Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: January 22~28, 2023

[summerthyme]

That's my question. How long will cheese sauce packets stay viable after its expiration date just vacuum sealed in jars.

Sherree, I don't think vacuum sealing will change their shelf life much, if at all. I've only bought Mac n cheese once thar had the packets, mand they were good about a year after expiration (in our cool basement, which never got above 65 degrees, and stayed closer to 55° 6 months out of the year), but they turned dark after that.

I think the only practical way to extend their life is going to be refrigerating or freezing.

Summerthyme

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Sherree, I don't think vacuum sealing will change their shelf life much, if at all. I've only bought Mac n cheese once thar had the packets, mand they were good about a year after expiration (in our cool basement, which never got above 65 degrees, and stayed closer to 55° 6 months out of the year), but they turned dark after that.

I think the only practical way to extend their life is going to be refrigerating or freezing.

Summerthyme

I'll leave the mac and cheese and the Velveeta Skillets in my freezer then. I'd rather be safe than sorry, later, to open a jar, and it be ruined. It doesn't seem to hurt it to keep for extended periods of time frozen. Thanks.

 

[ioujc]

Well, no one in my little bitty town had any propane for the refill tanks!!

So, I ended up doing to the Farm Coop 13 miles from me and got my tanks filled and a couple of bags of dog food there....cheaper and better food than at the Dollar Store anyway!!

What the heck, while I was over that way, stopped in at the grocery store there (SMALL) and their prices are as bad as the Dollar Store, which has SKYROCKETED in the past six weeks to a month!! This has always been the place where you got fresh-off-the-farm beef and are the best prices in the area!!!! Well, now it is BIG OUCH!! Pretty high prices right now!!


However, since their prices are up, things aren't moving as fast as they used to, I got cheese for half price and yogurt for just a tad more than half price!!! It is not the Greek whole milk yogurt I normally buy, but it will do until I go to the bigger town.

I don't know WHAT is going on with me, I have been eating like a HOG all winter and have not gained a single pound!! I have started taking raw porcine thyroid though. One every other day and last time I had my thyroid checked about 6 weeks ago, it is still in the normal range. According to my psychiatrist, this was key for getting my depression under control, and the crap the MDs prescribed has NEVER worked for me. (They don't Rx enough and refuse to use raw porcine thyroid, only the chemical stuff that does nothing) So, this is nice. MAYBE I can get off the chemical soup they have me on, because it causes all kinds of side effects, like severe fatigue when I take it, even after months of getting used to it.

 

[Marseydoats]

My Tractor Supply and the local hardware store both refill propane, you might check there next time.
I actually got a little bit done today. Cut another wheelbarrow and a half of brush, chopped some kindling, made some fire starter boxes, and after hubs got the new chainsaw serviced, he let me run it. It's too big for me to run very long but I can cut stuff that's already on the ground to firewood lengths. I did saw down a little tree that was in the way and immediately cut it up.
Straightened up a little in the pantry as well, and found another case of canned cat food that hubs had moved. No wonder I can never find anything.
I like having productive days for a change!

 

[etdeb]

Truck stops usually have refill spots

 

[nomifyle]

Well hell, I fell again this afternoon and outside too. I tripped going in DH's workshop. There is a concrete stoop and then a step up into the workshop. DH had gone hunting. I had two choices sit there until DH got back, more than two hours in the cold or figure out how to get up on my own. I managed to work through the pain and got myself up. I fell on my left side, so my left arm hurts but I didn't dislocate my shoulder, thank God. Thats actually the first time I've managed to get myself up in quite awhile. Falling is scary, but I wasn't willing to sit out there in the cold. There has just got to be a better way.

My new cane came from amazon, similiar to the one the VA gave me that I lost. This one is nice and only cost $19.

