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Post by feather on Aug 31, 2021 11:40:08 GMT -6
September!
Everyone is welcome. How are your preparing activities coming for the month? Any goals?
Do you have a to-do list?
When you share your preparing Journal and lists, it helps me decide what I also need to be doing to prepare.
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Post by Ohio Dreamer on Sept 2, 2021 15:35:19 GMT -6
September....the promise of cooler days to come  I need to finish the garden this month, then start prepping for next year. We need to get wood split and stacked! |
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Post by nbc3mom on Sept 8, 2021 8:55:06 GMT -6
Went to the dentist yesterday. Keeping healthy is a prep that is too often overlooked. We spent several more hours shopping while we were on the Northside. Stocked up on canned goods, soaps, oatmeal, almond milk and baking supplies at Costco. We had lunch in a restaurant we only frequent when we have a gift card. They serve a “world famous” shrimp cocktail which is so hot your eyes water—delicious. We also stopped at a new Craft Beer and Wine store that DS#1 recommended. I had to remind DH that our car was packed and he couldn’t buy beer from every European country. I do feel better with a full pantry and freezer. Apples should be ready soon, hopefully there will be enough to can applesauce and pie filling.
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Post by manygoatsnomore on Sept 8, 2021 13:36:51 GMT -6
September is going to be a busy month. The pole beans are in overdrive, the fall snow peas and snap peas are setting pods that seem to double in size overnight, and the plums are ripe. I picked about 5 gallons of Santa Rosa plums last month when the hens started noticing them. I picked apples last week and the red pears are ready for picking, too. The rest of the potatoes are ready for digging, too.
Only the tomatoes are slow to ripen this year. The plants are loaded with green tomatoes, but I haven't eaten many ripe ones yet. The tomatoes I was growing in pots were eaten to the stems by deer. They will be babied in the house under lights in hopes they will recover and produce winter tomatoes.
We're still in a drought here, so cutting firewood has to be done with caution. I need to fill the rest of the woodsheds before the rains return, so I'll be running my chainsaw and a garden hose simultaneously. Don't want a spark from the saw starting a fire!
My buddy, TL, is rehabbing both my riding mower and a walk behind mower for me. New parts have arrived, so some time this month, I should have a working mower or two. I'd like to have the lawn tractor for pulling a small trailer of firewood out of my woods, and the walk behind (self propelled) mower to knock down the weeds - the only thing growing in my lawn.
I've been working on my golf game with TL, for fun, exercise and flexibility improvement. I hadn't swung a club in over 35 years before last month, but it's coming back to me, lol. I'm enjoying myself.
I defrosted the upright freezer a couple days ago and made an inventory of the contents. The dogs and chickens enjoyed the bounty of foodstuffs that I tossed. I still have 2 chest freezers to defrost and inventory.
I received notice from SS that I will receive my first payment in December for November, so my application went through without a hitch. It will be nice not to need to take a draw from my retirement fund next year. I have kept careful track of my spending all year, and am well within my budget for the year to date. Buying the metal and other supplies for my roof will take a chunk of what's left, but I don't have any other major expenses the rest of the year.
I'm off to see my doctor today and my hematologist the end of the month, as I consider keeping up on my health to be an essential prep. I'll get my flu shot today, too, and my booster Covid shot as soon as it's available.
So, keeping up with the garden and orchard produce, firewood, mower repairs, roofing repairs, checkups, and exercise. That's the to-do list for September for me. 😊
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Post by feather on Sept 8, 2021 17:26:46 GMT -6
manygoatsnomore, a reason to celebrate, SS checks coming soon. That's pretty exciting. YAY you!
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Post by Ohio Dreamer on Sept 8, 2021 17:38:54 GMT -6
Been dehydrating tomatoes. I don't really need any more canned, so dried it is. I can always re-hydrate them and cook them down if I need to. BIG load of basil drying now....parsley is next. By then I'll likely have more tomatoes ripe, lol. A never-ending cycle.
