Prep Genrl Weekly prep thread - Jan 3-10
- Thread starter briches
- Start date
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Last night I put into storage 2 more large heavy plastic jugs of egg noodle pasta that I got at Dollar General when I went shopping. That gives me a grand total of 40 jugs. I'm also working on macaroni and spaghetti noodles. I don't quite have 40 each of those yet. I'll continue to add pasta to storage as I find them on sale or as I empty a jug.
Ya'll have a blessed week!
Ya'll have a blessed week!
Starting the annual decluttering. Have a bunch of clothes and stuff already to take to charity. Hah! Try finding one open that is accepting donations of anything other than cash. Be that as it may it is what it is so ... decluttering we will go. House needs it badly since eldest son moved out a couple of months ago and youngest son took his room and I turned youngest son's room into my space. And trust me, if that sounds like a Chinese fire drill to you it was and is an ongoing one.
Tomorrow is going to be "one of those days." Take son to go get the sutures removed (hopefully). Start the monthly business deposits. Start new files for the year. Close out 2020's files. Both of which require a stop at the office supply store. Aldi grocery run assuming I can get today's cleaning and organizing complete. And all of the regular hoo-ha at the same time.
I do know that one of our evictions was signed off on last week. Woman is a drunk. Tore up some stuff in the rental unit and called code enforcement trying to say "it just happened" as a way of getting out of being evicted and saying we don't repair stuff but one of her kids spilt the beans and said her mom did it while drunk. Will be so glad to see the backside of these people even if it means losing 2+ months of rent from that unit. There is no working with a drunk, they'd rather drink up all their money than pay their responsibilities.
Tomorrow is going to be "one of those days." Take son to go get the sutures removed (hopefully). Start the monthly business deposits. Start new files for the year. Close out 2020's files. Both of which require a stop at the office supply store. Aldi grocery run assuming I can get today's cleaning and organizing complete. And all of the regular hoo-ha at the same time.
I do know that one of our evictions was signed off on last week. Woman is a drunk. Tore up some stuff in the rental unit and called code enforcement trying to say "it just happened" as a way of getting out of being evicted and saying we don't repair stuff but one of her kids spilt the beans and said her mom did it while drunk. Will be so glad to see the backside of these people even if it means losing 2+ months of rent from that unit. There is no working with a drunk, they'd rather drink up all their money than pay their responsibilities.
20Gauge
TB Fanatic
So far I have been experimenting with lemon juice to make jelly (correct term?).
I am on batch 3 and have two more to do.
Batches 1 and 2 taste fine, but are a little loose for what I want.
Batch 3 is cooling so I have no idea, but I added more pectin than called for to see the results.
None of the batches are liquid, but rather are a bit loose so they will work fine.
I now have a 10 year supply of lemon jelly......lol
We also discovered that we need a lot more sugar if we are to do these things. We have 15 pounds, but that did not last.
Just bought 25 more and plan on getting another 75 pounds. I never realized how much sugar went into these things.
Always good to learn new things.
I am on batch 3 and have two more to do.
Batches 1 and 2 taste fine, but are a little loose for what I want.
Batch 3 is cooling so I have no idea, but I added more pectin than called for to see the results.
None of the batches are liquid, but rather are a bit loose so they will work fine.
I now have a 10 year supply of lemon jelly......lol
We also discovered that we need a lot more sugar if we are to do these things. We have 15 pounds, but that did not last.
Just bought 25 more and plan on getting another 75 pounds. I never realized how much sugar went into these things.
Always good to learn new things.
ivantherussian03
Veteran Member
Cold here!
cleaned another carpet. One more carpet to go.
Then we taught our 8 yr old to make calzone. We baked 15 them, and froze them. I took the pictures for documentation, to scrapbook. Frozen meals are the best, save time, money, and probably healthier, as we control the ingredient. Also made hamburger buns. Started preparing chili for slow cooker in the morning, then making freezer portions.
I made list of things to do in big city: drivers license being the biggest. It is more of task getting the documents In order for the Smart ID. Not sure how it is “smart” as the process seems similar.Then I organized my tax documents thus far. Probably another half dozen items of major importance, but can’t mention here.
the day is already 30 to 45 minutes longer!
cleaned another carpet. One more carpet to go.
Then we taught our 8 yr old to make calzone. We baked 15 them, and froze them. I took the pictures for documentation, to scrapbook. Frozen meals are the best, save time, money, and probably healthier, as we control the ingredient. Also made hamburger buns. Started preparing chili for slow cooker in the morning, then making freezer portions.
