Editors’ Prepping Progress

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To be prepared for a crisis, every Prepper must establish goals and make long-term and short-term plans. In this column, the SurvivalBlog editors review their week’s prep activities and planned prep activities for the coming week. These range from healthcare and gear purchases to gardening, ranch improvements, bug out bag fine-tuning, and food storage. This is something akin to our Retreat Owner Profiles, but written incrementally and in detail, throughout the year. Note that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We always welcome you to share your own successes and wisdom in the Comments. Let’s keep busy and be ready!

Jim Reports:

This past week we harvested one deer. It is now hanging in the barn. I prefer to let a deer season for about a week if the temperature stays below 50 degrees, before butchering them.  But this week, I had to wait for the temperature to rise above freezing for a few days!

We spent a couple of days helping a friend and his family move, to begin a long-term caretaking position at a large retreat. Each round trip was five hours of driving.  Our fully-enclosed three-horse trailer has once again proven its versatility and worth. The weather was fairly cooperative. But my back is really feeling the wear and tear. This sort of thing was so much easier when I was 30, than it is now, at 60 years of age.

Avalanche Lily Reports:

Dear Readers,

This week, I canned more applesauce from the 200 pounds of apples that we bought.

I froze the last of the tomato sauce that I made last week, from some of those tomatoes, I collected and dried more seeds. I put those seeds into the paper envelopes.

I watched Jim gut the deer and skin it.  We will be butchering it this coming week.  I have yet to butcher a deer. We had sent the last few out, just because we were schooling the kids in the Classical Model of Education, working on books and the Blog, and didn’t have time to do it. But this year, we all, the girls and I, will be joining Jim in the butchering, wrapping, freezing, grinding, and canning it.

I harvested dried basil flowers and extracted the seeds from them and put them in my envelopes.  That was a first for me. It is a tedious time-consuming job, to dry the tiny seeds and to scrape them off of the paper towels and or to pick them up through all of the chaff that surrounds them.

I did some heavy-duty meat shopping this week.  I bought lamb, chicken, salmon, sliced turkey meat, and some Nathan’s All Natural Hotdogs.  I also bought another 25 pounds of small Navy beans.  Recently, I have been experimenting with making vegetarian baked beans from scratch, without a set recipe, on our wood stove, that finally turned out very tasty and looking much like B&M brand beans.  As I was eating them one day, I was missing the taste of hotdogs with them.  Hence the search for all-natural uncured beef dogs that Nathan’s makes. I like them quite well, and just hope they are what they’re advertised to be.

I very much enjoyed helping our friend move.

Since, I drove one of two of our vehicles and trailers for our friend’s move, with Miss Violet joining me, we were able to listen to 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.

I love Solomon’s Prayer at the Temple dedication and The Lord God’s answers in 2 Chronicles 6 and 7.  May we also heed and obey The LORD”S laws and commands.

2 Chronicles Chapter 6

Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

 But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever.

And the king turned his face, and blessed the whole congregation of Israel: and all the congregation of Israel stood.

And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who hath with his hands fulfilled that which he spake with his mouth to my father David, saying,

Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the land of Egypt I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel to build an house in, that my name might be there; neither chose I any man to be a ruler over my people Israel:

But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.

Now it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.

But the LORD said to David my father, Forasmuch as it was in thine heart to build an house for my name, thou didst well in that it was in thine heart:

Notwithstanding thou shalt not build the house; but thy son which shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house for my name.

The LORD therefore hath performed his word that he hath spoken: for I am risen up in the room of David my father, and am set on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built the house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.

And in it have I put the ark, wherein is the covenant of the LORD, that he made with the children of Israel.

Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication

 And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands:

For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,

And said, O LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee in the heaven, nor in the earth; which keepest covenant, and shewest mercy unto thy servants, that walk before thee with all their hearts:

Thou which hast kept with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him; and spakest with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day.

Now therefore, O LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit upon the throne of Israel; yet so that thy children take heed to their way to walk in my law, as thou hast walked before me.

Now then, O LORD God of Israel, let thy word be verified, which thou hast spoken unto thy servant David.

But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!

Have respect therefore to the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee:

That thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night, upon the place whereof thou hast said that thou wouldest put thy name there; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this place.

Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place: hear thou from thy dwelling place, even from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive.

If a man sin against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to make him swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house;

Then hear thou from heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, by requiting the wicked, by recompensing his way upon his own head; and by justifying the righteous, by giving him according to his righteousness.

And if thy people Israel be put to the worse before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee; and shall return and confess thy name, and pray and make supplication before thee in this house;

Then hear thou from the heavens, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest to them and to their fathers.

When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; yet if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou dost afflict them;

Then hear thou from heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, when thou hast taught them the good way, wherein they should walk; and send rain upon thy land, which thou hast given unto thy people for an inheritance.

If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be:

Then what prayer or what supplication soever shall be made of any man, or of all thy people Israel, when every one shall know his own sore and his own grief, and shall spread forth his hands in this house:

Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)

That they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers.

Moreover concerning the stranger, which is not of thy people Israel, but is come from a far country for thy great name’s sake, and thy mighty hand, and thy stretched out arm; if they come and pray in this house;

Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name.

If thy people go out to war against their enemies by the way that thou shalt send them, and they pray unto thee toward this city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name;

Then hear thou from the heavens their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.

If they sin against thee, (for there is no man which sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them over before their enemies, and they carry them away captives unto a land far off or near;

Yet if they bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn and pray unto thee in the land of their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have done amiss, and have dealt wickedly;

If they return to thee with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, whither they have carried them captives, and pray toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, and toward the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house which I have built for thy name:

Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, their prayer and their supplications, and maintain their cause, and forgive thy people which have sinned against thee.

Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.

Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.

O LORD God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember the mercies of David thy servant.

Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house.

And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’S house.

And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

2 Chronicles Chapter 7

Fire from Heaven

Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house.

And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’S house.

And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

The Dedication of the Temple

 Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD.

 And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.

And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood.

Moreover Solomon hallowed the middle of the court that was before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings, because the brasen altar which Solomon had made was not able to receive the burnt offerings, and the meat offerings, and the fat.

Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt.

And in the eighth day they made a solemn assembly: for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days.

And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the LORD had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people.

If My People Pray

Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD, and the king’s house: and all that came into Solomon’s heart to make in the house of the LORD, and in his own house, he prosperously effected.

And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.

If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.

For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.

And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judgments;

Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man to be ruler in Israel.

But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;

Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations.

And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house?

And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them.

May you all have a very blessed and safe week.

– Avalanche Lily, Rawles

o o o

As always, please share your own successes and hard-earned wisdom in the Comments.


119 Comments

  1. Thursday and Friday, our extended family swung by to test their Bug-Out gear.

    Under the stern supervision of our nieces:
    * We verified each of our dozen five-gallon propane tanks are full.
    * We filled fuel-tanks on every vehicle.
    * We verified tire pressure and fluids/belts on every vehicle.
    * We popped caps on each vehicle battery to verify fluid.
    * We verified the efficiency of our chain-saws.
    * We verified each of our massive collection of 20v tool batteries are full and rarin’ to go.

    The nephews were over to verify sharpness of our knives.
    We managed to meet their approval… but just barely.

    Saturday is Range Day… with story-telling.
    Sunday is Reloading Morning and Barbecue Afternoon… with more story-telling!

  3. This week I have been studying Matthew 5:43-44 and Psalms 37 to help me overcome the anger which I have been feeling towards those who are trying to destroy our country. I have not yet learned to love everyone, but I am not a pacifist nor do I believe in appeasement for enemies. However, I realize that satan is trying to bring anger and hate into our lives so we can destroy each other. These are very dangerous times and balance is needed in all things.

    I managed to find a copy of Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary, One Volume version edited by Rev L. F. Church, which was published in 1960. It is in perfect condition with no damage, writing or even page wear. It must have been a gift to some one who set it on a book shelf and never opened it again. I get to be the one to wear it out, but that is what commentaries are for. Lucky me!

    Mean while, back in mortality and reality, our day-time temperatures dropped 23 degrees in 30 hours. Even the animals are grumpy! Much prefer the gradual decline of temps, but it is what it is. When I think of you very hardy northern preppers, I kind of feel wimpy that my idea of really cold weather is 15° F.

    Last year I got a portable propane stove to use for the green house and it was so convenient to use I ordered another one to use on the porch or around the farm. Picked up a torch and some extra solder for plumbing and light metal repair. Also got a couple extra blades for saws and some lumber.

    Installed two more outdoor solar, motion activated lights on back areas and received order of two more, which will be stored in the Faraway barrel, with other extras and essentials.

    Picked up the beef order and got it stowed away in the new freezer; but unfortunately pulled a few muscles in the process…need to order more Oil of Magnesium; it stops the pain almost instantly! Went to pick up a warehouse order and while they confirmed all items, when I got there all three types of frozen fish were ‘out-of-stock’ along with red potatoes. Will have to go local for these items.

    I have another 25 pds of apples, 10 pds of carrots and celery heads to do this coming week. But I’m feeling good about the progress I’ve made so far.

    Several of my neighbors were out in their personal ranges on Friday advertising their readiness for any election stupidity. Saturday is the big day at the gun range (several miles from my property) and LEOs practice there on Sunday mornings.

    We will be closing and locking all the farm gates tonight to discourage any stupid halloween tricksters and Tuesday we will be hunkering down to see what happens in the cities.

    Be very careful everyone! May your week be safe and productive! God Bless America!