Pole beans are coming in...slowly. I pick every other day and then can every 5-6 days. Just doing pints, as our nest is getting emptier. DD moved out and DS is only home for dinner 4 or fewer times a week. I bought dry beans for growing next year. Next year's crop will be a seed crop....but then we will have 3 different dry bean seeds...Mayflower, Black, and Pinto. If SHTF hard then I will have enough seed for neighbors and us to plow under the rest of the grass and go garden crazy. They have the tractor...I have the seeds! We had one of those super-quick wink-wink conversations this summer about just that.
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Post by manygoatsnomore on Sept 11, 2021 22:28:31 GMT -6
manygoatsnomore, a reason to celebrate, SS checks coming soon. That's pretty exciting. YAY you! I agree! I'm looking forward to those monthly checks. 😁💲💲💰💰💸💸 Oh, boy, it's been incredibly hectic the last few days, but in a really good way. The VFW garage sale was yesterday, today, and concludes tomorrow. I donated quite a bit of "stuff", clearing out some of the clutter in my house, and got some wonderful, needed upgrades and good preps, along with some just plain fun stuff. Almost everything was by donation, and I picked up 4 dozen narrow mouthed canning jars, an extra large dog crate, an unopened package of landscape fabric, a long handled car washing brush so I can reach the top of the pickup cab, a coffee bean grinder, a nice set of ladies wedge clubs, a small home popcorn popper that looks like the old fashioned ones from the movies, complete with the popcorn, oil and bags, lots more puzzles, and a couple nice metal toolboxes. I'm already stocking the toolboxes with all the tools TL always needs to use when he's working on my mechanical projects. One of the best buys was a like new microsuede couch and loveseat for $100. I bought them and immediately donated my non-matching couch and loveseat and a leather easy chair in their place. Another member immediately bought my couch and loveseat and donated THEIR couches. Hopefully, by the end of the sale, that set will also sell! So, I spent the last couple days playing musical furniture. Tonight, my kitty-corner neighbors came over and the husband and son teamed up to move the loveseat out (I delivered the couch today before having help to load in my new furniture) and move the new set into my house. The guys went above and beyond - both the couch and loveseat have 2 recliners in them and are HEA-VY! The loveseat they moved out and loaded into my truck so I can deliver it tomorrow also has recliners, so they really got a workout. I love the new set...very comfy and I am thrilled with having nice matching livingroom furniture. Can't hardly beat the price, either. While I was helping at the sale, I also got a call from my brother to come pick prunes. The trees were loaded like I've never seen them, ever, and I grew up with those trees! So, this afternoon, Abby and I drove up there and filled 4 5-gallon buckets brim full. We had a nice walk to see where they logged this year, and we had an even nicer visit. They sent us home with corn from their garden, and an offer of elderberries next time I'm up, which will be soon. I'll be able to start a fresh batch of elderberry tincture before flu season. My sister and bil will be over tomorrow night from the other side of the mountains, so we'll be going back up probably Monday to see them. I haven't seen them in a year and can't wait to see them. We're all vaccinated, so we should be able to safely visit and play cards, which we all enjoy. I might take our dominoes along so we can play Mexican train, which Abby really enjoys. I just got a text from TL, saying someone donated a complete set of ladies clubs and bag, used twice. He brought them home so I can check them out in the morning. I'm pretty sure I'll buy them. 😉 |
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Post by Ohio Dreamer on Sept 14, 2021 11:58:23 GMT -6
Picked up 2 bushels of apples on Friday. I only had time to run 2 loads through the dehydrator. Yesterday I started making apple pie filling to can. 3 loads yesterday - 2 loads of quarts one load of diced apple filling in pints (for making danishes and such) and 3 loads today (last 2 loads are pints, normal slices). My elbow is DONE pealing apples, lol. But I still have apples to peal.... The daughter came over today and got her dresser and 2 tubs of her clothes Now I can move my tubs (5, I think) of fabric up to her old room and my sewing machine. Will be much more convenient when I need to sew up something! That will also free up 90% of a shelving unit in the basement.....a spot for more home-canned stuff!! |
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Post by midtnmama on Sept 15, 2021 7:05:05 GMT -6
While visiting DD, I noticed something in her pantry: Freeze dried hash brown potatoes in pint sized cartons. They had a box full from costco. Doesn't contain oil. She says it is easy to add water and use.
