Thanks. I vaguely remember having an aloe plant years ago that was given to me. I used it for my kids scrapes and burns. Could you freeze the aloe gel in ice cube trays and then thaw to use? Would it retain its healing properties after frozen and thawed? Just curious...
Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: October 4 ~ 10, 2020
- Thread starter ReneeT
- Start date
Grounded Idealist
Hope Always
I have not done that cuz aloes grow like weeds here, however, I can’t see why not. An ice cube would be an ideal dose for drinking it too (a tablespoon or two is all you need). I would imagine the healing properties would remain in tact for skin care as well. It would definitely be worth a try!
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
amazon
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thanks for the idea! I have done that before with friends. The Aloe plant is a prolific multiplier, and my pot is full of babies, along with the mother plant. It has multiplied to the point that the pot is overflowing with many, many plants. Some of the leaves are as long as my arm. It's huge! I am going to pull out one of the smaller plants to save in the event me cutting it back kills the mother plant. At least I'll still have a new starter plant to work with.
When I need Aloe for burns, I snip off a leaf, and use directly on the burn. Will cutting the leaves and juicing them keep in a jar without being sealed. I've thought about making gel from them, but didn't know how.
You coukd keep the juice in the fridge for a few days, but it will get moldy fast. I wonder if you coukd preserve some in glycerin? Some people make glycerites rather than tinctures if they can't use alcohol... it seems a glycerite woukd make a nice healing gel, although maybe a bit sticky.
Summerthyme
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thanks for that idea! I'll check into that. I can't see letting all of this gel go to waste.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
So I ordered some of these lids
Mainly because there are some things I keep in a canning jar that I just want a lid on. They do have a silicone ring to put in them and my thinking is what ever I keep in a jar with this lid that the contents might stay fresher longer than with just a place lid that I've saved for something else.
And that case of pint jars that I stored Jiffy corn bread mix in I have decided to change the pint jars I used to the quilted 12 oz. jars and save my pint jars for something else. I have not yet vacuum sealed the pint jars so changing out the jars wont ruin the canning lids.
The jar washing station I set up on my camper porch is working out well. For now, instead of heating water to wash the jars using a propane burner, I found in some things DH had a hot pot that I can boil water in. I have electric on my porch. I really love this porch, if I'd had it when I lived in my camper years ago I would have so enjoyed it and to some extent it would have expanded my living space, although its not completely closed in. I'm going to enjoy it any way. The view from the porch is blocked by my she shed, but no matter I love it.
God is good all the time.
Judy
Mainly because there are some things I keep in a canning jar that I just want a lid on. They do have a silicone ring to put in them and my thinking is what ever I keep in a jar with this lid that the contents might stay fresher longer than with just a place lid that I've saved for something else.
And that case of pint jars that I stored Jiffy corn bread mix in I have decided to change the pint jars I used to the quilted 12 oz. jars and save my pint jars for something else. I have not yet vacuum sealed the pint jars so changing out the jars wont ruin the canning lids.
The jar washing station I set up on my camper porch is working out well. For now, instead of heating water to wash the jars using a propane burner, I found in some things DH had a hot pot that I can boil water in. I have electric on my porch. I really love this porch, if I'd had it when I lived in my camper years ago I would have so enjoyed it and to some extent it would have expanded my living space, although its not completely closed in. I'm going to enjoy it any way. The view from the porch is blocked by my she shed, but no matter I love it.
God is good all the time.
Judy
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I just finished trimming my Aloe plant. I managed to cut off over a foot of it all the way around. I can at least see the edge of the flower pot now. Lots of other nice sized babies still in the pot that weren't trimmed back, so if I lose the larger plants, I'll still have some smaller stock plants. The whole thing will be divided and repotted next year. It will need it by then. I just threw out the trimmings. I don't really need the gel from those as long as I have the actual plant.
So, now, I'm finished with everything I wanted to get done outside, before winter sets in. Looks like we're going to get lots of rain from Delta in the coming days, so am glad I got it all done today.
