Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: January 7 - 13, 2024

[SouthernBreeze]

I just finished dating and packing away all the items from my Sam's order. I don't think their sale will last much longer, so I'm done ordering from them for a while. I'll wait for their next sale and see if there are items I can use then. Laundry is all done for the day. I'll do 2 more loads tomorrow, and that will be it for a week. I sure hope our water doesn't freeze up, but that's why I'm getting all my laundry done ahead of time.

The sun is shining. Rain and wind have stopped. Now, we wait for the freezing temps and snow/ice to get here. I'm planning our supper meals for the next few days. Taco soup is sure to be on the menu, plus homemade chicken noodle. That's the only 2 soups Cary will eat, and they have to be homemade. I can cook both on the wood stove.

Tonight, though, it'll be chili cheese dogs with home fries.

 

[nomifyle]

I've got a package of my favorite hot dogs in the freezer, Nathans. DH doesn't think they are anything special so I have the cheap store brand for him. And he doesn't like chili on his either. Some times the man has no taste. We are out of the soup I made the other day, DH got kinda burned out on it, but I didn't, so I may make another pot of it for the weekend.

I have a selection of Bear Creek soup mixes, so I may try one of those.

 

[Meemur]

I don't know what I'm going to fix. Maybe a pork chop and some steamed veggies. I'm craving fresh fish, but that's not going to happen. I do have some frozen fish patties.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I've got a package of my favorite hot dogs in the freezer, Nathans. DH doesn't think they are anything special so I have the cheap store brand for him. And he doesn't like chili on his either. Some times the man has no taste. We are out of the soup I made the other day, DH got kinda burned out on it, but I didn't, so I may make another pot of it for the weekend.

I have a selection of Bear Creek soup mixes, so I may try one of those.

We like chili, chopped onions, and cheese on our chili cheese dogs. Cary likes regular hotdogs but prefers chili and all the fixin's on his. He's also partial to having chopped onions and kraut on his hotdogs, too, with lots of mustard. He likes just plain fried wieners, too, either as a supper/breakfast meat or for snacks. I just buy the cheap Bar S wieners, because Cary says he can't tell any difference in Nathan's, either.

We get 2 supper meals off the taco or chicken noodle soups. What's left, I put in plastic containers for the freezer to have at a later date. We get burned out after 2 meals of it, too. What's put in the freezer makes a nice quick lunch meal when we're in the mood for it.

 

[nomifyle]

We like chili, chopped onions, and cheese on our chili cheese dogs. Cary likes regular hotdogs but prefers chili and all the fixin's on his. He's also partial to having chopped onions and kraut on his hotdogs, too, with lots of mustard. He likes just plain fried wieners, too, either as a supper/breakfast meat or for snacks. I just buy the cheap Bar S wieners, because Cary says he can't tell any difference in Nathan's, either.

We get 2 supper meals off the taco or chicken noodle soups. What's left, I put in plastic containers for the freezer to have at a later date. We get burned out after 2 meals of it, too. What's put in the freezer makes a nice quick lunch meal when we're in the mood for it.

You are making me want hot dogs, with chili and cheese

 

[SouthernBreeze]

You are making me want hot dogs, with chili and cheese

LOL. We don't have them often, but I came across a package of hotdog buns in the freezer while I was putting stuff in it yesterday. Before they get freezer burned, I decided that's what we would have tonight. I had to dig around to find a pack of wieners. I've got plenty of canned chili and lots of shredded cheese, and plenty of potatoes and onions. I was set. Quick and easy meal.

 

[patriotgal]

We just rolled in to KC. Drove thru plenty of flurries but roads all clear. Lots of snow plows and salt trucks. It was sleeting at home as we left.

Crazy cold couldn't feel my face when I got gas. 14 deg headed for -20 wind chill tonite.

Praising God for clear drive. Flying out in 4 days. Not taking my tablet or laptop to beach. Will use my phone.

Stay warm and safe. The sidewalks in Seymour were crazy slick at Casey's. Don't get out on the slick unless you have no choice.

 

[Meemur]

I love good hotdogs! Several of the area butchers make them. Since they are high in sodium, I can't have them often, either.

Sometimes I make mini pizzas with English muffins: sliced hotdogs, sliced mushrooms, cheese, and a little tomato sauce. Cook under the toaster oven broiler for a few minutes.

I also make Ramen noodles (without their sauce packet!) and add a sliced hotdog, a few chopped bamboo shoots, and one soft-boiled egg. Yum!

