Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: October 15 ~ 21, 2023
- Thread starter ReneeT
- Start date
John Deere Girl
Veteran Member
I'm praying for you!
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Now that I have all the basics covered for a long time, I'm adding a good stock of different sauces, spices that I don't have a lot of, condiments, gravy mixes, different kinds of pickles, and such. I also need more canned cheddar cheese soup. I keep some on hand, but I need to stock up deep on it. Anything I can think of that will liven up any meal or recipe.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Praying for you, moldy. I've had my share of dental problems and haven't ruled out the possibility of having to have the rest of mine extracted and get dentures. I have no molars left at all, and it's very hard for me to grind food, too.
Prayers for you, Moldy.
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Today had a "lovely" surprise. We have one of those dual flush toilets that was installed 15+ years ago. We've had to replace normal parts over time, and have done so. This time it's the springs for the push buttons. So I ordered the replacement push button set. The replacement set is too small for the opening. So I call Everbilt (Home Depot) and ask them if they have the needed part. I get told the toilet is too old and parts are no longer available, so I just need to replace the whole toilet.
My response was polite, barely. So off to find springs. Maybe to see if I can get a replacement 3D printed. But if I can find springs, I can use the too small buttons to provide most of the rest of the parts to get things upgraded. The problem is that the springs in the new one are either much weaker or too short. I'm not sure which.
They keep this up and I may go haunt a Habitat store and find an old fashion toilet. Those are a lot less trouble.
My response was polite, barely. So off to find springs. Maybe to see if I can get a replacement 3D printed. But if I can find springs, I can use the too small buttons to provide most of the rest of the parts to get things upgraded. The problem is that the springs in the new one are either much weaker or too short. I'm not sure which.
They keep this up and I may go haunt a Habitat store and find an old fashion toilet. Those are a lot less trouble.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I made it back from the grocery store. I added 8 cans of the fajita beef strips to the pantry. I plan to get more on my big shopping day. This adds more variety to my shelf stable meat supply. That's all I got for the pantry this go around. I usually restock and add to the pantry on my big shopping trip. I saw Walmart had it stocked on the shelf, so I went ahead and bought the beef strips, today. I tried ordering it, yesterday, but it said they were out of stock. This was the first time in a very long time that Walmart had it on the shelf. I didn't get much of anything else, since this was a small shopping day. Fresh produce and a bag of animal crackers for Frisco to try. I'm trying to find things cheaper for him for doggie treats. I've given him two, already, and he loves them.
We missed out on the rain we were supposed to get this morning. Things are desperately dry here. None in the forecast for another 8 days.
We missed out on the rain we were supposed to get this morning. Things are desperately dry here. None in the forecast for another 8 days.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
When we got to the VA we pass what is usually a very large lake. The water level is down so low there are huge islands in the lake, getting a boat through there would be difficult. When the lake is normal there are no land islands visable. I don't see any rain in the forecast either. We are very dry around here and Louisiana is really a big swamp.
If I was wanting to add a lot more to my pantry, the big wm yesterday looked very well stocked, but I was only looking for what I couldn't get at my nearest wm.
SB, I order the Campbells cheese soup on subscribe and save on Amazon, its much cheaper that way, that and a few other things too. I don't use that soup very often but I do like to have a few cans on hand. If I was of a mind to do so I could make my own cream of what ever soup, but alas, my mind doesn't work that way anymore. I like to get in and out of the kitchen as painless as possible.
If I was wanting to add a lot more to my pantry, the big wm yesterday looked very well stocked, but I was only looking for what I couldn't get at my nearest wm.
SB, I order the Campbells cheese soup on subscribe and save on Amazon, its much cheaper that way, that and a few other things too. I don't use that soup very often but I do like to have a few cans on hand. If I was of a mind to do so I could make my own cream of what ever soup, but alas, my mind doesn't work that way anymore. I like to get in and out of the kitchen as painless as possible.
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SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I like the convenience of having canned soups like cheddar cheese soup already handy to use. I don't make my own soups like that, either. The Campbell's cheddar cheese soup and more rotel tomatoes are being added to the panty next shopping trip. I don't have a lot of either one, so will be stocking deeper on those.
