Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: September 24~30, 2023
- Thread starter ReneeT
- Start date
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I know my plumbing well. I was part of redoing a whole bunch of it. The sewer drop to main is directly below the bathroom toilet. But the sink and bathtub tee together before they connect. And that tee junction is a problem. Hair, leaf litter, mulch, styrofoam. And most of it isn't me. The hair is me. The rest is son. Especially if he gets on a "stuff things in the drain" spree. This last time it was styrofoam pieces tangled with hair.
My cleanout is actually almost at the front of the yard. A good 100 to 150 feet from the connection in the house. I've yet to have to open it. I really hope I don't every have to. But I do need to get a cover for my vent pipe.
Taking care of little things. Sunday, I blanched and froze green beans and worked on the camper (putting on hardware and putting drawers/doors back in place). Today, I had 2 dental appointments that took most of my day. I did manage to take some cukes to the food bank and pick about half the zucchini. The BIG ones went to the chickens, the others are in the house to go out of town with me on the weekend (quick trip to see mom, sis, and the kids - DH will probably stay home to tend to the chickens, dogs, and work on stuff).
It is getting quite chilly in the mornings, and it reminds me of what I need to get done..... finish up the garden, finish up painting (especially the camper and a door or two), get canned things put away, and try to do some fall cleaning. I loaded up the freeze dryer with berries, apples, and cucumber puree. The puree will either go in my smoothies or will be used to make a quick aqua fresca when it's cold and there are no good cucumbers available.
It is getting quite chilly in the mornings, and it reminds me of what I need to get done..... finish up the garden, finish up painting (especially the camper and a door or two), get canned things put away, and try to do some fall cleaning. I loaded up the freeze dryer with berries, apples, and cucumber puree. The puree will either go in my smoothies or will be used to make a quick aqua fresca when it's cold and there are no good cucumbers available.
briches
Veteran Member
I am loving this cool, fall weather.
Won’t be purchasing as much prep wise this week as I am buying a new (to us) couch and loveseat for $350. Both are like new (and from a coworker). I also got some decor for the bathroom (around $75) and am treating sons to dinner Wed night. That depletes all of my “miscellaneous funds” for the month with a dip into savings but is quite worth it.
Slow and steady ….
Won’t be purchasing as much prep wise this week as I am buying a new (to us) couch and loveseat for $350. Both are like new (and from a coworker). I also got some decor for the bathroom (around $75) and am treating sons to dinner Wed night. That depletes all of my “miscellaneous funds” for the month with a dip into savings but is quite worth it.
Slow and steady ….
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
We're experiencing record high temps for this time of year. Highs in the low 90's, but it's cool in the mornings. Low humidity, so it's not so bad.
I've been re-seasoning a couple of my cast iron skillets this morning. I'm waiting on them to cool, so I can wipe them down.
I also started my shopping list for the month. Just my usual items, and I have some restocking to do. I also want to add a few food items to the pantry that I don't have much of right now, like the canned fajita beef strips which will give us added meat variety to our food storage. I also have some paper products and household items to get.
Next week is going to be a very busy week for us. Monday is our planned shopping day. Tuesday, I have an appt. to see my rheumatologist, again. Wednesday, I have to take a friend to her doctor appointment. Thursday, Cary has an appt. to have his last CT scan done on his kidney and lungs. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are free, but I have another PC doctor's appt. that following Monday on the 9th. Makes my head spin just thinking about it. It means a trip into Big town every day. It's been a long time, since we've had this much running around to do in such a short time. I can already see the dollars ticking off at the gas pump.
I've been re-seasoning a couple of my cast iron skillets this morning. I'm waiting on them to cool, so I can wipe them down.
I also started my shopping list for the month. Just my usual items, and I have some restocking to do. I also want to add a few food items to the pantry that I don't have much of right now, like the canned fajita beef strips which will give us added meat variety to our food storage. I also have some paper products and household items to get.
Next week is going to be a very busy week for us. Monday is our planned shopping day. Tuesday, I have an appt. to see my rheumatologist, again. Wednesday, I have to take a friend to her doctor appointment. Thursday, Cary has an appt. to have his last CT scan done on his kidney and lungs. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are free, but I have another PC doctor's appt. that following Monday on the 9th. Makes my head spin just thinking about it. It means a trip into Big town every day. It's been a long time, since we've had this much running around to do in such a short time. I can already see the dollars ticking off at the gas pump.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I didn't want any snarky answers on the main or in the community center, so I'm asking this out of curiosity, here. Did any of you have the forum go down for about an hour and a half, yesterday? Cary and I both, on different computers, had access to everything else on the internet, except TB. It was totally weird, and we thought the forum might have been hacked.
I've checked all over the forum, today, and no one else has mentioned it happening to them. Very strange.
I've checked all over the forum, today, and no one else has mentioned it happening to them. Very strange.
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school marm
Veteran Member
It happened here.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Did you ever figure out what happened? We didn't.
school marm
Veteran Member
I didn't try. Technology is definitely not my forte. I always just try again later or wait for my husband to get home and figure it out.
John Deere Girl
Veteran Member
It did for me too.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
SB, mine hasn't actually gone down but it has been wonky, taking a long time to load and such. But then again my internet connection has been wonky and slow lately. No clue why.
