Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: June 18~24, 2023
- Thread starter ReneeT
- Start date
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
We've been up since 2 am when we were given the alert that we were under a severe thunderstorm watch, until 10 am this morning. We are sitting under a warning right now. Power is blinking on and off, and I debated about turning the PC on. Once this line of storms pass, we are expecting another severe round later this afternoon into tomorrow morning.
Nothing going on, today, except our regular Sunday home fellowship.
Nothing going on, today, except our regular Sunday home fellowship.
Prayers offered for your safety, SB.
It's a lovely cool morning here - about 46 degrees with a slight breeze. The temps are supposed to rise into the mid 80's by this afternoon so as soon as the dew dries off - which will take a bit since it's cool and cloudy - I'll be heading out to till the back garden and finally get my sweet corn seed in the ground. I will probably plant some melons and pumpkins as well - the raccoons and possums will appreciate my efforts, I'm sure.
It is supposed to start raining around 7 pm, and carry through to tomorrow morning so at least that will work out well.
Once I get that done (and take a break
), I'll get back to work on weeding and mulching the west flower bed - I've got a little less than half of it done. Daughter had another large cardboard box in her garage that she gave me, and I found some smaller ones downstairs in the storeroom , so I now have enough to put down as a weed barrier before I mulch. I do need to remind Hubby to blow the grass clippings away from my flower beds, as grass is most of what I need to weed out. I leave the plantain in place when it shows up in that bed, and just clip the seed stalk - then plant the seeds elsewhere.
I did find several small peony plants in that flower bed when I started weeding it yesterday, so that was nice; most of the ones I have were starts given to me by my grandmothers. I do need to research what flowers/plants can tolerate black walnut trees near, as I have two of them near the east bed. I'm pretty sure that I'd done that a few times already They were young trees when Mama and Pop bought this farm, and provide much needed shade on the east side of the house in summer.
Well, I need to go get my laundry going and some minor housework done while I'm waiting to get in the gardens and flower beds.
Take care, All; hope you have a great week!
It's a lovely cool morning here - about 46 degrees with a slight breeze. The temps are supposed to rise into the mid 80's by this afternoon so as soon as the dew dries off - which will take a bit since it's cool and cloudy - I'll be heading out to till the back garden and finally get my sweet corn seed in the ground. I will probably plant some melons and pumpkins as well - the raccoons and possums will appreciate my efforts, I'm sure.
It is supposed to start raining around 7 pm, and carry through to tomorrow morning so at least that will work out well.Once I get that done (and take a break
), I'll get back to work on weeding and mulching the west flower bed - I've got a little less than half of it done. Daughter had another large cardboard box in her garage that she gave me, and I found some smaller ones downstairs in the storeroom , so I now have enough to put down as a weed barrier before I mulch. I do need to remind Hubby to blow the grass clippings away from my flower beds, as grass is most of what I need to weed out. I leave the plantain in place when it shows up in that bed, and just clip the seed stalk - then plant the seeds elsewhere.I did find several small peony plants in that flower bed when I started weeding it yesterday, so that was nice; most of the ones I have were starts given to me by my grandmothers. I do need to research what flowers/plants can tolerate black walnut trees near, as I have two of them near the east bed. I'm pretty sure that I'd done that a few times already
They were young trees when Mama and Pop bought this farm, and provide much needed shade on the east side of the house in summer.Well, I need to go get my laundry going and some minor housework done while I'm waiting to get in the gardens and flower beds.
Take care, All; hope you have a great week!
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
I went to wash my hands awhile ago and no water, the generator at the water tower must have run out of gas. Good thing we got good baths yesterday afternoon. I guess I've gotten kind of use to the heat, with the ac in the mud room running I was cold this morning. Its 82 in my office and I put on a robe. On the other hand I'm not feeling very well this morning. And by the time I get to feeling better it'll be hot in here again. This is the day the Lord has made rejoice and be glad in it.
It is good to be clean, my hair had gotten disgusting, good thing it fairly short.
The power is back in the area where the church is, so we will be having church today. That's a good thing,
It is good to be clean, my hair had gotten disgusting, good thing it fairly short.
The power is back in the area where the church is, so we will be having church today. That's a good thing,
Lots of storms in Arkansas last night. We don't have any damage that I can see from the porch. I will venture out further later. Our power is on, but lots have lost power. Both our kids, who live in different areas, are without power. My sister in Russellville is with out power also. Our daughter has a tree on her back fence and some of their fruit trees are damaged. A tornado passed near them.
Thursday our son and grandson helped me unload and stack the hay that was on the trailer in the barn. I was very thankful for their help. Hubby is thinking he may cut more this week. We got our hay test back on the first field and it showed our hay meets 90% of animals requirements. Our goal was to take these neglected field and revive them to make good hay. We have done a pretty good job I think.
The gardens are doing good. We are getting rain now and things are really growing. Life is about to get super busy with hay, gardens, mowing the yards, and fruit trees.
We went to our son's house yesterday for a birthday party for our bonus grandson. It was a nice cookout of hotdogs on the grill. He turns 15 today. After the party, son and hubby changed the rear brakes on sons 1 ton truck he bought from us. We bought it new in 1993. It's a great old diesel truck. We didn't drive it much and son wanted it. It makes a good work truck for his family.