I made list of things to do in big city: drivers license being the biggest. It is more of task getting the documents In order for the Smart ID. Not sure how it is “smart” as the process seems similar.Then I organized my tax documents thus far. Probably another half dozen items of major importance, but can’t mention here.
the day is already 30 to 45 minutes longer!
Last edited:
I make a fun jelly from soda pop. There is a rocket fizz store at a local mall. I pick up some of the unusual ones to make soda pop jelly with once or twice a year. One of my favorite is lemon meringue jelly. Great flavor. I also make plain lemon jelly. This is one of the recipes that I've tried that came out decent. Haven't seen liquid pectin in the stores in a while. I'm lucky to find sure-jell.
Lemon Jelly | Better Homes & Gardens (bhg.com)
prudentwatcher
Veteran Member
Stopped by Publix to pick up a few BOGOS--Smuckers strawberry preserves, Progresso chicken noodle soup (4), manwich, chicken marinade--and also got some more matches, tea bags, some bread and peanut butter. We are stuffed full here, so not much room to store anything.
Also topped off the car. They are predicting cold nights again later this week (north Florida) but all the firewood seems to be sold out from everywhere again. I did get another bag the other day, and have plenty of the premade logs, but I like real wood. We don't store much of it because we don't burn it often and termites can be a real problem. I do have a number of branches I need to cut up that would make good wood--halfway between kindling and logs.
Also topped off the car. They are predicting cold nights again later this week (north Florida) but all the firewood seems to be sold out from everywhere again. I did get another bag the other day, and have plenty of the premade logs, but I like real wood. We don't store much of it because we don't burn it often and termites can be a real problem. I do have a number of branches I need to cut up that would make good wood--halfway between kindling and logs.
Illini Warrior
Illini Warrior
I don't think the charity home pick-up trucks are operating but they are emptying the charity boxes - pretty sure the charity stores are open also for shopping ....
I cleaned out some kitchen cabinets. I was going to put the pickling lime on the garden because I don't use it for pickles. Then I saw a story on water glassing eggs. I will keep the lime just in case I need to use it for that. I am very worried about our future if Biden gets into office.
I started tax paperwork. I really don't like that part of being self employed.
Tomorrow we are filling our empty diesel barrel and our couple of 5 gallon cans. We have one other barrel full.
4 people we know have died from Covid. A lot more have had it and recovered. Many were not terribly sick, others were in the hospital for a bit. So far, we are healthy. I am pretty sure hubby had it in July, but I never got sick.
I started tax paperwork. I really don't like that part of being self employed.
Tomorrow we are filling our empty diesel barrel and our couple of 5 gallon cans. We have one other barrel full.
4 people we know have died from Covid. A lot more have had it and recovered. Many were not terribly sick, others were in the hospital for a bit. So far, we are healthy. I am pretty sure hubby had it in July, but I never got sick.
Illini Warrior
Illini Warrior
talked to a fellow "old fart" yesterday in the Menards chek-out line >>> noticed he had a selection of veggie seed packs - he's getting ready a couple of months early for bedding plant starts >>> wouldn't be the worst investment to buy 5 months early for the main garden event - might not be a problem there or it could be the best prep move around .....
20Gauge
TB Fanatic
One of the issues we have here in SE GA is that many of the things that grow well in winter are only available in the spring. Rather a bit of a pain, but that is how people think around here.
For example, you need to plant trees in the fall or early winter. When are they available? Only in the late spring time frame when it is 100+ degrees for days on end and no rain.
For example, you need to plant trees in the fall or early winter. When are they available? Only in the late spring time frame when it is 100+ degrees for days on end and no rain.
20Gauge
TB Fanatic
Wife and I did some reorganizing with the extra stuff to get ready for the 100 day shut down.
Note: the chip area has been filled since the picture has been taken.
The empty shelf is for future canning.
We are now at about 9 months food stored up.
I didn't realize until I moved things around that we have 6 cases of meat in pint jars put up. We never had much meat before.
Note: the chip area has been filled since the picture has been taken.
The empty shelf is for future canning.
We are now at about 9 months food stored up.
I didn't realize until I moved things around that we have 6 cases of meat in pint jars put up. We never had much meat before.
Attachments
I can't tell... do you leave your rings on your canned goods?
I see several cases of canned jars stacked. If you leave the rings on, you're safe enough doing that (but in even slightly damp environments, the rings will rust)
But if you don't, you can lose seals over time due to pressure on the lids. At least put a sheet of Masonic or 1/4" plywood between the cases, to eliminate uneven pressure on individual jars.
I designed shelf towers that *just* fit a single case of jars on each shelf. They're modular, so we can add on to the storage area by building another "tower", and bolting it to the rest. They hold 11 cases of pints or 8 of quarts.
