tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82297993173013351692024-02-18T18:45:55.412-08:00Prepare And ShareGive a man a fish;
you have fed him for today.
Teach a man to fish;
and you have fed him for a lifetime.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-76823975460293038442011-09-04T07:57:00.000-07:002011-09-04T08:04:46.643-07:00alternative fuel ideas...Have you ever thought much about how you will "cook" your 3 month supply and long term storage during an emergency?
<br />
<br />Right now for the Labor Day weekend Home Depot and Lowes has 2 - 20# bags (40#'s total) of Kingston Charcoal for $8.00. Forty pounds of fuel for $8.00 is a great deal!! So you have only tomorrow to get this sale.
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<br />There are a number of ways to store your Charcoal. (Which keeps indefinitely if kept dry) 5 gallon buckets (fits 20#) Or even blue barrels. (fits close to 200#)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-249758671171618662011-03-07T11:59:00.000-08:002011-03-07T12:06:41.117-08:00Solar/Sun OvensThe guy (Paul Munson) who taught the free Sun Oven class last week told us about a blog that has recipes and hints on it from a woman that uses hers every day that lives in our area. He said you could find the link at his web site which is: <a href="http://www.solarcook.net/ ">http://www.solarcook.net/ </a><br /><br />Lots of information on this blog. Lot of the same stuff he told us at his meeting this week. Mr. Munson has been to 5 continents, including Africa, teaching people how to save on fuel and to cook their food with the sun... He said the more people that he can help to help themselves, the better this world will be... As I said, it was a great class! He also said the solar oven works in -5 degrees below zero, but we live in a great climate to make it even easier. He said as long as you have about 2-3 hours of sun a day, you can cook; and he also said that it may take longer than regular cooking in some places, but that you can leave what you are cooking all day (say you put it on in the morning before you go to work, and then it will be ready when you get home later in the day), that the food does not burn in the solar oven...<br /><br />He also has some great recipes using our food supplies- <a href="http://www.sunoven.com/usa/recipes.php#CknAf">http://www.sunoven.com/usa/recipes.php#CknAf</a><br /><br />Also see Jennifer's Solar Cooking Page with lots of tips and hints, links, and upcoming solar cooking events in our state, as well as elsewhere, books, and other solar oven manufacturers. Very informative and interesting information.<br /><a href=" http://home.centurytel.net/morninghill/solarcook.htm"><br />http://home.centurytel.net/morninghill/solarcook.htm</a><br /><br />Also see: <a href="http://www.sunoven.com/usa/vegetarian-cooking.php">http://www.sunoven.com/usa/vegetarian-cooking.php</a><br /><br /><a href="http://preparingwisely.com/blog/category/solar-oven/">http://preparingwisely.com/blog/category/solar-oven/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://thesurvivalmom.com/2010/03/07/cooking-off-the-grid/ ">http://thesurvivalmom.com/2010/03/07/cooking-off-the-grid/ </a>On this website, among other things, she talks about pasturizing your water with a WAPI... find out what that means and how easy it is to do that.<br /><br />Do you know you can boil eggs in the solar oven without any water? See how at <a href="http://thesurvivalmom.com/2010/03/17/can-your-solar-cooker-do-this/">http://thesurvivalmom.com/2010/03/17/can-your-solar-cooker-do-this/</a> She also talks about cooking a frozen chicken... see what happened with that!<br /><br />Wendy DeWitt talks about solar oven cooking on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vigcycRhWs">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vigcycRhWs</a><br /><a href=" http://www.sunoven.com/usa/emergency_preparedness.php"><br />http://www.sunoven.com/usa/emergency_preparedness.php</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-17761045836266827632011-03-07T06:59:00.000-08:002011-03-07T07:01:00.196-08:00Top 10 Mistakes Found in Most 72-Hour Kits(This was sent to me in my email...unfortunately I don't know the other, so I can't give credit.)<br /><br />I’ve tested and reviewed dozens of 72 hour kits and go bags for myself, friends, families, and clients and it amazes me how most of them have the same basic problems.<br />Fortunately, most of them are easy and inexpensive to fix and I’m going to tell you how you can identify and fix 10 of them.<br />1. Medications. If you have medications that you have to take on a regular basis, you need to keep at least 3 days worth in your 72 hour kit. Many drugs break down in the extreme heat of a car, so ask your pharmacist how long they’ll stay safe in your car and how long they’ll stay effective.<br />As an example, if your pharmacist tells you that a certain drug will last for 3 years at room temperature, but only 2 months if you keep it in your car, then you should use the drugs that are in your car every month or two and replace them with fresh drugs.<br />The life expectancy of your drugs will, of course, be different depending on where you live and the season of the year.<br />2. Footwear/clothes. If you ever wear flip flops, heels, or dress shoes, then consider carrying a pair of quality shoes/boots in your car.<br />Stick in at least one pair of quality socks and underwear as well.<br />Remember the pictures and videos after 9/11 of people running barefoot, holding their $500 shoes? Imagine how your body would feel after doing that for a few miles.<br />3. Clothes for the wrong season. You should either carry clothes for both summer and winter, carry convertible clothes, or change the clothing contents of your kit every spring/fall. Shorts won’t help much in the winter and insulated cover-alls won’t help much in the summer.<br />4. Young children. If you have young children, they add a HUGE level of complexity to any survival situation. Can/will they eat your survival food? Do you have spare clothes/diapers/wipes for them? Do you have a way to manage their pain from teething/injuries?<br />Do you have a way to transport them? It might be worth learning how to use a regular bed sheet to create a wearable baby sling. If you have a stroller with inflatable tires, do you carry spare tires and/or a tire repair kit?<br />5. Pain. If you aren’t good at handling pain, learn proven techniques from someone you know who has done natural child-birthing, a midwife, birthing coach, or doula.<br />In addition, consider carrying ibuprofen, anbesol, or even prescription pain medications. If you are concerned about a hurt pet, consider getting livestock lidocaine. (It requires a vetrenarian’s prescription, but costs a fraction of human lidocaine.) <br />6. Bad Equipment. Almost every 72 hour kit that I’ve bought or reviewed has had bad equipment in it. Some of the worst offenders have been multi-tools that don’t work, matches that are brittle and break, knives that are dull, band aids/tape that doesn’t stick anymore, survival blankets that are worn through, and pumps (both water and liquid fuel camp stoves) that have dried out seals. The only way to know that bad equipment won’t bite you in the butt is to test out all of your equipment every 6-12 months.<br />7. Can you use your equipment? If your fire starter is a glass or Fresnel lens, can you make it work? Will it work in the late afternoon/evening? On a cloudy/smokey day? What would you do at night? What happens when you eat your survival rations? Can you stomach them? Do they keep you full? (If not, throw in some fiber capsules) Do you know how to start a fire with your flint and steel? Does everyone fit in the emergency shelter that you have? Can you carry your 72 hour kit/go bag if you have to leave your car on foot?<br />In short, you bought a 72 hour kit/go bag to keep you alive in a worst case scenario. Does it do any good to carry around a bag full of stuff that doesn’t work and that you don’t know how to use? Don’t trust anything. Take the time to test out the equipment that you expect to save your life. If it doesn’t work, find a replacement that does work. Testing your equipment will mean that you’ll have to replace some and it means that you’ll have to repack it, but until you know everything works and that you can use it, it doesn’t do much good to carry it around in your car.<br />8. Water. Do you have 1 gallon per person per day and 1/2 gallon per animal per day? (2 people and 2 dogs would require 9 gallons for 72 hours. At 8.35 pounds per gallon, that’s almost 80 pounds of water taking up 2000 cubic inches!!) If not, do you have a way to collect and purify more? Do you have an empty 1 liter bottle, collapsible bucket, or water bladder? Do you have one for both dirty and clean water? Do you know if your body can handle water that’s been purified with iodine?<br />9. Pets. Do you have 72 hours of food for your pets? Are you going to feed them your emergency food? Will they eat it and can they digest it? Can you eat their food if you need to?<br />10. Bags that are all jumbled together. Most 72 hour kits have everything thrown in the main compartment. Every time you need something, you have to sort through all of the contents. Consider taking some zip lock freezer bags or packing cubes like Eagle Creek to separate the different categories of supplies. Make sure to mark everything VERY plainly. I like doing this by writing on a strip of duct tape or athletic tape. One method you can use to separate everything is the following system:<br />Fire<br />Shelter<br />Water<br />Food<br />Medical (prescriptions, pain, stomach, etc.)<br />Trauma (bandages, splints, tweezers, scissors, wound irrigation, etc.)<br />Security<br />Tools<br />Pets<br />Clothes<br />Here’s the trick to getting this all done. Print this page and underline or highlight everything that you need to do. Then, pick the easiest item, do it RIGHT NOW and then cross it off when you’re done! (Crossing off to-do items is great for the mind.) If you can fix more than one issue in a day, that’s great…keep going. If not, make a decision to fix one or more problems each day until they’re all taken care of.<br />After going through this process, two things are going to happen:<br />1. Your 72 hour kit(s) will be much better stocked.<br />2. You will have more confidence and peace of mind since you KNOW that your 72 hour kit will support you and your family in an emergency rather than just guessing and hoping that everything will work out.