Here is a simple list for the storage today:
matches
candles(12)
bar soap(12)
peroxide(3)
toothbrushes(1 per person)
cotton swabs(you know Q-tips)
1 lb. dried item(such as lentils, pinto bean etc)
1 lb. rice
So that is the list, depending on where you shop or if you make your own soap, this list should be fairly inexpensive. Make sure that you put a date on each item 12-30-09 so that you know when you purchased it and rotate it. Please remember that you should not buy items that you and your family do not already eat. You also need to remember that these items should be stored in what I call an in house grocery store. Your storage is not something that you fill and never touch. No, it is something that is slowly being built up, while you use from it.
I believe that a problem for many people is not grasping the notion that we are not storing up goods to leave alone. I believe that one should be storing up goods to help one in a crisis, or something economically devastating, but use them. If I were regularly buying only for the week, this should change to buying for the week, while stockpiling items that you already use. If toothbrushes go on sale stock up(a toothbrush should last two-3 months, so don't over load on an item that you may only need 5 per person).
I pray that those who visit here understand that having storage to get one over a crisis is critical. I pray that those who stop by go to the store and buy a few extra items for the times ahead. We are crossing into uncharted territory(as many economic forecasters have stated) and therefore the comforts we find in our corner grocery may not be there as readily or as cheaply as we have grown accustomed to.
Happy New Year
Jen
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Alarming
DHS has done WHAT??? Here's a snippet:
I have news for you readers To Me This is Pretty Alarming News.
The Department of Homeland Security has placed an order for 200Go here to read Wizbang's take, or here, or here at Gun Reports.
million rounds of pistol ammunition (.40 caliber, hollow-point) over the next
five years for use by its Immigration, Customs and Enforcement
division.
I have news for you readers To Me This is Pretty Alarming News.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Prepping Humor From the Younger Preppers
One of my sons told me this today and I knew I needed to share it with the Preppers!
If the world ends in 2012, I would have spent my whole life in
school...lovely.
It is always important to get a broad perspective of any and all things that may occur, and the thoughts of fellow family members. Ironic that the fear in this above quote is non existent, and only an observation about what a waste something was. Perhaps we could take something from this little gem: Are we wasting our time on things that, if the world were to end are full of it? Now I am not suggesting that we give up hobbies or things that offer us a bit of relaxation. I am only thinking about the things that are absolutely zero for what life is about. Sometimes this makes me think about when we lived in Nevada, and folks would commute 100 miles(one way) to Las Vegas for the big paying jobs- every day. To me from the outside, that seems to be a waste. Is the money that great? Is the commute worth it on the vehicle? Is the commute worth it on the relationship one has with his or her spouse or children? To me I could never see that work out as a positive in my head, but I must remind you that my thoughts about what is wasteful are mine, please take this post as a time to assess things in your life based on your needs, wants and goals.
Happy New Year in case I don't see you all again until 2010~
Happy New Year in case I don't see you all again until 2010~
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Hurry Up and Wait
Is that how prepping has become as no serious crises has happened? Life is still awesome, job intact, and you spend like you always have?
What are you doing? Are you one who desperately needs a "high" to continue or do you appreciate that a life of a prepper is a lifestyle change. Living does not cease, nor does joy or happiness. No, the only thing that changes is that way you see things and the way you do things. Gone should be the conditioned spender that needs new all the time. Gone should be the conditioned spender that has no clue how to maintain anything. Gone should be the conditioned spender that has no idea how to make any food of substance from scratch. Gone should be the person who was properly molded into a consumer living a life based on a number. Gone should be the person who is living in a home only as a step to the bigger, better home in the best neighborhood. Gone should be the person that has no clue what contentment is.
Yes, I ended that paragraph with what has happened to all of us. In the frenzied path of accumulation we have lost our simple ways, our simple joy and peace in appreciating the real things in life. Capitalism is not this...but it has been converted to this bizarro interpretation...and then spun by the Left. When everything at your fingertips has been made in China, how can it be Capitalism that has gone awry?
I say it is time to hurry up and wait. If you can begin thinking about a move to a rural place near the work that you have. If you can, begin spending money on the one tangible thing out there~ land. Not over priced land that is in a hip locale...no, buy land that can be used and lived on. This will carry on for generations. Buy land that has water- that is a place that you can hurry up and wait.
Just my thoughts.
What are you doing? Are you one who desperately needs a "high" to continue or do you appreciate that a life of a prepper is a lifestyle change. Living does not cease, nor does joy or happiness. No, the only thing that changes is that way you see things and the way you do things. Gone should be the conditioned spender that needs new all the time. Gone should be the conditioned spender that has no clue how to maintain anything. Gone should be the conditioned spender that has no idea how to make any food of substance from scratch. Gone should be the person who was properly molded into a consumer living a life based on a number. Gone should be the person who is living in a home only as a step to the bigger, better home in the best neighborhood. Gone should be the person that has no clue what contentment is.
Yes, I ended that paragraph with what has happened to all of us. In the frenzied path of accumulation we have lost our simple ways, our simple joy and peace in appreciating the real things in life. Capitalism is not this...but it has been converted to this bizarro interpretation...and then spun by the Left. When everything at your fingertips has been made in China, how can it be Capitalism that has gone awry?
I say it is time to hurry up and wait. If you can begin thinking about a move to a rural place near the work that you have. If you can, begin spending money on the one tangible thing out there~ land. Not over priced land that is in a hip locale...no, buy land that can be used and lived on. This will carry on for generations. Buy land that has water- that is a place that you can hurry up and wait.
Just my thoughts.
Merry Christmas to You All
From The Double Nickel Farm
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Must See Chart
Unemployment Chart from 2007 to 2009 - actually it is a few second animated chart(click on words "unemployment chart- as my computer does not show link)
Kind of shocking if you asked me.
Kind of shocking if you asked me.
Thursday To Do List
This is a simple list: add food to your food storage.
Rice- 2lbs
flour- 5lbs
fruit-either dried or cans at least 2 bags of dried or 6 cans
vegetables-canned 6
Circle the actual expiration date on the food item- then write the date of purchase underneath. It is very important to rotate the foods in your storage.
As to Christmas- if you cannot pay cash for an item- DO NOT BUY IT. If you are in arrears on payments elsewhere-DO NOT SPEND MONEY ON GIFTS. Pay your debts. Sorry if this comes off as harsh but we need to start relearning or learning how to be financially responsible. Gifts do not make the holidays.
Ideas for Christmas- have a game day, where you have playoffs with the chart. You can play two player games like chess, checkers, ping pong, or mancala- then keep going until there is a grand champion.
Have a day of baking cookies- and actually decorating them the old fashioned way, without all the store bought falseness. Show enthusiasm and your children will too. Plot giving two dozen cookies to a neighbor and go and sing carols and deliver the gifts.
Have a day where you sit and do crafts or projects such as models with the family. It was fun when we were kids, but as of late the game systems, the computers, and the TVs take away from simple pleasures. Remember that models do not need to be store bought. I remember during the Stars Wars craze of the seventies, my brothers made Star Wars ships, that they hung from their bedroom ceiling, from shampoo bottles- and they were truly sharp!
Have a day where you plot with your children to make a gift for the other parent-even if you are divorced. The other parent may not be your spouse anymore but they will forever more be your children's parent. This will create so much respect from your child. Your action will speak so loudly.
Sit down and write a year in review with your family. Instead of embellishing it for those you mail it to, be true and document even the seemingly trivial things. Make a cover and then when you take down decorations leave this in the Christmas box. Each year read the previous years accomplishments, then add to them.
Make coupon books for each member of your family for something that you can do for them.
These corny ideas are only corny, because the media has played us like fools. If we do not spend money then we are poor, or someone will have a terrible day. This is not the case. If you have debt be responsible, and then you can give in a unique way which cost nothing at all. You can give of yourself...and to be honest the birth of Christ, leads us to the ultimate gift of One, as Christ gave all for us.
Don't forget to mark Thursday on your calendar- To Do: Add to food storage.
(c) Double Nickel Farm
Jennifer
Rice- 2lbs
flour- 5lbs
fruit-either dried or cans at least 2 bags of dried or 6 cans
vegetables-canned 6
Circle the actual expiration date on the food item- then write the date of purchase underneath. It is very important to rotate the foods in your storage.
As to Christmas- if you cannot pay cash for an item- DO NOT BUY IT. If you are in arrears on payments elsewhere-DO NOT SPEND MONEY ON GIFTS. Pay your debts. Sorry if this comes off as harsh but we need to start relearning or learning how to be financially responsible. Gifts do not make the holidays.
Ideas for Christmas- have a game day, where you have playoffs with the chart. You can play two player games like chess, checkers, ping pong, or mancala- then keep going until there is a grand champion.
Have a day of baking cookies- and actually decorating them the old fashioned way, without all the store bought falseness. Show enthusiasm and your children will too. Plot giving two dozen cookies to a neighbor and go and sing carols and deliver the gifts.
Have a day where you sit and do crafts or projects such as models with the family. It was fun when we were kids, but as of late the game systems, the computers, and the TVs take away from simple pleasures. Remember that models do not need to be store bought. I remember during the Stars Wars craze of the seventies, my brothers made Star Wars ships, that they hung from their bedroom ceiling, from shampoo bottles- and they were truly sharp!
Have a day where you plot with your children to make a gift for the other parent-even if you are divorced. The other parent may not be your spouse anymore but they will forever more be your children's parent. This will create so much respect from your child. Your action will speak so loudly.
Sit down and write a year in review with your family. Instead of embellishing it for those you mail it to, be true and document even the seemingly trivial things. Make a cover and then when you take down decorations leave this in the Christmas box. Each year read the previous years accomplishments, then add to them.
Make coupon books for each member of your family for something that you can do for them.
These corny ideas are only corny, because the media has played us like fools. If we do not spend money then we are poor, or someone will have a terrible day. This is not the case. If you have debt be responsible, and then you can give in a unique way which cost nothing at all. You can give of yourself...and to be honest the birth of Christ, leads us to the ultimate gift of One, as Christ gave all for us.
Don't forget to mark Thursday on your calendar- To Do: Add to food storage.
(c) Double Nickel Farm
Jennifer
Monday, December 14, 2009
To Prepare To...
A town in the mountains went without power due the wind and snow storm that we had last week. I want to share some things about this not to make this a post about a local story, but a post on how we should prepare for anything and everything.
Losing electricity during storms is a common occurrence nationally, but could you go without power for a week, or more? The folks in Cloudcroft, NM had to do just that as they were without power for several days. Sadly many ended up going to hotels, or coming down the mountain and living in a shelter set up in Alamogordo, NM. Crises come in all shapes and sizes and not every crises should require you bug out to another locale.
But ill preparedness does require leaving and most likely with no plan or direction.
