First, I want to say what you probably already know... Preparedness is a lifestyle, not an event. It's a decision to live prepared on an ongoing basis. It would be so American of us to believe we can just go out and purchase a preparedness "kit" and be done, wouldn't it? Yeah, I'd get it, too, but it just isn't that simple, is it?
Food stores will need to be used and rotated, water will need to be replaced, medications will expire, and wood will be burned up each winter. Things will constantly need to be replenished and procured.
Second, by getting into the habit of preparing, we will have less gaps over time, be able to take advantage of good sales, and at least have the basics tucked away to hold our own for a period of time. And while help may or may not come, having at least a few weeks worth of food (at the minimum) can make a huge difference!
I just happened to catch an episode of Glenn Beck this week where he listed a few things we could do to be proactive for the coming collapse (at least I believe that's how he put it). What caught my attention the most? When he mentioned that during a crisis where food, water, and shelter are absent, fear sets in and people don't make rational decisions. However, if they have just these three basic things, they are able to remain somewhat calm and make better decisions. By being prepared, you're giving yourself time to think clearly in a crisis situation. And that could be life saving!
Third, I received an email from a friend who is a missionary in Japan. To get a realistic non-news story idea of what it's like there, I thought I'd share some portions of their letter...
"The team's location... is approximately an hour and half drive north of Tokyo.... the whole northeastern region of Japan... is without any means of heat for their homes or for food preparation. Many of the oil refineries in Northern Japan have been shut down since the earthquake making propane, butane, and kerosene unavailable. Gasoline rationing has also begun in many cities. As a result, everyday supplies are in want due to the disruption of normal delivery of goods and damaged roads... they do not have internet access... they do have cell phone service there thankfully."
Perhaps here this information from someone on the ground will help you this week as you think through your own preparations for an emergency situation.
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Finally, on another note, I had a reader ask a great question this week regarding preparedness. Basically, she wanted to know if I had $100 and was just starting to get prepared, what would I use that money on? This particular reader had some limitations on her $100 because it was in the form of a gift card from a certain retailer, but it got me to thinking... where would I begin if I had $100?
While I feel that having a minimum of 3 months of food is crucial, I would rather build this up by picking up a few extra items each time I go to the grocery store. In fact, one thing you might consider doing this week is to purchase enough ingredients to make two of the same meal instead of just enough to make one. For example, if you're going to make spaghetti, pick up an extra jar of sauce, an extra package of pasta, and anything else you might need. Cook one and add the other to your food storage.
But back to the $100. It's not that often that we have a large chunk of change to spend on a single item. What would you use it on?
My top pick would be to purchase something that I could use now and in the event of a crisis...
• A garden is a fabulous way to be prepared long term, especially if you work toward year 'round growing of produce. What tools do you need to get that going? I recently purchased a non-gas powered tiller to help me work in the garden. This can be used now and even if I can't afford gas or it isn't available. (And there is little to go wrong with it!) Other items could include a cold frame, seed house, or mini greenhouse for extending the harvest.
• Do you have a water bath canner or a pressure canner? I think either of these would be an excellent preparedness choice.
• How about a proper set of knives (dont' forget the hunting knife) and a honing steel? I've used dull knives for way to long and it's amazing how much more efficiently I can work when I have a proper edge on my knives!
• A rain barrel would be great for additional water storage. You can use it right away for watering pot plants or for cleaning in an emergency.
• Having a library of books to help you plan and prepare now or in the event of an electrical outage is a great idea. Reading what others have learned over the years might save you a ton of money and headache in the long run!
• Consider purchasing an extra large gas can for extra gas (instead of the small kind that holds only 2 gallons), a couple of back up propane tanks for a cook stove, or some extra firewood!
There are a lot more ideas out there, but these should get you started if you find yourself in a similar situation. And be sure to read through some of my posts on Preparedness (see right sidebar).
How I Prepared This Week!
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| Wilderness Family Naturals |
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| The Sprout People |
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| The Sprout People |
This challenge is sooo good for me! It has me thinking all week on what I'm going to do for the next challenge and that's exactly what I needed to keep me moving on it! How's it working for you?
