Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: November 17 ~ 23, 2019

[ReneeT]

Good Morning, All! It's a chilly day here - still around 25*F, but is supposed to warm up to 43*F today; I'll take that temperature lol!

Preps last week included more laundry pods for daughter and 12 bags of 'seasonal' coffee from Aldi, most of which I vac sealed and put in the freezer for later. Once those coffee blends are out of season, they are gone, so I pick my favorites in season and freeze 'em for later use.

I picked up the grandsons late yesterday morning and - after a quick stop here at home to change into work clothes, we went to my work Buddy's house to rake the leaves in his front yard for him (backyard was still mixed snow and leaves and too frozen to rake.) Took a little longer than it absolutely had to as the leaf piles had to be re-raked a few times as they got scattered out a bit from boys running and jumping in them but we got 'em done. I raked, the boys used those round scooper things to put them in the giant bags and then pulled them over to the truck for Buddy to tie closed and load. Had his neighbors laughing as the easiest way to get those giant paper bags fully open was to plop 'em over the boys' heads and let them unfold them - they were bumping into each other, falling down, laughing hysterically - and amazingly, all 14 of the bags survived!!

The power blipped out for a few minutes last night, so I went to the cupboard and found a couple of cheapo dynamo flashlights for the boys - they thought those were pretty cool! And this morning, I found out that older grandson had taken his to bed with him, and used it to read under the blankets until around 11pm - while I thought he was sleeping lol! Shades of his grandmother and mother

Older grandson wanted to go squirrel hunting today but we have deer hunters all around us so I will try to snag him right after school tomorrow and see what he and Papaw can do before dark. I just chased a squirrel off the side porch - cheeky devil was peeking in the kitchen door at me!! - so I am all for the boys going hunting!

Preps for this week include seeing if I can find more persimmon seeds to plant and stocking up on canned soup; the rest of the plans will have to wait until I see the ads from the Sunday papers.

My boys are starting to get rowdy; reckon I'd better get to fixing the caramel corn I promised them earlier.

Take care all; have a good week!

 

[nomifyle]

The other day DH asked if we had more coffee, I looked in the pantry and remembered that I have a years stash. last in first out.

Judy

 

[SouthernBreeze]

After the big shopping day Friday, I finally got everything I bought for the pantry sorted, labeled, and dated. Trying to find more room for it all was a chore, but I managed. I plan to make one more big haul for the pantry, then I will be done for awhile. I was hoping to be able to make that before the Sam's sale ends, but I'm not going to make it.

Hope everyone has a great week!

 

[nomifyle]

After the big shopping day Friday, I finally got everything I bought for the pantry sorted, labeled, and dated. Trying to find more room for it all was a chore, but I managed. I plan to make one more big haul for the pantry, then I will be done for awhile. I was hoping to be able to make that before the Sam's sale ends, but I'm not going to make it.

Hope everyone has a great week!

You've done better than I have, I've still got bags in the truck, just brought in three. But then yesterday was taken up with the washing machine situation.

I did get out and help stack wood. I'm also working on the minimum step goal I've set for myself.

By the way to you know what to do with potato Gnocchi. I bought some at the Dollar Tree.

Judy

 

[SouthernBreeze]

By the way to you know what to do with potato Gnocchi. I bought some at the Dollar Tree.

I don't have a clue. I've never eaten or used it. Sorry.

 

[nomifyle]

I don't have a clue. I've never eaten or used it. Sorry.

I've seen it a lot at dollar tree and decided to pick up a couple of packages. LOL now that I'm only eating meat, I can't eat any, but in an emergency situation I might need to and I need to know what to do with it.

Judy

 

[Freeholder]

Judy, I’ve never used it either, but you could probably find a YouTube video!

The electrician isn’t done with our house yet, but he figures two more evenings after work (he works for the power company) should see everything wrapped up. In the meantime, we have hot water from the tap again (been heating water in a kettle on the hot plate for months). And there are several more outlets working than we had before, and I don’t have to stop and figure out if I have too many things plugged in, before I plug something in! My office stuff is plugged in to an outlet in the office instead of an extension cord from the dining/sewing room (we don’t have a living room, just the office and the dining/sewing rooms). And everything in the bathroom works again. I’m pretty happy!