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-28582441040549560762010-10-20T08:17:00.000-07:002010-10-20T08:21:45.001-07:00Being 'READY'It has been a year and a half since I have posted here on my preparedness site. I guess my 'time and season' is focusing on other aspects of my life, right now. <br /><br />I viewed a commercial yesterday that talked about disasters. What we need to do as a family in the event of a disaster. The website given was: <a href="www.ready.gov">www.ready.gov <a href="www.ready.gov"></a></a><br /><br />I went to this website and it looks to be interesting. I haven't had much time to peruse it, yet. I hope to find an opportunity, soon.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-56769071276176791052009-04-13T14:10:00.000-07:002009-04-13T14:17:27.459-07:00Everday Food Storage Cookbook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyXjfZJndyvR-FuiOPq_ubsO1eB8cAtSNZYbGksPyHRn68X1iDXrycxcxJgzRiPqr3pi7nhwSjWCg9iFrq7LMLPmHvqUY-LrZ17VWhcGoSN_Fows1Ns5iJ5yTBqPS1f5JmlqfTZrhLjs/s1600-h/foodstorage+cookbook.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 178px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyXjfZJndyvR-FuiOPq_ubsO1eB8cAtSNZYbGksPyHRn68X1iDXrycxcxJgzRiPqr3pi7nhwSjWCg9iFrq7LMLPmHvqUY-LrZ17VWhcGoSN_Fows1Ns5iJ5yTBqPS1f5JmlqfTZrhLjs/s320/foodstorage+cookbook.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324287996346884674" /></a><br />This cookbook seems to combine 2 of my passions. Food Storage & Cookbooks. I am somewhat of a fanatic when it comes to cookbooks. I love 'em! I love to look at the pictures, and envision making a specific recipe. Often times, that is as far as it gets. (mostly because I don't have the exotic and unique ingredients the recipe calls for) I think with this Food storage book, I will go beyond just looking, I will delve into the actual making. It has ingredients that we often keep in our pantry, and don't have to go to the local specialty market to find. I really look forward to perusing the recipes inside. Especially the bread recipes right now. (My hubby is on a tangent of making homemade bread...I don't mind, at all.)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-39953937772142773102009-03-19T21:07:00.000-07:002009-03-19T21:16:29.082-07:00Gardening Seminar - Mesa, AZVEGETABLE GARDENING SEMINAR<br /><br />Special Guest Jim Kennard, Master Mittleider Gardening Instructor<br /><br />President of the Food for Everyone Foundation<br /><br />International teacher of the Mittleider Method “BEST OF ORGANIC gardening method<br /><br />Jim is Humanitarian Missionary for the LDS church and travels WORLD-WIDE teaching these methods.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Less water → bigger plants<br /><br />Less money → More savings<br /><br />Less work →greater harvest<br /><br /> <br /><br />Learn a better, simpler way to garden<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">When</span>: Friday, March 27th, 9 A.M. – 2 P.M. also Saturday, March 28th 9AM – 2PM<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Where</span>: 1 McDonald Center<br />(Main St./McDonald-Lower Level)<br />Mesa, Arizona<br /><br />This is Hands On and space is limited.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">RSVP</span>: Please email whatsyouriam@gmail.com to reserve your space.<br />------ <br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />"Every family should have a garden"</span><br />-Spencer W. Kimball & other Prophets!<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />"The day may come when we will have to live on what we produce"</span><br />-Marion G. Romney<br />------<br />Is that day here?? Don’t wait another day!<br /><br />*5 hours of unique training to give you a great garden in any soil – or in NO soil!<br /><br />*Demonstrating the world-renowned Mittleider Method, including "the best of organic" and "the poor man's hydroponics." <br /><br />*You can grow the same great garden in the soil OR in containers. <br /><br />*Double or triple the amount of healthy produce you get from your garden by using this method.<br /><br />Jim Kennard, President of the Food For Everyone Foundation & Humanitarian Department Missionary (www.foodforeveryone.org), will conduct the Seminar. <br /><br />A Mittleider gardener for the past thirty years, Jim is a Master Mittleider Gardening Instructor and has taught classes and worked one-on-one with Dr. Jacob Mittleider. He has also conducted many gardening projects himself in the USA and other countries. <br /><br />Come Prepared to Dig in the dirt!<br /><br /> <br />Don’t miss this gardening season! The kennards leave soon to fulfill other commitments in two countries in Eastern Europe – call now!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-33383404434219034752009-03-10T16:26:00.000-07:002009-03-10T16:30:47.000-07:00Are You Prepared?<span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A DISASTER?</span><br /><br />By Jane M. Hawley<br /><br />Trained by the American Red Cross to lead Disaster Action Teams, and by FEMA as a member of CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) in our area, and having observed the disasters and conditions in the world which bring alarm, I write this article in hopes that I might encourage others to become better prepared. I would propose this question: "How will you feel when others who depend on you suffer needlessly because you did not take preventative measures against disaster? I would like to share the following experience as an example where disaster planning could have made the difference:<br /><br />During July of 2007, in an area right outside of St. George , Utah , we had an experience that has caused me great concern about disaster preparedness. A lightening storm bolted through the tinder-dry mountainous region 3 miles east of our home. The forest fire threatened the power lines supplying our entire county of 100,000 people. The front windows of our rural home framed this dramatic scene as we watched 30' flames amidst the raging fire becoming out of control. Helicopters, tankers, planes and fire crews were engaged in a hot battle.<br /><br />The greatest concern came when the smoke engulfed the power lines. Smoke can create arcs of electricity between the lines and the ground. Multiple fires could ignite along the 80-mile stretch of power line if something were not done quickly. Authorities decided the only thing that could be done was to "power down." The countywide power outage began at 4:25 p.m. on this very hot, July day of 110 + degrees, just before the evening commute was to begin.<br /><br />In the first several hours, there was much confusion and chaos. The stream of information was slow and scanty at best. No one seemed to be able to answer the demanding questions of "what happened?" and "how long until we have our power back?" As the fire raged on and homes were flooded with the summer heat, people grew more concerned and tuned into the local radio stations for information. Here's a small taste of what happened:<br /><br /> * I called my husband immediately to let him know of my planned route of travel home. I had a full tank of gas and a gallon of water in my car. I took the route with the least amount of traffic, nonetheless, what would normally have taken 25 minutes, took 1 hour to get home.<br /> * Communication became difficult. Within 5 minutes after I used my cell phone to call home the circuits were busy and remained that way for the next 6 hours.<br /> * Traffic lights were without power which created a traffic gridlock and many frustrated travelers. It took many commuters 1 to 3 hours to get home, in what should have been minutes.<br /> * It was reported that only 2 to 3 gas stations had back-up generators to pump fuel. Those stations had long lines, quickly ran out of fuel-then closed.<br /> * People became stranded and couldn't get home. With the cell phones overloaded many of those people could not call for help. I15 travelers were out-of-luck for their expected needs as well.<br /> * There were overheated and stalled vehicles along the roadways.<br /> * Businesses quickly closed their doors having lost their lights, automatic doors, elevators, security systems, electronic cash registers, and all ability to conduct credit or debit transactions.<br /> * CASH was the only method of payment accepted. With banks closed and credit or debit card machines down, no cash could be obtained by these means. The people who were able to purchase gas and supplies were those who had cash.<br /> * Radio stations were a great help, but with the absence of official information there were many assumptions, rumors, misinformation, anger and panic being expressed by citizens who shared their comments on the air, live and unscreened.<br /> * The hospital went into emergency mode and began treating those affected by heat, and those who had health conditions that required medical devices, monitors, oxygen, etc.<br /> * Many of the elderly and those in convalescent homes had to be evacuated to Dixie State College to escape the heat and be treated for heat-related problems.<br /> * Within the first two hours the local water tanks were nearly dry. The pumps were down for lack of power and the citizens in the county were instructed to use water for DRINKING ONLY (no showers or unnecessary flushing of toilets, etc).<br /> * Stores began to lose their inventory of refrigerated foods and frozen items.<br /> * Police, fire and emergency officials were on overload.<br /> * Hotel rooms in the nearby town of Mesquite , Nevada , went from $35 a night to $350 a night as people flocked to their doors to get out of the heat.<br /> * Dining in Mesquite required hours of waiting in long lines before people could get their meals.<br /><br />I found it amazing how ill-prepared the majority were to live without power, in the heat, and without essential services for such a short time. In our family we learned a few lessons ourselves. Situations like these cause us to reflect and question, "How prepared is my family for an emergency? I strongly urge you to consider situations that could affect your locale, and then set up an emergency plan to accommodate your future needs. Here are some things you should consider:<br /><br />Power Outage......................................Severe Storm<br /><br />Flood....................................................Lightening Strikes<br /><br />House Fire............................................Forest or Brush Fire<br /><br />Severe Smoke & Ash............................Streets Closed to Home<br /><br />Tornado...............................................Earthquake<br /><br />Hurricane............................................Tsunami<br /><br />Hazardous Material Spill......................Evacuation<br /><br />Truck Strike........................................Terrorist Attack or Invasion<br /><br />Chemical Attack...................................Nuclear Accident<br /><br />Highways/Bridges Down.....................Quarantine<br /> <span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />EMERGENCY PLAN</span><br /><br />Make a two-fold plan: SHELTER IN PLACE (staying where you are) and EVACUATION (leaving your home). There are many wonderful books available on this subject that can help you be fully prepared. Check out your library, bookstores & internet.