feralferret
Veteran Member
Welcome to a new week.
Glad Moldy's MRI came back negative for cancer.
Have a blessed week.
Glad Moldy's MRI came back negative for cancer.
Have a blessed week.
Prep Genrl Weekly prep thread: October 26-November 1, 2025
- Thread starter feralferret
- Start date
SouthernBreeze
TB Fanatic
We're getting some good soaking rains, today. It started overnight, and it hasn't let up. Hard downpours at times. Forecast has more rain coming later in the week. I think I can safely say that our drought season is over.
High, today, 59 degrees. 54 by the time Thursday rolls around. That's the day we want to do our shopping, even though, it's early. I don't want to be anywhere near a grocery store after Thursday, until the middle of the month. If chaos breaks out around here, and it doesn't settle down by the middle of the month, we'll stay home. We are preppers and are prepared for a long haul. I'll just miss the things we buy fresh, like produce of all kinds. I have canned, dehydrated, or frozen versions of most of that, though.
Tomorrow, Cary and I have an appt. to see our urologist. Cary, just to go over the great test results he got from his x-rays and CT scan, and for me, a scope on my bladder to check for more damage, since my last Lupus flareup.
Tuesday, I have an appt. with my vision doctor to check my vision to see if I need new glasses. After the fiasco the last time, I'm keeping these glasses. I can see fine just the way they are. I guess they tried to make up for that fiasco by sending me a refund check of $62 of which they said I over paid, LOL. It's been a year, and I got that check last week.
Prayers up for everyone and be sure and stay safe out there.
High, today, 59 degrees. 54 by the time Thursday rolls around. That's the day we want to do our shopping, even though, it's early. I don't want to be anywhere near a grocery store after Thursday, until the middle of the month. If chaos breaks out around here, and it doesn't settle down by the middle of the month, we'll stay home. We are preppers and are prepared for a long haul. I'll just miss the things we buy fresh, like produce of all kinds. I have canned, dehydrated, or frozen versions of most of that, though.
Tomorrow, Cary and I have an appt. to see our urologist. Cary, just to go over the great test results he got from his x-rays and CT scan, and for me, a scope on my bladder to check for more damage, since my last Lupus flareup.
Tuesday, I have an appt. with my vision doctor to check my vision to see if I need new glasses. After the fiasco the last time, I'm keeping these glasses. I can see fine just the way they are. I guess they tried to make up for that fiasco by sending me a refund check of $62 of which they said I over paid, LOL. It's been a year, and I got that check last week.
Prayers up for everyone and be sure and stay safe out there.
Good morning everyone. Things have been very busy around here. I never got enough quite time to post here.
Week before last, we got the ground ready for strawberries. Our son and daughter in law planted 600 plants. They will be adding thornless blackberries in the Spring. The kids were worn out by the time they were done. One guy that works with them brought his family and helped toward the end. Their kids just played in the dirt beyond where we were planting. But 2 extra hands really helped finish up when we were all tired. Now I just pray that the Lord blesses them with a good crop.
Hubby was dealing with a kidney stone for several days. It is not moving at the moment, so he is feeling better. I don't know why his body makes so many.
We got my job done even though Hubby wasn't feeling well. He just mostly drove and I did the pick up. I got my invoices in the mail the next day.
Our son came back up on Tuesday. He and I put up an electric fence that goes around the fruit trees and new strawberries. Without it, the deer would eat them all. He also worked clearing some more fence line.
We have the spot fixed to set our Simi trailer for storage. Hopefully, our guys can come do it soon. Then we have to cover the hole where the refrigerator unit used to be in the front. But we will be able to put a lot of things from Hubby's shop that he only uses once in a blue moon in there.
We helped with a wedding yesterday. Hubby and I were kitchen help. Hubby washed dishes and I helped keep the reception tables full. We had only one meat tray, a couple of cheese trays, vegetables, fruit, crackers, and deserts. We thought that meat tray would be gone first thing. But we had meat left at the end. One lady remarked that she couldn't believe it lasted. I reminded her of the story of the loaves of bread and fishes feeding the multitude. I wouldn't be surprised if that makes it into the Sunday school lesson today.
I cleaned to wood stove outside and the hearth good. So we are ready to build our first fire anytime. I saw that 2 of our neighbors already have had their first fire. We will wait a bit longer. But I am having to start bringing in my plants. I will be working on that today.
We took a box of donations to the sheltered workshop. I have more peace about getting rid of things that I was sentimental about. So far I haven't regretted getting rid of any of it.
I have just a little more corn to shell for our cornbread. Then plants can go where the tray of corn is now. I am so behind on my housework and fall clean up chores. I hope I can get several things done today. It's raining off and on so a good day for inside work.