Thursday our son and grandson helped me unload and stack the hay that was on the trailer in the barn. I was very thankful for their help. Hubby is thinking he may cut more this week. We got our hay test back on the first field and it showed our hay meets 90% of animals requirements. Our goal was to take these neglected field and revive them to make good hay. We have done a pretty good job I think.
The gardens are doing good. We are getting rain now and things are really growing. Life is about to get super busy with hay, gardens, mowing the yards, and fruit trees.
We went to our son's house yesterday for a birthday party for our bonus grandson. It was a nice cookout of hotdogs on the grill. He turns 15 today. After the party, son and hubby changed the rear brakes on sons 1 ton truck he bought from us. We bought it new in 1993. It's a great old diesel truck. We didn't drive it much and son wanted it. It makes a good work truck for his family.
Whew!! I'm tired Both gardens were tilled; then I brought the hoe out for close work. I'm going to have to re-plant one row of zinnias in the front garden, then plant another row in the back garden - thought I'd already done it but I guess not. Then I need to get a row of marigolds in between the two tomato rows; that'll finish up the front garden.
The tomatoes that I planted under last years pole bean trellises (aka: cattle panels zip tied to t posts) are bright green and climbing like crazy; reckon the pole beans left some nitrogen in the ground and they took advantage of it. I do have one tomato that I think was mis- labeled though; it's about a foot tall with lots of tiny branches and dainty, feathery foliage; and has teeny-tiny little tomatoes on it. And of course, since I thought it was a big tomato, I have it in a 4' tall, 30" diameter re-wire cage so it looks thoroughly ridiculous - so now I feel sorry for it!
When I came up the steps to the porch a bit ago to get a drink, I heard something rustling in the peony and iris bed, so I stopped to see what it was (flower beds are no squirrel zones so I was prepared for battle). It was a box turtle! I didn't take the time to look up which type of box turtle it was - likely Eastern - , but it raised it's head up and looked at me, so I dropped it a few of the black raspberries that I'd picked on my way down the sidewalk. I went in and got my phone, then picked some more berries and dropped a few more in front of it so I could take a photo for the grandsons. He's now had 4 helpings of raspberries
Hmmm... they've moved the thunderstorms to 6 pm and are now calling them scattered. Doesn't look like they are calling for an inch total, so I'll I'll water the rows of anything I plant, then shuffle dry soil over it.
Well, I guess I'd better go find the long tape measure and head back out there.
Take care, everyone; and stay safe out there!
Both gardens were tilled; then I brought the hoe out for close work. I'm going to have to re-plant one row of zinnias in the front garden, then plant another row in the back garden - thought I'd already done it but I guess not. Then I need to get a row of marigolds in between the two tomato rows; that'll finish up the front garden. The tomatoes that I planted under last years pole bean trellises (aka: cattle panels zip tied to t posts) are bright green and climbing like crazy; reckon the pole beans left some nitrogen in the ground and they took advantage of it. I do have one tomato that I think was mis- labeled though; it's about a foot tall with lots of tiny branches and dainty, feathery foliage; and has teeny-tiny little tomatoes on it. And of course, since I thought it was a big tomato, I have it in a 4' tall, 30" diameter re-wire cage so it looks thoroughly ridiculous - so now I feel sorry for it!
When I came up the steps to the porch a bit ago to get a drink, I heard something rustling in the peony and iris bed, so I stopped to see what it was (flower beds are no squirrel zones so I was prepared for battle). It was a box turtle! I didn't take the time to look up which type of box turtle it was - likely Eastern - , but it raised it's head up and looked at me, so I dropped it a few of the black raspberries that I'd picked on my way down the sidewalk. I went in and got my phone, then picked some more berries and dropped a few more in front of it so I could take a photo for the grandsons. He's now had 4 helpings of raspberries
Hmmm... they've moved the thunderstorms to 6 pm and are now calling them scattered. Doesn't look like they are calling for an inch total, so I'll I'll water the rows of anything I plant, then shuffle dry soil over it.
Well, I guess I'd better go find the long tape measure and head back out there.
Take care, everyone; and stay safe out there!
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Well, one batch of storms have finished, and we're waiting to see if the next batch develops. They should get here around 6 pm if they develop. I think our gardens are going to get waterlogged if the rain doesn't shut off soon. The big garden needs tilling and more fertilizer put down around the green beans, but you would mar up so bad in mud if you even tried to get in there.
Cary and I have absolutely nothing planned for this week. It's strange not having any doctor appointments to go to. Seems all we've done, lately, is go to one doctor or another for this or that. I might pull out more meat to can from the freezers, and I know I'll have more peppers to deal with. The yard has all been mowed and weedeated, so Cary will probably be working more on our firewood, splitting and stacking. Everything else for both of us will be just regular everyday chores.
I'm not taking any chances of our power being knocked out again, so just sandwiches and chips for our supper tonight.
Cary and I have absolutely nothing planned for this week. It's strange not having any doctor appointments to go to. Seems all we've done, lately, is go to one doctor or another for this or that. I might pull out more meat to can from the freezers, and I know I'll have more peppers to deal with. The yard has all been mowed and weedeated, so Cary will probably be working more on our firewood, splitting and stacking. Everything else for both of us will be just regular everyday chores.
I'm not taking any chances of our power being knocked out again, so just sandwiches and chips for our supper tonight.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
Church was good and then we ate at road kill cafe. I ate a couple of things off my diet, and egg roll and one other fried crispy thing that I can't remember the name of (fried wontons). They did have green beans and I got a pile of those and some broccoli and chicken.
