Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: August 25 ~ 31, 2019

[ReneeT]

Good Morning, All! Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Family has been down here for the past two days planting wildlife food plots - oats, wheat, peas, beans, beets, clover - and doing some mowing. The patch of millet, sorghum, oats, etc.. that they planted this spring has filled out well in spite of the hot dry weather this summer - I need to go out and collect some seed this week.

Looks like the wildlife plots are doing their job - I had a big wild turkey with a good long beard saunter across my front yard this week; and had counted a flock of 17 down by the switch grass that was planted last year. The bob cat is still in the area, but seems to have taken up residence in an old, fallen down barn a half mile down the road. Hubby got snorted at by a good sized doe - when he stopped to look, he saw a fawn a bit behind her. Also have a doe and three fawns that like to cross the road in the same area at various times through the day, so have to keep an eye out for her while I'm driving.

Found a patch of Jewelweed in bloom down by the end of the road; will make sure to collect seed from it later in the fall - it is a good remedy for poison ivy. I don't get poison ivy or oak, and neither do the grandsons, but Hubby and daughter are both allergic.

I've been craving greens; have been picking and eating at least a little bit of purslane just about every day lately - until Hubby mowed the area where I'd been picking a couple of days ago. We got a nice rain last night, so it will soon be available again. I need to gather some plantain leaves and seed here soon. The mullein sent up tall stalks but had few blooms, and dried up fast. We have not seen very many honey bees this year, but have seen a lot of bumble bees and other bees and pollinators. It does worry me quite a bit - I'm waiting to see what the soybean yields in the area are. Corn is planted across the road from us this year so I will have to check with neighbors farther away.

Also have elderberry ripening and have gathered some to dry. Poke is setting berries well, I'll gather some after they ripen to dry for seed - would prefer to have them planted a bit farther away from the kitchen door and clothesline than the ones the birds planted for me this year! I need to gather seed from my coneflowers, and also want to get a bit more chicory seed - what I planted this year didn't do well.

Rural King had/has bricks of Remington Thunderbolt .22's on sale for $18.99; a couple of them followed me home when I stopped in to check the sugar price on Friday. Older grandson is old enough to take the hunter safety class and join the shooting sports 4-H group this fall, younger grandson is only 18 months behind, so I figure we will be going through them pretty fast. The sale doesn't end until Sept 2, and I have to go to town for physical therapy and some work related stuff, so I'll likely stop in a couple more times - although I will probably have to hide them from Hubby when I get home - he believes that there is such a thing a 'Enough .22s'

Looks like I'm going to be able to go back to work this next Friday, 4 weeks after surgery - and right in time to work the Labor Day holiday weekend. At least I missed JCAHO The last time I had this surgery (other leg), I had surgery on Thursday and went back to work (floor nurse) the following Monday. 8 years makes one heck of a difference! Okay, there was a complete tear of the ACL this time, but still!!

That means I've got 5 days to get done what I need to get done at home... Good thing I have another vacation coming up in September - sure hope nothing happens on this one!

Well, both boys have homework that they need to get done before we can go to the pool - reckon I'd better get off this computer and get them to working on it.

Take care all; have a safe and happy week out there!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

It looks like all of outdoor prep work has come to a complete halt. About 5 yrs. ago, CaryC had double hernia surgery. A few days ago, he was working outdoors splitting firewood. He apparently had one of the meshes come loose on one side where the hernia was. Hernia popped out! Now, we are waiting for an appt to see his surgeon for another surgery. He's on mostly bed rest while we wait.

When it rains, it pours!

 

[paxsim2]

Ordered more seeds from Baker Creek for fall planting, some for Christmas gifts and some for next spring. Added to the pantry, mostly cold and flu supplies so we don't have to go to the store for much if anything gets us down. We take Sambucol for our immune systems and we rarely get sick anymore.

On the list for winter purchases:

2 new blankets, a couple more flashlights and batteries to go with. Matches, socks and I need a new coat.

 

[Journey]

paxsim2, do you take Sambucol syrup? If so, could you give details on how much, how often, etc? Strep throat is rampant where we live and there’s also an upper respiratory bug going around that is so bad they closed the high school Friday. I’m looking to boost our immune systems for the upcoming fall/winter sickness season. I have asthma and what most people would recover from in 7-10 days takes me six weeks.

 

[summerthyme]

In my experience (and from reading a bunch of studiesĺ Sambucol isn't really an immune booster... it is an amazing virustatic remedy (stops viruses, especially the influenza virus, from reproducing: taken daily it will often kerp you from developing any viral illness.

