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:
My darling wife gets all the glory this week. Since I’ve been out of state helping an elderly relative, I haven’t accomplished a lot of prepping. Granted, I’ve placed a few re-stocking and “top off” orders–mainly for food and food prep items. I also completed a couple of deferred vehicle repairs and cleaning.
Oh, while here, I found a seller with several “ex-rental” refurbished 5-liter Invacare Platinum O2 Concentrators on Craigslist. I dickered that gent down to just $250 each. With those, I helped out three relatives with gifts or “at my cost” sales of those oxygen concentrators. (With new HEPA inlet filters, new outlet filters, new air humidifiers, and sets of five soft cannulas, for each. That added just $17 to the cost of each machine.) Downloading the Operator’s Manual cost nothing, and printing several copies on our ink tank type printer will cost just pennies.
My only other prepping this past week has been getting plenty of daily exercise. I’m just praying that I return home healthy. I will certainly take all of the requisite precautions!
Avalanche Lily Reports:
Dear Readers,
This week was again all about manure clean-up and transfer to three of our gardens. We collected more manure from in the woods with the wheelbarrows and transferred it to the various three gardens.
Two of the gardens are brand new, and the third, the Annex garden, was begun three years ago, but was not used last summer because of the thistle problem in it.
Our neighbor also came over this week with his tractor and spent seven hours moving literally tons of manure from a loafing yard and from the corrals and put it one section of the Annex garden. Before bringing in the manure into the Annex garden, I had him scrape the top soil off of the Annex garden in hopes of pulling up the majority of the thistle roots and the dropped seeds. Last fall, Jim and I attempted to burn out some of these weeds and their seeds with our big propane flame wand.
This next week, after the the weekend’s predicted snow storm’s snow melts, I plan to be rototilling all of the gardens.
I will be planting a green manure crop in the Annex garden which I will plow under in early May. Then I plan to plant corn there.
The seeds have sprouted in the indoor bathroom green house and are doing very well.
I also did the post office run and did one more in-store shopping spree for fresh produce: apples, celery, cabbage, carrots, broccoli, oranges, grapes and of course, Avos. I was fully garbed in a face mask, goggles and gloves.
Because of the worry of the Virus, I washed with a washcloth, under hot water all of the fruit and veggies when I returned home before putting them away.
I saw a mountain lion run across the road in front of my car, on that day. It was a large one, probably a male! It is only the second time I’ve ever seen one in the wild, thus far. “Ooooh, THAT WAS A BIG KITTY! Exciting! Beautiful!! What a gift to see!
The bulk seeds that I ordered from High Mowing Seeds company in Wolcott, Vermont arrived this week.
I also ordered a large amount of fresh produce that will arrive at the end of the month, I hope? This fresh produce, will be used fresh and some frozen and dehydrated. The fresh should hold us through until I start harvesting our own lettuce, kale and spinach, in the spring, and will extend the provisions of our already frozen garden produce.
You all need to have ways to grow your own food this spring and should be getting ready to do so, now.
There is a very real threat of our country going under travel restrictions… Are your prepared to hunker down for a long time? Get ready!
Ice Age Farmer is very concerned about our country’s spring planting season. He also mentioned the threat of martial law. Please listen to his podcast from late Thursday night. He started this video with the sound of singing from the Italians in their street from their homes while under quarantine.
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.
Re: Oxygen Concentrator
Thanks for the manual I did not have. This is slightly new version of the one I own. I read through the manual and found that it has an outlet to refill oxygen tanks. This could be priceless as oxygen tanks can supply more liters/min of oxygen. A special hose and fittings is needed however. $250 is a super bargain, less than a Chinese made home unit that is not an industrial grade machine like this one. The 52 pound it weighs is a clue that it is built to last. It is easy to maintain as well. Hope you got one for yourself as well. Power requirement is only 400 watts that my small Honda generator can handle.
Hi Tunnel Rabbit- thanks for all your info postings each day.
FYI on the O2 bottle filling – most units require a compressor to forcefully pressurize the O2 tanks- not just the fittings.
The O2 coming out of the concentrator is at low pressure- and most concentrators require a separate compressor unit to “force” it into bottles at higher pressure. These can be expensive.
I don’t know what unit you have – but thought I would mention to the readers in general to check on that issue. Being able to hand our bottles to neighbors would be an amazing charity.
God bless to all
The unit in the photo are the ones JWR bought. I have one too. These are made to refill oxygen tanks too. Just need to buy the hose.
Tom is correct, first the concentrator must have the pressure fitting. (Not just the nipple O2 outlet fitting on the front)
This second hose then connects the concentrator to the tank filling unit which pumps the O2 at higher presure into the tanks. The filling unit does not make O2 on it’s own, both units are piggy backed and connected together. In the case of the Invacare unit shown, it usually has a steel wired bracket on top that cradles the fill station above the concentrator.
https://www.oxygenplusmedical.com/products/reconditioned-invacare-homefill-ii-oxygen-tank-filling-system-with-platinum-concentrator
The tanks themselves have a proprietary fitting on the neck of the tank that fits onto a fill port on the fill station. To fill tanks both units need to be running. One to produce the O2, the other to fill the tanks.
The washing alone of produce will not ensure bacteria or virus free. Use diluted bleach. One capful per gallon. Soak veggies in solution and then soak in plain water afterwards as well. This will kill what may be lurking on veggies and fruits.
A dear friend soaks her fruits and veggies in a mixture of vinegar and water. Would that also work?
I don’t know, but, some other reader of blog may. The bleach is used in Third World countries by outsiders living there to combat the Results of poor ag practices and handling/processing of fruits and vegetables.
CDC and WHO guidance says that white vinegar solution is not effective for cleaning surfaces of virus contamination so I would imagine it would be similarly ineffective on produce.
Thank you, Grey Woman. I do like how vinegar removes the waxy surface; however, looks like its bleach water solution for viruses.
Got the bug try oregano essential oil ( food grade)- it has many uses – I’ve taken it oral 1 drop in 1 oz of tea for start of cold/ flu bug after my wife has tried the modern way ( 20 days doctors meds) – I only needed 1 drop per day for 2 days and she’s had 2 docs visits too – her docs visit and prescriptions were well over my cost as well to and still coughs might have another trip to docs as well. My cost for the oil was 165.00 for a liter delivered (that’s about 35oz) times 600 drops per oz -WOW – I have very close friends (retreat people) that I’ve sent oz too and they’ve used it with great results too – they live in 7 different states other than where I live. They mix with oz of water or juice since the after taste is kinda hot then follow it with some more to drink- a friend of mine west of Mis-river in mountain area requested info on that oil and where to buy large quantity – like gallons mmm makes one think some- I’m NOT a medical doctor etc but have had some medical training suggest one look into oils from a reliable source – if you need a suggestion of bulk suppliers ask – Best wishes and stay SAFE but also think smart too.
Well it’s been one heck of a week. A couple of friends are in the process of ordering bees so we can all learn beekeeping. They will be kept at someone’s house in the country. This weekend I’m finishing a chicken coop and run. Need to get some chicks still. My roommate’s businesses trip to DC was cancelled and now they are working from home. My SO told me that some friends who went to DC last week all now have respiratory problems. STAY AWAY FROM DC. Picking up a chest freezer this weekend and the roommate is making one last store run before they are picked clean. Planting some herbs indoors and some lettuce and radishes outdoors.