Yesterday we didn't get our commodities because the truck did not come in, so we went back today and got them, The line was huge but we patiently waited. It was worth the trip though, chicken legs, catfish, nectarines, raisins and postachio nuts, oh and park loin. Its probably been a year since we got pork loin. And also a few canned goods, including peanut butter. For awhile I've been dating things as soon as they come in the house. Unfortuantely, they are not exactly put away, but they are not mixed in with the older stuff either. I only have just so much stamina and when my left arm and shoulder pain kicks in I have to rest, that also includes my low back pain.
Yesterday we didn't get our commodities because the truck did not come in, so we went back today and got them, The line was huge but we patiently waited. It was worth the trip though, chicken legs, catfish, nectarines, raisins and postachio nuts, oh and park loin. Its probably been a year since we got pork loin. And also a few canned goods, including peanut butter. For awhile I've been dating things as soon as they come in the house. Unfortuantely, they are not exactly put away, but they are not mixed in with the older stuff either. I only have just so much stamina and when my left arm and shoulder pain kicks in I have to rest, that also includes my low back pain.
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
What a day. I found a problem yesterday. I hunted for the solution. And while boss and I weren't necessarily happy about the solution, it was doable with minimal room for human error. Until we discovered that the accounting software that most of our clients use made a unilateral decision at some point that deposited income funds that don't go through an A/R account won't be connected with Even if we mark them to a customer file. And that threw the working solution we found out the window.
It's not really an accounting issue perse. It's more a customer information issue. For example, x person is a new client. The first job is invoiced so the customer can see something. After that, only if the customer needs an invoice. So funds get deposited, they get marked for x customer on x day, and put in sales. Except with the system change, now you can't pull up the customer file and see all those deposits. You have to go digging in the bank register or the sales report.
It does become an accounting issue when a client needs to track down how much a client has already paid them on a large project. Yes, small to med size businesses will still do projects with either homemade invoices or a handshake. You'd be surprised just how many do.
Grumble, grumble, grumble, grumble. Stupid error. Big error. Big problem for several of our clients. And not just for reasons like that. We are trying to find a work around that doesn't leave a lot of room for human error. We don't like leaving room for human error because we all have bad days. One of the reasons this is a problem is because it removed a way for us to double check human error possibilities for some of our things. But the customer service issues are bigger.
I have more energy. Not normal levels by far but not exhausted. But the bleeding has started again. At this point, it's at the level of a mild period as far as flow but it's just having fun with the cramps. I'm going to see how the next 24 hours go. If it starts to get worse, I'll call the doc's office. I am not going to let it get to insane levels again.
Son has been mood swinging. Grumps, then giggles and wanting kisses. Two long showers and he's still swinging. Favorite meal for lunch and takeout for dinner, both of which he loved, and still grumpy. There was an attempt to swing into more aggressive angry behavior. Fortunately all it took was a firm blocking and some firm words for him to remember that it was not something he wanted to do. He decided that giving an extra firm hug and pressing his head into my should was a wiser choice. It was. It is the accepted choice that lets me know that he is still having problems without him becoming a problem. I pray that he continues on the path that goes that way. I am doing what I can to help alleviate this headache but we may have to resort to his triptan. We are already to the point of using small doses of his Delta 8 extract. This isn't a weather headache and he isn't running a fever, so no clue. Quite possibly a hormone triggered. He is currently piled under every blanket that he can get his hands on, except the ones on my bed. That includes two weighted blankets, adult weight. I'm kind of surprised that he's not curled up in my bed. He was showing signs of needing the weight earlier but he doesn't want me to give compression or compression hugs.
Friend went on a pretzel run today. There are no more son approved pretzels in the house. I may need to do a Walmart or Publix run tomorrow to grab a bag or two to hold us. It's the salt in the pretzels. And that pretzels act as saltines for him. We don't know why. None of the docs know why. But certain versions of his migraines make him crave salt. And thinking of that, I think I'm going to go make him a batch of Liquid IV. Maybe that will help some.
It's not really an accounting issue perse. It's more a customer information issue. For example, x person is a new client. The first job is invoiced so the customer can see something. After that, only if the customer needs an invoice. So funds get deposited, they get marked for x customer on x day, and put in sales. Except with the system change, now you can't pull up the customer file and see all those deposits. You have to go digging in the bank register or the sales report.
It does become an accounting issue when a client needs to track down how much a client has already paid them on a large project. Yes, small to med size businesses will still do projects with either homemade invoices or a handshake. You'd be surprised just how many do.
Grumble, grumble, grumble, grumble. Stupid error. Big error. Big problem for several of our clients. And not just for reasons like that. We are trying to find a work around that doesn't leave a lot of room for human error. We don't like leaving room for human error because we all have bad days. One of the reasons this is a problem is because it removed a way for us to double check human error possibilities for some of our things. But the customer service issues are bigger.
I have more energy. Not normal levels by far but not exhausted. But the bleeding has started again. At this point, it's at the level of a mild period as far as flow but it's just having fun with the cramps. I'm going to see how the next 24 hours go. If it starts to get worse, I'll call the doc's office. I am not going to let it get to insane levels again.