Want to share what you did this week to meet the Preparedness Challenge? No requirements, just finish the sentence below and leave a comment or write a post and connect up with the Linky below! (Don't forget to add the picture above!)...
"This week, for the Preparedness Challenge, I _____________________..."
I going to close with this thought from Michelle at Give A Girl A Fig. She wrote on her preparedness challenge this week, "We're not fretting or frantic here. Just acting on that sense of 'calm urgency'.
Great post...I am working on getting necessities stocked up, we never know when a disaster will come our way. I don't know anything about a non-gas powered tiller but there is another alternative. Last year was my first to plant a Lasagna Garden, no tilling required. I will be posting all about it soon on my blog.
ReplyDeleteFor this weeks preparedness challenge I got my rain barrel set up and finished my garden. I also read up on food storage and am working on making a plan for that. Thanks Amy, I love this challenge!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I have been thinking about this for sometime now. I just noticed this post and thought I would share what we have done so far. We were very blessed this year in that we didn't owe Uncle Sam, it was actually the other way around. After paying off a few bills we took the remaining funds and went to Gander Mountain. They had all of their camping equipment on clearance and we took advantage of it! We bought a sanitizer pen for water with extra filters, collapsible water storage, MREs and a three burner camping stove. We then went to a local Amish store where they sell spices and dry goods in bulk. We bought anything from steel cut oats to potato flakes to chicken bullion! I know not everyone has a store like this around them, but you could pickup many similar things at a Costco, Sam's Club or BJ's. I hope this post helps many folks. It's always better to be proactive than reactive.
ReplyDeleteThis week I added a few more pieces of winter clothes to my son's stash for NEXT winter.
ReplyDeleteI also 4 lbs of coffee to the food stores. Based on what I read from the Depression and WWII rationing, coffee was almost as precious as gold. It may come in handy for bartering one day?
I also scheduled a physical; if I'm not in good health, what good am I to anyone???
Last, I started putting together a notebook of the basic food storage recipes that I use/want to use on a regular basis.
Oh no, I haven't got my post up!
ReplyDeleteThis week, for the preparedness challenge, I added more water to our stockpile and researched the Berkey more.
Can't wait to see everyone's great ideas! Thanks for hosting, Amy! :)
Jaime @ Like a Bubbling Brook
I planted some more cool weather things in my garden, and bought a few dark glass jars for holding medicinal herbs/preparations.
ReplyDeleteDuring our last ice storm I used a small folding camp stove over a can of 'sterno' sitting on my stovetop, and it worked very well. I didn't have to break out the propane and larger stoves I have. (correct -stoves plural)
Would you do a post on preparing a 'go' bag -"bug-out" bag (goes by many names)? I've got one, but I'm not happy with it. It's only medium sized, because I can only carry so much weight. By the time I put some of the 'survival' items in, there wasn't room for food or a change of clothes. I think I need to re-organize.
I live in Western Washington State where every crisis overwhelms the phone systems. We have chosen to put an old fashioned CB radio into our car. We have not yet chosen one for the house. It is spring and all extra money is going into the garden rather than electronics. Something we need to refresh ourselves on is where we will leave a message for each other if we should happen to not be together if disaster strikes. Two family members are getting or have their shortwave radio licenses. If the internet goes down it would be good to be able to get information from somewhere.
ReplyDeleteVery interested in the "bob" bag. As former hikers we are familiar with the 10 essentials but I imagine it is different for a bob bag. Where would we start? Is there something like the 10 essentials for a bob bag?
This week I took advantage of the BOGO deals at my local Publix. I picked up boxes of two different types of pasta and two different kinds of beans. I also got two boxes of bouillion cubes to flavor said beans if need be.
ReplyDeleteSo many people have mentioned mylar bags for rice. Is there a reason I can't just store it in glass jars?
My other question is this: Plastic over time can (and generally does) leech chemicals into the liquid its storing. As such, I don't want to use gallon milk jugs or the like to store water. What suggestions do you have without breaking the bank?
