Prep Genrl Weekly prep thread: October 12-18, 2025

[SouthernBreeze]

Shopping, today. We'll be going to 2 small towns. Where we do our main shopping, and the other to pay a bill in person. We can't pay it online or direct withdrawal. By the time we get the bill in the mail, it's almost already due. To get it paid on time, we have to make a special trip to the county seat courthouse. Our mail system is so screwed up that mailing it in would cause it to be late. It's our county garbage pickup bill. We have to do our water bill the same way. Fortunately, we can pay it on our way to do our main shopping.

Our weather is still nice. 83 for our high with bright sunny skies. As the weekend approaches, our forecast is staying the same for severe weather, possible overnight tornadoes Saturday night. The forecast can still change, or it might not even develop, but we need measurable rain, badly.

The farmers in the area who were able to get late soybeans planted are beginning to harvest them. I have a feeling from just looking out over some of these fields that it's not going to be a very productive harvest. Some of those who didn't even get their fields planted are now planting winter wheat hoping/praying for rain.

 

[nomifyle]

My itching is less severe, praise the Lord

 

[SouthernBreeze]

My itching is less severe, praise the Lord

Have you got all the drainage tubes out, yet? I know getting that done will make you feel lots better.

 

[prudentwatcher]

Went to Dollar Tree yesterday and got a few things. They were completely out of rice, pasta, and ramen. Got a few minor things I needed.

Today I hit Sams. Mainly for everyday stuff and to restock the cold medicine shelf, as we have both had colds recently and hit the medicine hard. Two boxes of the 72 Tylenol cold and flu purchased and another 3 bottles of cough syrup. Will probably get more next time. We seem to go through a lot when we get colds.

Sams was out of several things I was looking for. The store looks full, but missing some normal stuff, though shelves aren't empty. Good time to get sweats, flannel shirts and fleece jackets.

Will probably hit Dollar General for a few things soon, then will be all restocked. Car gets worked on tomorrow, as we are getting ready to make a short road trip. Working on those couple of things a day and making progress. Found a leaking can of fruit cocktail and a can of pineapple that had turned to black syrup in the pantry. Cleaned that out. Don't do much in canned fruit anymore for that reason, so have mainly switched to freeze dried fruit for the future.

 

[anna43]

I took a friend to the County Courthouse today. While there I took some items to a consignment shop and then stopped at Fareway. Only needed four items. I "looked" at the beef which did not cost me anything. Only thing I do these days for beef!! I do buy ground beef, but they had it for $8 a pound so only looked at that too.

While at the consignment shop, I shopped for winter sweatshirts and found one in a Burgandy color with a small grandma saying on the front. Also, found a new Croft & Barrow turtleneck gray with black Poka dots. Since I wear turtlenecks under sweatshirts the design isn't an issue. Third item is a light green Coldwater Creek fleece top. I'll have to wash all three several times to get rid of the fragrance from softener. Total came to $30.75 with tax which is less than any one item would have cost new. Big spending of the day was 10 cents for a newer copy of Joy of Cooking from the library book sale shelf. I'll get rid of two older copies but will keep my 1946 version. Worst part of the trip was an accident blocking the highway and being detoured on gravel. Gravel roads are a mess from all the heavy harvest hauling, but at least with yesterday's rain it wasn't dusty. Also, due to rain no harvesting equipment or semis ortractors hauling crop on the roads. Still, I now need to wash my car. I hate driving through car washes as it triggers my claustrophobia. It takes a lot of self-prep talks to get me to do it.

The farmers in the area who were able to get late soybeans planted are beginning to harvest them. I have a feeling from just looking out over some of these fields that it's not going to be a very productive harvest. Some of those who didn't even get their fields planted are now planting winter wheat hoping/praying for rain.

Iowa farmers are reporting high soybean yields this year. Enough rain at just the right time will do that which unfortunately doesn't happen all that often.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I think we wore ourselves out, today. Got both of those bills paid, plus, I had to go inside the bank to do some business and get cash for groceries. Stopped at the wine store for more wine for the cabinet, TSC, and on to buy groceries. I also sent off a big Sam's order. It was time for me to restock all of my vitamins and supplements for another year, plus some bulk items that were getting low in the pantry. My back started hurting me, before we got half way through Walmart. By the time I got everything put away, it was hurting really bad. I've been resting it all afternoon. I picked up 2 freshly made chef salads for our supper tonight, so I wouldn't have to cook. I added more stuff to them to make them more filling.