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">72 HR EMERGENCY KIT</span><br /><br />Consider all of your needs for 3 days and include those items in your kit. Go through those kits every year and update clothing sizes and items with expirations.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />COMMUNICATION</span><br /><br />Have a hand-cranked radio, a no-battery required home telephone, and a cell phone with a back-up battery or solar charger. Several Walky-Talkies placed on the same station that extend a number of miles could also be effective for families living in the same area. Have coins to use in public telephones.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />GATHERING PLACE</span><br /><br />Determine as a family where you would meet if unable to reach one another. Also have an out-of-state contact which each of you could call to assure that everyone is okay, or what you are planning to do.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />FUEL & TRAVEL</span><br /><br />Consider ways to get about under varied conditions. Keeping your gas tank as full as possible is a first step. Have a good pair of shoes for walking. Have other means such as bicycles, wagons, ATV's, and/or horses.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />CASH</span><br /><br />Obtain what you need in small bills and some coin for at least 30 days.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">WATER</span><br /><br />Water is critical. Have reserves available, not only for drinking, but for cooking and hygiene needs. A survival ration is one gallon per day, per person. Have at the very least, a 2-week supply for each person. Keep several gallons in your car and also consider water purification methods and treatments.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">TEMPERATURE CONTROL MEASURES</span><br /><br />HEAT: Have battery & solar operated fans, spray bottles, sunglasses, hats & sunscreen. COLD: Have gloves, hats, coats, boots, & scarves. RAIN: Have waterproof ponchos & waterproof boots, with extra clothing.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />ALTERNATIVE POWER/FUEL</span><br /><br />Consider fireplaces & stoves for cold weather, storing no less then 4 cords for the winter. Consider a generator, and solar unit.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">MEDICATIONS</span><br /><br />A 3-month supply of prescription medications is best. Have over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies & essential oils on hand. Consider the need for natural antibiotics. Have potassium iodine on hand to protect the thyroid in the event of radiation. Give special consideration to those who need oxygen, daily injections, inhalers, etc.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">FIRST AID & CPR</span><br /><br />Have a good First Aid book and kit, CPR mask, splints, etc. Consider how to care for blisters on your feet and shoe pads. Know what needs to be done in any number of incidences that could occur in a disaster to ease pain, assist in healing & save life.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">FOOD</span><br /><br />It is recommended that every family should have a 30 to 90 day supply of food they are accustomed to eating. A one-year supply is ideal. START NOW! Stores either close immediately or are empty in less than 24 hours. Special dietary needs should also be considered. Grow a garden, plant fruit trees & berry bushes. Learn to bottle & dehydrate foods. Supplement with vitamins & minerals as well. Find a way & do it now!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">COOKING & CLEANING SUPPLIES</span><br /><br />Consider your cooking needs if there were no power: propane oven, stove & grill; charcoal grill, pit & dutch oven; wood fire pit; pots, pans, utensils, dishes, can openers, serving dishes, etc; towels, wash rags, wash bins, detergent, scouring pad; paper towels, paper & plastic dishware & utensils; tables and chairs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">SHELTER</span><br /><br />Don't depend on someone else to shelter you against the elements. Hotels may be booked for miles. Be ready with your own tent, sleeping bags, tarps, etc... Consider how you will transport these items. If possible, have racks mounted on top of your vehicle, and/or have a transport trailer or camper.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">LIGHTS</span><br /><br />Make sure you have several sources of light such as flashlights, kerosene lamps, lanterns, candles, oil lamps, solar lights, and glow sticks. Don't forget batteries, matches, etc.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />CLOTHING<br /></span><br />Have clothing and footwear for heat and cold. Consider what you would wear in the heart of a snowy winter day without heat.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />TOILETRIES</span><br /><br />Have lotion, shampoo, soap, moist towelettes, make-up, powder, etc.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">SANITATION</span><br /><br />Know the principles of sanitation, how deep and how wide to dig an area for waste products, depending upon the size of your group. Have portable toilets, bags to enclose waste, disinfectants, etc. Consider how you will contain & dispose of garbage.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />SPECIAL NEEDS</span><br /><br />Consider the many needs of infants, the elderly, the handicapped, pets, other animals & livestock. Make a list and purchase!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS</span><br /><br />Have an ID, photo & birth certificates for each person. Have insurance papers, bank records, living wills, trusts, maps, addresses & phone numbers, etc., and place them in a water-proof receptacle.<br /><br />Remember, disasters rarely come with a warning. I encourage you to calmly and quickly obtain information to educate & prepare yourself, NOW, while you are comfortable and safe, for TOMORROW may not be so!<br /><br />Preparedness takes time, money, energy and ACTION… it's enemy is procrastination - "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!"<br /> <br />So you see, the Law of Unintended Consequences cascaded through a series of events that caught everyone off-guard.<br /><br /> * What would happen in your city, home or family in the event of a local disaster/emergency?<br /> * Are you prepared to shelter-in-place if necessary?<br /> * Can you meet the needs of your family for an extended period of time if the much talked about pandemic finds its way to your area and a quarantine is imposed?<br /><br />Are you prepared?<br /> <br />Response to the captioned photos in the last entry was quite enthusiastic. So I plan to continue to include additional photos as they're appropriate to the current entry's topic (and probably even if they aren't!). I DO think the following is totally apropos to today's entry!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVak4z-IVmP-rt_jpMNywG-r5EmNFv2nTZUlsyfz1JhB0AKOUs5jAyJ3wziJMb_lmgUeOBksNOduJuzOh0k2bcOp5MkuqyWrL1vcLbvV4bAFZ9YcawsizN_fOv8gd3APSCJleGwkR-fM/s1600-h/Bear+-+Fema.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVak4z-IVmP-rt_jpMNywG-r5EmNFv2nTZUlsyfz1JhB0AKOUs5jAyJ3wziJMb_lmgUeOBksNOduJuzOh0k2bcOp5MkuqyWrL1vcLbvV4bAFZ9YcawsizN_fOv8gd3APSCJleGwkR-fM/s320/Bear+-+Fema.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311705095914731826" /></a><br /><br />President James E. Faust<br />Some have said, "We have followed this counsel in the past and have never had need to use our year's supply, so we have difficulty keeping this in mind as a major priority." Perhaps following this counsel could be the reason why they have not needed to use their reserve (Ensign, May 1986, p.22).Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-78017808831367935972009-02-28T19:10:00.001-08:002009-02-28T19:38:46.791-08:00Making your own Laundry DetergentI am always looking for a bargain...though I'm not always a frugal shopper. A 'bargain' when buying laundry detergent, to me, is about 10 cents a load. So, when I read an article on <a href="http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/">MAKING laundry detergent</a>, where it ends up being about 3 cents a load, I perked up and read on:<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Homemade Laundry Detergent</span><br />Here’s what you need:<br />- 1 bar of soap (whatever kind you like; I used Lever 2000 because we have tons of bars of it from a case we bought a while back)<br />- 1 box of washing soda (look for it in the laundry detergent aisle at your local department store - it comes in an Arm & Hammer box and will contain enough for six batches of this stuff)<br />- 1 box of borax (this is not necessary, but I’ve found it really kicks the cleaning up a notch - one box of borax will contain more than enough for tons of batches of this homemade detergent - if you decide to use this, be careful)<br />- A five gallon bucket with a lid (or a bucket that will hold more than 15 liters - ask around - these aren’t too tough to acquire)<br />- Three gallons of tap water<br />- A big spoon to stir the mixture with<br />- A measuring cup<br />- A knife<br /><br />Step One: Put about four cups of water into a pan on your stove and turn the heat up on high until it’s almost boiling. While you’re waiting, whip out a knife and start shaving strips off of the bar of soap into the water, whittling it down. Keep the heat below a boil and keep shaving the soap. Eventually, you’ll shave up the whole bar, then stir the hot water until the soap is dissolved and you have some highly soapy water.<br /><br />Step Two: Put three gallons of hot water (11 liters or so) into the five gallon bucket - the easiest way is to fill up three gallon milk jugs worth of it. Then mix in the hot soapy water from step one, stir it for a while, then add a cup of the washing soda. Keep stirring it for another minute or two, then add a half cup of borax if you are using borax. Stir for another couple of minutes, then let the stuff sit overnight to cool.