Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: July 16~22, 2023
- Thread starter ReneeT
- Start date
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Good morning, All.
I've got the house all tidy for our home fellowship this morning. It'll be good to see everyone.
Waiting til this afternoon to go check on the gardens. It's so wet outside, and we have heavy fog this morning. I'm sure there will be lots to gather. Cary did go out and put garden dust on everything, though.
Tomorrow, we're going into small town to pick up a few things at the grocery store (milk, bread, lettuce, and yogurt). Make a stop in at our vet's office to pick up more meds for Frisco. Cary needs some papers notarized at our bank, then on to the wine shop.
Tuesday, I'm pretty sure, if all goes as planned, I'll be canning tomatoes. They'll probably be enough tomatoes to do 4-5 pints this go around. Lots more tomatoes coming in. Some are still splitting before they ripen from the heat and too much rain.
Thursday, I have an appointment to see my eye specialist. I've got serious vision problems going on, and I'm pretty sure the cataracts are the problem. He'll probably set me up for surgery in the near future.
Praying for All to have a very blessed week ahead.
I've got the house all tidy for our home fellowship this morning. It'll be good to see everyone.
Waiting til this afternoon to go check on the gardens. It's so wet outside, and we have heavy fog this morning. I'm sure there will be lots to gather. Cary did go out and put garden dust on everything, though.
Tomorrow, we're going into small town to pick up a few things at the grocery store (milk, bread, lettuce, and yogurt). Make a stop in at our vet's office to pick up more meds for Frisco. Cary needs some papers notarized at our bank, then on to the wine shop.
Tuesday, I'm pretty sure, if all goes as planned, I'll be canning tomatoes. They'll probably be enough tomatoes to do 4-5 pints this go around. Lots more tomatoes coming in. Some are still splitting before they ripen from the heat and too much rain.
Thursday, I have an appointment to see my eye specialist. I've got serious vision problems going on, and I'm pretty sure the cataracts are the problem. He'll probably set me up for surgery in the near future.
Praying for All to have a very blessed week ahead.
Worked outside a lot yesterday and i am covered with mosquito bites. I plan on bathing in Vicks in a few minutes. Hoping to get a lot done this week, but the only thing hard scheduled is taking a couple kittens to the vet to be spade on Wednesday. And a board meeting tonight for a potential new business venture. Sorry about the incomplete sentence - need to go make coffee.
Whew - I'm tired! Daughter, an assortment of pre-teen kids, and I walked in 3 parades - Friday evening, Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon- handing out freezer pops and flyers for her latest business. It was only going to be two parades, but it worked out that we could fit in a third.
We didn't go under an air quality alert from the wildfires again until last evening; there is a definite haze in the air and the sun is an angry orange color this morning, but no smoke odor as yet. The forecast was for 90* F by mid afternoon, but they've dropped it down in to the mid 80's, with possible thunderstorms - I will welcome the thunderstorms to wash some of the ash out of the air; and to provide water to the sweet corn seed that I had to replant.
My plans for today are to play catch-up on the housework, run a load of laundry (will have to use the dryer due to the air quality alert), pick the gazillion cherry and small pear tomatoes, cut up a watermelon and to gather up some things to take to the thrift store.
I think supper is going to be meatballs topped with bbq sauce and cooked in the oven, fresh sliced peaches, and pasta salad - I'll cut and toss some of those little tomatoes in the pasta salad. Might as well make a small pan of corn bread since I'll have the oven going for the meatballs anyway - I'll use the toaster oven to cut down on the heat a bit.
Well, sitting here isn't getting the laundry done, so I guess I'd better get busy!
Take care all; stay safe out there!
We didn't go under an air quality alert from the wildfires again until last evening; there is a definite haze in the air and the sun is an angry orange color this morning, but no smoke odor as yet. The forecast was for 90* F by mid afternoon, but they've dropped it down in to the mid 80's, with possible thunderstorms - I will welcome the thunderstorms to wash some of the ash out of the air; and to provide water to the sweet corn seed that I had to replant.