Starting tomorrow, we have nowhere to be, until the 27th of October. We have a Urology appointment that day. Cary will go over all the tests (CT scan and chest x-ray) with him and ask any questions he might think of. It's time for my bladder checkup to see if any more damage has been done from all the inflammation I've had, since the last visit. Getting scoped is not fun. I don't think I'll have to have a treatment this time, though. The treatments are worse than getting scoped!

 

[patriotgal]

Yesterday DH realized the scrap loading was a 2 person job. After I got out of training we loaded stuff. Old, heavy stuff. Old furnaces, old metal doors, old cow feeders and a wide variety of misc scrap. He took it in this am while I was in class. The trailer looked like something from Sanford and Son. When he got home DH called and got permission to drop off electronics after the recycling place closed.

When I got out of class today we loaded electronics. We were already crazy sore from the scrap. FIL had multiple old, huge, heavy tvs. All were bearable but one. We barely got the thing in the truck. Good thing it's gone because I don't know if we'd be able to do it if we waited. Speakers, monitors, it all went. One of the workers stopped by to check on us as we unloaded. He was in the area and knew someone was bringing a big load in. We had a nice visit and he accepted everything in the truck.

Had Big Mac's on way home. Nice once in a great while treat.

All of our kids and Grands who lost jobs due to a hospital contracts ending are now employed. Hallelujah! Every one of them got a better job. Rumor has it the nearest already crappy hospital is going to AI for scribes and coders.

We are resting our bodies for next couple days. We are about done with heavy stuff. Thank God. My back is giving me warning twinges so I am listening.

Praying for everyone.

 

[nomifyle]

Have you got all the drainage tubes out, yet? I know getting that done will make you feel lots better.

Only one is out, there is still some drainage in the two remaining ones, one is less than the other.

I think a lot of the reamining itching is from very dry skin, triing to get lotion on where i can reach, will get dh to put some on my back that I can't reach.

Have an appointment with the oncologist tomorrow, three weeks after the surgery. This is where he will try to scare me into more poison. I am considering radiation (preferably at the VA) but have not decided on it yet. My next appointment withe the surgeon is nex Monday the 20th. Am praying not to be ugly t him.

 

[Meemur]

Exhausted tonight, but at least it's still warm. At work, I've been eating lunch in my car and then walking around the retaining pond to get in my steps. Yes, it's anti-social, but there are still young liberals at my job. The less I see and hear of them, the better. I hope everything falls into place so I can retire in June, or at least take some time away from the workforce.

 

[Wildwood]

Exhausted tonight, but at least it's still warm. At work, I've been eating lunch in my car and then walking around the retaining pond to get in my steps. Yes, it's anti-social, but there are still young liberals at my job. The less I see and hear of them, the better. I hope everything falls into place so I can retire in June, or at least take some time away from the workforce.

I guess I'm antisocial too. As a rule, I avoid all talk of politics in public places, even if the folks are like minded. You just never know when there is a nut case with an agenda listening in.

Back in the day, you could safely be loud and proud about your political views and nobody really cared if you were like minded with them. Not so nowadays, especially among the young and idealistic about their own political views. There are precious few people I have those conversations with.

 

[moldy]

Well, today was less than great. First part (dropping off squash at the food bank and grocery shopping) wasn't bad. Then a 2 hour drive to the city to see the dentist. 8 new cavities (I barely have that many teeth!) since 3 months ago from all the radiation to get rid of the cancer. He's putting together a menu of options for me, but I really need to look at long term since I plan to retire in about 5 years if possible. Insurance will pay very little if anything, and eating will be challenging again for a while. Guess I shouldn't complain - I'm still on this side of the sod.

 

[Wildwood]

Well, today was less than great. First part (dropping off squash at the food bank and grocery shopping) wasn't bad. Then a 2 hour drive to the city to see the dentist. 8 new cavities (I barely have that many teeth!) since 3 months ago from all the radiation to get rid of the cancer. He's putting together a menu of options for me, but I really need to look at long term since I plan to retire in about 5 years if possible. Insurance will pay very little if anything, and eating will be challenging again for a while. Guess I shouldn't complain - I'm still on this side of the sod.