Unless it's a holiday, I generally don't have any hotdog buns on hand. If I'm making egg sandwiches, I'll have English muffins in the freezer, but I don't keep much bread around here at the moment, so hotdogs are generally cut up and added to other dishes.

However, for tonight's meal, I have one cooked pork chop left, so I'll chop that up and add it to the steamer with the veggies, and they'll all heat up at once. I've also got some wild rice left, so I'll reheat that and add the rest over the top on a plate, with just a touch of low sodium soy sauce for flavor. I might even have a fortune cookie or two left. If not, there's an open can of sliced oranges.

That actually tastes better than it might sound. Iowa pork is tasty!

In weather news, it's *still* snowing, but the wind has died down for now. I think there's at least 8" out there. I haven't gone out, yet. I'm going to bribe myself with the promise of popcorn tonight if I go out and clean around the garage door. At the very least, I need to open it and sweep underneath with the broom so that any melting snow doesn't freeze the door shut.

(Yes, it has frozen shut before. I have to either spray several spots under the door with rubbing alcohol or use hot water from the kettle and then dry it off. When it's this cold, I'd rather use alcohol. I keep sale bottles ($1 each) for that purpose.)

 

[Meemur]

Garage door area is clear, along with the porch. I also cleaned off the gas riser and checked the furnace vent (clear).



It has stopped snowing for the moment.

My street is totally drifted in. Several cities south of me took their plows off the roads until 5 am. This is a fluffy snow and when the winds kick back up to 45 mph, it'll fill in anything that was plowed.

I'm going to bed in a few minutes (and read). It's about 7 degrees F outside right now. My living room is not bad, but my bedroom is among the warmer rooms in the house.

 

[nomifyle]

We ended up with 50 pounds of ground meet from one deer. All for the cost of one bullet and a few hours time. There was a tiny bit of fat on him which DH just ground in with the meat. We thanked him for his sacrafice for food for us. It is amazing to know where your food comes from besides the grocery store.

Its getting cold outside, gonna be freezing or below. Praying for all you folks with the colder weather and snow. I just put more wood in the wood stove and the thermostate is on 68. Now if I could just get rid of the headache I've had all evening.

 

[moldy]

Done with the week. It was a kinda rough one, but ended on a good note. It is very cold and windy here, but not snowing (yet). Plans for the weekend include exciting things like inventory of my apothecary and starting on taxes. But both are inside work so I won't complain. DH has snow duty this weekend, so I'm REALLY not going to complain!!

 

[kyrsyan]

It was a long work day. At the end, boss and I had to clear the air. We have somehow been miscommunicating for about two weeks. It's been driving us both nuts. It was like we were both saying the same thing but not realizing that we were. And in the whole mess, some things weren't getting said. Hopefully we're back on track now.

Then I did more cleaning. I'm loving getting things cleared up. The next stretch has a lot of sewing and craft stuff in it.

And I experimented with the flip top lids I got. The old medicine bottles need a smaller size. But I like how they work on wine and oil bottles. Now I can make my own out of bottles I like. Although, I may add a bit of sugru or silicone padding where the metal connects with the glass.

Late night so I think I'm going to crash soon. I hope everyone is safe and feeling good.

 

[kyrsyan]

Today started well. Friend showed up as I got moving. That list of things is handled. And a bit of sewing. His safety jacket needs some things stitched back down. I got the worst of what was near the cuff. But I'm going to order reflective thread and handle the rest of it next time. I also need to research how to safely reinforce the "runs" where he got it caught on something.

Today is cleaning, some private work, and laundry. And getting son's new movie hard drive in place. I've almost got everything copied to it.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

We slept in late this morning. It was 8 am when I crawled out of bed! That's very unusual for us. I guess I just needed to catch up on all the sleep I've lost, lately. So, I'm off to a late start getting everything going, today. I have a load of laundry washing and another to do when this one finishes. I have plans to do a bit of cleaning, since tomorrow is bible study day. I've got a cake to bake, and I need to lay a big pack of ground beef out of the freezer into the fridge to thaw for taco soup Monday. I already have chicken cooked and frozen for the chicken noodle soup. I need to thaw that, too.

We're under a winter storm watch through Tuesday. Now, we're forecast to get .25 in of ice with 1-3 in of snow! Temp lows are still single digits to 11 degrees. 20's for highs. We're ready for it. Cary still has to go out today and drain the rain barrels. I don't know if he will drain our main water tank or not. It's under a roof. If he doesn't, he'll winterize it and the spigot good.

Everyone stay inside where it's warm and safe! I'm saying prayers for everyone.