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Post by feather on Sept 15, 2021 9:02:47 GMT -6
While visiting DD, I noticed something in her pantry: Freeze dried hash brown potatoes in pint sized cartons. They had a box full from costco. Doesn't contain oil. She says it is easy to add water and use. Potatoes do re-hydrate great. We used to have camping meals, dehydrated, 'turkey tetrazini' had lots of potatoes in them. Easy lightweight just add water and heat. A lot of people in the dehydrating group dehydrate potatoes for winter use, and for hikers to take meals along on hiking/camping trips too.
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Post by feather on Sept 15, 2021 12:55:35 GMT -6
While visiting DD, I noticed something in her pantry: Freeze dried hash brown potatoes in pint sized cartons. They had a box full from costco. Doesn't contain oil. She says it is easy to add water and use. |
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Post by manygoatsnomore on Sept 17, 2021 17:27:50 GMT -6
I DID buy the set of ladies clubs, which turned out to be ever so much nicer than I thought they would be, with graphite shafts, a very fancy bag that zips shut over the tops of the clubs, and fancy velvet head covers for the woods. I had told TL I had a garage sale budget of $50 for clubs, but these were so much nicer that I tossed in an extra $20. Then after looking through the zippered compartments in the bag and finding tons of balls and other accessories, I tossed in yet another $20! I probably got about $400-$500 worth of golf equipment for my money, so I'm happy. TL had to give me a refresher lesson on the driver and the 4 wood iron, which is a hybrid club. I still have a lot to learn on them, but I'm already really happy with the 9 iron.
I also took home a large dog crate and a Geiger counter, among other goodies. I don't know if the Geiger counter works, but I'm looking forward to trying it out. 😊
Just when I was getting to work on my list, having brought home round bales and visiting with my sister and BIL, I came down with a stomach bug and have spent the last couple days really, really sick. I've turned the corner, at least enough to get my bathroom cleaned up and laundry going. I'm still really weak and wobbly, but compared to 24 hours ago, I'm ever so much better. I'm sure glad Abby was here to fetch and carry for me. I could have made it through on my own, but I'm glad I didn't have to.
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Post by manygoatsnomore on Sept 17, 2021 17:30:07 GMT -6
Those dehydrated potato shreds from Costco are very good. I have some on my shelf, too.
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Post by feather on Sept 17, 2021 17:32:58 GMT -6
manygoatsnomore, wow so sorry you were so sick. I hope you keep gaining strength and feeling better!
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Post by Farmerjack41 on Sept 17, 2021 22:49:58 GMT -6
manygoatsnomore, Hope you are feeling better. Not to enjoyable to be under the weather. Glad you are going to let a little moisture come on over the mountain to us. Sounds like maybe a quarter of an inch or so. Will take any you send on. Guess the mountains might get pretty good shot, maybe will help the fire situation up here. Last I saw it had covered 102,000 acres. Take care Jack
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Post by midtnmama on Sept 18, 2021 9:11:57 GMT -6
Went through my seed stash to see where there were holes. Surprised myself. Almost NO lettuce seeds. I guess I thought since the first spring batch reseeded, I'd have some volunteers, but no, only mustard. Bought a survivor garden set of seeds to at least have some of everything and will trade for others. Need to start packaging up my seed for trade.
In saving seed, I have some chaff to plant in the flower garden that might have some seed in them and also some older seed that may come up in spring if I plant now (coneflower).
I've at least THOUGHT about setting up my little greenhouse from Freds for the winter. Thinking about putting solar lights in it for heat as well as passive solar with black waterfilled milk jugs at the bottom to also hold the thing down from the wind.
On my list also is to tie up the muscadines and grape vines on my grape trellis and in the winter put wire across. Also, figure a way to put a wire hoop from the welded wire fencing a foot away from the blackberries to hold up the vines.
What I'm really saying is that I need to put this on my to do calendar.
