Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: January 1~7, 2023

[nomifyle]

My PCP appointment went well, my blood pressure was okay, at least she didn't have to take it more than once to get a decent number. My PT appointment went well also. I did get the stand up walker, its very nice and its a great way to carry my too heavy purse. I don't see how I could use it at the grocery store though. I honestly don't have to have it but I wanted to get one while they are offering them. They are great outside. My leg strength was better than at the last visit. I'm blessed.

We went to a large walmart while in town, I was surprised at how low or nonexistant their stock was. I was looking for 15 gallon totes with locking lids, I could only find three. And they only had two cases of quart canning jars, I got both of them. I also bought 6 show box size totes with locking lids. I think the locking lids will prevent sneeky little bugs from getting in the cracks.

I still have a list that I've been putting together, but decided to only get the jars, totes and a few other things. I did replace the two cans of diced potatoes, DH said why and I said I want to keep a certain amount on hand, so I'm only replacing what I used, poor dear sweet fellow just doesn't quite get it.

all in all I'm feeling so much better, still a residual cough, but that always happens. Its amazing how the pineapple juice does disolve the mucus in the back of the throat.

I placed an order of three things last thursday, supposed to be delivered tomorrow. The didn't ship it until this morning so now supposed to get her on Monday. And I've got another order that has gotten lost in transit, which will never get here.

 

[aviax2]

Cream cheese here is $4.00 last time we went. I was shocked!

Yes, he decided since the store had them on sale for $1.99 a block if you bought 5 or more of certain sale items, (Philadelphia brand) which is not much more than what we spent on the store brands from ALDI and Walmart, he’d stock up some more. I don’t think he realized how much we already had LOL, even though I discussed it with him a few days ago. One of his favorite desserts uses cream cheese. When I’m using it to cook with, I’m not brand loyal but when I use it for baking/desserts I do prefer Philly.

 

[John Deere Girl]

I think that prayers are the only thing keeping me going right now. My spirit is good, my attitude is good, my body is being difficult.

I'm praying for you!

 

[nomifyle]

I'm praying for you!

me too

 

[hd5574]

me too

Me too...

 

[JasmineAndLace]

Yes, he decided since the store had them on sale for $1.99 a block if you bought 5 or more of certain sale items, (Philadelphia brand) which is not much more than what we spent on the store brands from ALDI and Walmart, he’d stock up some more. I don’t think he realized how much we already had LOL, even though I discussed it with him a few days ago. One of his favorite desserts uses cream cheese. When I’m using it to cook with, I’m not brand loyal but when I use it for baking/desserts I do prefer Philly.

Do you freeze your extra cream cheese or just refrigerate it? I have read that it can be frozen but I've never tried.

 

[moldy]

Freezing cream cheese changes the texture a lot. I would just keep it in the refrigerator as long as I could.

 

[ioujc]

As most of you know, I tend to be very "hermit like" however last night I went to a new friend's house and visited for a couple of hours. We talked and talked and talked and TALKED!! He is AMAZINGLY like me!! He tends to be "hermit like" also. We found many commonalities......he is also a prepper, as well his brother and sister-in-law, who live up the road from me.

 

[ioujc]

As most of you know, I tend to be very "hermit like" however last night I went to a new friend's house and visited for a couple of hours. We talked and talked and talked and TALKED!! He is AMAZINGLY like me!! He tends to be "hermit like" also. We found many commonalities......he is also a prepper, as well his brother and sister-in-law, who live up the road from me.

Well, that was odd....my screen froze and wouldn't let me do anything but post my unfinished note ....

Taking up where I left off...

In fact, his brother sold me 5 hens that are 8 months old for $5 dollars each!!! They are beautiful hens.....there is a Barred Rock, a Speckled Sussex, a RIR, looks like a leghorn, and a Bieledfelder!!!
Considering that pullets that age are selling for OVER $100 at all the hatchery web sites I feel like a criminal!! I offered to pay him more, and told about prices on the internet, but he said, "No, I told you $5 dollars, so that is what it will be." THAT is RARE .....a man of his word!! They are beautiful birds ... .big, fat girls ....will get a picture of them later today and let you see the newest members of my family!!

I just ordered 50 unsexed Barred Rock chicks, but put delivery off until mid April.....that should make it fairly nice weather and they should fare much better. Hoping I will get a good rooster out of those 50....... actually with that many hens, I could use up to about 5 roos!!

