Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: February 19~25, 2022
- Thread starter ReneeT
- Start date
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Good morning to All!
It's a beautiful sunny day, today. Highs in the mid 60's and going into the 80's by the end of the week, but more rain in the forecast. It's still too wet and mushy to do anything outside. Cary and I have to still wear our rubber boots just to walk in the yard.
I've got my house all cleaned and everything is neat and tidy. I'm doing a small load of laundry. I gathered up everything that was dirty and made one load out of it. I'll use the dryer to get them dry, so I can go ahead and put those away. I'll sweep again this afternoon, after Cary finishes bringing in firewood. I dug some bologna and sandwich ham out of the freezer for Cary to make sandwiches for himself. We have plenty of different cheeses and a variety of breads and chips. I've got simple meals prepared for him, too. I'm in no pain, today, so I think we'll have carry-out pizzas for supper, tonight. It will be the last time I can eat solid food for several days. Pizza is my favorite food. Cary's treat.
So, I reckon I've got everything set for the big day, tomorrow. I could use a little prayer if ya'll are so inclined. I pray this ordeal goes better than last time, and it doesn't take me 3 weeks to get over it.
It's a beautiful sunny day, today. Highs in the mid 60's and going into the 80's by the end of the week, but more rain in the forecast. It's still too wet and mushy to do anything outside. Cary and I have to still wear our rubber boots just to walk in the yard.
I've got my house all cleaned and everything is neat and tidy. I'm doing a small load of laundry. I gathered up everything that was dirty and made one load out of it. I'll use the dryer to get them dry, so I can go ahead and put those away. I'll sweep again this afternoon, after Cary finishes bringing in firewood. I dug some bologna and sandwich ham out of the freezer for Cary to make sandwiches for himself. We have plenty of different cheeses and a variety of breads and chips. I've got simple meals prepared for him, too. I'm in no pain, today, so I think we'll have carry-out pizzas for supper, tonight. It will be the last time I can eat solid food for several days. Pizza is my favorite food. Cary's treat.
So, I reckon I've got everything set for the big day, tomorrow. I could use a little prayer if ya'll are so inclined. I pray this ordeal goes better than last time, and it doesn't take me 3 weeks to get over it.
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Hopefully, it all goes better. Prayers sent.
The computer glasses make a big difference. And yeah, going to have to order an non-Blockx set for reading/sewing. It's also going to take a bit to find the new "sweet spot" for the new glasses.
Yesterday I made son a nightshirt from lycra. That was interesting. We'll see what his response is.
Last year the sandal style I prefer was unavailable. I wore the pair I had all the way through the sole and had to move on to a different brand. Except the different brand doesn't really adjust for normal days vs swollen feet days, or that in different times of day. So when they showed up early on Sam's Club, I ordered two pair. One pair is typically enough to last at least a year before the soles quite. But that gives me a back up pair.
Off to pack meats for the freezer. The ground turkey chubs were frozen. Even now, 5 days later, they are still partially frozen. Made dinner with some of it last night. It worked well and didn't cook down to much less than I started with. And the taste was good. So I'll be ordering those again.
It's actually going to be warm today. So I may get some outside work done. Or at least some more seeds planted.
Hubby broke up the garden that was new last year. He is still working on my tiller. It is slowly coming together. I am itching to get it in that new turned dirt. I could plant my potatoes any time now. I still need to get to the town west of me to get a bundle of strawberry plants. I should be able to get 20-25 plants for under $10. That sure beats the over $5 that the local stores get in for individual plants in 4 inch cups.
I am feeling better finally, so I am getting more done. I would like to sew a little. But that is down on the list a ways. I still need to get some decluttering done so I can sew without being crowded.
We got in some more canner parts. Both my All American canners are now fitted with jiggers instead of just valves and gauges. We also got new pop off plugs for all 3 canners and a gasket for the Mirro canner. We should be ok there for several years now.
Hubby is having to take extra blood pressure medication now. His steroid shot in his back causes it to go high for a couple of weeks. But the shot did seem to help his back. Hopefully it will help a long time.
I am feeling better finally, so I am getting more done. I would like to sew a little. But that is down on the list a ways. I still need to get some decluttering done so I can sew without being crowded.
We got in some more canner parts. Both my All American canners are now fitted with jiggers instead of just valves and gauges. We also got new pop off plugs for all 3 canners and a gasket for the Mirro canner. We should be ok there for several years now.
Hubby is having to take extra blood pressure medication now. His steroid shot in his back causes it to go high for a couple of weeks. But the shot did seem to help his back. Hopefully it will help a long time.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Cary ordered 2 more gaskets for my canner just to have in reserve. I would like to get another canner, before all the garden begins to come in. We'll see how it goes. I couldn't get the new freezer I had my heart set on, so maybe, I can get another canner. The freezer would have been cheaper!
I've got the laundry washed, dried, and put away. Now, I'm going to take the rest of the day off, except for the sweeping part. My BP is running a bit high, and I know it's because my anxiety level is through the roof. That's even with my new BP med.
I've got the laundry washed, dried, and put away. Now, I'm going to take the rest of the day off, except for the sweeping part. My BP is running a bit high, and I know it's because my anxiety level is through the roof. That's even with my new BP med.