Son has been mood swinging. Grumps, then giggles and wanting kisses. Two long showers and he's still swinging. Favorite meal for lunch and takeout for dinner, both of which he loved, and still grumpy. There was an attempt to swing into more aggressive angry behavior. Fortunately all it took was a firm blocking and some firm words for him to remember that it was not something he wanted to do. He decided that giving an extra firm hug and pressing his head into my should was a wiser choice. It was. It is the accepted choice that lets me know that he is still having problems without him becoming a problem. I pray that he continues on the path that goes that way. I am doing what I can to help alleviate this headache but we may have to resort to his triptan. We are already to the point of using small doses of his Delta 8 extract. This isn't a weather headache and he isn't running a fever, so no clue. Quite possibly a hormone triggered. He is currently piled under every blanket that he can get his hands on, except the ones on my bed. That includes two weighted blankets, adult weight. I'm kind of surprised that he's not curled up in my bed. He was showing signs of needing the weight earlier but he doesn't want me to give compression or compression hugs.
Friend went on a pretzel run today. There are no more son approved pretzels in the house. I may need to do a Walmart or Publix run tomorrow to grab a bag or two to hold us. It's the salt in the pretzels. And that pretzels act as saltines for him. We don't know why. None of the docs know why. But certain versions of his migraines make him crave salt. And thinking of that, I think I'm going to go make him a batch of Liquid IV. Maybe that will help some.
I'm still harvesting tomatoes, summer squash and cucumbers plus a few cantaloupe and watermelon. I've been giving away most of the tomatoes and cucumbers. No one wants squash!!
Yesterday I took down, washed and rehung curtains in my bedroom and guest room. Also washed the inside of the windows and storm windows. Later this week I hope to have someone here to spot me on the ladder so I can wash the outsides of the living room windows and kitchen and dining storm windows. I want to do them before cold weather.
Today has been a big fat zero due to flare of colitis. I was planning a shopping trip today but obviously that didn't happen. Maybe tomorrow??
Yesterday I took down, washed and rehung curtains in my bedroom and guest room. Also washed the inside of the windows and storm windows. Later this week I hope to have someone here to spot me on the ladder so I can wash the outsides of the living room windows and kitchen and dining storm windows. I want to do them before cold weather.
Today has been a big fat zero due to flare of colitis. I was planning a shopping trip today but obviously that didn't happen. Maybe tomorrow??
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Cary gave the last of our watermelons to the tree cutting crew as a thank you for all the firewood logs they took the time out to pile up for him. They all were very appreciative of them, too.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Still no rain in sight, so I've got watering to do this morning. Seems we're back to summer temps, too. I was really enjoying the fall temps while they lasted. We had to turn on the ac for a little while, yesterday, to cool the house down from cooking supper. Cary was already thinking about covering it for the winter.
I've got to start canning more ground beef. I'm trying to keep at least a year's worth on hand at all times. One jar a week for 12 months. I've got more than that canned, already, but I'm shooting for a few more cases just in case. I have enough other canned meat in the pantry so that I can rotate each one every day of the week. Plus, the meat in the freezer. It's almost at the point where we can no longer afford beef of any kind, so I want to stock my other freezer with it while I still can. I can always can it up, later.
I just keep getting this feeling that things are about to change and not for the better. Maybe, it's just the time of year, but I don't know. By nature, I've always been one to lay more food in store, do special things to winterize the house, and get settled in for the winter. This feeling is different.
I've got to start canning more ground beef. I'm trying to keep at least a year's worth on hand at all times. One jar a week for 12 months. I've got more than that canned, already, but I'm shooting for a few more cases just in case. I have enough other canned meat in the pantry so that I can rotate each one every day of the week. Plus, the meat in the freezer. It's almost at the point where we can no longer afford beef of any kind, so I want to stock my other freezer with it while I still can. I can always can it up, later.
I just keep getting this feeling that things are about to change and not for the better. Maybe, it's just the time of year, but I don't know. By nature, I've always been one to lay more food in store, do special things to winterize the house, and get settled in for the winter. This feeling is different.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
When all was said and done, they loaded them up and away they went. Thanked Cary very much for them. They were happy and we were happy to do it.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
You're probably right. I told Cary just the other day that if things got crazier, we would be rolling up our driveway, locking the gate, and stay put for the duration. Of course, that's not possible, YET.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
My thinking is they are doing things on the QT that we don't know about and its going to hit us either all at once or in stages. In stages it would be like the frog in the boiling water.
We order our Rxs from the VA, so I am trying to order a few days earlier and that way in the long run you can end up with more meds. DH is on a blood thinner (warfarin) so I try to keep a good stash of that. And also any OTCs we use. I've recently gotten two big bags of cough drops and I also have a good supply of peppermint candies to help with coughs. That in addition to the meds the VA gives me for cough. I can get a refill every month, which I do, but I don't use that much in a month. They also supply me with incontinence pads, which I refill every month, but I use some homemade pads, for now. I'm always greatful for what is supplied by the VA, I tell them that and I thank the Lord for them,
As far as stocking up on food, I'm good on that, just add a can or two of something I've used each month. DH butchered a pig last week, so we have a newer supply of ground pork. Funny thing is we have been talking about not eating pork at all, but that would be a hard decision to make.
DH has gone to the VA in Shreveport to get his INR checked. So I'm here by myself and I need to get in the kitchen and get to work instead of being on the computer.
I've been buying a book series a book at a time, they are all out of print. Two came today and there is one left to get here. The series is by Oliver B. Greene on the Gospels of Matthew and its discussed word for word. We are studying Matthew on Wednesday nights, so these books get me extra insight on the scriptures.