I am going to order my onion sets from Dixondale Farms, that Summertime turned me onto several years ago......they are the BEST!! Last Spring I ended up giving away onions, because I had 250 or so that got about baseball size......and then we got that HORRID HEAT and they were basically COOKING in the ground!! They would have gotten even bigger, but they were dying and going to seed from the heat. They were lovely onions......hope I get a better crop this year!! I gave about a hundred away to neighbors.....there were FAR TOO MANY for just me, but I LOVE growing onions.....I suppose because I didn't really know how until ST gave me a bunch of info!!

I really like my new friend, but unfortunately he is 19 years YOUNGER than I am!! Oh well, those days are pretty much over when you hit SEVENTY like I did in December!!! I hope, however, that we can be good friends, considering the events that appear likely to happen this coming year.....or years, which ever that may be!!

I found that visiting him and his family lifted my attitude a bit, as the GREY and COLD days have been unpleasant lately. And, we are due for another cold spell for the next few days!!

Praying for ALL if my friends on here, who I have never met, but LOVE like sisters.....especially those who are needing healing!! And MOLDY......I lift you up every day, at least once. Take care all, and continue to prep for the days that are coming!!

 

[philkar]

Well, that was odd....my screen froze and wouldn't let me do anything but post my unfinished note ....

Taking up where I left off...

In fact, his brother sold me 5 hens that are 8 months old for $5 dollars each!!! They are beautiful hens.....there is a Barred Rock, a Speckled Sussex, a RIR, looks like a leghorn, and a Bieledfelder!!!
Considering that pullets that age are selling for OVER $100 at all the hatchery web sites I feel like a criminal!! I offered to pay him more, and told about prices on the internet, but he said, "No, I told you $5 dollars, so that is what it will be." THAT is RARE .....a man of his word!! They are beautiful birds ... .big, fat girls ....will get a picture of them later today and let you see the newest members of my family!!

I just ordered 50 unsexed Barred Rock chicks, but put delivery off until mid April.....that should make it fairly nice weather and they should fare much better. Hoping I will get a good rooster out of those 50....... actually with that many hens, I could use up to about 5 roos!!

I am going to order my onion sets from Dixondale Farms, that Summertime turned me into several years ago......they are the BEST!! Last Spring I ended up giving away onions, because I had 250 or so that got about baseball size......and then we got that HORRID HEAT and they were basically COOKING in the ground!! They would have gotten even bigger, but they were dying and going to seed from the heat. They were lovely onions......hope I get a better crop this year!! I gave about a hundred away to neighbors.....there were FAR TOO MANY for just me, but I LOVE growing onions.....I suppose because I didn't really know how until ST gave me a bunch of info!!

I really like my new friend, but unfortunately he is 19 years YOUNGER than I am!! Oh well, those days are pretty much over when you hit SEVENTY like I did in December!!! I hope, however, that we can be good friends, considering the events that appear likely to happen this coming year.....or years, which ever that may be!!

I found that visiting him and his family lifted my attitude a bit, as the GREY and COLD days have been unpleasant lately. And, we are due for another cold spell for the next few days!!

Praying for ALL if my friends on here, who I have never met, but LOVE like sisters.....especially those who are needing healing!! And MOLDY......I lift you up every day, at least once. Take care all, and continue to prep for the days that are coming!!!

You may get all the roos you need plus more from that straight run of barred rocks! My ladies that were hatched in July just started laying the week before Christmas! I sold my previous flock when we sold our farm so started all over again. I have barred rocks, ISA's and marans. So glad to have chickens again. We watch them like a TV show in the evenings! I too order onions from Dixondales. They were beautiful but I planted in late October and they are growing like crazy despite the cold. We did cover them with straw when it was so cold. I feel like I finally have mastered onions and have moved on to improving my carrot growing skills. I harvested 2 bushels in Nov but havent gotten the hang of sowing them without having to thin like crazy.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I got up this morning feeling more rested and refreshed. Maybe, I'll get everything done today that I had planned to do yesterday. I've got today and tomorrow to get my house cleaned and ready for our Sunday morning Bible study and fellowship. Right now, it's still a mess. I have to feel really good, before I turn in to do deep cleaning. I'm OCD about my house staying neat and tidy, but floors need to be mopped throughout the house, and I've got cabinets that need cleaning, the fridge needs cleaning out and washed down, etc.