Please take a class on Bee keeping before you order Bees. Most folks who try to keep Bees without training, not only kill their Bees, they hurt Beekeepers around them. A big part of the spread of Varroa Mites is from people not knowing what to look for and not knowing how to treat the Bees. A the very least read the Beekeepers handbook by Diana Sammataro or see: scientificbeekeeping.com Best of luck with it.
Thank you for the advice! The person who is the “main beekeeper” has taken several classes already.
Annie Oakley and I made the much written about ‘last run’. It was anti-climatic. We basically needed nothing. It felt more like an obligation.
We heeded the priceless advice here on SB, doing a little every week. Thank you folks.
MG, I reckon that after this one subsides we will have a few more “last runs”.
In the meantime, mix up those quarantinis.
Carry on
For those that are interested, I clicked on the link above for the Oxygen Concentrator & they have them in stock and it looks like you don’t need a prescription for one like other sites I’ve seen.
I had already bought two different smaller ones on Amazon but I still might get one of these
I had an exciting couple of days this week. As I posted a couple days ago, my husband and I were offered testing and then denied (see my earlier posting this week) .
Then on Wednesday about 30 minutes after I left Mom and Dads mom called & said dad fell so I turned around and went back. Apparently after I had left Dad was looking out the sliding door (they are on 2nd floor of condo unit facing golf course) and saw that the downstairs neighbors US flag had fallen out of it’s holder and was on the ground so he went out to pick it up and lost his footing in the wet spongy grass and took a pretty bad tumble. When I got there he had a small bump on his head, had scraped his ear, neck and foot and there was blood all over the place! I was really scared but had to be calm since they both have Alzheimer’s and are in their 80’s . Thankfully I have a small medical kit there that also includes some Celox to stop some of the bleeding (My Dad is on Coumadin so I know to expect him to bleed more than a regular person would). I got him cleaned up, changed his clothes and gave him a snack & a small glass of red wine (no judging please, he’s old school Italian so this is how it is) .
He absolutely refused to go to the hospital (quite frankly I didn’t want to bring him with everything going on with this virus) . When I got to their house yesterday to check on them I was shocked to see that it looked like he went 15 rounds with Rocky Balboa!! I checked him over, changed his dressings, Ect He’s not really in any pain, alert & funny!! (He kept teasing mom that she pushed him over the railing) I think he’s just embarrassed that he fell. Please understand that for someone his age and being a retired police officer and former Marine, seeing an American Flag on the ground triggered him to go pick it up immediately.
I’m keeping a careful eye on him, I really hope they don’t declare Martial Law. Would that mean I cannot travel to take care of them? They refuse to come here and there is not enough room for me to stay there.
Other than that, I kinda cheated and got an Areogarden. I also got multiple packages of the pods for it. They offer several different Heirloom tomatoes Ect. I’m setting that up today. It seems stupid simple so I got it so we can have some fresh stuff while I continue to practice with the indoor greenhouse my husband got me. Fingers crossed but at least I have two ways to grow indoors now.
Where we are , last year was wet and horrible for growing outdoors, even some of the corn crops were not able to be harvested because it was so wet and awful.
Super glad I got to grocery store earlier in week, the parking lot looked nuts on my way home from mom and dads yesterday.
Hope everyone has a safe week!!
RKRGRL68
I hear you. It’s gotta be hard as at this point your parents could very well need medical help for any injury or ailment but you have to weigh that against the danger posed by bringing them to a doctor’s office or hospital where they could contract other things whether it’s the flu or Covid-19. Not easy….. You’ll do the best you can do under the circumstances I’m sure.
From your description, I like your Dad.
Tell your dad to call this former Marine next time. I’ll book on over there and we can pick up that flag together.
Seriously, let him know one jarhead is praying for his well-being.
Carry on
Once a Marine
You totally get it!
It’s something I can’t explain but you know what I meant.
2 or 12 cases at Miramar where son is. Haven’t heard from him yet (kinda don’t expect to)
Daughter at Pendelton is safe, she’s in classes for ordinance!
You’re the best! Stay salty
Semper Fi
We had more rain this week and the raspberry and blueberry plants were delivered. I had to keep them in one of the extra refrigerators in the basement until the rain cleared for a day so I could get them into the ground. They had nice and healthy root systems and were a good size for transplanting. This was my first order from Nourse but I hope to order more before they sell out this season. I also planted the two plum trees from a small family nursery in Kentucky. I had done quite a bit of research before purchasing these two varieties. They were developed by Auburn University to be especially disease resistant to the Southeast’s particular growing problems – especially bacterial canker and black knot. There weren’t very many sellers of these varieties that i found. I had to hold off planting them until the rain stopped. I can really see what type of weather system we are going to have in the Southeast with the solar minimum – wet and more wet!
I had also received onion sets and seed potatoes but had to wait to plant them until this week as well. I was getting anxious that I wouldn’t be able to get everything planted before my husband’s surgery and the unknown of his recovery. But God is good! He send two warm days one sunny and one cloudy and I asked for strength to get everything done as well as asked for His help prioritizing and preparing for what is to come. He is faithful!
We also had 2 of our children come and visit to spend time with us before my husband’s surgery. It was a good time. My husband’s surgery is March 17 he will have part of his lower colon removed. He has stage 3 colon cancer and we are glad to get his surgery done before the corona virus explodes in our state. During this time when we would be at home in lock down we need to be in the thick of it as it were as treatment needs to take place as soon as possible to keep the cancer from spreading. We have instructed our grown children not to come to the hospital. One daughter will come and stay at our place to care for the dogs and chickens on the day of and after the surgery so I can stay at the hospital. I have spray bleach and wipes that I will sanitize the hospital room, bed, light switches, etc. several times a day. We can use your prayers for the success of the surgery and protection from the corona virus during this susceptible time.
CD
May your husband do well and make it safely back home as soon as possible.
Thank you Ani. Praying that you are able to get things set up at your new home.
CD,
Praying for your husband.
Claim Isaiah 53:5
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with His stripes we are healed!”
Blessings,
Lily
Thank you Avalanche Lily! I am encouraged by all you are doing to prepare your family for hard times ahead. Thank you for sharing all these things (among many others) -greenhouse successes and failures, ideas for saving avocados and praying Psalm 91 over loved ones.
Praying for your hubby. Cancer is hard. Cancer + pandemic? Really hard. We are walking the same path. Psalm 91 is a comforting passage to meditate on.
seaweed for cancer……… youtube.com see william mount or william mount 2
Praying for you wormlady and the challenges you are going through. God is faithful and loving. What strength and encouragement we find in the midst of hardship – unexplainable!
Prayers for you and your husband. I’m just so glad he can have the surgery at the beginning of this. Blessed.
Thank you PJGT!
Praying for you both. May God bless you and keep you!