Not every situation a prepper prepares for is of rogue government takeovers or the likes. Preppers prepare for things that naturally occur in their regions too. In fact, this should be your number one thing to prep for because each year we deal with the natural weather situations such as hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, floods, and such. These will do more damage to more people annually. So this is the time to prepare.
Do you live where blizzards are a risk to you? If so, why not invest in a woodstove, as if you have one then you can stay in your home even without power. You can heat water to sponge bathe, cook, and heat the home. You will not have pipes freeze if your power goes out, and the family is not shaken up with the crises. It will not define you if you can maintain normalcy in your home.
Suppose you are on vacation to a resort island. Do you understand that tsunamis are a risk? If many a few years ago understood that a receding water line is NEVER something you should go out and see, the numbers of dead would have been less. The tourists were the ones that did this, as most did not live near coastlines and were ill prepared for what to expect if a natural disaster occurred.
Where I live, because of a construction site east of us(near the base of the mountains) it seems like we are going to have to deal with flooding because of man diverting a natural arroyo(wash). So preparing next year began this year. The animals are not going to be at risk like they were last year. We are planning for what we know as this is what prepping should be about. We should ascertain what is possible in the regions we live in and study resolutions and prepare for them. Basements are a must in the band of the country known as Tornado Alley. For those on the coasts- hurricane prep is a must. Not the week it is heading your way, but today, when hurricane season is over- this is the time to buy the plywood and materials to cover your windows.
Does this make sense? We must prepare for all situations that we are exposed to, first. Then we must have a few bug out places to go to if in a crisis we have to leave our homes.
As to having a bug out place chosen if all heck breaks loose and our economy tanks- well this is something entirely different. This is something that if you must do, prepare for now. How you prepare is not about how much you have in food storage or preps, but how you will adapt to leaving all you know to head to an unknown. Can you preserve foods? Can you grow foods? Can you butcher an animal? Can you build a structure? Can you find water? Can you protect yourself? These questions are critical to prepare for now. If you cannot do any of these things than you are ill prepared for a situation that may be a national crisis. The reality is that if a situation arises where you will be facing a meltdown nationally-you will need as much moxie and skills possible. I recommend that you prepare now by reading as many books as possible about the above listed items, and then trying to apply them in simple training lessons. I will write more later.
Jennifer
Losing electricity during storms is a common occurrence nationally, but could you go without power for a week, or more? The folks in Cloudcroft, NM had to do just that as they were without power for several days. Sadly many ended up going to hotels, or coming down the mountain and living in a shelter set up in Alamogordo, NM. Crises come in all shapes and sizes and not every crises should require you bug out to another locale.
But ill preparedness does require leaving and most likely with no plan or direction.
Not every situation a prepper prepares for is of rogue government takeovers or the likes. Preppers prepare for things that naturally occur in their regions too. In fact, this should be your number one thing to prep for because each year we deal with the natural weather situations such as hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, floods, and such. These will do more damage to more people annually. So this is the time to prepare.
Do you live where blizzards are a risk to you? If so, why not invest in a woodstove, as if you have one then you can stay in your home even without power. You can heat water to sponge bathe, cook, and heat the home. You will not have pipes freeze if your power goes out, and the family is not shaken up with the crises. It will not define you if you can maintain normalcy in your home.
Suppose you are on vacation to a resort island. Do you understand that tsunamis are a risk? If many a few years ago understood that a receding water line is NEVER something you should go out and see, the numbers of dead would have been less. The tourists were the ones that did this, as most did not live near coastlines and were ill prepared for what to expect if a natural disaster occurred.
Where I live, because of a construction site east of us(near the base of the mountains) it seems like we are going to have to deal with flooding because of man diverting a natural arroyo(wash). So preparing next year began this year. The animals are not going to be at risk like they were last year. We are planning for what we know as this is what prepping should be about. We should ascertain what is possible in the regions we live in and study resolutions and prepare for them. Basements are a must in the band of the country known as Tornado Alley. For those on the coasts- hurricane prep is a must. Not the week it is heading your way, but today, when hurricane season is over- this is the time to buy the plywood and materials to cover your windows.
Does this make sense? We must prepare for all situations that we are exposed to, first. Then we must have a few bug out places to go to if in a crisis we have to leave our homes.
As to having a bug out place chosen if all heck breaks loose and our economy tanks- well this is something entirely different. This is something that if you must do, prepare for now. How you prepare is not about how much you have in food storage or preps, but how you will adapt to leaving all you know to head to an unknown. Can you preserve foods? Can you grow foods? Can you butcher an animal? Can you build a structure? Can you find water? Can you protect yourself? These questions are critical to prepare for now. If you cannot do any of these things than you are ill prepared for a situation that may be a national crisis. The reality is that if a situation arises where you will be facing a meltdown nationally-you will need as much moxie and skills possible. I recommend that you prepare now by reading as many books as possible about the above listed items, and then trying to apply them in simple training lessons. I will write more later.
Jennifer
Friday, December 11, 2009
Northern New Mexico Information
Thanks for the tip CKraus 111!(Feel free to email me if you would like to write for New Mexico Preppers as I would love to have another New Mexican sharing prepper skills, information, and ideas)(hint ~hint!)
Gun Show This Weekend at Expo NM December 12-13, 2009 8 AM - 4 PM
Albuquerque Tea Party will have a table at the Expo NM Gun Show in Albuquerque this weekend. We will also have a raffle for a gift certificate to one of the major Shooting & Sporting stores. Come see us and be sure to check out our flyer's from other concerned groups, including the NRA and Oath Keepers.
Quarterly Meeting and Greet January 16, 2010 7 PM - 11 PM. Albuquerque Tea Party has extended an invitation to all congressional candidates for this Quarterly Meet and Greet. Join us in getting to know them and strike up a conversation with other like minded people so we can coordinate our game plan for 2010.
Pass this on to anyone else you feel might be interested and RSVP soonest (bokor1933@aol.com; rsvp@abqteaparty.com).
Please RSVP no later than January 8, 2010.The Inn at Rio Rancho1465 Rio Rancho Blvd(a little past Sara Road)Hors d'oeurves, tea and water will be served. Cash bar.$12 per person, payable at the door.Large attendance expected.RSVP required. Space is limited. See www.albuquerqueteaparty.com for additional details.
Gun Show This Weekend at Expo NM December 12-13, 2009 8 AM - 4 PM
Albuquerque Tea Party will have a table at the Expo NM Gun Show in Albuquerque this weekend. We will also have a raffle for a gift certificate to one of the major Shooting & Sporting stores. Come see us and be sure to check out our flyer's from other concerned groups, including the NRA and Oath Keepers.
Quarterly Meeting and Greet January 16, 2010 7 PM - 11 PM. Albuquerque Tea Party has extended an invitation to all congressional candidates for this Quarterly Meet and Greet. Join us in getting to know them and strike up a conversation with other like minded people so we can coordinate our game plan for 2010.
Pass this on to anyone else you feel might be interested and RSVP soonest (bokor1933@aol.com; rsvp@abqteaparty.com).
Please RSVP no later than January 8, 2010.The Inn at Rio Rancho1465 Rio Rancho Blvd(a little past Sara Road)Hors d'oeurves, tea and water will be served. Cash bar.$12 per person, payable at the door.Large attendance expected.RSVP required. Space is limited. See www.albuquerqueteaparty.com for additional details.
Prepare Now
Do people find you odd or unusual because of the lifestyle that you live? I say so what! Check out this family that was a traveling reporter team from the mid 1930's.
Now during the Depression many people lived in their cars in a less than desirable fashion all because they didn't have the means to live anywhere else, nor realized that they could improve the situation. You do see the times that are coming our way. We may not be able to have the perfect prep closet, but we can have the vision that we can make life comfortable.
I do not believe we have seen the end of the housing crisis, and I do believe that many people will become homeless. So then what? Are you prepared to think outside the box? Are you concerned what others will think? Or have you considered options such as living in a tent at a national park(for example)?
I know that there are some folks out there that will be blindsided when they lose their home- whether it is unforeseen or a tragedy occurs, but others know that they are close and refuse to prepare. If you are close to losing your home because you have not made payments, prepare. Look for options now. Do not resort to pleading in front of a news camera...stand up now and look. The burden is heavy if you are close. But this is not the end of the world. Many rise from failure and shine. I know that this is hard to believe because we live in times where everyone is a winner, and many have never had to learn that one must know how to lose in order to win.
Now is the time. If you are close to losing your home- do not, I repeat- do not purchase anything for the holidays- no justification. Stop now. Make a card for the loved ones, or refurbish something you already have, or just be honest with those you love. Now is the time. Children will understand. Please prepare now.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Why?
I have been deeply reflective for the past few days, pondering one word~why? You see alarm bells and common sense have fallen away. We are in the epic battle for a way of living that has granted freedom to so many and hope to so many more. Yet doubletalk has won.
We are no longer discussing if we should have government run healthcare- nope...we gullible Americans are concerned now only if abortion should be covered. The snakes did a bait and switch and the conservatives have allowed themselves to be pulled in.
How dare we? Hasn't the blood of those before us meant anything?
How dare we? We have fallen like everyone else. You know how? By justifying our actions. I do this because. I do that because. So when the Left justifies we cave as we have lost our foundation.
Stop waiting for something big to happen. Stop waiting for a crisis to happen.
We all have been too busy to realize it. With climategate we realize that we have been lied to for a long time, yet many, even preppers will discuss the planet and how we need to care for it...you see the bait and switch occurred and we were just trying to be good citizens.
With everything going on it is hard to keep up on events... it seems like each day we have something else that the government is doing. Perverting our children? Check- have you removed your children from public school? No, because of justifying. I am tired of how we all cannot understand that the battle is not in how much we have in preps, but how the government has stolen the next generation- and we sent them, all nicely tucked in a bright yellow bus.
So now what? I received an email confirming what I had read over the weekend about what our children are being taught. Now I am pretty naive on things of this nature, because I choose not to read about perverted sexual behaviors. I get people have sex with animals, and do abhorrent things to eachother- I do not need to read anything else. But dear friends, when the government is teaching YOUR CHILDREN fisting, and you allow them to continue to go to school I have lost my zeal to share anymore.
Jen, it does not happen at my children's school. ???? Are you trying to cover your shame or do you really believe this? I am sorry if this comes off as harsh...but we need to prep in all areas of our lives. Our children need to be taught- and who better than you? Do you want them to hate Christopher Columbus? Do you want them to read about Kwanzaa and not Christmas? Do you want the children to have school supplies with the Obama logo and campaign motto on it? Do you want your children to praise our president like Christians praise God? Jen, my kids don't do these things.
We are no longer discussing if we should have government run healthcare- nope...we gullible Americans are concerned now only if abortion should be covered. The snakes did a bait and switch and the conservatives have allowed themselves to be pulled in.
How dare we? Hasn't the blood of those before us meant anything?
How dare we? We have fallen like everyone else. You know how? By justifying our actions. I do this because. I do that because. So when the Left justifies we cave as we have lost our foundation.
