Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: May 10 - May 16, 2026

[ginnie6]

Those look good Connie! I do so love biscuits but sadly they love my hips just as much. We're about to head out so I don't know how much I'll be online for the next several days. DD told me that dgd has a whole lot of things for me to mend for her and a whole plan of what we're going to do lol so I may be very busy.

 

[connie]

I put them straight in oven.
Ginnie6- my granddaughter always has repairs for me to do on her studies.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

84 and sunny, today. Another good day to be outside. Cary will begin staining again. Since he is having to do it all with a brush, he's only doing one small section at a time. It will be a slow process. I told him that he has all summer to do it, so he doesn't have to be in a hurry to get it done. It's supposed to rain Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday next week. The stain has to have 2 days to dry, after application, before getting wet.

Tomorrow is our road trip to Florence. We'll be leaving early in the morning. It's a 2 hour drive from here, and we have to go pick up Mom and get her loaded up, before we get started. We always try to be there by 11am, because my aunt takes us out for lunch. It's her way of thanking us for bringing Mom up there.

I have a few household chores to get done, today. I'll try to do what I can to help Cary, too. Believe it or not, we only have one paint brush.

 

[Meemur]

Safe travels, Ginnie!

SB, I can relate! I had a ton of nasty brushes and tossed all but a "regular" one and a trim brush. I mostly roll or spray paint. At some point, I'll pick up a few more brushes because they have other uses, but my painting is tons better when I use something other than a brush.

The humidity is back here. I got in some weeding (cleaned up from spots I missed last fall) and a very short bike ride. Part of the trail was muddy and still partly flooded, and I didn't want to clean up mud this morning. That's probably all I'll do outside until later this evening, if it isn't raining.

I've got the dehumidifier running upstairs, and I may or may not slide in the window a/c. It's early but it's going to be in the upper 80s for the next four days but then it'll cool back down. We should be past hard freezes, but hail remains a potential problem.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Safe travels, Ginnie!

SB, I can relate! I had a ton of nasty brushes and tossed all but a "regular" one and a trim brush. I mostly roll or spray paint. At some point, I'll pick up a few more brushes because they have other uses, but my painting is tons better when I use something other than a brush.

The humidity is back here. I got in some weeding (cleaned up from spots I missed last fall) and a very short bike ride. Part of the trail was muddy and still partly flooded, and I didn't want to clean up mud this morning. That's probably all I'll do outside until later this evening, if it isn't raining.

I've got the dehumidifier running upstairs, and I may or may not slide in the window a/c. It's early but it's going to be in the upper 80s for the next four days but then it'll cool back down. We should be past hard freezes, but hail remains a potential problem.

Since Cary was planning to use the sprayer, he didn't think about needing new brushes and roller brushes. He only has one of each. More roller brushes and mineral spirits will have to be bought when we get back to town. More regular paint brushes are in order, too.

At least, we are realizing different items that we have failed to stock up on. I hadn't thought about trash bags, until Anna mentioned them.

 

[Meemur]

It hasn't been a high priority because I'm doing outside projects, but they're added to the list.
My current goal is to have the pantry/supplies re-stocked on or before the end of Friday of Memorial Weekend (May 23).

If crap starts happening before then, I'll make a run, but I'm trying to take my time on the list so that I don't forget little stuff that makes a difference when it breaks, like shoe laces (yes, I have some of those!)

 

[SouthernBreeze]

It hasn't been a high priority because I'm doing outside projects, but they're added to the list.
My current goal is to have the pantry/supplies re-stocked on or before the end of Friday of Memorial Weekend (May 23).

If crap starts happening before then, I'll make a run, but I'm trying to take my time on the list so that I don't forget little stuff that makes a difference when it breaks, like shoe laces (yes, I have some of those!)

It's the small odds and ends that we tend to forget about. If we weren't staining the house, we never would have thought about paint brushes. I can't think of anything new I want to add to the pantry, food wise. I just keep adding as I replace, but more of the items I use most of. As long as we can afford it, and food is available, I'll keep doing it that way.

Cary just came in. He's done for the day. He needs one more good day to finish the north side of the house. It's really looking good, too.

 

[hd5574]

@ Meemur...yes yes to shoe and boot laces..
when I get new..footwear that has laces...I get a couple of sets of laces and put them right in the box..
I was really lucky to fall into a huge sale on a pair of L L. Bean..handmade, water proof, tall insulated hunting boots..i think they discontinued this style of boot ..they only had one size..marked them way down...they are wonderful...feel broken in when.you slip them on the first time..i called Bean and ordered..replacement laces...i also ordered special boot socks for them...since they are wool and a boot weight sock..I put each pair in a plastic bag to stop moths..and stored them in the box with the boots..easy cause everything is together ..I wish I could afford a pair without insulation for summer..

Also I would add gloves...for warmth and work..as they are very hard to make
I also..have some glove needles and heavy thread to mend seams on gloves and a good thimble..

