Prep Genrl Weekly prep thread January 24 - January 31
- Thread starter briches
- Start date
Yup, it sure is!
Today feels weird - I'm not just crawling in the door from work, no grand-dog wanting out to sniff for rabbits, no little boys wanting pancakes, a full night of sleep under my belt, and I didn't even need to worry about getting the thread started - I'm taking it easy today
The bottom half of last week's thread has kicked me in to gear to get things better set up for financial accounting. Since a year or so after we married, Hubby has handled most of the day to day bill paying; a set amount from my check is auto deposited in his account and he either has things coming out by autopay, or goes online to pay them. Only the internet comes out of my account, and that's only because I was the one at home when they set it up. We were both in our 30's and had homes, etc... when we married; I've either been working weird hours while going to school and raising a child, or working insane hours/shifts - and raising a child for all but the last 16 years; and most of the time not I'm not focused on the date until I have to write it down for some reason. (If we ever have an EMP, I'm gonna be so screwed 'cause I don't know the date without looking at my phone or the computer
) So we are going to sit down today to get it all down on paper, so that if something happens to one of us, the other one can take over in a reasonably smooth manner.
That's probably the only prep thing I will get done this week due to a wonky work schedule and a weather report calling for snow, then ice, then rain. Well, except for maybe a little pantry organizing. I swear I'm going to put locks on the various pantry areas if Hubby doesn't stop just shoving things in them every which way!!
You folks take care out there; stay safe!
Today feels weird - I'm not just crawling in the door from work, no grand-dog wanting out to sniff for rabbits, no little boys wanting pancakes, a full night of sleep under my belt, and I didn't even need to worry about getting the thread started - I'm taking it easy today
The bottom half of last week's thread has kicked me in to gear to get things better set up for financial accounting. Since a year or so after we married, Hubby has handled most of the day to day bill paying; a set amount from my check is auto deposited in his account and he either has things coming out by autopay, or goes online to pay them. Only the internet comes out of my account, and that's only because I was the one at home when they set it up. We were both in our 30's and had homes, etc... when we married; I've either been working weird hours while going to school and raising a child, or working insane hours/shifts - and raising a child for all but the last 16 years; and most of the time not I'm not focused on the date until I have to write it down for some reason. (If we ever have an EMP, I'm gonna be so screwed 'cause I don't know the date without looking at my phone or the computer
) So we are going to sit down today to get it all down on paper, so that if something happens to one of us, the other one can take over in a reasonably smooth manner. That's probably the only prep thing I will get done this week due to a wonky work schedule and a weather report calling for snow, then ice, then rain. Well, except for maybe a little pantry organizing. I swear I'm going to put locks on the various pantry areas if Hubby doesn't stop just shoving things in them every which way!!
You folks take care out there; stay safe!
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
Personally, I don't trust having how I handle my finances on my computer. Several years ago I was getting my internet through the phone line, we had a bad storm with lots of lightening and my computer got fried.
I've used a notebook to keep track of what I pay and when I pay it for years and years. I use one page in my notebook for each month. I have all my bills listed and their due dates. Since I only get my money once a month I pay everything at the end of the month. I have a check mark for what I paid and when the payment cleared the bank. I pay everything on line. I keep track of my bank balance from my bank's web site. In my notebook I keep a running total of my balance with each payment deducted. They only thing I have auto pay for is my auto insurance and home owners insurance. I did have my internet bill deducted from my bank account but one month they made a mistake and withdrew twice the amount, which did not sit well with me. I changed that to a credit card and make an extra payment on that card to cover it.
Dh finally started keeping a paper list of what he has to pay and when its due, unfortunately it took a couple of over drafts on his account to see the wisdom of keeping it written down and not just in his head or depending on getting the bill to remind him.
One of the aftermaths of katrina was the mail getting screwed up. Many people messed up their credit because they depended on getting a bill before making their payment. When we evacuated I took financial records with me (I had them in a binder). Therefore I had account numbers, and addresses if I needed to pay by mail. However, I had already started paying my bills on line. At first I had no computer (it was lost in katrina) so I went to the library to use their computer. It was so dangerous back then to use a public computer for personal things. the world has seriously changed in the last 15 years.