    1. Animal…
      I too have not learned to love all people, but I’m trying and Matthew is a good starting point. (interesting as that was last weeks scripture and sermon at church)

      I’m curious as to your brand(s) / models of both propane ‘stove’ (is it more than say, a standard Coleman?) and also the Solar Motion light(s) that appeared to be so good that you ordered more.
      Thanks in advance.

      To every one: Keep the faith and your powder dry.

      1. Rucksack Rob, the solar lights are from amazon, but they are really bright and adjustable. I live out in the country and it is really dark, except around the farm light. The motion detection can be set at different feet and height and some have been up and running for 3 years. I recently replaced one which was destroyed in a F1 tornado that came thru our area, but all the others are still going strong.

        I either mistyped or auto-correct got me but the propane heater is not a stove. It is just a Buddy heater but it is so versatile as it can be used indoor or outdoors and hooked to small or large propane tanks. It has all the safety features on it for auto-cutoff, tip-over cutoff, etc. I can leave it running in the green house or in the camper or in the big dog house if the weather gets really nasty.

        I tried to find JWR’s amazon link but couldn’t see it on the website. Anyway, these are what I obtained.

        Solar Security Lights Outdoor, LED Solar Motion Sensor Light, GLORIOUS-LITE Rechargeable 1000lm Flood Light, 2400mAh Battery, 5500K, IP65 Waterproof f

        Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater, Red-Black

        We use propane as our alternate energy. My kitchen range is propane, I have a ventless propane heater in the dining room and my on-demand water heater runs on propane. The Buddy heaters just supplement what we already have.

    2. I to have anger with these foolish people. Jesus was angry in the temple when he drove out the money changers etc. Ephesians 4:26 says “be angry and do not sin.” My wife always says love the sinner hate the sin. One thing that helps me is to pray for their salvation. Knowing they are lost and need Jesus as their Savior helps temper the anger. Also I must day the your accomplishments each week are an inspiration for me.

    3. Yes, friend Animal House, we must be vigilant. As you say, “However, I realize that satan is trying to bring anger and hate into our lives so we can destroy each other. These are very dangerous times and balance is needed in all things.”

      Sowing discord is the evil one’s way. We must see past that to the light of God in each other one. Even those we vehemently oppose. All of God’s children…we need each other. Each of us has a gift, if we have the eyes to see.

      Carry on in grace

      1. Thank you for the article and the comments. I have been praying that scripture “If my people who are called by my name..” Non stop for weeks! It’s just been pressed on my heart.

        And, Once a Marine..your response is a challenge to me this week.”sowing discord..” Wow. True words that I needed to hear but I’m struggling, honestly. It’s gotten so bad and, I’m angry. Not just at one group of people but at the discord as a whole.

        This week has been a mix. Awful and great.

        Awful experience: was having some palpitations/chest pain while at my job as an RN and other symptoms and left my shift to go down to the ED. I work in a large city hospital. A city where multiple riots have happened. The ED was a powdercake. As I’m sitting in my wheelchair several patients who had been waiting a long time concluded that it was because they were black (I guess the fact they the place was packed didn’t get considered) a few were screaming..”(company name) doesn’t give a xxxk about black people. They’ll just let us rot. Bleep bleep white security guard don’t like my bleep attitude, I’ll show him.” Heard one person on the phone asking for a ride to a “white neighborhood hospital before she winds up in handcuffs (implying she couldn’t stop herself from attacking security guard) but then stood over me and said but “whooping up on any Caucasian would do”. Basically because I was the only employee and only white in the room I became the focal point of their pre-existing rage. I spoke to no one and slumped in my chair and played “grey man”. I didn’t engage at all because there was nothing I could do. Security stayed behind their plexiglass 30 feet away. When she was out of the room, I called my husband for a ride. It was 3 am. I cried the whole way home. (Told my employer..they don’t care). And now, I’m having a hard time not being angry. Sowing discord indeed.

        Something great: picked up my son after he graduated his MOS training Thursday and was supposed to drive him to Camp Lejeune but he was actually granted leave for 10 days and we got to come home. We all were able to go to church this morning and I am very, very thankful!

        With my son home we’re reviewing our preps. He brought me a bunch of MRE ‘trash’ and was pleased at the pantry stores I’ve acquired. My son in law (recently out of Army/Nat Guard) and he plan to review the security around the house this week.

        I work night shift…I’ll be back again tonight but am off rest of the week of because I didn’t want to drive into this awful city immediately after the election.

    4. re:
      propane stove

      We live on a small farm near the outskirts of Eugene Oregon.

      Inside city-limits is infested with thousands of broke-down RecreationVehicles on streets and in parks.
      LawEnforcementOfficials respond to complaints by slapping a big orange sticker on derelict vehicles.

      After enough time, the wrecks are towed to ‘vehicle dismantlers’ aka ‘wrecking yards’.

      RecreationVehicles are designed to be self-contained mini-homes.
      We forage dismantlers for appliances such as propane stoves/ovens, water-pumps, incandescent lights, and gensets powered by diesel or gasoline or propane.

      We are all about the recycling.

  4. I’ve not posted much here lately due to my husband’s health. He had been on a manageable plateau for quite a while. He was able to do most of what he wanted to do, although it tired him out. That has changed. More sleeping, more pain, more fatigue. He has a six month checkup next month, right before our 47th anniversary. We will find out if this is medication related or the cancer. I always told him ‘when you don’t feel well enough to go fishing, I’ll know you’re sick.’ Well, we’re there.

    I’m so thankful though. We’ve completed or begun two major projects. One will allow us to grow more food. The other will allow us to have more people here. This project is scarcely begun and we are hoping our contractor will be here soon.

    I met one of my daughters in love yesterday at Sam’s Club. We both filled our carts. The grandkids (ages 12,10 and 9) were super helpful. The virus is raging around here and I wanted to top things off so we could hunker down. We are kind of at the end of the road here – 100 miles from Sam’s, 200 miles from Costco, so I am not too concerned about civil unrest. Folks are too busy working or bringing in wood and fishing and hunting to go out and riot. Speaking of hunting – congratulations on your deer. I was rejoicing with a good friend the other day because her hubby and son each got an elk at their second residence in CO.

    I am thankful to report that I have just about wrapped up my Christmas shopping.

    We are expecting high winds today with possible power outages. So, I will vacuum, finish up laundry and fill any empty canning jars with water. Typically I fill the jars with boiling water, fasten a used, but heated up lid on top and they seal well. I’ve neglected doing this for the past few months, so today is a good day to do that.

    Our freezers are full, our shelves are full, as is our fridge. The vehicles are up to date on maintance and the gas tanks topped off.

    I had good talks with two 30 something people about spiritual things.

    Our youngest son and his family were exposed to the virus so they are in quarantine. They feel fine and can work from home so this is not too great a hardship.

    Stay well all. Watch for people who need help – who are having a ‘crisis within the crisis’. Pray for our country.
    (Sorry to be so long winded.)

    1. Wormlady! I’ve been missing your comments and thinking about you often this fall. You and your hubby have been in my prayers as well. The virus has been going around here too, although thankfully there have been very few deaths. Our primary grades Sunday School teacher and her husband recently tested positive, so I’ve been filling in for her and enjoying working with the little ones.

      It’s good to hear your frig and freezers are full. We haven’t got our deer yet, but the rut is on now, so I hope we’ll get one soon.

      Everyone, please keep our family in your prayers this week. Our son is flying in from out of state to go deer hunting. We have to go to the big city airport to pick him up, and his flight arrives at 8 pm on ELECTION NIGHT! I couldn’t believe he chose that day and time. Oh well, it is what it is, and we’ll be in constant prayer for the Lord’s protection as we travel.

      1. Ma G, I think the first words out of my mouth to your son would have been, “You’re joking, right?” hahaha. ugh. Well, even though no one is going to be rioting at the airport, I’m certainly going to remember to pray for you.

        Can you say what time zone you are in?

        Blessings and thanks to the Lord that all will be well, Krissy

        1. Thanks, Krissy! We’re in the Central Time Zone. You’re right, probably no rioting at the airport, but I pray no one’s throwing bricks and rocks down from the freeway overpasses, since we have to drive the freeway for at least a short way to get to the airport. I’m also praying that the flight won’t be delayed, because I’m not sure where it will be safe to park and wait. I hope they have a “cell phone waiting lot” at the airport.

    4. Wormlady, You and DH are in our hearts and prayers. I’m going to use your saying of, “daughter in love.” That is wonderful. Love that you shared spiritual things with young persons. Plant seeds and the Lord will water. smile.
      Blessings to you and your family, Krissy

  5. I spent most of the week organizing and winterizing. I put fresh batteries in all my wireless freeze alarms and tested them. One went off at 2:00 AM and the other at 6 AM so everything is working well except my REM cycles. While I was up at 2 AM I remembered I had turned off the garden faucet line in the well house but never did go drain the line so I went out half dressed and took care of that.

    I harvested the last of the buckwheat, then proceeded to make some buckwheat flour, somehow making it this far in life without ever having tasted buckwheat pancakes. It took several hours to come up with a viable process and several grades of my seed-cleaning screens before I ended up with less than 2 cups of flour. Based on how much I planted, this will definitely not be a life-saving crop if the SHTF. Country Living Mills has a good technique on their website describing how to use the mill to remove the seed coats before grinding the groats into flour.

