I canned five more quarts of pears last night..that is the last of my pears. Started on the green beans, but had to stop as we were having a meeting at church tonight. I've only managed to snap one large bowl full, two more to go. Not sure how many quarts this will make, maybe 10? Every little bit helps.
Placed my order with the LDS Cannery (this is my first time, I'm not Mormon, but I have the opportunity to purchase from them, much cheaper than Shelf Reliance), and pick it up on Tuesday. Very excited! Church members are participating as well. Yeah!
Time for bed...it's been a long day.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Another day of running
Canning pears
Canned more pears tonight, just 2 quarts. It would have been four but I accidentally dropped a bowl of diced pears onto the floor, so threw those out to the chickens (sigh). All that work. I showed PD#1 how to peel and dice the pears. Then to put them in a bowl of lemon juice water to prevent them from browning. She was able to complete the small white bowl above before her hand started hurting. I took over and finished up the peeling, coring and dicing. Then poured the pears into jars, added the syrup and processed them in the canner. So far, it looks like 40 lbs of pears (give or take) will make a bout 12 quarts of diced pears. Less than I thought, but I am glad to be able to see the end. It's hard work canning pears. Harder than any other thing I've done. I don't know why, but it is...
Received my new DVD in the Homestead Blessings series, "The Art of Cooking", and watched it tonight. It was very good, just like the others. I can't wait to get the rest of them back from a friend I loaned them to, I want to try out the ideas on them. Next on my list to order is "The Art of Crafting" or "The Art of Quilting". Plus, I am planning on using these as a guide for the girls in their homemaking duties.
PD#1 asked me if I thought the West ladies (on the DVD) were going to make good wives. I said probably so, and that PD#1 would also. For some reason PD#2 (age 8) found this hilarious and started snorting. This earned her a glare from PD#1 (almost 14). Ah! I could feel the sisterly love in the air.
Watching "Stargate" Season 1 (again, I know), and getting ready to lay down to sleep. Have a great weekend everyone!
Bees, Bullets, Beans
Today was more stocking of the homestead. We went to the local grocery store and I was able to stock up on a few things on my list:
flour
yeast
sugar
beans
rice
boullion
vitamins
I did my regular shopping too, spending way too much money for little return ;-(
I also stopped at a local store and purchased seven boxes of 12 ga. shells. That was all they had. ;-(
I had hoped to buy a case or two, but that will mean a trip into the BIG TOWN 50 miles away.
Dove season starts soon...(next weekend).
Came home to put everything up, and will work on putting up more pears and jelly tonight.
I was very shocked at the high prices of everything, and the apparent non availability of standard items like Motrin and Tylenol. Seems it is "supposed" to be a nation wide thing, as most name brand meds have been recalled or manufacturing has been halted. I wonder why? The pharmacist said they were told shipments wouldn't be resumed until the Winter. I ended up purchasing a store brand of Motrin and Bendadry which my medicine box was lacking.
Other than fuel, which I have left up to PH to procure, I feel in pretty good shape. As well as, I can be with the time, money and resources I have. I am about at my storage limits living in 360 sq feet. No more room...
I have been anxious to add a bee hive to our property. It's been in my plans for about 10 years, but I don't know how to start. We have several wild hives in our area, as bees are prolific around here. We had a swarm earlier this year on one of the trees. PH is worried about keeping bees due to the killer bees in the area. Until he changes his mind, I will remain in the research stage, and purchase my honey from a local, homeschooling friend.
My "plan" for this weekend (other than canning) is to start work on my hoop coop for my 20 chicks arriving next week. We also need to get our other wood stove from the town house, as well as, a few odds and ends (fridge, shelves, box, curtains, and pot rack).
flour
yeast
sugar
beans
rice
boullion
vitamins
I did my regular shopping too, spending way too much money for little return ;-(
I also stopped at a local store and purchased seven boxes of 12 ga. shells. That was all they had. ;-(
I had hoped to buy a case or two, but that will mean a trip into the BIG TOWN 50 miles away.
Dove season starts soon...(next weekend).
Came home to put everything up, and will work on putting up more pears and jelly tonight.
I was very shocked at the high prices of everything, and the apparent non availability of standard items like Motrin and Tylenol. Seems it is "supposed" to be a nation wide thing, as most name brand meds have been recalled or manufacturing has been halted. I wonder why? The pharmacist said they were told shipments wouldn't be resumed until the Winter. I ended up purchasing a store brand of Motrin and Bendadry which my medicine box was lacking.
Other than fuel, which I have left up to PH to procure, I feel in pretty good shape. As well as, I can be with the time, money and resources I have. I am about at my storage limits living in 360 sq feet. No more room...
I have been anxious to add a bee hive to our property. It's been in my plans for about 10 years, but I don't know how to start. We have several wild hives in our area, as bees are prolific around here. We had a swarm earlier this year on one of the trees. PH is worried about keeping bees due to the killer bees in the area. Until he changes his mind, I will remain in the research stage, and purchase my honey from a local, homeschooling friend.