God is good all the time
Judy
I've used a notebook to keep track of what I pay and when I pay it for years and years. I use one page in my notebook for each month. I have all my bills listed and their due dates. Since I only get my money once a month I pay everything at the end of the month. I have a check mark for what I paid and when the payment cleared the bank. I pay everything on line. I keep track of my bank balance from my bank's web site. In my notebook I keep a running total of my balance with each payment deducted. They only thing I have auto pay for is my auto insurance and home owners insurance. I did have my internet bill deducted from my bank account but one month they made a mistake and withdrew twice the amount, which did not sit well with me. I changed that to a credit card and make an extra payment on that card to cover it.
Dh finally started keeping a paper list of what he has to pay and when its due, unfortunately it took a couple of over drafts on his account to see the wisdom of keeping it written down and not just in his head or depending on getting the bill to remind him.
One of the aftermaths of katrina was the mail getting screwed up. Many people messed up their credit because they depended on getting a bill before making their payment. When we evacuated I took financial records with me (I had them in a binder). Therefore I had account numbers, and addresses if I needed to pay by mail. However, I had already started paying my bills on line. At first I had no computer (it was lost in katrina) so I went to the library to use their computer. It was so dangerous back then to use a public computer for personal things. the world has seriously changed in the last 15 years.
God is good all the time
Judy
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
All good points about having account numbers for a potential evacuation and gathering stuff for the taxes.
I put a box on my kitchen counter, and I've been dropping receipts and tax-related stuff in there. Not the best method, but it keeps them together and it's less than 20 pieces of paper, total. It's not an entire shopping bag full of loose receipts! They have hand-held scanners for that, now. I'd get one if I had a home business.
This week I'm still working on closets. When I moved in, all the closets had crappy wire build-outs. I tore those out, painted, and installed closet bars and wooden shelves. I now have to re-configure two of the closets so that they work better for what I need to keep there. As a friend says, yes -- first world problems -- but organized closets that work make my week go more smoothly.
I put a box on my kitchen counter, and I've been dropping receipts and tax-related stuff in there. Not the best method, but it keeps them together and it's less than 20 pieces of paper, total. It's not an entire shopping bag full of loose receipts! They have hand-held scanners for that, now. I'd get one if I had a home business.
This week I'm still working on closets. When I moved in, all the closets had crappy wire build-outs. I tore those out, painted, and installed closet bars and wooden shelves. I now have to re-configure two of the closets so that they work better for what I need to keep there. As a friend says, yes -- first world problems -- but organized closets that work make my week go more smoothly.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I'm planning to go through my closets doing some reorganizing, and getting rid of some old clothes that I don't wear much, or no longer fit. I've been wanting to downsize my wardrobe for a while now. Just plan to stick with the basics, outdoor/casual wear. When I'm finished, I'll make a trip to the Salvation Army the next time I'm in town.
Tomorrow, Cary has to take our doggie to see our vet for a check up, and to get another 6 month supply of his heartworm meds. He also has plans to stop in at Tractor Supply for a new garden wagon. We have one, but it's getting old. Two is better than one anyway, right?
Pantry is still looking good. I don't have any plans to add anything for awhile, unless I do a bit of ordering online. With Cary's upcoming surgery, I don't know when I'll be able to get into town for more groceries. That's about all I seem to be able to concentrate on right now. That, and learning how to manage our finances by myself.
Cary is doing good. He still gets tired really easy when he tries to do certain things. I'm limiting him to only bringing in firewood each day. He's getting lots of rest otherwise.
Tomorrow, Cary has to take our doggie to see our vet for a check up, and to get another 6 month supply of his heartworm meds. He also has plans to stop in at Tractor Supply for a new garden wagon. We have one, but it's getting old. Two is better than one anyway, right?
Pantry is still looking good. I don't have any plans to add anything for awhile, unless I do a bit of ordering online. With Cary's upcoming surgery, I don't know when I'll be able to get into town for more groceries. That's about all I seem to be able to concentrate on right now. That, and learning how to manage our finances by myself.
Cary is doing good. He still gets tired really easy when he tries to do certain things. I'm limiting him to only bringing in firewood each day. He's getting lots of rest otherwise.