I hate that for you...it's just not fair.

I guess I could rant about insurance in this day and age but it won't help. I think dental is the worst insurance of all...if you can afford it. Of course the cost alone prohibits many of us from getting the care we really need. I just don't understand why it's so high, at least in this area it is. If you need a lot of work, it's the equivalent of buying a vehicle.

 

[philkar]

I share your fatigue Meemur and Patriot gal! We too are prepping a bed for strawberries that are sitting on the deck! I planted onions and comfrey and weed whacked today. Also cleaned out herb beds. We are dry dry dry! Rain coming on Saturday supposedly. Maybe I will get everything planted before we get that rain!

 

[philkar]

I need to add that Judy and Moldy remain in our prayers!

 

[anna43]

Not only is dental care very expensive, but it's also becoming more and more difficult to access. So many of my friends have horrible dental situations. Some have missing teeth, some have few teeth left and none can afford dental care. Medicare does not cover dental, and most supplements do not cover. If you are on Medicaid, it covers but most dentists will not accept it.

Hospital sent grandson home today. He's scheduled to start therapy on Monday and has been advised to start a heart healthy diet.

Medical care is becoming more and more difficult to access, and the situation is continuing to deteriorate each year. My family "doctor" is a nurse practitioner and that has been the case for 15 years. If I need to see a specialist, I have to drive to Des Moines, Iowa City or Mayo. Only thing readily accessible is Hospice -- go figure.

 

[WanderLore]

Girls. Prayers for Judy and Anna's grandson.
I've been up since 230am. Couldn't sleep.
Took 2 grands to youth group last night.
Went over to other Amish buddy to check on scaffolding for neighbors. He also gave me a dentist contact for them. Old guy, retired. Practices out of a camper trailer in the woods.
But apparently he is an ace and cheap.

Still working on the clean out. Still haven't gotten the chimney pipe back up yet. More warm weather yet.
Borrowed the power washer from neighbor, will hook that up today and wash the West and north side of house.
We're having a small private memorial here for Scot on Nov 9, which world have been our wedding anniversary.
Kids and grands helped set two posts. I am working on sign to hang until the permanent one is done. Planted tulips. Hung flags and solar light on them. We will make a time capsule.

Got pantry all cleaned out. Tons of other stuff done. Have some old farm equipment listed, horse drawn. Try to get some of barn done next.

Weather has been very nice and mild. Very little rain.
Please if possible, asking for prayers for SIL for new job. He lost the factory job he's had for 5 years. I wouldn't blame him if he was weary from working there.
Went to grands first band concert at school.
They seem to be adjusting well at public school (small town) after 5 years homeschooling. They are making almost all As.
Hoping I can stay home today and finish some of the projects.
Hoping everyone has a good day!

 

[patriotgal]

Moving at a snail's pace this am. So is DH so I don't have to cook before class. Prayers for everyone. We have storm warnings for weekend. Need the rain.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

We're still tired from all the running around we did, yesterday. My back feels much better after having a good night's sleep.

We are on track to break a record for highest temp, today. 87 for our high. I still have the floor fan out, but Cary will be closing up our ac, today. It looks like our rain chances for the weekend have dwindled. By the time Saturday gets here, there may not be any rain forecasted at all. We are praying for it, though, so we'll see. We do still expect our temps to fall on Sunday.

Cary will be splitting and stacking more firewood, and I have some freezer meal cooking to do, today. It's been a while, since I've made those, and I miss having ready made meals on hand.

 

[Meemur]

Re: dentists -- if there is any way to get to a dental school and become a patient (it can take 4 - 6 months), that can help the budget. If I ever move closer to Iowa City, I will use their dental school.

Some community colleges have dental hygiene programs and offer cleanings to the public. It can take several hours because the instructors have to check the work, but that can save some serious money. Here, they are on a sliding scale, and I think the highest rate is $45 but most people pay $21.

I'm in the process of looking for a new dental practice that isn't owned by a corporation. Mine keep retiring. We now have five new practices in the area, but they are corporations and designed to upsell patients, not to mention they cut as many corners as possible. No thanks!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Re: dentists -- if there is any way to get to a dental school and become a patient (it can take 4 - 6 months), that can help the budget. If I ever move closer to Iowa City, I will use their dental school.