 

[paxsim2]

Cleaning and decluttering still. I got several places cleaned to the corners.
Trying my airfryer for chicken thighs this evening for dinner with a salad from our small areo garden with homemade vinagrette.
Making a fairly large Walmart list for after this artic blast.
Picked our biggest turnips before the cold weather hits. I'll clean them and refrigerate them.
We are in the heavier snow range. But we're ready.
Stay safe and warm, prayers for all of you!

 

[Meemur]

Cloudy and zero degrees, with something like a -20 wind chill. I tuned it out: it's stinking cold!

I carefully bundled up, grabbed the broom, and walked around the outside of the house. The furnace vents were clear, and I brushed off the gas riser and cleared out around the clothes dryer vent. I also looked at the roof: the exhaust vents were clear. I do have a "roof rake" (roof shovel) and can clear them from the ground, if necessary.

Then I cleaned out around the garage door and porch. The drive can wait for the snow angels -OR- I'll do small sections, but I expect the angels will start their work later when the winds die down. I just felt it was necessary to get out there and check the vents.

[The vents clogging is a CO risk, although the furnace generally shuts down first. I only worry about that with 8+ inches of snow or extreme cold, when ice can build up. Everything was fine! I will check again tonight and first thing tomorrow.]

So, I'm working in the back bedroom today on the floor (snap-together laminate flooring). I'd really love to get this finished by Tuesday, but with my back problems, I have to lie on my pad and work from the floor. It takes awhile, which is why it hasn't gotten done, and -- yes -- this is probably the last floor I've ever going to do, at least on my own. The work isn't hard! I just can't bend for long periods.

I hope everyone is staying safe! I know that this is a far-reaching weather system.

 

[nomifyle]

DH said it was 56 in the front room when he got up this morning, no clue what it was in the living room in the early hours. I was nice and cosy in my lift chair. Today is the last day in the high 50's predicted in the next ten days. The sun is shinning gloriously. And thankfully I woke up with minimal pain, thank you Jesus.

Got some cleaning in the kitchen and a couple loads of clothes to get done today.

My Vitacost order came, thankfully, its still possible to save money on supplements from them.

 

[Meemur]

This is the main reason I prep! (Yes, there are other reasons, too.)



I haven't left my yard today, but this is what our roads look like. Yes, they are plowing, but with 35+ mph winds,
the roads don't stay clear for very long. This is what "travel not advised" looks like. (That's a phrase the local LEOs and IDOT uses, right before they shut the on-ramp gates on I-35 or I-80.)

Gates in use ------------ Second photo is I-80 earlier today -- IDOT is gang plowing now (multiple plows in a line)

 

[SouthernBreeze]

This is the main reason I prep!

View attachment 455519

I haven't left my yard today, but this is what our roads look like. Yes, they are plowing, but with 35+ mph winds,
the roads don't stay clear for very long. This is what "travel not advised" looks like. (That's a phrase the local LEOs and IDOT uses, right before they shut the on-ramp gates on I-35 or I-80.)

Gates in use ------------ Second photo is I-80 earlier today -- IDOT is gang plowing now (multiple plows in a line)
View attachment 455520 View attachment 455521

Meemur, living in the deep south, I can't even imagine what it's like up there. I've only ever seen photos.

 

[Meemur]

Meemur, living in the deep south, I can't even imagine what it's like up there. I've only ever seen photos.

And that's why I posted the photos . . . I know it's hard to imagine. But it was storms like this that convinced me about the value of prepping at an early age. And today, this is why I maintain a pantry in the winter. I may not have exactly what I want to eat, but I have food!

We depend on gasoline and IDOT to help us out. Without them, it would be smaller trucks and tractors with plows. Without gasoline . . . I won't go there. My point: it's good to have food/supplies in the event you are stuck at home.

 

[kyrsyan]

This is the main reason I prep!

View attachment 455519

I haven't left my yard today, but this is what our roads look like. Yes, they are plowing, but with 35+ mph winds,
the roads don't stay clear for very long. This is what "travel not advised" looks like. (That's a phrase the local LEOs and IDOT uses, right before they shut the on-ramp gates on I-35 or I-80.)

Gates in use ------------ Second photo is I-80 earlier today -- IDOT is gang plowing now (multiple plows in a line)
View attachment 455520 View attachment 455521

I grew up with that. I prep for life. They are talking 7" here this coming week. I'm probably going to refill kerosene this evening. Just in case. Otherwise, we should be good.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

We have no snowplows or trucks to spread salt or anything down here, especially in the rural countryside. If we get ice or snow, we're stuck if we can't get out. Plus, with the temps we're going to be having, no one down here will be stirring, anyway.