Stop waiting for something big to happen. Stop waiting for a crisis to happen.
It already has.
We all have been too busy to realize it. With climategate we realize that we have been lied to for a long time, yet many, even preppers will discuss the planet and how we need to care for it...you see the bait and switch occurred and we were just trying to be good citizens.
With everything going on it is hard to keep up on events... it seems like each day we have something else that the government is doing. Perverting our children? Check- have you removed your children from public school? No, because of justifying. I am tired of how we all cannot understand that the battle is not in how much we have in preps, but how the government has stolen the next generation- and we sent them, all nicely tucked in a bright yellow bus.
It is over.
So now what? I received an email confirming what I had read over the weekend about what our children are being taught. Now I am pretty naive on things of this nature, because I choose not to read about perverted sexual behaviors. I get people have sex with animals, and do abhorrent things to eachother- I do not need to read anything else. But dear friends, when the government is teaching YOUR CHILDREN fisting, and you allow them to continue to go to school I have lost my zeal to share anymore.
Jen, it does not happen at my children's school. ???? Are you trying to cover your shame or do you really believe this? I am sorry if this comes off as harsh...but we need to prep in all areas of our lives. Our children need to be taught- and who better than you? Do you want them to hate Christopher Columbus? Do you want them to read about Kwanzaa and not Christmas? Do you want the children to have school supplies with the Obama logo and campaign motto on it? Do you want your children to praise our president like Christians praise God? Jen, my kids don't do these things.
Are you sure?
What can you do? Please do not be angry at me because I wrote these things. Our public schools are not quaint places to send children to learn their ABC's...no it is a place where an agenda of the Left has reigned for decades. Your children have been taught to be good little people. Questionnaires are given often that never reach home, all about mom and dad, and what you may have at home. Have you ever fought? The Left desires to create America's youth- and they are against you. Public school separates the family unit and now promotes anything but this unit. White males need not ever be promoted and capitalism is EVIL. My kids need a good job therefore they need a good education, is that what you are telling me(or yourself)? Because this is a sellout if I have ever heard one. My kids need the sports and extracurricular activities Jen. Why? How much do you spend so the little ones can play on a team? How much gas do you spend? How much do you spend eating out? Now, are you in debt? Then why? We must cease to pamper the children all the while driving straight into debt. Join city teams, the Y, or church leagues. None of these costs as much as it does in public schools. We have allowed this notion that the children can play- then when they marry they are ill prepared to work as they played in gradeschool, played in middle school, played in high school, and played in college(I mean I wrote a final exam essay that was a blog- come on~) so then the adult is launched and has no clue that work is the key...and hard work at that.
Public school teaches that everyone is a winner. Not in my book...and I would love to challenge these kids in life skills- cause if it is me or a winner that never was taught how to lose, I am going to win every time. We need both sides, to drive us. We need our children to learn how to fail, as well as succeed.
The time is now.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Rethinking Everything
The life of a prepper often means that one must rethink everything. This should not be seen as a negative- different is good in my opinion. For the past four years(it has been five since Bill's accident but he needed a year of recovery before returning to any kind of work) I have been sending homemade lunches. Instead of humdrum cold sandwiches, I try and create meals that Bill loves and that will recharge him while he is working. So this post is a photo sharing of what I made a week or two ago for Bill- and to give you ideas on how to save money in your life, so you can pay off any debt that you may have so that you are not weighed down so heavily.
If you don't have any debt than most likely you can use your money to shore up any prep items that you need or to maintain a vehicle or a roof(you get the idea).
Five meals cost me under $2.00~ each week. Pictured below is a taco meal that is simple, but Bill loves.
Corn torts toasted on the comal- once they start toasting I fold them in the shape of a taco shell.
My older brother(when he lived nearby) saved his TV dinner tray's because I new the minute I saw them that I would use them to send meals to work for Bill. I have about 20 of them! I cook the beans weekly in the crock pot over night. I start them around ten and then by 6 am they are ready. In addition to serving them in any meals I send with Bill, we eat them through the week. The taco has cheddar cheese on the bottom, seasoned ground beef- the sides are beans and a jalapeno.
I use the shower cap style plastic thingies to cover the meal. Believe it or not I wash these out and reuse them!
If you don't have any debt than most likely you can use your money to shore up any prep items that you need or to maintain a vehicle or a roof(you get the idea).
Five meals cost me under $2.00~ each week. Pictured below is a taco meal that is simple, but Bill loves.
Corn torts toasted on the comal- once they start toasting I fold them in the shape of a taco shell.
My older brother(when he lived nearby) saved his TV dinner tray's because I new the minute I saw them that I would use them to send meals to work for Bill. I have about 20 of them! I cook the beans weekly in the crock pot over night. I start them around ten and then by 6 am they are ready. In addition to serving them in any meals I send with Bill, we eat them through the week. The taco has cheddar cheese on the bottom, seasoned ground beef- the sides are beans and a jalapeno.
I use the shower cap style plastic thingies to cover the meal. Believe it or not I wash these out and reuse them!
Then I stack the five meals and put them all inside a plastic grocery bag and freeze. In the morning I will grab one meal and send it with Bill. I also will send a homemade desert, water, tea or a fruit drink too.
Preparing meals in advance does take planning- in fact, I am browning some meat as I type this post for next weeks meals. But this time is well spent as you know what you are eating, and what hands touched your food. Please take the time to reduce the amount of time you spend on eating out, and put this surplus money towards storage.
Jennifer
Thursday, December 3, 2009
I need your help...
I have been busy for a few days and decided to come clean with my prepping blog friends! For the past 15 weeks I have been taking an on-line writing course as I am working on a book about my farm life and felt that it would help.
The problem was that I was required to participate in a community service project for up to 15 hours- boy I am none to pleased with the liberal notions of what will make a person community minded(instead of civilly minded).
Anyhow I had to write a final essay in any forum I choose to share my experiences that I had while performing my community service. Not for one moment did I change anything that I am already doing. You see, I write for prepping sites and have mini courses at the farm for those interested in learning the ways of my family and I on the farm. So I created a blog to share these tips. Please swing by and leave me some comments! I must ask that you not mention that you may *know* me, as I held back what blogs I have- I am guarded that way to protect my family. But as a humble request I do hope you will swing over and say something!
Oh and my brother caught a terrible thing I did on the blog- see if you catch it- I did not do it intentionally and am a bit embarrassed that it happened- innocent as it is.(don't mention it there but come back here and tell me if you see my terrible mistake)
Living Frugally
Thank You All!
Jennifer
The problem was that I was required to participate in a community service project for up to 15 hours- boy I am none to pleased with the liberal notions of what will make a person community minded(instead of civilly minded).
Anyhow I had to write a final essay in any forum I choose to share my experiences that I had while performing my community service. Not for one moment did I change anything that I am already doing. You see, I write for prepping sites and have mini courses at the farm for those interested in learning the ways of my family and I on the farm. So I created a blog to share these tips. Please swing by and leave me some comments! I must ask that you not mention that you may *know* me, as I held back what blogs I have- I am guarded that way to protect my family. But as a humble request I do hope you will swing over and say something!
Oh and my brother caught a terrible thing I did on the blog- see if you catch it- I did not do it intentionally and am a bit embarrassed that it happened- innocent as it is.(don't mention it there but come back here and tell me if you see my terrible mistake)
Living Frugally
Thank You All!
Jennifer
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Please Take a Moment
...and read the comments in addition to the previous post. Wonderful thoughtful series of comments which take us full circle on groups or clans! Thank you!
btw-for some reason I cannot leave a comment or post comments. My internet times out. So here I am in post form!
Jen
btw-for some reason I cannot leave a comment or post comments. My internet times out. So here I am in post form!
Jen
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Groups or Clans(and this and that)
What can I say? I have been trying to be upbeat and positive in blogging about prepping but I have had a few days where I just want to scream- therefore I have held back from blogging.
I cannot believe how obvious it is. I cannot believe how close we are to the dollar's demise. I cannot believe that so many Americans have no idea what is coming. I cannot believe it myself sometimes. Recovery from this path seems impossible. I am an optimist so I do have hope, but am clear as to the next bend in the road. I cannot believe that things could have happened so quickly and therefore that is why I have been silent these past few days. I wish things were not this way. I wish things would go back to a time of idyllic days where we planned future events, not sat wondering if today was the day.
Now off to another thought, Bullseye posted something the other day and I decided instead of leaving a comment that I would post my thoughts here.
Group or Clan
Pros and Cons
What ifs are big in the very real scenario of the dollar crashing and America changing as a result. I am a prepper because my world crashed quite literally a few years ago. I do not see this as a negative as my life is peaceful pleasant with much time to be with the ones I love.
The topic is whether we should have a group or a plan in the EOTWAWKI scenario. I have decided to give some of my thoughts as one makes the best decisions when it can be made with much information as possible.
I live in a remote area where I do not know too many of my neighbors. One neighbor borders on the law in nearly every action that he takes. We have caught them on our property twice now, and each time they are vague in the reasoning. They are a lot of people that I see as a problem in the situations that Bullseye linked and wrote about.
My husband and I talk often about those in our community that as of yet are not preppers but are people that we can unite with and take steps to learning to survive in a world that as I type is so hard to even imagine. I suppose watching The Patriot with Mel Gibson is allowing me to even consider such frightening of a scenario. We are approaching times of uncertainty. We are approaching times where we will need to take a course much different than we are used to. So we talk about those in our community that are like minded although not prepping. We not only think about those that would be best because of their military might, or the weapons that they have. We consider much more than that.
You see a community can fail because of a snippity woman who has nothing but meddling on her mind. A community can fail because a man will not lift a finger in work when even the most frail will. A community will fail when children lack respect for their elders, and where wives and husband cannot rise above petty bickering. I believe that plotting to have groups to preserve not only lives but a livelihood is critical. But to survive to have a member step out and reveal too much, or to cause friction in a group is a member that will be a problem.
I see the plan for grouping important, but I see that as our failure as a nation currently. We failed to hold up honor and integrity. We failed to check behavior of unruly children, we failed to require marriage to be upheld above all cost. We failed to support the family, to protect the weak and infirm, and to honor God. How then can we recapture all these precious things lost in a horrific end of world scenario? Will we suddenly change who we are? Can we expect the reality situation to cease that we all are so accustomed to?
I think not. I am not trying to be disrespectful to others prepping. But the reality is that we will not change who we are, therefore all our prepping will be for naught. My suggestion is that we change now who we are. I suggest that we reach so far deep inside us, to find the character that we all wish for. If we do not do these things our future is bleak.
Just my thoughts
Jennifer
I cannot believe how obvious it is. I cannot believe how close we are to the dollar's demise. I cannot believe that so many Americans have no idea what is coming. I cannot believe it myself sometimes. Recovery from this path seems impossible. I am an optimist so I do have hope, but am clear as to the next bend in the road. I cannot believe that things could have happened so quickly and therefore that is why I have been silent these past few days. I wish things were not this way. I wish things would go back to a time of idyllic days where we planned future events, not sat wondering if today was the day.