Some community colleges have dental hygiene programs and offer cleanings to the public. It can take several hours because the instructors have to check the work, but that can save some serious money. Here, they are on a sliding scale, and I think the highest rate is $45 but most people pay $21.

I'm in the process of looking for a new dental practice that isn't owned by a corporation. Mine keep retiring. We now have five new practices in the area, but they are corporations and designed to upsell patients, not to mention they cut as many corners as possible. No thanks!

Our dentist has his own private practice. I don't know what I'll do when he retires. He's the best as far as I'm concerned. There are two other privately owned dental practices in the same small town, but I don't know that I would trust either one of those.

 

[moldy]

Due to my previous surgeries, a dental school is not an option, but might be for others. I am looking down the road, and to have to do this now is ok. Better now than later. All in God's timing.

 

[nomifyle]

Praying for you MOldy, you are a brave soul.

I got up feeling great, its the meds I'm sure, but its nice to feel better. I weighed yesterday, I've lost 38 pounds, neded weight loss.

I have an appt with the oncolobist today (not the surgeon) to go over the pathology report from the surgery. I can't wait to have that discussion, not. God help my mouth.

I Need s shower but can't take one by myself because of the tubes. Maybe they will be out on Monday.

 

[Meemur]

As with other healthcare, prevention can help avoid some tooth problems. That's why I try to get regular cleanings, floss 2X per day, brush after meals, and avoid chewing ice or other hard substances. I gave up Grapenuts cereal and eating hard nuts (almonds are OK) because they can wear out or crack fillings.

I also cut corn off the cob and cut up apples so I'm not biting directly into them. That keeps fiber out of the gaps in my front teeth.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Praying for you MOldy, you are a brave soul.

I got up feeling great, its the meds I'm sure, but its nice to feel better. I weighed yesterday, I've lost 38 pounds, neded weight loss.

I have an appt with the oncolobist today (not the surgeon) to go over the pathology report from the surgery. I can't wait to have that discussion, not. God help my mouth.

I Need s shower but can't take one by myself because of the tubes. Maybe they will be out on Monday.

I wish you the best on your visit, today. If, as you have told us, the surgeon wasn't able to remove all the cancer, he will consult with you about other treatment options, I'm sure. Don't give up.

 

[Meemur]

Prayers said for a smooth visit!

 

[nomifyle]

I wish you the best on your visit, today. If, as you have told us, the surgeon wasn't able to remove all the cancer, he will consult with you about other treatment options, I'm sure. Don't give up.

I'm not giving up, I'm just not taking their word as gospil.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I'm not giving up, I'm just not taking their word as gospil.

Ask lots of questions if you have to. All of mine and Cary's doctors know that we always ask lots of questions each visit, so they are prepared for us. Nice conversations go a long way to help our understanding, and it lets the doctor know our concerns.

 

[anna43]

Meemur, my dentist a few years back moved to Ankeny. Her name is Sarah Haban or Hoban and I really liked her as a dentist. Maybe you can find her. The new dentist is okay but I really don't care for him and when I have my next appointment I'm definitely going to request NOT to see the other guy he's brought in. Him I disliked from the get-go. I started doing 6-month appointments for cleaning and exam about two years ago. In light of the chaos in the world today, I thought it wise to keep ahead of any problems. Dentist told me that he thought I was his only patient my age who still had all their own teeth which means I have a lot of potential for problems!!

My friend is seeing a dentist today and hoping for a referral to Iowa City should they not be able to help her due to finances or amount of work. My friend had called Iowa City first, but they said they'd need a referral.

I did a load of rags so I could hang them out in the sun today. It's 78 supposed to hit 80 and windy so perfect to dry rags. My washer lost its mind, and I had a heck of a time getting the rags done. I called for repairs and was told to unplug machine for an hour, re-plug in and try to do another load. I was glad it was rags when it went berserk and am not anxious to put anything else in the machine and maybe have it not work. I was able to do a drain/spin with the rags and if they are not 100% rinsed, it's not a big deal. Murphy's Law -- I got a notice last month that my warranty had expired.