My plans for today are to play catch-up on the housework, run a load of laundry (will have to use the dryer due to the air quality alert), pick the gazillion cherry and small pear tomatoes, cut up a watermelon and to gather up some things to take to the thrift store.
I think supper is going to be meatballs topped with bbq sauce and cooked in the oven, fresh sliced peaches, and pasta salad - I'll cut and toss some of those little tomatoes in the pasta salad. Might as well make a small pan of corn bread since I'll have the oven going for the meatballs anyway - I'll use the toaster oven to cut down on the heat a bit.
Well, sitting here isn't getting the laundry done, so I guess I'd better get busy!
Take care all; stay safe out there!
hiwall
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Last week we drove to the closest small city (about 70 miles) for the first time this year. Wife needed to renew her driver's license so we also did a little shopping for stuff that we could not have delivered here. We are full up on prepping items but just added a little more 
Happy Sunday everyone. Enjoyed the cool morning and light rain today! Love these lazy mornings. This past week we trellised our berries, planted peas and beans, added Christmas limas to our garden and picked the last of the sweet corn. I have processed about 200 pounds of tomatoes and untold amt of pepper sauce. Hastings corn will come in next and it will be all hands on deck! So yesterday we bush hogged and cut grass getting ready for the next round of harvest. This has been a great harvest for the garden. I will make another batch of catsup and then will give away tomatoes and banana peppers. Everyone have a great week and don’t work too hard or get too hot! Now to follow my own advice!!
John Deere Girl
Veteran Member
It's going to be a busy week here. I'll be canning, running more fence, weeding, planting the fall garden, and getting set up for baby chicks.
I need to go through all the schools supplies and see what is needed. I always buy a nice stock of crayons, paper, and pencils, since they are so cheap this time of year.
I need to go through all the schools supplies and see what is needed. I always buy a nice stock of crayons, paper, and pencils, since they are so cheap this time of year.
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Watering the garden for the first time this year. Weve had so much regular rain i havent needed to until now. Have 2 flower essences making and i am going to start straining a tincture i started 2 weeks ago. Ive weeded a little today and still need to do laundry and make some chocolate syrup.
JD I am doing an experiment with the Fall garden. Direct sowing into the garden AND starting in the greenhouse. Always wonder what will do the best and now maybe I will know!
We are butchering chickens this week which means I will have extra chicken space. More Ladies or a repeat on meat chickens??!
We are butchering chickens this week which means I will have extra chicken space. More Ladies or a repeat on meat chickens??!
John Deere Girl
Veteran Member
Would you mind sharing your chocolate syrup recipe please?
paxsim2
Senior Member
My sister called me and was saying that the vinegar companies were reducing it down to 4% instead of 5%. Have you all heard anything like that? I'll get more info from her about where she heard it later. She was corralling chickens.
Been cleaning up the canning stuff. I've got enough cucs to start some fermenting.
And I'll put some bread in the bread machine, too hot to turn on the oven.
Been cleaning up the canning stuff. I've got enough cucs to start some fermenting.
And I'll put some bread in the bread machine, too hot to turn on the oven.
Numerous canning sites warning canners to check the percent not just assume its 5% or better.
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Been hearing this in all the canning groups. Ran across It last year with both regular and apple cider vinegar.
John Deere Girl
Veteran Member
I saw this as well. Rural King still sells the 5%.
Well, this just sucks! Are we now going to have to alter all our canning recipes? I am sure it is a money thing, but couldn't they just downsize the containers like they do everything else to hold prices?
Aren't all our canning recipes tested with 5 percent?
If I am buying wine vinegars for salad dressings, okay. But I depend on accuracy for my canning, and I suck at math.
Aren't all our canning recipes tested with 5 percent?
If I am buying wine vinegars for salad dressings, okay. But I depend on accuracy for my canning, and I suck at math.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
We'll be leaving for small town in a little while.