Illini Warrior
Illini Warrior
you do a DIY install or have a plumber do the entire job? - good ole' plumbers might have repair parts for the product lines they have installed & serviced over the years
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Oh, I'll find a way to fix the part. But if a new toilet is needed, we can do the install. That's one of the simpler items to do. Heavy and awkward, but simple.
Prayers for healing offered for you, Moldy. I used a mini food chopper when I had sores in my mouth/gums/throat during chemo and could hardly stand to even try to chew. I didn't chop to a paste or slurry, but it was small enough to swallow without choking. Small spoonfuls, and liquid to follow. Mine is a Black and Decker Handy Chopper.
aviax2
Veteran Member
I finally got down to the basement and started doing an inventory and moving some things around. I still have a ways to go but I got quite a bit done. We didn’t have much in the way of canned fruit down there so decided to put in an order at Sam’s. I pulled the rest of the pints of home canned chicken I canned in 2020 to be brought up, along with rest of the quarts of ground beef, (I canned both pints and quarts of ground beef, pints seem not quite enough and quarts a little too much so from now on I’ll can in the 24oz jars) a few stray quarts of chicken broth and some quarts of green beans. Also set aside to be brought up was a flat of canned mushrooms, several jars of Prego spaghetti sauce and some tea. Like I said I didn’t get done so I hope I’m able to get back down there while things are fresh on my mind and knock another big chunk out. I also set aside some veggie soup that we haven’t really cared for so I’m thinking we’ll feed a jar to the chickens along. There’s still other things that need to be brought up that I need to find room for in the everyday pantry. I’m wishing I had brought up some tomato juice but I’ve craving it and I’m out upstairs.
And while I was at it I did an inventory of laundry, cleaning and kitchen supplies, toilet paper, paper towels and Kleenex, we should be good for awhile. I still need to do otc/vitamins/etc.
I put in an order to Sam’s and it was so strange, every item except two, I could only get by shipping. Since when is Sam’s completely out of common items like canned peaches, tuna or applesauce?! I ordered 11 different items ( a few items I ordered more than one) but only 2 items were listed that I could pick up in the store, spam and almonds. Now it’s not unusual to find some items that only can be shipped but I’ve never seen this before. Should be interesting to see how this order goes since my last few have shipped from CA to TN and that only happens if I order a non-food item. Anyway if it gets here there will be a few kinds of canned fish to top off what we already have. Peaches, pears, pineapple and applesauce to fill in some holes in the basement pantry, (I do have a supply in the upstairs pantry)and a few more cans of corned beef hash and spam.
We really need rain here too! I pray all of us needing it, get it!
And while I was at it I did an inventory of laundry, cleaning and kitchen supplies, toilet paper, paper towels and Kleenex, we should be good for awhile. I still need to do otc/vitamins/etc.
I put in an order to Sam’s and it was so strange, every item except two, I could only get by shipping. Since when is Sam’s completely out of common items like canned peaches, tuna or applesauce?! I ordered 11 different items ( a few items I ordered more than one) but only 2 items were listed that I could pick up in the store, spam and almonds. Now it’s not unusual to find some items that only can be shipped but I’ve never seen this before. Should be interesting to see how this order goes since my last few have shipped from CA to TN and that only happens if I order a non-food item. Anyway if it gets here there will be a few kinds of canned fish to top off what we already have. Peaches, pears, pineapple and applesauce to fill in some holes in the basement pantry, (I do have a supply in the upstairs pantry)and a few more cans of corned beef hash and spam.
We really need rain here too! I pray all of us needing it, get it!
briches
Veteran Member
Morning all!
I am praying for you moldy (and all here).
This past week I have had my wellness doctor check (helps me also with cost of health insurance) and my mammogram. Both came back fine. My bloodwork shows some things I still need to address (ongoing high triglycerides).
Hubby has his greenhouse going for winter which we are bith excited about.
We currently have about 30 tomatoes on the counter that we will eat a couple over the weekend and chop/freeze the rest for chili and stews.