 

[Marseydoats]

Judy, I'm sorry you fell and hope you're not hurting too bad today.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Saying a prayer for you, Judy.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Last night I had planned to make "breakfast for supper". Cheese omelets, bacon, hash browns, and biscuits. Well, when I took a new carton of eggs out of the fridge to make the omelets, the first egg I pulled out was cracked. The second, cracked, too. I went through the whole dozen, and only 3 eggs were good. Every egg, except for those 3 were cracked on bottom. Not hairline cracked, but cracked to extent that they were stuck to the carton. I was so mad. I have 3 more dozen eggs in the fridge, and if I find another carton that's in as bad shape, I'm going to have a good talk with Walmart's manager next time I'm there. There always seems to be a big problem with cracked eggs at this Walmart, and I want an explanation, since they are now so expensive. I always open each carton in the store and check to make sure there are none visibly cracked. Without picking up each egg and inspecting it, you would not have known they were broken on the bottom end. What a waste of money! And now, they are making the cartons to where you can't open them to inspect them, before you buy them!!!!!

 

[kyrsyan]

Judy, I'm hoping that you are feeling better today.

Oh, I would already be calling them about the broken eggs. And looking for a new store.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Judy, I'm hoping that you are feeling better today.

Oh, I would already be calling them about the broken eggs. And looking for a new store.

I'm really thinking about buying my groceries somewhere else. There is one other grocery store in the small town where we shop, and in many ways, I like it better, except for their meat selection. I would have to make another stop in town for items I only buy at Walmart. No other place in town to shop for those items. That's why I've always made a "one stop" shopping trip to Walmart.

 

[nomifyle]

That would make me mad about the eggs. I'd be inspecting each egg by picking it up.

I never, ever buy meat at walmart, too many additives. That is except for ribs and sausage, I already know they have additives and are not healthy, but the ribs are so good, we eat them about 3 times a year for a special time. DH isn't much on sausage, even the smoked kind he says is too spicy for him. I only eat it from time to time, but I do keep some in the freezer. Actually I was never a rib eater because they are so messy. But the way DH cooks them they are just too tasty to pass up.

Thank you ladies, my left are is getting better, but it hurt so much last night I had to take a second pain pill, although they are mild. My prescription says three times a day, so two is not big deal, except I don't like to take them all the time and I don't, only when I need them. I get 25 a month and always have some left over.

 

[kyrsyan]

I'm really thinking about buying my groceries somewhere else. There is one other grocery store in the small town where we shop, and in many ways, I like it better, except for their meat selection. I would have to make another stop in town for items I only buy at Walmart. No other place in town to shop for those items. That's why I've always made a "one stop" shopping trip to Walmart.

I reached the point that I do site to store orders in the city near me. Pick ups all on the same day. And then just do one big loop, with physical stops at the stores that don't have site to store. Normally I do it the first week of every month. And then, if there is more fresh stuff needed during the month, I wait until I go in for something else so that I'm making the best use of gas. Sometimes, if the time squeeze is too tight, I'll pay for them to deliver it to a friend's house while I have to be down there for something else. But only if something in that order is really necessary and I can't squeeze that time in.

I do, much to the attendants dismay, double check each order at the time of pickup to make sure everything is there or I have an explanation of why not. So far there have been no issues.

But doing it that way reduces the misc spending. And makes the once a month trips so much faster.

 

[ioujc]

My Tractor Supply and the local hardware store both refill propane, you might check there next time.
I actually got a little bit done today. Cut another wheelbarrow and a half of brush, chopped some kindling, made some fire starter boxes, and after hubs got the new chainsaw serviced, he let me run it. It's too big for me to run very long but I can cut stuff that's already on the ground to firewood lengths. I did saw down a little tree that was in the way and immediately cut it up.
Straightened up a little in the pantry as well, and found another case of canned cat food that hubs had moved. No wonder I can never find anything.
I like having productive days for a change!

Oh, I know about those places...... they are at least 40 miles from me. We have a gas station, a convince store and a Dollar Store . that's ALL!!

I live in the BOONIES!!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

That would make me mad about the eggs. I'd be inspecting each egg by picking it up.

I never, ever buy meat at walmart, too many additives. That is except for ribs and sausage, I already know they have additives and are not healthy, but the ribs are so good, we eat them about 3 times a year for a special time. DH isn't much on sausage, even the smoked kind he says is too spicy for him. I only eat it from time to time, but I do keep some in the freezer. Actually I was never a rib eater because they are so messy. But the way DH cooks them they are just too tasty to pass up.