Have a blessed week everyone.
Week before last, we got the ground ready for strawberries. Our son and daughter in law planted 600 plants. They will be adding thornless blackberries in the Spring. The kids were worn out by the time they were done. One guy that works with them brought his family and helped toward the end. Their kids just played in the dirt beyond where we were planting. But 2 extra hands really helped finish up when we were all tired. Now I just pray that the Lord blesses them with a good crop.
Hubby was dealing with a kidney stone for several days. It is not moving at the moment, so he is feeling better. I don't know why his body makes so many.
We got my job done even though Hubby wasn't feeling well. He just mostly drove and I did the pick up. I got my invoices in the mail the next day.
Our son came back up on Tuesday. He and I put up an electric fence that goes around the fruit trees and new strawberries. Without it, the deer would eat them all. He also worked clearing some more fence line.
We have the spot fixed to set our Simi trailer for storage. Hopefully, our guys can come do it soon. Then we have to cover the hole where the refrigerator unit used to be in the front. But we will be able to put a lot of things from Hubby's shop that he only uses once in a blue moon in there.
We helped with a wedding yesterday. Hubby and I were kitchen help. Hubby washed dishes and I helped keep the reception tables full. We had only one meat tray, a couple of cheese trays, vegetables, fruit, crackers, and deserts. We thought that meat tray would be gone first thing. But we had meat left at the end. One lady remarked that she couldn't believe it lasted. I reminded her of the story of the loaves of bread and fishes feeding the multitude. I wouldn't be surprised if that makes it into the Sunday school lesson today.
I cleaned to wood stove outside and the hearth good. So we are ready to build our first fire anytime. I saw that 2 of our neighbors already have had their first fire. We will wait a bit longer. But I am having to start bringing in my plants. I will be working on that today.
We took a box of donations to the sheltered workshop. I have more peace about getting rid of things that I was sentimental about. So far I haven't regretted getting rid of any of it.
I have just a little more corn to shell for our cornbread. Then plants can go where the tray of corn is now. I am so behind on my housework and fall clean up chores. I hope I can get several things done today. It's raining off and on so a good day for inside work.
Have a blessed week everyone.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
I just turned my wall calendar to November, it was still on September. Just a few more days of October.
I seem to be getting a bit better every day. I managed to cook something simple for myself twice yesterday. DH found a big bag of tiny shrimp in one of the freezers yesterday and cooked it in the oven. I chopped up some tomatoes and red onion, sauteed in olive oil and added some of the cooked shrimp and then scrambled two yard eggs in it and added sour cream and a bit of salt. Not bad, something besides a frozen meal.
It rained hard last night, we were under a flood watch for awhile, but it moved on and the sun is shinning today. I'm seeing patches of turning leaves in the trees outside my office window.
Getting down to the high 40's some at night. yesterday DH moved alll my tea and mineral water cases behind and on the wall near my chair. Making room for the wood for the wood stove we may be needing soon. Better to have it before we need it than scrambling to get it done when it gets really cold or cold enough to need it.
Moldy, you are in my thoughts often and so glad you got a good report. I grimace to think of the hell you have gone through. And how you have moved forward.
My oncologist said that with the right meds I could have ten more years. I do not want ten more years, I could look forward to maybe 5 but no more infusions. He gave me information on a chemo pill and some kind of hormone pill. I haven't read it but I will, I am considering them though.
My hair is about an inch long. I do not look forward to having to deal with much hair.
I seem to be getting a bit better every day. I managed to cook something simple for myself twice yesterday. DH found a big bag of tiny shrimp in one of the freezers yesterday and cooked it in the oven. I chopped up some tomatoes and red onion, sauteed in olive oil and added some of the cooked shrimp and then scrambled two yard eggs in it and added sour cream and a bit of salt. Not bad, something besides a frozen meal.
It rained hard last night, we were under a flood watch for awhile, but it moved on and the sun is shinning today. I'm seeing patches of turning leaves in the trees outside my office window.
Getting down to the high 40's some at night. yesterday DH moved alll my tea and mineral water cases behind and on the wall near my chair. Making room for the wood for the wood stove we may be needing soon. Better to have it before we need it than scrambling to get it done when it gets really cold or cold enough to need it.
Moldy, you are in my thoughts often and so glad you got a good report. I grimace to think of the hell you have gone through. And how you have moved forward.
My oncologist said that with the right meds I could have ten more years. I do not want ten more years, I could look forward to maybe 5 but no more infusions. He gave me information on a chemo pill and some kind of hormone pill. I haven't read it but I will, I am considering them though.
My hair is about an inch long. I do not look forward to having to deal with much hair.