Prayers offered for you, Sherree!!
Family has been in and out this morning, so I have been typing on this since around 8 am. The cousins are out looking for deer sheds right now, so it should be quiet for a while.
Digger, I hope that the shot continues to help your Hubby - and the the bp med keeps the bp where it needs to be! And I'm jealous! I can stick a trowel into my raised beds about 2-3", below that it is frozen; the in-ground garden is only thawed about 1/2" - the deer are barely making tracks. Unless we get a really warm March, it will likely be April before I'll be tilling.
Kyrsyan, can you tell me a bit more about the computer glasses? Are they made to your vision prescription, and where did you get them, etc..
It's up to 40* outside and is supposed to get in to the low 50's, but the wind is still pretty strong so I'm not quite ready to do any outside work quite yet. I've got one load of laundry washed and dried that are our things; but have a few more to do - I'm still working on Buddy's stuff - opened up the the back of my van to put my cooler back in and found 3 more bags that I didn't remember putting in there, plus I went through the clothing I keep here for the grandsons and found quite a few that they've outgrown so I'm going to see if I can manage to get all of that done today. My knees aren't loving me after the 3 mile walk up and down hills with the grand-dog yesterday, so we'll see how many trips carrying weight I'm willing to make up and down those steps - it may take a little longer to get them all done than I think it should. I can throw the bags of stuff that need washed down the stairs, it's the carrying them back up the stairs that is going to be the challenge...
The ad from the a grocery store in the town where the neighbor lady and I go to the pool has some pretty good sales going on - they look more like early last year's sale ads rather than more recent ones!! I may (might, possibly, not likely but it could happen
) run up today; and am going to try to talk her into stopping as we are on our way home; if she's only willing to stop once, I might make another trip up there on my own to get the amount of stock as I want.
Here are some of the items I plan to pick up:
Hunts Pasta sauce 24 oz cans - 10 for $10
Hunts Tomato paste or canned tomatoes - 14.5-15 oz - 10 for $10
Snak Pack puddings/Jello 4 pks - 10 for $10
Starkist Tuna 5 oz - 10 for $10
Rice a Roni/Pasta Roni - 10 for $10
Healthy Choice Soups - 15 oz, 4 for $5
Purex Laundry Detergent - 43-50 oz, 2/$7
Chuck roast or steak - $4.99/lb (will buy several if not too fatty; then cut them into chunks and can them - they turn out nice and tender after canning)
I will probably do the Pasta Sauce, Tuna, Soup, roasts, and laundry detergent deals at least twice. When I use the pasta sauce, I usually make two pasta cassaroles and freeze one of them, or some times split it in to one large and two small cassaroles, so 20 cans should last us a year unless we end up with daughter's family here with us.
Looks like my FMLA ends at the end of this month, but then I will be put on leave of absence until 5/16, at which point I will be terminated if I have not returned to my current position or accepted another position at the facility. HR calls each week; and keeps encouraging me to keep looking at the 'opportunities' board, and I have been doing so. I keep telling them that I can't trust certain co-workers on the unit I have been working on to have my back - and that's a must on psych. So unless my supervisor is willing to change my schedule - and he has allowed other people to change theirs, so I may be able to wrangle that - I know I can't go back to my unit; so will have to look for other opportunities. And that is if I do decide to stay at the facility. Hubby told me "You're old enough for social security, go apply'; then find a part time job if you want one" - which just about made me faint dead away since the man is very fond of my paycheck and I figured I'd have to work until I was dead I'm waiting for one more test - which won't be done until the second week of March, plus a bit for the results. If it does show dementia versus stress/anxiety induced memory disorder, then I will be able to determine my course of action, which might include filing for SSDI. And if it shows work induced stress/anxiety rather than dementia, well, then there is another course of action I can take.
I know that if I'm terminated, Hubby can pick up our insurance since we work at the same place. I'm pretty sure that I can keep my life insurance if I'm terminated due to disability; and if I am considered disabled, I don't think I have to pay further premiums; I will have to double check that.
So, other plans for this week:
*Go to the pool with the neighbor lady at least 3 times - probably Mon/Wed/Fri, but you just never know about us
*Can at least one case (12 jars) of beef chunks; and if the roasts at the store look decent; maybe 2 cases - 1 pint jar will make a meal that will serve the two of us at least twice, and maybe three times, depending on what it is (beef and noodles, beef veggie soup, beef strogonoff, shepards pie, beef hot- shots, etc...) That will probably be on the schedule for Tuesday, or Wednesday after the pool, and maybe Friday - good way to warm up the house
*Get some outside work done Monday and Tuesday before the rain hits on Wednesday - I need to empty the rest of the compost out of my little trailer; then I'm planning to pick up sticks in the yard, pull electric fence posts from the garden, and maybe see if I can get rid of more Creeping Charlie. The lemon balm hasn't reared it's head as yet, but it's going to be dug up and put in to pots as soon as I see it.