Now off to another thought, Bullseye posted something the other day and I decided instead of leaving a comment that I would post my thoughts here.
Group or Clan
Pros and Cons
What ifs are big in the very real scenario of the dollar crashing and America changing as a result. I am a prepper because my world crashed quite literally a few years ago. I do not see this as a negative as my life is peaceful pleasant with much time to be with the ones I love.
The topic is whether we should have a group or a plan in the EOTWAWKI scenario. I have decided to give some of my thoughts as one makes the best decisions when it can be made with much information as possible.
I live in a remote area where I do not know too many of my neighbors. One neighbor borders on the law in nearly every action that he takes. We have caught them on our property twice now, and each time they are vague in the reasoning. They are a lot of people that I see as a problem in the situations that Bullseye linked and wrote about.
My husband and I talk often about those in our community that as of yet are not preppers but are people that we can unite with and take steps to learning to survive in a world that as I type is so hard to even imagine. I suppose watching The Patriot with Mel Gibson is allowing me to even consider such frightening of a scenario. We are approaching times of uncertainty. We are approaching times where we will need to take a course much different than we are used to. So we talk about those in our community that are like minded although not prepping. We not only think about those that would be best because of their military might, or the weapons that they have. We consider much more than that.
You see a community can fail because of a snippity woman who has nothing but meddling on her mind. A community can fail because a man will not lift a finger in work when even the most frail will. A community will fail when children lack respect for their elders, and where wives and husband cannot rise above petty bickering. I believe that plotting to have groups to preserve not only lives but a livelihood is critical. But to survive to have a member step out and reveal too much, or to cause friction in a group is a member that will be a problem.
I see the plan for grouping important, but I see that as our failure as a nation currently. We failed to hold up honor and integrity. We failed to check behavior of unruly children, we failed to require marriage to be upheld above all cost. We failed to support the family, to protect the weak and infirm, and to honor God. How then can we recapture all these precious things lost in a horrific end of world scenario? Will we suddenly change who we are? Can we expect the reality situation to cease that we all are so accustomed to?
I think not. I am not trying to be disrespectful to others prepping. But the reality is that we will not change who we are, therefore all our prepping will be for naught. My suggestion is that we change now who we are. I suggest that we reach so far deep inside us, to find the character that we all wish for. If we do not do these things our future is bleak.
Just my thoughts
Jennifer
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Optimism for the Dollar
It still can be used as a kitty toy and kitty bedding. Shwew~ I was beginning to believe that the dollar would never have value again.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Fret ??
The main stream media is so informative.
I cannot believe how careful they are not to insert their own bias when reporting stories.
How fortunate we are as Americans to have freedom of the press.
Of course I am full of it!
Check this article title out: AP Poll: Americans fret over health overhaul costs
We fret!?
Really!?
Fret!?
Let me make this very clear- we do not fret. We are furious over this nonsense of spending our nation into financial ruin. We are furious over this nonsense that everyone will have healthcare, then we have that interesting tidbit that those who do not have coverage will go to jail or face fines.
Wait~ how can this be so?
Have I forgot to mention who will be receiving blanket amnesty next spring and summer?
I cannot believe how careful they are not to insert their own bias when reporting stories.
How fortunate we are as Americans to have freedom of the press.
Psych!
Of course I am full of it!
Check this article title out: AP Poll: Americans fret over health overhaul costs
We fret!?
Really!?
Fret!?
Let me make this very clear- we do not fret. We are furious over this nonsense of spending our nation into financial ruin. We are furious over this nonsense that everyone will have healthcare, then we have that interesting tidbit that those who do not have coverage will go to jail or face fines.
Wait~ how can this be so?
Have I forgot to mention who will be receiving blanket amnesty next spring and summer?
TWENTY MILLION PLUS ILLEGALS...
Now to that spending until we are in financial ruin~ these twenty million uninsured soon to be Americans will pound the final nail into the coffin.
I am not one to fret...that seems to be a characteristic of the lily livered~ pansy~ fruit tooty media that cannot report the news, but help create(invent) or spin the news.
Now to that spending until we are in financial ruin~ these twenty million uninsured soon to be Americans will pound the final nail into the coffin.
I am not one to fret...that seems to be a characteristic of the lily livered~ pansy~ fruit tooty media that cannot report the news, but help create(invent) or spin the news.
Friday, November 13, 2009
P.S. Uncle Sam~ Stop Ramming Things Down Our Throats
In addition to my previous post's question, I have had it with late night surprise bills, and the latest crap fest of bringing the 9-11 mastermind to NYC to try him in a civilian court... on a Friday...enough is enough~
Help Me Figure This Out?
If Health Care will be for everyone- then why will some go to jail for not having coverage???
Do you see the deception of the Left? Please, please link to this post and have as many people as possible see this. Everyone needs to see this question and clearly see that this is a scam first and foremost.
Jennifer
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Now is the Time: Part 1 trillion and 1
Now is the time to learn how to make bread. Yes, all kind of bread. No, taking a frozen loaf out and allowing it to rise then baking it is not making bread(I know as this is how I made bread for 17 years of my marriage-thank you Schwan's Man!!) Learning to make bread is kind of scary at first and kind of hard to understand until you just sink your hands into the dough!
I can make six loaves of white bread so fast, well not as fast as the way one loaf is always eaten...within minutes of coming out of the oven, but fast none the less!
I can also make unleavened breads, and I actually know what that means.! The center loaf is what I entered in our county fair 2 years ago. It is applesauce bread...I was asked by many people for this recipe. You want to know why? Because I was comfortable enough to begin tweaking recipes and make my own versions and styles of bread!
Here are a few breads I made a few months ago...back left oatmeal wheat bread, back right sourdough rolls, front bagels, front right sourdough bread.
These are pinto bean bread...yummy. I also have won a blue ribbon for this recipe too!
For several years I really wanted a breadmaker. I mean how neat could this be? But I never bought one, even though I could have anytime I wished. So I guess it was not a priority as store bought bread or defrosting a frozen loaf worked for me. Many times I would buy several loaves of bread from my favorite bread store...Great Harvest Bread Company.
Then fast forward and buying bread, even the cheap 59 cent kind slowly crept out of my league as the kids went through it so fast. I missed oatmeal honey bread, raisin bread, and well the free samples from Great Harvest Bread Company! So I went to a thrift store in town and found this book...and the world of breadmaking in my life began.
Several of the pages were kind of well used(you know) which to me meant here is a good recipe...and so I started there.
Then fast forward and buying bread, even the cheap 59 cent kind slowly crept out of my league as the kids went through it so fast. I missed oatmeal honey bread, raisin bread, and well the free samples from Great Harvest Bread Company! So I went to a thrift store in town and found this book...and the world of breadmaking in my life began.
Several of the pages were kind of well used(you know) which to me meant here is a good recipe...and so I started there.
I can make six loaves of white bread so fast, well not as fast as the way one loaf is always eaten...within minutes of coming out of the oven, but fast none the less!
I can also make unleavened breads, and I actually know what that means.! The center loaf is what I entered in our county fair 2 years ago. It is applesauce bread...I was asked by many people for this recipe. You want to know why? Because I was comfortable enough to begin tweaking recipes and make my own versions and styles of bread!
Here are a few breads I made a few months ago...back left oatmeal wheat bread, back right sourdough rolls, front bagels, front right sourdough bread.
These are pinto bean bread...yummy. I also have won a blue ribbon for this recipe too!But my learning is a nice story to read, but will not help you out one bit. You must understand that bread has been part of our diets for a long time, and you will miss it if you cannot make it.
I could share recipes etc, but the time is NOW for you to learn how to make bread. Start simple if you are like how I was nervous (as I opted for shop class instead of home ec- shop teacher was a cutie...and never learned how to make bread). Begin making flour tortillas. This is a simple recipe and the taste will leave you ready to jump and begin making breads.
The time is now to learn this skill. I am not suggesting that anyone needs to become Susie Homemakers etc, but I am suggesting that this is and will be a valuable skill. By memorizing a few recipes you can make bread without a book. Everyone around you will love you more, as you are the bread king(no pc correctness here folks!)
Please take the time to learn skills that will benefit you. Our leaders want to put you in jail if you do not have health insurance...SO DON'T YOU DOUBT THAT ANYTHING ELSE. The concern is NOT for the people, but for a Change that will take our nation to a place we are not ready for. Prepping will help you through this...
I could share recipes etc, but the time is NOW for you to learn how to make bread. Start simple if you are like how I was nervous (as I opted for shop class instead of home ec- shop teacher was a cutie...and never learned how to make bread). Begin making flour tortillas. This is a simple recipe and the taste will leave you ready to jump and begin making breads.
The time is now to learn this skill. I am not suggesting that anyone needs to become Susie Homemakers etc, but I am suggesting that this is and will be a valuable skill. By memorizing a few recipes you can make bread without a book. Everyone around you will love you more, as you are the bread king(no pc correctness here folks!)
Please take the time to learn skills that will benefit you. Our leaders want to put you in jail if you do not have health insurance...SO DON'T YOU DOUBT THAT ANYTHING ELSE. The concern is NOT for the people, but for a Change that will take our nation to a place we are not ready for. Prepping will help you through this...
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Now is the Time: Part 1 trillion(my new fav number thanks to current spending spree)
Food Storage Daily Tally
chunky applesauce- canned 8 pints
zucchini pickles-canned 4 pints
dried limes-10
dried lemons-5
While sharing this tally I thought I would repeat myself. I am probably sounding like a broken record(for those of you who remember what this sounds like-lol) but I am going to once again stress that now is the time.
Now is the time to stock up on some powdered milk- it is very easy to use in baking and cooking. It does not taste like store bought milk(this is why I have goats in addition to storing powdered milk). But I make all my bread using powdered milk- every morn I make either oatmeal or arroz con leche and use powdered milk. Please stock up on this item, as you do not realize how much you use it until it is gone.
Now is the time to stock up on some honey- it is pricey unless you can buy it at Costco or Sam's club. Honey is so good for the body in joint health and in other ways. Honey is so soothing for sore throats. Honey is a great complement to peanut butter and has NO corn syrup in it like nearly all jellies and jams(unless you have canned your own).
Now is the time to stock up on baking powder-look for aluminum free...it should not be too much more than the one with aluminum...this is something important in baking and can be made from cornstarch and baking soda in a pinch...but if you stock up now then you will be ahead of the game.
Now is the time to create 2 rotating sets of menus- weeks one repeats itself as does week three. Most data suggest that families eat pretty much only ten meals or combination or varieties of the ten meals. Include breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks per day... Then refocus your stockpiling as this will give you focus. Please remember that you can change the feel of a meal by adjusting just a few items, and still maintain the integrity of stockpiling items to meet these menus.