WanderLore
Veteran Member
Some of the kids and grands will be here today to help son work on his truck and the younger ones to help me. Got plenty to feed everyone.
The coal stove is running us out of here praise the Lord.
I did get the temperature thing for the stack and new gasket just in case got to have one extra.
The coal stove is running us out of here praise the Lord.
I did get the temperature thing for the stack and new gasket just in case got to have one extra.
etdeb
Veteran Member
My nephew starts chugging propell it helps him pass them.
Drinks as much as he can to flood kidneys.
He has them couple times a year and after couple of trips to urgent care where they flooded it out with IV's the NP told him the propel trick.
Its worked the last 5 times.
Room temp and he described as gorgeous on it.
So good to hear from you Judy and that you are improving. Answered prayers. My mom had breast cancer in 2000 at age 71. Masectomy and 6 months of chemo pill. She lived 15 more years before suffering a stroke.
We are still having some days in the 80's though nights 50's and upper 40's.
We are still having some days in the 80's though nights 50's and upper 40's.
SouthernBreeze
TB Fanatic
I have 2 aunts that had breast cancer. Both had mastectomies, plus the chemo pill. Both are still cancer free, today, after over 10 years for one aunt, and almost 10 years for the other. As far as I know, neither of them has suffered any side effects from the pill. One aunt is 89, and the other is 81.
patriotgal
Veteran Member
Cold and wet. Went to a wedding yesterday evening that was held in a barn lean-to. Guys got their carhart jackets out of their trucks for the ladies. I didn't stay the full 4 hours. I had an hour and a half drive just to get there. On the way home I stopped at a gas station convenience place that has good food. Grabbed a couple chicken dinners. They were good and we had food left.
Have 10 hours of work this week as our final prep. Go to full 40 after that. Thank God it is just for the winter.
Furnace will be fixed next weekend. Propane tank will be filled this week. Surprises like that are why I am working. Figuring out a meal plan then making drive to town to pick up a few things. Probably going crockpot and hot sandwiches.
Got my winter clothes swapped out for the summer ones yesterday while trying to find a top for the wedding. Found a nice sweater. Did have to rip the shoulder pads out, lol.
DH winterized equipment and checked fluids etc in vehicles yesterday. We are good.
Have 10 hours of work this week as our final prep. Go to full 40 after that. Thank God it is just for the winter.
Furnace will be fixed next weekend. Propane tank will be filled this week. Surprises like that are why I am working. Figuring out a meal plan then making drive to town to pick up a few things. Probably going crockpot and hot sandwiches.
Got my winter clothes swapped out for the summer ones yesterday while trying to find a top for the wedding. Found a nice sweater. Did have to rip the shoulder pads out, lol.
DH winterized equipment and checked fluids etc in vehicles yesterday. We are good.
Harvested pumpkins for seeds (kept the seeds, fed the pumpkins to the cows - I have enough in storage), DH is up helping with a project, and I get the joy of bathing 2 really nasty black-slick-mud-from-the-creek dogs. Lunch was short ribs, acorn squash and cabbage. For dessert, I made oatmeal cookies that are just like Little Debbies (with just a bit of frosting, no filling) as a new recipe. Yum!
feralferret
Veteran Member
Mostly light drizzle yesterday and today. Got a little bit of stuff done. Heart keeps doing the "skipping beats" thing all too often. Not good for much when it is skipping every third beat.
Otherwise a good day. Went to the grocery store unplanned. My wife ran out of distilled water, the only kind she will drink. I really can't blame her as bad as the water here tastes. I only drink the bottles of purified drinking water. Anyway she forgot to put them on the grocery list Thursday night so I had to get some. I don't often go in the store like I did today but they were not showing up on their website and I knew they carried it. Got several marked down meats and some marked down chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese icing. Only way to afford steak is by catching the markdowns.
Otherwise a good day. Went to the grocery store unplanned. My wife ran out of distilled water, the only kind she will drink. I really can't blame her as bad as the water here tastes. I only drink the bottles of purified drinking water. Anyway she forgot to put them on the grocery list Thursday night so I had to get some. I don't often go in the store like I did today but they were not showing up on their website and I knew they carried it. Got several marked down meats and some marked down chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese icing. Only way to afford steak is by catching the markdowns.
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie
Busy day here. I've been working on various computer projects, plus I took a load of neighborhood food donations to the building next the parking lot that will be tomorrow's pop-up food pantry. I think it should be held at the church, but they're holding it next to the police station for extra security.
I don't think there will be any problems tomorrow. On the other hand, next Monday could be dicey if there's no SNAP benefits. There might be out-of-towners if that's the case.