So, now, I'm finished with everything I wanted to get done outside, before winter sets in. Looks like we're going to get lots of rain from Delta in the coming days, so am glad I got it all done today.
prudentwatcher
Veteran Member
The last of the gasoline cans has now been rotated--refilled with fresh gas with Stabil added. Glad to have that taken care of.
Hit Big Lots yesterday. Haven't been in there in ages. Got a few things--some cornbread mix, jam, but nothing major.
Talked myself out of going to Dollar Tree today. I have a LOT of stuff and haven't even put the stuff from the last couple of weeks away yet. Just a minor panic, but I think I am good now
I have $4 in Extra Care Bucks for CVS, and $20 in points at Walgreens, so I can still prep, but do it for free. I did hit Walgreens earlier in the week for a prescription and some vitamin D, which was BOGO, and I had coupons, so I am set on Vit D through 2021. Also got another can of coffee for my SO, as it was on sale and we are good on coffee for over a year out as well.
Hit Big Lots yesterday. Haven't been in there in ages. Got a few things--some cornbread mix, jam, but nothing major.
Talked myself out of going to Dollar Tree today. I have a LOT of stuff and haven't even put the stuff from the last couple of weeks away yet. Just a minor panic, but I think I am good now
I have $4 in Extra Care Bucks for CVS, and $20 in points at Walgreens, so I can still prep, but do it for free. I did hit Walgreens earlier in the week for a prescription and some vitamin D, which was BOGO, and I had coupons, so I am set on Vit D through 2021. Also got another can of coffee for my SO, as it was on sale and we are good on coffee for over a year out as well.Old Gray Mare
TB Fanatic
I put a crowbar to the savings and pulled out a little extra specifically for a prep run. Left DH at home.
It was hard. I bravely pushed the cart past the chocolate, faltered a bit at the wine but determinedly moved on.
When I got to the checkout there was nothing that would scream "Prepper!" from looking at the cart. It was all shelf stable.
Some ready to eat canned soup and meat.
Just add water convenience meals/food.
The obligatory bag of rice.
Cooking oil.
Spices, multivitamins, honey and a few other odds and ends.
It was disappointing to see the amount procured compared to the cost. Even so I'm looking at more calories tucked away for the family.
It was hard. I bravely pushed the cart past the chocolate, faltered a bit at the wine but determinedly moved on.
When I got to the checkout there was nothing that would scream "Prepper!" from looking at the cart. It was all shelf stable.
Some ready to eat canned soup and meat.
Just add water convenience meals/food.
The obligatory bag of rice.
Cooking oil.
Spices, multivitamins, honey and a few other odds and ends.
It was disappointing to see the amount procured compared to the cost. Even so I'm looking at more calories tucked away for the family.
aviax2
Veteran Member
DH and I made a Sam’s run at Jackson TN yesterday and each of us had a cart. Overall they seemed be stocked ok but not as deep as usual. Toilet paper and paper towels were very short and only slightly more of bottled water. We got one of each. This was only the second time I’ve been since sometime before lockdown. They’ve moved things around so it was a tad harder to find some things. The biggest thing for me was that they had even less variety than last time. We’re big cheese lovers around here and some cheeses just weren’t there anymore and pasta was limited to elbows, penne and angel hair and not that much of it. I noticed way more of the huge cans of veggies and tomato sauce than I’ve ever seen in there before.
They definitely had a ton of all kinds of candy and quite a bit hopped into our carts and came home with us! Most of that will go to the long term pantry. We also bought cooking oil, olive oil with garlic, frozen foods, cheeses, Nutella, salt, spice rubs, liquid hand soap, fresh veggies, chicken broth, flour tortillas and I don’t remember what else. Those trips wear me out and it takes a few days to get over them, I still have things waiting to be put away, ugh.