I went out to gather garden veggies this morning, and I got a whole basket full of several things. Tomatoes, squash, cukes, and bell peppers. I'm so proud of our little garden and thankful for it, too. It's not going to produce the way some of ya'lls huge gardens will, but it's enough that it keeps us busy and in fresh veggies. I've already chopped 3 gallons of bell peppers for the freezer, along with a gallon bag of chopped chives. I've made pickled banana pepper rings (I'm giving those peppers away now), and tomorrow will be my first canning of tomatoes. I need to wash all the jars this afternoon. Still waiting on the green beans to start producing. Squash will go in the freezer. All in all, despite the heat and so much rain, everything is still doing good.
Cary sent off a big order to Augason Farms for me this morning. This will add to our LTS food. I'm thinking about sending off an order to Walmart, since I can't find a certain cake mix we love in the grocery store we shop. I checked at Walmart online, and they carry it in 4 box packages (butter pecan).
I just had to add that FedEx just ran bringing us the order from Augason Farms Cary ordered last week for LTS, also.
I went out to gather garden veggies this morning, and I got a whole basket full of several things. Tomatoes, squash, cukes, and bell peppers. I'm so proud of our little garden and thankful for it, too. It's not going to produce the way some of ya'lls huge gardens will, but it's enough that it keeps us busy and in fresh veggies. I've already chopped 3 gallons of bell peppers for the freezer, along with a gallon bag of chopped chives. I've made pickled banana pepper rings (I'm giving those peppers away now), and tomorrow will be my first canning of tomatoes. I need to wash all the jars this afternoon. Still waiting on the green beans to start producing. Squash will go in the freezer. All in all, despite the heat and so much rain, everything is still doing good.
Cary sent off a big order to Augason Farms for me this morning. This will add to our LTS food. I'm thinking about sending off an order to Walmart, since I can't find a certain cake mix we love in the grocery store we shop. I checked at Walmart online, and they carry it in 4 box packages (butter pecan).
I just had to add that FedEx just ran bringing us the order from Augason Farms Cary ordered last week for LTS, also.
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Illini Warrior
Illini Warrior
if the retail diluted vinegar becomes hard to find or the %%%% is flipping around >>> the highly concentrated vinegar for cleaning & weed killing is always available - 30% >>> 75% - just dilute it down as necessary .....
buy a gallon of the 30% >>> makes 6 gallon for canning
buy a gallon of the 30% >>> makes 6 gallon for canning
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I don't use vinegar in canning other than my pickled banana pepper rings. I used vinegar I had already bought last year, so no problems for me with it being diluted to a lesser %. I no longer make regular pickles or relish, so I don't use much at all. I use vinegar more to clean with.
John Deere Girl
Veteran Member
I use vinegar to can several different veggies and I also use it for cleaning and laundry.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I make a mixture of vinegar and water to mop my ceramic tile floors with. That's what was recommended to use. It works great on my floors. I also use vinegar to clean my drip coffee maker, also recommended by maker.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
I did a pick up order for walmart for tomorrow. Some stuff we use regularly and a few things to replace things we've used. I'll have to conceal the things I ordered to replace so DH won't complain.
We were at a friends house the other day and she had cold lemonaid, and DH loved it. I had coffee. So on my list is a canister of the lemonade drink mix, anything I can do to get water in DH as he won't drink it plain.
I'm still reading and doing a few things to rest my eyes. When I turn off my light at night my vision is blurry, but after resting them overnight they are fine i the morning. I'm on book 6 in an 11 book series.
We were at a friends house the other day and she had cold lemonaid, and DH loved it. I had coffee. So on my list is a canister of the lemonade drink mix, anything I can do to get water in DH as he won't drink it plain.
I'm still reading and doing a few things to rest my eyes. When I turn off my light at night my vision is blurry, but after resting them overnight they are fine i the morning. I'm on book 6 in an 11 book series.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
We made it back from our shopping trip. I tell ya, it is hot outside walking around in a parking lot! It is 111 degrees right now with heat index and sunny skies. I thought my scalp was going to scald. I'm glad we only had a few places to stop. I should have worn one of my ball caps. I won't be venturing out the rest of the day so as not to get enough sun to throw me into a flare-up.