Someone is supposed to come look at the house ‘early this week’ to give me an estimate on doing the drywall. Once that is done, the new appliances can be brought home (already bought and paid for and sitting at Lowe’s), and I can start getting things back in order.

I was going to post a picture, but it’s telling me file too large.

Kathleen

 

[20Gauge]

We worked on the lawn tractor, the deck is rusted through in several places, but I keep it together with wire and string, literally.....lol Had to put a new pulley and spindle on it. No biggie as every time I hit a large root or rock, it will break one. I also decided to add new blades, actually the wife insisted on it.

We also were able to stock 2 cases of soup that the wife likes as well as a case of peanut butter and refried beans.

The small car got a flat. We suspect that the piece of tile that did the damage was from when we took a trip over to the island. They have a lot of debris on the causeway.

Spent too much time fighting off a cold the wife picked up from work.

Also, it seamed that we were able to successfully keep the garden alive with the plastic tarp system we put together. Picture attached.

 

[20Gauge]

I was going to post a picture, but it’s telling me file too large.

Kathleen

use the following process. It works for me.

Use Microsoft Office Picture Manager.... open it up with the picture.
Then go to edit pictures....located in header
Then compress pictures..... located on right hand side
Then pick web pages..... located on right hand side
Then save it.

You can then post it.

There are better ways to do this, but this works for me.

 

[Barb]

Potato Gnocchi. I was given some and had never used it before either. I just boiled it and added some butter. It wasn't bad, but needed some more flavor. Maybe some kind of sauce.

 

[Freeholder]

use the following process. It works for me.

Use Microsoft Office Picture Manager.... open it up with the picture.
Then go to edit pictures....located in header
Then compress pictures..... located on right hand side
Then pick web pages..... located on right hand side
Then save it.

You can then post it.

There are better ways to do this, but this works for me.

I’m on an iPad, so I don’t think that will work this time. Not sure why it said that, because I’ve been posting pics that I took on this thing. But from what others have said, there was some kind of a glitch with TB2K this morning, so I’ll try again.

 

[1911user]

I put up a pair of rivit-lock type shelf units this weekend. These are 6 ft tall metal frames that hold five 2ft by 4ft wood shelves. These and two storage cabinets will become our pantry for food and some other things that need organizing. It's been years since we've done a real "clean, sort, and organize" of the house. This isn't going to be fun, but it's needed.

 

[20Gauge]

I put up a pair of rivit-lock type shelf units this weekend. These are 6 ft tall metal frames that hold five 2ft by 4ft wood shelves. These and two storage cabinets will become our pantry for food and some other things that need organizing. It's been years since we've done a real "clean, sort, and organize" of the house. This isn't going to be fun, but it's needed.

Good for you

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I put up a pair of rivit-lock type shelf units this weekend. These are 6 ft tall metal frames that hold five 2ft by 4ft wood shelves. These and two storage cabinets will become our pantry for food and some other things that need organizing. It's been years since we've done a real "clean, sort, and organize" of the house. This isn't going to be fun, but it's needed.

Sounds like a great plan!

 

[Freeholder]

I’ve been puttering around outside. Measured the area I’d like to turn into garden for next spring - hoping to find someone to till it up before the ground freezes, and then till it again in the spring. It may be a bigger area than I am physically able to take care of - 32’ x 52’ (measurements to fit the fencing I have to surround it - an existing fence on the north side, and seven cattle panels plus a four-foot-wide gate for the other three sides). We used to have much larger gardens, but my back was in better shape then. The problem is that I suspect we are going to really need that garden next year, if the economy collapses, as it’s very much looking like it could/will. I guess I may be gardening a lot on my hands and knees.

Going to put my seed order in the mail tomorrow, so that commitment will be made.

I really am a little concerned about what the next year could bring, but I also know that nothing that happens is out of God’s control or knowledge.