Cary called and invited DS and DDIL out to eat one night next week. We didn't get to spend Christmas with them, so we thought this is the least we can do. All is well between us and them, but her mother might get offended that we didn't also invite her. In order for us to spend time just with our DS and DDIL, we have to do the inviting from now on, and make sure they understand that she isn't always going to be included.

I've got to go back to my PCP's office one day next week, also. Jan. 1st, my insurance and prescription drug plan changed. I need to take them the new insurance card and prescription drug card, so they can get it all changed and on file. I want to do some shopping while in big town, too. Sam's, Home Goods, Barns and Nobel, and Belk's. It will be a big shopping day if I feel up to doing it all. I don't have a lot of dress clothes, being the country girl I am, LOL. With possibly 2 more deaths in my family, soon, I need to get off my butt, and buy more, before they are needed. We need more books to read from the bookstore and add to our always growing home library. Cary hates to go with me to Home Goods, because he knows that I could spend all day in that one store, LOL. He usually stays in the car and takes a nap while I shop there. Sam's will be to restock some things that are getting too low for my comfort in food storage.

Prayers ongoing for everyone.

 

[tnphil]

I found some Duracell lanterns at Costco. These are 1000 lumens in a 2-pack for under $20. After trying them, I went back and got a couple more. They are quite bright, even the lowest setting will light a small bathroom enough to be able to see. High, medium and low settings plus a flashing red emergency setting. Has a USB port for charging a phone, although I'm guessing that would run the batteries (4 D cells) down quickly.


If you see AC Delco lanterns with multiple LEDs, don't bother, they are crap. I tore into one and refurbished it with new warm white LEDs. I had to add current limiting resistors, as the original lantern had none-they relied strictly on the voltage drop of the LEDs (for the non-techies, that's the minimum voltage to activate the LED) in a series-parallel arrangement. The batteries put out 6V, and the series LEDs have a forward voltage that is about 5.8+, but that varies a fair bit. Very poor design. To be expected from a Chinese design, "cheap and barely functional". The circuit boards are very flimsy and warp easily, the copper clad on the boards is crap.
ETA: here is the AC Delco to avoid:

 

[philkar]

TY for the testimonial!!

I found some Duracell lanterns at Costco. These are 1000 lumens in a 2-pack for under $20. After trying them, I went back and got a couple more. They are quite bright, even the lowest setting will light a small bathroom enough to be able to see. High, medium and low settings plus a flashing red emergency setting. Has a USB port for charging a phone, although I'm guessing that would run the batteries (4 D cells) down quickly.
View attachment 389347

If you see AC Delco lanterns with multiple LEDs, don't bother, they are crap. I tore into one and refurbished it with new warm white LEDs. I had to add current limiting resistors, as the original lantern had none-they relied strictly on the voltage drop of the LEDs (for the non-techies, that's the minimum voltage to activate the LED) in a series-parallel arrangement. The batteries put out 6V, and the series LEDs have a forward voltage that is about 5.8+, but that varies a fair bit. Very poor design. To be expected from a Chinese design, "cheap and barely functional".

 

[kyrsyan]

I found some Duracell lanterns at Costco. These are 1000 lumens in a 2-pack for under $20. After trying them, I went back and got a couple more. They are quite bright, even the lowest setting will light a small bathroom enough to be able to see. High, medium and low settings plus a flashing red emergency setting. Has a USB port for charging a phone, although I'm guessing that would run the batteries (4 D cells) down quickly.
View attachment 389347

If you see AC Delco lanterns with multiple LEDs, don't bother, they are crap. I tore into one and refurbished it with new warm white LEDs. I had to add current limiting resistors, as the original lantern had none-they relied strictly on the voltage drop of the LEDs (for the non-techies, that's the minimum voltage to activate the LED) in a series-parallel arrangement. The batteries put out 6V, and the series LEDs have a forward voltage that is about 5.8+, but that varies a fair bit. Very poor design. To be expected from a Chinese design, "cheap and barely functional".

I will have to grab some the next time I'm in there. I find myself using lanterns for all sorts of things. But I need a few more with carry handles.