I've still got canning jars to wash, but the heat drained me. I'll do it later tonight. No supper to cook, since we have a whole large pizza left from supper last night. I ordered 2. I'll just reheat it. I made Cary a red velvet cake, so he can have that for his dessert.
I've still got canning jars to wash, but the heat drained me. I'll do it later tonight. No supper to cook, since we have a whole large pizza left from supper last night. I ordered 2. I'll just reheat it. I made Cary a red velvet cake, so he can have that for his dessert.
briches
Veteran Member
Did a big (for us) grocery run yesterday in anticipation of family coming for a visit. I didn’t do any “stocking up” except for six blocks of cheese that hunny will smoke.
Prices seem to be holding, and there were some good sales on some items that were on my list (cereal, yogurt, croutons) etc so that was good.
No to get back to cleaning this house more before company comes tomorrow. I hate dusting.
Prices seem to be holding, and there were some good sales on some items that were on my list (cereal, yogurt, croutons) etc so that was good.
No to get back to cleaning this house more before company comes tomorrow. I hate dusting.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
Getting ready to go do my grocery pickup at walmart. I had to borrow money from DH to pay for it because I only have cash available and nothing in the bank. I get my check Friday and I'll pay him back then. I could have waited until friday but its a fairly big shop and I was getting antsy to get it done. With what is going on in the news I felt the pressure to fill in some holes. Its a good thing my pantry is already in good shape because I could never afford to fill it from empty now. I started seriously after a 6 day power outage back in May 2019. God has blessed me and I'm greatful.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
We were in the gardens at daylight this morning. It's supposed to be 112, today (heat index), so we had to get out early. I gathered everything, hoed the walking onions, pulled up 2 squash plants, because they were finished, then washed a load of laundry. Already got those hung on the clothesline. Another big load tomorrow, too, since no rain in the forecast.
I was going to can tomatoes, but after I sorted out all the ripest ones, there would only be enough to can maybe 2 pints. I decided to put them in the freezer, instead of canning them. I didn't have anything else to can with the tomatoes, and I have to do at least 4 pints at a time in my canner. I'm waiting on them to cool, so I can fill the freezer bags. If I only get enough to freeze 2 pints at a time, that will be more than I've been able to put up over the last 2 years, so I'm thankful for what I do get.
Cary is spreading lawn insecticide over our property. He bought 4 large bags of it while in town, yesterday. The fleas and ticks are really bad this year, and the insecticide always takes care of it. It's just rained so much that he hasn't had a chance to do it, until now. Not harmful to pets.
Anyway, I'm tired already, and the day hasn't even got started good yet.
I was going to can tomatoes, but after I sorted out all the ripest ones, there would only be enough to can maybe 2 pints. I decided to put them in the freezer, instead of canning them. I didn't have anything else to can with the tomatoes, and I have to do at least 4 pints at a time in my canner. I'm waiting on them to cool, so I can fill the freezer bags. If I only get enough to freeze 2 pints at a time, that will be more than I've been able to put up over the last 2 years, so I'm thankful for what I do get.
Cary is spreading lawn insecticide over our property. He bought 4 large bags of it while in town, yesterday. The fleas and ticks are really bad this year, and the insecticide always takes care of it. It's just rained so much that he hasn't had a chance to do it, until now. Not harmful to pets.
Anyway, I'm tired already, and the day hasn't even got started good yet.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
Picked up my order from wm. They were out of several things. We went to another store to try to get the things wm was out of. Two were wm brands, so no luck with them, I did get some of the bread that wm was out of and of course more expensive. DH is down to his last package of (yuck) american cheese, they were 50 cents higher at the other store, but I got them anyway. DH makes a killer grilled cheese. This store had a sale of 77 cents for frozen veggies and of course they hardly had any, but did get a couple of things. $180 at wm (which is a lot for me) and almost $40 at the other store. I did find frozen pineapple juice at the other store, wm never has it.