Kathleen

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I’ve been puttering around outside. Measured the area I’d like to turn into garden for next spring - hoping to find someone to till it up before the ground freezes, and then till it again in the spring. It may be a bigger area than I am physically able to take care of - 32’ x 52’ (measurements to fit the fencing I have to surround it - an existing fence on the north side, and seven cattle panels plus a four-foot-wide gate for the other three sides). We used to have much larger gardens, but my back was in better shape then. The problem is that I suspect we are going to really need that garden next year, if the economy collapses, as it’s very much looking like it could/will. I guess I may be gardening a lot on my hands and knees.

Going to put my seed order in the mail tomorrow, so that commitment will be made.

I really am a little concerned about what the next year could bring, but I also know that nothing that happens is out of God’s control or knowledge.

Kathleen

We still haven't decided, yet, if we will have any kind of garden next year. We've taken down all of our raised beds, but the whole backyard can be gardened if we choose. I have a bad back from a back surgery that went horribly wrong, and DH has a bad hip, but if the economy goes bad, we can crawl around to get it done, maybe, as long as DH can hold out to do the tilling. Not being able to have a garden is the main reason for stockpiling my pantry, but I know that will only last so long in an economic collapse.

Like you said, God knows and controls all things, even the food we eat now and in the future. Because I know that, I have peace.

 

[nomifyle]

One day a month I volunteer to help at the Council on Aging when the give out commodities. I was full of vim and vigger when I got there at 9:00 am. I worked hard for 5 hours and left about 2 feet shorter. I'm still whipped, I even got 3,000 more steps than I usually do.

I don't know if I've said that I've gotten some compression fingerless gloves, a few days ago. I gave my pair to DH and he's worn them about three days and his hands are no longer cramping, he's even wearing compression knee high stockings every other day, he skips a day because he says they pinch his toes together, but they are helping his legs. I ordered a couple more pairs from amazon (9.98) and wore a pair today. I was talking to a lovely older lady who was talking about how much trouble she has with her hands, so I took my gloves off and gave them to her. After about 3 hours of wearing them she said they are helping. Fortunately I'd gotten and extra pair so I had another pair at home for me. The only down side is I have to take the right one off when I Pee.

I brought home three cases of delicious grapes, red and black. I left one crate and two flats of eggs at the pastors doorway, hope they get them okay, their beautiful doggie was out front. Last month we didn't get much in the way of canned foods but they made up for it this month, green beans, green peas, canned potatoes, canned pumpkin, corn. garbonzo beans, etc., rice, no dried beans, cheese, pork loin, pork patties and a big chub of ground beef.

I have a cousin that had a stroke about three years ago and is in pretty bad shape, His 78 year old wife has to deal with many things, one of which is not having much food. I'm going to take her a couple of boxes of what I got yesterday. She's the one I took a lot of pork from our last home grown pig we had butchered. I'm very grateful for what we have and I want to pay some of it forward. Hungry we are not.

Judy

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I put up a pair of rivit-lock type shelf units this weekend. These are 6 ft tall metal frames that hold five 2ft by 4ft wood shelves. These and two storage cabinets will become our pantry for food and some other things that need organizing. It's been years since we've done a real "clean, sort, and organize" of the house. This isn't going to be fun, but it's needed.

I was thinking about your shelving last night. It sure sounds like the same kind we have. If the wood shelves came with the frames, I would suggest that you replace that wood with cut to fit 3/4 inch plywood. When we started loading our storage food onto the original wooden shelves they began to bow in the middle. Using the 3/4 inch plywood fixed the problem. I thought I would pass that along if that is your case.

 

[20Gauge]

I was thinking about your shelving last night. It sure sounds like the same kind we have. If the wood shelves came with the frames, I would suggest that you replace that wood with cut to fit 3/4 inch plywood. When we started loading our storage food onto the original wooden shelves they began to bow in the middle. Using the 3/4 inch plywood fixed the problem. I thought I would pass that along if that is your case.

This or something in the 2 by x category. We have found a good 2x8 or 2x10 works very well as shelves.