I woke up this morning with a desire to just get work done. So by 7 I was at the computer and knocking things out. I saw no reason to drag today out at all. I wanted to be done by noon. I'm liking being done early so much that I might make it habit. It also gives me a couple of hours to work before I start getting tagged for things. Because the more I get tagged for random things, the more glitchy my brain gets, and the more effort it takes to get my focus back where it needs to be.

So I am free for the weekend at this point. I'm about to start hitting the personal to do list. I'm falling back on using lists again while the brain & body adapt to all the changes. The lists help me stay on task when the brain is being skippy. And current circumstances are making the brain somewhat skippy on the personal side. And I'm tired of it. The problem is having too much time, which sets off a panic about am I making enough money and why aren't I working. Front brain understands. Back brain is still adapting. So rather than let back brain spin in hidden panic attacks, I'm giving myself things to do that keep me busy.

I did get single serving version of white chocolate frozen pie done. And soaked beans, and then bagged them and tossed them in the freezer for the month. It's a test as to whether just an overnight soak and freezing until use will work better than Instapot and freeze. Because the instapot turns them to mush.

 

[aviax2]

Do you freeze your extra cream cheese or just refrigerate it? I have read that it can be frozen but I've never tried.

I don’t freeze it but I know for a fact that it is still perfect 6 months out from the use by date, so I just keep it in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

 

[nomifyle]

Its a beautiful sun shiny cool day today. Didn't get anything done here at home yesterday because we were gone all day. Away from the house I didn't cough at all, the dust and wood stove keep me coughing, but there is little I can do about that.

I've been to a Home Goods store once a few years ago. And I had a ball, I was buying goodies for the house. Well, I don't need or want anything like that anymore and I need to get some of the dust catchers out of the house. Its all going to get packed away and stored in the cabin. And my new upright walker is going out there too, as I don't need it right now and with all the reorganizing going on in the house I could not use it here.

I kinda feel guilty about getting that walker, but these days as things change when I do need it they may not be offering it any then. My Dad got his health care at the VA and he had a whole drawer full of perkaset (bad spelling), That was back in the days when then gave pain meds out like candy. He didn't really take all the much of it, his poison was vodka.

This morning DH is reparing the roof on the chicken house, a limb fell on it and its been leaking. We are both feeling better than we had been.

That big DE thread showed up where someone like something I posted. My last comment was the middle of October. One thing I said was I hadn't been taking my supplements for a couple of months and here it is Jan 6 and I'm still not taking them. Gotta ease my way back into taking them. As for DE, I'm still taking it along with my collegen (Greatlakes) in my coffee every morning and some days I do add Kerry Gold butter to it, yum yum. I haven't really increased the amount of DE that I'm taking, its a heaping ice tea spoon every day. I'm sure it helps my energy level. I need to try and slip some of it in something for DH.

I want to get more of the 15qt locking lid totes, they have gone way up in price. I still have enough money left in my checking account for that and my grocery order. And then only a few dollars left in my account until the next ss deposit, with that almost hundred dollar raise I will be getting. When I first started getting ss I got $887 a month and that was my income when I moved to the woods 12 years ago. I had not debt and was able to live on that amount living in my FEMA camper. I had what I needed and some of what I wanted. I do have to admit that my ex was still paying for auto insurance and my cell phone. If I'd had to pay that it would have been extremely tight. I was so blessed and continue to be blessed.

Well, I guess I've rambled on long enough, time to get busy.

 

[nomifyle]

I don’t freeze it but I know for a fact that it is still perfect 6 months out from the use by date, so I just keep it in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

I froze some and it did change the texture. For some reason I've stopped using it. After cooking that meal for the church I decided I needed to be better about cooking meals around here.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I froze some and it did change the texture. For some reason I've stopped using it. After cooking that meal for the church I decided I needed to be better about cooking meals around here.

I can't even remember when the last time was I bought cream cheese. Cary doesn't like it at all, so I don't use it. He does like Italian Cream Wedding cake, Hummingbird cake, and Irish Cream cake with cream cheese, though. Those 3 things are it. If he knows cream cheese or sour cream is in something I make, he won't eat it.

 

[nomifyle]

I can't even remember when the last time was I bought cream cheese. Cary doesn't like it at all, so I don't use it. He does like Italian Cream Wedding cake, Hummingbird cake, and Irish Cream cake with cream cheese, though. Those 3 things are it. If he knows cream cheese or sour cream is in something I make, he won't eat it.

