The dishes are done, and I also have paper plates and bowls, if needed.

My concern is the main water lines, which sometimes leak or break when it gets extremely cold but I think I'm ready for that.

I'll also have to keep an eye on the vents, but so far -- knock on wood! -- there hasn't been major ice build-up.