Then we stopped at Dollar Tree. I had a nice list and thought I had put it in my purse, I found it after I did my shopping and pretty much remembered every thing. I wanted a couple more of those candles in the tall glass, I found a couple small containers of mayo for our bug out bags, some fruit snacks and some trail mixes. I'm going to keep the trail mixes in the freezer. And they did have small bottles of olive oil, I'm storing those in the freezer. And I got some crackers for the BOB's. They are in individual packs of 4, I'm vacuum sealing those in small jars for the BOB's. I'm using Wicked Preppers suggestions.
I want to make small bags for us when we have to go to the VA, although DH will always want to go to MickyD's, so I'm not sure why I'm doing this.
When we got home walking into the mud room it was still nice and cool, but it warmed up the farther I got in the house, although not horrible, yet.
Then we stopped at Dollar Tree. I had a nice list and thought I had put it in my purse, I found it after I did my shopping and pretty much remembered every thing. I wanted a couple more of those candles in the tall glass, I found a couple small containers of mayo for our bug out bags, some fruit snacks and some trail mixes. I'm going to keep the trail mixes in the freezer. And they did have small bottles of olive oil, I'm storing those in the freezer. And I got some crackers for the BOB's. They are in individual packs of 4, I'm vacuum sealing those in small jars for the BOB's. I'm using Wicked Preppers suggestions.
I want to make small bags for us when we have to go to the VA, although DH will always want to go to MickyD's, so I'm not sure why I'm doing this.
When we got home walking into the mud room it was still nice and cool, but it warmed up the farther I got in the house, although not horrible, yet.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
We survived another round of storms overnight, Praise God! We went under a tornado watch at 7 pm, until 1 am this morning. We had more rough weather last night and a lot more rain. No damage or power outage. We didn't get much sleep, though. It's not supposed to rain, today, and I'm thanking God for that. At least, the ground will get a chance to try and absorb some of the water standing everywhere. I think our next chance for rain is tomorrow afternoon.
I'm about to put my rubber boots on and tackle all those peppers that need gathering. Chopping and freezing peppers, then making some homemade meatballs for the crockpot with onion gravy to simmer all day and making Cary a batch of homemade peanut butter cookies. That's my plans for today.
DDIL will order my food chopper on the 1st. That's when she sends off her next order and will include it in her order.
I'm about to put my rubber boots on and tackle all those peppers that need gathering. Chopping and freezing peppers, then making some homemade meatballs for the crockpot with onion gravy to simmer all day and making Cary a batch of homemade peanut butter cookies. That's my plans for today.
DDIL will order my food chopper on the 1st. That's when she sends off her next order and will include it in her order.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
I got up stumbling around trying to get the coffee made and spilled coffee grounds all over the floor. I wanted to get the coffee made and spend a few minutes on line so that we can turn off the generator for a little while. It got down to 76 in the living room, which is very cool and 80 in my office which right now if very comfortable. The generator has been running full stop since late Friday afternoon.
I'm wondering how much propane has been used, this is a good trial run to see just about how long the tank would last. Probably not nearly as long as I have thought.
We pick up our first monthly commodities today. DH asked me if I was sure and I showed him the calendar that we get to prove it. I had stuck it in the freezer so I would know where it was. He looked at me like I was crazy.
The things I need to do when the power comes back on is piling up.
I think our coffee is getting stale. The pot yesterday tasted awful. I had a cup of coffee at the church and it was fine, so its not my taste buds out of whack. On one of the Wicked Prepper videos she mentions coffee syrup. I found some on line and ordered a bottle, maybe it will help stale coffee, its not cheap. Its called Autocrat coffee syrup. I just looked at the ingredients and it has HFCS in it, darn.
I'm wondering how much propane has been used, this is a good trial run to see just about how long the tank would last. Probably not nearly as long as I have thought.
We pick up our first monthly commodities today. DH asked me if I was sure and I showed him the calendar that we get to prove it. I had stuck it in the freezer so I would know where it was. He looked at me like I was crazy.
The things I need to do when the power comes back on is piling up.
I think our coffee is getting stale. The pot yesterday tasted awful. I had a cup of coffee at the church and it was fine, so its not my taste buds out of whack. On one of the Wicked Prepper videos she mentions coffee syrup. I found some on line and ordered a bottle, maybe it will help stale coffee, its not cheap. Its called Autocrat coffee syrup. I just looked at the ingredients and it has HFCS in it, darn.
school marm
Veteran Member
After what seems like six weeks of rain (only a little bit at a time--we measure in the hundredths of an inch out here) and cloudy skies, we are back to having nothing but sunny skies. But it comes at a price. The temperatures are cool, and the lows tonight and tomorrow night are getting too close to freezing for my comfort. So now, on June 19th, I am going out this morning before the cold blows in to put some wall of waters up to protect the tomatoes, peppers, and squash. This is ridiculous. The warmest temperature we have seen since October was 75 degrees for a couple of hours two weeks ago. We should have had at least a few 80 degree days by now. Tomorrow's high is supposed to be 57 degrees. I think I will break down and start a fire then. Or maybe I will just stay in bed and cover my head with a blanket.
Later DDIL will be coming over to pressure can some pinto beans.
Later DDIL will be coming over to pressure can some pinto beans.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
The tree people are out there cutting the tree off the line and power pole. Its a big double tree. Dh will have plenty of fire wood to start cutting one this is resolved. Prayerfully the electric people will be on the tree peoples heels.