Several years ago, we got 9 inches of snow on top of ice. It was a huge storm for us. Cary had to dig out the ice and snow from in front of our gate out at the road. He wanted to be able to get it open in the event we had an emergency. We lost power and water during all that for about a week. We were prepped just as we are for this go around. I don't think this is going to be nearly as bad, though.

Laundry done for another week, and floors are all swept but not mopped. Furniture is all dusted, and I got my cake all made. Butter pecan with buttercream frosting sprinkled with chopped pecans from our own tree.

We're set to go starting tomorrow. High temp for tomorrow, 32 degrees. It's a downhill slide from there.

 

[nomifyle]

When I was in the navy in 66 and 67 I saw snow like that. I can remember falling down in it on my back to the barracks from the club. I laughed and laughed. No snow for me now though, I just don't like it.

We had biscuits and sausage gravy for lunch, yum yum. Mrs. B's and Hormel sausage gravy. We have this a couple of times a year. Too fattening to eat any more often, plus filled with seed oils.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

We just got an update on our weather. Winter Storm Warning now in effect with 3-4 inches of snow and .25 inch of ice starting tomorrow at noon.

 

[kyrsyan]

We just got an update on our weather. Winter Storm Warning now in effect with 3-4 inches of snow and .25 inch of ice starting tomorrow at noon.

Supposed to hit us from some point Monday morning until Tuesday. I'm trying to work up the energy to run to the gas station for kerosene now.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Supposed to hit us from some point Monday morning until Tuesday. I'm trying to work up the energy to run to the gas station for kerosene now.

The main part of the storm starts here Monday morning. I guess they felt it necessary to go ahead and issue the warning, so folks have a heads up to get prepared. There won't be any milk or bread within 100 miles, maybe more.

 

[Meemur]

Yep! Gotta get their French toast supplies. LOL!
Stores got cleaned out around the area, per Facebook.

(I didn't brave the crowds at HyVee. I just grabbed a few things from Fareway before they
closed for the evening, several days ago. Everything I wanted was there.)

 

[briches]

We had wicked winds here today. Power flickered a few times but thankfully held. It was so windy, it made me a bit anxious.

Low key weekend for us. Hubby is currently watching football, and I am about to dive back into my book.

 

[philkar]

Windy here but no power issues. I continued to review pantry and move it to a new place. I just have a bit more to do and I will call it done. Only found 1 very small cheap item...cheap even today...that needed to be tossed. Pretty proud of myself. Did receive a spice order that needs to be jarred up but otherwise I think I have it under control! Now to read a book! Cheers to you Briches! And don't think I don't realize Meemur that you have been curled up with a book all day while I move the pantry! Stay warm everyone!

 

[Wildwood]

Just a heads up...I will no longer stock Puffs plus lotion tissues as a long term prep item. I've been blessed in the fact that our family has not had many snotty noses in the last few years but it has hit us now and as usual, I reached for the soft, comforting tissues about day two. I buy them by the case and these are probably three or four years old.

They have a different smell. I use my smeller to make a living and I have a nose like a blood hound, even when it's not operating at full capacity. I don't think it is quite yet a rancid smell or a moldy smell and this is the last half of the case so I know they didn't smell like this new. It really does not stink and the smell is light but I can tell it's there...just off and I can't feel the lotion in them. Given enough time, lotion will go rancid. It's nothing but oil and water mixed together with an emulsifier. Mineral oil is the only oil I can think of, right off hand, that does not go rancid. I'm sure there are synthetic ones that may not become rancid.

Anyway, all this to say, from now on Puffs will not be in my long term storage. I'll buy them one box at a time with the lotion. The rest of these will be TP.

 

[drafter]

Filled one of our propane tanks. Have 6 full ones now for our propane backup heaters. Heater running in the well house since it’s-2 F. Stocked up on water. If the power stays on we’re in great shape, but we’re prepared for it going out for a bit. Topped off fuel for the generator. Since we invested in a freeze dryer food should never be an issue.

 

[kyrsyan]

@Wildwood about a decade back I switch to handkerchief. I have a nice big stack for when we get sick. Works like a dream.

 

[Wildwood]

@Wildwood about a decade back I switch to handkerchief. I have a nice big stack for when we get sick. Works like a dream.

I will have to check them out. When I was a little girl, my daddy always had one in his pocket. When I got older, it was my job to iron them. They were so soft. I'd need a stack about a foot tall tonight lol. DH gave me this crud and promises it will be gone in a couple of days. I'm finding that hard to believe right now.