*Go to the nearby social security office Wednesday afternoon (since it's gonna rain and I won't be able to do anything outside) and see if they can unscramble my account so that I can look at it on line; and see if they can give me further information re: current amount my benefits would be and amount my benefits would be if I am determined to be disabled.
Since I'll be nearby the lumberyard, pick up some more boards for raised beds - some of mine are getting dilapidated. I like my 4x4 beds, but may go for 4'x6' or even 4'x8' ones instead this time. I've had 4'x8' beds in the past, but I like having the 4'x4' ones as I can easily lift them by myself to add a bed on top as things grow, like potatoes, etc... The 4' foot is set in stone as that is the distance I can easily reach across the bed. Maybe I'll just see if I can figure out how to put the 4'x4' beds on top of the 4'x8' ones, but it will take a bit of measuring before I cut the boards in order to make sure the boards are cut and nailed together right, so that i can get 2 - 4x4 ones to sit flush on the 4x8 bed.
Well, I'd better get up and get some work done - you folks all take care; and stay safe out there!!
Family has been in and out this morning, so I have been typing on this since around 8 am. The cousins are out looking for deer sheds right now, so it should be quiet for a while.
Digger, I hope that the shot continues to help your Hubby - and the the bp med keeps the bp where it needs to be! And I'm jealous! I can stick a trowel into my raised beds about 2-3", below that it is frozen; the in-ground garden is only thawed about 1/2" - the deer are barely making tracks. Unless we get a really warm March, it will likely be April before I'll be tilling.
Kyrsyan, can you tell me a bit more about the computer glasses? Are they made to your vision prescription, and where did you get them, etc..
It's up to 40* outside and is supposed to get in to the low 50's, but the wind is still pretty strong so I'm not quite ready to do any outside work quite yet. I've got one load of laundry washed and dried that are our things; but have a few more to do - I'm still working on Buddy's stuff - opened up the the back of my van to put my cooler back in and found 3 more bags that I didn't remember putting in there, plus I went through the clothing I keep here for the grandsons and found quite a few that they've outgrown so I'm going to see if I can manage to get all of that done today. My knees aren't loving me after the 3 mile walk up and down hills with the grand-dog yesterday, so we'll see how many trips carrying weight I'm willing to make up and down those steps - it may take a little longer to get them all done than I think it should. I can throw the bags of stuff that need washed down the stairs, it's the carrying them back up the stairs that is going to be the challenge...
The ad from the a grocery store in the town where the neighbor lady and I go to the pool has some pretty good sales going on - they look more like early last year's sale ads rather than more recent ones!! I may (might, possibly, not likely but it could happen
) run up today; and am going to try to talk her into stopping as we are on our way home; if she's only willing to stop once, I might make another trip up there on my own to get the amount of stock as I want.Here are some of the items I plan to pick up:
Hunts Pasta sauce 24 oz cans - 10 for $10
Hunts Tomato paste or canned tomatoes - 14.5-15 oz - 10 for $10
Snak Pack puddings/Jello 4 pks - 10 for $10
Starkist Tuna 5 oz - 10 for $10
Rice a Roni/Pasta Roni - 10 for $10
Healthy Choice Soups - 15 oz, 4 for $5
Purex Laundry Detergent - 43-50 oz, 2/$7
Chuck roast or steak - $4.99/lb (will buy several if not too fatty; then cut them into chunks and can them - they turn out nice and tender after canning)
I will probably do the Pasta Sauce, Tuna, Soup, roasts, and laundry detergent deals at least twice. When I use the pasta sauce, I usually make two pasta cassaroles and freeze one of them, or some times split it in to one large and two small cassaroles, so 20 cans should last us a year unless we end up with daughter's family here with us.
Looks like my FMLA ends at the end of this month, but then I will be put on leave of absence until 5/16, at which point I will be terminated if I have not returned to my current position or accepted another position at the facility. HR calls each week; and keeps encouraging me to keep looking at the 'opportunities' board, and I have been doing so. I keep telling them that I can't trust certain co-workers on the unit I have been working on to have my back - and that's a must on psych. So unless my supervisor is willing to change my schedule - and he has allowed other people to change theirs, so I may be able to wrangle that - I know I can't go back to my unit; so will have to look for other opportunities. And that is if I do decide to stay at the facility. Hubby told me "You're old enough for social security, go apply'; then find a part time job if you want one" - which just about made me faint dead away since the man is very fond of my paycheck and I figured I'd have to work until I was dead
I'm waiting for one more test - which won't be done until the second week of March, plus a bit for the results. If it does show dementia versus stress/anxiety induced memory disorder, then I will be able to determine my course of action, which might include filing for SSDI. And if it shows work induced stress/anxiety rather than dementia, well, then there is another course of action I can take.I know that if I'm terminated, Hubby can pick up our insurance since we work at the same place. I'm pretty sure that I can keep my life insurance if I'm terminated due to disability; and if I am considered disabled, I don't think I have to pay further premiums; I will have to double check that.