CD…thank you for keeping us posted on the process you and your husband are working through. We will be praying the whole week as you prepare for surgery, wait through Tuesday’s intensive work and the afterward’s new normal and recovery. God IS so faithful…
And YOU have been amazingly busy getting all of that ready and planted in preparation of not only his day of surgery but life of good health beyond!
Praying for a successful surgery and a protective wall around you so you both get home free of any other issues…
I have a friend who was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. He started taking dog wormer and 1 cancer pill a day. Look this up on the internet, there are directions. As of right now, he doesn’t have another drs. visit scheduled til August. The doctor won’t admit it worked, just told him to keep up what he’s been doing. God bless, hope this can help y’all.
I noticed on the sick map that Idaho was one of three sates with out a case of Wuhan Flu.
I think Idaho is not testing, yet. Just wait a week… 🙁
https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/
active and curret Idaho stats
Went by traders/swap meet and got two more food grade 55-gal drums with lockable lids. Got six 15 gal containers to use as potato barrels so I don’t have to dig up the ground to get to them. While there the owner gave us about twenty 12x8x14 inch old tool totes he couldn’t get rid of. We use them to catch the rabbit poop under the condo cages and then transfer them to the garden and throw in some dirt worms.
Moved more seedlings to the hoop house and planted some seeds in the raised beds. Herbs are doing well. I have radish tops and celery rooting in the kitchen and hope to get the green onions soaked and planted next week. I made a fresh produce run to the small town grocer and put some in the dehydrator.
Picked up another 250 pds of feed pellets and some straw for the mud near the rabbit condos. After 2” of rain, I slipped on the wet wood and got a huge bruise on my bun. I had safety tape on the wood but in spite of advertising “weather proof” it was not.
Picked up my order of 25 baby chicks at the post office and got them settled in. We lost two chicks in spite of extra care. We usually hatch barn-yard-mix chicks but considering all things, decided on speed rather than nature.
Had to drive a couple hours to the closest base to get my military ID renewed. Amazingly, I was in and out in 15 minutes! Dashed into the commissary to pick up more coffee, asian noodles, dried beans, matches, spices and canning pectin and was in and out in 15 minutes. The commissary was well stocked, it had disinfectants, TP, vitamins, etc; plenty of every thing. People were not loading their carts with huge amounts of anything. Now that Trump declared a national emergency, that calm may not last long.
While we are not on the west or east coast, our Wuhan Virus count has more than doubled this week. The first case was on 5 Mar and as of 14 Mar there are 18 cases. All cases are located in one metro area and two large cities. We have rescheduled all dental and doctor appointments, hoping that the worst will be over within six months. Our Church has suspended all face-to-face meetings and activities until further notice, all locations are using technology for worship and scripture study.
We are supposed to deliver some rabbits to a customer at the end of March and will stop at the feed store to top off the animal feed. We have switched to technology for communication and we currently check on our closest neighbors outside keeping a 10′ distance.
Basically, we are ready to hunker down and lock all the farm gates. May you have a safe and healthy week.
CD, prayers have been said for you and your family. Please keep us updated.
Thinking of you in this time of need.
Still buried in snow here so no outdoor activities possible yet. Got the new woodstove going although even the supposedly “dry” cord of wood I was able to get is marginal; some of the smaller pieces are dry enough to burn. Still scrambling to catch up as prepping without a home-base was kinda hard to do. Still pet/housesitting as well about 1/2 hour away from my new home and going back and forth every day; owners are expected back home within a week! Yay!
It is hitting home to me how even in the midst of all of this pandemic precaution and prepping that stuff still happens that throw a monkey-wrench into our plans. Just found out I probably need a root canal; had to go see the dentist and pick up a prescription for antibiotics. Have to make an appointment now to see a specialist. Really really would rather not be having to put myself in such close quarters(another dentist, pharmacy etc) right now but have little choice. So I guess that’s something we can’t always control; we can still get injured, have a different illness etc all in the midst of this and end up needing to get medical care when we least want to be exposed to the medical system. It is what it is I suppose but this came out of left field.
Otherwise mostly trying to order stuff online and get it shipped to me to avoid the crowds at the store. Pretty much whatever I have for food will have to do; expect the hordes to descend this weekend and do to food what they’ve already done to TP, hand sanitizer, wipes and masks!
My area has finally gotten serious about social isolation and has been cancelling everything from all recreation programs, afterschool programs, hiking groups, senior center, contra dances, St Patrick’s Day stuff, the state legislature; the list is huge. Schools mostly still open though. Glad to see this awareness spreading but wish it had happened several weeks ago; it took a couple of confirmed very sick cases in our state and Trump’s emergency declaration to propel these actions.
Going to assemble a metal shelving unit and start flats of seedlings very soon; planting here won’t be for a while and I still have to get some land tilled up once the snow melts and the soil dries up enough(very jealous reading of everyone out there planting stuff, hauling manure etc!). Going to pick up some Pro-Gro for the garden(don’t have any compost yet so need to purchase all of my inputs). I think I want to be all set so I don’t have to go to town to buy it in a few weeks.
You probably know this but if you burn some less than fully seasoned wood, clean your chimney more often. You can build up creosote and risk a chimney fire.
I can’t really say how often but maybe monthly?
Hi Ani,
If you have a fire, split and stack wood horizontally around the stove to dry out. Mix dry wood with damp wood, and be sure to dry out kindling and one load of wood for a morning fire.
Yep. I burned wood for many years on the farm. Just hard to buy dry wood at this time of year here for a new stove. I actually bought a bag of kindling that is so gorgeous it feels criminal to burn it! Gonna spring for another bag of it- don’t have anything at hand to split up for kindling right now but this stuff is bone dry and gorgeous. I’ve got wood sitting near the stove in various stages of dryness. Have 5 cords of green wood I also bought and will get that stacked as soon as possible so I’m ready for next winter.
Since hubby has stage 4 cancer, we plan to self-isolate. I did a top off grocery run last Monday and supplies were still good. In fact tp and disinfecting wipes were on sale!
The nearest covid19 case (that I know of) is 200 miles away from us so I might do another stock up on fresh fruits and veggies. We live in a Northwoods rural area, we still have 2 feet of snow on the ground so it will be a while before the garden goes in, but I plan to start seeds this week.
Cancelled two out of town trips.
The governor closed schools for the next 3 weeks. Gatherings of over 250 have been banned. Our church attendance hovers just around that number. We will meet this weekend but our pastor and elders will evaluate after that.
Our local nursing home is closed to visitors. I volunteer there once a month and feel really bad for the folks – most of them are already lonely WITH visitors. If you know someone in a nursing home / assisted living facility give them a call during this time of isolation.
I’ve begun to do an inventory of my food storage. I know what I have, but this inventory will be to see how many SERVINGS we have of protein, canned fruit and veggies, pasta, rice, etc. From there I will plan out menus with as much variety as possible. Hubby gets food fatigue pretty easily, so I will make these as varied as possible.
I’m thinking outside the (big) box (stores). We are fortunate to have a health food store two miles down the road. We also have a meat market and an indoor farmer’s market. These are the places I will shop, if I need to shop- not the two big grocery stores. To tell you the truth I wonder how these little shops stay in business because I seldom see other customers there. But I’m thankful they do! Fewer folks, fewer germs.