Now is the time to understand that you will never have everything. Never. How about the skills you do have? I suggest that you need one additional book that you may not have...click here.
chunky applesauce- canned 8 pints
zucchini pickles-canned 4 pints
dried limes-10
dried lemons-5
While sharing this tally I thought I would repeat myself. I am probably sounding like a broken record(for those of you who remember what this sounds like-lol) but I am going to once again stress that now is the time.
Now is the time to stock up on some powdered milk- it is very easy to use in baking and cooking. It does not taste like store bought milk(this is why I have goats in addition to storing powdered milk). But I make all my bread using powdered milk- every morn I make either oatmeal or arroz con leche and use powdered milk. Please stock up on this item, as you do not realize how much you use it until it is gone.
Now is the time to stock up on some honey- it is pricey unless you can buy it at Costco or Sam's club. Honey is so good for the body in joint health and in other ways. Honey is so soothing for sore throats. Honey is a great complement to peanut butter and has NO corn syrup in it like nearly all jellies and jams(unless you have canned your own).
Now is the time to stock up on baking powder-look for aluminum free...it should not be too much more than the one with aluminum...this is something important in baking and can be made from cornstarch and baking soda in a pinch...but if you stock up now then you will be ahead of the game.
Now is the time to create 2 rotating sets of menus- weeks one repeats itself as does week three. Most data suggest that families eat pretty much only ten meals or combination or varieties of the ten meals. Include breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks per day... Then refocus your stockpiling as this will give you focus. Please remember that you can change the feel of a meal by adjusting just a few items, and still maintain the integrity of stockpiling items to meet these menus.
Now is the time to understand that you will never have everything. Never. How about the skills you do have? I suggest that you need one additional book that you may not have...click here.
Thank You
Your service matters to me. To all Veterans I salute you today and everyday!
Thank you.
Double Nickel Farm has more
Thank you.
Double Nickel Farm has more
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Hello
I thought I would just say hello from New Mexico.
~oh and remind you that if you can stock up foods, medicines, vitamins, toiletries I would advise you to do so. I feel pressed to write to you that stocking up time is now. I would skip some things over others.
~tomato sauce goes for about 20 cents a can----it is a base for so many foods...
~lard---it is cheaper than Crisco, and I think that the taste in products is much better...
~canned tomatoes---the gallon of whole peeled tomatoes at Costco is under 2.50...
~rice---- bring home and freeze for a day or two to kill off any thing in...
~chocolate---all kinds. What I read from those who are living solely off food storage is that they never had enough chocolate products. So chocolate syrup, cocoa, chocolate cake mix, brownie mixes, chocolate pudding...I am not a big chocolate fan but this advice is sound, so I promote it and have myself been adding these items for my family.
My advice to the two or so that read this blog is that if you can buy some food because you have a few coins PLEASE do so!!
I can not stress this enough so I am typing this again...Please, please buy wisely and plan ahead.
Jen
~oh and remind you that if you can stock up foods, medicines, vitamins, toiletries I would advise you to do so. I feel pressed to write to you that stocking up time is now. I would skip some things over others.~tomato sauce goes for about 20 cents a can----it is a base for so many foods...
~lard---it is cheaper than Crisco, and I think that the taste in products is much better...
~canned tomatoes---the gallon of whole peeled tomatoes at Costco is under 2.50...
~rice---- bring home and freeze for a day or two to kill off any thing in...
~chocolate---all kinds. What I read from those who are living solely off food storage is that they never had enough chocolate products. So chocolate syrup, cocoa, chocolate cake mix, brownie mixes, chocolate pudding...I am not a big chocolate fan but this advice is sound, so I promote it and have myself been adding these items for my family.
My advice to the two or so that read this blog is that if you can buy some food because you have a few coins PLEASE do so!!
I can not stress this enough so I am typing this again...Please, please buy wisely and plan ahead.
Jen
The Time Is Now
After reading several blogs and even from what I feel, I believe a sense of urgency is upon us all. We are beginning to understand that we may not learn everything, but we feel pressed to continue on.
I have been a huge advocate of preparing foods yourself instead of buying store bought canned goods. I do understand that it is an easy fix and quick, but it is far too wasteful on your budget and health.
A pound of dried beans equals 2 cups of cooked beans. A can of 15.5 oz beans is just about 1 cup of beans with added ingredients such as corn syrup, sugar, and other preservatives. The price I pay for one bag(1 pound of beans) is around $1.00. What I noted for canned beans even generic or store brands cost around 80 cents! So for the same quantity you pay an additional 60 cents per item. Now that may seem inconsequential when we think of one item, but take it to the scale of food storage for a family of four for the year. According to the food storage calculator a family of four needs about 240 pounds of beans. Make your dollar go further and invest in more for less.
I cannot negate the value of preparing the beans yourself. You can monitor anything put in and of course season the beans for your likes. Click here to learn about all the different kinds of beans that are out there. Click here to learn how to reduce the potential gas that the beans cause.
I challenge all readers to buy ten pounds of beans a week until the New Year. This will be such a benefit to you. By the way on each bag of dried beans is a way to prepare them and how to soak the beans so if you do not remember to print the bean page you will be fine. It does take planning, but is easy to get in the routine.
For another tip this week the sweet potato is being spotlighted on Worlds Healthiest Foods. If you are a smoker please read about the sweet potato because it is excellent in combating things that cigarettes cause. I love sweet potatoes but do not eat them the traditional way. I eat one sweet potato each day- I peel it, dice it, and skillet cook it in 1 tbsp of olive oil.
Friends please heed the importance of preparing. Be smart with your money even if you are comfy financially, as you could spend more wisely...when we see all the signs around us of a government that is choosing to isolate us from our allies(think Barack Obama NOT attending the 20 year anniversary of the Berlin Wall coming down)...and our dollar has lost its value and nations are crying for another currency...IT IS REAL. The prepper circuit is here to clue you in via many volunteers how to build up storage, prep for scenarios, and how to out last anything. The question is this: ARE YOU WILLING TO SEE THE TRUTH?
Jen
I have been a huge advocate of preparing foods yourself instead of buying store bought canned goods. I do understand that it is an easy fix and quick, but it is far too wasteful on your budget and health.
A pound of dried beans equals 2 cups of cooked beans. A can of 15.5 oz beans is just about 1 cup of beans with added ingredients such as corn syrup, sugar, and other preservatives. The price I pay for one bag(1 pound of beans) is around $1.00. What I noted for canned beans even generic or store brands cost around 80 cents! So for the same quantity you pay an additional 60 cents per item. Now that may seem inconsequential when we think of one item, but take it to the scale of food storage for a family of four for the year. According to the food storage calculator a family of four needs about 240 pounds of beans. Make your dollar go further and invest in more for less.
I cannot negate the value of preparing the beans yourself. You can monitor anything put in and of course season the beans for your likes. Click here to learn about all the different kinds of beans that are out there. Click here to learn how to reduce the potential gas that the beans cause.
I challenge all readers to buy ten pounds of beans a week until the New Year. This will be such a benefit to you. By the way on each bag of dried beans is a way to prepare them and how to soak the beans so if you do not remember to print the bean page you will be fine. It does take planning, but is easy to get in the routine.
For another tip this week the sweet potato is being spotlighted on Worlds Healthiest Foods. If you are a smoker please read about the sweet potato because it is excellent in combating things that cigarettes cause. I love sweet potatoes but do not eat them the traditional way. I eat one sweet potato each day- I peel it, dice it, and skillet cook it in 1 tbsp of olive oil.
Friends please heed the importance of preparing. Be smart with your money even if you are comfy financially, as you could spend more wisely...when we see all the signs around us of a government that is choosing to isolate us from our allies(think Barack Obama NOT attending the 20 year anniversary of the Berlin Wall coming down)...and our dollar has lost its value and nations are crying for another currency...IT IS REAL. The prepper circuit is here to clue you in via many volunteers how to build up storage, prep for scenarios, and how to out last anything. The question is this: ARE YOU WILLING TO SEE THE TRUTH?
Jen
Monday, November 9, 2009
Monday Stockpiling
As it is November I am suggesting that all readers take advantage of the holiday sales.
Turkey-cook, can freeze, make broth
pumpkin(in can)- soups, pies, cookies, breads, muffins
cranberry sauce- cookies, granola bars as is
broth- beef or chicken- for soup base, for those ill
sweet potatoes- can, dry, as is
potatoes- can, dry, as is
celery- dry, as is
olives- as is
cane sugar- in place of refined sugar
pickles-as is
mayonnaise- as is
gravy mixes
cran drinks
oranges- dry, as is
nuts- great and store in freezer
spices- many on sale -stock up
jello- this is a good thing to have on hand for small children or when sick(drink hot)
cake mixes, frostings, cocoa- all important for sanity items in crises
So do you get the idea? Use your change jars and invest in your food storage this holiday season. I recommend curbing ALL holiday expenses(usually stuff that we don't want and break days after the holidays) and instead make items for loved ones. A few years ago I made a monopoly board game for the family of all the places we lived and where all the children were born. It was a big hit and I learned how much I wasted for years by not thinking ahead of simple ideas that would unite the family instead of causing financial dependency. We are a huge part of the problem with the economy as we have had to have things now, instead of saving for items. Now is the time to remove commercialism from our homes. This is the time to stop.
Jen
Turkey-cook, can freeze, make broth
pumpkin(in can)- soups, pies, cookies, breads, muffins
cranberry sauce- cookies, granola bars as is
broth- beef or chicken- for soup base, for those ill
sweet potatoes- can, dry, as is
potatoes- can, dry, as is
celery- dry, as is
olives- as is
cane sugar- in place of refined sugar
pickles-as is
mayonnaise- as is
gravy mixes
cran drinks
oranges- dry, as is
nuts- great and store in freezer
spices- many on sale -stock up
jello- this is a good thing to have on hand for small children or when sick(drink hot)
cake mixes, frostings, cocoa- all important for sanity items in crises
So do you get the idea? Use your change jars and invest in your food storage this holiday season. I recommend curbing ALL holiday expenses(usually stuff that we don't want and break days after the holidays) and instead make items for loved ones. A few years ago I made a monopoly board game for the family of all the places we lived and where all the children were born. It was a big hit and I learned how much I wasted for years by not thinking ahead of simple ideas that would unite the family instead of causing financial dependency. We are a huge part of the problem with the economy as we have had to have things now, instead of saving for items. Now is the time to remove commercialism from our homes. This is the time to stop.
Jen
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Are you Hungry or Are you Dieting?
We are inundated with images and messages of eating proper to maintain a healthy weight. Hollywood is filled with scrawny, skin and bones folks that make the population covet thinness. People in war torn countries or famine plagued countries or poor countries would not be able to process this notion.That is a real concern for those of us who are preppers. Can you imagine? Can you imagine not having the skills, the money, or the food to feed those around you to include yourself? How incredibly far reached for us in the US and Canada to think that we are exempt.