    Sometimes we have problems that we just live with because we’re always in a hurry at the time and just never stop to try to figure out how to fix it. My baking powder has been one hard lump for the past three months so I just scrape what I need off with the teaspoon. This week I finally had the “duh” moment and while waiting for the waffles to cook, I broke the baking powder into three large chunks, threw them into the mortar and pestle and ground the baking brick back into baking powder.

    I made an apple cobbler and have been keeping records on how much of produce is “waste” to make my recipes and canning more predictable. I know my blackberries only yield 67% pulp once the seeds are removed. The apples gave me 76% slices and 24% cores and peels. I freeze all the peels so in the spring I can experiment with making my own pectin.

    With frost threatening, and before the rain storms hit, I dug the sweet potatoes and peanuts. Both were severely mowed down by Bambi during the growing season and the final harvest was severely affected. I’ve excommunicated myself from the SB Garden Club until I can get my act together and make the deer fence bombproof. In the meantime I’m looking for recipes using acorns, grubs, pack rats, and lichens to supplement my beans and rice. As for the fence, a neighbor says I can cut all the cedar poles I need off his property so that will save my own for future projects. I should cut down all the hickory saplings as well, I’m pretty sure the deer have been using those to make their vaulting poles to get into the garden.

    The lemon basil I planted late on the back deck won’t quite get the seeds ripened before frost comes. I made some tea from the leaves and it tastes so similar to lemon balm that I need to do a side-by-side test now. Lemon balm has not been very productive in my garden so the winter tea must be rationed every year. Basil grows like a weed so I’m hoping they are close enough I can just grow lots of lemon basil instead.

    I normally try to wait until November 1st before firing up the wood stove but when it got down to 52° I decided it was just too cold so fired ‘er up. Later while drinking coffee and reading SB, Krissy mentioned toughing it out at a “toasty” 48º and I felt like a wimp as I tossed another log on the fire. The next morning it was 51° and as I was building a fire, I pictured Krissy in a recliner, inside her mummy bag looking like a cocoon with the hood strings drawn tight around her face, two arm holes cut in the sides with coffee in one hand, cinnamon rolls in the other and her breath visible as she takes another bite. As I lit the match, I felt my Y chromosomes wilting as I pictured icicles hanging from Krissy’s chandelier. The Y chromosomes were hollering “Toughen up Buttercup!” Y was shouted down by chromosomes B through X and by a vote of 45 to 1, the tinder was lit and the fire roared to life. I sent warm thoughts Krissy’s way while I was chomping down my morning toast with marmalade and sipping coffee, listening to the sweet sounds of the crackling fire roaring to life.

    Everyone have a great week!

    1. St Funogas, you crack me up! It is so nice to have good clean humor on Saturday before the poop hits the fan on Tuesday! I am also a weather wimp, my furnace is set to 69°F, but on windy, rainy days, I might fire up the wood stove to add that cozy feeling!

      1. Hey AH, I love a toasty house too and my wood stove heats up my little cabin in short order and keeps it warm. Having a woodpile is like having money in the bank and I hate seeing the woodpile shrink almost as much as I hate seeing my bank account shrink. And I love looking out the window at the neatly-stacked, virgin woodpile still 100% full from the summer and fall tree cutting, so I hold off until November 1st when possible. And you’re right, the warm fuzzy feeling is almost as good as the heat, and warmer and fuzzier when I have warm cinnamon rolls and coffee in hand. Stay warm! 🙂

        1. St.Funogas: If possible be your own bank. One click of a mouse and none of could have a bank balance. It sounds preposterous but now days maybe not.
          If you don’t hold it you don’t own it.

          1. I hear you Ron. My grandpa lived through the Depression and was a firm believer in avoiding banks. When I asked if he could loan me $50K to buy a house, he went to his secret spot in the basement and came out with the full $50K! My other grandpa wasn’t so wealthy and they only found $7K in his garden shed when he died. When my great grandpa died and grandma came to live with us, she told him to be sure and clean out the oven broiler. There was $100k in there. I think a lot of the older generation who lived through the Depression were like that. Another time water seeped into one of my grandpa’s hiding spots and got the money all wet. He strung a bunch of bailing twine in his shop, lit a fire in the wood stove and hung all the $100 bills up to dry. My dad walked in there and said, “Wow Dad, are you running a counterfeiting operation here or what?!” We have some characters in my family. 🙂

    2. Most grains, including buckwheat, do not yield as much as other crops for the same amount of garden space. I’ve grown buckwheat before as a green manure crop, but not as a seed crop.
      As far as your statement of: “I’ve excommunicated myself from the SB Garden Club until I can get my act together and make the deer fence bombproof .” I must admit I never thought of it quite like that. A friend of mine once asked me “David do you know how to keep the deer out of your garden?” Since I was not sure if I’d discovered all the tricks of the trade I said: “No – how?” He replied: “Keep them in your freezer!” I’d never considered that as an option. Hmm… The reason I bring this topic up is that most gardeners “deer fence” should really be called a “human fence” to make it more inconvenient for the humans to get in the garden. That’s the way it was last year for me with the garden that I shared with “the boss”.

    3. I’m with you, my y chromosome caved almost seven years ago. It was January about a month after surgery on my neck and the thermostat was at 68. I went into the bedroom, which might have been a degree or two cooler, to go to bed. I got undressed and got into bed and suddenly I was freezing. I was shivering so bad my wife could see the blanket moving when she came in a few minutes later. Apparently this can be a side effect of neck/spinal surgery. For 2-3 months I couldn’t take cold temps in the middle of winter in upstate New York. Thankfully it was only temporary although as I get older I could less.
      Thanks for the laughs!

    4. Saint, I had so many hearty laughs from your stories.
      -The 2 AM;
      -the buckwheat story which got 1+ cups of flour, I was dying. “definitely not be a life-saving crop if the SHTF.”
      -Loved the: “freeze all the peels so in the spring I can experiment with making my own pectin.”
      -Oh my gosh, was rolling with laughter at: “I’ve excommunicated myself from the SB
      Garden Club.”
      and, “In the meantime I’m looking for recipes using acorns, grubs, pack rats, and lichens to supplement my beans and rice.”
      -The 52-51 degrees story, throwing log on fire, sending me, “warm,” thoughts, bahahahaha
      -Loved: “Toughen up Buttercup.” Gonna add that to my quotes.

      Blessings to you this week, Krissy

      1. Hey Krissy, glad you enjoyed the post. I write to entertain myself, I’m always glad when others are entertained as well. 🙂

        The full quote on Buttercup is, “Sweat Dries. Blood Clots. Bones Heal. Suck it up…Buttercup!” It’s one of my favorites and always makes me laugh. We need to add to it, “Bodies warm up.”

        I hope you’re warmer this week!

    5. I absolutely love your posts! Your humor is outstanding! I often find so much humor in every day events, but I could never write them out so beautifully. Thank you for sharing.

      I started up the wood fire in early October because I hate, hate, hate being cold and to me, cold is below 60 degrees in the house. I think it’s the arthritis, and why people move to Florida or Arizona rather than Idaho. I don’t mind stepping out in the cold bundled up (this week it’s been 20ish degrees and one night was 11 degrees), because I know I can step back in to a warm house at any time. I’m thrilled with my stove purchase because it is soooo efficient. I use very little wood or energy logs and the little thing just pumps out the heat for hours! (Jotul). Worth the price.

      1. Hey SaraSue, as soon as I make my second million I’m going to get a Jotul too, I love the look of their stoves. And I hear you on the arthritis. So far it’s just in my hands but the colder it gets, the harder it is to get them to do their thing.

    6. I have heard that if you tilt your fence posts in or out by about 15-20 degrees it confuses the deer, and they cannot judge the depth, so will not try jumping over.
      Dunno if its true, just something I’ve heard said

  6. If the riots in the cities return, and become worse in protest to a Trump victory, all things related to firearms will disappear completely, or sell at ludicrous prices. I am at this time, helping a 4 different persons get their firearms squared away. I am finding that they are all way behind where they should be, and do not know enough about what they own, and what they need. All, except one, do not know how even clean and lubricate an AR. These persons are all intelligent, and highly educated in two cases. Most of them are males and excellent hunters.

    It is truly eye opening and probably indicative of where many fire arms owners are. One of the things that is most concerning is all the low quality AR kits that have be slammed together. These rifles are everywhere out there. Your’s may be a good one, but your battle buddy may have a bad one, and not know it. High quality AR’s are not what I am concerned about here. Many of these low quality rifles will fail in the future, because of their low quality parts, and low quality assembly. I personally would not consider this class of low quality rifles to be ‘reliable’ until they had 1,000 rounds run through them. I understand the attraction to AR’s, but after my considerable bad experience with so many of them, I am a die hard AK guy. Call me a caveman, but you can not call me a liar. Consider that of the first 6 new AR’s I’ve used, all 6 of these rifles failed in some way within the first few rounds. Only 2 AK’s have failed straight out of the box. I’ve run far more AK’s than AR’s as well. If a low quality AK runs, it will continue to run for thousands, and probably 10 ten thousand of rounds. The typical AK is far more reliable than the typical AR. That’s the facts jack. Love your AR, but make sure it is a good one. I am not bashing on AR’s, but related the hard cold truth about my personal experience with these low quality rifles. I would love to have a high quality AR, but I cannot afford one.