My preparedness is based more on weather events than a "coming collapse" (which I don't necessarily believe but am not trying to debate). We live an hour from the Big Bend area of the Florida gulf coast. Sometimes hurricane come through here though not often.
"This week, for the Preparedness Challenge, I got 50 pds of lime, 50 pds of Baking Soda, 100 pds of Tailored Pasture seed, more seed orders came in, have my maple taps in and buckets on, Added in some basic medical supplies, planted out more seeds into the greenhouse, and cold frames."
ReplyDelete"This week, for the Preparedness Challenge, I Bought another #50 bag of rice and a #20 bag of beans"
ReplyDeleteSince most of us know rice is going to go up in price I bought another bag of rice and beans yesterday to add to my storage. I try to buy a #50 bag every time I go to Sam's club.
We also made another batch of soap at the beginning of the week. One batch made around 17 4 oz bars I believe. I plan on getting a few more things this weekend such as more first aid supplies and matches,lighters etc. Next on my list of to do's is to take some extra and old candle wax I have laying around and make my own candles and emergency candles. I bought new wicks. Its fun,easy,cheap, and I'm recycling :0)
Amy,
ReplyDeleteI use coconut oil for my thyroid condition, about a tsp. a day. I also use it in my cooking... I was just wondering what else you might use yours for?
Carissa
I like being prepared in these days of uncertainty. Just as a point of interest in your topic, if you like solar type items that can help you, check out the use of Fresnel lenses and parabolic mirrors at:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.greenpowerscience.com/
The Fresnel lenses are in every rear projection TV and are easily removed for your use. They are being thrown out every day, but the lenses are available on-line for $160! That's crazy when you can pick one up at the curb. I got one a couple of weeks ago from a rear projection TV that was being thrown out. I'm sure the owners had no idea what the TV contained inside, but I did. So I got it. In the end, I now have a linear Fresnel lens, and three very powerful magnifying lenses. I am not affiliated in any way with the website I identify above. I have to say that they are amazing, though. You can fry hamburgers, cook eggs, make a grilled cheese sandwich, boil water and more using a Frensel lens and solar power. It is like a best kept secret. I hope you check it out.
This week, for the Challenge, I picked up extras for my first aid kit, bred my rabbits and took inventory of my food storage so I know what to concentrate on in the garden.
ReplyDeleteDoes putting a couple gallons of water in the freezer count? I have been using up my freezer food and heard that keeping the freezer full keeps the energy cost down. As I refill the freezer I just thaw the jugs of water in the fridge and use them.
I worked on putting together a large first aid kit. It is all ready and sitting in storage. I also put bottled water in storage. Today I will be working on getting gardening things together. I will plant some vegetables and herbs. I also plan to go through our camping supplies to see what we have.
ReplyDeleteI decluttered and organized the pantry to know exactly what is in there. Also made a new batch of soap (recently also ordered a gallon of coconut oil and more soapmaking supplies). Used recycled baby food jars to make small emergency candles for our 72 hour kits I plan to make soon. Also put another set of filters for our Berkey Light on my shopping order with the co-op.
ReplyDeleteThis week we planned out the garden more, started seeds (which i am not so confident they will grow) and ordered our rain barrel kits.
ReplyDeletei would love to know more "prepared on a dime" tips. we are just starting out in so many ways and it is hard to have any extra to "play" with. Part of why I am doing the challenge is to get further on our self sufficiency journey, but i am finding that it is hard to get there with very little pocket money!
i also have same question as above about rice/grain storage in plastic vs glass vs mylar vs giant tupperware tubs etc
and thanks andrea also above for reminding me to get to a dr!!
Same question as some others about the rice/beans being stored in glass jars. I have access to lots of free gallon size glass jars with metal lids. I have been getting them to store rice/flour/sugar/beans/ in and was wondering if this was an okay way to go. I see that a lot of people are storing in plastic buckets with lids. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteSarah
This week, for the Preparedness Challenge, I _____________________..."