 

[kyrsyan]

I will have to check them out. When I was a little girl, my daddy always had one in his pocket. When I got older, it was my job to iron them. They were so soft. I'd need a stack about a foot tall tonight lol. DH gave me this crud and promises it will be gone in a couple of days. I'm finding that hard to believe right now.

I took some old soft sheets, cut them into 12" squares, and did a rolled serged seam. Two sheets made a stack that has worked.

One thing I realized is that while they don't necessarily feel soft, they don't tear up my nose/face like tissues do. I think it has something to do with the difference between wood pulp and woven fabric.

Anyways they have a space. And I have a few fancy ones that I've found over the years.

 

[Wildwood]

I took some old soft sheets, cut them into 12" squares, and did a rolled serged seam. Two sheets made a stack that has worked.

One thing I realized is that while they don't necessarily feel soft, they don't tear up my nose/face like tissues do. I think it has something to do with the difference between wood pulp and woven fabric.

Anyways they have a space. And I have a few fancy ones that I've found over the years.

That makes sense about the wood pulp. I've gotten rid of most of my old sheets but maybe I can dig one up. We used a lot of them in the garden for emergency frost cloth.

 

[kyrsyan]

That makes sense about the wood pulp. I've gotten rid of most of my old sheets but maybe I can dig one up. We used a lot of them in the garden for emergency frost cloth.

Thrift stores are good for flat sheets around here. I found ones with roses on them and used those. That way I recognize our handkerchiefs on sight. It keeps them from becoming lost in my other sewing projects. Or ending up mixed in with my cleaning cloths.

 

[Taco Salad]

Windy here but no power issues. I continued to review pantry and move it to a new place. I just have a bit more to do and I will call it done. Only found 1 very small cheap item...cheap even today...that needed to be tossed. Pretty proud of myself. Did receive a spice order that needs to be jarred up but otherwise I think I have it under control! Now to read a book! Cheers to you Briches! And don't think I don't realize Meemur that you have been curled up with a book all day while I move the pantry! Stay warm everyone!

Just one thing? That's pretty good. I'm in the process of feeding 9 cans of lobster bisque to the chickens, I just mix a can a day into their scratch. It's over 2 years out and has lost it's color and just doesn't taste good anymore.

Also have a dozen or so cans of random stuff that I've bought for us to try that we ended up deciding not to stock. I generally buy three cans, one to taste, one to try in stuff, and one to start a row on the shelf if we decide to stock it. That stuff I'll drop off at a local church that does a food pantry.

Just a heads up...I will no longer stock Puffs plus lotion tissues as a long term prep item. I've been blessed in the fact that our family has not had many snotty noses in the last few years but it has hit us now and as usual, I reached for the soft, comforting tissues about day two. I buy them by the case and these are probably three or four years old.

They have a different smell. I use my smeller to make a living and I have a nose like a blood hound, even when it's not operating at full capacity. I don't think it is quite yet a rancid smell or a moldy smell and this is the last half of the case so I know they didn't smell like this new. It really does not stink and the smell is light but I can tell it's there...just off and I can't feel the lotion in them. Given enough time, lotion will go rancid. It's nothing but oil and water mixed together with an emulsifier. Mineral oil is the only oil I can think of, right off hand, that does not go rancid. I'm sure there are synthetic ones that may not become rancid.

Anyway, all this to say, from now on Puffs will not be in my long term storage. I'll buy them one box at a time with the lotion. The rest of these will be TP.

That's good to know. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[psychgirl]

And that's why I posted the photos . . . I know it's hard to imagine. But it was storms like this that convinced me about the value of prepping at an early age. And today, this is why I maintain a pantry in the winter. I may not have exactly what I want to eat, but I have food!

We depend on gasoline and IDOT to help us out. Without them, it would be smaller trucks and tractors with plows. Without gasoline . . . I won't go there. My point: it's good to have food/supplies in the event you are stuck at home.

It was a wicked bad snow storm in the early 90’s that got me going on prepping too!
This was before we built our house. We had a lot of snow that winter, but kept getting dumped on until one bad weekend NO one could get out of the complex.

Four of us gals all piled into one gals suv for an emergency trip to the grocery; we only had enough room for about two paper grocery bags each, in her truck.
As soon as I could I shopped on my own to get my teeny apartment kitchen stocked better and never looked back.

My inner, food hoarding grandmother came alive lol! I think grandma was chiding me for being so unprepared