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Post by nbc3mom on Sept 18, 2021 17:43:06 GMT -6
I planted carrots today with a variety of leftover seeds—purple, white, yellow and orange. I planted in the spring using a new-to-me method and had the best harvest ever. Nothing lost by planting again in the fall.
Tomatoes are ripening on the bench, should have enough to freeze in a few days. The packed freezer and shelves of canning jars make me feel good about this summer’s garden. We made 2 trips to Costco this month, too. Prices keep climbing but I’m feeling comfortable with our winter food supply.
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Post by Ohio Dreamer on Sept 19, 2021 8:01:31 GMT -6
I also took home a large dog crate and a Geiger counter, among other goodies. I don't know if the Geiger counter works, but I'm looking forward to trying it out. 😊 I admit...I'm a trouble maker, lol. I love the Geiger counter!! BUT...if it doesn't work, see if you can figure out a way to make it "beep" when you want it to. THEN, if FEMA or any other such people show up at your door, you can say you want to be careful of strangers and first want to check them for your safety. They will think you are a nut until...you use that and have it go off on them..... LOL!!! Glad you are on the up swing....being sick and alone is one of my worries of getting older. I used to worry about being sick and having an infant.....now we are reaching the other end of that spectrum, lol. |
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Post by manygoatsnomore on Sept 21, 2021 20:16:51 GMT -6
I also took home a large dog crate and a Geiger counter, among other goodies. I don't know if the Geiger counter works, but I'm looking forward to trying it out. 😊 I admit...I'm a trouble maker, lol. I love the Geiger counter!! BUT...if it doesn't work, see if you can figure out a way to make it "beep" when you want it to. THEN, if FEMA or any other such people show up at your door, you can say you want to be careful of strangers and first want to check them for your safety. They will think you are a nut until...you use that and have it go off on them..... LOL!!! Glad you are on the up swing....being sick and alone is one of my worries of getting older. I used to worry about being sick and having an infant.....now we are reaching the other end of that spectrum, lol. Hahaha, that's great! I love the way your mind works. 🤣 👍 We evidently had a frost while I was sick! 😯 The foliage on the tomatoes and pole beans got nipped pretty hard. I'm not sure I'll get any more beans, and I was too sick to process the last 5 gallon bucket I picked. I'll go ahead and pick tomatoes, take a few cuttings from the parts that didn't get the frost and try to start a few plants in the house. Then I'll forget to water them at some point and kill them anyway. It happens every time. 🙄 This is a pretty early frost, even for my little frost pocket of a garden. I'm estimating it was Sept 15th or so, because it was cloudy/raining after that. We ended up with 1.75" in the rain gauge, all told. We could use a lot more, but I'm not ready! I had to run into town to pick up a prescription today (finally up to doing it!), so I went ahead and got my flu shot while I was there. I also picked up more bottled water and 3 gallons of distilled water. I need some for the radiators and appliances that require it and never remember to buy the stuff, so I stocked up on it today. |
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Post by Ohio Dreamer on Sept 27, 2021 7:54:27 GMT -6
What have I done prep-related lately... Well, I'm getting the garden cleaned up. I have tilled most of the in-ground bed and half of the raised beds. I need to pull the basil then I can finish the in-ground beds. Still have some parsley and beans in the raised beds (and marigolds....but I don't wait for them, lol). Guess I should go out and pull my basil and parsley and get it in the dehydrators. It's chilly enough that having them run wouldn't be such a bad idea...it does warm the place up some. Need to pick the rest of the tomatoes in the permaculture bed and pull those plants. Maybe till some of the weeds out there, too. I have a friend that is "waking up" some. She is a paramedic and WILL NOT get the shot. So she is expecting to lose her job eventually. Actually, no one in her company is willing to get the shot....so the company will likely just fold. Anyways...she is now thinking she really needs to grow some food. She does a few plants, but she read something somewhere that they are trying to get the Covid vaccine into plants.....so if you eat you are vaccinated. Seems rather "Star Trekie" to me....but who knows. Anyways she is wanting seeds NOW that are heirloom or open-pollinated so she can save seeds. Either Wed or Thursday I'm taking her to my Amish seed store I'll pick up my perlite for next year....instead of trying to work a trip in in the spring.... and some sprays. We've never used sprays before on our plants and trees, but we are having issues that prevent us from full production. They carry lots of organic sprays....so I will be investing in some. If our garden becomes critical...I want to the tools on hand to make it flourish. That reminds me....I should add spray bottles to my shopping list... Otherwise, I feel like I'm just in the wash the dishes....do the laundry...run the vacuum cleaner...etc, mode. Oh, and keeping supplies topped off. I don't let the list get too long before I head to the store. |
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Post by feather on Sept 27, 2021 8:05:53 GMT -6
Ohio Dreamer, "She does a few plants, but she read something somewhere that they are trying to get the Covid vaccine into plants.....so if you eat you are vaccinated. Seems rather "Star Trekie" to me....but who knows. " If it was as easy as eating the vaccine or the virus, I'm sure that would be a pill people could take instead of an injection, so it doesn't really hold water, to me. You reminded me, that my parsley needs to get cut and dried, but my dehydrator is busy, so.....I might need to dry them a different way. It's suppose to be sunny today, so maybe I'll put it in the sun to dry.