So, other plans for this week:
*Go to the pool with the neighbor lady at least 3 times - probably Mon/Wed/Fri, but you just never know about us
*Can at least one case (12 jars) of beef chunks; and if the roasts at the store look decent; maybe 2 cases - 1 pint jar will make a meal that will serve the two of us at least twice, and maybe three times, depending on what it is (beef and noodles, beef veggie soup, beef strogonoff, shepards pie, beef hot- shots, etc...) That will probably be on the schedule for Tuesday, or Wednesday after the pool, and maybe Friday - good way to warm up the house
*Get some outside work done Monday and Tuesday before the rain hits on Wednesday - I need to empty the rest of the compost out of my little trailer; then I'm planning to pick up sticks in the yard, pull electric fence posts from the garden, and maybe see if I can get rid of more Creeping Charlie. The lemon balm hasn't reared it's head as yet, but it's going to be dug up and put in to pots as soon as I see it.
*Go to the nearby social security office Wednesday afternoon (since it's gonna rain and I won't be able to do anything outside) and see if they can unscramble my account so that I can look at it on line; and see if they can give me further information re: current amount my benefits would be and amount my benefits would be if I am determined to be disabled.
Since I'll be nearby the lumberyard, pick up some more boards for raised beds - some of mine are getting dilapidated. I like my 4x4 beds, but may go for 4'x6' or even 4'x8' ones instead this time. I've had 4'x8' beds in the past, but I like having the 4'x4' ones as I can easily lift them by myself to add a bed on top as things grow, like potatoes, etc... The 4' foot is set in stone as that is the distance I can easily reach across the bed. Maybe I'll just see if I can figure out how to put the 4'x4' beds on top of the 4'x8' ones, but it will take a bit of measuring before I cut the boards in order to make sure the boards are cut and nailed together right, so that i can get 2 - 4x4 ones to sit flush on the 4x8 bed.
Well, I'd better get up and get some work done - you folks all take care; and stay safe out there!!
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
They are prescription. The doc I went to used the same test as for reading glasses with the bar fully extended. Works for me because my computer monitors are wall mounted and adjustable. I've heard of other docs having you stand 3 to 4 feet from the chart to get a better idea of the correct distance.
The main difference is that I got the blue light blocking lenses. I did the order from Zenni. Given my prescription strength I had to pay an upcharge for the lightweight lenses. Then I had them use the blue light blocking lenses. Even with my monitor displays set for blue light reduction, I was getting headaches. The programs I work in don't have a dark mode. The Blokx lenses have handled that very well. Now my headaches are just from stupid things people do.
Went in today to discover that the thermostat for my seedling mats, only used last year, had bit the dust. I'm going to ask some friends who keep reptiles what is a good brand that they use. If I'm going to pay $20+ for something I want it to work for more than one season.
Got meat repacked. For 20 lbs of meat, each tube was only short about 1 oz. That's pretty good. Not a lot of juice, mostly actually meat. And while not "pretty" it didn't look like mechanically separated mash. So I will buy more next month if they still have it.
I'm still waiting to hear from physical therapy before I can plan my week. We have bad weather moving in midweek so I'm going to try to go to town to shop on Tuesday. I haven't been to town for a monthly shop since January 10. My shopping buddy probably isn't going to be able to go with me and I'm hesitant about going by myself. I went to church this morning so I guess you could say I'm experimenting to determine how I much I can do with the back issues. I did ask the doctor about a handicapped parking permit but haven't heard back yet.
This week I need to push myself to see how much cleaning I can manage. If I find I can't do it, I need to find someone to hire to help me out. Vacuuming, sweeping and scrubbing seem to be too much, but I am going to try again this week.
This week I need to push myself to see how much cleaning I can manage. If I find I can't do it, I need to find someone to hire to help me out. Vacuuming, sweeping and scrubbing seem to be too much, but I am going to try again this week.
John Deere Girl
Veteran Member
I started the incubator last night, and have over 40 eggs going now. I will probably pull out a smaller incubator and start duck eggs later in the week.
I'm organizing everything right now. I keep things neat and orderly, so it's not too bad, but I want to be able to find things at a moments notice if needed.
I still need to fertilize our orchards and berries, so that's on the list this week as well.
I'm organizing everything right now. I keep things neat and orderly, so it's not too bad, but I want to be able to find things at a moments notice if needed.
I still need to fertilize our orchards and berries, so that's on the list this week as well.
Oh John Deere girl! We managed to get our orchard and vineyard fertilized before the last rain. Glad that is done. We had a night in mid twenties but didn’t lose anything. We have berries already on the strawberries and tiny blueberries. We used wheat straw to cover what we could. Seeded greens in 2/3 of the chicken yard. Their turnips are starting to get thin! This week we are putting up bird houses and feeders. Considering a bat house. We are discussing where to plant sunflowers and are laying out our garden differently this year.
So thankful for you, my sisters!
So thankful for you, my sisters!
Still have inches of snow on the ground here and getting more Wednesday. I have botox scheduled for Tuesday in the big city....and I'm getting me some Krispy Kreme while I'm there, dang it!!
Therapy Wednesday and Friday if I can make it out of the driveway. DH and I pulled seeds out of storage today to get peppers, tomatoes, and herbs started.