Illini Warrior
Illini Warrior
if you take nothing else with you in regard to things financial - account #s and telephone #s to customer service >>> call and just let them know you've been impacted by the disaster/emergency .....
these days you can't access even customer service without those last 4/5 numbers of your account ......
20Gauge
TB Fanatic
Still putting up cabinets. I am getting them one at a time from the home store. None of them match each others. I am going to use the broken one's face to build a new cabinet that will be used just for screws / nails. I do have to reroute an outlet before I install it, but it should work well.
Also, did a bit of burning yesterday. Almost all of the old wood that was rotting from being stored outside is burned. Now to start with the branches in the forest.
Also, did a bit of burning yesterday. Almost all of the old wood that was rotting from being stored outside is burned. Now to start with the branches in the forest.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
DH is still working on his cabin. He has the floor of the bedroom done, he is building one room at a time. And he has three wall frames up. I keep asking him why there is no outside door and he keeps saying you won't be able to go out side directly from the bedroom. For some reason I can't seem to wrap my mind around that. This is the woods and it will be a wooden cabin and I still thing there needs to be a door, but what ever.
its starting to rain and I can see one side of my school bus from my office window, I see goat legs under there, they are so funny because the do not like to get wet. Our big billy goat really needs a bath, he could do with a run through a car wash. but he'd never go for it.
God is good all the time
Judy
its starting to rain and I can see one side of my school bus from my office window, I see goat legs under there, they are so funny because the do not like to get wet. Our big billy goat really needs a bath, he could do with a run through a car wash. but he'd never go for it.
God is good all the time
Judy
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I'd like to have a guest cabin on our property, too. I'd even settle for a nice camper trailer for guests to use. We don't have a spare bedroom, so having overnight guests is non existent, or they sleep on the floor. We just can't afford either one, without having to go in debt to get it. I'm happy for you!
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
He's doing all the lumber himself except for some areas that have to have longer than he can cut. And he's found a place that sells those at a really good price. Of course there will be expenses, but he recycles things.
We have no room for guests either. I still have my camper but I have over used it for storage and its hard to even get in the door. Cleaning it out is on my list of things to do.
God is good all the time
Judy
briches
Veteran Member
I think my main “prep goal” for the week is to reorganize our pantry room. That would be a huge benefit for us.
It’s a bit daunting but I’m working from home Monday - Wednesday so think I can work on it some in small chunks of time.
I really want to simplify my life even more. At times that’s a struggle for me as a prepper. Lol
I’m working towards that balance.
It’s a bit daunting but I’m working from home Monday - Wednesday so think I can work on it some in small chunks of time.
I really want to simplify my life even more. At times that’s a struggle for me as a prepper. Lol
I’m working towards that balance.
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We were hit with a stomach bug last week. Hubby first. He thought it might be food poisoning from eating out. But nope 2 days after he got sick and was recovering, I came down with it. Throwing up did something to him that caused hickups. He had them for 2 days. The dr prescribed 2 different medications to stop them. They would work for about 3-4 hours, then he was hickuping again. He is still sore from that. I spent my entire Friday in bed. I am so glad we both were not at our worst at the same time. We used some of our canned soup and over the counter meds. I felt like cooking chicken and dumplings yesterday. That was much better than the canned soups. I had planned to loose some weight and this jump started me about 4 pounds. I had lost five pounds, but I figure I was a bit dehydrated as well.
Hubby had to do 2 hay sales for me while I was down. That is usually my job, but both are regular customers and both were out of hay. I told him prices and made sure he took change to the barn. He enjoys the farmer visits a lot anyway. That is my first hay sales of the year. My stack is getting small. I would like to sell it all before we cut again.
This week I have to do my contract job. I can usually do it in one day. But I have to wait till the last half of the week when the rain stops.
Hubby had to do 2 hay sales for me while I was down. That is usually my job, but both are regular customers and both were out of hay. I told him prices and made sure he took change to the barn. He enjoys the farmer visits a lot anyway. That is my first hay sales of the year. My stack is getting small. I would like to sell it all before we cut again.
This week I have to do my contract job. I can usually do it in one day. But I have to wait till the last half of the week when the rain stops.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I'm thinking we had a very productive prepping day, today.