Stay well all!
(Did anybody else cringe during the President’s news conference yesterday? Hubby and I kept yelling at the tv -‘ stop shaking hands!’)
CD, finished my morning prayers. You and your hubby were included.
Ms. Lily, when you mentioned the cougar, I had a pleasant flashback to seeing my first one.
They sure are pretty. As a side note, they are supposed to be very tasty.
FYI, Ol’ Remus at Yer Ol’ Woodpile report – posted – an angel in the sky…. I believe his wife passed. I emailed him condolences and am praying for him. Please keep him in your prayers…. his email – remus@woodpilereport.com.
We broke down and purchased a log splitter this week, because hubby and I are both small people and getting up in years, so chopping wood isn’t as easy or fun as it once was. We’re also concerned that our kids may not be able to travel this summer to visit us and assist with wood splitting as they have in the past. We also purchased several 5-gallon gas cans and filled and stablized them, since the price of gas is so low.
After reading the suggestion a few days ago on SB regarding bidets and shower hoses, I checked out our bathroom situation and realized our aftermarket shower setup DOES (hooray) have a long enough hose to reach the toilet (thank-you to the previous owner). I stopped by our local St. Vincent de Paul thrift store and picked up two trashbag sized bags of rags. They can be used for “butt wipes” if no TP is available. They can also be used for hand towels that can be switched out often, instead of using paper towels.
Got some beef “dog bones” from the local meat market and made a big batch of bone broth yesterday. I’ll be canning it today. I have some pork fat in the freezer I need to render soon to free up freezer space.
Still too cold here to get into the garden. We did purchase materials to make a couple raised beds that we can set out a bit earlier than the main garden and cover. I’ve been trying to get a couple 55 gallon plastic barrels for vertical gardening and rainwater catching, but most of the ones for sale in our area have held farm-related chemicals, so aren’t good for much but raft-building.
Went to visit my mother who’s in assisted living in a larger town an hour’s drive away. I took some chocolate chip cookie dough and we baked the cookies in her oven. That may be the last time I’ll get to visit her for awhile. Her facility will probably begin locking down soon.
Ani : I have been using Elderberry tincture that I made last year, I drink about 1 tablespoon 2 times a day for 4 days then wait for 3 days and start cycle over. there are lots of internet sites about how to make it.
As for your not so dry wood, take some and split it fairly small, slide or stack it where it can get heat from the stove to dry. also put some larger pieces around the stove (not too close, of course) standing on their ends (suppost to let the wood dry faster). Use the smaller wood to get a hot fire going and add the larger pieces, the hot fire should finish drying out the big wood. Work your wood so you are 3-4 days ahead of the need.
Tom in Oregon: I have eaten Cougar and it is very good, I think it is respectful to use all parts of an animal that has given it’s life. I have seen a wild cougar just once, it was magnificent. We were driving to town and came around a bend, it was in the middle of the road walking away from us. We stopped and it sauntered up the road another 20 feet, turned and walked in front of the truck. It stopped right in front of the truck and looked us over as if to say ” Do I want to bother opening this can of sardines” Then it turned and walked to the side of the road and climbed the hill. It showed NO fear and I was very grateful I was in a truck and not on horseback. ( the cougar I ate was not this one, just to be clear).
I once hit a big male cougar that ran across the road in front of my SUV. That marked two firsts: The first time that I had ever seen one on the highway in daylight, and The first time that I had ever accidentally killed one.
“Mexico is considering closing its border to stop Americans bringing coronavirus into its country …” [From DailyMail]
The headline (itself) speaks to the potential hazards of the Wuhan Flu. … It seems, mostly old people with other underlying ailments, and the already sick, suffer the most ~dire effects of the flu. … If possible, everyone should limit their social life, and stay home, and NOT go out unless absolutely necessary. … Most of us have to work, but there’s NO need to go out for lunch with coworkers.
Keep current about the latest news, with Survivalblog articles and the comments. … Look through the past Survivalblog articles for suggestions for books to read and movies to watch. … Hopefully, the readers of Survivalblog are NOT the people currently engaging in tug-of-wars over toilet paper in many stores. [There are substitutes for commercial toilet paper, but there are NO substitutes for common-sense.]
******************************
A personal comment: I find convoluted and complex conspiracy theories difficult to believe. … BUT, there are recent articles about the problems China will face in the future with its aging population. The Chinese policy of one-child per family has consequences.
…….. …… BUT, then unexpectedly a Coronavirus appears (Maybe, from a Weapons Laboratory) that seems to target old people.
ALL the people that can intentionally kill millions of innocent babies would also be willing to kill millions of old and sick people. …….. Stay Safe; we live in wicked and dire times.
Good morning SB readers. I wanted to elaborate on my idea about buying a medium size very mobile oxygen concentrator. Again, ive worked with thousands of the larger commercial type units pictured here on survival blog. They are great. Very reliable. I still personally know hundreds of local elderly chronic copd patients that have them and will need them until they go to be with our Lord. The unit I purchased (not arrived yet) on Amazon may not have the durability needed for long term use. But even though Im a retired home health nurse I wanted to try a unit that I could be hyper mobile with to help with neighbors (fellow preppers) or there elderly parents that live near by. I want to be able to grab it and run out the door. Because I think the need is going to be there in my small circle. I know I would be exposing myself to others that are Ill but that’s what we do as nurses. Retired or not. Im a super healthy 62 year old male and am only worried about being a carrier. SO…. That’s my idea and if the local hospitals are overwhelmed and I can help someone from panicking because they have shortness of breath then it will be worth it. Whether my purchase ends up being piece of a junk or a lifesaver ill post here on SB and let everyone know.
God bless
We are so encouraged to see all the updates with news from everyone — those who are just getting started, and those whose preparations are well established. The good news, we hope, is that people are preparing and shoring up to the best of their abilities.
We grow both in-ground and hydroponically, inside a greenhouse and outdoors, and have had a lot to do in the garden. We’re setting up a hydroponic strawberry grower, and will add some rhubarb to our garden as well. We have focused almost exclusively on vegetables and herbs, but have more recently expanded to fruits as well. Our goal has been to diversify our strategies such that we can provide the best conditions for each of our plant types, and extend our growing season to year round (or as close to that as possible).
We also suggest worm tunnels for outdoor raised beds. Some gardeners may want to set up their own worm farms, and create their own castings. We haven’t done this yet, but we’re looking at this as a next step.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ7lNsCmCrg
Chicks are coming from Murray McMurray. We debated whether or not to proceed with our order, and decided in favor of it (although it was not an easy choice). We have incubated eggs, and created a small secondary nesting box so our hens can hatch their own, but this time around we went with an order. We pray it was the right choice. Local feed stores have chicks available in our area as well.
https://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/index.html
Beginners may also enjoy The Chicken Whisperer.
http://www.chickenwhisperer.com/
We have Mason bees on order (and Leaf Cutters down the road assuming this is even possible at that point). We “employed” Leaf Cutters last year in the greenhouse, and they were very effective little pollinators. We don’t release them to the outdoor garden space, but this may also be helpful for anyone growing outdoors.
https://crownbees.com/
We believe it’s likely that more and more people will be working to extend their food supplies through their gardening endeavors. Please take precautions related to mosquitoes which may carry SARS-COV-2 in addition to other viruses — and this in addition to other stings. In addition to infectious disease, sting allergies can be very serious, can emerge in anyone at any time (even without a history of sting allergy), and can be fatal.
