|
Post by midtnmama on Dec 7, 2020 8:11:03 GMT -6
manygoatsnomore, Do NOT feel guilty about wasting that carcass. I have given myself permission to let some things go when it gets busy (like in the spring where we are planting, weeding, watering. Glad to hear about the clarinet therapy. I read that nursing homes have recorder "bands" to help lung function. feather, It's true that our bodies need to have a little push to get things going. Jack Lalane advocated working muscles to fatigue. Last week we cut the grass for the last time until spring and I worked yesterday raking up the grass and putting on the garden. Picked a bucket of wild violets for the chickens. Really going to push with the outside ongoing chores (pruning!!) and indoor (organizing, donating) because once Christmas comes, I'll be spending most of my time creating my little greenhouses for winter seed sowing.
|
|
|
Post by manygoatsnomore on Dec 9, 2020 21:57:16 GMT -6
Aargh! I remember why I hate, hate, hate doing returns. I had a bunch of returns to make, many of them at Dollar Tree. They wouldn't accept most of my returns! A puzzle that was missing a piece, they wouldn't take "because there was no guarantee that there was a piece missing when it left our store". Seriously??? Two pairs of defective glasses they wouldn't take back due to Covid. I offered to disinfect them for them, and it's not like they are going to resell them, but nope!
eta(Later): At least Winco took back the icky oranges, no problem. I ran out of time before I could get to the other stores where I needed to return items. I used my rain check for shavings at Wilco, had a blood draw at the lab, put gas in the tanks, picked up prescriptions and bought groceries. Then we drove out to buy 1000# of bulk chicken feed, and I came home, exhausted! Trying to keep my eyes open long enough to finish this post, but I'm "stick a fork in me" done for the night. π΄
|
|
|
Post by feather on Dec 11, 2020 9:26:24 GMT -6
Of the rolled oats thick cut, and the steel cut oats, we use both in oatmeal daily (or very close to daily), for 2 people. We also use it in oat 'cookies' whatever that recipe has evolved to, consistently. We also add it for non meat balls or neat-loaf, sometimes oat milk. It's used in breads and as a thickener ground up in a blender for some gravy recipes. We were trying to gauge how much we use.
Our azure order was delivered in the last days of June. We just emptied another 5 gallon pail and we are approaching the end of the year.
We used up 35 lbs of newly stocked oatmeal in 6 months. So for a year, 70 lbs is about right. (Given we use other things in place of oats, rolled 9 grain, wheat, rye, groats, barley, rice, at times.) I would guess, that estimate is a little low because we had oatmeal stocked up before we bought a large amount in June last year. So a better estimate might be 80 lbs a year for 2 people.
I wonder if that makes sense. That would be around 1.75 oz, a little over a half cup a day, dry, per person. That sounds about right.
|
|
|
Post by useless on Dec 12, 2020 9:38:14 GMT -6
I don't keep a good short-range to-do list. Maybe I should. My long-range one is frustrating these days, since it is mostly house rehab projects. Having work crews inside raises my anxiety. Outside I have retaining walls that need rebuilt or redesigned. Not happening till at least late spring. There's a lot I can do myself, but should be after jobs that need hired. For instance, the plaster ceiling in this room, 10' up, should probably just be replaced with plasterboard. More than one serious leak: a long crack, an area of loose plaster. I could take down the old wallpaper, only one wall, prep the room and paint. But that should come after the ceiling. Like that. I've watched quite a few house rehab TV shows lately. Not that fond of most of 'em. Don't like how much they tear out, all the "open concept", look a lot the same, each has his/her little "signature". Which is theirs, not the owner's. The good thing is that I've realized I can do more than clean up my folks' choices, now a lot of years old, as long as I'm ready to spend time or money or both. That means more decisions, though maybe not so difficult. I'm not crazy about how much is colonial blue. We won't talk about the unfortunate pepto-pink walls in the sun porch. Don't like much wallpaper, or any that is gaudy. Not going to move or remove any walls, close any windows. That's been done here at least a couple of times, going way back. I have done almost no Christmas decorating, and since right now I feel like once I'm on break I want to continue painting the cellar workshop, remove its nasty cupboards, get more odds 'n ends out, maybe draw some pics of how I'd like kitchen or bathroom to be? Probably not hanging more than a few things. Wreaths will be enough greens, especially if I put one inside as well as outside.
|
|
|
Post by midtnmama on Dec 13, 2020 9:44:19 GMT -6
I've been plugging away at putting leaves on all the gardens. Now I've covered the blackberry bushes and the horseradish roots I planted and still have some fruit trees to mulch.