My "plan" for this weekend (other than canning) is to start work on my hoop coop for my 20 chicks arriving next week. We also need to get our other wood stove from the town house, as well as, a few odds and ends (fridge, shelves, box, curtains, and pot rack).
Thursday, August 25, 2011
A bunch of junk
Today I took a bunch of junk gold jewelry to sell. I was hoping to get enough to buy additional items to keep my pantry and medicine cabinet stocked, and hopefully some to go towards my Berkey Water Filter. I was very excited that I received so much for a ziploc baggie of broken gold chains, earrings missing a mate, silver beads from a necklace, a silver locket and a silver ring.
I was able to re-stock my large first aid kit (it's really a tool box). I'd like to order several more dental kits and another suture/syringe kit from Amazon, but we'll see. I feel pretty comfortable that I have enough OTC meds, bandages, and medicinal herbs (capsules, dried, and tincture) to cover most illnesses, not major ones though. I am not equipped for that...yet.
Once home, PH continued working on the house piers. I went through the medicine chest, and tossed out bandaid wrappers, old medicine, and sticky cough drops. Placed all the herbs in the chest, and covered it with the top compartment. As long as the herbs stay in a dark place, they will last almost indefinitely.
I purchased all the seeds they had at Dollar Tree. They aren't heirloom, but I don't care about that....I have both. The only seeds left were Beet (25), Turnip (3), Radish (12), and a couple of Lettuce (2). I figure it would be something to eat, and the goats would eat them too. They were normally $1.00 each but I got them on clearance for 10 cents each. I was very excited about them. Last year I purchase a bunch of pumpkin seeds. We planted them this year, and I will can most of them, either as stewed pumpkin or pie filling.
I will be picking up more canning jars, extra lids, and the shot gun shells tomorrow, as well as, ordering the Berkey (I hope)!
Tomorrow I also plan to work on more canning of pears, and laundry. ;-)
I was able to re-stock my large first aid kit (it's really a tool box). I'd like to order several more dental kits and another suture/syringe kit from Amazon, but we'll see. I feel pretty comfortable that I have enough OTC meds, bandages, and medicinal herbs (capsules, dried, and tincture) to cover most illnesses, not major ones though. I am not equipped for that...yet.
Once home, PH continued working on the house piers. I went through the medicine chest, and tossed out bandaid wrappers, old medicine, and sticky cough drops. Placed all the herbs in the chest, and covered it with the top compartment. As long as the herbs stay in a dark place, they will last almost indefinitely.
I purchased all the seeds they had at Dollar Tree. They aren't heirloom, but I don't care about that....I have both. The only seeds left were Beet (25), Turnip (3), Radish (12), and a couple of Lettuce (2). I figure it would be something to eat, and the goats would eat them too. They were normally $1.00 each but I got them on clearance for 10 cents each. I was very excited about them. Last year I purchase a bunch of pumpkin seeds. We planted them this year, and I will can most of them, either as stewed pumpkin or pie filling.
I will be picking up more canning jars, extra lids, and the shot gun shells tomorrow, as well as, ordering the Berkey (I hope)!
Tomorrow I also plan to work on more canning of pears, and laundry. ;-)
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
It was dicey!
I spent several hours today canning pears. Who knew it was such an arduous task!? So far, it is the longest process to date. The pears I received (all 40 lbs) were small due to drought, and didn't take long to peel, BUT to get enough to fill a quart jar, my hand was hurting! I peeled pears, cored them, then diced them. Being so small, all that was left after peeling/coring were pieces, so dicing it was to be. I put the pieces in a container filled with lemon juice and water to prevent browining. I had the canner on the stove with the jars in it sterillizing, and another pan with the sugar and water cooking to make a hot, medium syrup to cover the pears with. I was able to peel enough to fill 4 quart jars (all that my canner will hold at one time). I was thinking it would be 10 minutes, about like jelly, but no! It was 25 minutes in the water bath canner. PDs were less than impressed, and only gave me a cursory glance. I was so proud, and no one patted me on the back! I vow to not share my pears with anyone! PH wasn't impressed either! He is now on the list to not receive any. It looks like it will be me and PS (he actually helped by handing me pears to peel) eating pears this Winter.
I still have an almost full box of pears to can. Who knew 40 lbs of pear would take so long to can (sigh). I am thankful for them, but it sure is tiring on these old legs to stand and peel pears, plus the rest of the process.
PH and I discussed my next purchase. I am cashing in some of my silve (shhh!) - keeping some too. I want to get a few things on my list which are:
Berkey Water Filter
RV Solar Panel Kit
Food from local LDS cannery
12 gauge shotgun shells for both shotguns
Additional caning jars, lids and pectin
Additional first aid supplies and herbal meds
Chicken feed/hay
Kerosene
100 gallons of gasoline for fuel tank (tiller, chain saw, garden tractor)
I asked PH which he felt was the most urgent. From the response I received, which I am still mulling over
the answer, I can only assume he could care less. (sigh) I was hoping to have some direction here.