I gotta tell ya'll this is tough on old people. I'm not hot, but I just don't feel well. I've not had a decent meal since Thursday, just junk which my body is not use to eating.
I gotta tell ya'll this is tough on old people. I'm not hot, but I just don't feel well. I've not had a decent meal since Thursday, just junk which my body is not use to eating.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Don't you have a way to cook outdoors, Judy? I'm thinking you have a propane stove out on your porch?
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nomifyle
TB Fanatic
LOL, I have plenty of ways to cook outside and I did on Friday around mid day, nearly killed me, just too darn hot. I did use an electric skillet on Saturday and that wasn't too bad. I gotta tell you this is not for the faint of heart. My 76 years are telling on me. If the weather was cooler it might be easier, but in the heat I'm not too sure I would last long and I don't have any chronic illnesses. After over three days I feel sick.
But now, praise the Lord, we've got power.
ETA: And today its 85 in my office which is not too bad.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Yeah, I figured it was the heat outside keeping you from cooking out there. Once our temps hit certain highs, with the humidity way high, we have to stop using our outdoor grill. I just can't handle standing over the thing trying to cook. The last time we used it, I had a big fan blowing right on me the whole time.
So glad you've got your power back on. Now, you can cool off and get back to your normal activities. Was good practice, though.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
well, as it turns out, life happens, the new ac unit that was installed last month is not running. I called the people that installed it and their answering machine is on.
WanderLore
Veteran Member
Just put Post in corkboard.
Miss you here but I do read when able
Miss you here but I do read when able
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Nothing much going on here today. Cary has been splitting and stacking more firewood. I washed a huge load of laundry and hung it on the line to dry. I almost ran out of room on the clothesline. Hoping it doesn't rain, before they get dry. I still have to get in the pantry room and pull out the last 2 cases of green beans I canned a couple of years ago. Those need to be brought to the kitchen to make room on the pantry room shelves for the new canned green beans from the garden. I'll need Cary's help with moving those around, so I'm waiting for him to finish his chores outside right now. I've still got peppers to gather but am waiting for it to cool down a bit. Our humidity is extremely high today. Cary is taking frequent breaks to cool off and rehydrate from working outside.
eta. I went out to gather all the peppers, and the gardens are beginning to show signs of having too much water. Sigh.
eta. I went out to gather all the peppers, and the gardens are beginning to show signs of having too much water. Sigh.
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nomifyle
TB Fanatic
We are in line to get commodities, it’s good to get back to normal.
Dh found a loose wire from the ac unit and got that going before the ac people got there, I’d called to cancel but they didn’t get message.
I called to get the propane tank refilled. 2.90 a gallon, next time we will just have to do better and not run the generator so long.
Dh found a loose wire from the ac unit and got that going before the ac people got there, I’d called to cancel but they didn’t get message.
I called to get the propane tank refilled. 2.90 a gallon, next time we will just have to do better and not run the generator so long.
aviax2
Veteran Member
The past few days we’ve gotten some rain!!! We needed it so much. We are starting to get a few things from the garden, so far a few cherry tomatoes, cabbages, zucchini, yellow squash, banana peppers and cucumbers.
Fibro has reared its ugly head and I feel absolutely exhausted. I managed to get most of the laundry caught up yesterday and cook a little night but I’ve been pretty much useless today.
I hope those needing rain get it and those that are getting too much, get a break from it.
@nomifyle So sorry to read you’ve been without power and have been feeling badly. Prayers up that you’ll feel better soon.
Fibro has reared its ugly head and I feel absolutely exhausted. I managed to get most of the laundry caught up yesterday and cook a little night but I’ve been pretty much useless today.
I hope those needing rain get it and those that are getting too much, get a break from it.
@nomifyle So sorry to read you’ve been without power and have been feeling badly. Prayers up that you’ll feel better soon.
SB
I think all the rain you have been getting is headed out our way. We have rain on the forecast almost everyday for the next two weeks...but it really good because we have been overly dry here..
It will be great for the farmers corn and soy bean crops.
I recently bought a little hard bound scribble
5x8 notebook...have started to use it to jot down web and phone orders...and the order number... company phone number..and such info...date ordered ...then drawing a line under it ....making a box for that item/ order
Also started a page for stores we go to or places we order from...and when I think of something we have used up or want to get....jot it down on their page...just can't get everything at one place... anymore
Since everything is in one place makes it super simple to make shopping lists and not misplace pieces of paper with items listed on them..and keep up with all stuff.
Once a item is handled I just draw across the section and it is done...
Since I am low tech... paper person it really works for me... prefer not to put it in the computer
I think all the rain you have been getting is headed out our way. We have rain on the forecast almost everyday for the next two weeks...but it really good because we have been overly dry here..
It will be great for the farmers corn and soy bean crops.
I recently bought a little hard bound scribble
5x8 notebook...have started to use it to jot down web and phone orders...and the order number... company phone number..and such info...date ordered ...then drawing a line under it ....making a box for that item/ order
Also started a page for stores we go to or places we order from...and when I think of something we have used up or want to get....jot it down on their page...just can't get everything at one place... anymore
Since everything is in one place makes it super simple to make shopping lists and not misplace pieces of paper with items listed on them..and keep up with all stuff.
Once a item is handled I just draw across the section and it is done...