    The only AR I would trust is one that was of high quality, beyond ‘mil-spec’. Mine is a PSA AR that I had to fix. Most cannot do their own work, but this is what you may have, and all you can afford. I did not buy a better trigger, but put the money into making it reliable. And I will not use any AR in a sub zero environment. If you do not know if your AR is reliable, please run 1,000 rounds through it. We all need more trigger time. Get the trigger time and prove that the rifle is reliable. The lives you will be protecting with that rifle are otherwise at risk. The ammo used to prove out the rifle is necessary part of ownership. Instead of paying the big bucks for a high quality rig, we got a cheap a one that costs us a case of ammo to prove it is ready for battle, and the process gives us the trigger time we need anyways. If you already have enough trigger time, give it to someone will less trigger time.

    Thanks for listening.

    1. Tunnel Rabbit, thanks for helping and teaching those around you who need it. It is unfortunate that we have to worry about “the good guys” not being able to properly and safely handle firearms. What about those city folks who just now realized there is trouble in paradise? My dad taught all us kids to shoot and take care of guns; plus I live in hillbilly land where all the kids get .22’s for their 10th birthday and most of the middle-aged folks are veterans.

      1. Thanks. I’m a hybrid American, and half hillbilly, so I do ‘poor’ well. I have a photo of my mother as a little tow head girl, living barefoot in a dirt floor cabin surrounded by chickens and pigs in the Ozarks. They did not know that they were poor. She married well, but we still grew up on a small ranch, and not unlike our hillbilly kin. Like our kin, we boys were riding and shooting by the age of 9 or 10. So we are of humble origin, but our schools back then introduced us to the Constitution by the fourth grade, and we pledge allegiance to the flag every morning. I do what I can time permitting. Giving our time to help others, helps us all. It is ironic, a Greek tragedy, and the reason the country is on the precipice of destruction. Most will give nothing back to the country that gave them everything.

  7. On 10/18/20 I shared a story (https://survivalblog.com/preparedness-evolution-melody-channel/) about opening first one, then another, and then a third #10 can of Instant Non-Fat Dry Milk from Augason Farms, and none had oxygen absorbers. Because they were purchased nine years ago as part of a one year food supply and they were a dairy product, we didn’t want to take any chances. Botulism is not to be taken lightly, especially if you know someone who has ever experienced it’s horrific effects, like my in-law did just this summer back east. She is still recovering from the aftermath of this devastating illness and it’s side effects. Once they properly tested for and ruled out what it wasn’t (and diagnosed what it was), the antitoxin had to be flown in from the CDC in Atlanta, and driven under police escort to the hospital. This is serious stuff, so regarding food, if in doubt, throw it out!

    We had left an online message at Augason Farms, but called that next Monday and spoke to a Rep who said they would send three replacement cans. Later that same day, DW got an email asking if we had sifted the cans for the Oxygen Absorber, to which we indicated we had. Then they asked for photo’s, which we anticipated, and sent pictures along with a picture of the lot/production code stamp on the bottom of the cans. They then confirmed they would be shipping out 3 replacement cans, which shipped 10/23, and arrived Wed 10/28, so they did make good on the replacements. I need to state for the record we have been using Augason farms products, as well as LDS, and several others, as well as our own canned, dried, etc., food for years, and this is the first time we have ever experienced an issue of any kind.

    Sometimes two is (N)one, and three is (N)one, so Four becomes One! Have backups for your backups. Luckily, we had several newer mylar pouches from an LDS home center on our shelf (with oxygen absorber present). It’s good to have redundancy. (We re-stocked up last week)

    Has anyone else experienced improperly packaged food storage products from any food storage company?

    As always, hoping you…
    Seymour Liberty

      1. Tom in Alaska,
        I think baking goods are supposed to last 10 yrs (see their site), so I would open can and see if it was packaged properly. They may replace it if within the 10 yrs or if they forgot the Oxygen absorber.

        1. Be sure to photograph the can both before and after you open it because they will probably want to see that it was swelled (and sifted if Oxygen Absorber was missing). Food storage is expensive and difficult to come by right now so you may want to pursue it. Good luck!

      2. I think that the cans with some sort of baking powder etc in them can swell if they are exposed to any temperature changes; somehow the temperature change induces the baking powder to get activated or something like that.

        1. Hey Ani,
          I think (but I could be mistaken) that he was talking about baking goods like muffins, pancake mix, flour, etc.

          By the way, I was wondering, if Ani is a derivative of Anne or Annie, or is it Ani as in meaning ‘here’ or ‘I am here’?

          As always, hoping you…
          Seymour Liberty

          1. @ Seymour Liberty

            Yes, it’s the leavening agent found in all of those mixes that’s the culprit.

            And as for my name, well I’d tell you, but then I’d have to kill you! 😉

          2. LOL! I assumed it was from the Hebrew word Ani meaning ‘here’ or ‘I am here’. . Very well, your secret is safe with me!

            As always, hoping you…
            Seymour Liberty

  8. I haven’t commented much lately because of so much going on here, but I always read what is going on with everyone.
    Animal House I can truly relate to your feelings concerning the ones trying to destroy our country. I too struggle with the same issue. Whenever I am listening to one of them lying on tv I have to remind myself that they are made in the image of God too. It’s a struggle isn’t it?
    Wormlady I am so sorry for your family’s health problems. It’s bad for the afflicted one and it’s bad for the one caring for them. You both struggle to do the best you can. It sounds like you are doing just that too, so good for you! We have had several surgeries between myself and my husband in the four years since we moved here plus trying to obtain, maintain, and sustain this homestead lifestyle. So I understand the highs and the lows of health issues.
    St Funogas I laughed when I read about your half dressed 2 am garden excursion. One of the privileges of homestead life, ya do what ya want, lol. I have had buckwheat pancakes in restaurants that I thought were good but when I’ve tried them at home they were , shall we say, less than excellent. After many experiences I think the restaurant varieties are not totally buckwheat, but have some wheat flour in them too. We’re still working on our deer fence too. I finally pulled the carrots and rounded up all the green tomatoes because I was tired of the deer, elk, and moose grocery shopping in my garden…well, that and we got that big cold snap and snow free for all last week. I have tried lemon balm for two years without a lot of success. I transplanted it this fall and hopefully it will like it’s new home.
    Well, my progress hasn’t been wild but it has been steady. My husband told me he thought we had enough beans and I told him he would change his mind when there is a food shortage. I’ve canned up piccallily, salsa verde, and dilled tomatoes, using all green tomatoes. I’ve been stashing ripe tomatoes in the freezer to do one marathon red tomato canning session. I’ve organized the pantry noting holes that need to be filled and every time I go to town I fill those holes. It’s two weeks before the hogs go to the butcher so I have to get those tomatoes canned soon, plus 40# of chicken so I have room in the freezers. We have three hogs. I’m putting two straight away in the freezer and I’m canning one, plus rendering and canning up the lard from all of them.
    I’ve been cleaning and straightening the garden getting ready for next year. I’ve got things put away in the garden shed and the coop is ready for winter. I’ve gone to a (kinda) nearby elevator and had three 55 gallon barrels filled with wheat and one with barley.
    We’ve just been doing the dozens of small , but important things that have to be done before winter. The next two weeks will be hectic with the preparations for winter.
    Blessings to all,
    TeresaSue

    2. TeresaSue, good on you lady!! Before I turned my big livestock guard dogs loose in the garden area, I had 8′ fencing for the deer, which worked fairly well. But the big guys would try to push it over or bend it so I had to get creative. You might want to try some attaching goat collar bells to fencing or better, put up two lines of hot wire.

    4. Hey TeresaSue, I don’t know what the secret to lemon balm is. I read posters here say it spreads like some other mints do but mine has never spread. When I cut it in the later spring, the plants have a very hard time recovering and then only produce small leaves. I’ve tried it in different locations in the garden but no better luck there. I also get only a few seeds from it even though I see the bees working it. If you get it figured out, let us know. 🙂 I’ll let you know how the lemon basil fares in the side-by-side taste test. I just read about cinnamon basil too, gotta track some seeds down for that one.

  9. Went to an estate sale while waiting for a family member at the dentist- brand new coleman stove for $2. It’s nice to have a backup now and at a reasonable price. Otherwise just marveled at all the excess people accumulate and never use and was reminded of the saying that you don’t see hearses pulling trailers. Praise Jesus for getting my attention all those years ago.

    1. Delroy, Congrats on the $2. backup Coleman stove. That is the all-time greatest, “waiting for family at dentist,” story I’ve ever heard! Blessings, Krissy

  10. Seems like all I do is either cut and split firewood or reload. Checking in with friends about their last-minute preps, etc. one mentioned checking is communications gear, so that was a good reminder. Went to the man cave and pulled down the case with the FRS/GMRS radios, slapped batteries in then and lo and behold: two didn’t work very well. So had to in-seal additionals from a Faraday cage.

    1. Radio

      If you need additional range out of those FRS/GMRS radio, the higher end types like Midland puts out, transmits with 2, and up to 5 watts on their GMRS channels, or channels 14 to 22. Most of the time, for COMSEC reasons, I would not transmit on those frequencies/channels. If you need additional range, and do not have a higher-end FRS/GMRS radios with higher transmit power on GMRS, use a Baofeng with a Tram 1181 external antenna as a base station radio. FRS channels typically use only one-quarter of one watt, and are ideal because of the extreme short range. That is an advantage [for COMSEC]. The disadvantage is that almost everyone has FRS radios as well, and it is their only or their primary radio. Therefore, only use these FRS radios if there is a potential threat approaching. Otherwise you could lose your tactical surprise. MURS is usually the best choice for most if you can handle a Baofeng. You do not need to program a Baofeng. Just enter the frequency and go. Record the frequency somewhere on the body of the radio. Have a secondary frequency as well.