We order our Rxs from the VA, so I am trying to order a few days earlier and that way in the long run you can end up with more meds. DH is on a blood thinner (warfarin) so I try to keep a good stash of that. And also any OTCs we use. I've recently gotten two big bags of cough drops and I also have a good supply of peppermint candies to help with coughs. That in addition to the meds the VA gives me for cough. I can get a refill every month, which I do, but I don't use that much in a month. They also supply me with incontinence pads, which I refill every month, but I use some homemade pads, for now. I'm always greatful for what is supplied by the VA, I tell them that and I thank the Lord for them,
As far as stocking up on food, I'm good on that, just add a can or two of something I've used each month. DH butchered a pig last week, so we have a newer supply of ground pork. Funny thing is we have been talking about not eating pork at all, but that would be a hard decision to make.
DH has gone to the VA in Shreveport to get his INR checked. So I'm here by myself and I need to get in the kitchen and get to work instead of being on the computer.
I've been buying a book series a book at a time, they are all out of print. Two came today and there is one left to get here. The series is by Oliver B. Greene on the Gospels of Matthew and its discussed word for word. We are studying Matthew on Wednesday nights, so these books get me extra insight on the scriptures.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Cary gets a 3 month supply of his RX med's at Walgreen through his RX drug plan. 3 months is all they will give him. All of my RX drugs come through the mail with my RX drug plan. That's all they will fill for me at one time, too. We will have to put our faith in God if it ever comes to the point where we can't get them at all.
On the other hand, I'm very well stocked on OTC med's for just about everything I can think of, my medicated eye drops and throat lozenges, too. I also have a good stock of antibiotics that Cary isn't allergic to.
Cary is still ordering books from the Jack Reacher series. He got 3 delivered, yesterday.
I went to WalMart for a few things, yesterday. Holy cow! Prices have *exploded*!! I didn't need much... and spent $180! Granted, there was 2 cases of beer there for hubby (his winter supply!), but a 30 ounce package of 8 o'clock whole bean coffee, which was $9 a couple months ago, was $14.58! I grabbed a couple cans of mixed nuts (up from 11.99 to $14.98)... hubby enjoys them for a snack in the evenings, and I try to get him his few "treats" while we still can.
Distilled water, for making colloidal silver, is up from $1.10 (formerly $.99) to $1.38.
I'm back to baking bread now that the weather has cooled, and at $4 to $6 a loaf, it's a good thing! I saw egg noodles for $2.38 a pound, and dry beans for $2.19! White sugar is over 70 cents... I've got it in storage marked between 32 and 38 cents a pound! I never paid more than 75 cents a pound for any of the dry beans I've got in the preps.
Even bigger problem... it seemed half the grocery shelves were empty! Almost no bacon... and the lowest price marked on the shelves was $8.99 a pound! Cheese has close to doubled.
I don't know how people are going to survive! We're still eating out of the gardens, with fresh strawberries (the ever bearers are producing well) and red raspberries, plus watermelon for fruit... apples are nearly ready to pick. We just finished cleaning and putting the last of the potatoes in the root cellar... I'm not sure yet the final yield, but I've got 2 bushels of seconds (scabby, misshapen or small) ones put aside to be cooked for chickens and hogs. If we were pinched for food, those could easily have been used for our own use... It reminded me of the year we harvested about 20 bushels of potatoes, with an additional 4 bushels of "culls"... some with superficial damage, some scab, or wire worm holes.
We sent them up to an Amish neighbor for his pigs... his wife took one look at them and confiscated them for the kitchen!
These days, our "culls" are much better quality than the ones they sell in the store as supposed "#1s"! I haven't yet found a single tuber with any inner defect this fall... quite an improvement over last year's crop.
This afternoon I'll be cleaning and bagging the storage onions, which have been curing on racks in the shade for a couple of weeks. Then I have to shell the beans for seed, and most of the harvest is finished.
We've got cabbage and Brussels Sprouts in the garden...we won't harvest them until after they get frosted... it sweetens them. And the broccoli is producing tasty side shoots, after a summer of me cutting off unusable stuff every week. I'm going to start broccoli and cauliflower around June 15th from now on, for a fall crop... summers have just been too hot and it's a waste trying any earlier.
I really feel for anyone who isn't prepped by now... it looks like it's getting ugly, fast!
Summerthyme
Distilled water, for making colloidal silver, is up from $1.10 (formerly $.99) to $1.38.
I'm back to baking bread now that the weather has cooled, and at $4 to $6 a loaf, it's a good thing! I saw egg noodles for $2.38 a pound, and dry beans for $2.19! White sugar is over 70 cents... I've got it in storage marked between 32 and 38 cents a pound! I never paid more than 75 cents a pound for any of the dry beans I've got in the preps.
Even bigger problem... it seemed half the grocery shelves were empty! Almost no bacon... and the lowest price marked on the shelves was $8.99 a pound! Cheese has close to doubled.
I don't know how people are going to survive! We're still eating out of the gardens, with fresh strawberries (the ever bearers are producing well) and red raspberries, plus watermelon for fruit... apples are nearly ready to pick. We just finished cleaning and putting the last of the potatoes in the root cellar... I'm not sure yet the final yield, but I've got 2 bushels of seconds (scabby, misshapen or small) ones put aside to be cooked for chickens and hogs. If we were pinched for food, those could easily have been used for our own use... It reminded me of the year we harvested about 20 bushels of potatoes, with an additional 4 bushels of "culls"... some with superficial damage, some scab, or wire worm holes.
We sent them up to an Amish neighbor for his pigs... his wife took one look at them and confiscated them for the kitchen!