Therapy Wednesday and Friday if I can make it out of the driveway. DH and I pulled seeds out of storage today to get peppers, tomatoes, and herbs started.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I'm in a good bit of pain this morning, but am making final preps, before leaving for the dental clinic. Appointment at 1pm. If I feel up to posting when I get back home, I will. If not, it might be a while before I get back here depending on the pain level.
Thanks to All for your prayers!
Thanks to All for your prayers!
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Praying. I hope everything goes well.
Taco Salad
Contributing Member
Good luck. Hope everything goes well with this.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
We are home, after traveling about 1800 miles. DH is pretty tired, as he did all the driving, but I have napped along the way. We skipped I55 south from St. Louis by taking Hwy 67 that went through Missouri and into Arkansas. We stayed in Sercy, AR last night and just got home.
Everything is fine except a couple of days ago all the wild pigs were gone. Our friends looked and looked for them to no avail. No big loss. The dog and nine goats are fine and I surmise the chickens are too. Looks like the green onions have grown a foot.
Its 73 degrees and the sun is shinning.
The trip was fine and I'm not half dead from it. I'm sure that all the prayers have helped.
Odd thing, I turned my computer power off but when I got home it was on. If we make a trip again I'm going to unplug it.
Praying for you SD and Moldy too.
Everything is fine except a couple of days ago all the wild pigs were gone. Our friends looked and looked for them to no avail. No big loss. The dog and nine goats are fine and I surmise the chickens are too. Looks like the green onions have grown a foot.
Its 73 degrees and the sun is shinning.
The trip was fine and I'm not half dead from it. I'm sure that all the prayers have helped.
Odd thing, I turned my computer power off but when I got home it was on. If we make a trip again I'm going to unplug it.
Praying for you SD and Moldy too.
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
It's a holiday. Only 2 hours worth of work this morning. Decided to handle taxes. I'm going to go crawl out to the living room now and put my brain on mandatory rest. That whole Paypal 1099 mess is causing problems.
Actually, no, I'm likely to start cleaning. I want to get at least one bookcase cleaned. And deal with some other stuff. But no more taxes today. Maybe some seedlings.
Actually, no, I'm likely to start cleaning. I want to get at least one bookcase cleaned. And deal with some other stuff. But no more taxes today. Maybe some seedlings.
Physical therapy called today, and they have no openings at local center. She suggested I have my doctor refer me to one of three other area clinics all of which are 20+ miles away. We have snow in the forecast and Iowa weather through March is usually a mix of splendid and extremely nasty, so I don't want to be driving out of town several times a week. She will call me back next Monday to let me know if they have an opening.
Received notice from my local dentist that she is closing her office, so now I have to find a new dentist. I don't mind driving 20+ miles twice a year for the dentist, but very disappointed that we're losing a local dentist. All the result of an affair (hers), divorce and ex moving 200 miles away with children, so she's also moved. Sin is like a rock tossed into still water the ripples just keep going and getting wider and wider.
I absolutely do not want to live in even a moderately sized city, but small-town living is becoming more and more difficult. With no public transportation elderly are at the mercy of friends to drive them once they can no longer drive or afford a vehicle. With no family to help me, I'm coming to the realization that I will have to relocate to a larger population center when I can no longer drive. Until that day arrives, I'm desperately hanging on to small town life, my home and garden.
When we moved here, we chose this community because (1) 13-year school all classes in town; (2) two grocery stores; (3) department store; (4) men's store; (5) drug store; (6) doctor; (7) dentist; (8) eye doctor; (9) variety store; (10) swimming pool; (11) library plus more. Now we have a clinic with nurse practitioner, two day a week eye doctor, satellite drug store, grocery store (were without for over a year), high & middle school (elementary school is 20 miles away), library, swimming pool and a Dollar General. Small towns dying out is a sad state of affairs because I truly believe they provide the best place to raise a family. Children have so much more freedom and independence than they can be allowed in the city. Of course, acreage/farm is an even better choice if affordable.
I forgot one big blessing in this community is our nursing home. It has one of the highest ratings of any nursing home in the country. My m-i-l spent six years there before passing and my dh was in and out the last two years of his life. It was such a blessing for my dh to be able to visit his mom daily by traveling all of three blocks. My kids were always supposed to come straight home from school but would often stop at the nursing home to visit a lovely old gentleman from our church. During the summer months the girls volunteered to help with Bingo every week.
Received notice from my local dentist that she is closing her office, so now I have to find a new dentist. I don't mind driving 20+ miles twice a year for the dentist, but very disappointed that we're losing a local dentist. All the result of an affair (hers), divorce and ex moving 200 miles away with children, so she's also moved. Sin is like a rock tossed into still water the ripples just keep going and getting wider and wider.
I absolutely do not want to live in even a moderately sized city, but small-town living is becoming more and more difficult. With no public transportation elderly are at the mercy of friends to drive them once they can no longer drive or afford a vehicle. With no family to help me, I'm coming to the realization that I will have to relocate to a larger population center when I can no longer drive. Until that day arrives, I'm desperately hanging on to small town life, my home and garden.