I've been slowly getting the back porch cleared of miscellaneous pots and combining the soil to be sterilized and used in a couple weeks in winter seed sowing.
Saw a couple feed bags where I was storing seed pods from cole plants. Unmarked--so that will be a surprise. I may plant these in the little forest garden I'm putting under two fruit trees.
Found some wood that might be usable to make my extra shelf for kitchen appliances in my standalone pantry. Don't want to go to Lowes at this time.
Hope to bring back some soil from the woods to mix in with my used soil--that really worked well for seeds last year.
Next year, I hope to can a LOT more greens. I'm loving having a jar open in the fridge that I can add to any dish I'm making or just as a side. They are mixed, depending on whats growing at different times. But well worth the effort to get that good nutrition!
I put in a Chip drop request so that I can put this in the chicken coop and around my fruit trees. I also plan to grow mushrooms in them at the two openings of my hoophouse (more light).
|
|
lilith
Full Member
Posts: 79
Talent: herbs
|
Post by lilith on Dec 14, 2020 8:41:34 GMT -6
Hey folks! Happy December I suppose. Now I'm left wondering ... Where did it go? I suppose it went toward getting through all my to do list stuff as done as I can and a fairly rough go with depression. Looking back at the last year's worth of posts, I was even able to identify when it started. Not really a fun thing, and not out of the woods yet, but recognising and dealing with the issues helps. I can tell that I'm not going to be very good at this getting old thing. I'm still in a stupid walking boot and that has been the biggest source of my mental health issues. Not being able to physically do things myself and having to pick and choose what gets done is a new situation for me. I have to tell myself everyday that I'm not worthless and that there are still things I can do. It really helps to make lists of things I have gotten done instead of what needs doing. The biggest things on this list are teaching my daughter to do things I can't do myself. Like operate a clutch! What a whole new world in getting stuff done now that she has that ability! Tonight, we will have to get out there on the tractor and clear snow. Which is a whole lot better than being worried that we will be snowed in. I think this blanket of snow helps too. All the yard work I couldn't get done is now neatly tucked in under a soft fluffy cover and I can't see it. At least not till spring. All that financial prep I did over the last few months when I couldn't think of anything else I could do ... Paid off. We lost a freezer half full of meat, my husband's car gave up, and with the economic climate, the bank denied my husband a signature loan at a decent interest rate and car loan rates are just not ok. So, I paid cash for the new to us car, and we haven't had to hit the food bank or welfare office to replace what was lost in the freezer. We are definitely doing better than most in my area. There is even some left over for property taxes and Christmas without leaving a zero balance in the bank. I'll be going into the new year with a hundred dollars and praying that nothing else gives up for a few months. I can't imagine what it's like for the people who got laid off or furloughed.
|
|
|
Post by adinwnc on Dec 14, 2020 11:59:54 GMT -6
lilith it is always great to hear what you are doing! Whether you post what you need to do, what you have delegated (trained the next generation to do), or what you have accomplished, your list helps others remember what they need to do. I am glad to hear that you have moved from the forklift to a walking boot - that is progress in healing. I was in a tae kwon do tournament when I was 35. I fell trying to kick my opponent's head and landed on both hands (better than my spine on a tile floor) and sprained all ten fingers. The instructor laughed and told me that that would take awhile to heal, since I was getting olderπ€¨. He had hurt a joint when he was only one year older than me. My fingers took almost a year to close into a fist comfortably and still get stiff when the humidity gets high. But they healed to where I can use them all day on a keyboard. Patience is a good prep too. This week my preps are kind of odd. My son took all of the Christmas decorations out of the top of my barn. I was dreading cleaning out the barn attic. Boy did that help how I was feeling. I returned the favor and cleaned his art projects off of the dining room table. He was delighted. Then I traded use of my pickup for weekly trips moving the rest of my furniture to the new house. I was in the new house long enough to can some of the pork tenderloin too. I am beginning to think that creativity and flexibility are really good traits to have.