<br /><br />And you’re done. When you wake up in the morning, you’ll have a bucket of gelatinous slime that’s a paler shade of the soap that you used (in our case, it’s a very pale greenish blue). One measuring cup full of this slime will be roughly what you need to do a load of laundry - and the ingredients are basically the same as laundry detergent. Thus, out of three gallons, you’ll get about 48 loads of laundry. If you do this six times, you’ll have used six bars of soap ($0.99 each), one box of washing soda ($2.49 at our store), and about half a box of borax ($2.49 at our store, so $1.25) and make 288 loads of laundry. This comes up to a cost of right around three cents a load, or a savings of $70.<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />Plus, you can make slime in the kitchen - and have a legitimate reason for doing so!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOnJ8t8BNQB5MnqRPvYSUgrBeCQnM2zqisFqHBxrdTlYewjT2qKx-dhzdaEYVBXUMX620ASxRsi93tSl5qgodGY0Ofadt1nYqVCzDg2Lri-UtmY7PzPsy8L1zzcSDlUZnE_nA9hr_FCU/s1600-h/laundry+slime.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOnJ8t8BNQB5MnqRPvYSUgrBeCQnM2zqisFqHBxrdTlYewjT2qKx-dhzdaEYVBXUMX620ASxRsi93tSl5qgodGY0Ofadt1nYqVCzDg2Lri-UtmY7PzPsy8L1zzcSDlUZnE_nA9hr_FCU/s320/laundry+slime.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308058137260895522" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-75103240455738834022009-02-23T13:57:00.000-08:002009-02-23T14:00:25.948-08:00A hammer in want of a nail is useless without the nail.I found an interesting <a href="http://tpass.org/">Preparedness Site</a> that listed some good ideas for things we may want to have on hand, and in our long-term storage. Even though we may have a half a dozen different lists, many (if any) will list things like nails, screws, etc.<br />------<br /><br />Here is a short list of things that you may want to make sure that you have on-hand. With the economy continuing to spiral down, the idea of calling a handyman or general contractor to do small jobs is not going to be to savory to your bottom line. Its best if you have the materials to do it yourself.<br /><br /> * Nails (various sizes from picture hanging to framing nails)<br /> * Screws (drywall and standard in a range of sizes all the way up to 3″)<br /> * Staples (1/2″ to 3/4″)<br /> * Glue (carpenters, and plain old white glue)<br /> * Epoxy (either 2 part or the clay-like sticks)<br /> * Wire (primary wire from the auto parts store works)<br /> * Electrical Tape<br /> * Duct Tape (yes, its on all other lists too, but its a lifesaver)<br /> * PVC Glue and an assortment of spare fittings<br /> * Solder and Flux (copper water pipe)<br /> * Bailing Wire (right up there with duct tape in usefulness)<br /> * Super Glue<br /> * Roofing Cement<br /> * Silicone Caulk<br /><br />Let your mind wander, all the items listed above are one’s that I have found myself going to the store for or scrounging up somewhere for a repair job.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-23073050802516980932009-02-22T15:05:00.000-08:002009-02-22T22:04:45.586-08:00At the edge of your seat....(wink)I know many of you have been sitting at the edge of your seat waiting for me to post about making Wheat Sprout 'Bread'. So, I have FINALLY posted the information on my Sprout Post. Click here: <a href="http://prepareandshare.blogspot.com/2009/02/sprouts-gardening.html">SPROUTING</a> <br /><br />Also, today in Relief Society our preparedness Specialist shared with us information about a lady Wendy DeWitt on YouTube that shares through videos how to obtain our 3-month supplies.<br /><br />Here is video 1 of 9:<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhGaTlwYs-s<br /><br />(the other 8 will come up in the side bar at YouTube)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-934601439862813882009-02-15T18:41:00.000-08:002009-02-15T19:01:10.508-08:00Pandemics and a 3 month supply<span style="color:#990000;">Here is an article that explains the necessity of accumulating at least a 3 month supply of what your family normally eats. </span><br /><br />"About a month ago a seminar was put on by Dr. Susan Puls, who is a cardiologist appointed by the First Presidency of the Church as the head of the church's pandemic committee. She said she was not an expert on pandemics as this was not her speciality, but in the two years she's been in her position, is fast becoming one. She now works for the church on a full-time basis working on planning for the pandemic and trying to get the word out to as many church members as possible.There were about 1400 people at the Saturday all-day seminar.In her capacity, she works with the governor's pandemic committee and the federal pandemic planning agency. She also said a pandemic is coming - not 'maybe' but is DEFINITELY coming. She says -the pandemic is expected within the next two years but she personally believes it will be 'sooner rather than later..' The various groups (CDC, WHO, etc..) do not know what the pandemic will be but 'first among their list of suspects is the avian bird flu. It's only one mutation away from being easily transmitted from birds to humans and from human to human.'_She said the World Health Organization expects 40% of the world population to become sick. Of those who become sick, they expect 50% will die.<br />If you do the math - there are over 6 billionpeople on the earth today - that puts the death rate at over 1.4 billion people - and she says these deaths will happen over only a 3 to 4 month period of time.Dr. Puls related that when the pandemic hits the US , mandatory quarantine's of all infected and NON-INFECTED peoples will occur within the first 48 hours.<br />Only emergency personnel (Dr's, nurses, firemen, police, national guardsmen, etc..) will be allowed to leave their homes - not even to go to the store, etc..<br />This quarantine will last during the duration of the 'pandemic cycle' which will last approximately three months.Her main point was that everyone will need a *MINIMUM of 3 months supply of food at home* as the governments of the world will be overwhelmed within the first week and cannot be counted on to provide food, medical help, etc.. she only briefly spoke on the 'social disruption' that will occur and did not go into any detail about what plans may, or may not exist, to deal with this. However - think about this - if your neighbors (both those you know and strangers) run out of food and are starving how might they react? Then think of all the individuals who already live outside of the law and are only 'controlled' by our current legal system. How might they react when law enforcement becomes ineffectual due to illness among the ranks and those who abandon their jobs to stay home and protect their own families. Ditto for the national guard and our own military.This isn't to scare anyone - just to provide a 'heads up' as 'to be forewarned is to be forearmed.' "/That's the end of the e mail. I try and check theauthenticity of e-mails such as this so I Googled Dr. Puls and was eventually linked to the Church's Provident Living Website and was surprised to find that they have a section on Pandemic Planning under Home and Family Preparedness.<br /><a href="http://providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,8041-1-4414-1,00.html">http://providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,8041-1-4414-1,00.html</a> The government also had a website: <a href="http://www.pandemicflugov/plan/tab3.html">http://www.pandemicflugov/plan/tab3.html</a> I found it very interesting that in the Church's new pamphlets on food storage, they recommend building your supply up to a three months supply.<br />As you can see in the article, Dr. Puls states that everyone will need a minimum of three months supply of food at home. I think this quote from Elder Perry's Conference Talk (Oct 2008) has application here:*/Thoreau's final necessity was fuel. /*We have been hearing a lot about fuel and energy-about their high cost and limited supply, our unsafe and unpredictable dependence on their suppliers, and the needfor new and sustainable sources of energy. I leave the discussion of these complicated issues to leaders of government and industry. The fuel I want to discuss is spiritual fuel. The Lord has given us a beautiful plan about how we can return to Him, but the completion of our mortal journey requires spiritual fuel. We want to emulate the five wise virgins, who had stored sufficient fuel to accompany the bridegroom when he came (see Matthew25:6-10 <<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/matt/25/6-10">http://scriptures.lds.org/matt/25/6-10</a>>).<br />What is required to maintain a sufficient store of spiritual fuel? We must acquire knowledge of God's eternal plan and our role in it, and then by living righteously, surrendering our will to the will of the Lord, we receive the promised blessings. As Elder William R. Bradford taught at this pulpit: "In righteousness there is great simplicity. In every case that confronts us in life there is either a right way or a wrong way to proceed. If we choose the right way, we are sustained in our actions by the principles of righteousness, in the which there is power from the heavens. If we choose the wrong way and act on that choice, there is no such heavenly promise or power, and we are alone and are destined to fail"("Righteousness," /Liahona,/ Jan. 2000,103;/ Ensign,/ Nov.. 1999, 85).I am so grateful for membership in this church and for the counsel we receive! I really can't think of any area of our lives where the church doesn't provide needed direction for us. And we are promised, "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." (D&C 38:30)Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16743141965569831033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-55373597769202237282009-02-15T14:20:00.001-08:002009-02-15T15:13:09.658-08:00Thinking Outside the BoxFor those who really 'know' me, they know that I am somewhat fascinated in self-reliance, preparedness, long-term supply, etc. I will find myself immersed, reading article after article down an interesting tangent. (Such as uses for the common Dandelion, or how much of a certain item should I store)<br /><br />Well, more recently I have tried to hone in on what is most important in all of this 'fluff and stuff' I am delving into. I still haven't came up with an astounding solution, but I am realizing that, ya...it's VERY important to be prepared, and have things 'laid up in store'. But it is also important to seek knowledge and understanding. So maybe all my reading really isn't 'fluff and stuff'. (though I DO need to make priorities, like cleaning the house, feeding my family. LOL) Even if just a portion of what I read sticks, then just maybe I can derive a skill from the stored knowledge, when necessary. (like if i learn how to make a poultice for a sting, or a bite...when/if there isn't a doctor available, it might be a helpful tidbit of information.)