They definitely had a ton of all kinds of candy and quite a bit hopped into our carts and came home with us! Most of that will go to the long term pantry. We also bought cooking oil, olive oil with garlic, frozen foods, cheeses, Nutella, salt, spice rubs, liquid hand soap, fresh veggies, chicken broth, flour tortillas and I don’t remember what else. Those trips wear me out and it takes a few days to get over them, I still have things waiting to be put away, ugh.
Mostly getting ready for the projects this weekend. Renovating the rabbit shed, putting up the sugar shack chimney and starting the solar build. Making applesauce this week. Need to seed the tomatoes and cukes soo we have seed next year. Scored a mint Singer 127 sewing machine for 25 bucks at Goodwill. It will be put on one of the treadles I have out in the shop. All it needs is a little oil. Runs smooth. Lot less time than rebuilding the one in the shop.
prudentwatcher
Veteran Member
I FINALLY got all of the stuff that was stashed around my office and the den put away. Also pulled some old cereal from storage so we can feed the birds. Everything fit on the shelves--just barely. Reinforces my idea that I really don't need to get any more food items, just replace what I use in the future.
It has taken over a week to get our entire order from Chewy. We ordered 7 cases of cat food. Four arrived the next day (we live less than 40 miles from a fulfillment center). One case arrived two days later. And two cases are due tomorrow. They shipped those from Arizona (we are in Florida). I think it shows that they can't keep everything stocked in one place and are having spot shortages. We've never had this problem before and this is just on Fancy Feast, no special "exotic" type of cat food.
It has taken over a week to get our entire order from Chewy. We ordered 7 cases of cat food. Four arrived the next day (we live less than 40 miles from a fulfillment center). One case arrived two days later. And two cases are due tomorrow. They shipped those from Arizona (we are in Florida). I think it shows that they can't keep everything stocked in one place and are having spot shortages. We've never had this problem before and this is just on Fancy Feast, no special "exotic" type of cat food.
Walrus Whisperer
Hope in chains...
I had one that pulled itself clean out of the pot!
Not to mention a few bags of potting soil for preps.
Prep:
Lots and lots of cotton handkerchiefs or cotton bandanas. If you've ever had a cold or allergies, you know how many kleenexs you use. Washable. My walmart has them in the men's dept, I usually have to ask where they are, they move stuff around. However many you think you need, at LEAST double that. The poly/cotton ones are hard on your nose. Cotton best.
amazon
Veteran Member
I bought a bushel apples for applesauce. I bought 2 gallons of raw apple cider to try to make hard cider. I found 3 flats of wide mouth jars at WM. Bought 2. My dehydrator comes in today. Hope to try it out this weekend. Bought dh some winter socks and a new work jacket. Getting ready to order work bib overalls now. They had some at Ollies, but those attachment thingies at the top were junk. (I have no idea what those are called. )
Off to get apples ready and make pizza. Enjoy your weekend!
Off to get apples ready and make pizza. Enjoy your weekend!
20Gauge
TB Fanatic
My fall / winter prep is working to raise my working area. The idea is that when we flood next, we will be 3-6 inches higher and less likely to have damaging water enter the sheds and destroy my tools, etc.
So we are pouring concrete and more concrete.
Today's pictures are where I am now.
My weekend project is to dig a trench to lay conduit for an air compressor feed and 220 electrical power. It is about 50 feet of pipe with about 35 feet of trenching.
To complete this section of the plan will require a number of pours and several yards of rock.
I still have the following pours
a) 4*8 pour
b) 8*8 pour
c) 9*10 pour
When done I will have an outside area that is 10*20 to work outside out of the dirt. I will also have a concrete under the shed for the first time and electrical with air power also. In front of the shed I will also have an 8*8 work pad.
So much to do and so little time.
Sorry for the mess, but it will clean up once I finish up. The concrete is level as the shed was once. I guess 2 hurricanes and 3 tropical storms moved it a bit. I am locking it in place in the concrete to prevent anymore movement.