These days, our "culls" are much better quality than the ones they sell in the store as supposed "#1s"! I haven't yet found a single tuber with any inner defect this fall... quite an improvement over last year's crop.
This afternoon I'll be cleaning and bagging the storage onions, which have been curing on racks in the shade for a couple of weeks. Then I have to shell the beans for seed, and most of the harvest is finished.
We've got cabbage and Brussels Sprouts in the garden...we won't harvest them until after they get frosted... it sweetens them. And the broccoli is producing tasty side shoots, after a summer of me cutting off unusable stuff every week. I'm going to start broccoli and cauliflower around June 15th from now on, for a fall crop... summers have just been too hot and it's a waste trying any earlier.
I really feel for anyone who isn't prepped by now... it looks like it's getting ugly, fast!
Summerthyme
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aviax2
Veteran Member
Life has been very busy the past several weeks and this old gal feels every bit of it! Dr. and Dentist appts. have been taken care of and had my mammogram done yesterday. I’m hoping for a good report on that, especially since I’m 6 months over due.
When I walked outside from the hospital yesterday I was really surprised at how hot it had gotten even though it was only around 10:30 am, summer needs to pay attention to the calendar and move on. We need rain too, it’s gotten very dry here.
Between all the running around, taking care of a sick granddaughter 3 days last week I haven’t gotten as far along with my decluttering and deep cleaning as I’d hope too. Ah well, the best laid plans of mice and women! But I have been getting a few things done most days, sometimes it’s small but at least I’m moving forward. I had all 3 grands on Monday since they were out for parent-teacher conferences so not much got done that day for sure, but I still enjoyed having them, the rascals.
I’ve used up several things from the fridge/pantry/freezer that needed using. I made a huge batch of meat sauce and turned it into four 8x8 pans of lasagna which each makes two meals for DH and I, we had one for supper that night and the rest for next days lunch and three for the freezer. Used up 2 big bags of shredded mozzarella minus what was needed for homemade pizza that we had for supper Monday night. And I used up some Pecorino Ramona cheese on both of those things, it was a tad or possibly a little more that a tad out of date but still yummy. Also had over a quart of meat sauce left so it’s waiting in the freezer until the next time I make spaghetti for the family.
Then there was a gallon of whole milk that had never been opened and I had misread the use by date by a couple of days. It was fine so I got some yogurt out of the freezer I saved from the last time I made yogurt and started a batch. Turned out really good, I mixed up a quart of it with half pint of cranberry salad from the freezer and a tiny bit of powdered sugar, yum it’s one of my favorite ways to flavor it. DH mixed up some with a 4 fruit jam and a bit of powdered sugar for himself. I’m out of sour cream so I’ll use the rest of the yogurt to replace that.
We all love cheese in my family, so that’s something that I try to keep stocked up on and watch for sales on. I managed to get the cheese drawer in the upstairs fridge inventoried with types, sizes and dates. Went down to the basement fridge and did the same, we are good to go for quite awhile on most cheese’s. I’ve been moving away from shredded cheese because the vac packed blocks and wedges hold up better for us and taste so much better. I was pleased to see I had another big wedge of pecorino down there and took it off my upcoming shopping list but did need to add a wedge of parm to the list. And while I was at it, I did a thorough job of inventorying everything else in that fridge with list in my notebook to help me track better.
I’ve also been going through the pantry a little at a time (I get too tired and overwhelmed otherwise) seeing what needs to be used, what needs to be replaced either from basement pantry or the store and trying to organize a bit better. I took my list down and set out some things that DH brought up and I got those in their places (checking dates to make sure we rotating better). As I notice things I need brought up, I add it to a new list for my next trip down to set those things aside.
Still so much that needs doing but I feel an even stronger urge than ever before to not only get the pantry sorted but the whole house. I have an haircut appt. this week and then maybe I can stay home, rest up some and buckle down and get things decluttered, clean, stocked, etc.
When I walked outside from the hospital yesterday I was really surprised at how hot it had gotten even though it was only around 10:30 am, summer needs to pay attention to the calendar and move on. We need rain too, it’s gotten very dry here.
Between all the running around, taking care of a sick granddaughter 3 days last week I haven’t gotten as far along with my decluttering and deep cleaning as I’d hope too. Ah well, the best laid plans of mice and women! But I have been getting a few things done most days, sometimes it’s small but at least I’m moving forward. I had all 3 grands on Monday since they were out for parent-teacher conferences so not much got done that day for sure, but I still enjoyed having them, the rascals.
I’ve used up several things from the fridge/pantry/freezer that needed using. I made a huge batch of meat sauce and turned it into four 8x8 pans of lasagna which each makes two meals for DH and I, we had one for supper that night and the rest for next days lunch and three for the freezer. Used up 2 big bags of shredded mozzarella minus what was needed for homemade pizza that we had for supper Monday night. And I used up some Pecorino Ramona cheese on both of those things, it was a tad or possibly a little more that a tad out of date but still yummy. Also had over a quart of meat sauce left so it’s waiting in the freezer until the next time I make spaghetti for the family.
Then there was a gallon of whole milk that had never been opened and I had misread the use by date by a couple of days. It was fine so I got some yogurt out of the freezer I saved from the last time I made yogurt and started a batch. Turned out really good, I mixed up a quart of it with half pint of cranberry salad from the freezer and a tiny bit of powdered sugar, yum it’s one of my favorite ways to flavor it. DH mixed up some with a 4 fruit jam and a bit of powdered sugar for himself. I’m out of sour cream so I’ll use the rest of the yogurt to replace that.