|
|
|
Post by Michigan Gal on Dec 14, 2020 13:07:58 GMT -6
Feather, your friend might do better if he took niacinamide. Just a small dose (one low dose pill) once a week. It dissolves fibrin.
|
|
|
Post by feather on Dec 14, 2020 13:23:43 GMT -6
Feather, your friend might do better if he took niacinamide. Just a small dose (one low dose pill) once a week. It dissolves fibrin. I will ask him if he has considered it. He does a lot of learning by reading the medical studies and it's another thing to think about. He would surely research it if he hasn't before. Thanks.
|
|
|
Post by Ohio Dreamer on Dec 15, 2020 13:08:56 GMT -6
Life is putzing along slow here. We are in that "can't really work on projects" time of year. I'm as ready for Christmas as I'm going to be. My friend just asked that we take care of her animals while she goes to her folks for the holiday...so that will be a nice change of pace. And seeing how someone else does their feed and feeding is always a good thing. Our septic system is in need of major repairs . We have one of the new EPA approved tanks systems. They are NOT cheap to run! Testing failed this year....so they came out and looked (the contract company, not the health dept.). Needs new filters and pumped out. Great.....scheduled for Dec 23. The next day an alarm goes off. They come out....the pump died So they will fix that on the 23rd, too. I didn't need these surprise expenses right now. It's why we have a savings account.....but it still hurts to dip into it. I did "fix" our living room area rug yesterday. It's one of those braided oblong ones....wool, I think. When we got it out of FIL's house last year I saw a few stitches that hold the braids together were loose. Over the year a bunch more have broken loose. So I thought I'd take an hour and sit on the floor and stitch it back together. It took 3 hours! But it's done. If I remember, it was $800 or 900 when they bought it 16 yrs ago (I think from LL Bean or Cabela's). So sitting on the floor for 3 hours to make it "new again" was worth it. Not to mention the dragging it out of the house so I could scrub the floor under. I had planned to put it over the clotheslines and beat on it......but I could barely lift it! I'll get the guys to put it on for me one day this spring......and take it back off, lol. But the little bit of dragging I did do to get it to the picnic table did dislodge some of the embedded dust...so it does look better.
|
|
|
Post by mogal on Dec 15, 2020 13:37:04 GMT -6
Ohiodreamer said: When we got it out of FIL's house last year I saw a few stitches that hold the braids together were loose. Over the year a bunch more have broken loose. So I thought I'd take an hour and sit on the floor and stitch it back together. It took 3 hours! But it's done. Darlin', have you ever heard "a stitch in time saves nine"? Seriously, I'm glad you could salvage it since it sounds like a treasure.
|
|
|
Post by manygoatsnomore on Dec 19, 2020 4:31:54 GMT -6
lilith, as someone who suffers from bouts of depression over what I cannot physically do right now, I understand your struggles. Sending you a cyberhug (the only safe hug these days anyway, lol)...will you send me some of your snow to cover up everything I'M not getting done? πββββοΈββ It's good to see a nice long post from you! Ohio Dreamer, ugh on the septic tank problems. πͺ I hope it doesn't end up being quite as spendy as predicted. At least this happened while your dh is still working full time. Take care of as many things as possible before y'all are retired and on a fixed income. I kind of wish I'd worked longer and taken care of more repairs, vehicle updates, etc, before retiring, but the offer they made to those of us with experience and salaries to match hasn't come along again, so I'm glad I took it. I made another hay run today (technically yesterday, looking at the clock), picking up 2 more round bales for the horses. I really wish I had the equipment to handle round bales at home so I could keep a year's supply on hand instead of having to haul it every couple of weeks. I'm really thinking about buying a midsize tractor and a bale clamp or bale spear a year from now. Once I have SS $$ coming in, maybe I'll feel comfortable spending a bit of my retirement fund on something to make my life much easier in all sorts of ways. We had some pretty good wind over the last few days. Went out today to look at my woods for blow downs. There are a few trees leaning farther than they were, but still hanging up on other trees. I was happy to see a standing dead tree that was going to be a difficult one to fell safely managed to come down on its own and in the perfect spot. π With all the leaves off the alders now, I can take them down on a nice calm day and let them start seasoning. I still have so many logs down that need cutting into rounds, split and stacked under cover - if only I had the stamina to put in a few hard days work and get it done! Gotta remember, baby steps daily will add up. If I do a bit every day, I not only will get stronger and able to do more, but I will actually get more done than I do with sporadic tries to work myself into exhaustion. π€
|
|
|
Post by mogal on Dec 19, 2020 6:00:52 GMT -6
Manygoatsnomore said:
"I'm really thinking about buying a midsize tractor and a bale clamp or bale spear a year from now. Once I have SS $$ coming in, maybe I'll feel comfortable spending a bit of my retirement fund on something to make my life much easier in all sorts of ways."