 

[Illini Warrior]

This or something in the 2 by x category. We have found a good 2x8 or 2x10 works very well as shelves.

if you can "biscuit" spline the 2X material together with opposing grains >>> you have one strong shelf going ....

 

[1911user]

I did have a problem with the shelving units, but it was the metal supports on the 4ft long side. With the shelf loaded, the metal side rails could easily bow out removing support in the middle of the shelf. If loaded, that weight was enough to split the thin particle board shelf in the middle causing it to partially fall on the shelf below then pancake onto the shelf below that. A few cans were dented when it happened but the food damage was surprisingly minimal.

I did 2 things to fix this. I replaced the lower four 2'x4' thin particle board shelves with 1/2" OSB commonly called wafer board. It's cheap, strong, and has replaced plywood for roof sheathing. Home Depot or lowes can cut the 4x8 sheet into four 2x4 sheets for shelves. To keep the metal rails from flexing, I drilled a small hole in the middle of each 4' metal rail. I placed a 2 foot long nominal 2"x2" board between the rails and installed a 1.25" long #10 screw through the hole into the 2x2 wood on each end. That will keep the rails from moving apart and removing support for the shelf.

Once I fixed the shelving units, I can now load them very heavily with no issues even with an intentional test shake.

This is very similar to the shelving unit although these side rails look stiffer. I bought 2 when they were on sale for $50 each several months ago. Not recommended if planning for lots of weight on the shelves. I made mine work, but would probably buy something different next time. It was $20+ to replace the wood shelves with OSB and $10 for 2x2 lumber and screws to make them work safely and securely. The problem is the wood shelf fits down into the metal supports. When weight is added it pushes the metal supports down (as expected) as well as somewhat to the side. If the metal support can not resist the side pressure, it bows out and the shelf is no longer supported in the middle.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Edsal-7...l-Shelving-Unit-in-Black-UR245L-BLK/206847471

 

[Marseydoats]

Normal shopping trip this am. Aldi did not have a single box of instant mashed potatoes in the store. Half the candy bar selection was wiped out. I have never been in there when they had 6 stockers but they were working the Aldi finds aisle, which I usually don't bother with.
Walmart only had 12 boxes of store brand instant potatoes, no name brand at all. They had no grapefruit juice at all. Dishwashing liquid was full, but there was a big sign there that said there was a nation wide shortage and they wouldn't be able to re-stock until after Dec 1? Maybe they meant after that was gone, they didn't have anymore. They had no unscented cat litter, my kitties and I don't do scent. I got the last big bag of cat food they had and there were big holes in the canned food shelves. There were many empty shelves thru the store but I didn't have time to check and see what was missing.
There was this strange man in the parking lot and he got way too close to me, and he was about to get knocked in the head with a bag of cat food cans, and then I realized that he couldn't find his car.

 

[20Gauge]

Normal shopping trip this am. Aldi did not have a single box of instant mashed potatoes in the store. Half the candy bar selection was wiped out. I have never been in there when they had 6 stockers but they were working the Aldi finds aisle, which I usually don't bother with.
Walmart only had 12 boxes of store brand instant potatoes, no name brand at all. They had no grapefruit juice at all. Dishwashing liquid was full, but there was a big sign there that said there was a nation wide shortage and they wouldn't be able to re-stock until after Dec 1? Maybe they meant after that was gone, they didn't have anymore. They had no unscented cat litter, my kitties and I don't do scent. I got the last big bag of cat food they had and there were big holes in the canned food shelves. There were many empty shelves thru the store but I didn't have time to check and see what was missing.
There was this strange man in the parking lot and he got way too close to me, and he was about to get knocked in the head with a bag of cat food cans, and then I realized that he couldn't find his car.

We are now seeing things we normally buy gone from the shelves. I do think what ever the problem is, it is spreading. It could be benign, but I would rather be careful. So stock up people.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

We are now seeing things we normally buy gone from the shelves. I do think what ever the problem is, it is spreading. It could be benign, but I would rather be careful. So stock up people.