  11. Hurricane Zeta blew through and left many without power… The surprise of this storm was how much damage resulted so far inland. Of course we think a lot about how the behavior of storms is likely to change with the decline of the magnetic field and the magnetic reversal coming alongside the GSM and solar excursion. Clean up is well underway, and the time without power was a good opportunity to test everything from generators to water supply during while finding ourselves off the electrical grid. It was a short lived experience, and we’re thankful. We did suffer fallen trees, and the consequences of those, but will recover. Other than relatively minor inconveniences, all went well! All those who were even harder hit remain in our prayers!

      3. BH! You are in our prayers… We look forward to news that the repairs have been completed, power has been restored, and that everyone has been safely delivered to the other side of this time.

    2. We got the “leftovers” of Zeta. A lot of branches down, but it had been downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it got here. Some coastal flooding, but it didn’t reach our basement door.

  12. AL, have you considered NOT trying to harvest the basil seeds? I have a similar climate, but dryer, and my basil plantation returns every year with zero effort from me.

    1. Hmm,

      I didn’t know that. I am just getting seriously started in the herb growing aspect of gardening. We’ve always had easy access and deep storage, so it wasn’t a interest or priority until recently. Just this summer, I have finally decided where to set aside a bed for herb growing and have begun prepping it and planting.

      Anyways, that particular basil was in the greenhouse. I was cleaning out the beds to start afresh next spring.

      Since, now I know that basil can re-establish itself each year, in the future, when the outdoor basil bed is established, I will only collect some seeds for friends and emergencies.

      I need to do more reading on herbs. I am still learning.

      Thank You!

      Lily

      1. Hey Lily, I just finished an article on some seed harvesting tips using photos from all my recent harvests. It’s not a how-to as much as just sharing some methods I use. I was hoping it would generate discussion on what methods other people are using so we can all benefit. I always end up with gobs of basil seed with very little work, and that’s in a humid climate. Other miniscule seeds like amaranth and lambsquarter are also super simple if you use a few tricks.

        As always, it’s trying to figure out the best time to submit such an article.

        Good luck with any more seeds you still have to harvest.

  13. Good morning all,

    This was a final crunch week and we used it to shop and to stock up on things we though we might want on hand prior to what we all expect will happen in November. A trip to the “City” to shop at the big box store(s) topped off the food supply to the point that I’m concerned about exceeding the load limits of the floor in the pantry. The freezers are absolutely full as well. Stopping at another store on the scenic route home, I found Win Super-X birdshot on sale $5.99. The sales person checked in the back and found a couple of cases and not wanting to be greedy, purchased one leaving the other for someone else. I also bought kerosene and topped off my galvanized storage tanks with K-1 for the Aladins.

    During this trip, I order a spare pair of glasses. The wife has an appointment next week. Mine will arrive by mail…hopefully soon.

    Added more fresh fuel to the stored supply. We would like more, but storage space has been a bit scarce with everything else.

    We don’t have horses, but realize that may be something for the future, I found a nice snaffel bit bridle for $7 at the local thrift store. I’d already picked up a roping saddle and 3 pack saddles and had been looking for a bridle. That along with hoof trimming tools should be enough for a start if we get a horse later.

    I’m back to doing reloading during the wet weather. I pick up where I left off in the Spring working on 9mm. Those little buggers seem to have multiplied over the Summer and I have a extra thousand or two that need to be prepped. It’s a lot more fun to empty them than to fill them, but the repetative nature of a single stage is somewhat relaxing.

    Our seed order arrived from High Meadow and their new catalog is due out on Monday the 2nd.

    A local auction is coming tomorrow afternoon. I hope I can report next week that I made out like a bandit as they have a lot of items of interest to us. One thing we have noticed about our local auctions is that of late prepping and primative items have been going at outrageous prices. Any ammo is being vigorously bid on locally and on-line. I am truly amazed at the panic buying, especially when I realize it will likely get worse before it can possibly get better.

    Prayers for those ill and their caregivers,

    May the Lord place a hedge of protection around the SB family during these times.

    1. Red Rover,
      I agree that emptying is much gunner than reloading. The weather has been very rainy here so re-loading seems like a productive use of time right now. Good luck at the auction

    2. Red Rover, Loved all your preps. Especially loved:

      “Prayers for those ill and their caregivers,

      May the Lord place a hedge of protection around the SB family during these times.”

      Blessings, Krissy

  14. Had quite a scare earlier today as I was convinced that TEOTWAWKI was upon us!! That’s right: I managed to have finished washing all of the dishes at once! Even the soaking casserole pans and grease-encrusted bacon sheets. A surer sign even than four horsemen.

    Luckily though, 20 minutes later, a thorough lunch of Refrigerator Roulette was served, and the sink refilled with all manner of plastic containers. Whew! Crisis averted.

    I’ll come back later to read everyone’s updates, but I just wanted to check in quick and say I’m thinking about y’all, and wish you a Happy Half-Price Chocolate Eve.

      1. I returned from the LGS about 4:00 PM.
        All the Halloween candy was gone and the shelves were being restock with Christmas candy. I looked and didn’t see the usual buggy of marked down candy, so I don’t know if it was all gone ( a possiblity as the shelf was thin when I was there ten days ago).

    3. Hey Bear, that’s a goodie, glad the TEOTWAWKI situation turned out to be a false alarm. Your story reminds me that I’ve only had my kitchen table completely cleared off twice this year, once when I had guests and the other time when I deep cleaned the kitchen earlier this month. It was cleared off for approximately three hours and fifteen minutes. Oh well, it helps me to cope better by calling it a workbench I eat on rather than a kitchen table I work at. 🙂

  15. Another week spent scouring the three nearby WalMarts to scrounge up a single paltry 20-lb. bag of rice and 8-lb. bag of beans at each. I’ve got 5-gallon buckets and mylar all lined up to store them, but don’t want to crack open the economy-sized package of oxygen absorbers until we have enough beans and rice to use them all up so we don’t waste any. BJ’s and Costco have both been out of stock for their 50-lb bags of Producers rice since the pandemic first hit. I had a good stockpile when the plandemic first hit, but we went through it a lot quicker than the “food pantry storage” charts said that we would, so I’m beefing up our supply.

    While waiting, I bought some unbleached muslin cloth from JoAnne Fabrics and am in the process of making “bean bags” to break apart the types of beans that I store in each bucket so that, when we crack one open to rotate our stock, we’ve got a variety of beans instead of just all the same kind to eat up (the kids revolt). In SHTF, they’ll eat what I give them or else, but I really prefer to rotate my stock often enough that I could theoretically sprout some of those seeds (and eat anything that doesn’t sprout). Unbleached muslin cloth doesn’t have any chemicals or dyes in it, especially if you use unbleached cotton yarn for your drawstring, and it will mush down and allow the oxygen absorbers to still suck the air out of everything, unlike plastic bags.

    Got the propane tanks filled and the cars filled up with gas. We don’t have a lot of quality trees that are good for firewood in our area, so my Boy Scout son volunteered to go do some trail maintenance along the local conservation area nature trail. It won’t be great firewood, but anything bigger than my wrist gets cut up and taken home, and we walk in that woods several times per week, so we help ourselves by clipping back the greenbriar and clearing the deadwood. Bonus points: he’ll get rank advancement as a scout.

      1. Thanks for that tip! I usually get there by 10:00 a.m. I suspect they are deliberately only putting out a couple of bags at a time as they get them in, because there isn’t much ROOM on those shelves, and the cash register will only let me cash out two bags each without getting a manager override. Maybe I’ll aim for 9:00?

        Our local Aldi’s supermarket is limiting us to 4 canned goods (per type … green beans, peas, corn, etc) per person per day. WalMart lets you buy more, but the shelves always look like the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse with their cheaper Great Value brand.

    2. Anna, Consider trying online for the rice and beans if you need more. It has worked for me many times. I double up or add more staples to reach $35 for free shipping.
      Loved your, “unbleached muslin cloth,” tips.
      Blessings to you and yours, Krissy

      1. Krissy, I think I’ll give that a try because I’m wasting a lot of gas running around to three separate WalMarts every week. It was okay while I was still hunting down canned goods, but now I’m “set” for those. They have a 2-bag limit per week total, but since I’m only scoring 3 bags anyways total, and am getting close to my “one year” stockpile, it’s time to dial it back down and use that time more wisely.

  16. This week has been a flurry of activity, making the most of the days at hand! My DH is a perfect balance for me, with reminders that Wednesday will still follow Tuesday, and God will still be sovereign.

    1.Canned 32 pints of pear sauce.
    2.Butchered 25 Cornish Rock and then canned the meat and broth.
    3.Made the last of the ripe tomatoes into pasta sauce.
    4. Today I will turn 25# of green tomatoes and 10# of peppers into salsa Verde.
    5.Hallelujah- last week we got water to the new pole barn that will be my summer kitchen!
    6. Received our Big Berkey- our well water is fine. This is just in case.
    7. Praying hard for our country, repenting and asking for God’s mercy on all.

    1. Elli O, that was quite a work week! Butchering chickens, canning meat and broth is a 2 or 3 day job for me. Then pasta sauce and salsa verde….you should be very happy with your accomplishments!

    2. Wow! It was all I could do to can-up 25 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast from the supermarket (on sale). I’ve processed my own livestock, so I know what a chore it can be.