DH used the proceeds from the sale of his mom's house after everything else was settled plus a bit more to buy a Mahindra, maybe 35 hp. We already had a bush hog type mower and a blade from a '53 Ford Jubilee that wasn't dependable that fit this new one so the attachment we chose in the purchase was a bucket. The front end has quick attach features that make life very easy. Changing out the mower for the blade is a bit more challenging. However, all in all, the tractor and attachments are handy as the pocket in a shirt, especially the bucket. We didn't buy a bale spike but borrow one from a neighbor when we need it just to set approximately 1K# bales in the barn. We feed from there so no other need to move them once in the barn. Normally, our tractor wouldn't be heavy enough to lift a bale but with the mower on it as a counterweight, the tractor handles the bales just fine. One feature that I would suggest you look for is a hydrastatic (I think that's what they call it) shift where you push the front side of a toggle pedal with your toes to go forward and the back side to reverse with your heel. In tight spaces, it's far easier than trying to shift gears manually. I love this tractor and have become pretty skilled at digging compost from the pile to move to the gardens and such. Hope you can figure a way to finance it because you'll find more ways it saves wear and tear on your body than Carter had little pills.
|
|
|
Post by manygoatsnomore on Dec 23, 2020 2:11:22 GMT -6
I'm really struggling right now, even though I know I have so much to be thankful for. Just feeling down right now.
I'm a wee bit jealous of those of you set to get snow for Christmas. Depending on which forecast I read, it's either going to be clear and dry, or it will rain....but neither one says SNOW! ββοΈ
A walk in the snow would help make it seem more Christmas-y. With no one coming for Christmas and us not going anywhere, and the house barely decorated (although a bit more decorated than it was), it just doesn't feel like Christmas.
I've been sitting in front of my Happy Light, playing carols, playing Christmas shows, listening to the original version of A Christmas Carol read by an Brit, and I just can't seem to get any holiday spirit going. I'm just tired, draggy and blah. Maybe Covid isolation is finally getting to me.
Not getting any preps done, either. πͺ
Forgive the downer post, please. I get this way occasionally, and I always get over it eventually.
Looking at my winter preps, other than needing to make a hay run every few weeks, we are pretty well set for stormy weather.
|
|
|
Post by Ohio Dreamer on Dec 23, 2020 8:48:28 GMT -6
Ohiodreamer said: When we got it out of FIL's house last year I saw a few stitches that hold the braids together were loose. Over the year a bunch more have broken loose. So I thought I'd take an hour and sit on the floor and stitch it back together. It took 3 hours! But it's done. Darlin', have you ever heard "a stitch in time saves nine"? Seriously, I'm glad you could salvage it since it sounds like a treasure. LOl...you are right! But I have the time, so it wasn't a big deal....this time. I didn't have the thread I wanted for it. DH had that hid in one of his piles. So I'll need to do it again.....with the better thread.....down the road. But you are right, I should do each spot as it comes loose, verses waiting for a "days worth" to work themselves loose.