Since I am low tech... paper person it really works for me... prefer not to put it in the computer
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
Thanks all for listening to me whine. We are pretty much back to normal, and I'm feeling better.
I started working on cleaning out my piled up office. I've dumped a large trash basket full of paper work. Don't know why I was hanging onto it. I had a big basket full just about over the ac/heat inlet on the floor. My office should get a lot cooler. Unfortunately this was just a drop in the bucket. I found a couple of things I'd been looking for, no telling what else I'll find in the next big pile.
We got two boxes of frozen cat fish and two frozrn packages of leg quarters in commodities. 4 bags of walnuts (they will go in the freezer for awhile) a few cans of food, 4 cans of salmon. Some expiring pastries, two of which I ate. I'm having a hard time getting back on my diet. but I'll get there, I've made too much good progress to throw it away.
We didn't stop at walmart but I did go in dollar tree. I found a few things for our food go bags. Bags of food to take when ever we go somewhere. DH doesn't quite get it about that.
I got a little notebook too, lol, I have a lot of little notebooks that have a few pages written on and then forgotten.
I started working on cleaning out my piled up office. I've dumped a large trash basket full of paper work. Don't know why I was hanging onto it. I had a big basket full just about over the ac/heat inlet on the floor. My office should get a lot cooler. Unfortunately this was just a drop in the bucket. I found a couple of things I'd been looking for, no telling what else I'll find in the next big pile.
We got two boxes of frozen cat fish and two frozrn packages of leg quarters in commodities. 4 bags of walnuts (they will go in the freezer for awhile) a few cans of food, 4 cans of salmon. Some expiring pastries, two of which I ate. I'm having a hard time getting back on my diet. but I'll get there, I've made too much good progress to throw it away.
We didn't stop at walmart but I did go in dollar tree. I found a few things for our food go bags. Bags of food to take when ever we go somewhere. DH doesn't quite get it about that.
I got a little notebook too, lol, I have a lot of little notebooks that have a few pages written on and then forgotten.
Ha! I bought a little spiral notebook for car. Must be something in the air.
I like notepads and have been making effort to use up what I have and not buy more.
I write down books I want to read, TV recommendations I want to check out and of course grocery lists etc. I , too, keep separate lists for different stores.
I am trying to write to do lists in my calendar/ planner. Being retired I have alot of flexibility there.
I like notepads and have been making effort to use up what I have and not buy more.
I write down books I want to read, TV recommendations I want to check out and of course grocery lists etc. I , too, keep separate lists for different stores.
I am trying to write to do lists in my calendar/ planner. Being retired I have alot of flexibility there.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Cary, being the accountant he is, has notebooks/ledgers for everything. It's a good thing he takes care of all our orders, cause I can't find anything in his notebooks (addresses and phone numbers of the companies). I've been meaning to get one of my own and copy a lot of his information into mine. Were something to happen to him, I would not know where to start in all of his to find anything. We're both old school. We don't depend on our computers or phones to store information. The only thing I've done so far as to transferring info is the "know how" to pay all our bills online should he not be able to. He made me out notecards, LOL!
This morning, the gardens are really taking a hit from all the rain. Everything seems to have stopped growing and producing. A little yellowing of everything, too. Cary is planning to put on his mud boots and tackle the big garden today. It needs hoeing really bad, or the grass is going to take it over. It may still be too soggy muddy, though. Spotty thunderstorms in our forecast again today. We were late getting all our gardens out this year because of too much rain, and we're still having that same problem. Too much rain now that everything has been planted.
I'll just be doing my regular household chores today. High humidity again today, so I'll be cooking light tonight. Tuna salad sandwiches and potato chips. I don't make heavy meals very often when it comes to summer heat and humidity. Cary is still working on that big batch of homemade peanut butter cookies I made for him, so that should keep his "sweet tooth" satisfied for another few days. He loves his sweets and never gains an ounce.
This morning, the gardens are really taking a hit from all the rain. Everything seems to have stopped growing and producing. A little yellowing of everything, too. Cary is planning to put on his mud boots and tackle the big garden today. It needs hoeing really bad, or the grass is going to take it over. It may still be too soggy muddy, though. Spotty thunderstorms in our forecast again today. We were late getting all our gardens out this year because of too much rain, and we're still having that same problem. Too much rain now that everything has been planted.
I'll just be doing my regular household chores today. High humidity again today, so I'll be cooking light tonight. Tuna salad sandwiches and potato chips. I don't make heavy meals very often when it comes to summer heat and humidity. Cary is still working on that big batch of homemade peanut butter cookies I made for him, so that should keep his "sweet tooth" satisfied for another few days. He loves his sweets and never gains an ounce.
I do have 2 small address books .....one personal....one business..they are the alpha type....that just have blank pages...not those one size fits all address..and phone number types....can even glue business cards of the companies we deal with often....in the business book ....
I also have another small one with accounts that we have and info about them...credit unions and utilities...and credit cards....insurance policies how often billed..and info on how to pay each one...
I do not pay on line..no computer bil pay for me.....I pay everything except one bill over the phone.... Verizon is the only company that charges me extra...to call and give them a payment...so they get snail mail....not going to pay anyone to pay bills....
In that book I have detailed information about how to pay each one.... because DH hates to do paperwork ....so explains in detail what he needs to do to pay each bill....the pending bills all live in a pretty shoe sized box....with notebook with a page for each month and day due amount due and date paid...basically just a list...
The little books are 3x5.....the bill list is 5x8...