I continue to work on organizing the pantry. I was in the process of scaling back greatly (from three large shelves in a bedroom to a closet that dh has built pantry shelves for), but I am not sure on that decision. We will see ….
We have gotten our load of firebricks (what we burn in the wood stove) for the year (so efficient and not messy!). Some upcoming goals are ensuring generator is working for the winter (should be) and topping off any gas cans.
I am starting to think ahead towards holidays and needs for that. I already have the money budgeted, and we don go over the top with it anyway.
Slow and steady …..
I am praying for you moldy (and all here).
This past week I have had my wellness doctor check (helps me also with cost of health insurance) and my mammogram. Both came back fine. My bloodwork shows some things I still need to address (ongoing high triglycerides).
Hubby has his greenhouse going for winter which we are bith excited about.
We currently have about 30 tomatoes on the counter that we will eat a couple over the weekend and chop/freeze the rest for chili and stews.
I continue to work on organizing the pantry. I was in the process of scaling back greatly (from three large shelves in a bedroom to a closet that dh has built pantry shelves for), but I am not sure on that decision. We will see ….
We have gotten our load of firebricks (what we burn in the wood stove) for the year (so efficient and not messy!). Some upcoming goals are ensuring generator is working for the winter (should be) and topping off any gas cans.
I am starting to think ahead towards holidays and needs for that. I already have the money budgeted, and we don go over the top with it anyway.
Slow and steady …..
ginnie6
Veteran Member
I’m going to look at a new edc this week. My current one is just a little too big for comfort. Also need to get the garden beds cleaned out and some firewood brought up. We’ve had a fire two days this week because the house is cold…it’s warmer outside! Yesterday morning it was 44 and today it’s 54. Lots of fog these mornings too. My car likely goes in the shop next week to repair the damage done by a jihadi deer last week. We have to go out of town this weekend and I’m not thrilled over it with everything going on.
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Oh wow. The improvement in my sleep has made some big differences already.
My thighs and knees are pissed at me for going in the attic. Oops. I'll have to work on that.
Time to get moving. I'd like to finish work early. Then get the last of the garlic in amd work on cleaning the house some more. Fingers crossed for the energy to do it all.
My thighs and knees are pissed at me for going in the attic. Oops. I'll have to work on that.
Time to get moving. I'd like to finish work early. Then get the last of the garlic in amd work on cleaning the house some more. Fingers crossed for the energy to do it all.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Steady as she goes, here, today. Doing laundry, cleaning, cooking, and sweeping. I've got chicken thawed out for supper tonight, and I like to get it all ready for the oven ahead of time. I've also got to get in the pantry to do some rearranging for all the added items I'm planning to get next shopping trip. I might have to make more room in our bedroom for it.
Cary is headed back to small town this morning to get a flat fixed on his Jeep. When he gets back, he'll begin more work on the wood pile. He loaded up our indoor racks for the stove and heater with firewood, yesterday.
I've also got watering to do, since we got no rain, yesterday. Cary has put up all our hoses for the winter, so I have to haul the water in buckets. It's a big job, especially with my back issues.
Prayers going out for you, today, moldy.
Cary is headed back to small town this morning to get a flat fixed on his Jeep. When he gets back, he'll begin more work on the wood pile. He loaded up our indoor racks for the stove and heater with firewood, yesterday.
I've also got watering to do, since we got no rain, yesterday. Cary has put up all our hoses for the winter, so I have to haul the water in buckets. It's a big job, especially with my back issues.
Prayers going out for you, today, moldy.
We have our flue cleaned and ready to go. But it has warmed up a bit so we haven't built the first fire yet. We worked some more on the wood that need cut up. The back yard is all cleaned from the pile back there. Hubby serviced the saws and wood splitter so they are ready to go again when we get the energy.
We did part of my job yesterday. Since I got another contract, it takes 2 days to do it all. This is the 3 months doing the new contract. It wasn't bad at all. People are less likely to litter if the area is clean. But the drinkers don't seem to care. They throw their cans and bottles out anyway.