I spent extra time this morning when doing dishes to pull everything off counters and wash everything down. Most was okay but one area must have been overlooked for quite a while! Nice to know all is clean now. Also, got the office floor vacuumed which was overdue. I often eat at my computer and things like crackers and popcorn tend to spread crumbs, but all are gone until next time. Also, did floor in guest room as my sister hopes to come for a visit soon. That just leaves everything else that needs to be vacuumed and scrubbed. My back says quit but I'm hoping to get the bathroom floor done before the end of the day.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

More firewood split and stacked, ac covered, and 2 freezer meals done and in the freezer. I kept out one pack of boneless pork chops to cook for, tonight. Next to do is for Cary to close all the vents to underneath our house. He has been told not to do that, until the temps get down in the 40's at night, consistently. That will probably happen next week.

We might do a week's worth of meat on the grill, tomorrow, then Cary will clean and cover it for the winter.

Winter is always slow in coming down here, but it is coming.

 

[Meemur]

I'm not seeing her in Ankeny. :-(

Sarah Hoban DDS
1303 11th Ave
Manson, IA 50563

https://www.mansonfamilydentistry.com/lander

 

[feralferret]

Our dentist retired at the end of last year. We need to find one here where we moved so we won't have to drive all the way to Kansas City. He was the third doctor of ours to retire in the last few years.

 

[Meemur]

That's my problem: I like older dentists. Maybe I can find a young one who isn't gouging everyone to pay back loans.

 

[anna43]

I'm not seeing her in Ankeny. :-(

Sarah Hoban DDS
1303 11th Ave
Manson, IA 50563

https://www.mansonfamilydentistry.com/lander

Nope, been gone at least 4 or 5 years.

 

[nomifyle]

My doctors appt went very well. The doctor is so kind and not pushy. He offered me two things that I will think about. He said the surgery did go very well but they can't always get every cell. I'll get another pet skan in a couple of weeks of or so and go back to see him in 5 weeks. I've decided to apoligize to the surgeon. I was so upset and angry when I was so rude to him. The tubes should come out on monday/

 

[Meemur]

So glad it wasn't a crap show! I hate those guys, too, but sometimes they're necessary.

 

[patriotgal]

My doctors appt went very well. The doctor is so kind and not pushy. He offered me two things that I will think about. He said the surgery did go very well but they can't always get every cell. I'll get another pet skan in a couple of weeks of or so and go back to see him in 5 weeks. I've decided to apoligize to the surgeon. I was so upset and angry when I was so rude to him. The tubes should come out on monday/

I am sure he will both appreciate the apology yet not be bothered by the rudeness. A good medical professional understands how high emotions can run when you are in pain or dealing with disease and do not take it personally when patients lose it.

 

[anna43]

I'm glad your appointment went well. Having time to think and pray about everything and to make informed decisions makes for less anger and stress. Step by step one day at a time. I will continue praying for you and that the Lord will guide your choices.

 

[Meemur]

It's Friday! I'm so thankful! It's been a tough month.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

My doctors appt went very well. The doctor is so kind and not pushy. He offered me two things that I will think about. He said the surgery did go very well but they can't always get every cell. I'll get another pet skan in a couple of weeks of or so and go back to see him in 5 weeks. I've decided to apoligize to the surgeon. I was so upset and angry when I was so rude to him. The tubes should come out on monday/

I'm so glad everything went well. I'm also glad that he explained what was meant by the surgeon not being able to get it all. Yeah, those pesky microscopic cells can evade the naked eye during surgery.

I'll continue to pray that you will have wisdom and true knowledge in making whatever decisions you have to make in the future.

 

[patriotgal]

It seems to have been a tough month for lots of us!

Oven heating for bacon. Didn't fix breakfast yesterday and was starving by the time class actually broke for lunch.

Making a drive to town to pay bills and pick up a few things. Will not have to go to town more than couple times a month now. Liking that. Getting 2 big loads of scrap and electronics hauled out sure helped with space. I will have plenty for empty jars. Tackling garage now so I will have more space for canned stuff. My canned items are great when I want to make a quick meal. Gotta can more chicken. Have a turkey in freezer that I will thaw and can too.

Have a blessed day and weekend ladies. So glad it's Friday.

P.S. I am getting scores of 100 on all my homework.