Thank you ladies, my left are is getting better, but it hurt so much last night I had to take a second pain pill, although they are mild. My prescription says three times a day, so two is not big deal, except I don't like to take them all the time and I don't, only when I need them. I get 25 a month and always have some left over.

Yeah. If I continue to buy groceries at Walmart, I'll pick up each egg out of the carton and inspect it. If the manager says something to me about it, I'll ask him to find me a dozen eggs that aren't broken then. I'll also tell him that I paid $4.92 for 3 eggs in the last carton I bought!

Cary won't eat ribs, unless they are the boneless ones. I buy them at Walmart, and they are very good. Cheap, too. I buy all my meat at Walmart. Like I said, the other grocery store in town has a very small and limited selection of cut meats of any type. It doesn't look very fresh, either.

 

[summerthyme]

If you have to buy sealed or wrapped eggs, open them and check them as soon as you get to your car. Then, there's little question of "did you damage them" getting them home...

Summerthyme

 

[ioujc]

Truck stops usually have refill spots

There are NONE for at least 45 to 50 miles from here.

 

[ioujc]

Yeah. If I continue to buy groceries at Walmart, I'll pick up each egg out of the carton and inspect it. If the manager says something to me about it, I'll ask him to find me a dozen eggs that aren't broken then. I'll also tell him that I paid $4.92 for 3 eggs in the last carton I bought!

Cary won't eat ribs, unless they are the boneless ones. I buy them at Walmart, and they are very good. Cheap, too. I buy all my meat at Walmart. Like I said, the other grocery store in town has a very small and limited selection of cut meats of any type. It doesn't look very fresh, either.

Your post is making me HUNGRY!!!

 

[nomifyle]

There are NONE for at least 45 to 50 miles from here.

my dear, you need to plan ahead so that you don't run out. Suppose there was no where to get a refill and you ran out.

 

[ioujc]

my dear, you need to plan ahead so that you don't run out. Suppose there was no where to get a refill and you ran out.

Well, actually, I was planning ahead. I still had 3 full tanks, and wanted to refill the 3 empty ones I had.......so now, I have 6 full tanks......should last at least a week and a half.

I really NEED to learn how to refill my tanks myself......I have a FULL 500 gallon tank behind the Quonset hut! I want to move it over closer to the RV and to reduce the pressure, have it feed into a 100 pound tank, that then feeds into the RV. THAT would solve the problem long term, and save BUNDLES of cash!!!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

If you have to buy sealed or wrapped eggs, open them and check them as soon as you get to your car. Then, there's little question of "did you damage them" getting them home...

Summerthyme

Our Walmart hasn't started sealing them in plastic, yet, but if they start, I'll sure do that. Cary makes sure to bag the eggs separately from anything else and puts them in the back seat with other delicate items, instead of the trunk of the car, to make sure they are protected, until we get them home, so I'm sure we are not damaging them ourselves. The store manager might want to argue that point, though, if I took them home, and brought them back for an exchange.

 

[Kewpie]

We just came back from Mexico and I stocked up on antibiotics, pain killers, and other meds. Trying to expand our chicken coop this weekend and prepare to get some babies hatched so we’ll have more layers come late spring.

And going through my freezers. It’s a mess. ‍

 

[Kewpie]

I reached the point that I do site to store orders in the city near me. Pick ups all on the same day. And then just do one big loop, with physical stops at the stores that don't have site to store. Normally I do it the first week of every month. And then, if there is more fresh stuff needed during the month, I wait until I go in for something else so that I'm making the best use of gas. Sometimes, if the time squeeze is too tight, I'll pay for them to deliver it to a friend's house while I have to be down there for something else. But only if something in that order is really necessary and I can't squeeze that time in.

I do, much to the attendants dismay, double check each order at the time of pickup to make sure everything is there or I have an explanation of why not. So far there have been no issues.

But doing it that way reduces the misc spending. And makes the once a month trips so much faster.

I’m with you. I schedule pickups and shopping all on one day. I absolutely LOATHE grocery shopping though. I use the Walmart app to buy most of my groceries and necessities that are cheaper and do a pickup, but I don’t trust other people with my fresh groceries. I go to a better store and shop for my fruits, veggies, and meats myself.

 

[philkar]

Well, actually, I was planning ahead. I still had 3 full tanks, and wanted to refill the 3 empty ones I had.......so now, I have 6 full tanks......should last at least a week and a half.