Socks are another important thing...I don't have the skills to make good socks
In a bug out situation if you are on foot...have good fitting socks..toe nail clippers and a blister kit..could be life saving..I also...have darning supplies..and have learned how to darn..

 

[nomifyle]

90 here today.

I was looking at my walmart pick up order and saw an item in the saved column that I use to buy by the case. Unsweetened canned mandarin oranges. I use to pay under a dollar now they are 1.92 a can. Good thing I still have a good stash of them. I only eat them from time to time now, not every day like I use to.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

When Cary finished up for the day, I looked at our extended weather forecast to see when the next available day would be for him to start again. It's supposed to rain Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and rain every day the next week. So, he washed and put everything away to wait for another dry spell.

I did something today that really needed doing. I emptied my fridge freezer, cleaned it, and reorganized while putting everything back in. I had some old garden seed that were several years old. Since, we'll never be able to use them, I just threw them away. I couldn't think of anyone to give them to. They are so old I don't even know if they will germinate. Bought them back when we had the huge backyard garden. We really stocked up back then on garden seed to make sure we had enough for the next couple of years. We never needed them, since we stopped working the big garden.

 

[WanderLore]

My oldest son and I are taking 5 boys on a day hike tomorrow. The Rat Pack.

Other son mounted starlink dish and got the mower tire off. Thats ordered. Getting it all done but will enjoy the day off.

 

[anna43]

Currently 90º and a severe thunderstorm warning. Hearing thunder and wind seems to be picking up. Fun and games NOT.

It has been a crazy day. First, I had letters to mail, needed to pick up RX, take recycling to the bins uptown and then to Dollar General for milk. So, loaded the recycling but forgot the cardboard, mailed letters. forgot RX and to Dollar General. Came home and found milk leading all over the back seat of the car, loaded cardboard and took milk back to DG for refund because 3 more bottles were leaking so forget that. To Countrystore for milk, then home with cardboard still in the trunk. Put milk in fridge and then back uptown to bins with cardboard. Realized Countrystore AE milk was 16¢ less than DG store brand. Came home, had lunch and sat down for a couple hours then remembered the RX so back to town for that plus I took 3 books to the library. I swear, pinky promise etc. that I will not leave the house again without a list taped to the dash of the car!!!

I made casserole comfort food for supper ... ham (leftover from Christmas), noodles, cream of chicken soup and frozen peas. It was yummy. Also, baked a package of strawberry muffin mix. I have enough leftover casserole for three more meals and four muffins.

Only one paint brush ... need to revoke your prepper awards ... one is none and all that.

 

[moldy]

Man, @anna43 - i've had days like that. We won't talk about how many! It's Friday and I get a few days off from work. I've got the weekend dance thread pulled up and am grooving along trying to get a few things done.

 

[philkar]

Don’t forget about elastic. Is a petroleum based product. My mom used to tell me that were no patent leather shoes during WWII.

 

[summerthyme]

Don’t forget about elastic. Is a petroleum based product. My mom used to tell me that were no patent leather shoes during WWII.

Elastic is also one thing that needs to be stored as cool as possible, and in the dark. It breaks down in heat and light, over time.

Summerthyme

 

[Wildwood]

Elastic is also one thing that needs to be stored as cool as possible, and in the dark. It breaks down in heat and light, over time.

Summerthyme

I can vouch for that. I had to throw my mother's entire stash away even though it was kept in the right conditions...a decade or more caused it to lose most of it's elasticity. It hurt me to toss it for sentimental and practical reasons. I wonder if stashing it in a freezer would help.

 

[moldy]

My mama kept her thread in the freezer. I don't sew enough to know about elastic.

 

[Wildwood]

My mama kept her thread in the freezer. I don't sew enough to know about elastic.

I know for a fact that thread deteriorates so that makes sense. Buying and selling vintage, I sell a lot of old thread on the wooden spools and it does get to the point that the thread breaks easily. I accumulated so many of them that I filled a gallon glass jug with them and sold the whole lot together in my booth last month. I can't say how much I hated to do that but absolutely can't keep it all.

 

[anna43]

Elastic dies after a certain period of time. It is easy to tell as you stretch it out and nothing snaps back. Old thread breaks especially when using it on a machine.

I don't know about patent leather shoes during WWII but shoes in general were in very short supply. Soldiers came first and the general population a far second. I wear a size shoe not available in stores locally so have to have them ordered. For that reason, I try to always have at least four newish pairs at all times. It is a reoccurring nightmare that next time I try to buy a pair, I'll be told they are no longer made. A pair cost $165 last year and I anticipate the cost will be higher this year.

In my preps I have cording that can be used for waists instead of elastic. In my mending I have a pair of Alfred Dunner slacks that the elastic died and I'm putting in cording to replace it.