We are going to another wm after church on Sunday, so I should be able to complete my list for the month. I did have more wants than really needed in this shop. You know, nice to have.
I haven't done a very good job of getting tomatoes dehydrated and we have many. I'm going to look for space in the upright freezer to put some in. I can deal with them later.
I ordered a round electric crepe pan to use for cooking salmon croquettes on, the big one is a pain to find space to use it.
I have an order at amazon that seems to be held up for some reason, they are offering to let me cancel it which I am not going to do.
We are going to another wm after church on Sunday, so I should be able to complete my list for the month. I did have more wants than really needed in this shop. You know, nice to have.
I haven't done a very good job of getting tomatoes dehydrated and we have many. I'm going to look for space in the upright freezer to put some in. I can deal with them later.
I ordered a round electric crepe pan to use for cooking salmon croquettes on, the big one is a pain to find space to use it.
I have an order at amazon that seems to be held up for some reason, they are offering to let me cancel it which I am not going to do.
Hello all. Our weather has turned dry again with rains forecast last week missing us entirely. Sunday after church I finished clearing out the weeds and trees from around my neighbor's empty house. My back is still hurting! I also did two loads of laundry late Sunday evening.
Monday I started cleaning the garage to be ready for the church crew coming this Saturday to paint the house. I needed to move stuff so ladders are accessible, and everything needed swept. I'd planned on cleaning the house but spent morning visiting a friend whose cancer has returned and took her a bunch of clothes. As my weight goes up her's has gone down so I've been giving her what I cannot wear. Later my grandson came for the afternoon and evening. I picked summer squash, pulled rest of onions and dug a few hills of potatoes. Looks like I'll have nice potatoes but not a whole lot of them. I love fresh potatoes and absolutely hate store bought potatoes this time of year. If we get potatoes from the mobile pantry, I will "generously" pass them on to someone else.
Today, I did the dusting then I worked some in the garden and then went to local hardware store to purchase paint for the house. $50 per gallon!!!!! I bought 3 gallons because I can run back to the store on Saturday if they need another gallon. I brought up painting supplies from the basement including a drill with paint stirrer. I went to Dollar General for a case of water, but the price was over $6 so passed on that. Then to grocery store where water was also over $6. I think Fareway has it on sale for just under $3. I got a call that my shoes are in so I may run to town tomorrow a.m. to get those and buy water.
I found a spot where a vole is tunneling in the sweet potatoes, dug around but didn't find anything so covered it up. I also got out 8 fence posts and a roll of fencing to hopefully stop rabbits from eating the sweet potatoes. I weeded the area where the fence will go and then pounded in all the posts. I had to stop due to pain in my hand and back. I hope I can go out later to finish. I also want to fence around the cantaloupe and watermelon because the rabbits are eating on them too. I'll probably have to piece the fencing together for that because I only have short sections of fence left.
Our temps have been cooler with highs under 80º and lows in the mid to lower 50's. No a/c running during the day and makes for great nighttime sleeping! Air quality was bad over the weekend but now it's not so hazy, however the pollen count is high. Temps are on the rise and supposed to be back in the high 80's by next Monday. No rain in the forecast for the next week. I took extra squash across the street to senior complex and they were snapped up.
Monday I started cleaning the garage to be ready for the church crew coming this Saturday to paint the house. I needed to move stuff so ladders are accessible, and everything needed swept. I'd planned on cleaning the house but spent morning visiting a friend whose cancer has returned and took her a bunch of clothes. As my weight goes up her's has gone down so I've been giving her what I cannot wear. Later my grandson came for the afternoon and evening. I picked summer squash, pulled rest of onions and dug a few hills of potatoes. Looks like I'll have nice potatoes but not a whole lot of them. I love fresh potatoes and absolutely hate store bought potatoes this time of year. If we get potatoes from the mobile pantry, I will "generously" pass them on to someone else.