<br /><br />Right now I have the WWW at my fingertips. Endless information and articles that I can glen from. What happens when/if at some point in my future I won't have access to the WWW, what then?! <br /><br />My sister and I are wanting to compile a comprehensive and enlightening manual/binder on some of the more functional and important things a family or individual might need to know...in the event that civilization as we know it, isn't at our fingertips.<br /><br />Anyone who has any ideas or suggestions as to what some of the more essential elements (and sub elements) would be good to include, would be wonderful.<br /><br />Now where to draw the line. I want to have in my manual basic information on such things from First Aid, to canning tips, to basic farm animal knowledge, etc. But do I extend to the extent of how to make cheese (Since I plan on including basic farm animal information). Or how to make soap (since I will include items needed for hand washing clothes in the extensive list of items needed in a long-term supply.) Or how to grow an herb garden (since under First Aid I want to include basic herbal remedies)<br /><br />As you can see, I could go on and on with the tangents and side roads. So, how do you make a basic and comprehensive manual without getting too overwhelming, yet still getting across the necessary and needed information?<br /><br />One idea I had is to have the main manual strictly for basic categories or information. Not delving in too deeply. But then having the ability to add to or 'plug in' sub categories or pamphlets. Like the section on what items of clothing you might want to 'lay up in store' might have pamphlets that include how to 'tan a hide', or how to crochet or knit. Or if there is a section on orchards, maybe include a subsection or available pamphlet on canning, dehydration or other methods to store the fruit.<br /><br />Ok...now I am going to do a 'hands on' experiment. Jakob has an abscess on his gum, above a tooth that has a cavity. He is going to probably need antibiotics, and to see a dentist. Which we plan to do (unfortunately we are in the middle of a 3 day weekend). What say that we didn't have access to either antibiotics OR a Dentist? Then what?<br /><br />I would turn to my hypothetical manual, look under the section of 'First Aid' or 'Medical'. And then maybe I would have a subsection (or available pamphlet) that delved into the world of herbs. How to grow them, how to use them, etc. This might be what I find, to help me with Jakob's tooth (after all of the warnings to 'first see your doctor', and author holds no responsibility for results, etc):<br /><br />Raw Garlic<br />Family: Amaryllidacae, Genus and Species : Allium sativum<br /><br />Garlic has a long proven history as an effective antibiotic, antiviral, antiparasitic, and antifungal. It was used in WWI to prevent wound infections and by Albert Schweitzer to treat dysentery in Africa. The Russians used it in WWII when their supply of penicillin was scarce. It's active compound allicin, is as useful an agent against staph and strep as some of the heaviest hitting meds, and has even been shown to kill antibiotic-resistant strains of these bacteria. It is a broad-spectrum anibiotic and has often been called a "wonder drug". Herbalists recommend eating one clove of chopped raw garlic two to three times per day (added to food). Garlic Oil can also be taken internally. Place 20-30 drops in your ear for ear infections, three times a day. Ideally a raw clove is chewed or crushed. It can also be applied directly to the skin. Try taking deodorized garlic capsules three times per day if you are worried about garlic breath. <a href="http://www.reikinurse.com/naturalabx.html">~http://www.reikinurse.com/naturalabx.html</a><br />-------<br /><br />Unfortunately we can't fill a cavity or do a root canal on our own, so at some point a dentist is necessary...whether one is homesteading, or not. The alternative would be to extract the tooth. Thank goodness we are not at that point. A trip to the dentist IS possible. ;)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-65279045709623638222009-02-14T21:52:00.000-08:002009-02-22T15:35:31.227-08:00Sprouts &Tire GardeningOk...so I promised more information on Sprouts. (I left a 'teaser' on my family blog...I will have to get to the tire gardening at another time, another post)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlT-GHblreiUzVWPl8js-7dCvTSWz7tE3tRALUuaBb9WOSP85hoxt2lFac02nz3CHTSNdXwIY9it4CT9d6EXRyHFajouQ4QJE_Urk-LbzXW2ttu78jfeS493IbRQ_9V9t07W8i6LhJzc/s1600-h/100_5808.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlT-GHblreiUzVWPl8js-7dCvTSWz7tE3tRALUuaBb9WOSP85hoxt2lFac02nz3CHTSNdXwIY9it4CT9d6EXRyHFajouQ4QJE_Urk-LbzXW2ttu78jfeS493IbRQ_9V9t07W8i6LhJzc/s320/100_5808.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302898661138424226" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Alfalfa Sprouts</span><br />Add 2 Tablespoons of alfalfa seeds to a quart-size jar.<br /><br />Fill jar with water and cover with 2 layers of cheese cloth or a piece of nylon stocking. Screw a screw-band onto jar over the stocking, or just put a rubber-band around it.<br /><br />Soak the seeds overnight.<br /><br />In the morning, drain the seeds and prop in your sink so the jar is at a slant.<br /><br />Rinse the seeds 3 or 4 times a day, then prop and leave the jar at a slant to drain.<br /><br />When the seeds have grown to fill the jar, they are ready to eat. This takes about 3 or 4 days. make sure that you are rinsing the seeds 3-4 times a day (seed will stop sprouting, if it is too dry, and it will mold if too wet) You can taste them along the way, and eat them whenever they have grown to your personal liking.<br /><br />Once they are done sprouting, you can store the jar in the refrigerator and they will keep for about a week.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vUPUgZ2WckqOPlEiXjsRqZzRRrUUqw5s2i5kLVHf3LHR9g0eXZXeT9Z81YIilqA-DykZxpy4SE_3dgchcUD8Q2eDD_DcJQneS2q9Uw6bIkyfSC8jFIovxcCuONMCOdpg773SpDEu_Xk/s1600-h/100_5809.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vUPUgZ2WckqOPlEiXjsRqZzRRrUUqw5s2i5kLVHf3LHR9g0eXZXeT9Z81YIilqA-DykZxpy4SE_3dgchcUD8Q2eDD_DcJQneS2q9Uw6bIkyfSC8jFIovxcCuONMCOdpg773SpDEu_Xk/s320/100_5809.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302898656545752610" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wheat Sprouts in a colander:</span><br />(It is important to note that wheat that has been stored in the #10 cans from the cannery will not sprout because it has been treated with the oxygen packets added upon canning. The chemical in the oxygen packets treats the wheat so it will not sprout. Also, if you have been storing your wheat outside or in the garage, it likely will not sprout because the heat, especially in hot climates like AZ, cooks the wheat and once it's been 'cooked' it will not sprout. Keep a container of 'sprouting' wheat in your pantry, or cupboard)<br /><br />Put desired amount of whole wheat in a jar or a bowl and put enough water to at least double the depth of the wheat. (This allows for the wheat to swell while soaking). Soak the wheat over night.<br /><br />In the morning, pour the wheat into a colander and rinse really well.<br /><br />Rinse 3 or 4 times throughout the day including one time right before you go to bed.<br /><br />In the morning, if you see a very small sprout coming out of one end of the wheat, your sprouts are ready to eat. Taste them and if you want them a little softer and sprouted just a little longer, you can leave them sprouting for the rest of the day, making sure to rinse them a couple of times. You don't want to leave wheat sprouts to sprout too long because they will start to get a 'green' taste and lose their sweetness. Once they have sprouted to your liking, put them in a container with a lid and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.<br /><br />Wheat Sprout Bread<br />Pus as many cups of wheat as desired in a food processor with the knife blade attachment. It is important to get enough or else you will not be able to get a good gluten worked up, so at least a minimum of 2 or 3 cups of sprouts. Turn on your food processor for a few seconds, then stop to scrape the sides of the bowl. Turn back on again for a few seconds. Continue this process of running, stopping, and scraping until your wheat sprouts are a big ball of sticky dough-like substance. (It will be pretty stiff, sticky stuff) If needed, add a Tablespoon or 2 of water, if your sprouts are too dry and are not sticking together. Be careful not to add too much water or you will have a flat loaf. Once your gluten is well developed (meaning your sprouts are holding together well into a 'dough') sprinkle a baking sheet or baking stone with sesame seeds to prevent your bread from sticking, and put your dough in a big glob in the middle of the sesame seeds. Bake in a 225* oven for about 3 hours, until you have a nice crust around the outside of the bread.<br /><br />helpful hints: you may want to do at least 2 loafs, to 'justify' having the oven on for 3 hours. (maybe even a good time to make jerky or dehydrate something?)<br /><br />Also, a food processor IS necessary. I tried doing it in my Bullet Blender. No dice! Not enough 'torque', and ya...I smelled the motor. Plus, it didn't blend it well enough, to get the gluten going. (when it gets stringy, that is when you know when the gluten is activated.) So, I had a flat, and not very tasty lump of something. ;)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-76900177068950150212009-02-09T13:33:00.000-08:002009-02-09T13:51:23.835-08:001 Year Food StorageExactly What Does a Basic 1 Year Food Storage for 1 Person Look Like?<br />These are the MINIMUM Basic Amounts of Food Needed for Survival for ONE PERSON for ONE YEAR:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFzI8wjmd77VVTphB4mDCToM88A67IhCJMQJQodONtD-ea2UfZVk3GuWgyaHlC8W8wMNAtiNk8zCdN3XRXn7Z7sa3WS5oETkatsgYi0FAA6lNC9jCiK_5EPQ0T6-niD3pRRHYjyKn20Y/s1600-h/1year-food.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 241px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFzI8wjmd77VVTphB4mDCToM88A67IhCJMQJQodONtD-ea2UfZVk3GuWgyaHlC8W8wMNAtiNk8zCdN3XRXn7Z7sa3WS5oETkatsgYi0FAA6lNC9jCiK_5EPQ0T6-niD3pRRHYjyKn20Y/s320/1year-food.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300914729254949042" /></a><br /><br />DO YOU REALLY THINK YOUR READY TO LIVE ON THESE SURVIVAL RATIONS.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBx5DhxaCZh0h1hLO2tRUqWILO75bHBDoMdqsyz-j54tbAM8Ww2NjfQNVZgKo9nIecIa3K0QsrT2hJme7gmcDe4Nyz1ivUOcbHCtr2ldGTjPe2wHZGntJU9xiRniZz5SCIv1nXY19vEk/s1600-h/Daily+ration.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBx5DhxaCZh0h1hLO2tRUqWILO75bHBDoMdqsyz-j54tbAM8Ww2NjfQNVZgKo9nIecIa3K0QsrT2hJme7gmcDe4Nyz1ivUOcbHCtr2ldGTjPe2wHZGntJU9xiRniZz5SCIv1nXY19vEk/s320/Daily+ration.