I've been known to buy (in years past) king cake with cream cheese topping. Yum Yum What is available around here is not like what is available in south Louisiana, but its passable. Its been years since I've eaten any though.

 

[briches]

Hubby and I just ran out to a thrift store that was half off today. I only found a book for fifty cents. I’m always willing to add to my book stash and have been alternating between books and my kindle. I started a free two month trial on kindle unlimited and have found several books there. I buy most of my books at thrift sales, the used book store the library does, and yard sales.

While we were out, we ran into Dollar General and bought a loaf of bread, dozen eggs and tortilla chips. Eggs at DG were $1.00 cheaper than the grocery store (and were bigger). We paid $3.95 for them today.

I am going to do some meal planning today and will start a new book. I have read six so far since my surgery and have enjoyed reading again. When I start back to work, I want to make a point to try to keep reading.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I've been known to buy (in years past) king cake with cream cheese topping. Yum Yum What is available around here is not like what is available in south Louisiana, but its passable. Its been years since I've eaten any though.

During Christmas, I was really craving a Pecan Bowl Cake, but I didn't make it, because I would have had to eat the whole thing by myself. Yep, cream cheese in it, and Cary won't touch it. Mom usually has one made for the holidays every year.

 

[moldy]

Mmmm...everything sounds so good!

 

[nomifyle]

During Christmas, I was really craving a Pecan Bowl Cake, but I didn't make it, because I would have had to eat the whole thing by myself. Yep, cream cheese in it, and Cary won't touch it. Mom usually has one made for the holidays every year.

I was well into adult hood before I ever tasted cream cheese and sour cream, but once I did I was in love. I haven't bought either in a good while. I would use plain yogurt instead of sour cream in recipes that called for it. Tasted really good.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I was well into adult hood before I ever tasted cream cheese and sour cream, but once I did I was in love. I haven't bought either in a good while. I would use plain yogurt instead of sour cream in recipes that called for it. Tasted really good.

You can actually substitute yogurt for sour cream in recipes? I didn't know that. I can't stand sour cream, either, but we both love yogurt.

 

[nomifyle]

You can actually substitute yogurt for sour cream in recipes? I didn't know that. I can't stand sour cream, either, but we both love yogurt.

Yes, it gives it a creamy taste, plain yogurt though.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Yes, it gives it a creamy taste, plain yogurt though.

That's good to know. Maybe, I won't have to turn down recipes now, because of the sour cream.

 

[kyrsyan]

During Christmas, I was really craving a Pecan Bowl Cake, but I didn't make it, because I would have had to eat the whole thing by myself. Yep, cream cheese in it, and Cary won't touch it. Mom usually has one made for the holidays every year.

I generally downsize recipes for this reason. And/or make them in cupcake sizes so I can freeze the extra to have later.

That's good to know. Maybe, I won't have to turn down recipes now, because of the sour cream.

I've used yogurt as a sub for sour cream for my son. And occasionally a flavored one if it complements the recipe. If there isn't enough tang to provide the flavor you are looking for, you can add a touch of vinegar to provide it. But most yogurt can do it just fine.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I generally downsize recipes for this reason. And/or make them in cupcake sizes so I can freeze the extra to have later.

I've used yogurt as a sub for sour cream for my son. And occasionally a flavored one if it complements the recipe. If there isn't enough tang to provide the flavor you are looking for, you can add a touch of vinegar to provide it. But most yogurt can do it just fine.

I can't down size the cake recipe, but I can do as you do, and once it's made, freeze it in parts for me to have later! That's a great idea.

We eat yogurt with the fruit in it, I don't like just plain yogurt. I will use the plain yogurt, though, in recipes that call for sour cream from now on. That's something that I'm glad I learned today!

 

[kyrsyan]

I can't down size the cake recipe, but I can do as you do, and once it's made, freeze it in parts for me to have later! That's a great idea.

We eat yogurt with the fruit in it, I don't like just plain yogurt. I will use the plain yogurt, though, in recipes that call for sour cream from now on. That's something that I'm glad I learned today!

I got tired of denying myself desserts because I didn't want to have the entire thing there and have to gorge on it or toss it. So I learned to downsize. Cupcake size is normally perfect. One is good. And if I really want more, I can grab another. But generally one is enough.