Our son brought his camper up last night and set it up in the edge of the hay field. He and the littlest boy stayed in it and may stay tonight. We enjoyed the visit with them. My dog, which was his dog first, must have stayed with them. She came home with me, but went back to them. I sent our daughter in law a picture of the trailer set up and told her that her second home was ready. There is no cell phone service in the field. We all wanted her to know that they were here and everything was good.
I made a post in Alternative Medicine, but no one has replied there, so I will ask here. I was reading that mullein root salve helps with back pain. I want to make some for hubby. I just am not sure how to make it. I have a root I dug yesterday. Should it be fresh or dry? I have made salves before, but never from a root. Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I have the leaves drying too. It was from a 1 year old plant.
We did part of my job yesterday. Since I got another contract, it takes 2 days to do it all. This is the 3 months doing the new contract. It wasn't bad at all. People are less likely to litter if the area is clean. But the drinkers don't seem to care. They throw their cans and bottles out anyway.
Our son brought his camper up last night and set it up in the edge of the hay field. He and the littlest boy stayed in it and may stay tonight. We enjoyed the visit with them. My dog, which was his dog first, must have stayed with them. She came home with me, but went back to them. I sent our daughter in law a picture of the trailer set up and told her that her second home was ready. There is no cell phone service in the field. We all wanted her to know that they were here and everything was good.
I made a post in Alternative Medicine, but no one has replied there, so I will ask here. I was reading that mullein root salve helps with back pain. I want to make some for hubby. I just am not sure how to make it. I have a root I dug yesterday. Should it be fresh or dry? I have made salves before, but never from a root. Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I have the leaves drying too. It was from a 1 year old plant.
Marseydoats
Veteran Member
Wouldn't it be easier on your back just to get the hoses back out? The little bit of water that I have to carry for the chickens just about does me in. I can't imagine carrying multiple buckets.
Try not to hurt yourself.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Cary has them stored away in my barn for the winter. I could ask him to get them back out, but I keep hoping we will start getting rain, soon. Plus, he already has all the outside spigots wrapped and covered. I'm filling the buckets at the kitchen sink. It didn't take too long to get it done. All I'm concerned with are the azaleas off the front porch. Cary can water the roses, later today.
babysteps
Veteran Member
One last bucket of tomatoes out of the garden being canned today. Cleaned the chicken coop out yesterday and filled it with fresh bedding. Daughter mowed the yards yesterday and hopefully that will be the last mowing needed for the year. If we get any more good weather, we might have to mow once more.
Our overnight and morning temps are cool and damp enough that I'm building a fire in the woodstove every morning, to take the chill off the house for mom, and letting it go out around noon. It's been 65 ish every day and mostly sunny, but this weekend the rain moves back in.
I made pumpkin bread. A slice of that, a mug of chai, and a fire in my woodstove, and I'm in my happy place.
Praying for you moldy! And SouthernBreeze, be careful of your back.
Our overnight and morning temps are cool and damp enough that I'm building a fire in the woodstove every morning, to take the chill off the house for mom, and letting it go out around noon. It's been 65 ish every day and mostly sunny, but this weekend the rain moves back in.
I made pumpkin bread. A slice of that, a mug of chai, and a fire in my woodstove, and I'm in my happy place.
Praying for you moldy! And SouthernBreeze, be careful of your back.
patriotgal
Veteran Member
My womens shelter donation stack was creeping across the floor and spreading like kudzu. I loaded it all up so we can drop it off next time we are in town. Found more canning jars. They are washed and put away. Tractor is now running good so DH brush hogged all day. Nature sure takes over fast when it gets a chance. Found some storage bags at DG that are quilt size. I managed to corral a big stack of blankets. No idea what I am gonna do with them but they are clean and bagged.
My biggest task right now is organizing 3 households into one and making sure I make the right choices regarding what goes and what stays. Jars, food, fabric, some decisions are easy. Bedding, cookware, and misc stuff is more convoluted. I am constantly texting kids to see what they want and have started a tub for each. Staying in one place for decades has left us with so much stuff. Most of my friends are my age and facing same situation. Can't give them anything.