Also! Be alert to other risks in your area. Dangerous snakes are ubiquitous in our part of the country. In all our years, none of us has ever been bitten, but we know this is a risk, and we take reasonable precautions to prevent this from happening.
We do not live in fear, but we do live in a state of reasoned awareness. Our efforts on all fronts continue, and we hope to encourage other members of this community too.
Remain steady. Stay safe. Be well everyone!
Quiet week here at home. Too early for any outdoor work other than getting plenty of exercise. Today is one of my favorite days…snow falling outside and we are warm amd cozy in front of the fire with plenty to eat and do.
Rather concerned about our community as it is based on tourism. So happy my family doesn’t depend on tourism. I predict that we will still have a busy summer as people will want to travel after being confined for some time and might decide to visit us. Going to be rough going till than though for many. I’m hoping they have a common sense pantry to help out.
Since I’m home indefinitely, I am refining recipes to match what we store. I’m typing them into a book that I can bind and have available for family. We have a number of 20 somethings that could use these recipes and the wisdom of how to use food others might toss as bad. And I’ve started the summer supply of jerky for hiking trips. Always a good source of protein. That 5$ thrift shop dehydrator has really earned it’s keep. I dehydrated some sad looking apples and sweet peppers this week as well.
Blessings
We live in a tourist are as well. In fact, only 37%of us are year round residents. It will be interesting to see 1) how long this lasts 2) how many tourists will come and 3) if COVID19 comes with them. If so, our tiny hospitals will surely be overwhelmed.
In the meantime we are enjoying the peace and quiet of late winter.
CD, prayers for you, your husband and your family.
I made our last grocery run three nights ago to top off fresh foods. Food supplies were still good but this has changed with the closure of so many facilities. Our governor finally closed schools once our neighbor Washington did so first. This brought lots of folks out to the stores and supplies were low.
I’ve started trays of seedlings and have them setting in an area that gets morning sun. So far they are all sprouting. I stopped by our local organic nursery and also picked up a few cold weather starts so I can get a jump on some things. I’ve been wanting to work on more rain catchment but have resisted spending $80 for a 55 gal barrel with a diverted already set up. I’m going to check my options first.
We also picked up lumber to build new raised beds. We’ve been tearing out our old beds and cleaning up the weeds so we can rebuild and plant soon.
Talked with our son this morning. They have young kids at home now and are trying to plan activities for them. We will have them help plant seeds, build some grow boxes so they can learn about growing their own food.
Stay healthy everyone.
Bill Gates, Event 201, ID2020
Let us be watchful and careful who or what we believe during these times.
But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;
1 Thessalonians 5:21
https://eclinik.net/id2020-alliance-global-mandatory-vaccinations-biometric-id-integration/
Ayup BW,
I do not recommend that anyone take the Covid19 vaccination that is coming. One doesn’t know what is in the vaccine. Though, I am not yet convinced that they would insert a microchip in the vaccine itself…
The fact of the matter is that a Mark to buy or sell (Revelation 13) is coming quickly on the heels of the global economic reset. That, I am convinced, is the Beast system, whether or not, at the beginning of its implementation, they require an actual chip or biometric mark on one’s hand or forehead in order to buy or sell with it. Eventually, very quickly, they will require it, though.
Wouldn’t one be safer to just wave their hand or forehead in front of a scanner, instead of touching it with all of these deadly viruses around??? (Sarcasm, off)
Be wise! Ask God for wisdom, discernment and understanding for all things. One of these days soon, He will be all we have. Trust in Him for everything. He loves you and will provide everything you need, health, healing, food, clothes, everything! Call on the name of the Lord Jesus, and He will save all.
Lily
I do not want that either. May it be forced. At a local Costco in NJ lines 2 blocks long. A Costco employee at the entrance shouting No Toilet Paper, no cash accepted, Debit/Credit cards. It seems maybe to be beginnings of the cashless society wanted by the powers that be. So many people are in a panic. We must remember when things go wrong, the first thing to do is stay calm. Panic NEVER governs wisely. God Bless and stay safe
Saw on the news the other day a report about a woman who went grocery shopping and on the way into the store she noticed two elderly folks in a car trying to get anybody’s attention. When she walked over to them the window was rolled down an inch and the folks slipped a $100.00 bill and a small grocery list and asked the woman if she would please get their food since they were afraid to go into the store with lots of people. They had been trying to get someone’s attention for 45 minutes.
My heart broke when I heard that. Folks, please remember your neighbors,
especially if they are elderly and help whenever you can. Check in somehow and if you feel you can’t risk the contact yourself there are authorities you surely can call to help them.
My own local nursing home, where I visit a close friend, is allowing visits but they will bring residents down to the conference room near the front desk to limit wandering around the facility. But then we’ve only had 5 known coronavirus cases and 4 were off cruise ships and were quarantined at the marine base. So we only had one suspected community transmission. But as Lily said, we haven’t tested yet. If the numbers start growing they might tighten up completely but for now I’m grateful I can still visit.
Hmmm, that story of the elderly couple breaks my heart, too. I’m glad that lady saw them. That was a divine appointment for her and them/God orchestrated. God met that couple’s need at that moment. We all need to remember to pray for others and for everything we and other’s might need. God delights in showing his love and answers to prayer when we ask him specifically for something, HE wants to show us that He is there for all who call on His name and are trusting and believing that He will answer.
Blessings,
Lily
Young adults have been posting online on a community forum that they will be glad to do grocery shopping or errands for older people or those with medical conditions. I hope others do the same elsewhere.
Was a very busy week here on the ranch, started out with replacing broken/rotting wood fence posts, it is a ritual here every spring so far only 8 this year but it still managed to take up a better part of the day. Cleaned out and did repairs to the chicken coop in preparation for the arrival of 50 meat birds chicks next week. Had to repair the fencing around the chicken yard as well, besides having an exercise yard for them we also keep our bees in there too which are due to arrive in 3 weeks, should time out well with spring pollination of the fruit trees. Spent time in the garden too, will start planting if the weather permits. Made last trip into the nearest big town and picked up the lawn tractor that required some needed repairs that I was not up to taking on myself and breezed thru a couple of stores to see if there was anything I needed and to take the pulse on the hysteria that I had been hearing about. Yes, there were empty shelves of the items that everyone is looking for and on 1 main aisle was a sale on corona beer (it was a big stack don’t know if there were any takers) walked away with 2 items a new spatula and some aluminum grease trap catchers for my new griddle! Our church is preparing to proceed with regular Sunday and weekly services which has left a concern in our hearts on whether to move forward as if nothing has happened or to move in another direction. it has also been brought to our attention that we might have a lack of faith, but we both dispute that claim. I think we will be taking Lily’s advice and start a home meeting with our fellow believers and like minded neighbors until this storm passes.