For immune system help, elderFLOWER is the active part of the elder plant. Echinacea also has proven immune stimulating properties. I like a tea made with elderflower, lemon balm, echinacea and chamomile for a daily immune boost. Sweetened withba bit of hobey, it's not bad at all.

For echinacea especially, but I suspect most immune boosters are similar, you need to take a break from it every few weeks. We generally only take it during holidsys or otherwise when we're going to be around a lot of people, but I try to kerp to a schedule of 5 weeks on and 1 week "on vacation". If flu or something is going around, we'll push off the "vacation" week for a week or two, but eventually, your immune system stops responding if you don't take a break.

 

[prudentwatcher]

Walmart has the best prices of anyone on flour and sugar (store brand), so another two bags of each ended up in the cart, along with some cake mixes, some bottled water and some of those Knorr mixes. Publix had the chef boyardee on sale for 89 cents a can, so another dozen ended up in the cart. That should bring me to a little over 100 cans, with a nice variety. Great for hurricane preps as well.

Publix also had raspberries on sale for 99 cents, so I bought a bunch and spent some time today making 4 jars of mixed berry syrup (raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry--I had the other berries in the freezer), and 12 jars of mixed berry jam. I might buy some more to put in the freezer for the future, as I still have enough blueberries for one more batch of jam, and lots of strawberries. Syrup and jam were both new recipes for me and they were both delicious!

 

[ivantherussian03]

We had some time. We went to Anchorage and did Walmart order.we loaded up with 400 dollars and they mailed it.we got basic things that cost fortune in the village. The came through right away which was good. We did have some misfortune, our house was robbed! They were inept criminals I think; they ate the candy, soda, yogurt. They over looked the high quality hunting gear, two hand guns, and took a run down 22. We feel unbelievably lucky.

Summer is super busy. Our freezer is full: moose, salmon, berries. The berries are small but plentiful. Usually I get my moose last minute, but this time I was early. I am trying to find someone to get halibut from. My wood pile is dry and ready.

Weather seems cooler than normal. So I am wondering about winter.

 

[20Gauge]

Here is my weekly haul.... rather my wife's weekly haul. We have not reached a total of 3600 in 40 ft sq.

Actually it is 36 ft sq, but it is not a big deal.

We also worked on the 2nd new planter where we now have all the block, but I need to level it still. The 1st new planter is being filled with dirt. We will need another couple of weeks before that is done. We are cash flowing it.

Lastly I was able to catch up with the mulch bags of which there were 60 of them. That took some effort. Darn near killed me.

 

[moldy]

Last week ended up pretty busy: taught a class on Wednesday (for free, but it is a way of getting my name out as an herbalist), had a client on Friday night and worked my usual 3 12 hour shifts (that ended up being at least 13 each day.). this weekend was surprisingly slower at work, just they all came at the end and made for a few minutes of overtime each night.

This week, I plan to keep working on freeze drying a few things like tomatoes. Neither DH or I like them whole, and powdered stores much easier. I can powder them and cut down on storage space. DH has put up more security cameras (hard-wired), and thankfully, there has been very little drama with the tenants we're evicting (thank the Lord!!). I don't know if we will ever rent out property again. If we do, we need to not be living next door I think. (or maybe we do, I don't know!) Last week, I finally got one freezer emptied, so I may keep working on whittling down what's in the remaining one also.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Moldy, I'm in the process of emptying out one of my chest freezers, too. It needs defrosting really bad. I'm thinking, once I get it emptied, I'm not going to fill it back up. I may decide to use it for storage items other than frozen foods.

 

[moldy]

We use a non-working freezer in our garage to store cabbage over winter. Pull it from the ground with the root intact and layer upside down in straw. Leave the freezer open for a few days to let the moisture out, then close (mostly). I prop the lid open with a plastic bottle. DO NOT FULLY CLOSE IT - you will end up with a lot of moldy rotten ick. But, with just that little bit of circulation, I have kept cabbage into April to use (from harvesting in October).

 

[SouthernBreeze]

We use a non-working freezer in our garage to store cabbage over winter. Pull it from the ground with the root intact and layer upside down in straw. Leave the freezer open for a few days to let the moisture out, then close (mostly). I prop the lid open with a plastic bottle. DO NOT FULLY CLOSE IT - you will end up with a lot of moldy rotten ick. But, with just that little bit of circulation, I have kept cabbage into April to use (from harvesting in October).

My concern is that the freezer will sweat on the inside if I just turn it off, and leave the lid closed. I would like to store more bags of rice, pasta, and sugar in it. The freezer will continue to be kept in my laundry room. I don't want to get rid of it, and am just trying to think of a way that I can still make use of the space.