      I’m making pear sauce myself this week. Because of the drought, we got precious few apples, pears or plums, not a lot of berries to forage for jam :-/ Luckily we had a bumper crop last year so we’ve got enough to last a while.

    3. Elli O, I don’t have a DH, so I love that you shared his encouraging wisdom. Thank you for that! As some say, just reading about your week is tiring, lol. Good for you. What a woman. You are inspirational. Blessings, Krissy

  18. Oldest son, wife and children made to their home in Grand Lake County, CO. The fires came so close to their home, praise God, for it did not burn. Son says the area smells of smoke and burned rubber. Their Denver home closing should be this week. The Antifa nuts threw a road blocking fit not far from their Denver home during the George Floyd ordeal. Glad son and family are in the mountains where they can work and homeschool remotely. Went to Jungle Jim’s Fairfield and bought a 40 pound bag of Basmati Rice. JJ’s had plenty of large bags and varieties of rice, assuming JJ’s east of Cincinnati does but would be wise to check before going. Continued prayers needed for residents of Grand Lake. Some of the firefighters lost their homes to the fire. Be safe everyone, this week will most likely be a wild one.

  19. My dear brother in Christ Jim. I see where you don’t celebrate Halloween but Reformation Day instead. Which is commendable. The problem is that most holidays have their roots in paganism as well as very many so-called Christian Traditions. Christmas traditions aside from the yearly observance of the Birth of The Christ being one as I’m sure you are well aware. The Reformation itself was not really a Reformation if you will. It was merely a rearrangement of the furniture to borrow a metaphor. It reformed paganism in the church small c with just more paganism. Our present day Christian church small c services, rituals, and many present traditions are merely relativism at best, paganism at worst dressed up in religious clothes. How this relates to survival readiness is vital because we need to return to the original example and blueprint of the Apostles church as instructed by Jesus in the upper room after His raising from the dead. A close study of church in the first century looks like nothing that we are doing now and the training necessary to survive what is coming it will be vital to be in community and hearing from Him through the Holy Spirit and present Christianity is not providing the training nor the present day 5 fold ministries and gifts to flourish which is true readiness. I really need to take the time to write some 1500 word blogs on it.

    2. Oly,
      The things you describe are exactly why I removed my name from a corporate church over a decade ago. They are in bed with Big Brother in some way. I guess now would be a good time to mention that I once stayed in a haunted house for about a year and a half. No – that is NOT a joke. I did not know it was haunted when I moved in but I sure found out part way through my stay there. The fellow I was staying with had a very twisted view of everything including the Bible. Modern churches while they may have some vestiges of truth still left in them have many bits of paganism in them like you have mentioned and that is why I officially left. I put it in writing so it was official.

    3. Oly, please do write an article for SB on the subject of what our church community should look like/ behave. I’ve been wondering about this for several years now and have no idea where to even start such a study except of course, with reading the Bible.

  20. Hello All. Hope all is going well. Fair warning. If you’re having a great day filled with unicorns and rainbows, you may want to skip this post. It’s a bit of a downer and quite long. Sorry, but it’s been a rough day and I need to unload a few things off my chest.

    As some of you may recall, back in August I mentioned work was not going well and things may not turn out well for me if things didn’t change. Well they didn’t change. Yesterday I lost my job, lost my income, lost my health insurance, and have put my retirement contributions on hold. Also lost the yearly Christmas bonus and yearly profit-sharing bonus as well. My career of almost 21 years with the company gone. Why did all this happen? Well because our government and elected officials decided to shut down the country for months on end. My company which has been in business for over 26 years is now in the process of closing.

    We all know that this shutdown had an immediate effect on restaurants, bars, gyms, hair salons, etc. back in March/April. Here is where you need to pay attention. There are other companies, like mine, that are now just feeling the impact. Why? Because some of these companies had orders already in that didn’t ship until later in the year. Now this shutdown is just catching up to them. They are laying off employees or losing their business altogether. Like us, we had orders and were shipping right up to the end of June. However, we didn’t have anything to replace them with. Nothing really coming in since March. So, we went July-October with very, very poor numbers … and there’s nothing to speak of for November and December. That’s 6 months not meeting the necessary business requirements. Check out the US Census Bureau. There are surveys that are being completed by these companies (ours included) that show further economic problems in this country. You aren’t hearing to much about one’s like ours, are you? Basically, we have been dead in the water since March and nothing is changing. We have customers all over the world (some have been with us for decades) and most of them have just vanished. Where did they go?

    Our government really stuck it to all of us and the sad part is we let them, including me. When have we ever, in the history of this country, done something like this? Never! Now that it was done and quite successfully, I might add, it will be easier to do the next time. Yes, there will be a next time, and don’t you think there won’t be.
    There are jobs out there. Lots of them, but none that will pay the bills here and that are within a reasonable driving distance. So now, I may have to sell my home. There’s something else that all this has cost me. Thankfully the only debt is the mortgage, but still. I did everything right and everything I was supposed to do in life and this government took it away from me. For what? I guess that’s the real question isn’t it, for what? I have a few ideas, but I think I’ve unloaded enough on all you nice folks.

    They say things come in 3’s. Number one: Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time back in Aug. 2019. No one should have to go through this once let alone twice. It sucks. Number two: Her husband (my stepfather) of over 32 years passed away in Jan. 2020. Yep, 5 months later. Number three: My job and financial well-being taken away by the government and all their infinite wisdom as of yesterday.

    …and now you know the rest of the story.

    1. Burt Gummer Too!, Well, you definitely win for having the suckiest day. What a shock. I’m sorry for the loss of your business and livelihood, et cetera. Words aren’t adequate…
      With the loss of your beloved stepdad, and mother’s illness again, it has probably been one of your toughest years. You have my condolences.

      Keep sharing and commenting here on the blog. We will lift you up in prayer. You sound like you have grit, and I suspect you will rally.

      Grieving with you on your losses, Krissy

    2. Bert Gummer Too !!! … I am so sorry to read of all that is happening in your world at this time… I will be praying for The Lord’s divine and supernatural intervention

    3. So sorry about your troubles :'( I have no good advice to give, and nothing to say that won’t sound falsely cheerful, so instead I will add you to my prayers.

    4. BGT, sorry to hear abt your job loss at this critical time. Suggest you apply for every state and govt assistance available quickly. If illegal aliens can get free benefits you should too. Notify your mortgage company and they will work with you . Maybe your local county has assistance also. Try posting g your resume on INDEED job site. My prayers for you.

    5. @ BGT

      I’m really sorry to hear of how things are in your life right now. And obviously, your company closing didn’t have to happen! I agree with you that the dominoes will be taking out many more companies soon which won’t make it due to the extended closures. And if Biden is elected, which I fear will be the case, we will see many more edicts from DC and even worse economic carnage. I guess in your case, take advantage of any and all assistance being offered, mortgage forbearance etc. You did nothing wrong and this really stinks(would use a different word but keeping it clean!).

    6. BGT, there are too many stories of lives being destroyed right now. You are in my prayers along with your mother. I know how difficult it is to have to suddenly rearrange your life. Unfortunately there probably isn’t an easy fix, but tomorrow will come and, eventually, you’ll make a life again. Hang tough. Prayers abound.

    7. Burt Gummer Too!,

      I speak for every small farm operator in a forty-mile circle:
      * We are always seeking ‘seasoned’ help.
      The pay may not be much, but you will never go hungry… and you will be among trusted friends.

      Bonus points if you have a reliable self-contained RecreationVehicle.

      1. Thank you all for your kind words. Faith is a hard one, probably the hardest one of all, but I try. It seems the louder I scream the more deaf God becomes. I just wish he would let me know what’s going on from time to time. It’s the not knowing part that really gets to me, you know?

        I will only ask for help if there is absolutely no other way. Too much pride I guess. I have never taken any assistance and it is hard to even think about it. But that’s just me I guess. There is a little set aside under the mattress for a rainy day, but it won’t last forever.

        LargeMarge. I have the farmer blood in me. The family dairy farm and the neighbor’s farms saw a lot of me while growing up. I can say that I do miss it from time to time.

        Resumes are out. Started about a month ago, just in case. Plan ahead, right? Three went out in the last week and a half. No response from anyone yet. I, of course, will keep on looking and sending.

        Thanks again folks for your thoughts and prayers. I’ll keep you posted on events.

        Finally, one last thing that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about. As I left work for the last time on Friday and got into my vehicle, there was a huge rainbow in the sky that went right over my place of work. Just as full, bright, and bold as you would ever want to see. There was a slight (very slight) sprinkle of rain in the air. So was it the science of how rainbows form or someone from above letting me know things are going to be okay? I just don’t know if it was coincidence, but if we are being honest here, it freaked me out a little bit.

        Be well, stay safe, and take care of each other.

    8. Dear One, I am asking God right now to help you, bless you, and help you feel His love. I have been through several devastating circumstances and when I look back now, I see His hands all over the whole thing. I was despairing and angry. I totally understand and I’m so sorry this is happening to you.
      Hugs and prayers.

    9. Burt, I am beyond sorry for the loss of your job and your livelihood. Please know that I will indeed be praying for you and your family. And also for your son and his family. God is always good, even in the worst of times. Please be assured that He still loves you and is still on His throne. We serve a God that is kind and merciful and I pray that He has mercy on you and delivers to you a nice replacement job. He is certainly able to do so. Blessings during this difficult time.