When we moved here, we chose this community because (1) 13-year school all classes in town; (2) two grocery stores; (3) department store; (4) men's store; (5) drug store; (6) doctor; (7) dentist; (8) eye doctor; (9) variety store; (10) swimming pool; (11) library plus more. Now we have a clinic with nurse practitioner, two day a week eye doctor, satellite drug store, grocery store (were without for over a year), high & middle school (elementary school is 20 miles away), library, swimming pool and a Dollar General. Small towns dying out is a sad state of affairs because I truly believe they provide the best place to raise a family. Children have so much more freedom and independence than they can be allowed in the city. Of course, acreage/farm is an even better choice if affordable.
I forgot one big blessing in this community is our nursing home. It has one of the highest ratings of any nursing home in the country. My m-i-l spent six years there before passing and my dh was in and out the last two years of his life. It was such a blessing for my dh to be able to visit his mom daily by traveling all of three blocks. My kids were always supposed to come straight home from school but would often stop at the nursing home to visit a lovely old gentleman from our church. During the summer months the girls volunteered to help with Bingo every week.
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Went through one bookcase. Half the books are packed to go to McKay books. That makes 3 boxes to go now. I still have to go through the bottom shelf and the very top. Those contain old son toys and some misc stuff that will be trash or thrift.
I'll likely use the space for the sewing and knitting/crochet projects.
Got 4 more small trays of cold weather seeds planted. The plan is to plant the next batch of seeds directly in the ground in between the seedlings.
I'm going to look at 2 things. One, making a pvc pipe seed planter. One that is small enough to fit inside prescription bottles with top/bottom off. The bottles protect the seeds/seedlings from the deep mulch, birds, and squirrels. Or maybe some PVC cut to 4 to 5 inch pieces. Two, making a stencil for square foot planting.
I'm also figuring out how to store thread spools more neatly in a tin.
I'll likely use the space for the sewing and knitting/crochet projects.
Got 4 more small trays of cold weather seeds planted. The plan is to plant the next batch of seeds directly in the ground in between the seedlings.
I'm going to look at 2 things. One, making a pvc pipe seed planter. One that is small enough to fit inside prescription bottles with top/bottom off. The bottles protect the seeds/seedlings from the deep mulch, birds, and squirrels. Or maybe some PVC cut to 4 to 5 inch pieces. Two, making a stencil for square foot planting.
I'm also figuring out how to store thread spools more neatly in a tin.
Double-Sided Multi-Craft Carrier | ConnectingThreads.com
www.connectingthreads.com
If you've got a few extra bucks, the storage boxes I linked to above are hard to beat. I got mine for $10 each, but even at their current price (they are on sale right now), they are worth every penny.
So far, they are keeping both cotton and polyester thread strong and in perfect condition... even though some is over 20 years old. I like that I can see the colors through the lid, so it's easy to grab the right one.
I'd probably need two or three more to put all my fuzzy nylon and specialty threads in them... and I'm not sure the fuzzy nylon spools would fit. Right now, they are in cheap WalMart stacks of plastic drawers, which work well enough... would be better if I could fit them in my sewing loft instead of having to go out to the shipping container, though!
Summerthyme
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Quilting ruler to the rescue. I've got a template made. Tomorrow or Wednesday I'll use a PVC sheet to make two of them.
Oh wow, Summerthyme! I like those. Can you store the bobbins with the spool?
Off to brainstorm a seed planting stick and the rest. I'm thinking a metal stick though. I'll have to think on it.
Oh wow, Summerthyme! I like those. Can you store the bobbins with the spool?
Off to brainstorm a seed planting stick and the rest. I'm thinking a metal stick though. I'll have to think on it.
drafter
Veteran Member
Wife finished getting a spot in the barn ready for baby chicks. We’ve decided to ramp up the numbers this year to around 40 or so. I’ll also be starting on some much needed fencing before we get a new Scotch Collie puppy sometime around end of may. Going to be a busy year but looking forward to a nice little garden and lots of fresh eggs and chicken eventually.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Well, I'm here. I wanted to let all of you know that everything went very well, yesterday. I slept most of the afternoon, after getting home. I woke up about 1:30am this morning hurting pretty bad, so I got up and took a Norco. So far this morning, I've not had to take anymore. I'm on a soft food/liquid diet for the next 3 days, then limited to what I can have for the next 3 weeks. All in all, I think this time is going to go lots better than the last. I still have another round of Z pack to take, also.
Thanks to All for your prayers.
Thanks to All for your prayers.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
Well back to the grindstone of normal everyday life. Glad to be home and back to our regular sleeping accomodations. It was a challenge to actually sleep on a bed, but I managed, but my chair felt wonderful and I fell asleep right away.
Everything was fine when we got home, DH got 22 eggs yesterday afternoon. The dog was glad to see us and the goats were friendly too.
I've already unpacked the suit cases and they are ready to be put back in the she shed. I store them in plastic so they were not even dusty.
DH's son gave him a really nice electric blanket, much better than the one that I bought him last year.
The three and a half year old grandsons are precious. And they love their new grandpa. DH loves little children and they love him. LOL I tolerate them.
I didn't think we would be able to make an 800 mile each way trip but we did fine. I used my can only a little bit and did fine otherwise.