Plus all the important documents are in folders in a large burn proof document bag..
We are living where we plan to stay...but if forced to leave quickly all the important papers are easy to grab and go..and very compact....
I also have another small one with accounts that we have and info about them...credit unions and utilities...and credit cards....insurance policies how often billed..and info on how to pay each one...
I do not pay on line..no computer bil pay for me.....I pay everything except one bill over the phone.... Verizon is the only company that charges me extra...to call and give them a payment...so they get snail mail....not going to pay anyone to pay bills....
In that book I have detailed information about how to pay each one.... because DH hates to do paperwork ....so explains in detail what he needs to do to pay each bill....the pending bills all live in a pretty shoe sized box....with notebook with a page for each month and day due amount due and date paid...basically just a list...
The little books are 3x5.....the bill list is 5x8...
Plus all the important documents are in folders in a large burn proof document bag..
We are living where we plan to stay...but if forced to leave quickly all the important papers are easy to grab and go..and very compact....
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
More than likely, that is the way I would do it if something happens to Cary. When the bill comes in, call on my phone and pay it. It seems so much simpler that way, or send the bill by snail mail with a check included. Doing banking online is worrisome to me, since I'm not at all computer savvy. I know the basics and that's it. I still don't know all the new fangled features I have on my smart phone. I really don't care to know. If I can call and text, I'm good.
I just finished with a whole big stack of clothes that needed ironing. Wanted to get that done, before it got too hot. Ironing isn't so bad, once I get everything out and get started. I might not ever go back to using the dry cleaners for pressing our clothes. It sure would save us some money. I need to do it more often, other than letting it pile up into a big stack to do at one time. My back will thank me, too. My knee didn't bother me this time. The brace I'm continuing to wear is finally letting it heal. I'm going to wear it a couple of more weeks and see how it does without it.
Cary waded in the mud, but he got the big garden hoed. He also put garden dust and copper spray (tomatoes) on everything. With all the rain, garden pests are also a problem.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
DH and I have coffee together every morning, not when we first get up though, because I sleep later and not before I've had at least a half cup of coffee. I have to get good and awake.
This morning I was telling him about the 3 meals a day for seven days box. He said he would eat most of those things in a pinch. so I've been gathering up the things to go in that box. I found the Greta crackers that were mentioned in the video at one of the local dollar trees. I got four packages, the contents from one package fits in a wide mouth qt jar. And the had club crackers in bundles of four in a package, DH likes those best, so they are getting vacuum sealed too. We need to try some of those meals to become familiar with them and not be tempted to eat out.
We got some cans of spaghetti rings in commodities and he said he would eat those. I've got several Chef Boyarede foods of that sort, although it would play hell with my diet to eat them from time to time. We would survive with these kinds of foods but not thrive in the long run.
I've got to get a better mind set than I had with our recent 4 day power outage. I let it get to me.
This morning I was telling him about the 3 meals a day for seven days box. He said he would eat most of those things in a pinch. so I've been gathering up the things to go in that box. I found the Greta crackers that were mentioned in the video at one of the local dollar trees. I got four packages, the contents from one package fits in a wide mouth qt jar. And the had club crackers in bundles of four in a package, DH likes those best, so they are getting vacuum sealed too. We need to try some of those meals to become familiar with them and not be tempted to eat out.
We got some cans of spaghetti rings in commodities and he said he would eat those. I've got several Chef Boyarede foods of that sort, although it would play hell with my diet to eat them from time to time. We would survive with these kinds of foods but not thrive in the long run.
I've got to get a better mind set than I had with our recent 4 day power outage. I let it get to me.
SB
The reason I pay on the phone is that I get a confirmation number that the payment has been made on time.....I don't have to worry about the Post Office... losing the payment or if they don't get it there on time...
We do have direct deposit on the social security checks (I think you must have that now) and DH's paycheck...but we do NO banking on line... nor do we have debit cards...we use credit cards or cash only.
saw that some bank didn't get the direct deposit items in people's accounts last week...that has happened several times now.... people were bouncing payments all over the place....I phoned to make sure DHs check was there...we can change that to a paper check if need be ...one of the credit unions is real close to where DH works...
It costs a little bit extra but we still have our land line...we both have cell phones...but not smart ones...just flip phones that make calls only and a couple of tablets... for things like timebomb...we have had times...when the land line was down or the cell phones were down....but mostly not both at the same time...but out in the country we can lose service longer so it is comfort to have both...
I have noticed that the bills are coming much sooner..so it is possible to pay them even earlier...
The website usawatchdog.com has an offer going for a free satellite phone....the minutes cost about $130 per month but never expire....the phone is free after one year of purchasing minutes...after you own the phone you can aa just a few minutes each month for less and keep it active....
DHs cousin in AZ has one and is encouraging us and their kids to get one...and a couple other relatives to get them....you can call any regular landline, cell phone or sat phone from them
since they recently gave them to the US Senators...(they must know something we don't)..... we are considering getting one....yep our tax dollars at work
I do know that people in Florida after that horrible hurricane....who had them were able to use them when both the land lines and cell phones were down ... they would also work after a tornado...we get both here..so might be a good prep to have...
kind of like an phone insurance policy...you don't need it until you do ..but a much cheaper way to get one...and not overly expensive paying per month...
Thinking.... just like having a generator..as an electricity insurance policy.... wonderful if you need it..as we found out with no power in the winter for 10 days...it made life nearly normal in the ice storm..