We all love cheese in my family, so that’s something that I try to keep stocked up on and watch for sales on. I managed to get the cheese drawer in the upstairs fridge inventoried with types, sizes and dates. Went down to the basement fridge and did the same, we are good to go for quite awhile on most cheese’s. I’ve been moving away from shredded cheese because the vac packed blocks and wedges hold up better for us and taste so much better. I was pleased to see I had another big wedge of pecorino down there and took it off my upcoming shopping list but did need to add a wedge of parm to the list. And while I was at it, I did a thorough job of inventorying everything else in that fridge with list in my notebook to help me track better.
I’ve also been going through the pantry a little at a time (I get too tired and overwhelmed otherwise) seeing what needs to be used, what needs to be replaced either from basement pantry or the store and trying to organize a bit better. I took my list down and set out some things that DH brought up and I got those in their places (checking dates to make sure we rotating better). As I notice things I need brought up, I add it to a new list for my next trip down to set those things aside.
Still so much that needs doing but I feel an even stronger urge than ever before to not only get the pantry sorted but the whole house. I have an haircut appt. this week and then maybe I can stay home, rest up some and buckle down and get things decluttered, clean, stocked, etc.
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SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
It's really getting ugly for us, because we are totally dependent, almost, on the grocery store. What we managed to grow in our gardens and put up this year is but a drop in the bucket to our overall food storage. We are on fixed incomes, but the prices keep going up and up and up. Heaven forbid, we ever have to start using money from our savings just to buy groceries! We do have a plan in place that if we have the ability to see something major coming down the pipe that's a game changer, we will hitch the trailer to the SUV and make our way to Sam's to load it down. That would be the only way we would use savings money, hopefully.
We're getting by right now just replacing what we use for the most part, but it's getting harder and harder to do with the skyrocketing prices.
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I'm getting the urge to stock up on heating supplies. And keep the pantry and freezers as full as possible. I'm really getting good deals from the Naturally A Deal site on things that are safe for both son and myself.
I had to physically go into one of the local Walmarts last week. That was eye opening. There was a whole bunch of empty space. Definitely glad that we don't tend to eat from the "center" of the store. Even happier that I've been doing bulk buys and getting things refilled. We'd have problems going a year or more without some type of barter or refill. But we could do six months. Our taste buds would just have some adventures as things thinned down. And if things go that bad, I can tell you that I will start bartering and planning almost immediately. Town laws be damned. I will have meat on the hoof, claw, and paw available.
I'm using stevia and monk fruit sweeteners. But I've decided to get the versions that are pure extract to put back in the pantry for emergencies. After I have a good stock, I'll start rotating them. But there's no point in stocking the ones with extra ingredients long term.
I had to physically go into one of the local Walmarts last week. That was eye opening. There was a whole bunch of empty space. Definitely glad that we don't tend to eat from the "center" of the store. Even happier that I've been doing bulk buys and getting things refilled. We'd have problems going a year or more without some type of barter or refill. But we could do six months. Our taste buds would just have some adventures as things thinned down. And if things go that bad, I can tell you that I will start bartering and planning almost immediately. Town laws be damned. I will have meat on the hoof, claw, and paw available.
I'm using stevia and monk fruit sweeteners. But I've decided to get the versions that are pure extract to put back in the pantry for emergencies. After I have a good stock, I'll start rotating them. But there's no point in stocking the ones with extra ingredients long term.
Right now I get my books from library but am thinking I'd like to order some paperbacks. I mostly read mysteries but like most genres.
A regional grocery has sale on meat over weekend. Hope to stock up on some beef and a few other sale items they have.
You reminded me I need more aspirin too.
We are still in 90's here so will grill out the next couple of days. I am making potato salad.
A regional grocery has sale on meat over weekend. Hope to stock up on some beef and a few other sale items they have.
You reminded me I need more aspirin too.
We are still in 90's here so will grill out the next couple of days. I am making potato salad.
patriotgal
Veteran Member
Taking stuff to auction. Barely room to get in door! Looks like people are selling stuff off. Taking a load of furniture and dishes this trip.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
I forgot that our Daisy Mae gifted us with two eggs. DH thinks one is from yesterday. I'm saving them for DH's breakfast tomorrow. I asked him if he thanked her for them and he said yes.
I did get started in the kitchen, resting my back right now. I put a towel on a broom with a rubber band around it to try to get some of the dust that has accumulated on the ceiling around the ceiling fan. I just realized it was that way the other day. Because of my shoulders and arms (both sides) I can't hold my arms up very long at a time, so I will have to do it a little at a time. I turned the fan completely off and its in bad shape too.
I did get started in the kitchen, resting my back right now. I put a towel on a broom with a rubber band around it to try to get some of the dust that has accumulated on the ceiling around the ceiling fan. I just realized it was that way the other day. Because of my shoulders and arms (both sides) I can't hold my arms up very long at a time, so I will have to do it a little at a time. I turned the fan completely off and its in bad shape too.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I'm glad I found the new grocery store as far as meat is concerned. My shopping trip on Monday will take us there first to load up on ground beef. It was pork last time. I can get ground beef there for a little over $3/lb, whereas at Walmart, it's almost $6/lb.