LOL
So we are pouring concrete and more concrete.
Today's pictures are where I am now.
My weekend project is to dig a trench to lay conduit for an air compressor feed and 220 electrical power. It is about 50 feet of pipe with about 35 feet of trenching.
To complete this section of the plan will require a number of pours and several yards of rock.
I still have the following pours
a) 4*8 pour
b) 8*8 pour
c) 9*10 pour
When done I will have an outside area that is 10*20 to work outside out of the dirt. I will also have a concrete under the shed for the first time and electrical with air power also. In front of the shed I will also have an 8*8 work pad.
So much to do and so little time.
Sorry for the mess, but it will clean up once I finish up. The concrete is level as the shed was once. I guess 2 hurricanes and 3 tropical storms moved it a bit. I am locking it in place in the concrete to prevent anymore movement.
LOL
Attachments
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Meemur
Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
I'm working on winter preps. I rubbed more waterproofing on my boots. Earlier today, I bought several more pairs of wool socks and two more pairs of winter gloves (heavy and light).
I've been washing summer blankets and hanging them outside to dry (in the 80s today), along with several winter hoodies that were put away without being washed (hate it when I do that!) -- when it gets cold, again next week, I'll switch over to flannel sheets and the heavier blankets. All are clean and freshly aired out.
Took my dress winter coat to the dry cleaner (and picked it up today). [last cleaning was 3 years ago]
Lastly, I need to swap my summer car emergency kit with my winter emergency kit. We're still in transition weather-wise, but it won't hurt to add the wool blanket and shovel.
I'm holding off on some storage gas. I'm waiting for the winter blend, unless something spooks me.
I've been washing summer blankets and hanging them outside to dry (in the 80s today), along with several winter hoodies that were put away without being washed (hate it when I do that!) -- when it gets cold, again next week, I'll switch over to flannel sheets and the heavier blankets. All are clean and freshly aired out.
Took my dress winter coat to the dry cleaner (and picked it up today). [last cleaning was 3 years ago]
Lastly, I need to swap my summer car emergency kit with my winter emergency kit. We're still in transition weather-wise, but it won't hurt to add the wool blanket and shovel.
I'm holding off on some storage gas. I'm waiting for the winter blend, unless something spooks me.
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Meemur
Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
I'll put this here, too. I pulled the trigger on 4 more pairs of jeans. This is starting to push the budget a bit right now, but with cotton in short supply, I wanted to be sure I had some jeans and tee shirts in storage. I didn't buy anymore dress pants for work. I'm 100% online and if that changes, I'll be wearing black jeans if/when the dress trousers wear out. (They are on the thin side. I get 2 - 3 years out of them.]
The only dressing up I plan on doing from here on out are weddings and funerals.
The only dressing up I plan on doing from here on out are weddings and funerals.
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
One other thing and I'll get back to work and be quiet.
I cleaned out the front closet and found two winter-weight hoodies and several more pairs of wool socks that I had purchased last spring on sale. For whatever reason, I was in a hurry and didn't take those purchases down to the winter storage clothing area in the basement. They are there, now. I'm very pleased to have them. I've got enough winter clothing now that I should be good for several years, unless my lifestyle changes drastically, like I have to go to work in a office that requires skirts and blouses. I don't see that happening.
This is all on my mind because I think we're on the eve of a hot war that's going to drastically impact the supply lines and cause our money to hyper-inflate.
I remember my grandparents' stories about not having having shoes and having to patch and re-patch clothing. I can sew, but it's worth having some items on hand so I can focus on other problems. I really, really like being able to go shopping in my basement. It's always open and the price is right. Ha!
I cleaned out the front closet and found two winter-weight hoodies and several more pairs of wool socks that I had purchased last spring on sale. For whatever reason, I was in a hurry and didn't take those purchases down to the winter storage clothing area in the basement. They are there, now. I'm very pleased to have them. I've got enough winter clothing now that I should be good for several years, unless my lifestyle changes drastically, like I have to go to work in a office that requires skirts and blouses. I don't see that happening.