Cary took our baby to see his vet, today, and restocked on 6 more months of his heartworm meds. He also stopped by Tractor Supply to pick up our new larger garden wagon, and bought a new baby pet bed for Frisco.
While they were out doing that, I was here at home going through my closets, getting rid of old clothes, and rearranging my closet. I've got them all bagged up, and ready to take to Salvation Army next week, or whenever I'm back in town.
I also took a quick inventory of the pantry to make out my next shopping list. Did a little cleaning in there, too. I rotated some things from the pantry into my kitchen shelves to have handy. I keep a working stock in my kitchen.
I threw some boneless chicken breasts into the crockpot with chopped onions and BBQ sauce, so supper has been cooking all day. I wanted them to get done in the event we lose power later this afternoon. Looking at a strong possibility of severe storms moving through later.
Cary took our baby to see his vet, today, and restocked on 6 more months of his heartworm meds. He also stopped by Tractor Supply to pick up our new larger garden wagon, and bought a new baby pet bed for Frisco.
While they were out doing that, I was here at home going through my closets, getting rid of old clothes, and rearranging my closet. I've got them all bagged up, and ready to take to Salvation Army next week, or whenever I'm back in town.
I also took a quick inventory of the pantry to make out my next shopping list. Did a little cleaning in there, too. I rotated some things from the pantry into my kitchen shelves to have handy. I keep a working stock in my kitchen.
I threw some boneless chicken breasts into the crockpot with chopped onions and BBQ sauce, so supper has been cooking all day. I wanted them to get done in the event we lose power later this afternoon. Looking at a strong possibility of severe storms moving through later.
Bidadisndat
Contributing Member
Yesterday Mrs Bid bought herself a dog (Maltese X Shihtzu/Poodle) - (She said it's a dog but when I told her it was just a mop without a handle she didn't think that was at all funny and for a moment it looked like it'd be hot tongue for supper and cold shoulder for desert, lol.)
Anyway, turns out that the lady who sold her the dog also sells Settler geese (Pilgrims in the U.S.), Pekin and Muscovy ducks, bantam Silkie chickens and Goliath quail, all of which I happen to want. I forgot to ask her if she has Australorp chickens, but if she doesn't my neighbour who is a good friend of hers said she could probably get them. Now have to get cracking and complete the new pens.
Anyway, turns out that the lady who sold her the dog also sells Settler geese (Pilgrims in the U.S.), Pekin and Muscovy ducks, bantam Silkie chickens and Goliath quail, all of which I happen to want. I forgot to ask her if she has Australorp chickens, but if she doesn't my neighbour who is a good friend of hers said she could probably get them. Now have to get cracking and complete the new pens.
Cag3db1rd
Paranoid Pagan
Bit the bullet and am now the proud owner of a 2002 Chevy Suburban as my BOV. I shouldn't have any use for the 3rd row seats, so those will be folded up pretty much always with gear loaded up at all times. This is a dedicated BOV, so it won't get driven more than maybe once a month. It gets pretty bag gas mileage, so we will be stocking back quite a bit of stabilized gas for bugging out. Told hubby we will be filling a can a week until they're all filled and we have enough to fill that tank. Right now, that is all.
We burned a HUGH pile of brush and etc. today. So glad to get it done. Weeded asparagus bed and put compost on top. Peach, apples, and pears along with grapes and muscadines pruned. That was a job but always glad to do it. Working on schedule for food prep so we have cooked food once the garden starts! And just for my mental health put a few flower bulbs in the ground.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
I went to town today to pick up some of my commodities. The amount of food we get from month to month varies. I'm greatful for what ever we get. This month was light, chicken leg quarters, I see some chicken salad coming from it, a package of shredded cheese (I will be using this to add cheese to the cheap frozen pizzas we buy), about 6 cans of something, a package of pasta, a bag of cereal and a bag of apples. We will share the apples with the pastor, along with their weekly gallon bucket of eggs, although this week its two buckets. His family eats 10 eggs every day, so both families are blessed.
We will get another box of commodities on Thursday, we are blessed. Being only the two of us the food we get in commodities goes a lot further than it would if there were hollow legged children in our home. My four year old grandson is always "very very hungry". His dad was like that when he was a teenager.