We're actually moving these shelf units and setting them up in the shipping containers we're using for storage. Because they are "free standing", we didn't have to leave them with the house.
Summerthyme
I see several cases of canned jars stacked. If you leave the rings on, you're safe enough doing that (but in even slightly damp environments, the rings will rust)
But if you don't, you can lose seals over time due to pressure on the lids. At least put a sheet of Masonic or 1/4" plywood between the cases, to eliminate uneven pressure on individual jars.
I designed shelf towers that *just* fit a single case of jars on each shelf. They're modular, so we can add on to the storage area by building another "tower", and bolting it to the rest. They hold 11 cases of pints or 8 of quarts.
We're actually moving these shelf units and setting them up in the shipping containers we're using for storage. Because they are "free standing", we didn't have to leave them with the house.
Summerthyme
20Gauge
TB Fanatic
Yes all rings are left on. Also the area is kept at a 70 - 72 degree temp with a fan circulating the air 24/7.
I have begun to add extra shelves to allow for better stacking. So far I have only used them for the can dispensers. Plans are to expand that later.
John Deere Girl
Veteran Member
If you want to add fruit or nut trees, try Stark's Nursery. We've had really good results using them.
WanderLore
Veteran Member
Got the house cleaned and SIL and boys put together a storage system, the 2nd one is missing parts so got a note into seller and ebay. Do not like ordering online.
Got the lesson plan done up for my little hike group. Confessed that I am almost 21 years clean and sober, so I drink coffee and smoke. See if anyone leaves the group.
Working on redoing sons room for his birthday tomorrow. 1 grandson just had a birthday.
Bought plans for a little gambrel shed to cabin for daughter. We are discussing if we can build it, as will be much cheaper than buying one.
Car repairs done. Coal in. Enough food if rationed may be close to a year on most things.
Chickens are laying, can't figure that out, but I'll take em.
Daughters closing should be next week, and there is one more small load to get. Very happy we will all be when thats done. Very grateful to have them all here.
Awana is tonight. I'm a teacher for K-3rd grade. Its a riot, lots of fun and sharing the gospel and fellowship.
I just don't know what else to do to prep. Always something to get done. I'm prepped for spring garden too. Would like to get a few more fruit trees, but as Gauge 20 says, they only sell in the spring.
Best to all of you, the next few weeks/months are going to be interesting is all I can say.
Got the lesson plan done up for my little hike group. Confessed that I am almost 21 years clean and sober, so I drink coffee and smoke. See if anyone leaves the group.
Working on redoing sons room for his birthday tomorrow. 1 grandson just had a birthday.
Bought plans for a little gambrel shed to cabin for daughter. We are discussing if we can build it, as will be much cheaper than buying one.
Car repairs done. Coal in. Enough food if rationed may be close to a year on most things.
Chickens are laying, can't figure that out, but I'll take em.
Daughters closing should be next week, and there is one more small load to get. Very happy we will all be when thats done. Very grateful to have them all here.
Awana is tonight. I'm a teacher for K-3rd grade. Its a riot, lots of fun and sharing the gospel and fellowship.
I just don't know what else to do to prep. Always something to get done. I'm prepped for spring garden too. Would like to get a few more fruit trees, but as Gauge 20 says, they only sell in the spring.
Best to all of you, the next few weeks/months are going to be interesting is all I can say.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
Right now I just can't even wrap my mind around garden planning. I have a good supply of seeds, but we just don't seem to do that well in our gardening. I planted a ton of onion bulbs and garlic back in October and not much (compared to what we planted) has come up.
God is good all the time
Judy
God is good all the time
Judy
prudentwatcher
Veteran Member
Stopped by Aldi's today and picked up a few goodies to restock some things we had used. Got some nice pork steaks for the freezer. The 2lb bags of pinto beans were cheap, so I picked up a few. They were out of paper plates and paper towels.
Also stopped by the gas station and picked up another 2 bags of firewood. Supposed to be cold here in north Florida over the weekend. Get to use the fireplace
Kind of a rare thing around here.
Also stopped by the gas station and picked up another 2 bags of firewood. Supposed to be cold here in north Florida over the weekend. Get to use the fireplace
Kind of a rare thing around here.
20Gauge
TB Fanatic
We canned another 4 pints of lemon jelly. We have not solved the setting issue, but it still tastes good and works well. Thus it is a no biggie in the long run.
Today we are going to try and make cat food. We bought some fish (not china) and chicken and chicken organs. We plan on canning enough to feed them for about 2 weeks. Overall the cost would be less than buying cat food and better for them also.