ReplyDeleteTook inventory of my food pantry (converted extra bedroom)and since canning season is just around the corner planned April menus to use more of last year's canned foods...as I use a jar I fill with water and process. We're in a bit of a *weather crisis* here in N. California (flooding)and I'm rather pleased with how prepared we are. Because of some flooding, hail and a couple mini-tornados I have stayed hunkered down here at the ranch and not ventured out. I have everything we need: the family (8 adults and 3 kids)have been fed and kept warm because I'm prepared. I have also made copious notes on what changes I need to make to be better prepared: one is better control over my free-range chickens (the storms have terrified them)so, when the weather clears the first thing on my list will be to enlarge the fenced area from 600 sq ft (where their coop is)to include the whole orchard: three acres. I need to grow MORE of their feed, too.
I bought more filters for my Seychelle water pitcher (one of the best at filtering out contaminates that I've found) and started my peppers, tomatoes and eggplants for my garden. Planting time is Memorial day here. Added more items to our first aid kit. I'm making baked beans today and will can them up.
ReplyDelete"This week, for the Preparedness Challenge, I research a Hugelbeet, prepared one and planted it with seeds I had started inside. I also bought more seeds for the fall to have on hand after the squelching hot summer days of TEXAS are over (that's thinking ahead,huh? We're talking mid September!)
ReplyDeleteI made a list of foods that are in the freezer and pantry NOW that need to be eaten and made some menus to use this up to make room for our present garden bounty.
I've research 'rain water' capturing and storing and usage.
I discovered... I'M NOT AS PREPARED AS I THOUGHT I WAS!
We have been working on planting part of our vegetable garden. There is so much I need to do to become more prepared...I am just starting out and appreciate the advice for newbies.
ReplyDeleteSo many of these skills mentioned for preparedness (like soapmaking, canning, food storage, etc.) can be easily learned by visiting a 19th cen. or earlier living history farm/museum. There are several here in NC that feature real living history interpreters who do EVERYTHING (cooking, cleaning, chores, growing crops, making basic necessities like candles, soap, etc., raising animals, etc.) exactly as it was done during the time period they are interpreting. Very authentic and educational. You can also glean this wisdom through old texts, letters, daybooks and diaries. History has so much to teach us....
This week I added more lentils, rice and dry beans to my food stash. We've also built two more cold frames and have started planting our garden.
ReplyDeleteThis week, for the Preparedness Challenge, I picked up a 25 lb bag of black beans, a 25 lb bag of popcorn (also, good for grinding and making corncakes), 12 lbs of Real Salt, and 2 cans of pumpkin. I, also, cleaned out closets. I started putting some things together in a bucket for a Grab n' Go type of bag. In cleaning out the bathroom cabinets, I found the small trial-sized shampoos, conditioner & liquid soap to go in that bucket. I took stock of my first-aid basket, made a list of what I could use and purchased band-aids for the kids. Superheros. Hey, those Superhero band-aid always seem to ease the "ouchies" for my boys.:-)
ReplyDeleteI sent in my 6 month order today for organic dry goods. I like to send an order in the spring and fall when things aren't so busy for me. Started all of my seeds for my summer garden. Cleaned out my freezer so it will be all clean and ready when the produce from the garden is ready for storage. We bought a couple extra organic chickens at the market this week. Plan to do so for the next few weeks so I can have a good supply on hand.
ReplyDeleteThis week I came across ramen soups, 6/$1 at the Dollar Tree as well as canned vienna sausages, 2/$1. I bough two of each. I am also going to go to The Nugget (grocery store) tomorrow and pick up 6 Crystal Geyser waters, 2/$1. It's small steps...but they make me feel accomplished and as if I'm making progress. Next up...the first aid kit. (I want to put my own together..)
ReplyDeleteThis week I canned 25 pints of Boston baked beans, and scooped up bargain priced 2x6x8 cedar boards and 4x6 cedar posts to make an enclosed area for raised garden beds.
ReplyDelete.. forgot to mention I drew out a design for the enclosed garden and made a list of needed supplies.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog the encouragement to go back to the land, a simpler lifestyle, composting and so on. I have a few questions though.
ReplyDelete1. In an earthquake and tusnami like Japan, the roof collapsed or everything is washed away ? In essence I am asking what would you do if you cannot access your food storage ?