The reason I pay on the phone is that I get a confirmation number that the payment has been made on time.....I don't have to worry about the Post Office... losing the payment or if they don't get it there on time...
We do have direct deposit on the social security checks (I think you must have that now) and DH's paycheck...but we do NO banking on line... nor do we have debit cards...we use credit cards or cash only.
saw that some bank didn't get the direct deposit items in people's accounts last week...that has happened several times now.... people were bouncing payments all over the place....I phoned to make sure DHs check was there...we can change that to a paper check if need be ...one of the credit unions is real close to where DH works...
It costs a little bit extra but we still have our land line...we both have cell phones...but not smart ones...just flip phones that make calls only and a couple of tablets... for things like timebomb...we have had times...when the land line was down or the cell phones were down....but mostly not both at the same time...but out in the country we can lose service longer so it is comfort to have both...
I have noticed that the bills are coming much sooner..so it is possible to pay them even earlier...
The website usawatchdog.com has an offer going for a free satellite phone....the minutes cost about $130 per month but never expire....the phone is free after one year of purchasing minutes...after you own the phone you can aa just a few minutes each month for less and keep it active....
DHs cousin in AZ has one and is encouraging us and their kids to get one...and a couple other relatives to get them....you can call any regular landline, cell phone or sat phone from them
since they recently gave them to the US Senators...(they must know something we don't)..... we are considering getting one....yep our tax dollars at work
I do know that people in Florida after that horrible hurricane....who had them were able to use them when both the land lines and cell phones were down ... they would also work after a tornado...we get both here..so might be a good prep to have...
kind of like an phone insurance policy...you don't need it until you do ..but a much cheaper way to get one...and not overly expensive paying per month...
Thinking.... just like having a generator..as an electricity insurance policy.... wonderful if you need it..as we found out with no power in the winter for 10 days...it made life nearly normal in the ice storm..
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
You sound like me and Cary. The first thing I do when I get up is to get the coffee going. Then, we both make up the bed (He has to help me) while the coffee is brewing. We then sit, drink our coffee together, and discuss what our plans for the day are. Most times it's more than one cup.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
I have never used bill pay with my bank. But before Katrina I had started paying directly to who ever the bill was for on line on their website. Unlike a lot of people after Katrina I never got behind on anything because I did not depend on the mail to get a bill. The mail got hung up badly after Katrina and bills either came late or never at all. By paying on their website I got confirmation immediately and with most places the money was applied immediately.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
We get 4 direct deposit checks each month. We both get SS and Cary has 2 retirement funds that he draws from. It would be so easy for me to just pay the bills by phone whenever they come in, using our debit card. Where I would get tripped up is that some of our bills are direct withdrawal from our checking account. Those would be hard for me to keep up with, since we don't get a bill for those. I have notecards, though, LOL!
Cary says is easier for him to pay bills online, but it would be difficult for me. Cary has all our bills divided up into 2 groups. Those that need to be paid out of the first of the month checks, and bills that are paid from the second round of checks and all the direct withdrawals. That's also confusing to me. I want a very simple way of doing things.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
I have an accountants mind set. I've been doing my budgets according to my paychecks for all of my adult life. If left to my ex nothing would have ever gotten paid and he would have spent the money on crap. My DH uses bill pay with the bank, I don't care for that personally
I never wanted to be completely dependent on anyone, although I have become dependent on my DH more and more, except for paying my bills. If I get to where I can't handle that personally then I most likely won't care.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
It's sorta funny. When Cary and I married, I took care of all the bill paying. Cary's checks went into our checking account. When a bill came in the mail, I wrote a check and sent it back. I never had any problems with doing that. I also kept our checkbook balanced and up to date. When all the new fangled banking online and by phone stuff came out, I was lost as a goose. Cary picked it right up, since he's very computer savvy. He said that it was easier. Might be for him, but not for someone who isn't up on all this technological stuff. That's why he takes care of all the bill paying now.
The bills that want to be paid right away....I have them bill a credit card that gives me 1 1/2 % percent cash back...I also use this card for the car insurance and supplemental health insurance... I call and give this credit card to those companies....I have the sat tv billed to it and the cell phone ....and a couple other insurance policies we have....the the credit card company sends me one bill for all those bills...it shows me what I am paying and the amount of the bill... it is fewer bills to pay. ...plus I get cash back...
Dinghy
Veteran Member
I found heavy cream on clearance yesterday for $2.99/ quart, regularly $6.99. I bought 3 and canned it in half pint jars.
I’ve started thinking of things more outside the box lately. I’ve been on Pinterest looking at vegan meat recipes. Some of them sound pretty good. I had a taste of vegan turkey one Thanksgiving that tasted like real turkey. If meat gets more expensive, or scarce, I think it’s something good to know.
I’ve started thinking of things more outside the box lately. I’ve been on Pinterest looking at vegan meat recipes. Some of them sound pretty good. I had a taste of vegan turkey one Thanksgiving that tasted like real turkey. If meat gets more expensive, or scarce, I think it’s something good to know.
Good Morning, All!
I spent two hours in the Social Security office yesterday - I only saw three employees, including the Security officer, but it did not get busy until shortly before I left. I'm supposed to go to a different office, but - as I explained to the nice gentleman - I can't drive in heavy traffic, and no one was available to take me to the other office. I got there at 9 am and got out around 11 am - but had to text daughter twice, and call the gentleman from disability once during that time - they needed some sort of paperwork showing that I was stopping the social security - but he didn't know what the paperwork was. It finally got sorted out, but I was amazed at the way some of people talked to the employees at the SSA office. Please, thank you, and I appreciate your assistance go a long way.
