Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: November 14 ~ 20, 2021

Deena in GA

Administrator
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We took advantage of the butter on sale at Aldi’s too. Ended up with two cases in the freezer.

Doing a grocery run this morning buying things on sale, which is the only way we buy. Lots of holes in the different stores, but the dollar store did finally have boxes of tissue back in so we were able to buy a few of them. They haven’t had any in over a month.

Hubby’s been splitting and stacking wood for next winter. Thank God for wood splitters!!
 

nehimama

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Just back from the dealership where my car is serviced, and bought four new tires to be stored until needed. Feller there looked at the tires currently on my car and estimated they'd be due for replacing probably next summer. The current tires are five years old. When I bought a replacement tire for a blowout last year, it cost $180.00 Today, each tire cost $209.00 I feel if I had waited until next summer to purchase them, they'd be a lot more expensive. So, I feel like I done good today. Windshield wiper blades are next on the list.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Cary's new watch was just delivered! He's like a kid with a new toy, LOL! I told him to go ahead and wear it, instead of waiting for Christmas, since he needs the watch now.

Still waiting for 2 more deliveries, today. My jacket from Blair, and the Sam's items I ordered.
 
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nomifyle

TB Fanatic
One of the local churches delivers a hot meal to the sick, widows and needy once a month. We got on the list thanks to a cousin of mine (although we do not need to stay on the list because we are now able to cook for ourselves). The meal this month is ham, green beans, dressing, cranberry sauce, a roll and a cookie. It was such a nice gesture.

God is good all the time

Judy
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
YAY! I got my jacket and the Sam's order. Jacket fits perfectly, and coffee and vitamins from Sam's have been put away! So, Cary and I, both, got something new, today!

I'm asking him for a new laptop notebook for Christmas. That may not be what it's called, but I don't know anything about them. I just know I want one. I'm sure ya'll know what I'm talking about.
 

aviax2

Veteran Member
I had to be in Jackson for a medical test this morning so DH and I left home around 6:45 for my 9:00 appt. I didn’t get called back until past 9:30 (glad I took a Kindle) but the test was only a couple of minutes. It was a little strange to me, we went into the front entrance and had to show ID, stand in front of something with a couple of red lights, then stand in front of something else and pull your mask down I guess to see if you matched your pic on driver’s license and take your temperature. Security was standing by. Then we each were given a sticker with name, pic, etc. to wear, told to come back there before leaving the hospital to check out and sent off to a waiting area. When leaving we had to go stand in front of the little black box with little red lights again to scan our stickers! This country bumpkin thought it was all a little strange.

We went to ALDI but I didn’t even think to look at butter, I was too busy checking for heavy cream which Sam’s rarely has anymore, $2.99 a quart is a great price too. Kroger has butter for $1.77 a lb. with a digital coupon for up to 5 boxes this week so we’ll get some there. They had Butterball turkeys at .87 cents a lb. so we bought one, a little cheaper than the one we were going to buy at Kroger’s this week. Bought more baking chips (you can never have enough chocolate) cans of chili beans, fruit, mushrooms, boxed cheesy potatoes, a couple of rice mixes to try, some healthy snacks for the grandkids, also got them some cookies, a little candy for Christmas stockings for them and probably several other things I’ve forgotten.

After that DH went to Sam’s (he needed some kind of oil for the tractor) and picked up a few things (mostly junk food for him) while I read in the car. I just didn’t have it in me for more walking after the hospital and ALDI.
 

philkar

Veteran Member
We only followed up once with the clinic we went to. I am checking my blood oxygen levels several times during the day and its finally good all the time 94-97. The clinic gave me this gismo to help breathing and I'm using it. I'm planning on going to the VA to get checked out in a couple of weeks. As I'm sitting here at the computer I'm able to take full breaths.

God is good all the time

Judy
Judy,
Thought I would share my experience with lung issues. Let me say up front that I did not have covid. I had pleural effusions from fluid overload and kidney failure when ill with pancreatitis. After I was finally discharged from hospital I could not walk 6 feet with sats dropping and staying down. I had to sit up to sleep etc. I was quite concerned. Went to see pulmonologist thinking something was wrong. He told me that lung issues just take a long time to recover depending on extent of involvement. I sort of thought he was just blowing me off but he was right, That all started on Sept 6th. I am just now back to normal! I did every pulmonary exercise that I was instructed to do and could find on my own to do. They helped. Don't give up keep at it and oh yes walk as far as you can without getting in distress and add a step if you can every day. Am praying for you! And last but not least I am still finding odd things tucked away in my pantry after my hubby was alone for 3 weeks!
 

prudentwatcher

Veteran Member
I stopped by CVS today to pick up some vitamins. On my way to that aisle I passed an endcap full of their version of the disinfectant wipes for 90% off, or 69 cents a container. Thought about it for a minute as we have quite a few, but bought two anyway. On my way to the front to pay, there was a big bin of bottles of hand sanitizer for 29 cents a bottle (these are decent size bottles, maybe 12 oz, not the little personal size ones). We have a lot of those too, but I grabbed a couple more. Some unexpected deals if you just keep your eyes open.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Cary and I both got a "nudge", yesterday, without each other knowing about it, until this morning, when we shared it with each other. This only happens on occasion, so we always pay attention to it. The nudge was to check into more LTS Mountain House food. We're looking at it, today. Their stock is very low.