God is good all the time
Judy
We will get another box of commodities on Thursday, we are blessed. Being only the two of us the food we get in commodities goes a lot further than it would if there were hollow legged children in our home. My four year old grandson is always "very very hungry". His dad was like that when he was a teenager.
God is good all the time
Judy
coloradohermit
Veteran Member
It's been snowing since yesterday afternoon, and forecast to continue all day today. What a good day to do some canning of a few things from the freezer. But first I need to shovel a path for the dog. Snow is already belly deep for a chiweenie. :-)
Illini Warrior
Illini Warrior
if it didn't come BOV decked out - plenty of used add-ons like cargo carriers, grill guards, and lighting available on the market
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
Actually we got two kinds, the frozen leg quarters and small cans. I love the fajita chicken , but I don't think we ever get chicken patties, but we do get port patties. Since DH had part of his pancreas and his spleen taken out he can't stand any spices and the pork patties are a little spicey, so I end up sharing those with other people. We don't care for the small red apples so we always share those with children. We are blessed.
God is good all the time
Judy
SammiP
Contributing Member
Baked cookies for happy family members. SIL asked for some and husband said not without him getting his favorites too! Have also been working on fitness in the snow lately, snowshoes and cross country skis have been dusted off and used recently. My sore legs say I need to do it more often!
briches
Veteran Member
Started reorganizing the pantry today. Got about half done. Will finish tomorrow. Inventorying and rotating as I go (which I should have already done).
Tomorrow I have my “well check” that I have to do yearly to keep my insurance from going up. I’m counting that as a prep. I’m not looking forward to going to the doctor while I’m healthy, but it is what it is. I did take the earliest time slot so hopefully no cooties there yet. Lol
Slow and steady ...
Tomorrow I have my “well check” that I have to do yearly to keep my insurance from going up. I’m counting that as a prep. I’m not looking forward to going to the doctor while I’m healthy, but it is what it is. I did take the earliest time slot so hopefully no cooties there yet. Lol
Slow and steady ...
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Cary goes back to see his doctor for a check up tomorrow, after his stay in the hospital. All should be good. Then, next week we go to see the Urologist to find out when his surgery will be.
I went ahead and packed my overnight bag to take to the hospital with us. I have no idea how this surgery is done, or how long to expect Cary to be hospitalized afterwards. Lots of questions to be asked. I'm getting a bit nervous about the whole thing. Cary is as calm as a cucumber, though.
I went ahead and packed my overnight bag to take to the hospital with us. I have no idea how this surgery is done, or how long to expect Cary to be hospitalized afterwards. Lots of questions to be asked. I'm getting a bit nervous about the whole thing. Cary is as calm as a cucumber, though.
Marseydoats
Veteran Member
Make sure you take you some snacks and cold drinks if possible. I have heard that some of the hospital cafeterias are only serving patients, and not all hospitals have vending machines. Still praying for you and Cary.
amazon
Veteran Member
SB, hospital rules regarding visitors are evaluated weekly. Be sure to check the day before to see what you're allowed to do.
I cleaned some more. Its amazing the difference more shelving makes! Stocked up on more pads for dd. Bought a case of green beans, carrots, tomatoes, more q tips and a Midland emergency plus two way radio. So much more to do.
I have a large can of Nedo dry milk. Should I vacuum seal it in jars or mylar bag it? Its long term storage.
I cleaned some more. Its amazing the difference more shelving makes! Stocked up on more pads for dd. Bought a case of green beans, carrots, tomatoes, more q tips and a Midland emergency plus two way radio. So much more to do.
I have a large can of Nedo dry milk. Should I vacuum seal it in jars or mylar bag it? Its long term storage.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
We just got back from Cary's doctor appointment. He's doing really good. His doctor was very pleased. We won't know for sure about the surgery, until he sees the Urologist. Cary's doctor, today, wasn't at all convinced that Cary would have to have his kidney removed.
While in big town, Cary had the oil and filter changed in my car, after we got out of the doctor's office. Also, I went to my shoe store, and bought two new pair of casual shoes for winter wear. My walking shoes, and all of my boots are just worn out. I was getting desperate to buy new ones.