2. Would 'being prepared' give people a false sense of security ? If for instance people who live near the coast are asked to evacuate to higher ground would this sort of being prepared help or hinder ?
3. My next question is asked out of genuine curiosity. What are you preparing against ? Natural disaster ? Or some calamity when you think anarchy will reign ? I am ok with preparing for natural calamities. When do you know if your beliefs have crossed into paranoia ? I am asking because you quoted Glenn Beck. I used to like him before he crossed into paranoia territory for me. I do hope I do not come across as disrespectful. It is not my intent to offend.
my comment on the comments:
ReplyDeleteThe best advice the food storage people stress over and over is "rotate and eat out of your food storage!" If you won't eat it now, you won't want to eat it then.
That would also seem to help with the question of storing in plastic containers, since nothing would stay in those containers long enough to become questionable.
Seed sprouting...duh! It takes all of us to come up with the good ideas!
After I read your post Amy, I went right to The Spout People site (huge!), and among the good things there, I realized so many of the grains and beans I'm storing can be sprouted. Fresh greens if you're stuck inside, fresh greens in the winter!!
For the Challenge this week, our family has planted a few more veggie seeds in the basement "nursery" and completed our seed ordering online (this year I'm really concentrating on seed saving). We've ordered another non-electric light source (Aladdin #23 kerosene lamp) and ordered our meat chickens to arrive the first week of May (a batch of 25 Cornish x and 25 of a Heritage breed). Our early spring bill tends to be higher in preparation for summer gardening and raising meat animals so I try and put monies aside during the year for these one-time-a-year expenditures.
ReplyDeleteThese are exciting times!
Wonderful questions!! I am only afraid I'll miss answering some of them, but I'll try to be thorough. Let me point out first that many of your questions are answered in my posts under "Preparedness" and you'll find the link in the right sidebar under "Topic Index".
ReplyDeleteLet me state that I prep for a bunch of different reasons, not just one. Life is full of unexpected surprises, from natural disasters to man-made. And the man-made variety come in the form of things as simple as loss of a job to total economic collapse. Do I think we're headed for a total collapse? Well, it's certainly POSSIBLE that it could happen, and the fact that we are so fragile at the moment economically would make it seem like it COULD happen, but the I think of the fact that every country is linked to ours in some way. It seems to me that is we go down, they all do. Do I think God would ever allow that to happen? Yes. He clearly allowed Israel to go through some super tough situations including losing the Promised Land for generations because of their sinfulness. Am I frightened about it? No. God is in control, not me, and I believe He can cause all things to work for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Do I think He wants me doing nothing? No. I've discussed that one a lot and for sake of space, I want to answer a couple of more questions. (I'll have to do that in a second comment so I don't run out of room here.)
Grains, rice, beans in jars... fine for short term. Not so good for long term. Contrary to what a lot of people may say, they don't last forever. We just used some Spelt this week (ground it up fresh and made biscuits) and it had become rancid. I had put it in buckets, but not sealed in mylar bags - the Spelt was probably 3 years old. Not harmful, but not tasty - well, the kids loved it; my husband and I could tell right off it was rancid. If you do store in jars, you might use a vacuum sealer, but it won't last as long as mylar bags with oxygen absorbers.
ReplyDeleteWater in plastic - obviously use food grade plastic ONLY. Other than that, just remind yourself that if the water is out for a week, you're better off having water with a bit of plastic leeching than no water at all. Not very comforting right now, but I can assure you that if you were in Japan this week, you wouldn't hesitate.
ReplyDeleteOne other possibility - if you have access to a water source such as a lake, river, stream, etc., if you have a stainless steel Berkey water filter, during a crisis you could haul water to your house, pour it in the Berkey, and in a couple of hours have fresh filtered water. The Red Cross uses these when they go into disaster areas; filters even e.coli if I remember correctly. I have a Berkey and I love it! The Stainless Steel keeps the water cool and clean tasting.
Anonymous asked - 1. In an earthquake and tusnami like Japan, the roof collapsed or everything is washed away ? In essence I am asking what would you do if you cannot access your food storage ?