 

[Illini Warrior]

My concern is that the freezer will sweat on the inside if I just turn it off, and leave the lid closed. I would like to store more bags of rice, pasta, and sugar in it. The freezer will continue to be kept in my laundry room. I don't want to get rid of it, and am just trying to think of a way that I can still make use of the space.

if you put a 1/2 bag of Fresh Step cat litter (approx $6) in plastic containers around the inside - that should handle any moisture build -up - and you can always dry it back out & re-use - those refrig & freezer seals aren't perfect but they keep the majority out ....

 

[SouthernBreeze]

if you put a 1/2 bag of Fresh Step cat litter (approx $6) in plastic containers around the inside - that should handle any moisture build -up - and you can always dry it back out & re-use - those refrig & freezer seals aren't perfect but they keep the majority out ....

I could overcome any moisture problems, I think. I still worry about bugs, though, since the seals aren't perfect. Right?

 

[Illini Warrior]

I could overcome any moisture problems, I think. I still worry about bugs, though, since the seals aren't perfect. Right?

bugs are more an internal problem - larva hatching >>> if there's an external infestation of some kind I'd be putting the retail packages inside a 5 gallon bucket and sealing with a Gamma lid ...

 

[SouthernBreeze]

bugs are more an internal problem - larva hatching >>> if there's an external infestation of some kind I'd be putting the retail packages inside a 5 gallon bucket and sealing with a Gamma lid ...

Everything like rice, pasta, and dry beans always goes into the freezer for up to two weeks to kill any larva that might already be in the packages from the store. Then, I take the packages out, and put whatever in heavy plastic jugs that are then sealed. I'm out of room for anything else on my pantry shelves, so thought I might use the unplugged freezer as space for more storage.

 

[nomifyle]

Last night I packaged up 20 pounds of rice in soda bottles with bay leaf and 02. Plus several packages of noodles. The rice and noodles came to me in commodities. DH said what are you going to do with all the rice, put it on a shelf and forget about it, to which I said yes, I hope I never need it. The noodles we use, I make a tuna noodle casserole and use the noodles there.

Judy

 

[paxsim2]

Dupe.

 

[paxsim2]

Journey, sorry it took me so long to get back!

I've taken Sambucol for a very long time, I can't remember the exact date but I hadn't had the flu since 2001. I had a very short bout last year, it was very mild and my husband who has no spleen had a mild case as well. The regular doctor was thrilled that it was so mild. We have to take extra precautions for him with temperatures, his did rise to 100 which prompted a trip to urgent care since it was the weekend of course. I attribute this to his having the shot and to the Sambucol. Usually the shot does cause him some issues but not this time since I knew he was getting it.

About 5 weeks ago I attended a seminar on elderberry growing and using, it was very informative. The newest research is suggesting that elderberry has some antibiotic qualities along with viral killing properties. It was very interesting. One of the growers has an elderberry farm not far from here and I am going with a friend to get their juice plus get more information on planting our own. We are also going to attend another seminar next month if there is still space. They talked about the berries and the flower uses. We got to see the test gardens and the different varieties being grown. One of them is a native that they've been able to capture the properties they want in a cultivar.

I can't wait to visit this guy's farm and see more of his information.

 

[ka5gtc]

Last Sunday our next door neighbor cleaned out his garage and threw away 4 cases of MRE,s dated 2016. I grabbed them quick. They were from Hurricane Harvey. I opened one of the packs and it was still good. That brings me to 31 cases. These MRE,S will be tasty when we get hungry..LOL

 

[SAPPHIRE]

oh, great catch...…..one man's trash is another's treasure...…..ya'll are really busy...….dh and I applaud such go-get-'em goals......WE WISH TO BE THAT HEALTHY...alas...age and infirmities!!

 

[nomifyle]

oh, great catch...…..one man's trash is another's treasure...…..ya'll are really busy...….dh and I applaud such go-get-'em goals......WE WISH TO BE THAT HEALTHY...alas...age and infirmities!!

I can sympathize, age and infirmities. It takes me so much longer to get things done, I get tired so easily, although I'm blessed to have good health. Aches and pains slow me down.

Judy

 

[mecoastie]

Deck is almost finished. Not a true prep but the deal I made with my wife was the deck had to be done before I could get the sugar shack up. She has been more than patient. The ledger board has been hanging on the side of the house for almost a decade.

We successfully passed the first step in our meat rabbit endeavor. My daughter, who is pushing for the rabbits, likes rabbit. The deal was before we got them, she had to eat rabbit, process a rabbit and I need to get the shack done as that is where we will do all the processing.