I agree. When I went to Walmart and Sam's last week, there were plenty of empty shelves here, too. I thought at first that people were just stocking up for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but now, I'm not so sure that's the reason.

 

[SAPPHIRE]

I'm seeing some gaps now along front range stores......and no powdered milk by Bob's Red Mill in two stores.....I don't buy online much....dh is in rehab for a short time (?!) and I'm still buying markdowns, closeouts, clearance, and mega sales......but our $$$ are quite slim...still feel compelled to do what we can......I have a feeling when the stuff hits the fan it'll be very heartening to have as much as possible...

I pray we don't lose electricity...….that's a death sentence for so many......….

 

[nomifyle]

I've been buying freeze dried potato shreds on line, a case from LDS for 40.00 including shipping and some on amazon. We actually don't eat much in the way of potatoes, but I do have some dehydrated, freeze dried and canned stored.

I gave away a good 20# to a family in need today.

I haven't been to the store in a week or so therefore I don't know what may or may not be on the shelves.

Judy

 

[20Gauge]

I agree. When I went to Walmart and Sam's last week, there were plenty of empty shelves here, too. I thought at first that people were just stocking up for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but now, I'm not so sure that's the reason.

The Thanksgiving stuff is there. So I would guess that is not the reason.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

The Thanksgiving stuff is there. So I would guess that is not the reason.

Come to think of it, you're right. I didn't have any problems getting everything for our Thanksgiving meal. Not that I had to buy much for it, just the turkey. I wonder if we are in the beginning stage of a food shortage, and seeing empty shelves will become the new normal? I'm watching the financial reports about our economy and the civil unrest here very closely to gauge whether I need to continue stocking "full steam ahead", or if I can slack off for awhile.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Dupe.

 

[nomifyle]

Come to think of it, you're right. I didn't have any problems getting everything for our Thanksgiving meal. Not that I had to buy much for it, just the turkey. I wonder if we are in the beginning stage of a food shortage, and seeing empty shelves will become the new normal? I'm watching the financial reports about our economy and the civil unrest here very closely to gauge whether I need to continue stocking "full steam ahead", or if I can slack off for awhile.

Dang, and I've decided to slack off a bit, except for dog food, I need more dog food.

Judy

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Dang, and I've decided to slack off a bit, except for dog food, I need more dog food.

Judy

I think I'm gonna wait about slacking off for a while longer. I'll reevaluate after Jan.1st.

 

[nomifyle]

I think I'm gonna wait about slacking off for a while longer. I'll reevaluate after Jan.1st.

its my budget that is driving me to step back a bit. However, since I do have to go to town for dog food, I'll probably stock up some.

Judy

 

[20Gauge]

Come to think of it, you're right. I didn't have any problems getting everything for our Thanksgiving meal. Not that I had to buy much for it, just the turkey. I wonder if we are in the beginning stage of a food shortage, and seeing empty shelves will become the new normal? I'm watching the financial reports about our economy and the civil unrest here very closely to gauge whether I need to continue stocking "full steam ahead", or if I can slack off for awhile.

I wish I knew. all I can say, the wife works at WalMart and she is telling me that all kinds of stuff is out of stock and has been for some time. Further, she tells me that it is getting worse. No they don't have it in the back.

Note: she works as a tech, (oil etc), and tells me it even applies to automotive stuff and not just food.

This would tell me that something basic has gone wrong, but hasn't actually collapsed yet.

 

[20Gauge]

I think I'm gonna wait about slacking off for a while longer. I'll reevaluate after Jan.1st.

There are no issues with slacking off for a bit. We just need to keep communicating about it to see / determine if the problem is getting worse or better. I am guessing it is credit issues at some minor vendors causing delays in product.

 

[nomifyle]

There are no issues with slacking off for a bit. We just need to keep communicating about it to see / determine if the problem is getting worse or better. I am guessing it is credit issues at some minor vendors causing delays in product.

What are you still stocking up on? 20guage's post makes me nervous.