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Post by Ohio Dreamer on Sept 27, 2021 13:47:29 GMT -6
feather, That is my thought on the "meds in plants" idea, too!
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Post by feather on Sept 28, 2021 9:10:03 GMT -6
Ohio Dreamer , "She does a few plants, but she read something somewhere that they are trying to get the Covid vaccine into plants.....so if you eat you are vaccinated. Seems rather "Star Trekie" to me....but who knows. " If it was as easy as eating the vaccine or the virus, I'm sure that would be a pill people could take instead of an injection, so it doesn't really hold water, to me. I did see an article about Pfizer doing a trial testing a pill to give to members of the household of a virus infected person, so they don't need to become hospitalized. But it had nothing to do with providing a vaccine with a pill. www.kfyrtv.com/2021/09/27/pfizer-tests-covid-pill-preventive-medicine/ |
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Post by Ohio Dreamer on Sept 29, 2021 14:06:34 GMT -6
Busy prep day. Drove to Berlin and hit the seed store. Picked up the perlite and amendments I wanted. But they had a sign on the front door that set my good intentions all askew! Flower and herb seeds were now 50 cents and all veg seeds were half price!! OK, this time of year there wasn't much to choose from, maybe 20% of their stock in the veg and 10% in flowers and herbs.....but there were some good ones!! Picked up 16 packs of seeds, including a 1/4# of black beans and a package of Mammoth Mangels- a beet that can grow to 10#....often used as a cover crop, which is how I plan to use them. In the 18th century, they were often used to feed livestock....so if any beets grow I'll grind some of them for the chickens come spring. The rest I'll till in in the spring to "feed" the soil. People can eat the beets, too....just I'm the only beet eater, so one 10# beet would fill all the jars I need for a year, lol. After that we ran to the grocery store in town....it's a different kind of store. A mix of a normal store, bulk food store, and cheese store. It defiantly services the Amish. They had some good deals there....like 5# of hot dogs (real ones, not what you find at Walmart) for $5!! Made with beef and chicken - no pork! Perfect as my friend with me is Jewish...so she grabbed 2 packs....so thrilled. I snagged one. Picked up some other deals and enjoyed the store. Came home and found a box from Amazon at the back door. My water filters arrived We fell off the "auto ship" last year when filters were scarce. We had a stash and are near the bottom of it. SO I ordered 2 sets and got back on the auto-ship. Then when DS got home he said there was a big box out front. I didn't notice when I pulled in. It was the Vacuum sealer I ordered from Cabela's! DH convinced me to up my plans and get the Commercial one, I was aiming for a cheaper one. But we use them so much. So it was a good day...and I didn't have to break a sweat ETA: I don't like hot dogs...period!! Well, I made the ones I bought yesterday tonight for dinner.....oh.... so...good!! Now I wish I bought 10#, but we don't have the freezer space anyways. Amazing the difference it makes when you buy quality verses "run of the mill grocery store" hot dogs. These are even meat colored....and lightly smoked. |
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