|
|
|
Post by Ohio Dreamer on Dec 23, 2020 8:53:42 GMT -6
manygoatsnomore, How far do you need to drive for a "hike in the snow"? Could you and Abby do that on Christmas? Outside just the two of you should still fit under the "Covid restrictions", I think. You could pack up a thermos of hot drink, a few sandwiches, etc, and make a memory. Just a thought...
|
|
|
Post by feather on Dec 23, 2020 9:06:17 GMT -6
I'm really struggling right now, even though I know I have so much to be thankful for. Just feeling down right now. I'm a wee bit jealous of those of you set to get snow for Christmas. Depending on which forecast I read, it's either going to be clear and dry, or it will rain....but neither one says SNOW! ββοΈ A walk in the snow would help make it seem more Christmas-y. With no one coming for Christmas and us not going anywhere, and the house barely decorated (although a bit more decorated than it was), it just doesn't feel like Christmas. We're unheardably warm for this time of year at 49 deg F today, going below freezing at night, without a snow forecast from now until Christmas too. WI is snow country. It would feel more like Christmas with some snow coming down. The other thing that helps me feel Christmas-y, is making candy and cookies (which we don't eat) for gifts. There's something special to me about getting them just right and knowing they'll brighten up their holiday. It doesn't hurt to smell the vanilla. Vanilla smells warm and comforting. Orange peels have a similar effect reminding me of Christmas.
|
|
|
Post by manygoatsnomore on Dec 23, 2020 19:39:23 GMT -6
manygoatsnomore, How far do you need to drive for a "hike in the snow"? Could you and Abby do that on Christmas? Outside just the two of you should still fit under the "Covid restrictions", I think. You could pack up a thermos of hot drink, a few sandwiches, etc, and make a memory. Just a thought... That's a GOOD thought. We would just need to drive further up the highway to get above the snow line. Nice thing about living in the shadow of our volcano is that the snow isn't that far away. π
|
|
|
Post by Farmerjack41 on Dec 23, 2020 19:56:30 GMT -6
manygoatsnomore, looking at the cam of St. Helens didnβt look like much snow on the north side of it. Hope the rain has stopped over there and let you dry out a little. Donβt want your toes growing together! There are talking maybe three inches of snow here Christmas evening. The way the forecasts have been lately, will believe it when have to get the shovel out. Have a Merry Christmas and the very best of the New Year. Jack
|
|
|
Post by manygoatsnomore on Dec 24, 2020 2:07:06 GMT -6
Jack, dontcha know all of us on the west side have webbed feet? ππ
We've managed to get a couple dry days, but it looks like rain for Christmas. I'd rather have your SNOW! βββ
You have yourself a wonderful Christmas, too, neighbor. π€ππ
|
|
|
Post by manygoatsnomore on Dec 27, 2020 19:01:31 GMT -6
The hawk is hanging about again! Can't get out there fast enough to get a clean shot, but I don't see that any more of my hens are missing, so maybe he's hunting field mice? I can only hope. We're starting to get a few eggs each day, and I don't want my hens upset again. They have enough to cope with - we are overrun with newly adulting roosters that won't leave them alone! Those need to go to auction in January. Would have gone last week or this week, but they're closed for the holidays.
I hope everyone had a lovely, safe Christmas. Abby and I did. We had a lazy day together, low key, but lovely. We baked a lasagna and have been noshing on it for 3 days now. Thankfully, we love lasagna and don't mind repeat meals.
I'm starting to look at what didn't get done in 2020, due to Covid restrictions and personal health issues, in preparation for making my 2021 goals. It's gonna be a looooong list. πͺπ€―π
|
|
lilith
Full Member
Posts: 79
Talent: herbs
|
Post by lilith on Dec 28, 2020 8:26:39 GMT -6
manygoatsnomore I'm sorry to hear you were feeling down over Christmas. It's actually a common thing, especially this year with little travel. On the getting a small tractor thing, you should! I would be and was sunk when mine was down! It makes the heavy lifting possible! Plus all the mowers, tillers, disks, etc you can drag behind them! I highly second the idea of a small/med size tractor (not a lawn and garden tractor). Also,thank you for the reminder about using this week to set goals for next year. I hope everyone had a great holiday season and was able to make the most of it. As for next year's goals, I'm at a loss. A big loss! The small prepper group I have been a part of for over a decade is starting to upset me a bit. The current political climate has divided us just as much as it has the nation. Before the group has always been about working together for survival resources and growing our current wealth and resources, that wasn't the case at this year's dinner. Too many opinions and too much talk of political stance for my tastes. They have lost their direction on the purpose of the group through all of this. I hope many of you guys will share your ideas and we will get to discuss what needs to be done in the year to come. I love having this group as a source of inspiration as well.
