Thursday, March 24, 2011

In the News: Texas Drought

Hope everyone is enjoying Spring Break - we are having a great time with family in Tennessee. I came across this, which once again reminded me our food supply is fragile.

Don't forget our next meeting on April 5th!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Next Meeting

Will not be until April 5th. Have a great spring break!

Those of you who are waiting to can, I am hoping to have the canner back by the time I get back from Spring Break - so plan on about two weeks, okay?

Prepardedness

I had a few people ask me about the nuclear fallout implications for those on the West Coast. I am by no means an expert on nuclear stuff, but there are plenty of people out there who are. One in particular that I like is by Jim Rawls, who is a former US Army Intelligence Officer. He is a frequent guest to news shows and radio programs to ask his advice and opinions. While I do subscribe to all of his philosophy or promote everything on the site, every once in a while I come across some good information. I am by no stretch of the imagination a survivalist, I have neither the inclination or the means, but good knowledge is not harmful. If you decide to read it, please note that I do not advocate everything on the site. Proceed with your own good common sense and judgment.

Now, if that is clear for ya, HERE is the article on nuclear fallout.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Power?

How many of you were without power last night?

I used the opportunity to make a list of what I am short on if I am without power for an extended time.

1. We knew where all of the candles and flashlight were. The flashlight had good batteries in them. +1

2. Our big generator was ready to roll. +1

3. Our spare gas containers were just about empty. -2

4. We have gas water heaters. Could bathe and wash dishes. +1

5. Have the items to bake a box oven. +1

6. Didn't have said box oven ready to use. -1

7. Had extra blankets for boys' rooms. +1

8. Cell phones were charged, just in case. +1

9. Need adapters for the big appliances to run to the generator. -1

10. Enjoyed each others company visiting and reading scriptures. Survived well without electronic devices, computers and television. +10

Was anyone else without power? Did it make you think??

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Weekly Deals

Knights (good through Mar 9)
Pork Chops $1.48/lb
Ruffles or Lays $2.50
Kraft BBQ Sauce .59
Hormel Little Sizzlers .88
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts $1.68
Split Whole Fryer .88/lb
8 lb Red Grapefruit $2.99

Country Mart (good through Mar 8)
Family Pack Split Chicken Fryer Breast .99/lb
Large Eggs .89
PicSweet Vegetable 5/$5
Always Save Flour 1.39/5lb
Cantaloupes 2/$4
Slicing Tomatoes 1.29/lb

Sexton Foods (good through Mar 8)
Gala Apples .79/lb
Yoplait Yogurt 2/$1
Naval Oranges 4/$1
Tangerines 4/$1

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

In the News: Commodity Food Prices

Go to this article on "Forbes" for insight into the future of the food market.

Recap

Awesome turnout tonight!!! A huge thanks to all of those that came and to Anna Combs for the demonstration on making our own laundry soap. If you have any questions about how to use what you took home - ASK!

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap

4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
½ - 1 Cup Borax

- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)


-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.

-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)

-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)

This soap is healthy for your washer and plumbing systems.

Rub a bar of Fels Naptha bar into stains.

May alleviate soap allergy symptoms.