Today, I did the dusting then I worked some in the garden and then went to local hardware store to purchase paint for the house. $50 per gallon!!!!! I bought 3 gallons because I can run back to the store on Saturday if they need another gallon. I brought up painting supplies from the basement including a drill with paint stirrer. I went to Dollar General for a case of water, but the price was over $6 so passed on that. Then to grocery store where water was also over $6. I think Fareway has it on sale for just under $3. I got a call that my shoes are in so I may run to town tomorrow a.m. to get those and buy water.
I found a spot where a vole is tunneling in the sweet potatoes, dug around but didn't find anything so covered it up. I also got out 8 fence posts and a roll of fencing to hopefully stop rabbits from eating the sweet potatoes. I weeded the area where the fence will go and then pounded in all the posts. I had to stop due to pain in my hand and back. I hope I can go out later to finish. I also want to fence around the cantaloupe and watermelon because the rabbits are eating on them too. I'll probably have to piece the fencing together for that because I only have short sections of fence left.
Our temps have been cooler with highs under 80º and lows in the mid to lower 50's. No a/c running during the day and makes for great nighttime sleeping! Air quality was bad over the weekend but now it's not so hazy, however the pollen count is high. Temps are on the rise and supposed to be back in the high 80's by next Monday. No rain in the forecast for the next week. I took extra squash across the street to senior complex and they were snapped up.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Severe thunderstorm watch for us til midnight. It's so humid outside, it's hard to breath. 96 with heat index of 112. It looks like another long night.
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Picking the garden was on today's list. So I headed out after work. Three large knit bags full. And 6 or 7 pickling cucs that went from normal size to oversized overnight.
Raced the rain to finish. Then raced the rain to get the sunsail down. The knew springs set up worked. The poles wiggled but I expected that with the way the trees were bowing up and snapping. But the poles didn't bow, didn't break, and didn't pull out. I had just enough time to release the lines and get it on the ground.
Now I need to make dinner and figure out what to do with the massive pile of veg. I'm seriously debating dehydrated cuc chunks. They make good salad toppings and will thin things out.
Then I have to figure out what two of the peppers are. Because they are definitely not what they were marked. So I need to determine heat levels so I can plan further.
And two long eggplants. I'm thinking to slice those like home fries and drop in a marinade. I can bake them up for a meal later this week.
I had a splurge and got printable vinyl. So far I used it to label my loose tea jars. And then to scan and print some purchased spice mix labels. Because the purchase jars are plastic and don't survive the stove heat. So I move the spice to several glass jars I have. But the labels don't like to stick to the new jars.
Anywho, time to make dinner and do something with some of this veg, even if it's just eating some of the yummy stuff.
Raced the rain to finish. Then raced the rain to get the sunsail down. The knew springs set up worked. The poles wiggled but I expected that with the way the trees were bowing up and snapping. But the poles didn't bow, didn't break, and didn't pull out. I had just enough time to release the lines and get it on the ground.
Now I need to make dinner and figure out what to do with the massive pile of veg. I'm seriously debating dehydrated cuc chunks. They make good salad toppings and will thin things out.
Then I have to figure out what two of the peppers are. Because they are definitely not what they were marked. So I need to determine heat levels so I can plan further.
And two long eggplants. I'm thinking to slice those like home fries and drop in a marinade. I can bake them up for a meal later this week.
I had a splurge and got printable vinyl. So far I used it to label my loose tea jars. And then to scan and print some purchased spice mix labels. Because the purchase jars are plastic and don't survive the stove heat. So I move the spice to several glass jars I have. But the labels don't like to stick to the new jars.
Anywho, time to make dinner and do something with some of this veg, even if it's just eating some of the yummy stuff.
herbgarden
Senior Member
Southern Breeze, check the expiration dates on your Auguston Farms items. I just received an order,yesterday. The expiration on the bottoms were not 25 years. Half said Nov 2033 Others 2036. Only 1 item said 2049. I was disappointed to say the least.
Oh, I forgot to mention a bit of serendipity today -- while I was waiting for my paint a friend came in to make a purchase and asked me if I'd like some sweet corn. I said sure six ears would be great, so she put them in my car. I had two for lunch and froze the other four. Really good tasting and all without a blemish.