Since we are only around the same small number of people, it was interesting to be around "normal" people that are clueless. Only one of DH's children are a prepper, everyone else thinks he nuts. He and his wife got out of Illinois a couple of years ago and moved to the woods in central Tennessee. He's planning a garden, getting chickens and plans on raising rabbits. The have 20 acres.
Being out and about and seeing how most people are just living their "normal" lives and never expect anything to happen in their world, would almost make one forget about all the goings on.
Everything was fine when we got home, DH got 22 eggs yesterday afternoon. The dog was glad to see us and the goats were friendly too.
I've already unpacked the suit cases and they are ready to be put back in the she shed. I store them in plastic so they were not even dusty.
DH's son gave him a really nice electric blanket, much better than the one that I bought him last year.
The three and a half year old grandsons are precious. And they love their new grandpa. DH loves little children and they love him. LOL I tolerate them.
I didn't think we would be able to make an 800 mile each way trip but we did fine. I used my can only a little bit and did fine otherwise.
Since we are only around the same small number of people, it was interesting to be around "normal" people that are clueless. Only one of DH's children are a prepper, everyone else thinks he nuts. He and his wife got out of Illinois a couple of years ago and moved to the woods in central Tennessee. He's planning a garden, getting chickens and plans on raising rabbits. The have 20 acres.
Being out and about and seeing how most people are just living their "normal" lives and never expect anything to happen in their world, would almost make one forget about all the goings on.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
We picked up commodities today and did a walmart shop. I did my months shopping ($76) and made it through the store and out to the truck without feeling like I was going to fall on my face.
The commodities included a few cans of vegetables, a couple cans of chili, some cake issing (yuck) which will get passed on to someone else. Pollock fish sticks, which are tasty, some breaded fish fillets and chicken legs. I'm greatful for what we got.
My walmart shop included some stuff for salads, spring mix, grape tomatoes, avaccado, I replaced a couple of can goods that I had used, some kerrygold, whole milk yogurt, vanilla flavored, two gallons of water, a couple pizzas, crappy walmart bread now 1.32, sliced sharp chedder cheese, and bananas. A couple of things I couldn't find. We should be good for a while.
I even felt well enough to bring in most of the groceries. What a blessing.
The commodities included a few cans of vegetables, a couple cans of chili, some cake issing (yuck) which will get passed on to someone else. Pollock fish sticks, which are tasty, some breaded fish fillets and chicken legs. I'm greatful for what we got.
My walmart shop included some stuff for salads, spring mix, grape tomatoes, avaccado, I replaced a couple of can goods that I had used, some kerrygold, whole milk yogurt, vanilla flavored, two gallons of water, a couple pizzas, crappy walmart bread now 1.32, sliced sharp chedder cheese, and bananas. A couple of things I couldn't find. We should be good for a while.
I even felt well enough to bring in most of the groceries. What a blessing.
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
New to me phone arrived. Since it is what it is supposed to be, I ordered the wallet case and screen protector. Called carrier about a new sim. Yeah. I'll do that again tomorrow.
Have to say that was the cleanest switch over. About an hour and literally everything from my current phone was on the new one. Nice.
Then attacked the bookcase again. A bag for thrift and a bag for garbage. That bookcase is now done.
Then friend let us know that she is in the hospital. For another 4 weeks or until the baby comes. Complete placenta previa. C section was already being scheduled but now she is in hospital while they try to keep the baby in place for as long as possible. They are shooting for 4 more weeks. SO is an independent trucker so he has to work. If you've got a few to spare for a panicked mom, they'd likely be much appreciated.
Have to say that was the cleanest switch over. About an hour and literally everything from my current phone was on the new one. Nice.
Then attacked the bookcase again. A bag for thrift and a bag for garbage. That bookcase is now done.
Then friend let us know that she is in the hospital. For another 4 weeks or until the baby comes. Complete placenta previa. C section was already being scheduled but now she is in hospital while they try to keep the baby in place for as long as possible. They are shooting for 4 more weeks. SO is an independent trucker so he has to work. If you've got a few to spare for a panicked mom, they'd likely be much appreciated.
Busy day for us. We worked in greenhouse for an hour or so. Everything coming along nicely. Found some heirloom garlic in the woods. Transplanted all we could find. Filled a 100 foot row. Stopped at DH’s father’s home place. We found some daffodils and narcissus. Brought those home and dropped a few off at BIL’s house. We planted those and then planted some beets. A beautiful day!
John Deere Girl
Veteran Member
Kyrsyan,
I'm praying!
I'm praying!
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Praying here, too. Our oldest DS came 8 weeks early. You should see him now! 2nd DS came 4 weeks early. He's even bigger. They both tower over me.
I'm doing so good after this surgery. I've only had to take one Norco, but my jaw is swollen and very sore. I ate a bowl of ice cream last night for supper, and that felt so good. I'm thinking room temperature Campbell's chicken noodle soup, tonight. Only very soft, cold to lukewarm food and drink til Friday. My diet will still be limited for another 3 weeks, but that's ok. It feels so good not to be in pain from those teeth anymore!