This pop-up pantry is being advertised by word-of-mouth. I think it was announced in the churches this morning. As far as I know, it's not online, nor were posters made, so that should make a difference. Basically, the people who need to know about it probably do. I left several notes on doors today about it -- some of our seniors are in dire need.
I should be in bed. My back is bothering me. I'm waiting for the Advil to kick in.
I don't think there will be any problems tomorrow. On the other hand, next Monday could be dicey if there's no SNAP benefits. There might be out-of-towners if that's the case.
This pop-up pantry is being advertised by word-of-mouth. I think it was announced in the churches this morning. As far as I know, it's not online, nor were posters made, so that should make a difference. Basically, the people who need to know about it probably do. I left several notes on doors today about it -- some of our seniors are in dire need.
I should be in bed. My back is bothering me. I'm waiting for the Advil to kick in.
WanderLore
Veteran Member
Are they looking at ablation? Or even cardioversion?
SouthernBreeze
TB Fanatic
It's still raining. It started Saturday night, all day yesterday, overnight, and still going this morning. Forecast has rain through Wednesday. We're not complaining at all.
Doctor appointments, today. We are going out to eat, afterwards, since we didn't go out on our anniversary. I might stop in at Home Goods to see if I can find a new fruit bowl. A wooden one would be nice, since it would match my other bowls, I use in the kitchen. That will depend on how I feel after getting out of the doctor's office, and how late it is.
We have no idea what our urologist will recommend for Cary now that he has been declared cancer free. Cary has made his mind up and decided that he doesn't want any more CT scans. Chest x-rays every couple of years will be ok, but he doesn't think the contrast from the CT scan is good for his kidney's health, overall, plus he's allergic to it.
I hope to get a good report. No recent scarring in my bladder from inflammation is my prayer.
Doctor appointments, today. We are going out to eat, afterwards, since we didn't go out on our anniversary. I might stop in at Home Goods to see if I can find a new fruit bowl. A wooden one would be nice, since it would match my other bowls, I use in the kitchen. That will depend on how I feel after getting out of the doctor's office, and how late it is.
We have no idea what our urologist will recommend for Cary now that he has been declared cancer free. Cary has made his mind up and decided that he doesn't want any more CT scans. Chest x-rays every couple of years will be ok, but he doesn't think the contrast from the CT scan is good for his kidney's health, overall, plus he's allergic to it.
I hope to get a good report. No recent scarring in my bladder from inflammation is my prayer.
WanderLore
Veteran Member
There is alternative to ivp dye. Is jokingly referred to as Dr Pepper. I don't know the pharmaceutical name. But Scot was allergic to the contrast dye too.
And no, repeated use of it is not good for your kidneys.
And no, repeated use of it is not good for your kidneys.
SouthernBreeze
TB Fanatic
We're back, finally. Good reports all the way around. No new scarring in my bladder, and Cary got the "all clear" again. Doctor did recommend that he has a CT scan every 2 years, but without the contrast from now on, plus a chest x-ray. He said that he has seen patients go for 10 years or more, and then the cancer returns, so it would be wise to at least have a scan every 2 years. Cary is ok with that. Doctor said it wasn't likely to come back, but ya never know. He will still go into the office for a checkup once a year. As for my bladder, no major damage from the inflammation and scarring so far. My bladder is still functioning normally. If I can just keep the Lupus and inflammation at bay, it would be for the best, though. Can't function too well without a working bladder.
I went to Home Goods and bought my wooden fruit bowl and a new stainless steel non-stick skillet. Then, I went to my "new" shoe store and bought a new pair of winter dress shoes. I didn't have a pair of dress shoes for winter wear and didn't want to try and go out and buy some on the spur of the moment in case we had a funeral to go to. I'm too hard to fit to wait until the last minute. I have several family members who aren't doing very well at all. I could get the call any day now.
It's still raining, but not as much. Mostly, a hard drizzle atm, but more is on its way. Only made it to 57 degrees, today.
I went to Home Goods and bought my wooden fruit bowl and a new stainless steel non-stick skillet. Then, I went to my "new" shoe store and bought a new pair of winter dress shoes. I didn't have a pair of dress shoes for winter wear and didn't want to try and go out and buy some on the spur of the moment in case we had a funeral to go to. I'm too hard to fit to wait until the last minute. I have several family members who aren't doing very well at all. I could get the call any day now.
It's still raining, but not as much. Mostly, a hard drizzle atm, but more is on its way. Only made it to 57 degrees, today.
feralferret
Veteran Member
Ablation is being discussed.
Had my annual Medicare physical this morning. Either the questions have changed, or my records have been marked not to ask some questions. Everything is okay pending blood work.