I really NEED to learn how to refill my tanks myself......I have a FULL 500 gallon tank behind the Quonset hut! I want to move it over closer to the RV and to reduce the pressure, have it feed into a 100 pound tank, that then feeds into the RV. THAT would solve the problem long term, and save BUNDLES of cash!!!

Here the gas company will move that tank for you. Maybe give a call and ask?

 

[philkar]

We just came back from Mexico and I stocked up on antibiotics, pain killers, and other meds. Trying to expand our chicken coop this weekend and prepare to get some babies hatched so we’ll have more layers come late spring.

And going through my freezers. It’s a mess. ‍

I am jealous!!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Major disappointment! Cary just looked at Sam's online, and the freezer I want is not available at our location. It's in store pick up only, so I can't order it from another location. I'm going to try LOWE's to see if I can get one there at about the same price, but I doubt it. I'll probably pay a bit more and get a good name brand one. The one at Sam's on sale was an off brand for $148.

 

[nomifyle]

Last month or so I bought several different brands of butter. I tried Tillamok in my coffee this morning and I didn't like the taste. so I won't be buying that brand anymore. I do have a couple of other brands I haven't tried in my coffee yet.

 

[Kewpie]

I am jealous!!

We usually schedule at least one trip a year and make sure to stock up. It’s 100% worth it! I know some people may be eyeing the ‘pain med’ thing, but I have a female issue that cause me excruciating pain about 3-4 days a month. Doctors won’t prescribe meds for it (I bet they would if it was a man experiencing pain every month ), and it allows me to actually get on with my life rather than curl into a ball on my couch. We also get nausea meds and useful stuff. I have friends who get heart medications and what not when they go. I also grab pet meds, because holy hell, they’re expensive in the states!!

 

[Kewpie]

Major disappointment! Cary just looked at Sam's online, and the freezer I want is not available at our location. It's in store pick up only, so I can't order it from another location. I'm going to try LOWE's to see if I can get one there at about the same price, but I doubt it. I'll probably pay a bit more and get a good name brand one. The one at Sam's on sale was an off brand for $148.

Have you tried Facebook marketplace or something similar? Lots of people but freezers only to figure out later it takes up too much room or they don’t use it as much as they thought. I’ve bought several little chest freezers (perfect size for half a cow) for about $100!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Have you tried Facebook marketplace or something similar? Lots of people but freezers only to figure out later it takes up too much room or they don’t use it as much as they thought. I’ve bought several little chest freezers (perfect size for half a cow) for about $100!

I don't touch Amazon or FB. Thanks for the thought, though.

 

[kyrsyan]

Major disappointment! Cary just looked at Sam's online, and the freezer I want is not available at our location. It's in store pick up only, so I can't order it from another location. I'm going to try LOWE's to see if I can get one there at about the same price, but I doubt it. I'll probably pay a bit more and get a good name brand one. The one at Sam's on sale was an off brand for $148.

You can look and see if there is another Sam's location within the distance that you are willing to drive that might have one.

 

[ioujc]

Here the gas company will move that tank for you. Maybe give a call and ask?

Yes, they will do that here for $100 dollars......I guess I need to get that process started.....I just don't know if the propane lines in the RV are any good!!?? I don't know how to test them, and all I have used is the little propane tanks for my BIG BUDDY heater, and now the camping stove......nothing that is hooked up to the central gas lines. And since "the demon that haunts me" destroyed the electrical system in the RV, I am not sure the heat or stove would work
without electricity....you know, heater thermostat and electronic ignition for the stove.......yep, I did NOT plan this stuff real well, but if they had put the RV where I WANTED it, instead of where they just dumped it, and said, "that's the best we can do." And left it about 5 feet from the electrical high line.......but that is all bygones.

The people I bought the RV from SAID the propane worked....but then, they SAID a lot of things!! Like how they were going to help me set the RV up.....

 

[ioujc]

There are NONE for at least 45 to 50 miles from here.

Why SAD responses???? I LOVE living out here!! And, in fact, I often think I am not FAR ENOUGH OUT!!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

You can look and see if there is another Sam's location within the distance that you are willing to drive that might have one.