And argh. Quoted a person a base price for monthly bookkeeping and they said okay. Now they are arguing it. I'll probably let it go for a few months so they can understand the value, and then deal with it again. Partially because they'll also need the time to see their CPA fees drop as well. It's annoying sometimes when people really don't comprehend things. But that's okay. It'll give me time. And I'll honestly take that to get more experience and the word of mouth. It's a niche area that tends to only trust by word of mouth. Especially since a lot of small businesses around here have been hurt by shady bookkeepers and CPAs over the last few years. Heck, I'm helping clean up a few of those with someone else.

I'm discovering that apparently I'm a cross of the old, in the office bookkeeper and the new completely online bookkeeper. I insist on scans or copies of receipts to attach to transactions. But I can do it all from home or online. There is currently someone realizing that there might be value in making sure that receipt scans are attached to the transactions in the online records. I figure that by the end of tax season that lesson will be well embedded.

Got irritated with Mediacom and the continually jumping rates. I'm going to jump ship to fiber as soon as the local company installation of it is finished. Looks like sometime this summer. But I called and got the bill dropped by $15. I may drop it more but I have to think about it. I had problems with lower levels before causing problems with working. The surprise was that they no longer require contracts. I can change the plan from month to month if I want. No more contracts that lock in X rate for 12 months, and then regular rate for another 12 months. Or bite you if you move out of their service area before the contract is up. I was told that those policies were done away with sometime during COVID.

Took the advice of someone that helps folks with debts, and as a result the few medical debts on my credit record are now off of it. That little trick really surprised me. Now I have to have a chat with the student loan processor. I was told that they would have the information to update the time in repayment on my loans by the beginning of January. So far, I'm not seeing anything on their end. Fed gov made available all the time in different statuses about 3 months ago. And I've already been waiting 6 months on this. I started asking about this before Biden made a whole big whohaw about it. And I've already had chunks out of them for assuming it was PSLF and trying to ignore every year prior to 2013. One of them actually told me that student loan repayment plans didn't exist before that.

Off to do laundry. And maybe some sewing and pattern making. And tickling a son... just because. And loving the sunshine. So loving the sunshine.

 

[Marseydoats]

I can't down size the cake recipe, but I can do as you do, and once it's made, freeze it in parts for me to have later! That's a great idea.

We eat yogurt with the fruit in it, I don't like just plain yogurt. I will use the plain yogurt, though, in recipes that call for sour cream from now on. That's something that I'm glad I learned today!

I ate Yoplait for years and absolutely loved it. Especially the parfait kind that came in 2 containers that you mixed together. Then all of a sudden, I couldn't eat it anymore. I think that's when I got so sensitive to HFC.
So now I buy the vanilla yogurt from Aldi, and stir in some honey or fresh fruit. Sometimes I add some honey bunches of oats on the top.

 

[philkar]

During Christmas, I was really craving a Pecan Bowl Cake, but I didn't make it, because I would have had to eat the whole thing by myself. Yep, cream cheese in it, and Cary won't touch it. Mom usually has one made for the holidays every year.

I would like that recipe SB if not top secret!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I ate Yoplait for years and absolutely loved it. Especially the parfait kind that came in 2 containers that you mixed together. Then all of a sudden, I couldn't eat it anymore. I think that's when I got so sensitive to HFC.
So now I buy the vanilla yogurt from Aldi, and stir in some honey or fresh fruit. Sometimes I add some honey bunches of oats on the top.

Yoplait, strawberry, strawberry/banana, peach, and mixed berry is what we eat. I just can't eat plain yogurt. I tried some Greek yogurt one time that was vanilla flavored, and it was nasty. Too strong of that soured taste for me.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I would like that recipe SB if not top secret!

LOL. No, not top secret. I'll find it, and post it, but it might be tomorrow, though.

 

[moldy]

Making your own yogurt is so easy. I loved the custard style Yoplait, but they don't make it anymore. I can make a passable substitute by mixing a small package of jello with 1 cup boiling water. Dissolve well, then stir in 3 cups plain unflavored yogurt. Let set. My favorite is probably lemon or cherry.