I was busy all day but didn't accomplish much. Piddled cleaning a bit more in the basement and found plates and glasses to donate. Every time I do any cleaning/organizing in the basement I try to find something to donate. Little by little it gets done. Did a load of laundry and stayed close to be sure the machine worked properly and it did this time.
Got all of the zinnias cut down Sunday afternoon so now have a huge pile to either let set all winter to breakdown or get hauled away. I haven't called to ask about hauling yet. It's supposed to start raining around 4 a.m. Tuesday and continue through 6 a.m. on Wednesday. We need the rain, but it means no hauling since I don't want to mess with loading a pile of soaking vegetation.
I plan to shop on Wednesday or Thursday depending on the weather. I don't ever like to shop the first week of the month as stores are always crazy busy. I want to go to Dollar Tree, Walmart, Menards and Aldi which might be more than my old body can handle in one trip. I could survive without shopping, but I want fresh stuff as long as it's available. Surviving on storage is for SHTF when there is no other option. As long as it is safe to shop, money is available and there is food/merchandise in the stores, I'll keep shopping.
I was busy all day but didn't accomplish much. Piddled cleaning a bit more in the basement and found plates and glasses to donate. Every time I do any cleaning/organizing in the basement I try to find something to donate. Little by little it gets done. Did a load of laundry and stayed close to be sure the machine worked properly and it did this time.
Got all of the zinnias cut down Sunday afternoon so now have a huge pile to either let set all winter to breakdown or get hauled away. I haven't called to ask about hauling yet. It's supposed to start raining around 4 a.m. Tuesday and continue through 6 a.m. on Wednesday. We need the rain, but it means no hauling since I don't want to mess with loading a pile of soaking vegetation.
I plan to shop on Wednesday or Thursday depending on the weather. I don't ever like to shop the first week of the month as stores are always crazy busy. I want to go to Dollar Tree, Walmart, Menards and Aldi which might be more than my old body can handle in one trip. I could survive without shopping, but I want fresh stuff as long as it's available. Surviving on storage is for SHTF when there is no other option. As long as it is safe to shop, money is available and there is food/merchandise in the stores, I'll keep shopping.
ginnie6
Veteran Member
I'm up early this morning, got an appt a couple of towns over at 8, then a quilt guild meeting at 10:30. That one will be fun. I volunteered to help with decorating for the Christmas party. Don't ask me why cause I don't have a "decoraty" bone in my body lol! I'll just do the grunt work and others can make the decisions! But I'm trying to make friends in the group instead of passing acquaintances so....
Then home for my online Bible study and core group tonight. That's it for the week though!
Yesterday I did meal prep for the three of us for lunches the rest of the week. I did good too. I took a London Broil, cup it up into bite size pieces, marinated it, and cooked it. Ds came in for lunch just as I finished it and tried it and said it was really good so I had a couple bites and he was right. Then I roasted butternut squash, cauliflower, and carrots. The carrots got a vinaigrette dressing on them and I can't wait to have them for lunch today.
I found a place about an hour away that sells bulk meat they process so I'm going to try and go there Thursday and check them out.
And yesterday for fun after all that cooking I sat down and hand quilted and watched sci-fi movies on prime! Rufus didn't mind snuggling up at all!
Then home for my online Bible study and core group tonight. That's it for the week though!
Yesterday I did meal prep for the three of us for lunches the rest of the week. I did good too. I took a London Broil, cup it up into bite size pieces, marinated it, and cooked it. Ds came in for lunch just as I finished it and tried it and said it was really good so I had a couple bites and he was right. Then I roasted butternut squash, cauliflower, and carrots. The carrots got a vinaigrette dressing on them and I can't wait to have them for lunch today.
I found a place about an hour away that sells bulk meat they process so I'm going to try and go there Thursday and check them out.
And yesterday for fun after all that cooking I sat down and hand quilted and watched sci-fi movies on prime! Rufus didn't mind snuggling up at all!
SouthernBreeze
TB Fanatic
We got up to cloudy skies with more rain coming in this afternoon. It's supposed to rain through tomorrow. So thankful our drought has been broken. It's still going to take a lot to get us back to where all the ponds, creeks, and rivers are where they should be.
Another doctor appointment for me this afternoon to get a vision check for new glasses. It's not happening, though. I can see fine with the ones I have. He also keeps a check on the small cataracts I have in both eyes. Neither of those are anywhere near ready to be removed. My retina specialists told me that she would let me know if they ever progressed to that point. She doesn't do cataract surgery, though.
We'll be stopping at the farm and ranch store in Tupelo after my doctor visit. Cary is out of fire ant poison, and the yard is full of fire ant mounds. It seems all this rain has caused an explosion of them.