That would be either Memphis or Birmingham which are both 1 1/2 hours away that I know of.

 

[nomifyle]

ETA: I went back and looked at the ingredients of the butters I bought. And then I looked at all of the ones that are on the WM web site. Kerrygold and surprisingly even the Great Value brand are the only ones that don't have added Natural Flavor. As far as I'm concerned there is nothing natural about natural flavor since you can't find anywhere what is in that natural flavor.

 

[Kewpie]

Have you tried Facebook marketplace or something similar? Lots of people but freezers only to figure out later it takes up too much room or they don’t use it as much as they thought. I’ve bought several little chest freezers (perfect size for half a cow) for about $100!

Understandable! I wouldn’t FB either, but I rely on it heavily for my rescues and my homeschooling groups. You can always ask a friend with FB to keep an eye out for you. You can get some great deals that way.

 

[nomifyle]

Why SAD responses???? I LOVE living out here!! And, in fact, I often think I am not FAR ENOUGH OUT!!

I thought you ran out of fuel, but you didn't. I too, live in the woods, and stay stocked up. I never run to the store for only one or two things. I get anxious when DH has more than one empty gas or diesel can. He waits till he has three or more before he fills them.

I've noticed that the ladies that are bringing food to church on Wednesday night are bringing in bags from the new Dollar General in our area. They are sadly not preppers.

 

[John Deere Girl]

We usually schedule at least one trip a year and make sure to stock up. It’s 100% worth it! I know some people may be eyeing the ‘pain med’ thing, but I have a female issue that cause me excruciating pain about 3-4 days a month. Doctors won’t prescribe meds for it (I bet they would if it was a man experiencing pain every month ), and it allows me to actually get on with my life rather than curl into a ball on my couch. We also get nausea meds and useful stuff. I have friends who get heart medications and what not when they go. I also grab pet meds, because holy hell, they’re expensive in the states!!

They don't even prescribe pain meds after giving birth anymore. It's ridiculous.

 

[nomifyle]

Yes, they will do that here for $100 dollars......I guess I need to get that process started.....I just don't know if the propane lines in the RV are any good!!?? I don't know how to test them, and all I have used is the little propane tanks for my BIG BUDDY heater, and now the camping stove......nothing that is hooked up to the central gas lines. And since "the demon that haunts me" destroyed the electrical system in the RV, I am not sure the heat or stove would work
without electricity....you know, heater thermostat and electronic ignition for the stove.......yep, I did NOT plan this stuff real well, but if they had put the RV where I WANTED it, instead of where they just dumped it, and said, "that's the best we can do." And left it about 5 feet from the electrical high line.......but that is all bygones.

The people I bought the RV from SAID the propane worked....but then, they SAID a lot of things!! Like how they were going to help me set the RV up.....

When we got our 250 gallon propane tank the delivery people ran the lines for us. It was worth whatever it cost.

 

[Kewpie]

Yes, they will do that here for $100 dollars......I guess I need to get that process started.....I just don't know if the propane lines in the RV are any good!!?? I don't know how to test them, and all I have used is the little propane tanks for my BIG BUDDY heater, and now the camping stove......nothing that is hooked up to the central gas lines. And since "the demon that haunts me" destroyed the electrical system in the RV, I am not sure the heat or stove would work
without electricity....you know, heater thermostat and electronic ignition for the stove.......yep, I did NOT plan this stuff real well, but if they had put the RV where I WANTED it, instead of where they just dumped it, and said, "that's the best we can do." And left it about 5 feet from the electrical high line.......but that is all bygones.

The people I bought the RV from SAID the propane worked....but then, they SAID a lot of things!! Like how they were going to help me set the RV up.....

I feel like I’m being a know it all today.

You can buy a propane transfer connection. Online or in a farm supply or RV store. It’s not too terribly hard. To test your lines, you use a pressure gauge. Hook it up to the end of the system, pressurize it, and if it loses pressure, you have a leak.

My husband has had to fix several bad connections on ours. Once we turned the propane on with the intention of running the propane and electric hot water heater, it flooded the camper with propane while my kid and dogs were inside!! Thank god we didn’t hit the ignition, it 100% would have blown. That was scary AF.