Prepping is NOT just about stockpiling items. It is a mental game too- learning skills to be able to garden, preserve healing, and survive natural disasters. No one wishes to starve. No parent wishes to see a child starve to death.
Are you clear on the purpose of prepping? Because if you are only stockpiling and have no understanding of how to store up foods- such as canning, drying, and pickling, you may run out of food as it will spoil. If you cannot drive your car and you need a backup means to leave the area-what next? Do you understand?
One more thing to think about- Germany. The Jews that were in hiding- do you know how they were found? They were found(usually) because someone who knew that they were hiding turned them in.( Just hoping to make you think.)
Prepping must be the knowledge and understanding of how to act, when to act, and what to implement.
Just my rambling thoughts today.
Jen
Saturday, November 7, 2009
This is Not Good for this New Mexico Prepper
PELOSI: Buy a $15,000 Policy or Go to Jail;
Failure to Comply, 5 Years in Prison...
via Drudge
And it passes the House
I have no words. I just want to cry.
I think I look good in orange...
I guess I can roll up the pant legs?
Failure to Comply, 5 Years in Prison...
via Drudge
And it passes the House
I have no words. I just want to cry.
I think I look good in orange...
I guess I can roll up the pant legs?Friday, November 6, 2009
10.2%
Unemployment numbers have reached 10.2%.
One in ten Americans that can work are not able to find work.
Welcome to the prepper movement.
We are here to help folks learn new skills and ways to survive crises of any kind. Losing a job is a crisis of the first kind.
We share tips on food preservation, animal care, and even ways to adapt to getting off the grid or foraging. One will learn how to stretch foods, grow foods, and even connect with preppers who are living in an understanding that we are not on a solid foundation as Americans. We live knowing that our government cannot sustain the spending that is ongoing.
Do not believe that you will be exempt from some sort of crisis in your life. Whether you live in areas that have tornadoes or hurricanes, or some other thing, preparing for a worst case scenario can and most likely will get you through a situation that causes others to panic.
Please feel free to visit the various states and even the Canadian prepper circuit, as we are all volunteering our tips and skills to help others. If you are so inclined we all would love to have others from our state to share tips and write with the network.
10.2%- it is likely that you know someone who is unemployed or are unemployed. I am so sorry that times are the way they are. Prep on because I am even more sad that I believe we are at the beginning of the downward spiral.
Pray friends if you are a praying person as times and folks all around can sure use our prayers.
Jen
One in ten Americans that can work are not able to find work.
Welcome to the prepper movement.
We are here to help folks learn new skills and ways to survive crises of any kind. Losing a job is a crisis of the first kind.
We share tips on food preservation, animal care, and even ways to adapt to getting off the grid or foraging. One will learn how to stretch foods, grow foods, and even connect with preppers who are living in an understanding that we are not on a solid foundation as Americans. We live knowing that our government cannot sustain the spending that is ongoing.
Do not believe that you will be exempt from some sort of crisis in your life. Whether you live in areas that have tornadoes or hurricanes, or some other thing, preparing for a worst case scenario can and most likely will get you through a situation that causes others to panic.
Please feel free to visit the various states and even the Canadian prepper circuit, as we are all volunteering our tips and skills to help others. If you are so inclined we all would love to have others from our state to share tips and write with the network.
10.2%- it is likely that you know someone who is unemployed or are unemployed. I am so sorry that times are the way they are. Prep on because I am even more sad that I believe we are at the beginning of the downward spiral.
Pray friends if you are a praying person as times and folks all around can sure use our prayers.
Jen
Thursday, November 5, 2009
NAU-USANORTH Logo and more Globalism
I thought the readers here should take a look at this. It goes hand in hand with Jennifer's last post. I don't know how much proof those who refuse to see the truth need. They can call us tin hatters all they want. But facts are facts, and fact is: The fedgovs are incrementally spoon feeding us globalism to prepare us for a one world government. Read more on NAU-USANorth Logo Here 
And while I'm sitting here in my truck with no freight due to the Global meltdown of our economy caused by global banks, corporations and the Fedgovs as well as outsourcing labor to sweat shops and slave camps in places like China and Mexico. I thought I'd take a picture of my transponder that's mounted on the windshield of my truck. It's called NorPass. It's weigh station bypass transponder partnered with Bestpass a toll road transponder designed specifically for trucks to bypass weigh stations and run toll roads on "North American" Highways....Sound familiar? NAU, NAFTA Super highway? hmmmmm? I've seen, with my own eyes, the construction going on with these "Tin Hatter" highways that you say don't exist .
Google Trans Texas Corridor, better yet, here's a link to their website: KeepTexasMoving.com So for all you non-tinhatters explain to me why Texas would build such a superhighway and just have it dead-end in North Eastern Texas? Could it be maybe that it will continue on through the U.S. and on up to Canada? Who cares if they call it "NAFTA Super Highway"? They could call it "Mickey Mouse Highway" for all I care, It still is what it is, you cannot deny that. (*Note I've just noticed that the Keep Texas Moving main page of the website now reads "In response to public comment TXDOT recommends no action on TTC-35. Looks like public protest is helping stall the highway construction. At least they are holding back one segment of it. Good Job Texans! Keep it up! it's still a long uphill battle)
Did you know many of these toll roads are leased to Cintra? With "No Compete Clauses". Cintra is a global corporation based in Spain who owns infrastructure all around the world. Here's the wikipedia link which means we can't build any public roads that compete with their highway systems. That means they will have a monopoly to toll you (at whatever rate they want) to drive on roads that should be paid for with the fuel tax that you already pay (By the way those fuel taxes will be going up much higher with the Cape and Tax Laws that will go in effect to fund the Global Government)
Explain to me, you non-tinhatters, why all the Government and Corporate propaganda to promote the North American Union and Globalism? Why the legislation? Why the funding of Global organizations? Why a need for a "World Trade Organization", a "United Nations", or "International Monetary Fund"
Here's a good pic showing proposed segments of the "nonexistent" NAFTA Superhighway....Oh also note, that Aliance Texas is an entire pre-planned inland port city that has multiple lanes of highways (with very little traffic on them yet, they are planning ahead to make that a NAFTA port city complete with Inter-modal rail, a cargo only airport, truck terminals, and Warehouses). I've been there myself and seen the amount of construction going on to support the infrastructure of this highway system.
So in case you can't see the writing on the wall I will spell it out to you very clearly
1) We already know that tens of thousands of jobs have been lost to NAFTA...Ever been to Detroit lately? Those jobs are now in Mexico taking advantage of cheap labor.
2) We know that China, our largest trade partner, has most of the manufacturing jobs that used to be here in the U.S....Ever wonder why there are no Magnvox TV's anymore?
3) Ever notice that many times when you call costumer service for some company that you get someone from India? It's much cheaper to route the call to India and pay their labor than to pay someone in the U.S. for $7 an hour...Oh when they can't get someone over seas to do it they'll use slave labor from Non-violent criminals who serve time in prison. Ever wonder about all the excessive laws that are being written and why we have so many non-violent crimes on the books that are now felonies? Got to get your slaves from somewhere.
4) We know that the government flat out refuses to stop illegal immigration. What they can't outsource they will in-source.
5) We know that the government and corporations plan to replace U.S. truck drivers with with Mexican drivers who will work for pennies on the dollar.
Here is what will happen (Is Happening)
Slave labor goods are produced in China, those will come into Mexican ports where they do not have to pay Longshoreman Union wages. Watch the U.S. Port city economies collapse in the near future. Those goods will then either be brought into the U.S. on trains or Mexican trucks by Mexican drivers who will fuel up on diesel in Mexico where it's much cheaper, taking more jobs away from Americans (watch as many U.S. truck stops will soon go out of business) and raising up fuel tax rates for everyone else here because U.S. truckers pay a large bulk of the nations fuel tax revenue (that revenue will no longer be available....it'll get passed onto the automobile drivers.) Those goods will then be delivered in U.S. warehouses where many illegal immigrants work....well maybe they'll make them legal with guest worker cards...But we have to compete for the lower wages. You will then be able to buy more cheaper crap products with guess what? More credit, because in case you hadn't noticed there will be no U.S. jobs left. They're all being outsourced.
And while I'm sitting here in my truck with no freight due to the Global meltdown of our economy caused by global banks, corporations and the Fedgovs as well as outsourcing labor to sweat shops and slave camps in places like China and Mexico. I thought I'd take a picture of my transponder that's mounted on the windshield of my truck. It's called NorPass. It's weigh station bypass transponder partnered with Bestpass a toll road transponder designed specifically for trucks to bypass weigh stations and run toll roads on "North American" Highways....Sound familiar? NAU, NAFTA Super highway? hmmmmm? I've seen, with my own eyes, the construction going on with these "Tin Hatter" highways that you say don't exist .
Google Trans Texas Corridor, better yet, here's a link to their website: KeepTexasMoving.com So for all you non-tinhatters explain to me why Texas would build such a superhighway and just have it dead-end in North Eastern Texas? Could it be maybe that it will continue on through the U.S. and on up to Canada? Who cares if they call it "NAFTA Super Highway"? They could call it "Mickey Mouse Highway" for all I care, It still is what it is, you cannot deny that. (*Note I've just noticed that the Keep Texas Moving main page of the website now reads "In response to public comment TXDOT recommends no action on TTC-35. Looks like public protest is helping stall the highway construction. At least they are holding back one segment of it. Good Job Texans! Keep it up! it's still a long uphill battle)
Did you know many of these toll roads are leased to Cintra? With "No Compete Clauses". Cintra is a global corporation based in Spain who owns infrastructure all around the world. Here's the wikipedia link which means we can't build any public roads that compete with their highway systems. That means they will have a monopoly to toll you (at whatever rate they want) to drive on roads that should be paid for with the fuel tax that you already pay (By the way those fuel taxes will be going up much higher with the Cape and Tax Laws that will go in effect to fund the Global Government)
Explain to me, you non-tinhatters, why all the Government and Corporate propaganda to promote the North American Union and Globalism? Why the legislation? Why the funding of Global organizations? Why a need for a "World Trade Organization", a "United Nations", or "International Monetary Fund"
Here's a good pic showing proposed segments of the "nonexistent" NAFTA Superhighway....Oh also note, that Aliance Texas is an entire pre-planned inland port city that has multiple lanes of highways (with very little traffic on them yet, they are planning ahead to make that a NAFTA port city complete with Inter-modal rail, a cargo only airport, truck terminals, and Warehouses). I've been there myself and seen the amount of construction going on to support the infrastructure of this highway system.
So in case you can't see the writing on the wall I will spell it out to you very clearly
1) We already know that tens of thousands of jobs have been lost to NAFTA...Ever been to Detroit lately? Those jobs are now in Mexico taking advantage of cheap labor.
2) We know that China, our largest trade partner, has most of the manufacturing jobs that used to be here in the U.S....Ever wonder why there are no Magnvox TV's anymore?