Update.....So, we ordered some #10 cans of meal varieties that we didn't already have. The Breakfast Skillet and Creamy Chicken Casserole. I wanted to get a few more meal varieties, but all out of stock. I'll be checking back in a few days to see if they have more in.

We're not crazy about eating this LTS food, but it's to fall back on, once everything else in my pantry has been depleted. Never know when re-supplying one's pantry will be cut off on a permanent basis for those who can't grow their own.
 
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Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
Went to Menard's first thing this morning for several small items I'm not finding elsewhere. No joy in that category, but I found several more battery-powered candles that are out everywhere else.

I usually buy that stuff after Christmas, but they weren't available last year. I got four more at full price, just to be sure I had them.

Yes, I know battery-powered lights aren't sustainable but they aren't a fire hazard, either, which is more of a concern to me right now. If I knock a battery-powered lantern off its stand at 3 am, it's not going to catch my house on fire.
 

TxGal

Day by day
Cary and I both got a "nudge", yesterday, without each other knowing about it, until this morning, when we shared it with each other. This only happens on occasion, so we always pay attention to it. The nudge was to check into more LTS Mountain House food. We're looking at it, today. Their stock is very low.

Update.....So, we ordered some #10 cans of meal varieties that we didn't already have. The Breakfast Skillet and Creamy Chicken Casserole. I wanted to get a few more meal varieties, but all out of stock. I'll be checking back in a few days to see if they have more in.

We're not crazy about eating this LTS food, but it's to fall back on, once everything else in my pantry has been depleted. Never know when re-supplying one's pantry will be cut off on a permanent basis for those who can't grow their own.

Costco got some more Mountain House in stock this week. They probably won't last long, but there are some good ones there. I don't think one has to be a member to order from them (I could be wrong). Member pricing requires a log-in, but it doesn't seem to apply with these.

Emergency Food Supplies & Kits | Costco
 
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SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Costco got so more Mountain House in stock this week. They probably won't last long, but there are some good ones there. I don't think one has to be a member to order from them (I could be wrong). Member pricing requires a log-in, but it doesn't seem to apply with these.

Emergency Food Supplies & Kits | Costco

I checked the link at Costco, so thanks! I already have the meal varieties that they have listed there. I was looking for more variety. Mountain House had varieties that I don't already have at the website, but they were all out of stock, except the 2 that I ordered.

I wish Sam's carried Mountain House. We have a Sam's locally, but not a Costco.
 

nomifyle

TB Fanatic
I checked the link at Costco, so thanks! I already have the meal varieties that they have listed there. I was looking for more variety. Mountain House had varieties that I don't already have at the website, but they were all out of stock, except the 2 that I ordered.

I wish Sam's carried Mountain House. We have a Sam's locally, but not a Costco.
Mountain House is not the only good LTFS company out there. I've also ordered from LDS, individual ingredients, rather than meals.

On a different subject, DH is still helping me with the food storage. My brother brought me some really good metal shelves but to put them up we have to clear out spaces (OMG) to put them. My brother brought two huge totes full of canned food (which has been put in the she shed) so we are going to fill them up again with flats of food from the pantry room and put them in his enclosed trailer short term while we get the new shelves put up. thank God I am not able to actually help with this. I tend to procrastinate but DH is the type to get it done, so I see lots of progress in the near future. I've needed help for quite a while.

God is good all the time.

Judy
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Mountain House is not the only good LTFS company out there. I've also ordered from LDS, individual ingredients, rather than meals.

I've ordered lots of individual food items from other LTS companies, but when it comes to actual meals, we like Mountain House the best. We sampled a few of them (Mountain House), before ordering them a few yrs. ago while still doing our weekend camping trips.

I'm shooting for at least two yrs. worth of LTS food/meals. That's the goal that Cary and I both feel we are being lead to do. I believe we already have a years worth already. I have no idea where we will put it, though. Cary may have to build more shelves. I don't think I can get another thing under our bed, LOL! "Where there's a will, there's a way"!
 

philkar

Veteran Member
I checked the link at Costco, so thanks! I already have the meal varieties that they have listed there. I was looking for more variety. Mountain House had varieties that I don't already have at the website, but they were all out of stock, except the 2 that I ordered.