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300914729225852770" /></a><br /><br />BARE-MINIMUM LDS Church Food storage requirements for<br />1 adult male for 1 year Appx. 2,300 calories per day. (only 695lbs total)<br /><br />This will keep you fed, but leave you hungry.<br />TOTAL FOOD PER DAY = 24.65 Ounces<br /><br /><br />Grains (400lbs)<br />Unless your family already eats 100% whole wheat homemade bread, white flour should be used in the transition process to whole wheat.<br />Adding rye flour (10%) helps make wheat bread a more<br />complete protein. Dent corn is used to make tortillas.<br /><br />Beans & Legumes (90lbs)<br />{minimum reduced to only 60lbs in 2002}<br />Black beans cook quickly, make a good salad complement with a vinaigrette dressing over them.<br />Soybeans can be used to make soy milk and tofu, a protein food you should be prepared to make.<br />Familiarize yourself with sprouting techniques.<br />Learn how to make wheat grass juice - the best vitamin supplement you can use.<br /><br />Milk-Dair products (75lbs)<br />{minimum reduced to only 16lbs in 2002}<br />Milk powder can be used to make cottage cheese, cream cheese and hard cheeses.<br />Ideally your milk should be fortified with Vitamins A & D.<br />When reconstituting aerate to improve flavor (special mixing pitchers can accomplish this). Whole eggs are the best all-purpose egg product.<br />Powdered sour cream has a limited shelf life unless frozen.<br /><br />Meats / Meat substitute (20lbs)<br />{minimum reduced to only 0lbs in 2002}<br />Use meat in soups, stews and beans for flavor. Freeze dried is the best option for real meat. Textured Vegetable protein is the main alternative to freeze dried meats.<br /><br />Fats / Oils (20lbs)<br />This group can boost the calories one is getting from food storage products, and supply essential fatty acids.<br /><br />Sugars (60lbs)<br />Store your honey in 5 gallon pails.<br />Candy and other sweets can help with appetite fatigue.<br /><br />Fruits / Vegetables (90lbs)<br />{minimum reduced to only zero lbs in 2002}<br />Some fruits and vegetables are best dehydrated, others freeze dried (strawberries & blueberries).<br />Fruits are a nice addition to hot cereal, muffins, pancakes and breads.<br /><br />Auxiliary foods (weight varies)<br />Vanilla extract improves the flavor of powdered milk. T<br />he production of tofu requires a precipitator such as nigari, epsom salt, calcium chloride or calcium sulfide (good calcium source).<br />Learn how to make and use wheat gluten (liquid smoke adds good flavor).<br /><br />Chocolate syrup and powdered drink mixes help with appetite fatigue.<br />Vitamins and protein powders will boost the nutrition levels of foods that may have suffered losses during processing.<br /><br /><br />Note:<br /><br />For an average adult Female - multiply the weight by 0.75<br /><br />For children ages 1-3 multiply by 0.3, 4-6 multiply by 0.5, 7-9 multiply by 0.75<br />For adults engaged in manual labor multiply by 1.25-1.50<br />_______________Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-33167908443363043662009-02-09T10:07:00.001-08:002009-02-10T21:01:08.113-08:00WheatThe more I read about wheat, the more versatile I realize it is. The article I mentioned in my previous post had a statement about grains: “Remember the counsel that is given: ‘Store up all your grain,’ and take care of it! Prize it above gold and<br />silver, above rich clothing, and fine apparel, and above everything else except the bread of life!”<br />~ Orson Hyde, JD, vol. 5:17, p. 17<br /><br />There are those who are allergic to wheat, and can't consume it in most of it's forms. If you grow wheat (wheat grass) there is no gluten involved. Which is often what causes the allergic reactions Rice & Corn do not contain gluten.<br /><br />I found a website that gives various recipes on how to use wheat, and it has some other great information about wheat. It is called '<a href="http://wheatmontana.com/">Wheat Montana</a>'. I have considered ordering some wheat from there. The 'soft white wheat' sounds really good.<br /><br />Here is another quote that I found in the pamphlet I referenced to in my previous post:<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">“There is more security in wheat, than in all the political schemes of the world, and also more<br />power in it than in all the contending armies of the nations...<br />“They have sold themselves for naught, and must be redeemed without money!’ It will take<br />wheat to redeem them! ...it will preach the ‘gathering’ more eloquently, successfully, and extensively than<br />all the missionaries that we can send out to sweep through the nations,..” ~ Orson Hyde, JD, 1:207<br />“The time will come that gold will hold no comparison in value to a bushel of wheat” ~ Brigham Young,<br />JD, 1943 ed., 1:250, p.29<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-24296661757528105662009-02-08T18:28:00.000-08:002009-02-09T10:07:07.866-08:00'Really' Using your food storageOk, I have a weakness for perusing preparedness blogs, discovering interesting tidbits of information. There are SO many that I would love to post on my blog, but then this blog would be much more sporadic then it is. <br /><br />I just discovered an interesting <a href="http://d.scribd.com/docs/hl612tmmjd2ee3djq1g.pdf">article</a> that the church published in 2005. It is on <a href="http://d.scribd.com/docs/hl612tmmjd2ee3djq1g.pdf">'Using only the ingredients contained in the One-Month Basic Food Storage'</a> Wow! It talks about everything from Sprouting, to Baby Foods, to growing Wheat grass. It gives recipes that can be used from your basic food storage. I really, really like this...and I want to print it, and put it in a preparedness binder. (that I have yet to compile)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-58831101480356373042009-02-08T18:26:00.000-08:002009-02-08T18:27:11.638-08:00Survival Ration BarSurvival Ration Bar<br /><br /> 3 cups cereal (oatmeal, barley flakes or wheat flakes)<br /> 2 1/2 cups powdered milk<br /> 3 tablespoons honey<br /> 1/2 package citrus flavored gelatin<br /> 1 cup white sugar<br /> Optional: (chocolate chips or mixed fruit)<br /><br /> Directions for mixing:<br /> Place all dry ingredients (except gelatin) into mixing bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of water to the honey and bring it to a boil. Dissolve the gelatin in the honey-water mixture, then add it all to the dry ingredients. After mixing well, add water a teaspoon at a time until the mixture is barely moist enough to be molded. Pack in a refrigerator dish or other mold. This recipe makes two bars (each bar 1/2 the size of a match box), or drop on cookie sheet (bite size for eating).<br /><br /> Each bar will provide about 1,000 calories and is sufficient food for one day. It can be eaten dry, or cooked with about 2/3 of a canteen cup full of water.<br /><br /> The bars may be placed in the oven and dried under very low heat -- 250 degrees F., then wrapped in foil and stored indefinitely in a covered container (rotating every 6 months to a year).<br /><br /><br />(Source: Handout from Utah Division of Comprehensive Emergency Management, "72 Hour Emergency Survival Kit - Plus - Food & Water Storage)<br /><br />NOTE: The size package of gelatin was not specified, nor the amount of time required for drying in the oven in these instructions. I tried googling to see if I could find any specific amounts and was not successful. Your best guess will have to do until we hear from someone who has actually tried these. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-61243206225932824952009-01-30T21:22:00.000-08:002009-02-09T13:52:31.378-08:00Pressure CanningI have been meaning to post this for quite some time, now. A couple of weeks ago we did some Pressure Canning. Let's just say I'm a bit addicted. We Pressure Canned Pinto Beans, and Roast Beef. <br /><br />Caroline did the Pinto Beans. (I actually did some Pinto, Red and Black Beans a couple of months back)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD45fflvq4FlredKqYsInTgWGM_I_K4yYfX2uOEhw-axDlLveig1RTGlCUxRTTN63vwieJ9ArAZiCv6n4G2drsk_m4NumGPSz_38siHKBnILxEdOeFCgZmOCWrSwm-llEs8oIhqnpIh0E/s1600-h/IMGP6286.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD45fflvq4FlredKqYsInTgWGM_I_K4yYfX2uOEhw-axDlLveig1RTGlCUxRTTN63vwieJ9ArAZiCv6n4G2drsk_m4NumGPSz_38siHKBnILxEdOeFCgZmOCWrSwm-llEs8oIhqnpIh0E/s320/IMGP6286.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297326577518536962" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqcjpN_mBHRyelmpa_onuOWVp421z5rBrSUprCCbYU549BDqzNAziCOr645QG7VWltp6nriV0VhyGOuiCkvDnJkfw-8kT_35ZCDUBd8tcGdTYxAK3J2WX23qIxPgYIEFjIyEaf_pMAf0/s1600-h/IMGP6287.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqcjpN_mBHRyelmpa_onuOWVp421z5rBrSUprCCbYU549BDqzNAziCOr645QG7VWltp6nriV0VhyGOuiCkvDnJkfw-8kT_35ZCDUBd8tcGdTYxAK3J2WX23qIxPgYIEFjIyEaf_pMAf0/s320/IMGP6287.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297329303489628338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1njHKfpF0kTvExdgBqRG_q-EQ3aUTQB6QAKzUFT7Dq6rjUETcE_7sl3L0Q2_eOIEAvzrTsbmTIuPWElB1PN797AxtsEPMP8g-hupttRf-8za3YO2tePGMQfkUigkBZ4ChoFTeSaYZZs/s1600-h/IMGP6288.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1njHKfpF0kTvExdgBqRG_q-EQ3aUTQB6QAKzUFT7Dq6rjUETcE_7sl3L0Q2_eOIEAvzrTsbmTIuPWElB1PN797AxtsEPMP8g-hupttRf-8za3YO2tePGMQfkUigkBZ4ChoFTeSaYZZs/s320/IMGP6288.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297329295898607106" /></a><br /><br />This is the Roast Beef.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDO0dzgSBXO_Nnhrq7CpWzAvNhWC23krVr5uYF-kmw2jRvuQGCIpjtT4775wEYEX-Mj7lL_DhjUcq29Ps02UdXI82_9f7XXomKhVSgB_JV9BGVg7W50RnTMs6IJheoGiOopFQr9PdnkU/s1600-h/IMGP6290.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDO0dzgSBXO_Nnhrq7CpWzAvNhWC23krVr5uYF-kmw2jRvuQGCIpjtT4775wEYEX-Mj7lL_DhjUcq29Ps02UdXI82_9f7XXomKhVSgB_JV9BGVg7W50RnTMs6IJheoGiOopFQr9PdnkU/s320/IMGP6290.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297329301006549730" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTch9TYwjsbWr2-u11Ph_96iJn0TU52IfPNb2hvCMgw0xiOmtkBkD7PjUEgsId4H6ymvLKJZWQjylo6EIeDUe9MRnFKEzc6NbXkXLBF4sENZe__YsK5eSHdVhcPn30WOGvVu4ZuChTXSM/s1600-h/IMGP6291.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTch9TYwjsbWr2-u11Ph_96iJn0TU52IfPNb2hvCMgw0xiOmtkBkD7PjUEgsId4H6ymvLKJZWQjylo6EIeDUe9MRnFKEzc6NbXkXLBF4sENZe__YsK5eSHdVhcPn30WOGvVu4ZuChTXSM/s320/IMGP6291.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297326584714613826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyjtkjptM5tv18NbkTGMmQlROru3bDc33GdDRGMC4A-CDRaFJlJo4-ZWuWoWk98wdj3E6HOpZBad6fwsvPG18V6oNnrEXwwhdyvy8TbMCHYv_umNKuLHwkwMkvzKTiF_GjoFa_1bQD1U/s1600-h/IMGP6294.