Had 1 call this week from an old acquaintance from where we moved from to see how we were doing and I had to remind him of the story about the ant and the grasshopper and then told him the ark was full, don’t expect to here from him again.
Looks like all this preparing might be put into practice very soon.
I am always enriched by SB and your comments thanks everyone and be safe.
Farmer’s Markets are being closed around the nation because of the virus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZe4Tzjw_FA
I just received an email from our Northwoods farm share this morning updating us on their best practices during this crisis. If the farmers are sick they will not participate in the weekly share until they are well. We get a weekly order from them. Granted, there is not a lot available from them during the winter but still we order: beef, pork, chicken, eggs, hydroponically grown lettuces, popcorn, maple syrup, honey, goat cheese, potatoes, carrots, onions, and squash.
There are about 12 farmers – organized together – one of them owns the building from which they distribute orders so I *think* it will keep operating. I hope so, but if they get shut down I know several of the farmers personally so I would go directly to them. It sure pays to know your farmers.
Just got the last case of 36 rolls of toilet paper out of the attic that I stored for Y2K2 twenty years ago. I have been using the other two or three cases over the last
9 months since I am trying to use up stuff before I move to the new acreage over the course of the next year or so. Filled 12 half gallon jars with organic pasta . Have lots stored already but just added to the supply so if they are used I still have my preps. I heat treat these in the oven on the lowest setting for an hour and then seal them by sucking all the air out with a Foodsaver attachment. Also did twelve quarts of dehydrated mixed vegetables, dehydrated riced cauliflower and dehydrated broccoli. I am topping off the 2000 gallon storage tank of water today to make sure its full to the top ( just in case the power goes off). I have 7000 gallons stored at the new property. Filled up the pond this week. I am planting started squash (3 kinds)several types of tomatoes, purple bok choy , chard, other asian greens, onions, 3 kinds of cucumbers , peppers and lettuces. We are supposed to get rain and this will help settle the baby plants. Still have a very few tomatoes in the garden from last season and a pile on the counter I am eating. Have been eating spring walking onions from the garden as well as dinosaur kale, chard , tatsoi, carrots, leeks and potatoes. Have been making tea with three kinds of mint, lemon balm and lemon verbena from the garden. Drying oregano and thyme also. Planted more garlic this week as well as the bottoms of romaine lettuce heads. They sprout again. Planted ginger and harvested the last of the luffa sponges. Grass is knee high most places except where I have been mowing . It is hip high in others. I’ve been putting lots in with the chickens. and peafowl. Got my first call duck eggs this week. Chicks have been hatching in the incubator. Hoping to catch a swarm of bees in one of my ten empty hives (and yes I know its not swarming season) but there are tens of thousands of bees around since there are hives in the almond trees. Ive been spraying lemon grass oil by the hives and I cut all the dry tops off the lemon grass plants and put them in front of the hives. I got lucky last year with this. Bought 2000 feet of irrigation tubing and 200 micro-sprinklers for the new property . I have olive trees and English laurel we just planted across the whole front that are needing water. Next trip up ( it takes 6 hours to get there) I will get it installed. Planted walking onions , horseradish,lemon grass and lots of narcissus bulbs at the new place. Had a pad cleared for a 30×30 storage building cleared out of forested land and had a building moved at another spot on the 18 acres to serve as a chicken house. Volunteered one day , as I do every week ,at an elementary school.Only two children absent so that was good. Also started cuttings of a lot of things I want to move to the new place. Am also drying tangerine peels and grinding them into a vitamin C rich powder to add to breakfast drinks. My citrus trees are loaded with fruit. Also did a fact finding tour just out of interest to Costco to see what they were out of. Only bought lettuce, bananas (for the bearded dragons) and dog and cat food. Shelves were quite bare. Two days before they had been filling empty pallet areas with other products. Last trip 4 days ago there were lots of empty spaces. No water, toilet paper, bleach, ,beans rice, canned goods, sugar (still had brown sugar). Dog and cat food areas were. getting low. Get creative and use what you have. I will be making another batch of soap today or tomorrow with olive oil and coconut oil I have. Have lots stored but it makes a great gift.
We had a busy week of chores. We were blessed with some beautiful sunny weather , so I tackled outside chores. Split more firewood, filled wood bin at house, picked up a lot of rocks for a lawn space,cut brush for a new fence line, burned a brush pile and canned up the turkeys thats were in the freezer. We like turkey and find it a real bargain at $1.25-$1.65 per pound.
Our last grocery trip was March 9 and things were looking a little picked over. We did mostly a top off trip. Our local hospitals and nursing homes are getting pretty restrictive with visitors because of the Virus.
We woke up to 4-5 inches of fresh snow this morning. It is beautiful on the trees, but the weather is forecast to warm up a bit. We are just hunkering down and discussing whether or not to go to church or not. Our church does have all the sermons on their website each week , so that is an option for us .
Interesting times we are living in. Pray for wisdom and guidance as we move forward into the future.
Blessings to all.
Thanks to Lear just get so much from this blog and all the contributors, I feel comfortable that our family is prepared for the next 10+ months. Because of what I read on here 3 weeks ago about what was happening not o Lynn around the world but in western USA, I made sure our basic needs were topped off.
I routinely pick up toilet paper at least once a month and I did so 2 weeks ago. As of today there is NONE to be found in our city of 65,000 in central Ohio. WalMart and the Dollar stores, the local pharmacies and the grocery stores are completely out of it. When asked why people have made a rush on T.P., my husband explained it this way, ” People are panicking and just need to buy something they can use to help calm their fears.” He’s right.
This week I started more seeds and have made use of my tiny greenhouse. I will need to turn on a heat lamp today because it is snowing outside.
My hope is that people will not stop at stocking up on supplies. There is still plenty of non-perishable food on the store shelves. Please don’t stop at toilet paper!.
My husband and I will be cautious in and if and when we share our preps. My heart breaks for those who wouldn’t listen when I suggested they try not to rely on the government for assistance during disasters. They are not prepared to help the amount of people who will need it.
All schools are closed for 3 weeks, state-wide. All large gatherings except for religious institutions are forbidden. Nursing homes are closed to visitors. This has the potential to open the door for martial law. I am praying we don’t go there.
Stay safe. Pray for our country. Stay vigilant.
Elli O
Just a hello from the Northwest part of the Buckeye
Greetings to you. Praying for you and the rest of our state. Stay safe.
Went to the grocery store last night for produce, no chicken or meat available nor tp but we have meat in the freezer and plenty of tp thanks to SB-inspired prior purchases. We could last for weeks on the pasta alone that we have lol. All religious services cancelled so no church for us tomorrow sadly.
Just read on Brightbart that the mayor of Champaign, Illinois has issued an executive order banning sales of firearms and ammunition. Apparently she is also considering banning alcohol and gasoline.
Welcome to Illinois!!!
To all SB readers… according to Metro Public Health Dept. located in Nashville,TN ( Davidson Co. ) there are now 13 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Davidson Co…. reported age range is 11-50 years… initial reporting from national media was this virus primarily was noted in elderly population… especially those with other health issues … please note I work in Nashville and live about 10 miles outside Davidson Co… it would be very informative to know the age range of cases in other areas where SB readers reside… I sincerely appreciate all the wealth of information and knowledge shared by SB community… may The Lord continue to guide you in this time
I know of 5 cases in VT so far- ages are 50 something to 90 something and I don’t know the age of one of them.