I wish Sam's carried Mountain House. We have a Sam's locally, but not a Costco.
So is this brand tasty? I have not purchased much dehydrated stuff...have chosen to dry myself but you bring up a valid point!
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
So is this brand tasty? I have not purchased much dehydrated stuff...have chosen to dry myself but you bring up a valid point!

Out of all we've sampled. Mountain House is the best tasting to us. I'm sure other's tastes might differ. It's not something I would choose to eat on a regular basis, unless all of our other food sources fail. It tastes well enough for us to take it on all of our camping trips, so it's doable.
 

philkar

Veteran Member
Went to Menard's first thing this morning for several small items I'm not finding elsewhere. No joy in that category, but I found several more battery-powered candles that are out everywhere else.

I usually buy that stuff after Christmas, but they weren't available last year. I got four more at full price, just to be sure I had them.

Yes, I know battery-powered lights aren't sustainable but they aren't a fire hazard, either, which is more of a concern to me right now. If I knock a battery-powered lantern off its stand at 3 am, it's not going to catch my house on fire.
Meemur, We have a variety of back up options depending on the situation if power goes out. I see no shame in that as no one knows what will actually hit the area we live in and you stay within your budget. If we lose power for and length of time...speaking of days or weeks...I doubt we would come back up in a timely manner if at all. My DH disagrees! We were down for 2 weeks after one of the hurricanes chose to visit our area and it did come back up. But I see that as a line down not a whole grid!
 

philkar

Veteran Member
Out of all we've sampled. Mountain House is the best tasting to us. I'm sure other's tastes might differ. It's not something I would choose to eat on a regular basis, unless all of our other food sources fail. It tastes well enough for us to take it on all of our camping trips, so it's doable.
Thanks. The dehydrated fruit and vegetables I mix with other fresh or canned items but you are right. That option may not be there one day. Have you ever looked at real photos of Holocaust survivors? I used to think that their hair was thin due to lack of hygiene but after being ill with poor intake for several weeks my hair is coming out by the handfuls and I realize those survivors thinning hair may have been just poor intake. Just stuff to ponder!
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thanks. The dehydrated fruit and vegetables I mix with other fresh or canned items but you are right. That option may not be there one day. Have you ever looked at real photos of Holocaust survivors? I used to think that their hair was thin due to lack of hygiene but after being ill with poor intake for several weeks my hair is coming out by the handfuls and I realize those survivors thinning hair may have been just poor intake. Just stuff to ponder!

My hair takes spells of coming out, too. I told Cary the other day that I was going through my molting season! Mine comes out when I'm under a lot of stress. I'm working on the stress issues. Things have calmed way down. I ordered some Skullcap today to help with it, too.
 
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TxGal

Day by day
I checked the link at Costco, so thanks! I already have the meal varieties that they have listed there. I was looking for more variety. Mountain House had varieties that I don't already have at the website, but they were all out of stock, except the 2 that I ordered.

I wish Sam's carried Mountain House. We have a Sam's locally, but not a Costco.
You're welcome! They've had more variety in the past, but like all things even they've become hit and miss with supply issues as they are. I'm actually surprised they've gotten in more. And heaven knows their pricing is good. Still waiting for the plain diced chicken. DH asked me where we'd put it if we got some, we're pretty well stocked - I said I'd just stack it somewhere :-)
 

Quiet Man

Nothing unreal exists
I'm having some trouble starting my (really old!) car for the first time, ever. At first I thought is was the battery not holding a charge. Now it seems like there is a small short in the starter motor stator winding that is just bad enough to prevent starting when the battery sits for a week.

Anywhoo, I went to see my (really good) mechanic. He's the one who suggested that it's probably the starter motor. While talking, he told me that many of the automotive battery manufacturers have a huge stock of car batteries that have been sitting since CV-19 started. It's really bad for lead-acid batteries to sit for a long time unmaintained. He said that they are simply pulling the older batteries from the warehouses and putting a sticker with the current date on them for new sales.

I had wanted to get a new battery for my car (even though it looks like the 2-year-old one that I have is still in decent condition) since the supply chains look like they will simply continue to go down-hill. I decided to go ahead and get one, but I also purchased one of the newer tech battery chargers that have a desulfator circuit, as well as logic to 'recover' batteries.

Fingers crossed.

I also purchased a new starter.
 
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SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Mountain House is freeze dried, and is the best tasting of the "rehydrate and eat" meals. But it's pricey.

Summerthyme

Yeah. It's pricy. We ordered cases and cases of the meals from them back when Cary was still working. Every 2 weeks, he got a sizable bonus check. We used some of those checks to buy it with. Since we are now on a limited income, it's order by the #10 cans, instead, as we get paid. Can't really afford to do it like we once did.
 

paxsim2

Senior Member
We have a heat source for the greenhouse but it needs to be on a timer. I don't trust the thermostat. I'm going out in a bit to plant some kale, rapini and a small bok choy.