 

[prudentwatcher]

I stopped in Walmart today as I wanted to get two cases of pint canning jars. They still had plenty and they had quarts for the first time in forever. But when I got to the rice and beans! Wow! Wiped out! Three kinds of beans, one pound bags only. Only one pound size bags of rice in white and brown. No bigger bags of anything. I picked up two bags of rice, one bag of navy beans, and two cans of the WM brand chunky beef vegetable soup, which has not been in stock for ages. They also only had the WM brand spiral mac and cheese in stock and only one row of it. Rest was all name brand at much higher prices. I picked up three boxes for the food pantry.

I was too depressed to look at much else and am thankful that I am prepped for several years.

 

[Tennessee gal]

I got up this morning feeling more rested and refreshed. Maybe, I'll get everything done today that I had planned to do yesterday. I've got today and tomorrow to get my house cleaned and ready for our Sunday morning Bible study and fellowship. Right now, it's still a mess. I have to feel really good, before I turn in to do deep cleaning. I'm OCD about my house staying neat and tidy, but floors need to be mopped throughout the house, and I've got cabinets that need cleaning, the fridge needs cleaning out and washed down, etc.

Cary called and invited DS and DDIL out to eat one night next week. We didn't get to spend Christmas with them, so we thought this is the least we can do. All is well between us and them, but her mother might get offended that we didn't also invite her. In order for us to spend time just with our DS and DDIL, we have to do the inviting from now on, and make sure they understand that she isn't always going to be included.

I've got to go back to my PCP's office one day next week, also. Jan. 1st, my insurance and prescription drug plan changed. I need to take them the new insurance card and prescription drug card, so they can get it all changed and on file. I want to do some shopping while in big town, too. Sam's, Home Goods, Barns and Nobel, and Belk's. It will be a big shopping day if I feel up to doing it all. I don't have a lot of dress clothes, being the country girl I am, LOL. With possibly 2 more deaths in my family, soon, I need to get off my butt, and buy more, before they are needed. We need more books to read from the bookstore and add to our always growing home library. Cary hates to go with me to Home Goods, because he knows that I could spend all day in that one store, LOL. He usually stays in the car and takes a nap while I shop there. Sam's will be to restock some things that are getting too low for my comfort in food storage.

Prayers ongoing for everyone.

Southern Breeze , my husband I were always bookworms. We had a 1400 volume library. Some of my happiest memories were evenings in our office while he prepared his sermons and I prepared for my women’s Sunday school class or reading TB.

He wasn’t much of a shopper. When I went clothes shopping at the mall he’d take a book and sit on a bench in front of the store. He was a happy camper and so was I !

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Ok, I'm back. Got the kitchen all cleaned up, so now I can think straight. I also dug out the cake recipe to post.

Pecan Bowl Cake

For cake

2 c sugar
1 c softened butter
1 1/2 c self rising flour
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 c finely chopped pecans

Mix all ingredients and bake in a greased 13 x 9 inch pan at 350 degrees. Cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.

Filling

1 8oz cream cheese, softened
1 16oz cool whip
1 14oz can Eagle Brand milk

Mix all together til smooth.

Let cake cool completely. Cut in half. In a large serving bowl, pinch up half of the cake in small pieces and place in bowl. Layer with half of cool whip mixture. pinch up the other half of the cake and put on top. Finish layering with the rest of the cool whip mixture. Sprinkle with added pecans and a few chopped cherries if desired. Cover with plastic cling wrap and chill for at least one hour. Mom always uses a clear glass serving bowl for this cake, so the layers can be seen.

It is delicious, but very rich. Enjoy!

 

[ReneeT]

I didn't have to go anywhere today and I really enjoyed it. Getting out with the neighbor to go to the pool, daughter's to hang with the grandkids, and my co-worker buddy's to visit is nice, but so is staying home. The warmer weather that has showed up is also nice - some years January is sneaky like that Gets you all mellowed out with the nice weather, then BAM!! - snow up to your butt and so cold you turn blue just walking to the vehicles! It's still getting down to the mid 20's/low 30's at night, but I'm loving these high 30's into low 40 temps this week. I was out picking up branches and stuff that had blown in to the yard and it felt like spring - except no birdies singing; only the hawks and eagles screeching - and I just screech back at them (Good thing I live way out in the country or somebody would be sending for those guys that bring the jackets with the really long sleeves that fasten in the back...) Next week is supposed to have a few days in the 50's - I'm hoping to get out most of the days to enjoy the nice weather. Maybe I'll go pick up the grand-dog and we'll take a walk down to the lake a couple of those days.