|
|
|
Post by mogal on Dec 29, 2020 15:46:27 GMT -6
Are things loosening up? Fingers crossed.
DH found wide mouth lids at our local Ace Hardware. He bought 4 boxes of 14 on the shelf.
He found regular mouth lids and narrow elastic at Wal-Mart. He bought 6 boxes of lids and he said there was nearly a full case before he got those. I don't know how good the supply of elastic was.
|
|
|
Post by feather on Dec 29, 2020 16:50:09 GMT -6
mogal, last I heard, the companies making metal lids will not make lids until the metal shortage and the people shortage (covid) lessens. They said, it would be Jan or March before manufacturing regular metal lids. The lids you are finding now have been at warehouses from last year and come in on orders from the stores. (why the warehouses held up sending out lids during aug-sept canning season, is beyond me) The tattler company was running more than 2 weeks behind or worse on making lids fast enough for orders but recently I got an email that they invested in some equipment, two new machines and it will triple their manufacturing, they will catch up to meet orders within 2-3 days now.
|
|
|
Post by mogal on Dec 29, 2020 21:17:32 GMT -6
Feather, I don't care what the source is--from a warehouse or new manufacture. I was able to replace some lids I've been using. I'd heard the same things re: slow production and causes.
Wal-Mart also had rolls of Food Saver bag material too.
|
|
|
Post by adinwnc on Dec 30, 2020 4:49:13 GMT -6
I found a couple of boxes of wide mouth lids and rings at Walmart last week. And they were the usual price. Let's hope they start getting them back in stock soon.
|
|
lilith
Full Member
Posts: 79
Talent: herbs
|
Post by lilith on Dec 30, 2020 8:53:19 GMT -6
feather I know there are still a lot of shortages in all kinds of manufacturing and production from my work. We are STILL (going on 4 months now) back ordered on a lot of our filters. Especially fuel filters. The plants that make them are in Mexico, france, and china. We can get filters from the mexico facility, but we barely started getting orders for the filters made in france and nothing from china. Mexico has refitted a lot of their machines to make some of what the other plants normally produce, but there are some we still can't get or that have been redesigned to use synthetic fibers instead of paper and cotton. I would think those resources are being redirected to ppe.
|
|
|
Post by feather on Dec 30, 2020 9:52:51 GMT -6
lilith, what do people do without fuel filters? Here's a letter from Newell.
Newell, the company that owns Fresh Preserving products cancelled all shipments until March 2021 starting last October 1st.
|
|
|
Post by manygoatsnomore on Dec 30, 2020 17:42:38 GMT -6
Good news that lids are becoming more available, and wonderful news that Tattler is upping production to meet demand.
I may have to make another order with them. I'm still not sure if I have enough lids to can up the contents of all the freezers. Plenty of jars, I think, but not enough lids, especially wide mouths. I thought I had more than I do, but when I was looking for some to give my cousin, I was shocked at how low my stock of wide flats was. I'd rather use Tattlers, but sometimes I give jars of food away, and don't want to risk losing my good lids if the jars and lids don't come back.
I was looking at my abbreviated to-do list for December...the porch didn't happen and it's pouring rain, so it's not GOING to happen, either. Decorating was very limited. I've been working all month on increasing lung capacity and stamina, but not hard enough. Need to step that up.
It's nearly time to post a 2021 Goals List, as well as a January 2021 to-do list. I know a lot of what was on my 2020 list will be on the 2021 list...maybe make a shorter, less ambitious list this coming year. π
|
|