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyjtkjptM5tv18NbkTGMmQlROru3bDc33GdDRGMC4A-CDRaFJlJo4-ZWuWoWk98wdj3E6HOpZBad6fwsvPG18V6oNnrEXwwhdyvy8TbMCHYv_umNKuLHwkwMkvzKTiF_GjoFa_1bQD1U/s320/IMGP6294.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297326585543399138" /></a><br /><br />Aren't these Pressure Canners awesome? I am trying really hard not to covet them. LOL <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjqMG08im4TRUOwlHhNyZHRAjBLtp8AbUHGOznd0XN-4wtznRPLkaF_ei4TpfF0DtOFm4C_04OuXOHHzHi7OTX93mQuVRei9qrDYfByOqPdTXP1WCR07xja935Il4ToV38YQmbxObbcw/s1600-h/IMGP6293.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjqMG08im4TRUOwlHhNyZHRAjBLtp8AbUHGOznd0XN-4wtznRPLkaF_ei4TpfF0DtOFm4C_04OuXOHHzHi7OTX93mQuVRei9qrDYfByOqPdTXP1WCR07xja935Il4ToV38YQmbxObbcw/s320/IMGP6293.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297326568915704530" /></a><br />We have already used the beef to make bbq roast beef sandwiches, and also beef enchiladas. Both were a hit with the family. (except one little picky eater we won't mention...he liked it, but he was funny about everything that went into the enchilada mix.)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-19870354500484371202009-01-26T20:24:00.000-08:002009-01-26T20:40:13.527-08:00Washing clothes by Hand...I just got done reading a blog entry on <a href="http://preparednessnibblesandbits.blogspot.com/2009/01/clothes-washing-kit.html">washing clothes by hand</a>. Very informative, and a GREAT idea. I remember about 8 years ago that I had one of those 'hand crank' little washer containers. Where you put the clothes in, close the lid, and then rotate or 'crank' the handle. This tutorial I just got done reading sounds like a much better solution. PLUS, there are more then one uses for the bucket and plunger (well, if you use the plunger for <span style="font-style:italic;">that</span> you might not want to use it again for washing your clothes). plus, not as much 'wasted space' in your storage room. ;)<br /><br />This might be a good solution for a friend of mine that doesn't have a washer, and has had to do her laundry in her tub a few times. (when there isn't any extra money to go to the laundry mat)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-53418154995589661062009-01-13T08:53:00.000-08:002009-01-13T08:56:11.638-08:00Water Storage - TestimonialThis was forwarded from a family who lives up in<br />Washington. Here are three important points, derived from the article:<br />1) quantity of water<br />2) quality of water<br />3) usage tips (pressure rinse spraying the dishes) <br /><br />I thought I'd share some experiences we had from<br />this previous storm cycle. As some of you know, we live in an old<br />house with nuthin' but crawlspace betwixt us and the ground. All our<br />plumbing is hanging out there in the breeze. We've insulated it of<br />course, but if the temps go much below 20F for more than a few hours,<br />that usually penetrates the insulation and we get blockages. Well,<br />during this last storm cycle, our pipes were frozen for a full 7 days.<br />We knew that a blockage was likely, and we've had them before, so we<br />had what we thought was plenty of water saved up in advance. We have<br />close to 400 liters of water in our pantry, stored in 200 2-liter soft<br />drink containers that we've used and saved over the years. Very handy<br />storage method by the way. For our livestock, we have a 300 gallon<br />stock tank, two 100 gallon tanks, a 20 gallon tank, two 15 gallon<br />tanks, and four 55 gallon poly drums as backup. All of those were<br />filled prior to the freeze.<br /><br />And then we started using it all.<br /><br />For fresh drinking water, meal prep, sponge baths and dish washing<br />(ie, anything in direct contact with food or our bodies), we would use<br />the 2 liter bottles. We went through about 7 of those a day for a<br />total of 14 liters per day, or 7 liters per person. Sorta blows that<br />"1 gallon/person/day" estimate right out of the water, no pun<br />intended. Keep in mind that did NOT include water for flushing the<br />toilet, and it most certainly (sadly) did not include showers. Also<br />keep in mind that we've done this before, so our no-tap water usage is<br />well practiced and very efficient. I did dishes once/day, using a<br />single basin for all the sudsing, then a pressure-sprayer for the<br />rinsing, which is WAY more efficient than simply pouring the 2 liter<br />bottle contents over everything. Also keep in mind that we drank a<br />lot of non-water drinks, like milk, and non-dehydrated pantry items<br />like canned soups, which cut consumption too. So there is very little<br />room for reducing that number without dramatically impacting quality<br />of life (or health). Our household consumption rate became an<br />irritation, and made us reconsider how long our 2 liter supply would<br />last, but it never became an emergency. We only ended up using about<br />1/3 of our stores in that regard.<br /><br />As sobering as that was, our livestock water came within a few hours<br />of reaching critical. Normal consumption rates for animals are<br />roughly: 15 gallons/non-lactating cow/day, 7 gallons/horse/day, 1<br />gallon/2 non-lactating goats/day, 1 gallon/20 chickens/day, 1 gallon/4<br />non-lactating rabbits/day, and 1 gallon/2 non-lactating pigs/day.<br />With those approximations, we go through between 50-70 gallons/day for<br />the farm, so our 750 gallons of water should have been plenty. We<br />busted through the ice as much as we could the first few days for the<br />animals' usual water sources. But the buildup of ice consumed as much<br />water as the animals themselves, which had the effect of boosting the<br />average daily consumption. In other words, the cold "consumed" water<br />at the same rate as the animals. We used the 300 gallon stock tank<br />for all the animals that didn't have individual stock tanks. That 300<br />gallon tank remained almost ice-free for the first 3 days, but then we<br />lost more and more water to the ice as the volume of water decreased.<br />The water in the individual tanks in each yard filled with ice too,<br />and if we chipped away the ice such that it went out on the ground,<br />that was water we'd never get back. And finally, because the water<br />tanks started to freeze up, they began to suspend foreign matter in<br />the ice like dead leaves, dirt, or whatever blew into the tanks during<br />the several windy days we had. So that ice was rendered unfit for<br />consumption too. We were also drawing water from the 300 gallon stock<br />tank to flush our toilet once/day, which drew it down further.<br /><br />When the 300 gallon tank reached bottom, we probably still had 50<br />gallons worth of ice that we couldn't use, and by then the individual<br />tanks were also nicely contaminated. So we turned to the standby<br />barrels, but alas we lost fully 1/3 of our volume there to ice too.<br />To cut to the chase, we "burned" through our entire 750 gallons<br />reserved for livestock use in that 7 day period. And that number<br />would have been a lot higher if the animals didn't have the option to<br />eat snow, which we saw them doing (even the chickens did that). Had<br />the water pipes not un-frozen that last afternoon, we were looking at<br />pulling water out of two unreliable sources - our old well and a pond<br />near the house. We already know those water sources are not fit for<br />human consumption and I really didn't want to have the animals<br />drinking it either.<br />So, I go through all this record keeping for one reason - sometimes<br />even our best forward-looking plans are thwarted by conditions that<br />only become apparent when it's too late to do anything about it. In<br />this context, we thought we had plenty of water for the one storm, but<br />those storms kept coming and our supply was almost exhausted before<br />the storm cycle eased off. We're going to drastically bump up our<br />estimates for what water reserves we need and ways to ensure we have<br />it in the future. I hope all of you take a good hard look at what<br />water stores you have, and how those stores might not stretch quite as<br />far as you'd like to think they will. Look at it now and pad your<br />supplies a little more before you find yourself running dry like we<br />almost did.<br />KathrynAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-58108169472461733972009-01-11T16:38:00.001-08:002009-01-12T17:55:19.805-08:00Recipes, using every day food storage.My Sister-in-law, Sarah, sent me some recipes that look YUMMY! They are from the blog: <a href="www.everydayfoodstorage.NET">everydayfoodstorage</a>. I have perused this blog a few times, and really like what I see. Love, love, love all the pictures of the completed recipes. I am a visual type of person. At the site she states: 'don’t we all eat with our eyes first?' For sure! <br /><br />Here is a link to some <a href="http://docs.google.com/gview?attid=0.1&thid=11ec6803a6219b56&a=v">printable recipes</a>, that look scrumptious. Sarah said she was planning on trying the banana pineapple freeze, I hope she does and posts a comment on how it turns out.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-8581078799294598742009-01-09T08:04:00.000-08:002009-01-12T17:54:58.908-08:00The Twelve Months of PreparednessThis last few days I have been 'itching' to get out and put some seeds in the ground...but unfortunately I need to prepare a little better before I can start on my garden. It would seem I am already too late for things like peas (sniff), lettuce, broccoli, and such. And it's a bit early for tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. (but I could start some tomatoes inside)<br /><br />Well, today I was reading an article from the Meridian Magazine, and it talked about having a garden (among many other things) I really enjoyed the article, so thought I would put a link here: <a href="http://www.meridianmagazine.com/emergency/090107month.html">The Twelve Months of Preparedness</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-89631358623970544772009-01-06T16:59:00.000-08:002009-01-12T17:54:32.939-08:00I will prepareI went to an interesting site for the first time, today. It is <a href="http://iwillprepare.com/">I will Prepare</a>. I haven't had an opportunity to delve much into it, but I like what I have seen so far. It gives instructions how to build water barrel stands, solar ovens, etc. It gives preparedness ideas and methods...and there are a LOT more interesting and helpful things that I haven't had the opportunity to check out, yet.