Dh is getting gel injection in his one of his knees. He was scheduled for knee replacement in the other knee before his platelets tanked. So the "better" one is getting gel to help him with pain.

We have several battery operated light plus some solar lights. I have candle making supplies along with oil lamps. I tried my hand a a few times at a button lamp and they do work. But are not long lived.

At the moment though, he's outside putting up Christmas lights. :) He loves Christmas!
 

Quiet Man

Nothing unreal exists
I have candle making supplies along with oil lamps. I tried my hand a a few times at a button lamp and they do work. But are not long lived.
I was just experimenting with oil lights this week. I started with a shot glass filled with Canola oil and some of the floating wicks that I found on Amazon (the biggest size I could find). It worked pretty well for me, and I was able to burn the 'lamp' for about 24 hours before putting it out (I added oil a couple times).

After putting out the floating wick it was never satisfactory again, though. The oil in the wick could be blotted to make relighting easy. The problem was that the super thin cork would become saturated with oil and would sink, even if I blotted the oil out of it, too.

My solution was to get '45 ply' braided cotton wick on a spool, and make a small floating platform of 3/16" thick cork that I had on hand. A layer of aluminum foil on top works to prevent it catching fire. With a hole in the middle, a short bit of wick (1+ inch) was good for a decent size flame. The main limit on burn time is the amount of oil in the glass. That, plus the wick would occasionally need to be pushed up (not once in 24 hours).
 
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briches

Veteran Member
Cary and I both got a "nudge", yesterday, without each other knowing about it, until this morning, when we shared it with each other. This only happens on occasion, so we always pay attention to it. The nudge was to check into more LTS Mountain House food. We're looking at it, today. Their stock is very low.

Update.....So, we ordered some #10 cans of meal varieties that we didn't already have. The Breakfast Skillet and Creamy Chicken Casserole. I wanted to get a few more meal varieties, but all out of stock. I'll be checking back in a few days to see if they have more in.

We're not crazy about eating this LTS food, but it's to fall back on, once everything else in my pantry has been depleted. Never know when re-supplying one's pantry will be cut off on a permanent basis for those who can't grow their own.

This made my stomach drop as I’ve “had that feeling” …them I come to read here and saw your post as well as reading in the bomb shelter.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
This made my stomach drop as I’ve “had that feeling” …them I come to read here and saw your post as well as reading in the bomb shelter.

Cary was getting the "feeling" that we needed to bump up our stock of LTS food, yesterday. I was getting the same feeling, but we didn't share it with each other. This morning, over coffee, He mentioned what he had been feeling off and on all day, yesterday. I told him that I had the same feeling, yesterday, too. When this happens, we see it as a confirmation from God that we need to act on it. So, today, we did. Like I said, this doesn't happen often, but when it does, we pay attention.
 

briches

Veteran Member
Cary was getting the "feeling" that we needed to bump up our stock of LTS food, yesterday. I was getting the same feeling, but we didn't share it with each other. This morning, over coffee, He mentioned what he had been feeling off and on all day, yesterday. I told him that I had the same feeling, yesterday, too. When this happens, we see it as a confirmation from God that we need to act on it. So, today, we did. Like I said, this doesn't happen often, but when it does, we pay attention.

My hubby greatly supports our prepping, but it’s usually me doing the bulk of it for us. He greatly helps in other ways. That being said, he just told me he’s expanding the garden with more variety and had ordered even more seeds. That happened as I was reading your post and in the BS so hubby got a nudge too.
 

nomifyle

TB Fanatic
DH and I were sitting on the porch this afternoon and I was thanking him for his pitching in. I have a case of Hard Red Winter Wheat sitting on the porch waiting for the energy to open it up and put the cans on a shelf in the she shed. I have about 100 cans of food I put away in new paint cans. He asked me if I thought it was any good and I said yes, that I'm going to assume its all good. I put it in bags, inserted o2's ans sucked the air out of the bags and pounded the lids on. I've opened a can or two in recent times and its all fine. This isn't even the cases of different LTS foods I also have. I think a few of those have gone bad, like pancake mix. That was before I knew what I was doing. I'm determined to go through all of that and get it moved to the she shed this winter. Much easier to do in cooler weather.

I have other things in that shed that need to be moved, like a bench that can go on the porch of the cabin, need something there to sit on that I can get up from. My really nice gas stove was in that shed, but we got that moved out to the summer kitchen about a year ago. The propane people changed the orafices on the stove and it works just fine. I have a nice gas fireplace in that shed also, it can go in the cabin, just have to get the orafices changed from natural gas to propane.

so much to do, but hope springs eternal, my energy level is improving inch by inch and giving me hope that I didn't have when I was sick.

God is good all the time

Judy

God is good all the time

Judy
 
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