DH is getting ready to start the building on the walk in closet that will be 10x12. Don't tell him I plan to stash food in there besides clothes and shoes, if he knew he would threaten to not build it. LOL.

Judy

 

[20Gauge]

What are you still stocking up on? 20guage's post makes me nervous.

DH is getting ready to start the building on the walk in closet that will be 10x12. Don't tell him I plan to stash food in there besides clothes and shoes, if he knew he would threaten to not build it. LOL.

Judy

Don't be nervous. Just be aware. We are stocking food then tools / other items so that we can stand on our own for 6 months to a year. No where near that now, but you just have to keep plugging along. This is more of making everyone aware of changes. Wal Mart has been having a problem for over a year now. It is only now starting to expand there. Other places have had them from time to time.

Like I said before, it could be as simple as some low level suppliers having credit problems. This is common. If we were having this conversation in March or April, then I would worry a lot more. The reason is that we would be nearing the Presidential election and some idiot may be trying to screw with the economy. I suspect they will at some point.

 

[nomifyle]

Don't be nervous. Just be aware. We are stocking food then tools / other items so that we can stand on our own for 6 months to a year. No where near that now, but you just have to keep plugging along. This is more of making everyone aware of changes. Wal Mart has been having a problem for over a year now. It is only now starting to expand there. Other places have had them from time to time.

Like I said before, it could be as simple as some low level suppliers having credit problems. This is common. If we were having this conversation in March or April, then I would worry a lot more. The reason is that we would be nearing the Presidential election and some idiot may be trying to screw with the economy. I suspect they will at some point.

Thanks, I'll ask DH what he might be short on in his workshop, although he's that type that has backups for his backups. Except for animal food we are good for a good amount of time. He lets his animal feed get low before he buys more. A big problem here with storing feed for the chickens and pigs (which we just can't seem to get out of raising) is that it will mold, unless perhaps we kept it climate controlled which is just about impossible. I really let myself get low on dog food, I store it in the back of my van, I like to have three months on hand but I've seriously slipped on that.

Judy

 

[20Gauge]

Thanks, I'll ask DH what he might be short on in his workshop, although he's that type that has backups for his backups. Except for animal food we are good for a good amount of time. He lets his animal feed get low before he buys more. A big problem here with storing feed for the chickens and pigs (which we just can't seem to get out of raising) is that it will mold, unless perhaps we kept it climate controlled which is just about impossible. I really let myself get low on dog food, I store it in the back of my van, I like to have three months on hand but I've seriously slipped on that.

Judy

It sounds like you are in good or great shape. Keep to your plan and be watchful.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

There are no issues with slacking off for a bit. We just need to keep communicating about it to see / determine if the problem is getting worse or better. I am guessing it is credit issues at some minor vendors causing delays in product.

If it were only empty shelves in Walmart that was giving me pause as to whether or not to keep stocking at full speed, I wouldn't be nervous about it. It's all the economic news as well as the state of affairs on the political scene, plus the bare shelves in Walmart that makes me nervous. I already have at least a year's worth of food laid by, plus all the necessary tools and supplies to survive. I'm shooting for a 2 year supply. So, I can afford to cut back if I want to, but as long as things on the world scene keep getting worse, I want to continue.

 

[20Gauge]

If it were only empty shelves in Walmart that was giving me pause as to whether or not to keep stocking at full speed, I wouldn't be nervous about it. It's all the economic news as well as the state of affairs on the political scene, plus the bare shelves in Walmart that makes me nervous. I already have at least a year's worth of food laid by, plus all the necessary tools and supplies to survive. I'm shooting for a 2 year supply. So, I can afford to cut back if I want to, but as long as things on the world scene keep getting worse, I want to continue.

We are still at 6 months maybe 7 months.

I do understand the concern with the other issues, but the lack of product would be an early indicator of possible problems. It is when that expands and is endemic is other pricier locations, ( Harveys for us), then I begin to worry more and made hard choices.

The bank runs and closures bear watching also, but I believe the stocking will be a better indicator of the next credit crunch that is coming. No one is going to say "Hey the banks are insolvent" anytime soon. Even when they are.