Between Cary and myself, we have built up quite a library of books. We both wanted a huge variety of books to have on hand if everything goes down the tube. We love to read. I'm trying to talk Cary into building another bookcase, but so far, no luck with that. He just keeps adding more books!
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Cary is my ceiling sweeper and fan duster, LOL. I have rotator cuff issues in both shoulders, and I can't hold my arms up very long, either. Not over my head, anyway.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Besides all of Cary's Bible study and reference books, plus several different Bibles, he likes murder/mystery with a bit of SciFi mixed in. I'm the romance person with a bit of suspense thriller and SciFi mixed in. I also have a lot of medical books.
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I have thinned out my physical books over the years. I'm planning to do it again. I think that this time the deciding factor will be "would I read this if I lost access to all other forms of books". Followed by, for some, would the knowledge in here be useful if no other books are available. (A lot of craft books nowadays only have plans using pre-made bases.)
John Deere Girl
Veteran Member
I totally agree on the grocery prices! I thought DH was going to stroke out when we actually went in Walmart to grab a few things. We produce a lot of what we eat, but our grocery bill is still so high. I don't know how people are making it.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
We're in the process of weeding out older books that we probably will never read again, too. It's a slow process, though. I need empty space for newer books, since I can't talk Cary into building another bookcase. I have room in our bedroom for a large bookcase if I moved the small one out. ATM, he is stacking all of the new books he keeps ordering in the bedroom floor!
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
I'm with CaryC on his taste in reading except Scifi, not into that much at all. I had about a hundred boxes of books stored in my camper, all of which are trash since the roof collapsed. I have book shelves in the she shed and book shelves in the cabin. These are in addition to the two walls of shelves here in my office. Then there are the books that are stacked on the floor. And I have a book case in the living room with my Bibles and reference. In the front room have two book cases filled with cook books. A few years ago I took more cookbooks than what I have left to my oldest son. No clue if he ever looked through them, but at least I don't have deal with them. I had books out in the bus but they were trashed by roaches.
I, too, look at them with "would I read them if there was nothing else to read". There are quite a few that fall in that category. Years ago I switched to paperback for most fiction, much easier to hold to read in bed. Now I read a lot on kindle because even the paper backs have gotten heavy for my hands.
I, too, look at them with "would I read them if there was nothing else to read". There are quite a few that fall in that category. Years ago I switched to paperback for most fiction, much easier to hold to read in bed. Now I read a lot on kindle because even the paper backs have gotten heavy for my hands.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
I'm not quite so shocked about the grocery prices but I do see them going up. Although I was shocked when the price of my bread went up more than a dollar. I bought a loaf anyway. And the coconut oil I use has gone up 50%. I was in walmart just a couple of days ago and didn't notice empty shelves. I was doing a pick up so I didn't go down all the isles. I did notice that all the beauty products were in a more secure area than usual.
I told DH this morning that I couldn't get all the way back on my diet until I got the kitchen clean. He laughed, but I have to last laugh, its almost done. Although he may not be happy that I took all the pans and stuff he uses to process out of the kitchen and dropped them in a rain barrel out side. That was part of the mess in the kitchen. I've got a package of venison simmering with a package of shredded cabbage for dinner. This is on my diet and I have not eaten off today, so there.
I told DH this morning that I couldn't get all the way back on my diet until I got the kitchen clean. He laughed, but I have to last laugh, its almost done. Although he may not be happy that I took all the pans and stuff he uses to process out of the kitchen and dropped them in a rain barrel out side. That was part of the mess in the kitchen. I've got a package of venison simmering with a package of shredded cabbage for dinner. This is on my diet and I have not eaten off today, so there.
paxsim2
Senior Member
I have been strongly urged to get ahead of things for winter. Starting with laundering blankets and cold weather clothes. I've lost 25 lbs and I want to get the next 10 off. I've lost 2 sizes so new undies are on the list. Worse comes to worse I can revamp the big ones to fit! Lol
Made a quick run to the store. I am doing a points app and only buy the things I will use for storage or dinner. I use my points Walmart gift cards. So far I've cashed out for 50 dollars worth of gcs.
We are finally getting zucchini and yellow squash. We are having to hand pollinate though but we're getting good results. Dh built a cold frame over the weekend over one of the raised beds. I'm getting ready to dehydrate banana peppers I have a bumper crop this year. Tonight I'll deal with the strawberry starts and pull the okra. Best garden in a couple of years thanks to dh.
Prayers for all of you! Ioujc I'm praying for a peaceful move to Florida and a good home for your dear pup. May God's grace and abundance be a comfort to you.
Made a quick run to the store. I am doing a points app and only buy the things I will use for storage or dinner. I use my points Walmart gift cards. So far I've cashed out for 50 dollars worth of gcs.
We are finally getting zucchini and yellow squash. We are having to hand pollinate though but we're getting good results. Dh built a cold frame over the weekend over one of the raised beds. I'm getting ready to dehydrate banana peppers I have a bumper crop this year. Tonight I'll deal with the strawberry starts and pull the okra. Best garden in a couple of years thanks to dh.
Prayers for all of you! Ioujc I'm praying for a peaceful move to Florida and a good home for your dear pup. May God's grace and abundance be a comfort to you.
A few comments -- by fluke I found out a way to get ahead on RX. I changed plans. I'd received a 90 supply in December under the old plan and ordered 90-day supply under the new plan right after January 1. I'd assumed that they would not fill it for 90 days, but I got it right away. I've done this twice. I changed plans a third time but didn't change pharmacy so they didn't refill it. Thinking back, I think they would fill it had if I'd told them the insurance company would approve. I did not change plans for this, it was as I said a fluke.