I hit Aldi for a few basics on the way home - I haven't been to the one in that town in quite some time - it had only ONE regular manned check out; the rest were self checkout. I hate self checkout, so I went to the one that was manned. They tried to get me to use the other one, but I told them I was using cash and wasn't comfortable doing that. The Alid that I usually go to frequently has just one check out open; I guess I should expect to see self checkouts in there soon. My youngest grandson thinks that self check outs are totally cool - I should just let him so it for me from now on
Plans for today include planting watermelons, watering the gardens - which I will do as soon as I'm caffeinated Then it will be going to the pool with the neighbor lady, pulling weeds - and then, once it gets hot, working inside the house. I need to sort through the grandsons' clothing I keep for them here; I'll move older grandson's things to younger grandson's dresser; and check the kid clothes tubs for stuff for older grandson. When JC Penney was closing in a nearby town, I got shorts for $3 a pair - bought them in every size up. Older grandson is easier on his clothing than younger one is, so that worked out well.
Well, the coffee cup is empty, so I reckon I'd better get to the garden.
Take care all; stay safe out there!
I spent two hours in the Social Security office yesterday - I only saw three employees, including the Security officer, but it did not get busy until shortly before I left. I'm supposed to go to a different office, but - as I explained to the nice gentleman - I can't drive in heavy traffic, and no one was available to take me to the other office. I got there at 9 am and got out around 11 am - but had to text daughter twice, and call the gentleman from disability once during that time - they needed some sort of paperwork showing that I was stopping the social security - but he didn't know what the paperwork was
. It finally got sorted out, but I was amazed at the way some of people talked to the employees at the SSA office. Please, thank you, and I appreciate your assistance go a long way.I hit Aldi for a few basics on the way home - I haven't been to the one in that town in quite some time - it had only ONE regular manned check out; the rest were self checkout. I hate self checkout, so I went to the one that was manned. They tried to get me to use the other one, but I told them I was using cash and wasn't comfortable doing that. The Alid that I usually go to frequently has just one check out open; I guess I should expect to see self checkouts in there soon. My youngest grandson thinks that self check outs are totally cool - I should just let him so it for me from now on
Plans for today include planting watermelons, watering the gardens - which I will do as soon as I'm caffeinated Then it will be going to the pool with the neighbor lady, pulling weeds - and then, once it gets hot, working inside the house. I need to sort through the grandsons' clothing I keep for them here; I'll move older grandson's things to younger grandson's dresser; and check the kid clothes tubs for stuff for older grandson. When JC Penney was closing in a nearby town, I got shorts for $3 a pair - bought them in every size up. Older grandson is easier on his clothing than younger one is, so that worked out well.
Well, the coffee cup is empty, so I reckon I'd better get to the garden.
Take care all; stay safe out there!
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Right now, it's 74 degrees with an 83% humidity. It's gonna be a hot one, today! It's only 9 am.
Cary did manage to get more fertilizer down around everything in the big garden when he hoed it, yesterday. Tomorrow, we plan to do the same with the raised beds. No rain in the forecast, until Sunday. Praying it doesn't. All the gardens are still holding their own in spite of all the rain. Maybe, the new shot of fertilizer with get them growing and producing again. I have one tomato ripening and still lots of banana peppers and baby cucumbers. No squash, yet, all male blooms. Bees are working on them, though.
Today, I'm doing laundry. Cary's work clothes to hang on the line to dry. Folding and putting up laundry that I should have done, yesterday. As I was folding the laundry, I decided I needed some new dish towels, so that went on my list. Some of them are getting pretty thin. I've got the raised beds to weed. I can still get in them with a hoe, so it won't be too bad on my back. In spite of the heat, Cary is already outside splitting and stacking more firewood. He can only do about 2 hours work on it at a time. He's almost 71 yrs. old and has slowed down a bit. He enjoys it, though, so I let him go, but keep a watch on him. My paternal grandfather was still cutting, splitting, and stacking firewood into his 80's.
I'm waiting on the washer to stop, then off to the gardens and clothesline I go.
Cary did manage to get more fertilizer down around everything in the big garden when he hoed it, yesterday. Tomorrow, we plan to do the same with the raised beds. No rain in the forecast, until Sunday. Praying it doesn't. All the gardens are still holding their own in spite of all the rain. Maybe, the new shot of fertilizer with get them growing and producing again. I have one tomato ripening and still lots of banana peppers and baby cucumbers. No squash, yet, all male blooms. Bees are working on them, though.
Today, I'm doing laundry. Cary's work clothes to hang on the line to dry. Folding and putting up laundry that I should have done, yesterday. As I was folding the laundry, I decided I needed some new dish towels, so that went on my list. Some of them are getting pretty thin. I've got the raised beds to weed. I can still get in them with a hoe, so it won't be too bad on my back. In spite of the heat, Cary is already outside splitting and stacking more firewood. He can only do about 2 hours work on it at a time. He's almost 71 yrs. old and has slowed down a bit. He enjoys it, though, so I let him go, but keep a watch on him. My paternal grandfather was still cutting, splitting, and stacking firewood into his 80's.
I'm waiting on the washer to stop, then off to the gardens and clothesline I go.