Nothing else going on today, except another trip into Tupelo.
eta One more thing. Yesterday, while in town, we noticed that Sam's Club, Walmart, and most all of the grocery stores that we went by, including Aldi's, were packed. Thought that a bit strange given it was on a Monday. Maybe, folks shopping early, before the weekend?
Another doctor appointment for me this afternoon to get a vision check for new glasses. It's not happening, though. I can see fine with the ones I have. He also keeps a check on the small cataracts I have in both eyes. Neither of those are anywhere near ready to be removed. My retina specialists told me that she would let me know if they ever progressed to that point. She doesn't do cataract surgery, though.
We'll be stopping at the farm and ranch store in Tupelo after my doctor visit. Cary is out of fire ant poison, and the yard is full of fire ant mounds. It seems all this rain has caused an explosion of them.
Nothing else going on today, except another trip into Tupelo.
eta One more thing. Yesterday, while in town, we noticed that Sam's Club, Walmart, and most all of the grocery stores that we went by, including Aldi's, were packed. Thought that a bit strange given it was on a Monday. Maybe, folks shopping early, before the weekend?
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I've been busy the last few days. DH's birthday was a couple days ago so I made a big pot of stew, fried some cornbread and made a strawberry poke cake. The kids that live close by came over and of course, we had the grands. DH and I had a repeat of the meal last night but I made homemade pimento cheese sandwiches to go with it instead of cornbread. We'll probably eat it one more time and I will freeze the rest. I use to can that recipe but it doesn't can that well. On the other hand, it freezes beautifully so I freeze it in portions. Now that I have a little extra freezer room, it feels like a luxury.
I still have a ton of green tomatoes in my garden and several nice big ripe ones. I should have picked them and the peppers yesterday but I got busy and didn't get to it. I'm hoping we don't get a frost for at least another week or two. It doesn't look like we will but you never know. I don't know if I posted about digging the sweet potatoes a few days back. We got over 100 pounds and I'm pretty sure there are a few left. DH covered the bed with plastic because of the rains coming and we'll get the rest if it ever quits. I don't think there's that many left out there. After a not so good gardening year, it's nice to end it with a plentiful harvest. Our sweet potatoes were skimpy last year so I wasn't all that optimistic.
I still have a ton of green tomatoes in my garden and several nice big ripe ones. I should have picked them and the peppers yesterday but I got busy and didn't get to it. I'm hoping we don't get a frost for at least another week or two. It doesn't look like we will but you never know. I don't know if I posted about digging the sweet potatoes a few days back. We got over 100 pounds and I'm pretty sure there are a few left. DH covered the bed with plastic because of the rains coming and we'll get the rest if it ever quits. I don't think there's that many left out there. After a not so good gardening year, it's nice to end it with a plentiful harvest. Our sweet potatoes were skimpy last year so I wasn't all that optimistic.
Every time I've gone by Sam's and Aldi lately,they have been packed and with Aldi, picked over. Of course that only happens when we are in the city. I've been ordering stuff from Sam's on line the last week or so since I can't get to the store.
This time, instead of the big orders I usually place, I'm doing several small ones spaced a few days apart because FedEx has been damaging my orders. That is often a result of Sam's packing way too much in huge boxes but not always. I kid you not, last year the poor driver showed up with a box that could have held a refrigerator. It was full of stuff and not a bit of packing...lots of damage with a bottle of honey being the worst part of it. We are considering not renewing our membership next year.
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie
It looks like SNAP benefits won't be issued on Nov. 1, nor will Oct. benefits be rolled over, so some folks might be using them up now. That's from a memo from our largest food bank, not social media.
I've been avoiding the stores, but I'll go pick up a few more items later. I've got a mental block about shopping for Thanksgiving. I have zero idea what I'm going to fix. I do have several frozen steaks, so I may end up thawing one of those. I'm leaning toward a roast or stew in the slow cooker, something that will make multiple meals that can either be served if I have company or frozen for later.
The only thing I've decided for sure: no turkeys this year. The natural ones are really expensive, and I'd rather have beef if I'm going to pay that much.
Added: I may also change my mind again later, but I will make sure that I buy several options now so that I have them on hand. Part of the problem is not knowing how many I'll be feeding. That's usually not a decision I have to make until the 15th of November or so.
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SouthernBreeze
TB Fanatic
It's been over a year, since we were inside the store at Sam's. We just do our monthly order online. I've never had anything get damaged, though. I do a lot of online shopping from Walmart, too, instead of from Amazon. I've never been disappointed with their shipping, either. My Walmart orders are always pretty small for items they don't stock in-store. I get some great deals doing it online.