 

[Illini Warrior]

Last Sunday our next door neighbor cleaned out his garage and threw away 4 cases of MRE,s dated 2016. I grabbed them quick. They were from Hurricane Harvey. I opened one of the packs and it was still good. That brings me to 31 cases. These MRE,S will be tasty when we get hungry..LOL

if you have the room - don't EVER throw them out - even when they become inedible the retort packaging will make them look perfect >>> day might come when you can use them as a buy off to some goons raiding your neighborhood ....

 

[nomifyle]

Had to go to the VA today for my every three month steriod shot in my right shoulder. The PA told me the only other thing they could offer me is shoulder surgery. I told her I'm fine with the shot, it does help and with that and exercise my should is better.

While we were in town we stopped at Walmart to get more soda for DH and water for me. I had let my supply of water get down to two cases and I like to keep at least 6. I've been avoiding going to the store to keep me from "panic" buying. I didn't need anything except soad and water and that's all I got.

I was able to lift the 24 bottle case of water with little problem, in the past I couldn't lift it at all. God is good.

Judy

 

[paxsim2]

Picked up a grocery order from Walmart yesterday. I won't order again for a few weeks, we don't really need anything and I've replenished our staples.

The garden is getting it's second wind and it will be a better harvest than it was over the summer. To hot and the weather was pretty weird.

Sorting out for a garage sale so we can close our storage unit. Finish up the farmhouse to sell and deep cleaning for the holidays all top the next month's list.

Getting a gallon of elderberry juice to turn into syrup and gummies.

 

[Hfcomms]

I have had one of these hand pumps on the top of my well casing since 2001 but don't use it very often. I use a electric shallow well pump through a hole drilled in the side of the well casing and the hand pump is for backup. If you don't use your pumps for awhile the gaskets inside them dry out and your pump won't work well or at all. The gaskets quite often are made out of leather and most of the time you have three of them. One with a weight on it that sits on top of the pipe inside the pump. A leather cup that sits around the plunger assembly inside of the sleeve that has to be tight in order to create suction and a gasket on the top.

Sometimes these gaskets and cups can be hard to source and you need spares. I discovered that I can't locate all of my spares so I just ordered new. I haven't used my pump in years so I know the gaskets are shot and I'm not going to replace the gaskets until I need to use the pump or they'll just dry out again. And for a backup to the hand pump I also have a well bucket. You just tie a rope to the top ring and there is a foot valve on the bottom that opens when you drop the bucket down the pipe and closes when you pull it up.

Even if you have well water you need a backup pump in case the electric one breaks or the power goes out long term and it's also good to have a well bucket as well. You need backups to your backups. Spend long enough in the military and you learn to always have a plan and also have a plan to replace the plan that just flew out the door. LOL

 

[mecoastie]

I have had one of these hand pumps on the top of my well casing since 2001 but don't use it very often. I use a electric shallow well pump through a hole drilled in the side of the well casing and the hand pump is for backup. If you don't use your pumps for awhile the gaskets inside them dry out and your pump won't work well or at all. The gaskets quite often are made out of leather and most of the time you have three of them. One with a weight on it that sits on top of the pipe inside the pump. A leather cup that sits around the plunger assembly inside of the sleeve that has to be tight in order to create suction and a gasket on the top.

Sometimes these gaskets and cups can be hard to source and you need spares. I discovered that I can't locate all of my spares so I just ordered new. I haven't used my pump in years so I know the gaskets are shot and I'm not going to replace the gaskets until I need to use the pump or they'll just dry out again. And for a backup to the hand pump I also have a well bucket. You just tie a rope to the top ring and there is a foot valve on the bottom that opens when you drop the bucket down the pipe and closes when you pull it up.

Even if you have well water you need a backup pump in case the electric one breaks or the power goes out long term and it's also good to have a well bucket as well. You need backups to your backups. Spend long enough in the military and you learn to always have a plan and also have a plan to replace the plan that just flew out the door. LOL

Can those leather gaskets be replaced with some other material?


With the well buckets people need to know how to get the pump in the well out and have the tools ahead of time to do it.

 

[Hfcomms]

I've seen it done with rubber instead of leather and some of the cheaper pumps have rubber and there are youtube videos on making them from materials on hand that I've seen. The well bucket will slide right down inside the well casing with the drop pipe inside it. In my case the drop pipe is 1.5" diameter and the well casing is 8" diameter and that well bucket is 4" diameter. It only pulls up around 4 gallons at a time so you might have to drop it down the casing a few times to get enough water but it's a good enough workaround.