3) Ever notice that many times when you call costumer service for some company that you get someone from India? It's much cheaper to route the call to India and pay their labor than to pay someone in the U.S. for $7 an hour...Oh when they can't get someone over seas to do it they'll use slave labor from Non-violent criminals who serve time in prison. Ever wonder about all the excessive laws that are being written and why we have so many non-violent crimes on the books that are now felonies? Got to get your slaves from somewhere.
4) We know that the government flat out refuses to stop illegal immigration. What they can't outsource they will in-source.
5) We know that the government and corporations plan to replace U.S. truck drivers with with Mexican drivers who will work for pennies on the dollar.
Here is what will happen (Is Happening)
Slave labor goods are produced in China, those will come into Mexican ports where they do not have to pay Longshoreman Union wages. Watch the U.S. Port city economies collapse in the near future. Those goods will then either be brought into the U.S. on trains or Mexican trucks by Mexican drivers who will fuel up on diesel in Mexico where it's much cheaper, taking more jobs away from Americans (watch as many U.S. truck stops will soon go out of business) and raising up fuel tax rates for everyone else here because U.S. truckers pay a large bulk of the nations fuel tax revenue (that revenue will no longer be available....it'll get passed onto the automobile drivers.) Those goods will then be delivered in U.S. warehouses where many illegal immigrants work....well maybe they'll make them legal with guest worker cards...But we have to compete for the lower wages. You will then be able to buy more cheaper crap products with guess what? More credit, because in case you hadn't noticed there will be no U.S. jobs left. They're all being outsourced.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Right Before Our Eyes
This post is in response to a comment I received when I wrote about the new Navy Recruitment Poster.
I have explained many times why I am on the path of prepper, or as I see myself, as living a life of simplicity, but I believe I am going to have to delve deeper to explain why I continue to point out things the way I do.
Let us ponder the Navy Recruitment poster:
Now after you have looked at it, think about this- one does not gain 40 pounds overnight. Each day one slowly packs on a few more ounces and then bam they are overweight. When they looked in the mirror each day, they were immune to the bigger picture of weight gain as it slowly. It was in front of the person day in day out that they were gaining weight, but were unable to spot the changes. You see it is a gradual thing gaining weight.
So is the slow changes that have been happening to our nation. We have slowly been creeping towards global world, and less of the United States continuing to stand by themselves. Our schools have altered curricula so that the children are becoming world citizens more than American citizens.
We have slowly chewed on Treaties such as the Kyoto Treaty and the UN Rights of the Child to the point that we are very close to signing them. Both remove sovereignty of the US and places America upon the world stage and in the World Court.
We have witnessed a slow backstep from pride in America to standing with our shoulders folded in and in shame. We no longer are standing when the colors are marched in front of us in parades, and we award those who desecrate the flag artistic awards.
You see we have slowly been changing our nation right in front of our eyes, and that is why someone will stand and leave a comment suggesting that I am a bit tin foil hatty for noting the global US Navy????Or should I say global America's Navy. This is change and I am the one noted as off my rocker.
Just like one who gradually gains weight it is shocking to realize how fast it was truly put on...that is what I see. I see the way it has taken so long(yet seems so quick) that my nation has changed...
Did you know what happened to those before us who saw all kinds of signs and warning lights, and most likely were called similar names like tin foil hatters or paranoid or worry warts-click here.
By the way, I lived in Germany for 4 years in the early nineties...I spent a good deal of time traveling and trying to come to grips with how an entire nation can allow something so horrific to happen. I left with the realization that many CHOSE to ignore the warning signs as long as it would not affect them. When there was time to stop Hitler, many pretended he was not too bad. Many wanted to blame someone for something. Many were fed up with the shame from WWI. It was easy to look the other way at first, as I am sure most had no idea the plan that Hitler had to eradicate the Jew.
I believe that we are very close to times where we will need to stand up or look the other way. I know what I will do...how about you?
Oh and for the record- I look great in tinfoil!
Jen
I have explained many times why I am on the path of prepper, or as I see myself, as living a life of simplicity, but I believe I am going to have to delve deeper to explain why I continue to point out things the way I do.
Let us ponder the Navy Recruitment poster:
Now after you have looked at it, think about this- one does not gain 40 pounds overnight. Each day one slowly packs on a few more ounces and then bam they are overweight. When they looked in the mirror each day, they were immune to the bigger picture of weight gain as it slowly. It was in front of the person day in day out that they were gaining weight, but were unable to spot the changes. You see it is a gradual thing gaining weight.So is the slow changes that have been happening to our nation. We have slowly been creeping towards global world, and less of the United States continuing to stand by themselves. Our schools have altered curricula so that the children are becoming world citizens more than American citizens.
We have slowly chewed on Treaties such as the Kyoto Treaty and the UN Rights of the Child to the point that we are very close to signing them. Both remove sovereignty of the US and places America upon the world stage and in the World Court.
We have witnessed a slow backstep from pride in America to standing with our shoulders folded in and in shame. We no longer are standing when the colors are marched in front of us in parades, and we award those who desecrate the flag artistic awards.
You see we have slowly been changing our nation right in front of our eyes, and that is why someone will stand and leave a comment suggesting that I am a bit tin foil hatty for noting the global US Navy????Or should I say global America's Navy. This is change and I am the one noted as off my rocker.
Just like one who gradually gains weight it is shocking to realize how fast it was truly put on...that is what I see. I see the way it has taken so long(yet seems so quick) that my nation has changed...
Did you know what happened to those before us who saw all kinds of signs and warning lights, and most likely were called similar names like tin foil hatters or paranoid or worry warts-click here.
By the way, I lived in Germany for 4 years in the early nineties...I spent a good deal of time traveling and trying to come to grips with how an entire nation can allow something so horrific to happen. I left with the realization that many CHOSE to ignore the warning signs as long as it would not affect them. When there was time to stop Hitler, many pretended he was not too bad. Many wanted to blame someone for something. Many were fed up with the shame from WWI. It was easy to look the other way at first, as I am sure most had no idea the plan that Hitler had to eradicate the Jew.
I believe that we are very close to times where we will need to stand up or look the other way. I know what I will do...how about you?
Oh and for the record- I look great in tinfoil!
Jen
Monday, November 2, 2009
Did You Know You Could Make Pectin?
Yep, it is true- after a few weeks of searching I found this recipe!
2 pounds of small green apples or immature apples or crabapples
4 cups of water
2 pounds of small green apples or immature apples or crabapples
4 cups of water
- Wash apples trim bad parts, and slice very thinly. Place in large stockpot; add two cups of water for each pound of apples. Cover pan boil 15 minutes.
- Strain juice through cheesecloth. Do not squeeze pulp. Reserve the juice.
- Put the pulp back into the pan; add same amount of water. Cook 15 minutes over medium heat.
- Strain juices through cheesecloth, without squeezing the pulp. When pulp cools, you can press more juice from it.
- Heat stock to boiling point. Ladle into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 " headspace. Remove air bubbles. Cap and seal.
- Process in water bath canner for 10 minutes.
Makes 1 1/2 cups.
Friday, October 30, 2009
We Should Really Be Troubled
I know I just posted this two posts ago, but I was looking at this today while chatting with my brother, and had some powerful things I had not noticed before.1) Did you know that our Navy is known as " The United States Navy?"---Not America's Navy. This is really bothersome to me.
2) Did you notice that Navy and Global are the lightest or appear like the light is shining upon them the most?
3) Taking the emblem away from in front of Navy and reading the words it reads Americas A Global Navy...
4) For Good can be taken a few different ways- for example, "I am going to take that for good"-forever. A Global force forever?
5) This speculation about the North American Union- or the Amero, seems plausible seeing this new tone of the Navy.
6) A Global Force---does this mean the the Navy will now be under the UN which our global united nations?
You know to me this is all just my thoughts, but I find this recruitment poster repugnant. I think that the constant bombardment of global this, global that, is just a way to lower our barriers when the Global Government does take place. It is going to happen- and this is just another way to prepare us.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Garden Gleaned
We knew that the other day we were going to have a drop in temperatures so we picked every plant in our garden clean! We had almost two bushels of green tomatoes still! Now we usually grow tomatoes until the mid to end of November range so this was a bit shocking, but we looked ahead and acted accordingly. This is a preppers mentality for sure. We actually had snow this morning on the mountain- which for us was a blizzard. Please click on the pictures to enlarge and squint your eyes to see the trace snow on the mountain.
In light of the weather I have so many tomatoes I wondered what I would do, with so many green tomatoes. Last year I canned the tomatoes for green fried tomatoes, and we really did not like it, as we are not a big fried food family. So this year, I am making green tomato salsa and a recipe for Mennonite Pickled tomatoes. I will post the recipes if anyone is interested.
This is a picture of the tomatoes soaking in the pickling salt and onions. It smells so good as is, I had to hold back from snacking throughout the day.
In light of the weather I have so many tomatoes I wondered what I would do, with so many green tomatoes. Last year I canned the tomatoes for green fried tomatoes, and we really did not like it, as we are not a big fried food family. So this year, I am making green tomato salsa and a recipe for Mennonite Pickled tomatoes. I will post the recipes if anyone is interested.
This is a picture of the tomatoes soaking in the pickling salt and onions. It smells so good as is, I had to hold back from snacking throughout the day.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Time to Read The Book
Friends now is the time.
I cannot say that enough.
The signs are all around us.
One world government, global governing.
This has all been foretold.
(Click on the picture for more info on the new recruiting motto of the US Navy)
Cross posted on Double Nickel Farm
Cross posted on Double Nickel Farm
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Southwest Thoughts
To supplement the diets of our animals we harvest mesquite leaves. It is not easy, but it gives the goats and sheep greens. Now we raise Navajo Churro Sheep, and they eat the natural vegetation of the southwest. Goats will eat anything. It is important that you understand when you decide to raise animals to have animals that will work for you and the environment. Especially if you cannot get hay or afford hay(think crises or worst case scenario).
The mesquite bush has thorns like no other! If you click to enlarge the picture you can see for yourself the thorns! Oh to step on these thorns is horrible... These pictures are from when we went a few miles east of us to gather the leaves, because we try not to use the leaves from our mesquite in the winter and spring, until the mesquite comes in full bloom. Anyway, these leaves are so amazing to the animals. They love the leaves!(In the summer and fall- we tether the animals to clear the mesquite without killing the bush.)
Here is my daughter collecting some of the leaves. It does seem tedious- I need to be blunt here: if the world changes like many preppers believe this is how life will be. Do you understand that life may be hard-but the work is worth it? You should understand the realities of prepping. Being prepared must include the understanding that you will work probably like you never have before. America has been very good to all of us-same with our Canadian friends too. We have come very far and have distanced ourselves a good deal from the agrarian lifestyle. The agrarian lifestyle is what could save millions of people from starvation, right now- today. We need to learn skills that will afford us the opportunity to carry on.