ReplyDeleteMany suggest storing food in a second location. However, it is possible to lose it all. If everyone would prepare and include enough food for another family, then when someone was in need because they lost their food stores, they could help that family out for a period of time. It's called, sharing and being neighborly :-)
For short term, a bug-out-bag would hold you for approximately 72 hours or 3 days. I'll try to do a post on those soon.
2. Would 'being prepared' give people a false sense of security ? If for instance people who live near the coast are asked to evacuate to higher ground would this sort of being prepared help or hinder ?
That would depend on the individual. If yo're wise enough to store food, you'd better be wise enough to know when to get-out-of-Dodge if the situation is bad enough. Another reason for a B.O.B. like I mentioned above. We need to trust God and not our food stores. Our food stores are for if God allows us to use them or share them with others. If not, then we need to trust He will provide another way.
By the way, Glenn Beck is like a lot of other sources... right on some things and wrong on others. I think he made a valid point when he said prepared people give themselves time to think rationally in a crisis. That said, I've heard him say some things I don't agree with.
ReplyDeleteThis week, I bought extra beef stock and ordered an extra gallon of honey! Yay for progress!
ReplyDeleteThis week I made a stew in my cast iron dutch oven hubby got me for Christmas on my wood stove. It cooked better than a crock pot and I was surprised as I had never cooked anything but water on a wood stove before. I am trying to learn to use cast iron properly so when I get my cook stove I will be able to use it. Also unpacked the food I brought and still need to get the things I canned unpacked to take stock of them also. I am trying to find room to put all the food I have, not as much as I want but in a 23x23 apartment there is not a lot of storage room. Will have to get creative in finding places.
ReplyDeleteAdele
This week, for the Preparedness Challenge, I actually canned for the first time. It is funny how reluctant you are to try something for the first time. It is so true that the journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step! My first step was buying fruit that is in season to can or preserve. I would have loved to grow the strawberries myself, but I did not have enough time to plant seeds beforehand. I did buy strawberries that were grown local here in Florida so that eased my conscience somewhat. I have a Ball canning book that I was given by a friend of ours that is older but very practical. I do not think that I have all of the necessary supplies, but I moved ahead and improvised. My husband came into the kitchen and wanted to help and I said in my moment of kitchen madness that everything was going ok followed by "I got it"! I am sure many mom's can relate to this one. After all was said and done I completed the best tasting 8 pints of strawberry jam I have ever tasted! Hearing the lids "pop" made my heart sing with joy and a little Woo hoo I did it came out of my mouth in excitement! What a blessing! It amazed me even more that you can can food yourself and it can be stored away for future use. I think that this is a very practical invention and more women should at least learn the art of canning. I would like to finish getting the supplies I need for canning after improvising with tools to get the hot jars out of the hot water bath I realized how practical specialized canning tools really are! There are some things that should not be compromised. Having taken that first step I will can again and I would like to find the seasons for fruit and vegetables so that I can appropriately and preserve food for daily use in addition to storing for emergency supplies. I would encourage you to take that first step whether it is gardening or canning.
ReplyDeleteThis week I added an almond tree and a fig tree to my mini orchard. I've been working on preparedness for quite a while, but there is always more to do. Thanks for the challenge it keeps me motivated!
ReplyDeleteWhere did you get the Coconut oil???? And for how much? I've been looking because I want to make our own deodorant.
ReplyDeleteI love this challenge!! Last week I picked up our first food storage item--a 50 lb. bag of rice. Even when we ran out of our other stock, we were adamit to not open our new, big bag. I'll definitely be linking in regularly.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'd love to learn more about your homesteading group! I need to find one to become a part of!
This week I will, put money into a SHTF fund (20.00) and a debt pay off fund (SIGH, 20.00). I have already added 24 cans of olives to my stash and will add 24 tomorrow. I will also buy 1-2 bags of all purpose flour, and chocolate chips.
ReplyDeleteHello Amy, I love this challenge! I had no way to get to the library today. So I could not link up today (l am leaving this comment on my smart phone) I have been thinking on this all week, and I feel that prepping is a forgotten way. People lived from harvest to harvest and puting things up was a way of life. I just think its common sense.