  21. Prepare for the worst and the easier problems have little impact. This week we spent some time touching every personal defense weapon in our stable, all are clean, oiled well, and mags are also serviced and loaded. Last range day was only a week ago, so wife and I are reasonable freshly practiced on stoppage drills. Found a few hundred 5.56mm rounds at a local shop and some 00Buck; all other calibers are well-stocked in my pretend safe room and accessible instead of piled beneath boxes and crates. Made sure combustibles are away from the house, pine needles and other tinder are all picked up, window locks are all operational, basic stuff. All vehicles are fueled and serviced, 4x 5-gallon fuel cans topped off, propane tanks are all full, bicycle tires are pumped, chains lubed… transportation is good.
    We ran through our bug in and bug out drills with the kids, extended family is as prepared as we can get them. Rally points and routes were verified to ensure no new construction has altered things. Really, this was just a normal fall week for our preps, despite the potential for civil unrest in our wretched liberal university city. Hopefully, the agitators will remain in Portland and leave us be (we know they won’t, so we are ready anyway).
    Regardless of who “wins” the presidency this coming week, we know the entire fraudulent process will be challenged on all sides and certain people will not hesitate to turn and burn our cities. As a public safety professional, I will be required to be away from home to monitor and respond to riotous and destructive behavior, so my family is well versed in their roles and responsibilities to each other.
    I finally pulled the trigger and decided to build a .308 battle rifle, as Jim Rawles has preached to us for decades. While it is an AR platform, and not a ten pound sledge like an HK91, it will still provide a bigger boom than the various 5.56mm carbine we have in our tool chest. I will finish this build next week when my rails and muzzle device arrive, and then off to the range to blast off 500 rounds to torture test and validate the build. This will likely turn into several more rifles, and will create the need for a new safe, but my wife will have to accept that as inevitable. Prepping progress is a never ending journey, but once you get the foundation set it can be exciting and fulfilling.
    I hope everyone here is well set for the coming troubled times, is right with G-d, and more than anything I pray that in the end people will laugh at us crazy preppers. Sadly, this election season we are in a more heightened state than in my memory, so there will not be much laughter.
    Blessings to you all.

  22. Speaking of hoses, I accidentally left one hose connected and of course it froze and busted the spigot. Doh!

    Y’all have plum worn me out! LOL. I cooked down a batch of butternut squash and more going today. Once it’s cooked down and blended, it goes into quart size ziplock freezer bags. It’s easy to pull out of the freezer, heat on the stove, whisking in the cream or milk to make a delicious soup. Lots of various recipes online. I purchased a number of local Delicata squash and acorn squash. The acorn will last in a cool, dry place, but the Delicata not so much. I never was much of a squash person, other than zucchini or yellow crookneck, but I’m learning. Winter squash is a great way to “get your vegetables” when you don’t want to go to a store for the usual stuff.

    Canned up 8 pints of “dilly beans” (pickled green beans). I discovered that pickled vegetables are not only good straight out of the jar, they add a zing to any stir fry dish. Did another Azure Standard order for raw cheese blocks. I cut them up into half lb chunks, ziplock bag, and freeze (cheese for the winter). I also order butter and freeze the 1lb packages (butter for the winter). My tiny extra freezer is crammed to capacity.

    Topped off more supplies using online ordering. I keep telling myself “you have enough!”, then I count the number of people in my extended family and I think “no you don’t”. A nice surprise today – a good friend said they’d gone to town and stocked up because of the election. I congratulated them, but in the back of my mind I thought they might be way behind the curve. But, still glad it was done. Some people refuse to stock up because the very act of it causes them to face the potential reality before us, and that is very scary for some people. I get it.

    My GSD puppies are doing so well. 3 and 4 months old. They’ve learned so much. The 4 month old thinks he can drive my car (he’s huge). I told him to sit down and stop back seat driving, which he did. Exhausting as this has been, I’m so glad they have each other for entertainment because I am busy! They escaped into the forest the other day, but came running back when I called their names. They’re like little kids. They follow me around when I’m outside doing chores, get into all kinds of trouble and make big messes, but they are adorable.

    Next week, other than D Day, I will be canning up a ton of tomatoes that are in the freezer, canning up Navy beans, maybe some lentils and split peas. Once I get the pressure canner out and make a huge mess, I might as well keep going.

    I cleaned out the garage this week, took several trips to the dumps, got another pallet of energy logs to bring me to almost 5 cords equivalent of Red Fir and Idaho energy logs. Tried to finish numerous other projects… just go, go, go, in between “sit”, “here”, “wait”, “down”, “no”, “yes”, etc. LOL

    Praying for all those here that shared their stories and are in need of healing. May the Lord bless you and keep you. Amen.

    1. Sara Sue, I’m amused by your dear GSD pups. We have two dogs of another breed, and they are entertaining as well. If we move to the country, we will be getting a GSD. My father always had them and we loved them. Have a blessed week and stay safe. Blessings from TX!

  23. Aside from the Augason Farms replacement, it was a pretty normal week. DW made stock from chicken carcasses in the freezer, including 2 more I just butchered, cooked a truckload of food, both for the week, and the freezer after we pulled out things that needed to be rotated, eaten or canned. Good thing because I made a final run the week before and bought another 30 pounds of meat, and lots of fresh fruit and some non-garden veg, just to top off a bit more. We are fortunate to have 2 refrigerators, and two freezers, even if they are very old (think 38 yrs and 23 yrs for the fridges) but knock on wood, they keep on chugging. They just don’t make them like that anymore. They may be a little rough around the edges but they git ‘er done.

    I spent most of the previous week cleaning up the beds, and tucking them in for a long winter’s nap. It was just in time because then it got cold and rainy, so I cleaned, sharpened, WD-40’d, organized and put up the garden tools. Used the mower one last time (hopefully?) this week and ran out the gas because it’s supposed to freeze early next week. I emptied the sprayer for the year of Deer Repellant by spraying down DW’s daylily leaves, and soon to be dormant Hosta’s. Apparently the deer decided they needed one last ‘salad’ after the rain and started munching on leaves again. Topped off my truck, replaced DW’s rear brake pads, but forgot to top off her tank. Maybe I’ll top-off when we vote Tuesday.

    Re-cleaned, and re-checked a few ‘power nailers’ and ‘hand nailers’ (just in case). Not expecting any trouble, but better safe than sorry.

    Keeping all SB’ers, and people of good hearts, and character, in our thoughts and prayers, and…
    As always, hoping you…
    Seymour Liberty

  24. Checked the oil in the car–it was way low and the leak is probably growing. Bought a new battery when I had the tires changed–they said it was fine but it has been seriously corroding the mounting bracket for some reason. Read a new prepping book, for ideas for packing to walk out–I have a mental block on this. We just moved onto our retreat last year and I’m not done moving in! Planted the last of the garlic, shelled the last of the radish seeds, put up bird feeders. Tried and failed to install a new browser and vpn–going to have to figure out the command line. Getting ready to send out well water to test for iron & iron bacteria again. It comes back good but we still have the little orange growies in the toilets. We have an RO for drinking water, but it isn’t good for the dishwasher. Wise Traditions came, with a timely article on iron toxicity. Ordered a Berkey for a backup. Had some hard talks with relatives–hope they didn’t strain their eyes from all the rolling, but I think it helped. My mom is going to buy a water filter. Also reading 2nd Chronicles this week–I’m doing a 2 year cover to cover this year.

    1. Tabitha,
      You might want to do an Internet search for ”car battery felt corrosion inhibitors”. They fit over the top of each battery post and help absorb any acids that leak from the battery. My best friend has been an auto mechanic for over 60 years and he puts them on all his customers cars. They can be found at most auto supply stores and usually cost less than two dollars for each battery.

  25. After several weeks of working pretty much non-stop, I finally had a weekend off, including a “comp day” on Friday. We used that time to repair some fencing that was damaged from some of the winds we saw on the back end of Zeta, as well as reinforcing some other areas. We also spent some time cutting and stacking additional firewood from trees we had downed earlier this year. In addition, we took delivery of a Timber Tuff portable sawmill that will allow us to convert some of the many pines that have been dropped on our property into rough cut lumber for use in projects where aesthetics aren’t a concern. That’s the theory, anyway. Although we’ve assembled it, we haven’t yet tested it. I want to do a bit more research first to ensure we’re being safe.

    My Lady was gifted a couple of hutches (cabinets, not rabbit houses) from some friends who wanted to get rid of them. Both were in good shape, but for whatever reason, our friends didn’t want them. So my Lady cleaned them up, and they’ll be used for additional food storage.

    The peas that I planted for a fall crop are doing well. I’ve trellised them up and hopefully we’ll have some by Thanksgiving. Okra continues to produce, though some of the pods are too fibrous for human consumption. Those are being used for seeds for next year.

    Finally, as fall is setting in, my Lady prepared a big pot of her Harvest Soup for supper, a favorite cold weather dish in our family. I made some corn bread to go with it (it’s hard to beat corn bread baked in cast iron), as well as a big pot of chili beans for quick meals next week.

    Miss Lily, I appreciate the passage you posted, especially the part you emphasized. I’ve tried to pray for repentance in our land frequently over the last several months. But if it is necessary that America pay a price for our national sins…and I don’t see how we can’t…then I’ve prayed that His people be protected and that the price be the least amount necessary to bring about repentance. This coming week may give an indication of where things are going. We can only prepare, physically and spiritually, to whatever level possible given the talents and resources loaned to us by God, and trust Him to grant us wisdom and courage in the days ahead.