Almost happy with pantry. Making sure I have food and medical in case nursing home is no longer available. Praying that never happens but preparing just in case.
Found a very dusty box marked donate. Went through it just for grins. Listed $300 of items on eBay just from that 12 x 12 box. Guess I will be paying real attention to every box. Found a couple more old computers. I think they are breeding like my magazines do. I never realized just how much time and energy downsizing would involve. I am learning fast. And getting much faster in deciding the future of everyday stuff.
Praying for you Moldy. Had dental issues take up way too much of my summer. I feel your pain.
My biggest task right now is organizing 3 households into one and making sure I make the right choices regarding what goes and what stays. Jars, food, fabric, some decisions are easy. Bedding, cookware, and misc stuff is more convoluted. I am constantly texting kids to see what they want and have started a tub for each. Staying in one place for decades has left us with so much stuff. Most of my friends are my age and facing same situation. Can't give them anything.
Almost happy with pantry. Making sure I have food and medical in case nursing home is no longer available. Praying that never happens but preparing just in case.
Found a very dusty box marked donate. Went through it just for grins. Listed $300 of items on eBay just from that 12 x 12 box. Guess I will be paying real attention to every box. Found a couple more old computers. I think they are breeding like my magazines do. I never realized just how much time and energy downsizing would involve. I am learning fast. And getting much faster in deciding the future of everyday stuff.
Praying for you Moldy. Had dental issues take up way too much of my summer. I feel your pain.
I haven't ever tried a mullein salve. I'd probably chop the root as finely as possible (1/4" pieces IF possible, but if not, just in as small of chunks as you can manage... the more surface area , the better)
Then infuse it in the oil of your choice...
Now, this is where I have NO idea of the right course. You've got a choice of hot or cold infusion, and some plants don't do well with heat. But cold infusion takes time... 3-4 months, minimum.
I'd probably try small batches two ways... heat some on low heat in the oven, and try another batch in a jar in the fridge. The heat method is going to be safer in terms of potential mold issues if you are using the fresh root. Dried material generally works better at room temp (or refrigerator... which is always safest for long infusion of oils)
Once you have your infused oil, then warm it and add beeswax (preferable) or paraffin wax in a 4:1 or 5:1 ratio (oil to wax, by volume) Stir it gently until it is thickened (honey consistency), then pour it into your containers.
Good luck! And let us know how it works!
Summerthyme
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
While doing the reorganizing of some things in the pantry, I found that I had 2 big plastic bottles of garlic powder that had gotten hard. I want to open them, break it all back up, and put it back in jip lock storage bags. With the dampness here, can I place a plain cracker in the bag to keep out moisture?
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I don't know about the cracker but a brown sugar bear (or other design) should help.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
What is a brown sugar bear? I've never heard of it.
babysteps
Veteran Member
It's a little clay object - usually the shape of a bear, hence the name - that you can dampen and put into containers of brown sugar to keep soft, or put dry into containers of crackers or what have you to keep them dry and crisp.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you!
but you can look them up on Amazon or a kitchen supply store 
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Just rest. I hope you feel much better in the morning.
A piece of flower pot will do the same thing for cookies and things you don't want to dry out.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
LOL. If a clay flowerpot would work on all my sugar, salt, and garlic powder, I'll just buy a small pot and break it into pieces! Will probably be as cheap as one brown sugar bear. I do not order from Amazon at all, and if Walmart or Home Goods doesn't have them, that's what I'll do.
I vacuum seal onion and garlic powder in small jars and they stay loose and dry. I use small jars for ease of use though it takes more jars.
I have found that it is nearly impossible to free them up when they clump because they absorb so much moisture.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thanks for giving me another option. The hardest part will be breaking it all up. I can use my grater on it. That should work.
I'm wondering if you could make a poultice from dried mullein to apply to his back if you are wanting something quick but it would be messy and use up a lot of your mullein. It would give you an idea if it's going to help him before you go to the trouble and time to do an infusion. I would consider using a light oil instead of water to make the poultice but I'm just guessing here. I also wonder about making the poultice with fresh mullein. Someone more knowledgable than me would probably know better about using it fresh.
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