Today we are going to try and make cat food. We bought some fish (not china) and chicken and chicken organs. We plan on canning enough to feed them for about 2 weeks. Overall the cost would be less than buying cat food and better for them also.
You are adding taurine to your homemade cat food, right?
Summerthyme
Summerthyme
20Gauge
TB Fanatic
Nope. We should but they don't eat it 100% so we don't bother.
In all, they are outdoor cats that eat wild things when they can and cat food inside when they laze around.
From what I read, taurine is in the chicken / fish and other meats we feed them. We do not feed them anything but 100% protein in their "homemade" cat food.
Am I missing something?
Nope, not missing anything as long as they hunt as well. I always mention it because so many people don't understand the necessity for their health.
Summerthyme
Summerthyme
We got our fuel barrel and cans filled. We went by Farm Credit to get a new record book for this year. We asked about interest rates. They were down 1% from last year. So we paid the free to refinance. It will save us a little over $100 a month on our payment and a lot on interest over the years. Yay!
Our new kitchen chairs will be arriving by Freight tomorrow. We arranged for them to be delivered to the feed store we use. While there we will get more dog food. Then we are going to the hardware store for something hubby wants. I am picking up some pint jars if they have any. I might get some 1/2 gallon too if they have them.
Going through and cleaning is my focus for the rest of the week and that blasted tax paperwork
Our new kitchen chairs will be arriving by Freight tomorrow. We arranged for them to be delivered to the feed store we use. While there we will get more dog food. Then we are going to the hardware store for something hubby wants. I am picking up some pint jars if they have any. I might get some 1/2 gallon too if they have them.
Going through and cleaning is my focus for the rest of the week and that blasted tax paperwork
Cag3db1rd
Paranoid Pagan
Found regular lids and plastic lids of both sizes. Added another flat each of corn and green beans, 8 more cans each of chicken and tuna, plus pouches of each to put in BOB. Added another pkg of tea lights for the terracotta heater and another jug of lamp oil. Went through my BOB, and made sure I have only what I need and no extra weight. Went through the box of papers that had amassed on my desk, and threw out stuff that didn't need shredding. Decluttering is a good prep, too.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
We had our doctors appointments at the VA in Shreveport today. My anxiety was over blown, absolutely no issues, but its prudent to be cautious. Filled our gas cans, the new ones have some kind of filter in them and they are a bitch to fill, but got it done. DH got the lumber he wanted, he's good to go for awhile, still waiting on the new saw blades for his saw mill, been two weeks. I also stopped in a smaller Kroger to pick up a few things. They had progresso soups on sale for 99 cents each, I got a variety of ten and some salad stuff. So now I just have to get the propane filled and we are set for a good long while. I've gone over all the lists and there is nothing I can think of that we use that we need or might need.
And I had a nice long talk with my youngest son, almost an hour. He's very stressed. Now if his brother would get his head out of his behind and call me. However, I just greatful for contact with my baby boy. I continue to be blessed.
God is good all the time
Judy
And I had a nice long talk with my youngest son, almost an hour. He's very stressed. Now if his brother would get his head out of his behind and call me. However, I just greatful for contact with my baby boy. I continue to be blessed.
God is good all the time
Judy
aviax2
Veteran Member
DH and I have been busy with the grandkids this week trying to get back into the swing of things after our very brief Christmas break. I haven’t gotten anything done prep wise and I feel like my feet are just made of lead. So disappointed and disgusted with how everything is going in the country. I’ve got to try and shake it off and get busy and do what I can while I can.
20Gauge
TB Fanatic
20Gauge
TB Fanatic
Did the cat food round 1 last night. Had a total of 28 jars (small 4 oz) of fish. Two types. White fish and Talapia.
Results: Cost per can was $0.51 per. That is cheaper than the $0.75 to $0.99 per can for cat food of any decent quality.
Better Result: The cats went nuts for it. They just loved it.
We now can rotate up to 25% of their food with homemade food.
Results: Cost per can was $0.51 per. That is cheaper than the $0.75 to $0.99 per can for cat food of any decent quality.
Better Result: The cats went nuts for it. They just loved it.
We now can rotate up to 25% of their food with homemade food.
The only problem is thry may get so spoiled on the homemade stuff, they won't eat the commercial food!
I can't say we've ever seen cats thst picky, but I've heard enough stories! And they sure do love the home canned food!
Summerthyme
I can't say we've ever seen cats thst picky, but I've heard enough stories! And they sure do love the home canned food!
Summerthyme
20Gauge
TB Fanatic
True that is a worry as they are spoiled already. LOL