This is all on my mind because I think we're on the eve of a hot war that's going to drastically impact the supply lines and cause our money to hyper-inflate.
I remember my grandparents' stories about not having having shoes and having to patch and re-patch clothing. I can sew, but it's worth having some items on hand so I can focus on other problems. I really, really like being able to go shopping in my basement. It's always open and the price is right. Ha!
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Illini Warrior
Illini Warrior
wouldn't be going into financial dire straits over the election >>> you're going to be amazed how fast both the election and the Virus disappears ...
good chance even Pelosi won't be around the next 4 years to create problems - don't be buying into the DNC scare tactics being played ....
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I think we're all preparing for the worst, and hoping for the best. I don't think it's being based on any DNC scare tactics, just a possible reality of what our future holds.
prudentwatcher
Veteran Member
I ordered some more bras. I already had four new ones in packaging, but the ones I am currently wearing are all starting to give out at about the same time. Better safe than sorry, as I am a hard fit.
Will pick up some prescriptions tomorrow at Walgreens. Always feel better when I have another three months ahead. Have about a 3-6 month stockpile already on all of them, so this sets me up better. Will wait until tomorrow to pick up as I peeked at the Walgreens ad for next week and there are lots of things I want to get and I have $20 in points to spend before I even hit my budget. I like that kind of shopping
Will pick up some prescriptions tomorrow at Walgreens. Always feel better when I have another three months ahead. Have about a 3-6 month stockpile already on all of them, so this sets me up better. Will wait until tomorrow to pick up as I peeked at the Walgreens ad for next week and there are lots of things I want to get and I have $20 in points to spend before I even hit my budget. I like that kind of shopping
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I ordered some more bras. I already had four new ones in packaging, but the ones I am currently wearing are all starting to give out at about the same time. Better safe than sorry, as I am a hard fit.
Will pick up some prescriptions tomorrow at Walgreens. Always feel better when I have another three months ahead. Have about a 3-6 month stockpile already on all of them, so this sets me up better. Will wait until tomorrow to pick up as I peeked at the Walgreens ad for next week and there are lots of things I want to get and I have $20 in points to spend before I even hit my budget. I like that kind of shopping
I have practically given up on finding new bras for myself. I'm hard to fit, too. Small body size, but need a large cup size. I refuse to pay the price to go to a specialty shop to be fitted for them. I'm just buying more camisoles to wear instead. I have a few camisoles already, but they're old. I already have new ones down on my next shopping list. I stick to the basic colors of black, tan, and white.
My doctors write out my prescriptions for a year at a time. I get a new supply every 3 months. I'm have been managing on half doses for a while now, so that extends the supply out to 6 months worth at a time. I'm saving all the extra for hard times.
I need to check my points at Walgreen's. I haven't been in there in several weeks.
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
Exactly! I'm looking at the larger global picture. Until recently, I was one of those who'd write, "Doom is always six months away," but the pandemic, coupled with the already shaky economies is starting to signal "war" to me.
I don't have inside information or a working crystal ball. I'm prepared to be wrong and hope that I am, but I've been getting lots of nudges and dreams that all is not well.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Same here, Meemur. I don't have a crystal ball, either, but this morning as I was waking up, I heard this in my head. "Death Is Coming".
Dafodil
Veteran Member
I'm worried about the collapse of the dollar! I tried to get my broker to move half of my retirement into Bitcoin. He said, it's too volatile, they don't 'deal with it.' I was like, WTH? I'll deal with the volatility! Anyone in the stock market rides the highs/lows every day. Anyone else see the dollar collapse? Maybe it's because it's our retirement funds. Too much to worry about! I'll be so glad when this election is done and settled!
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Back right before the crash of 2008, Cary got a nudge to get all of our investments out of the market. We did, and reinvested in a variety of different things so as not to put all our eggs into one basket.