First there is nothing wrong with hard work. Second, stop looking to the stores first, but your surroundings to meet some of the needs that you may have. Third, animals do not need all the stuff that the local feed store tells you. I posted on my farm blog, a woman pushing her dogs in a stroller! No kidding. Folks we have got to recommit to the realities of life.
Here is the lovely mesquite. We have about 300-400 on our property- which we harvest the mesquite bean and the leaves. The kids have made extensive trails throughout the mesquite- which someone unfamiliar with our land would struggle to navigate. You see the mesquite when it is bushy and grows close together is very difficult to walk through without getting poked. Many of my area neighbors clear this bush as waste. I guess I should not be surprised at how conditioned we as a society have become. Once the land is cleared the soil is left(a sandy style soil) that blows all over daily. You see like in the Dust Bowl era, we need to appreciate the environment we live in. You need to hold the soil down, and one way is via native vegetation. If you wish to clear the land go slowly. When we began putting up pens for the animals, we slowly removed and cleared a small amount of mesquite.
Please rethink your neck of the woods. Grow things that will grow there without an act of God to grow. Learn to harvest native grasses etc for your animals. Use your surroundings for you, and not what we have been taught all the while keeping up with the Jones's.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Great Link For Next Year's Garden
I love reading Granny Miller's Blog. If you have not read her blog, I highly recommend that you do so. While she no longer writes anymore she has left her blog up for us to enjoy and surely learn something new from.
I found this link the other day and thought "what a great help for next year's garden!"
I found this link the other day and thought "what a great help for next year's garden!"
Thursday, October 22, 2009
On the Shelves of the Pantry
1. Rice- what an easy and inexpensive way to fill up your pantry. To make your rice provide all the nutrients necessary read this, as it is very helpful and will ensure that the protein in rice will help you if you are shy of meats.
For my family a one year supply of rice is about 250 lbs according to this calculator. Rice is an incredibly easy food to prepare and there are far too numerous recipes to list...on the farm we eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner...just prepared a different way.
2. Brown sugar-this is such a great item to have. In the calculator above it suggest having 15 lbs for a family of five, but we use brown sugar much more than white sugar, as it is not refined. We do have white sugar, but I am thinning that out. We use this as a sweetener for drinks-yummy.
3. Store bought canned veggies- I try and buy veggies without anything but water...but sometimes I do buy because of a sale. We have an abundance of corn, peas, green beans, carrots, asparagus, and spinach. Did you know that combining a yellow vegetable and a green vegetable together will help reduce or lower your triglycerides? Did you know that you can make carrot cookies or carrot bread with canned carrots? We have a few hundred cans of veggies in the pantry-based on sales.
4. Condiments- mayonnaise, mustard, dressings, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Kikomon, Parmesan cheese and Ketchup. I confess that these are loaded with corn syrup and sugars, but I like to have them sometimes. I buy these items totally on sale. For example I just bought 12 BBQ sauces for $3.60!Oh and they are Kraft! If you watch the sales and use coupons you'd be amazed at what you can do for your pantry.
5. Peanut butter- I am giving this its own separate number as it should be!! I love peanut butter, peanuts and any side on either! We buy this from Costco as it is still the cheapest place to buy peanut butter so inexpensive.
6. Pickles- we eat about a gallon to two gallons each month! Yep we love them so I have a variety of pickles in the pantry. I buy the gallons for about $3.50 at Costco, and then supplement the slices or variety when they go on sale. I think I have 8 gallons in the pantry and five medium jars of slices. Don't forget that you can drink the pickle juice!!
7. Canned tomatoes gets its own category also! I have never canned my own tomatoes as we eat them as fast as they come in. So I buy gallons of tomatoes from Costco. We have about 15 gallons in the pantry...I use this for salsa primarily as we use salsa pretty much every day with lunch and dinner. Try tossing salsa on top of white rice- yummy!!! By the way the whole peeled tomatoes are superb!
8. Drinks- no not alcohol, although I recommend having something like vodka in your storage as you can use that to make tinctures, and sterilize wounds. Now back to drinks, black tea to make sun tea, flavored teas to get you through sicknesses, coffee, Gatorade, punch mixes. We also buy one or two canned drinks such as apple juice or orange juice. They are pricey, but last a good while and are not exposed to sunlight which changes the taste of the drink. We have the generic V-8 too which is my favorite. (approximately 5 gallons of coffee, 70 mixes of koolaid, 3 tubs of Gatorade, 6 boxes of teas, 25 cans of fruit drinks 2 qts)
9. Powdered milk- I use this when I make oatmeal, arroz con leche and what ever. I have two 5 gallon buckets. I bought on sale the boxes, then filled up the five gallon buckets.
10. tomato sauce- this is such a good starter for your cooking, it can be made into tomato juice or as a soup base, or in anything. I buy salt free type. I have about 200 cans of tomato sauce.
11. Oils- olive oil, I use this exclusively in my baking and cooking. I also have lard and Crisco. I use both...and have several of each. I have three gallons of olive oil.
12. Canned meats- I have tuna, sardines, and ham. We have the beef, so I will be canning lots over the next few weeks so I can turn off the freezer.
13. Fruits- I have raisins, prunes(yep) applesauce, peaches, pears, pineapples, fruit cocktail...some I have canned and some store bought. I buy only fruits in natural juices- again I have been reducing the corn syrup in our diets. I have a couple hundred or more. I canned 70 plus applesauce, so you get the idea.
14. Pasta's- we are like most Americans I suppose, as we do like our pasta. I have lasagna, spaghetti, elbow, shells, fideo and three colored rotini. I have about 30 or so lbs.
15. Spices- this is important- so I have several containers to resupply my spice cupboard. Don't forget salt and pepper. I have 25 lbs of salt...and about 8 lbs of sea salt for home made toothpaste.
Well that is the peek for now- The key to a pantry is understanding that balance should be maintained. If you have three hundred lbs of flour, and nothing else you're are going to be in trouble. One must also rotate foods and replenish ones supplies.
I have not gone over the complete inventory- just a peek!
(c) Double Nickel Farm
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
No Tips Today
I saw the Kentucky Preppers topic and knew I would re post this picture. By the way I did post it on one of my blogs, I just cannot remember where, but it is appropriate, don't you think?Here is what I wrote about having cloth napkins(aka cloth toilet paper)
On second thought, have you considered building your own outhouse? Here's a working one
No matter what consider all the options when prepping...thanks Kentucky Prepper for allowing me to share a goof pic of a serious prepper's bathroom!!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
They Do Not Care So Why IS IT A CRISIS?(Updated)
Government does not really believe in nor care about the environment. It has always been about the money. Al Gore is raking in millions of dollars for his fluff. Eco Green companies are rolling in the dough, and we the folks are paying the consequences.
Our Hollywood
Hmm, it brings in big money and a few jobs for a time period, so it is worthy to go around environmental concerns? Here is the flip side that is going to cost all Americans dearly, and for reference it is occurring in California
We are witnessing how the environmental wackos are on both ends of the spectrum. Arnold "pretending" to be concerned for the environment, until bling heads his way, and the nutcases who deny water to the largest produce center of the United States.
Just so you can comprehend what denying water to some po' farmers will do, study the chart below:
Our Hollywood
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he's going to sign an environmental exemption bill that will clear the way for construction of the LA Stadium.
Hmm, it brings in big money and a few jobs for a time period, so it is worthy to go around environmental concerns? Here is the flip side that is going to cost all Americans dearly, and for reference it is occurring in California
Farmers throughout this region echo the sentiment that politics, not the drought, is the problem. Most of California gets its water from a huge estuary called the Delta, where two big rivers join in the center of the valley. But so much water was being pumped out of the Delta that a tiny smelt there, an endangered species, is disappearing. So late last year, a federal judge ruled that the amount of water being delivered to the south had to be sharply cut back.
In April, in a sweltering tin shed in the middle of the Westland's water district, about 200 farmers gathered to hear what Tom Birmingham had to say about the crisis. Birmingham is the executive director of the irrigation district. Yes, the drought is a problem, he says, but he believes the much bigger problem is that court ruling.
We are witnessing how the environmental wackos are on both ends of the spectrum. Arnold "pretending" to be concerned for the environment, until bling heads his way, and the nutcases who deny water to the largest produce center of the United States.
Just so you can comprehend what denying water to some po' farmers will do, study the chart below:
Food Facts
California has been the number one food and agricultural producer in the United States for more than 50 consecutive years.
More than half the nation's fruit, nuts, and vegetables come from here.
California is the nation's number one dairy state.
California's leading commodity is milk and cream. Grapes are second.
California's leading export crop is almonds.
Nationally, products exclusively grown (99% or more) in California include almonds, artichokes, dates, figs, kiwifruit, olives, persimmons, pistachios, prunes, raisins, clovers, and walnuts.
From 70 to 80% of all ripe olives are grown in California.
California is the nation's leading producer of strawberries, averaging 1.4 billion pounds of strawberries or 83% of the country's total fresh and frozen strawberry production. Approximately 12% of the crop is exported to Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Japan primarily. The value of the California strawberry crop is approximately $700 million with related employment of more than 48,000 people.
California produces 25% of the nation's onions and 43% of the nation's green onions.
Gilroy, California, "Garlic Capitol of the World," has hosted 2 million at the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival.
What do you think that this drought(man enhanced) will do to your belly? Will your grocer raise prices because he will have to buy overseas?Yes and while you get angry and upset, remember this, the green movement is an agenda to control the peons. Both you and I are just those peons. Enough is enough! Buying carbon offsets or making exemptions tell us all we need to know. It is not an emergency at all and THEY KNOW IT. When will we stand and stop the insanity? Remember this, if your children are in school they are being taught like good little children that man is the problem and that we should preserve mother earth. To stop the insanity means taking back the schools too.
Oh and for the record, if I were to take anything from this post, it would be this: if my food source is being compromised, I better learn how to adapt and provide some of my own foods, via gardens, animals and the likes as the government is too busy building stadiums and worrying about fish to end the crises they have helped create.
Update: I thought I would insert the actual percent of foods we get from California...and then you can see that the politicians are seeming to create a crisis of hunger...WHY?
California Crops
Artichokes - 19%
Asparagus-55%
Broccoli-93%
Cabbage-22%
Carrots-89%
Celery-94%
Garlic-86%
Lettuce-78%
Cantaloupe-54%
Honeydew-73%
Onions-27%
Bell Peppers-47%
Spinach-18%
Tomatoes -94%
Almond-99%
Apricots-95%
Avocados-84%
Strawberries-90%
Dates-82%
Figs-98%
Grapes-88%
Kiwi-97%
Lemons-89%
Nectarines-93%
Olives-100%
Peaches-76%
Pistachios-96%
Plums-93%
Walnuts-99%
Honey-18%
Milk & Cream-21%
I put in bold those items over 50%...this is catastrophic folks. By the way, 1/5 of our milk comes from CA and nearly 1/3 of our onions...
(c) Double Nickel Farm
Jen
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