Robert,
Hope you and family are making it in Nashville. My son was in Nashville during the tornado outbreak. It was 2 miles from where he stayed. Praying for you.
Northwest Houston area out of toilet paper and bottled water/a few early/then gone almost each day. Hard to find fresh meat, eggs, milk — of course, cleaners, etc as well. You guys a great encouragement. “Watch and pray”.
Governor closed schools statewide for 6 weeks. Discussion at church mens group today was a desire to open our campus for daytime assembly for students to continue studies, ASAP. Pray and hope we can do this.
Got leaf cutter bees and 4 varieties of potatoes this week. Rats in barn and garden are getting fed fresh bait now Third farm cat in 18 months has disappeared, either from coyote or eagles.
Check out Querecetin to cure Coronavirus. Does it work? MedCram showed a paper that claimed it does. I don’t know.
Fresh snow here this morning. Garden full of water. Solar minimum still affecting us.
Grab ahold of your socks. Hard months ahead.
God Bless
Israel, starting tomorrow morning, has closed all schools, day cares, kindergartens, sports events, restaurants, shops, any place the public meets. They have instituted a policy that there can be no more then ten persons at any gathering and each person must stand six feet away from one another.
Only banks, grocery stores, Pharmacies and gas stations may remain open. If folks can work from home, they must.
Netanyahu is telling his people to NOT mob the grocery stores and is telling them that there is plenty of food to last them through Passover…… I’m not sure, I agree with him about ENOUGH food lasting beyond Passover, though, Israel does produce much of it’s own food and can be self-sustaining if need be…
Please see more from Ynet if your interested.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/NHEGXP5F5
All churches near us are cancelled, as is everything else imaginable. Tomorrow has been designated a day of prayer so I’m sure the Lord will hear them all like incense wafting up to heaven no matter where we are.
I took some advice I read and went to secondary stores today. I actually got some wipes, N95 masks, gloves and hand sanitizer from a single-owner dollar store. The other days I went and got some for a friend who must take her husband to the big city for a cancer check so I was surprised they still had stuff. Then hit the garden store, Tractor Supply, the local mill, where I bought three more big bags of oatmeal and some flax seeds. I was the only one in there! The grocery store was last and a scouting expedition. It was pretty quiet. I only saw one overflowing cart. I think the rest had already exhausted themselves earlier in the week. Out of TP and the usual, but no one on this site would run out of TP, right?! Lots of postings on our community board about folks helping folks too, anyone who needs it. Very nice. Many are bored already and gas is dirt cheap so it’s a win-win. However, it feels like a cross between waiting for a hurricane to see what category it is and if it’s coming our way and shopping the day before Christmas.
I finished staining the deck last night. I have 5 potato grow bags set up and wheels on all pots to maximize sunshine. We really don’t need a thing here except God’s grace and mercy. We are blessed. Prayers for all who need it, especially dealing with cancer and Alzheimers, as well as business owners who are about to lose everything. Y’all inspire us to keep working. There sure is a lot to do.
Dear JWR and Lily:
This is long overdue, but I just wanted to thank you for all your hard work in creating and maintaining your excellent website. I have been a follower of Survivalblog for a few years now (as I’ve had time), but have especially appreciated it during the crisis of these past few weeks.
A special thanks to JWR for providing a wide variety of news/info from a balanced, knowledgeable and professional perspective. Thank you too, Lily, for your encouraging words and for your timely admonitions from Scripture. (I too believe that we are now seeing the “birth pangs” preceding our Lord’s return.)
Someone commented earlier today that there have not yet been any confirmed COVID-19 cases in Idaho. Actually, that changed as of about a day ago. There are now 2 confirmed cases in ID.
Many of you are probably aware of the COVID-19 website from Johns Hopkins University. If you have not yet seen it, here is the link:
https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6
As of a few minutes ago, here are the stats for the northwest and Redoubt states:
WA: 572 cases (37 deaths)
OR: 32 (0)
ID: 2 (0)
MT: 5 (0)
WY: 2 (0)
For the US as a whole, here are today’s stats:
2726 confirmed cases (54 deaths)
Let’s pray that all the emergency actions taken at the National, State and County levels will be successful in mitigating the spread of this virus.
Again, I want to thank the editors, contributors and those who post daily comments that help provide a broader perspective of what’s happening on a region-by-region basis. This is certainly an appropriate time to be praying for our nation and our leaders, to be encouraging each other daily, and to be claiming the promises of Psalm 91 over each of our lives.
Wishing you many blessings!
Cliff (in Oregon)
You eloquently just said what we all here are thinking. Thank you !
I too am thankful for JWR & Lily for providing all of us a place to check in and encourage one another
One odd thing. While the general public is being told to go in self quarantine and stay away from others. Social distance and don’t visit elderly. I found it odd that both the president and vice president who supposedly had contact with a positive case and we in public with many others with no problem. We are told how this virus can be carried (especially by children and the young healthy younger people) and be unknown to the well person they are carrying it and stay away from elders. Why is it that all were gathered clearly in close proximity and all was fine. Just an odd observation. As an aside has anyone heard a rumor(heard it today in NJ) that costco will close for 2 weeks. I do know for a fact (was told there upon making a return) Costco (the one I was in at least) was not taking cash today. My refund was a gift card. When entering they announced no cash payments only credit and debit cards. Just wondering if local or a push for cashless. I’ve heard all the dangers of cash. Yes, kind of always mentioned but not to this extreme of not taking it. God bless and hope all are well and we come out of this better. (as another aside. Read Denmark will force even adults on this vaccine once found. Bad feeling on this and how it may be forced.
This is strict speculation, BUT, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if our leadership HAS received a vaccination against this virus????
Hmmm, cashless Costco? Very interesting!
Thank you for reporting this information.
As to oregano oil, I’m a believer in it’s benefit for killing viruses. It stings when taken orally. Those who love hot stuff don’t mind it. I’m a bit of a wimp with hot stuff. I just place one or two drops into an empty capsule and swallow that. Then at least my mouth doesn’t burn. Usnea helps kill bacteria. We use it in a tincture. Also, it sounds really strange but oil pulling can heal mouth infections. I used it after being told I needed a root canal. When I returned to the dentist the abcess was gone. Painless to try and may save on dental procedures. You can Google the details.
@alwaysforward: I felt the same thing! Like a cross between waiting for a hurricane and being out shopping at Christmas. It felt like my many years prepping for big hurricanes, because I know something big is headed our way. And it felt a bit like Christmas because of the giant snow flakes coming down and folks were cheery and kind to each other.