  26. I bought my wife a 21.5 quart pressure cooker for Christmas; I also plan to buy her the canning utensils she will need and a few hundred jars / lids, rings. etc. as well …

    We used to can years ago but never had a pressure cooker so this will be a new experience for both of us. I am certain the $350.00 cost is well worth it as this unit appears to be an heirloom type buy and we can pass it on to our children. But I can’t imagine canning 200 pounds of apples !!!

    May God richly bless all of you .

  27. This week I continued to try and prep our 146,000 resident Legislative District. I have tried to keep up the pace of doorbelling 100 homes per day to ask for their vote but only made 440. For the week.

    Now we are revisiting homes of those who have not had a vote registered yet. The deadline for getting votes to the box is Tuesday at 8pm, but then there is a multi-day chance to salvage incorrectly submitted ballots. So the beat goes on for two full weeks from today.

    We made applesauce from our Cinnamon Spice apples and have 4 gallons of apples still to process.

    Vole trapping has been dismal with only a half dozen caught this week. Wishing I had some hens to feed them to.

    Political activity included two candidate parades and sign waving at locations 25 miles apart today, and two more propaganda mailings sent out to the public.

    Our first parade route included going thru an intersection three times which had a known local communist leading a Biden flag rally.

    Usually they are filthy mouthed and very vocal but they were intimidated by the 60 to 70 vehicles flying our flags, and supporting our local LEOs and conservative candidates like me.

    Both my propaganda mail pieces are remonstrating against my Anti-2A, Pro Abortion incumbent opponent who supports the Seattle power brokers and their Socialist societal breakdown.

    I also recorded a pro-life radio ad against abortion which starts airing on Monday. At 30 dollars per minute I could still afford one minute per day for 2 weeks.

    In Washington State we really don’t have an east versus west split in ideology. Its actually shaped more like a toilet, with the seat being all us conservatives surrounding the center portion… Seattle to Olympia.

    I personally have met many hundred prayer warriors in our LD now. This battle is about powers and principalities. We have warriors in combat. Are you?

    One last thought for those who are in desperate need of self defense. Check black powder revolvers. You can separately purchase a conversion cylinder, or even a gated conversion kit for a black powder revolver.

    Look first for .45 LONG COLT or other “Cowboy Action” ammo in a caliber to match whichever revolver you try to purchase. Make sure the ammo has a rating less than 800FPS.

    You could make three separate purchases legally:

    Bkack Powder Revolver
    Conversion Cylinder
    Ammo cartridges.

    God Bless

  28. My wife and I voted early in person at the county board of elections. We wanted to make sure that nothing came up next week to prevent us from getting to the polling place.

    I sorted through all of the stash of winter work clothes. We had several coats and coveralls that my youngest could no longer wear. We gave those to my nephews. This will free up a bit of garage storage space. Now we need to sort through all of the shoes and boots. I am convinced that they are multiplying on their own.

    My son and I fixed the 4 wheel drive on the Gator. We discovered that it had quit working as we were crossing the creek with the trailer to get firewood. We got stuck with the trailer in the creek. Had to walk back and borrow my dad’s Gator to rescue ours. At least we found the problem before we had a trailer full of firewood.

    I took the kids today for a flu shot. While I was in town I bought another 20 pound propane tank and got 2 topped off. While I was grabbing a few things at Walmart I saw them putting the ammo back on the shelf after they had taken it all off the shelf a few days ago. I saw that they had 500 round boxes of 22 so I bought the 1 I was allowed. There were at least 6 more on the shelf.

    1. Yes, but they’re made right here in the US. I think the Chinese bought Smithfield in order to be able to process and secure meat products for their country as well. If this is a problem, consider Hebrew National Hot Dogs also available at Sam’s (not sure about Costco).

      1. Yes. Smithfield has a Farmland foods plant right near me but when the Chinese bought it, we quit buying their products. It’s a matter of principle. Smithfield has most of the brands of ham available at Walmart, as well as Armour, and other well known brands. It was a sacrifice for us to give up the brands that we liked but worth it morally. We also gave up brands from Warren Buffet’s company Berkshire Hathaway. Buffet has bragged that his family has given over one billion dollars to Planned Parenthood, and we cannot support abortion. So we gave up Dairy Queen, Heinz, CocaCola, anything made by Kraft foods, and any other of their brands. It may seem like a small thing, but we consider it to be doing the right thing. Personally, giving up Heinz ketchup was hard for me. Boo hoo. lol

        1. Nathan,
          You did the right thing, by discontinuing your purchases of things made by the enemy. As I noted above in a previous post I “opted” out of a corporate religion. It was a very conservative one, but the higher ups that were in control where “fleecing the sheep, not feeding them”. So since I will not be involved with “wolves” pretending to be sheep (or pretending to be shepherds) I permanently left the organization. I was immediately branded as a “heretic” or a “backslider” as they are sometimes called. That did not matter to me – my decision remained the same.

          Something I just thought of: There is a national “do not call list” that telemarketers are supposed to “leave alone”. (Yes, I’m on that list) There needs to be a national “do not BUY list”, but I’m sure that’s just a dream of mine that would never make into reality. Sigh…

          Keep up the good work comrade!

        2. Hey Nathan Hail, I hear you, and we’re the same way. I just said they’re here in the US, not that I buy their products. Personally, I won’t buy any of the products you mentioned (especially Heinz). I do miss Nathan’s Famous, but Hebrew Nationals are great hot dogs, too!

          As Always, hoping you…
          Seymour Liberty

  30. <3 !!! Thank you for your kind words. Vote with your MONEY ! I could possibly forgive a corporation being fooled into giving money to black lives matter, a COMMUNIST organization but can never forgive a company that supports abortion. Abortion and homosexuality both anger Almighty God. Don't ever forget that. God bless America and get out and vote to return our country to God.

    1. P.S.- how could I ever (possibly) forgive a company who gave money to black lives matter ? It is not that black lives matter is less EVIL, it is because black lives matter initially represented themselves to be a civil rights organization. Who could be against that ? But now the truth is out- they are a satanic organization, against the family, and pro-communist. As communists, they support athieism and despise God.
      Don’t be fooled.

      1. I am not fooled. I study the products I should purchase or NOT purchase and find that it is beginning to be a full time job.

        If I wasn’t embroiled with multiple projects, I would organize a central clearing house listing companies to boycott. Or maybe it would be easier to list good companies to do business with; like Goya for example.

  31. A busy week is behind us. The double (back) door replacement went smoothly, despite the single digit temperature outside. I set the oven to self-clean while the space to the outside was open, which turned out well – increased ventilation and added heat.

    DH was sent home from work late Thursday due to a potential Covid exposure. We are self-isolating and doing well while praying that continues to be the case. His friend/colleague/brother in the Lord who tested positive is very ill, as is his wife. I’d be grateful for prayers for them.

    We voted!

    Got the oil changed, tires rotated, and some other work done on one of our vehicles.

    So many of my ordered supplies arrived that the post office had us come to the big truck pull up in back to load them into our car.

    All else was much the same. Regular exercise and stretching, budget meetings, homeschool time, home office and home business work all took place.

    I hope a Plecostomus baby is hiding in the fish tank somewhere. It looks like they were all enjoyed as lunch.

    Looking forward to having Tuesday behind us. God bless the United States of America.

    ———–

    I have read many, but not all, of the posts ahead of mine. Two things caught my attention: the amazing productivity of this group of individuals and families, and the hardness of life that is affecting many in the SB family. Lord, I pray you would cover and guide us. May the sick be healed. Good work be found. Thank you, Father. Amen.

    Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6

    —-

    I must go and prepare dinner with my dear husband now. We’ll be having moose liver with caramelized onions, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Yum! I’m in charge of the liver and onions.

    1. Hmmm Mosh,

      Your dinner sounds familiar to ours! We had venison backstrap steaks cooked in apple sauce, mashed potatoes, and green beans for dinner tonight! It was very yummy. I very much like venison and other strong flavored meats.

      I’m praying that your husband’s coworker and wife recover quickly and that your family stays illness-free. Claim Psalm 91 over yourselves.

      Blessings and peace to you,

      Lily

  32. Had my 10K M196 tracer order come in. Been waiting for that quite a while! If the riots come to the neighborhood, they’ll get red pilled. The advantage is, they’ll get to see the death coming at them, and make them want to run even faster! But so far everything’s been quiet around here.

    Been putting the garden away. Bought a electric blower/vac to suck up all the leaves out of the garden pathways. It does get a piece of gravel every once in a while, but mainly leaves the gravel alone. The acorn squash did real good and produced about 40. The butternut squash only produced 3 and a couple of stunted ones. The tomatoes are done, and had a ton of green fruit still on them. The tomatoes were slow this year, but they did get planted a little late due to the beds being constructed and filled. The Swiss chard exploded and one sent up a stalk 7′ tall. The second crop of lettuce is coming in, in spite of the frost, as well as the second crop of peas. The peas are in bloom, and we’re seeing pods forming. Hopefully, we’ll get enough warm weather to harvest. Broccoli, carrots, and beets will get harvested next week.

    Prices on plexiglass have doubled! Get it cheap if you can! Built part of my nitric acid cell so I don’t have to rely on purchasing nitric acid for metals refining. Wish I was a better glass blower, so I could build the water cooled arc tower for it. I understand the technique, but don’t have the tools and the skill to do it. Luckily, the local college has a lab glassware construction course, so I have a project for them! Would recommend everyone put together at least a small chemistry kit.

    We got an Email from our church, and found that one of the members tested positive the day after the service. We weren’t there, so no problem for us! But, our church is now closed again.

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