The more the better. Roast sounds really good right now.
I have no idea what we are doing this year. We always just let our two DS's plans dictate ours and I'm good with that. If it's just DH and I, that will be fine too. We've never put any pressure on our kids to feel obligated to spend the holidays with us.
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie
For Thanksgiving, it's a matter of whether anyone will have money to travel. I've already made one executive decision: I'm not leaving the area. If the weather is decent, I don't mind helping with a cook-out at a local metro park, but I'm not going to drive several hours (or more).
Nor am I going to fly anywhere, but I haven't flown in many years.
Nor am I going to fly anywhere, but I haven't flown in many years.
SouthernBreeze
TB Fanatic
We sure got a good workout from all the in-store shopping we did, yesterday. I love to shop in person, but Sam's is only a once a month thing, so I order from them. I only do Walmart orders for things that I want or need that aren't in the store. Online shopping from Walmart is just like ordering from Amazon. You can get anything you want or need by shopping them online. Sometimes, at a lower price.
I've been looking all over for wooden tongs to go with the rest of my wooden utensils, but I can't find them in store anywhere. Walmart, online, has a set just like I want. I'll be ordering those along with colloidal silver next week.
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I'm not wild about WM online. I'll order from them as a last resort. For one thing, returns are a pain in the rear and I've been stuck with damaged mdse in the past. You have to load it up and take it to the store to get a refund...living in the country, I have no time for that. What's the point in ordering on line if you have to go to the store to return?
I won't order anything from WM in a bottle or jar with a seal that is necessary to keep the food inside safe. There is often no packing at all and I've gotten W sauce with a broken seal with a tiny bit of leakage. It would have been so easy to not even notice resulting in food poisoning. It is the same with Sam's but at least they refund right away if you let them know...not WM.
I only buy off the shelf for those kinds of things now. I took a big hit with an order for a half dozen jars of mayo from Sam's that I had shipped. I put them in the back of the rotation and a month or two later, when I opened one of the jars, the seal was broken and the top layer of mayo was nasty. All six were that way and it was too late to return it then. If I hadn't put them in the back, we could have eaten ruined mayo without knowing it. At least by then it had had time to grow some visible nasties. I can't imagine what they did to that package to break all of those seals.
I've never had an issue with returning anything from Amazon, even if it's not their fault that I didn't like it.
I won't order anything from WM in a bottle or jar with a seal that is necessary to keep the food inside safe. There is often no packing at all and I've gotten W sauce with a broken seal with a tiny bit of leakage. It would have been so easy to not even notice resulting in food poisoning. It is the same with Sam's but at least they refund right away if you let them know...not WM.
I only buy off the shelf for those kinds of things now. I took a big hit with an order for a half dozen jars of mayo from Sam's that I had shipped. I put them in the back of the rotation and a month or two later, when I opened one of the jars, the seal was broken and the top layer of mayo was nasty. All six were that way and it was too late to return it then. If I hadn't put them in the back, we could have eaten ruined mayo without knowing it. At least by then it had had time to grow some visible nasties. I can't imagine what they did to that package to break all of those seals.
I've never had an issue with returning anything from Amazon, even if it's not their fault that I didn't like it.
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onmyown30
Veteran Member
Oooohhhhh but now I deliver sometimes for Walmart so I will make sure it’s all good! been doing it since July for some extra travel $$ I’ve wondered if I ever dropped off to your house lol done quite a few up that way. It’s crazy where they get us to go too!! I’ve seen more of this area the past few months than the 30yrs I’ve lived here!!
SouthernBreeze
TB Fanatic
We have had so much trouble with Amazon in the past that we will never order from them again. I'm satisfied with Walmart, instead. Like I said, I have never had a problem with anything being damaged through shipping, plus, I don't order food items from them. I get all of our food every 2 weeks that we are in Walmart. If Walmart doesn't have the food item I want, Food Giant will have it.
I can just imagine some of the places around here...you might ought to get your DH to go with you on some of those runs lol...just in case you run into some of my kinfolks. There's a couple newer folks close to me that would be interesting too.
I've never gotten the direct to the home from the store delivery. I usually only order what I can't get in town but I may give it a try one of these days. FedEx's rough handling is the problem. Since our old original driver retired, it's been a revolving door of drivers. I feel so sorry for some of them...they never last long. I feel like the damage happens at the hub.
I think a lot of it depends on where you live and what area your stuff is being shipped from and who is delivering it. The only food I ever ordered from WM is what I couldn't get locally. We shop there every week and we have no other grocery stores unless we want to drive thirty minutes.