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-69502137415171215322009-01-04T10:35:00.001-08:002009-01-12T17:54:11.570-08:00Food Storage - Is it still good??I came upon a post at another preparedness site. It talks about some safety tips for knowing '<a href="http://preparednessnibblesandbits.blogspot.com/search/label/Food%20Safety"><span style="font-weight:bold;">How old is too old</span></a>' for your food storage.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229799317301335169.post-43308909451929985682008-12-07T17:11:00.000-08:002009-01-12T17:55:39.269-08:00Give a gift of PreparednessGive a Gift of Preparedness for any Occasion......<br /><br />Christmas, Birthdays, Valentines, Anniversaries, Mothers/Fathers Day, Easter, or Whenever!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Items with sayings-</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />~Flashlights ~100 Hour Candles ~Matches ~Oil Lamp with oil ~Candles</span><br /><br />“You light up my day/life”<br /><br />“May your Christmas be Merry and Bright”<br /><br />“You are so bright”<br /><br />“Let your light so shine”<br /><br />“We love how you light up our lives, we've come to depend on your glow. Here's a Flashlight to store, so you'll<br /><br />always be sure, to create light wherever you go.”<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">~Matches</span><br /><br />“No one matches you as friends/neighbors/family.”<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />~Seeds</span><br /><br />“The kindness you show, makes our friendship/love grow and grow”<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">~Paper Towels </span>(1, 3, 6, ect. Month supply)<br /><br />“Blot your troubles; absorb the Christmas Spirit”<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">~Hand Egg Beater/Blender</span><br /><br />“Have an Eggstra Special Holiday”<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">~Wheat Grinder</span><br /><br />“Grind away your worries; have a special day”<br /><br />“Just Grind right into a loaf of bread; happy holidays”<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">~Fire Extinguisher</span><br /><br />“My love Burns for you; Happy Valentines/Anniversary”<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />~Solar Oven</span><br /><br />“Here's a little help for Sunshine to brighten your day”<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">~Honey</span> (Any size, with honey dipper & bow on top)<br /><br />“Bee Prepared; Have a happy Holiday”<br /><br />“Bee-cause you are great neighbors; Happy Holidays”<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />~Hand Crank Radio or Ham Radio</span><br /><br />“Tuning into a great neighbor/friend/son, ect.; Happy Holidays”<br /><br />“Tune into my heart full of love/friendship for you”<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">~Filled Basket of any individual Items</span><br /><br />“Wishing you a basketful of Preparedness/Holiday blessings”<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />~ Sleeping Cots</span><br /><br />“I “cot” the Preparedness bug, and now you can catch it too”<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />~Jars of Jam</span> (3, 6, 9, or 12 month supply)<br /><br />“Hoping you have a hoilday jam-packed with fun!”<br /><br />“Have a “Berry” nice holiday season/mothers day.”<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">~Cocoa Mix</span> (Purchase a case from the cannery)<br /><br />“Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas/new years/birthday/Valentines day”<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">~Pasta</span> (Purchase a case of Macaroni from the Cannery)<br /><br />“Have a “pasta-tively” happy holiday/birthday/new year”<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />~Muffin Mix</span> (3, 6, 9, or 12 year supply)<br /><br />“You're getting “Muffin” for Christmas.”<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />~Popcorn</span>(3, 6, 9, or 12 month supply)<br /><br />“Just “popping” by with a Holiday/Birthday hi!”<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">~Soup</span> (homemade jars of dry mix or a supply of canned soup)<br /><br />“Wishing you a “Souper” Holiday Season/birthday, ect.”<br /><br />“We wish you a Wonderful Holiday/Birthday “simmering” gently with love.”<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />~Washboard & Clothes Wringer or Washclothes & Dishtowels</span><br /><br />“This Christmas/birthday/mothers day, you deserve the best, a present unlike all the rest. We considered a new car or an exotic cruise... but decided on something you could really use. Finally we found you a gift to admire,<br /><br />We hope you enjoy your new Washer & Dryer!!<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />~Jarred Bread & Recipe</span> (3, 6, 9, or 12 month Supply)<br /><br />“We're not “Loafing” around when we say you're the best mom/neighbors, ect. Happy holidays/birthday,ect.”<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />~Jarred Butter or Powdered Butter</span><br /><br />“You “butter” have a very Merry Christmas/Happy Birthday, ect.”<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />~Chocolate Chips</span> (3, 6, 9, or 12 year supply)<br /><br />“However the “Chips” may fall, we wish you a Merry Christmas/Happy Birthday, ect. All in all!”<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />~Pancake Mix & Syrup</span> (3, 6, 9, or 12 year supply)<br /><br />“We are “pouring out” Christmas/birthday wishes and hoping you have a Christmas/Birthday “Flip-over”<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">~Rope/Bungee cords/Straps for years supply</span><br /><br />“May your Birthday/Holidays be “tied” up with festive fun!”<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />~Batteries</span><br /><br />“Twas the night before Christmas and Santa was worried, he had an emergency, boy was he flurried! The power was off, and his flashlight was dead, he didn't buy Batteries” when Mrs. S. said. We wouldn't want you in a similar plight, so we give you batteries to lighten your night. Merry Christmas to you, may you walk in the light”<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">~Cannery Fruit Drink Mix</span><br /><br />“Pouring out” Christmas/Birthday cheer to you and yours!”<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />~Any Preparedness Book</span> (Canning, survival, recipe, gardening, ect.)<br /><br />“May the message of this book fill your heart and home with love and safety this Christmas Season.”<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Individual Item Ideas Big & Small-</span><br />(Wrap them up, put a bow on top, stuff them in stockings)<br /><br />~Sewing Kit<br /><br />~Blankets<br /><br />~Cots<br /><br />~Sleeping Bags<br /><br />~Hand Crank Radio<br /><br />~Pressure Canner<br /><br />~Metal Dinnerware<br /><br />~Hand Crank/Shaker Flashlights<br /><br />~Food Storage Buckets with Lids<br /><br />~Any Item from the Cannery- Single Can or Case of 6 with a<br /><br />~Hand Can Opener<br /><br />(Add a recipe corresponding with the food to the top with a bow)<br /><br />~Tarps with no tear grips & straps<br /><br />~Tents<br /><br />~Water Bath<br /><br />~Cast Iron Cookware or Dutch Oven<br /><br />~Canning Jars & Lids<br /><br />~100 hour Candles<br /><br />~Books- Recipe/Survival/Canning/ Gardening<br /><br />~Non-Hybrid Seeds<br /><br />~Rope/Bungee cords/straps<br /><br />Gift Baskets or Packs-<br />(Add to or Take Away Items, to make it cost affective)<br /><br />Sewing Box/Basket<br /><br />Safety Pins(all sizes) needles, thread(heavy/lightweight), buttons, zippers, iron-on patches, shoelaces, sewing<br /><br />patterns, material, stove top iron -vintage<br /><br />Emergency Car Kit/Bag<br /><br />Food, water, first-aid kit, blanket, flashlight, gas siphon, wipes, Kleenex/T.P, map/compass, cash, pad/pencil,<br /><br />cards/activities, flares, matches, jumper cables, calling card, extinguisher, a reminder to add spare keys and<br /><br />walking shoes/socks.<br /><br />Potty Bucket<br />“Hope you don't have a crappy day”<br /><br />Toilet(bucket & seat), T.P., hand sanitizer, baby wipes, garbage bags(for lining bucket), gift card to purchase<br /><br />feminine products.<br /><br />First Aid Kit<br /><br />list is endless, purchase already made, or create your own.<br /><br />Emergency Family Activity Basket/Rubbermade Container/Box<br /><br />Board games, cards, dominoes, coloring books/crayons, game/activity books, pencils/sharpeners, puzzles.<br /><br />Water Pak<br /><br />30 0r 55 gallon Barrels, hand pump, barrel wrench, Filter, water purification tablets/liquid, white hose.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Keeping your Mouth Happy Basket</span> (3, 6, 9, or 12 month supply)<br /><br />Toothbrushes (1 per month, per person) Toothpaste (1 lrg. per month per person) Dental Floss (1 a month per person) Mouthwash (1 bottle per 2 months per person) Toothrepair kit(fillings, picks, ect can be bought at store)<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">72 Hour Kit/bag/backpack</span><br /><br />There are a lot of different ideas and lists. Remember to add a reminder to pack clothes and shoes.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Lighting the Way Basket</span><br /><br />Add any and all kinds of ways to light. Candles, flashlights, matches, oil lamps, lightsticks, lighters, ect.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">A Gift that keeps Giving Basket</span><br /><br />Non-Hybrid Seeds, small garden tools, sprouter, gloves, seed starter, watering can.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Basket of Preparedness Books</span><br /><br />Canning, recipe, survival, herb/plant, gardening, ect.<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />Laundry Gift Tub</span> (packed in large tub)<br /><br />Clothes line, bag of clothes pins, hand crank clothes wringer, laundry soap or gift card, wash board, scrub brush<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />Keeping You Connected, Communications Gift Basket</span><br /><br />Hand crank radio, signal mirror, signal whistle, road flares, calling card, quarters/cash, map, pre-stamped<br /><br />postcards, document to be filled out entitled friends and family phone numbers/addresses with your name already on the list to start.<br /><br />Dutch Oven, any size<br /><br />Add dutch oven liners, hot pads, lifter, cook/use book<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Cooking Gift Baske</span>t (3, 6, 9, or 12 month supply)<br /><br />Plastic wrap, heavy duty foil, zip lock bags (all sizes), wooden/metal spoons, tongs, spatulas, colander/stainer,<br /><br />cheesecloth, dish towelsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566999081088661577noreply@blogger.com3