The primary reason we ventured out today was to mail a box to a family friend who lives out of state in a nursing home. I felt so blessed that we had extra Clorox wipes, masks, toilet paper, elderberry syrup, vitamin C, herbal tea, black tea, hand sanitizer, soap, and even chocolate that we could send! It gives me some peace of mind to know that our friend will have these things. While we were out, we picked up a few normal weekly “groceries” and indulged in a few luxuries like lemons, fresh garlic, and a pizza. Later as the temperatures drop even more, I will turn on the oven, cut the tops off the garlic, drizzle with olive oil, then roast them. Once roasted, the garlic pops right out of the papery “skin” and freezes nicely in small quantities. It makes the house smell good too (but only if you **really** like garlic!!). The lemons will be turned into lemon curd and lemon juice that I will freeze. I had planned to make chicken soup, too, as my supply in the freezer has dwindled after taking containers to neighbors and family when they have been under the weather. Unfortunately there were no whole chickens to be found. It seems strange that in our “beef and potatoes” area, we are out of chicken. (There was still plenty of beef.) Oh well. A cast iron dutch oven filled with bean soup and a cast iron skillet of hoecake cornbread may be on the menu for us this weekend, and we will be grateful for it! All the stores here are now out of TP so I guess the craziness has finally hit Montana too…
I am spending the weekend educating myself on aquaponics then I will turn my ideas and plans over to my husband. I am convinced he could build the Taj Mahal out of baling wire and a few popsicle sticks. 😉
Before this winter storm arrived, we saw mountain bluebirds. They’re back! Fortunately my husband had cleaned out their little houses so they have fresh places to make their nests. It is a sure sign that underneath this snow, beyond this pandemic, and around the corner… spring waits. God’s timing will prevail.
I checked on my daughter and inquired if she planned to quarantine with us. I felt proud when she calmly said “No, Mom. I will stay here and have arranged to work remotely. I have plenty of things stored in my pantry. I’ll be fine.” Sometimes, the stuff we teach them really does sink in! 😉
You are quite welcome. I am leary on vaccines. I don’t feel they are all they are cracked up being. Back when my kids were little before the 1986 law making big pharma and doctors not liable and cannot be sued doctors were more careful on who received them. Like they didn’t vaccinate a child when the mother was pregnant. Many vaccines shead. None of this seems to matter now that the big companies and doctors can’t be sued. The vaccine industry greatly expanded. Merck largest money maker is that dangerous HPV vaccine. I do feel this virus and the way it’s handled and panic that has set in will allow the forcing of people to take it. I feel that how they claim 80percent show no symptoms that these people will be immune to it. And people that have had it visibly will know for sure. While there have been some saying they had it twice. Some dr are saying false negative/positive testing. I really don’t know what to feel on this virus but as compared to flu where we do have vaccine (mostly not very effective) we have thousands of deaths and millions of cases. They say two different things. Yes they are but evey 1 case of this virus is reported like it were a plane crash and then each day a new running USA total of deaths which now after 2 months just 50. So many other causes cause so many more deaths. People are becoming so stressed etc many more may commit suicide or worse. Just seems the effects of the virus to everything else will be worse. Sorry to go on and on. God Bless for all you do!
You’re welcome. I had typed a longer reply but somehow didn’t post. Thank you for all you do! If that vaccine is all ready well then this surely is not a new virus. Who knows but it is taking over our entire lives.
A lot of the comments, I have to personally moderate and approve.
So, If I’m doing things the posting gets delayed. I just came in from feeding the animals their evening meal and checked for comments. That’s how it goes here. Please be patient with me. Sometimes Jim gets to them before me. But he must be working on something else and hasn’t checked in awhile.
Blessings,
Lily
Not a problem and don’t apologize. I just thought one of those computer glitches! Have a wonderful night and God Bless.
One other thing. While this is a new disease, it is a form of Corona virus. The Corona virus In other forms like common cold viruses, Sars and mers. Kind of like how the flu changes from year to year. H1N1 Asian flu Spanish flu etc. I don’t recall all the numers and letter that they are called. So it has to be placed into perspective I think. Hpv the same. May forms.
I took my wife out to dinner this evening at our local cafe in our little town of about six thousand people. It was five o’clock, their normal evening busy time. We were the only people there. As we ate I watched the waitresses as they cleaned all the chairs and tables with a disinfectant spray as well as all of the menus. After we ate and I went to pay I asked the lady if the cafe shouldn’t be full right now. I knew the answer because when we normally dine there around that time it’s hard to get a table because they do such a good business. She just looked at me and give me a worried look and shook her head “yes.” I think we’re all going to see some drastic changes in the next few months.
I would like to post a prayer request. My father has Alzheimer’s and is 89 years old. My Mom cares for him and they live at home. He is not doing well at all and is in the delusional stage and can hardly get around at all. My sister, myself and my husband care for them and their home that we provide. Please pray for strength and peace for my Mom and for us to find a solution that will work for my Dad. There no homes taking patients now and we cannot afford to pay one anyway, for very long.
God gave me a heart for you and your parents. You will be prayed for…
Thank you, Krissy! I really do appreciate it. It brought tears to my eyes to see the responses. Blessings to you and your family.
Praying for you and your loved ones. My mm has Alz. for 13 years. It is a heartbreaking disease under normal circumstances.
Thank you, Wormlady. I so appreciate and covet your prayers. And, I will be praying for your dear husband as well. I pray that the Lord will allow him to do better and for your strength in going through this cancer with him.
Thank you, Wormlady. I appreciate your prayers. And I will be praying for your dear husband as well. Please give him my regards.
We went out this morning to top of some our supplies. Fortunately we ‘panicked early’ and are pretty well stocked. We stopped at our local Costco when they opened at 930 an there was a line to get in. They had TP and had a line through the building to get one pack. It was like a Black Friday TV deal but for Toilet Paper! They had staff herding people into a line and were loading 1 pack into each cart. We are also preparing for our daughter to return from Europe and go into a 14 day quarantine in our basement.
I think Israel will be alright. We just got back, and the ‘bread basket’ in the valley of Hinnom and all the fruit and vegetable greenhouses up and down the country ….are breathtaking….even bananas growin in the desert! God will continue to bless that country. I too, follow what Netanyahu says — as he has advisors that go back to the old law regarding health. Hopefully, Trump is trying to follow Israel’s lead on quarantine, isolation, social distancing, etc. The Old Testament is full of information on spread of disease. We need only actually DO what it says. We may be in for a ‘bumpy ride’ over the next while. Not sure what Americans are made of, anymore — definitely a chance to witness for our Savior, and encourage fellow Americans to turn from the sin of our day.
Amen!
Israel has had a much higher percentage of rain this winter than in the past few years. I saw that the Dead Sea region mountains are green and just blooming with flowers! Some locals took a drive down there this past weekend and recorded their trip and uploaded the video. They showed the video to another Israeli friend and the friend, who was born there, thought the video was taken in the Galilee region which is always green for a month or so in February and March. When the videographer said it was the Dead sea area he was shocked and surprised. The desert area around the Dead Sea very seldomly gets enough rain to bloom and be green. Here is the video I watched. It is a fullfillment of scripture Isaiah 35:1-2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gl1ypvKTd0
Blessings,
Lily
A special hose and fittings is needed however. $250 is a super bargain, less than a Chinese made home unit that is not an industrial grade machine like this one. The 52 pound it weighs is a clue that it is built to last. It is easy to maintain as well. Hope you got one for yourself as well. Power requirement is only 400 watts that my small Honda generator can handle.