Our small local store doesn't have any major holes that I've noticed, but the two nearby Wal-Mart stores are not stocked as well as they used to be. Dry milk was one thing that I was looking for as we went through quite a bit making cocoa mix this winter, and they didn't have a lot in stock. I also noticed that Aldi didn't have any flavored powdered creamer - we use the powdered creamer to make cocoa mix, and I used the flavored powdered creamer to make some that were a bit fancier than the plain chocolate flavor. Dollar General also doesn't have some items that I used to regularly purchase there - I was a little disappointed since my plan was to head to DG first if there is a zombie apocalypse because they have a lot of stuff I consider to be bug out/in food

I've been off work for a month now; and I'm slowly starting to feel better - unless I start thinking about going back to work, and then my blood pressure goes up in to the stroke zone, even with bp meds on board. I'm sleeping well and my memory is improving some. And I'm finally starting to write in my notebooks again - I use one of those 'Composition' type books. I've been writing in them for years - got a couple of computer paper boxes full of them. Mostly the stuff I wrote in them were to-do lists, garden harvests, etc... - kinda like a journal, I guess; but when things got bad at work, that was one of the things that went by the wayside. I guess I should just be glad that I'm old enough to retire if I decide to do so.

Part of the feeling better could be because the seed catalogs are starting to show up. I pulled out the small pads of graph paper (vs the flip chart size) and a couple of pages of notebook paper and started making a list of what to plant this year, as well as a supply list. I'm going to have to pull up part of my raised beds in the garden and fasten hardware cloth screening to the bottom one - the darn moles ate the sweet potatoes that were planted in the garden, so all we ended up with were the ones I'd planted in the stock tank. I may have to put out an ad looking for holey stock tanks if I ever want to have enough sweet potatoes to carry us through winter again - the moles are horrible in the yard; they are working even though it is winter!

Since I'm thinking about not returning to work, I've been thinking about ordering a thousand or so strawberry plants. I've owned/operated U-pick strawberry patches in the past, plus picked and sold to the local store. It's a whole lot harder to stand up straight once I've spent a while bent over picking berries than it used to be - but I may give it a try.
With the weather getting warmer, I may head out to the shed this weekend or next week and see if I can figure out something to store the rest of the canning jars that are out there in - I ran out of fruit crates last year. I do have maybe 10 that I have some magazines in that I could move to a set of shelves instead, but I'm not sure that's enough to hold what's left in the falling apart boxes. They are nearly all quarts, with a few narrow mouth half gallons scattered here and there. I can get my hand/arm far enough in to a narrow mouth quart jar to scrub it, but not the half gallon ones, so it takes some doing to clean them - I use a new toilet brush that has the bendable wire bush portion; though those are getting harder to find. I mostly just use the narrow mouth half gallons for storing pasta nowadays; I used to use them for grape and apple juice.

Well, Hubby is home; reckon I'd better go see how his day went! Take care all; have a great weekend!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Southern Breeze , my husband I were always bookworms. We had a 1400 volume library. Some of my happiest memories were evenings in our office while he prepared his sermons and I prepared for my women’s Sunday school class or reading TB.

He wasn’t much of a shopper. When I went clothes shopping at the mall he’d take a book and sit on a bench in front of the store. He was a happy camper and so was I !

Have you ever heard the saying, "Shop till you Drop"? Cary drops a lot sooner than I do, so he always takes a book to read while he sits in the car, or takes a nap, LOL! He's not much for shopping, either. He knows that if he just turns me loose on my own, he and I are lots happier. I don't go into big town by myself, or he would just stay home.

 

[kyrsyan]

Renee, somewhere on a homestead site I ran across a video of a great idea. Someone made a table that would roll over the plants. Just high enough that their hands could easily do all the work, and propel them further as needed. If you're going to do strawberries, that might be an idea to save your spine.

I'm still a massive book dragon. But about a decade back I started trading in my eaay reading stuff. I found it as ebooks or I borrow it from the library. I have kept the books for cooking, sewing, gardening, etc. I need physical books for that type of stuff. Although, honestly, I'm about to start thinning that out, especially the excess cookbooks.

I do need to get my hands on a few beginner books for loom knitting. The ones the library has as ebooks assume you've already done some projects.