If/when it becomes necessary to live from our pantries, we would be wise to start immediately with frugal meals. Have a special meal and dessert occasionally along the way but in general keep things frugal. When I was growing up, meals through the week were mundane and Sunday was a special meal including a dessert and rolls. Maybe a chicken or a beef roast. Meals for the next few days would be made from the leftovers. Come to think of it, Sundays were treated as a special day with best clothes for church and Sunday school and then home or to grandparents for a special meal. Usually that was also a day for visitors, and I was blessed to meet my great-aunts (uncles were around but I don't remember them!) regularly at my grandparents. We usually went to church with grandparents and then home with them. My parents would usually show up in time to eat.
Currently when I make salmon patties, I make 4 from one can plus ingredients. When we were a family of 5 or 6, the patties were smaller so we each had one...more crackers and another egg.
Jello can be a good stretcher with a can of fruit added. My mom used to make lemon Jello with shredded carrots and crushed pineapple. My grandmothers was cherry Jello plus a can of fruit cocktail. Cookbooks from the 50's are loaded with Jello recipes.
Adding an extra amount of pasta or rice to a casserole and using less meat will never be noticed. Chili gets an extra can of beans and again never noticed.
My mother used to make a mix similar to meat loaf for hamburger patties to stretch it for our family. They were very good, but she stopped doing that when dad's income improved so I don't recall exactly what she added. Using the "correct" size for a serving of meat it is the size of a deck of cards -- something else to remember.
As far as dipping into savings for food, that might not be a bad idea because with prices continuing to go up so fast, it would actually save you money. I'm talking about stocking your pantry now, not on a weekly basis.
I buy most of my books from the Friends of the Library bookstore or one of their semi-annual sales. Lately I've been reading cozy mysteries. If I read a romance or mystery that I really enjoy, I keep the book because I know I'll enjoy reading it again in a year or so. I have a shelf of sewing books, two shelves of Bibles and Bible related books another of books on frugal living and more cookbooks than ten people need. Lately, I've been thinking of what to keep and what to get rid of when I have to downsize regarding books especially cookbooks. I know I'll be keeping Betty Crocker and Better Homes and Garden circa 1960, several church/organizations cookbooks and then copying recipes from books where I only use one or two recipes. Paperbacks I take across the street to the senior apartments and share with my sister. However, my sister usually brings me as many as I give her!! Besides the stacks of books in the bedroom and guest room, I have several totes full. I also have numerous decks of cards. I thought most were new, but when investigating I discovered most are not, so I plan to add a couple new decks to my preps. I have checkers and board and card games but no one to play them with, but I still hang on to them because one never knows.
If/when it becomes necessary to live from our pantries, we would be wise to start immediately with frugal meals. Have a special meal and dessert occasionally along the way but in general keep things frugal. When I was growing up, meals through the week were mundane and Sunday was a special meal including a dessert and rolls. Maybe a chicken or a beef roast. Meals for the next few days would be made from the leftovers. Come to think of it, Sundays were treated as a special day with best clothes for church and Sunday school and then home or to grandparents for a special meal. Usually that was also a day for visitors, and I was blessed to meet my great-aunts (uncles were around but I don't remember them!) regularly at my grandparents. We usually went to church with grandparents and then home with them. My parents would usually show up in time to eat.
Currently when I make salmon patties, I make 4 from one can plus ingredients. When we were a family of 5 or 6, the patties were smaller so we each had one...more crackers and another egg.
Jello can be a good stretcher with a can of fruit added. My mom used to make lemon Jello with shredded carrots and crushed pineapple. My grandmothers was cherry Jello plus a can of fruit cocktail. Cookbooks from the 50's are loaded with Jello recipes.
Adding an extra amount of pasta or rice to a casserole and using less meat will never be noticed. Chili gets an extra can of beans and again never noticed.
My mother used to make a mix similar to meat loaf for hamburger patties to stretch it for our family. They were very good, but she stopped doing that when dad's income improved so I don't recall exactly what she added. Using the "correct" size for a serving of meat it is the size of a deck of cards -- something else to remember.
As far as dipping into savings for food, that might not be a bad idea because with prices continuing to go up so fast, it would actually save you money. I'm talking about stocking your pantry now, not on a weekly basis.
I buy most of my books from the Friends of the Library bookstore or one of their semi-annual sales. Lately I've been reading cozy mysteries. If I read a romance or mystery that I really enjoy, I keep the book because I know I'll enjoy reading it again in a year or so. I have a shelf of sewing books, two shelves of Bibles and Bible related books another of books on frugal living and more cookbooks than ten people need. Lately, I've been thinking of what to keep and what to get rid of when I have to downsize regarding books especially cookbooks. I know I'll be keeping Betty Crocker and Better Homes and Garden circa 1960, several church/organizations cookbooks and then copying recipes from books where I only use one or two recipes. Paperbacks I take across the street to the senior apartments and share with my sister. However, my sister usually brings me as many as I give her!! Besides the stacks of books in the bedroom and guest room, I have several totes full. I also have numerous decks of cards. I thought most were new, but when investigating I discovered most are not, so I plan to add a couple new decks to my preps. I have checkers and board and card games but no one to play them with, but I still hang on to them because one never knows.