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to comment on your lovely coops. I was amazed to see that your favorite coop is the same one I have in my dream farm scrap book, I love it and the roses are to die for!
Abby Jo@ Forgotten Way Farms home of homesteaddryingracks.com
Whew! Adele, that is small! But then again, our first place was 385 square feet. LIved there for 15 months. My mom said she never saw anyone creative use so little space to hold so much - and honestly, it didn't look crowded. But keep in mind we were newly weds! Hope you find a good home for all those things!
ReplyDeleteSomeone asked about coconut oil and what I use it for. Mostly cooking. I make my granola with it sometimes, light frying (I don't deep fry), and to saute some things. I put a tablespoon in smoothies sometimes. And I make my deodorant with it now. The more I use it the more I find good ideas for it. I'd love to hear how others use it, too.
ReplyDeleteI was so out of spending money this week that I'm ashamed to say I didn't do much of anything. I managed to troubleshoot my irrigation to my gardens, but I only have 1 tomato and one pepper to put in it. Pruning and cleaning up around the yard, starting a new compost piles... maybe the next owners will appreciate it. We're planning a big move soon, and I really can't get overly involved in a big garden this year.
ReplyDeleteI did blog, and it is about preparing. I am following my own advice, so I guess I am actually doing something. :) I would love it and be very happy if you would read it. :) http://therepresentatives.blogspot.com/2011/03/another-one-on-endangered-species-list.html
Still planning to buy some Tattler lids just as soon as possible. :D Blessings!
A colleague of mine committed suicide this week. We were in a hearing together on Tuesday afternoon, and he was gone on Thursday morning. As I processed shock and sadness this week, I quietly thought about the depths of my colleague's despair. I do not know if the despair he felt would be similar to that experienced by some in facing an economic or natural disaster in their lives, but I know that deepening, strengthening and tending to my relationship with God is an ever present part of my becoming better prepared for whatever the future holds. At least for me, in faith there is always hope.
ReplyDeleteLadies, thank you for your wonderful ideas...I read them with pen and paper in hand. Three comments: 1) I remember the Blue Law in Texas - nothing was open on Sunday. As the Israelites, we prepared for Sunday from clothes for church to the meal on the table. People don't have to think ahead anymore. 2) I prepared for Y2K the best that I could. I just knew that that was what God wanted me to do. Ended up we had a financial crisis and we lived on that food stuff for almost 3 months! 3)The most valuable experience for prepping for me has been the past six years as a living history presenter at Texas forts. I teach to school children "What it took to make a cookie." I learned all of this from scratch by doing it from scratch. If you have never really roughed it before, do so. The whole family needs to learn what to do if you are thrown back into the 1800's which a natural or manmade disaster can do rather quickly. And, lastly, this week I planted potatoes (for the first time), dried Yarrow that grows in our yard (flu buster, etc.), learned that we have saved enough at last for a hand pump :).
ReplyDeleteWe are continuing to pray for the people of Japan - what a scary situation for them all.
ReplyDeleteI am having fun deciding what to purchase for our winter garden & oohing & ahhing over fruit trees at the moment - my catalogue is well read already! I am so interested in hearing how your soap making goes - it's something I definitely want to try - in fact I think I'll watch my homestead blessings on the subject & write out all the ingredients so next time I go to the city (once a month) we can get them!
Have fun
Renata:)
This week I started my onion sets and planted a few more than I planned as well as added a couple more pepper plants. I also bought some more organic seeds for my garden. We will have peas, cucumbers, yellow squash, onions, potatoes, peppers, and lettuce in addition to the strawberries, raspberries, and rhubarb that are already there! I want to get dill yet for the pickles I plan to put up.
ReplyDeleteLast week I was in Washington DC, being one of the adults on my daughter's school trip. I decided to pick up some great books on history and important documents for us to study. In the event they cannot get to school, I still want them to learn!
This week my husband finished the chicken coop, and we moved in five laying hens. I'm looking forward to gathering eggs soon!
ReplyDeleteI am late in joining this challenge, but this past week I added 5 extra gallons of water to my food storage. Also added more rice, beans and pasta.
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