April 12 is my next appointment. Only one tooth being taken out at that time. Then, he'll be finished with one side of my mouth, then he'll start on the other side with 2 teeth needing to be removed. Since, they will be surgically removed, I think he'll get both at the same time. They are side by side. When all is over, it will leave me with 6 front teeth on top and 8 front teeth on bottom. No front teeth missing.
Anyway, temps going into the 80's today with strong to severe storms moving in later this afternoon. Cary cranked the lawn mower yesterday afternoon and made a few rounds in the front yard to mulch up the rest of the leaves that had fallen. He also hooked up the wagon to it and picked up rose bush and shrub trimmings and twigs all over the yard. He took the wagon to the burn pile and unloaded it. It's still much too wet for garden work, but at least he got the yard cleaned up nicely. I think I've lost 3 of the azaleas I put out last year. Still too early to tell about all the hostas.
I plan to do a few household chores, today. I'm restricted on what I can do til Friday.
I'm doing so good after this surgery. I've only had to take one Norco, but my jaw is swollen and very sore. I ate a bowl of ice cream last night for supper, and that felt so good. I'm thinking room temperature Campbell's chicken noodle soup, tonight. Only very soft, cold to lukewarm food and drink til Friday. My diet will still be limited for another 3 weeks, but that's ok. It feels so good not to be in pain from those teeth anymore!
April 12 is my next appointment. Only one tooth being taken out at that time. Then, he'll be finished with one side of my mouth, then he'll start on the other side with 2 teeth needing to be removed. Since, they will be surgically removed, I think he'll get both at the same time. They are side by side. When all is over, it will leave me with 6 front teeth on top and 8 front teeth on bottom. No front teeth missing.
Anyway, temps going into the 80's today with strong to severe storms moving in later this afternoon. Cary cranked the lawn mower yesterday afternoon and made a few rounds in the front yard to mulch up the rest of the leaves that had fallen. He also hooked up the wagon to it and picked up rose bush and shrub trimmings and twigs all over the yard. He took the wagon to the burn pile and unloaded it. It's still much too wet for garden work, but at least he got the yard cleaned up nicely. I think I've lost 3 of the azaleas I put out last year. Still too early to tell about all the hostas.
I plan to do a few household chores, today. I'm restricted on what I can do til Friday.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
SB so glad you are holding up well.
It was 84 in the house last night, I really wanted to turn on the ac, but its just way too early for that. I have a ceiling fan where my recliner is and a small fan on each side of it and also a tower fan that cool my feet. I ended up turning two fans off.
Its so good to be home and I'm amazed that I feel so much better, I feel normal which I haven't felt in many months. I'm still careful outside though. I threw caution to the wind yesterday and did not take my cane in walmart and I did not need it. I stuck to my list and didn't wander around very much and therefore I wasn't so tired.
My green onions are really tall, gonna have to cut them and get them in my dehydrator.
The next ten days are warm, low 70's to low 80's for at least the next ten days. Our winter is pretty much over, although we can still get some cold temps occasionally.
Lots to do in the house, Thank God the pantry is in good shape. Now I have to tackle my walk in closet, its in bad shape.
It was 84 in the house last night, I really wanted to turn on the ac, but its just way too early for that. I have a ceiling fan where my recliner is and a small fan on each side of it and also a tower fan that cool my feet. I ended up turning two fans off.
Its so good to be home and I'm amazed that I feel so much better, I feel normal which I haven't felt in many months. I'm still careful outside though. I threw caution to the wind yesterday and did not take my cane in walmart and I did not need it. I stuck to my list and didn't wander around very much and therefore I wasn't so tired.
My green onions are really tall, gonna have to cut them and get them in my dehydrator.
The next ten days are warm, low 70's to low 80's for at least the next ten days. Our winter is pretty much over, although we can still get some cold temps occasionally.
Lots to do in the house, Thank God the pantry is in good shape. Now I have to tackle my walk in closet, its in bad shape.
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
SB, glad you are holding up well. Nomifyle, glad you are feeling better.
Mom and babe are doing better. They are allowing her to eat solid foods again. But they are likely not going to let her go home. SO should be home sometime today and that will help her a lot. Now that she's had some sleep, and it's not all hitting her at once, she's focusing on using the down time to learn.
I had a moment of joy this morning when I saw that the rosemary bushes are putting out new leaves. The deep freeze hurt them but did not kill them. Still wondering on a few other plants.
Mom and babe are doing better. They are allowing her to eat solid foods again. But they are likely not going to let her go home. SO should be home sometime today and that will help her a lot. Now that she's had some sleep, and it's not all hitting her at once, she's focusing on using the down time to learn.
I had a moment of joy this morning when I saw that the rosemary bushes are putting out new leaves. The deep freeze hurt them but did not kill them. Still wondering on a few other plants.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Be safe, moldy!
drafter
Veteran Member
Picked up four 55 gal food grade barrels in absolutely perfect shape last night for $20 a piece. Previously held lemonade syrup so easy cleanout. I’d previously paid $100 for the same exact barrel! I feel dumb. Might use one for potable storage and the other three for rain catchment. Might go back and buy a couple more.
Taco Salad
Contributing Member
Heirloom garlic or are you in a place that has ramps coming up already?