While in big town, Cary had the oil and filter changed in my car, after we got out of the doctor's office. Also, I went to my shoe store, and bought two new pair of casual shoes for winter wear. My walking shoes, and all of my boots are just worn out. I was getting desperate to buy new ones.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
I must have a lot of shoes because I don't ever remember wearing shoes out. I do wear vionic flip flops year round and I have a couple pair of those that are worn down. The last time I worked I had to stand on my feet and I simply could not wear the same shoe two days in a row. So I had five pair and only wore a pair once a week. They were all New Balance athletic shoes and I still have two or three pair that are practically new. DH has worn out a couple pair but he wears the same shoe day after day and he works outside. Last year I bought him a pair of 6" boots with a zipper on the side and when he said they worked fine I bought a back up pair. However, he simply will not alternate them, oh well.
I buy my vionic flip flops from ebay (often pre owned) at about a third of the price of new.
God is good all the time
Judy
I buy my vionic flip flops from ebay (often pre owned) at about a third of the price of new.
God is good all the time
Judy
Freeholder
This too shall pass.
I have a pair of shoes on my feet right now that are nearly worn out -- the leather is cracked clear through in a couple of places. I still wear them around home (and to town once or twice, when I forgot to change first, LOL!). These were good quality -- SAS, made in America. I've been wearing them nearly constantly for five or six years, so I guess that's pretty good wear. I have a couple more pairs of identical shoes for when these wear out, but I'm not one for a huge closet full of shoes. Sandals or flip-flops in the summer, boots for mud, boots for snow, these leather shoes for almost everything else. I don't even have a pair of dress shoes at the moment; should get a pair, I suppose.
Kathleen
Kathleen
briches
Veteran Member
I wear Birkenstock’s. They’re ugly but so comfortable. They last me a LONG time. They’re not made in the US, but not China either, so .....
Pantry is half organized ... will finish this week .... dr appointment went fine yesterday - the scale has shot up a bit for me.
I have to make “getting healthy” a bigger priority and devote more time and effort to that!!
Pantry is half organized ... will finish this week .... dr appointment went fine yesterday - the scale has shot up a bit for me.
I have to make “getting healthy” a bigger priority and devote more time and effort to that!!
ginnie6
Veteran Member
Well I cleaned and organized my closet this week, got a get home bag packed and in the truck, and thats about it. I still need to add a couple things to the bag but at least it is there and almost complete. I'm trying to wait till dh gets off 6 day weeks to sit down and go over bills and homeschool stuff in case one of us gets sick. I don't know maybe I should go ahead and do that this weekend. Oh and I found a pair of hiking boots at a good price so I got them. There are miles of trails nearby so the plan is if it ever quits raining to get out and spend some time outdoors. I am just so tired of rain!
Illini Warrior
Illini Warrior
shoes/footwear are one of things that are a definite SHTF stockpile item - only a few US manufacturers left - need to be sure you cover not only your regular usage but SHTF possibles also - could be doing chores or into situations you didn't imagine ...
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
My problem with buying shoes/boots is that I'm hard to fit. I wear a size 5 in women's. They are very, very hard to find, even online. So, when I do find shoes or boots that I like, and can wear, I buy them up. I'm always on the look out for new ones. I don't have an extreme amount of shoes and boots, but I do have a large selection. Thing is, it's been about 5 years, since I've bought any new ones. My walking shoes from Merrell are worn out. I was wearing them at the hospital with Cary, and I noticed the sole was trying to come apart from the shoe. I have two pair of casual boots, and the side zippers are about to wear out. I still have other boots that are in good shape.
The only brand I could find, yesterday, that fit are Skechers, and are casual shoes. I can wear them with jeans or casual dress pants. Since I liked two different pair, I bought both.
The only brand I could find, yesterday, that fit are Skechers, and are casual shoes. I can wear them with jeans or casual dress pants. Since I liked two different pair, I bought both.
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SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Not really a prepping topic, ok? But, do any of you bake your home fries in the oven? If so, how do you do it? Cary loves home fries, but he can't have them fried in oil like I've been doing. He can have them baked, though. I buy potatoes by the month, and I always have a good supply on hand. I hate to waste them, cause home fries is the way I use them most. TIA.