So far, so good with Amazon. DH orders a ton from them from tires to vehicle parts but I'll keep my fingers crossed. He just got a part in yesterday for his old tractor that we were surprised they had. He put it on when he got home from work and all is good. I'm crossing my fingers to keep from jinxing myself. I'm sorry you've had bad luck with Amazon. I don't know what we would do without them out here in the boonies.
feralferret
Veteran Member
I got my first introduction to fire ants down in Houston. It was right after heavy rains and flooding. I saw the hills but didn't have a clue. I pulled off the side of the road. Having never been around fire ants due to living in the Texas Panhandle, I didn't realize that the small ants were anything special. Boy did I find out the hard way. As soon as I got home I shucked my pants and got in the bathtub. My cousin who I was staying with got a big laugh. He was the cousin who had never seen snow until he came to visit us when he was 12 years old. I guess this was payback for laughing at him back then.
Because of warmer winters, they've managed to make it into our area in the last decade or so. They were really bad at first...we still have them but not as many, at least in my yard. I was already familiar with them from living in Louisiana for a few years as a child.
I keep the plain yellow corn meal with no salt tilled into my garden and worked into my raised beds and it really keeps them knocked back. I forgot it this year and was too far along to retill when I realized it and I could tell it. I'll be sure to have it on hand this spring. I probably do about four bags since between rows has ground cover and I don't do that area.
SouthernBreeze
TB Fanatic
The fire ants are so bad here that we have to stay on top of them, or they would take over our whole yard. It seems Cary is constantly having to use poison on them, especially after a rain. I'm slightly allergic to them. I do have to take Benadryl when I'm bitten. What makes them so bad is that they traverse on top of the ground in lines that you can't see, unless you walk through one, and start getting bit. BTDT many times.
SouthernBreeze
TB Fanatic
My doctor visit went well. No need for new glasses, and he said the cataracts didn't need removing, yet. I was ready for a fight when I went in there, but he wasn't long winded about my need to have the cataracts removed like he has in the past. Left up to him, he would have removed them 3 years ago. So, everything turned out ok.
We took a ride up in the mountains yesterday..to see the leaves and stop in at F
RuraL King..and pickup a few things..then across the parking lot to Martin's...a different for grocery store..found some great sales there
Then we did huge stock up at Walmart today...and stopped at Food Lion...will make a make a run to the credit union...and a stop at BJs..it's like Costco or Sam's..but I like their meats a lot better..want to stock up on beef shanks for veggie soup..some top round or beef short ribs for beef stew...they have great pork chops...and bulk packages of Perdue chicken..to top off the freezer..
Was able to get sausage for my Thanksgiving dressing on sale today ..will finish tearing my old bread and drying it for the dressing in the next couple of days...will need to get a fresh Turkey and a fresh green veggie and celery for dressing...and I will have every thing I need..
I figure that one way or another..the food stamp mess will under control before Thanksgiving..but if not my girlfriend and will go together with our husbands..safety in numbers...and all that
We are out the country and use Amazon all the time..have the Amazon Prime card..and get 5% card back..don't get a lot of groceries from them...but to get a lot tea bags..hard to mess those things up......DH gets lots of stuff ..just got 2 of 20 lb propane tanks delivered..about $20.00 less each than locally and Walmart and the tiny Buddy Heater was $60 on Amazon...locally and walmart were $100...that is huge savings...$80..cheaper on 3 items and 5% cash back and delivered at no charge to our door....what's not to like...
RuraL King..and pickup a few things..then across the parking lot to Martin's...a different for grocery store..found some great sales there
Then we did huge stock up at Walmart today...and stopped at Food Lion...will make a make a run to the credit union...and a stop at BJs..it's like Costco or Sam's..but I like their meats a lot better..want to stock up on beef shanks for veggie soup..some top round or beef short ribs for beef stew...they have great pork chops...and bulk packages of Perdue chicken..to top off the freezer..
Was able to get sausage for my Thanksgiving dressing on sale today ..will finish tearing my old bread and drying it for the dressing in the next couple of days...will need to get a fresh Turkey and a fresh green veggie and celery for dressing...and I will have every thing I need..
I figure that one way or another..the food stamp mess will under control before Thanksgiving..but if not my girlfriend and will go together with our husbands..safety in numbers...and all that
We are out the country and use Amazon all the time..have the Amazon Prime card..and get 5% card back..don't get a lot of groceries from them...but to get a lot tea bags..hard to mess those things up......DH gets lots of stuff ..just got 2 of 20 lb propane tanks delivered..about $20.00 less each than locally and Walmart and the tiny Buddy Heater was $60 on Amazon...locally and walmart were $100...that is huge savings...$80..cheaper on 3 items and 5% cash back and delivered at no charge to our door....what's not to like...