We had a good rain last night and small hail. As far as I can see my tomatoes were not damaged. More rain is in the forecast for Sunday and Monday. We need the rain. I don't know if the seeds that I planted a couple weeks ago will come up with the rain or if the dry ground killed them. A wait and see, I guess.

 

[summerthyme]

I asked Grok what factors could help extend the life of elastic in storage...

Would a reduced oxygen environment help?
Yes. Oxygen (along with ozone in the air) reacts with the polymers in elastic, causing it to oxidize, stiffen, and eventually dry rot.


How to do it: You can create an oxygen-reduced environment by placing your elastics into heavy-duty barrier bags (like Mylar) and adding an Oxygen Absorber to drop oxygen levels to near zero. Alternatively, using a vacuum sealer works well to remove circulating air.

Would refrigeration help?
Yes, but with caveats. Heat is one of rubber’s worst enemies. Cool or refrigerated temperatures slow down the internal chemical reactions that cause degradation.

The Catch: If the temperature drops below freezing (below 32°F), natural rubber and latex can temporarily stiffen and become brittle. Fortunately, this is fully reversible once the elastic is brought back to room temperature.

How to do it: Place your sealed, oxygen-free bags into a standard refrigerator (not the freezer). This makes an ideal, energy-efficient preservation

Additional Best Practices
To ensure your elastic retains its stretch for years to come, follow these storage rules:

Block the Light: Ultraviolet (UV) light is extremely damaging to polymers. Store your elastic in opaque (dark) containers or bags.

Remove Tension: Never store elastic in a stretched state. Keep them relaxed.

Keep Away from Motors: Electric motors, generators, and high-voltage electrical equipment generate ozone, which is highly destructive to rubber.

Avoid Oils: Keep elastics completely away from lubricants, cleaning chemicals, and solvents.

When you are ready to use stored elastic, allow it to return to room temperature (around 70°) before applying tension.

Summerthyme

 

[Meemur]

Yes, I need elastic in undergarments and pull on pants and skirts. I could make the pants and skirts with buttons, but using elastic makes the process so much easier. I know that I have some stored downstairs. I made a note to check on that. I've got some extra underwear and clothing put away, so I'll factor that in, as well, and keep Anna's suggestion earlier this month in mind: wear aprons. I'm not sure I could wear one all day, but I could certainly wear one when I'm doing messy jobs.

Hot and humid here! If it doesn't cool down after dinner, I'll slide in the condenser window a/c unit. A friend lifted it onto a bar chair (estate find!) next to the window, so all I have to do is scoot it over, and I can scoot it back out, no lifting required. If it does cool off, then I'll insert the double fan, which is very light. I can pull that in and out daily, when necessary.

Good sleep is prep for me, so I'll do whatever is necessary to avoid becoming overly tired.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

We had a good trip to Florence and back. We've just got home and settled in. We cut our visit a bit short. Aunt and Mom had planned to go to a dance, tonight, at the Country Club. Mom took her some yard plant cuttings, and she wanted to put those out, before they left for the dance. We still had a great time, and she treated us to lunch. I over ate, but what the heck?! I had to sample the banana pudding and pecan pie for dessert. I was naughty, LOL.

We are both tired. I'm ready to change into my jammies and relax, watching tv the rest of the day. Cary is already stretched out on the sofa.

 

[feralferret]

We had a good trip to Florence and back. We've just got home and settled in. We cut our visit a bit short. Aunt and Mom had planned to go to a dance, tonight, at the Country Club. Mom took her some yard plant cuttings, and she wanted to put those out, before they left for the dance. We still had a great time, and she treated us to lunch. I over ate, but what the heck?! I had to sample the banana pudding and pecan pie for dessert. I was naughty, LOL.

We are both tired. I'm ready to change into my jammies and relax, watching tv the rest of the day. Cary is already stretched out on the sofa.

Pecan pie! Mmmmmmmm.

 

[moldy]

Got 7 quarts and a pint of strawberry rhubarb pie filling canned. The jam may have to wait until tomorrow. DH and I (mostly DH) got the garden planted. Smaller than usual this year, but we planted cukes, broccoli, cabbage, 2 kinds of watermelon, Crenshaw melons, 3 kinds of pumpkins, butternut squash, sweet dumpling squash, and spaghetti squash. I will need to still plant carrots and put out my 3 tomato plants, but that will have to wait until after Monday as the low is ... 30 degrees. Sigh - this weather is just weird.

 

[Digger]

We cut and bale hay this week. We only cut a little over half the field. It was thin being early. It made 101 bales. I had one customer get 30 and I put the rest of the in the barn. It's still on the trailer but out of the weather. I may let our son that wants to farm unload the trailer.

I bought 8 guinea keets from a young family I know. I was surprised Hubby agreed to get them. He doesn't like the noise. I love them but the noise is bit much at times. The keets and the chicks are in the brooder on the porch.

I started this this morning, then got sidetracked. I hope everyone had a great Saturday.