So, I made a list (I love lists BTW) of things I am needing to stock up on, and tried to rate the priority.
I have Shelter (check) - includes two woodstoves and a kerosene heater (wood we have, kerosene we need)
I have a water source, and an 1100 gallon tank, but a filter would be nice.
I have some food, but more is needed. I figure I have about 6 months worth, plus seeds, chickens, and goats for food sources.
Regarding self defense/home defense/hunting (which is PH area) we went over and discussed what is in our collection. We talked about trading in 2-3 for another style. I'd rather keep what we have, but have left it up to PH to make the final decision. I also did an inventory of ammunition, and discovered we seriously need 12 gauge shot gun shells. I only have 63 actual shells plus two small boxes of 12 ga. buck shot. So, PH suggested I put that on the list to check out tomorrow. Dove season starts next weekend, so there are several local sales, which is great. We are fine in other areas, though I think another couple hundred rounds of 30.30 (deer season you know - wink, wink) would not be out of line to purchase.
Also, on the list is a pair of jeans for me. I wear mostly skirts, but need another pair of jeans for working around the farm. DS#2 needs a pair of shoes, and DS#1 could use some clothing too. Trying to be a good Proverbs 31 woman can be tiring and expensive.
In keeping with preparing meals out of the freezer/pantry (in the house, not the deep freeze). Yesterday's menu was:
Fried canadian bacon
green beans
mac and cheese
homemade bread/butter
iced tea
Tonight:
Flank Steak/Leftover chicken cooked on grill
Baked potatoes
egg noodles with butter
Fried onions (garden)
homemade bread/butter
Popcorn for a snack (we make a lot of pop corn, more than when we had a microwave)
iced tea
Thursday:
Hot link sausage from Dziuks (local butcher)
frozen broccoli
cornbread/butter
iced tea
chocolate cake/cupcakes (if PD#1 makes them)
Good night (good morning - it's almost 1:30 am!)
I still have an almost full box of pears to can. Who knew 40 lbs of pear would take so long to can (sigh). I am thankful for them, but it sure is tiring on these old legs to stand and peel pears, plus the rest of the process.
PH and I discussed my next purchase. I am cashing in some of my silve (shhh!) - keeping some too. I want to get a few things on my list which are:
Berkey Water Filter
RV Solar Panel Kit
Food from local LDS cannery
12 gauge shotgun shells for both shotguns
Additional caning jars, lids and pectin
Additional first aid supplies and herbal meds
Chicken feed/hay
Kerosene
100 gallons of gasoline for fuel tank (tiller, chain saw, garden tractor)
I asked PH which he felt was the most urgent. From the response I received, which I am still mulling over
the answer, I can only assume he could care less. (sigh) I was hoping to have some direction here.
So, I made a list (I love lists BTW) of things I am needing to stock up on, and tried to rate the priority.
I have Shelter (check) - includes two woodstoves and a kerosene heater (wood we have, kerosene we need)
I have a water source, and an 1100 gallon tank, but a filter would be nice.
I have some food, but more is needed. I figure I have about 6 months worth, plus seeds, chickens, and goats for food sources.
Regarding self defense/home defense/hunting (which is PH area) we went over and discussed what is in our collection. We talked about trading in 2-3 for another style. I'd rather keep what we have, but have left it up to PH to make the final decision. I also did an inventory of ammunition, and discovered we seriously need 12 gauge shot gun shells. I only have 63 actual shells plus two small boxes of 12 ga. buck shot. So, PH suggested I put that on the list to check out tomorrow. Dove season starts next weekend, so there are several local sales, which is great. We are fine in other areas, though I think another couple hundred rounds of 30.30 (deer season you know - wink, wink) would not be out of line to purchase.
Also, on the list is a pair of jeans for me. I wear mostly skirts, but need another pair of jeans for working around the farm. DS#2 needs a pair of shoes, and DS#1 could use some clothing too. Trying to be a good Proverbs 31 woman can be tiring and expensive.
In keeping with preparing meals out of the freezer/pantry (in the house, not the deep freeze). Yesterday's menu was:
Fried canadian bacon
green beans
mac and cheese
homemade bread/butter
iced tea
Tonight:
Flank Steak/Leftover chicken cooked on grill
Baked potatoes
egg noodles with butter
Fried onions (garden)
homemade bread/butter
Popcorn for a snack (we make a lot of pop corn, more than when we had a microwave)
iced tea
Thursday:
Hot link sausage from Dziuks (local butcher)
frozen broccoli
cornbread/butter
iced tea
chocolate cake/cupcakes (if PD#1 makes them)
Good night (good morning - it's almost 1:30 am!)
Monday, August 22, 2011
I've just been playing
After reading a lot of stressful news items online, PH and I were both a little perturbed at the world in general. I came in the kitchen. I find I bake and clean the kitchen when I am upset. It's the tiny little area of control that I have. ;-)
I came to the realization that I am not ready for the economy to tank even further. I've been talking a good game, but I haven't been walking the walk. I've been playing at it. I was so devastated with myself. I feel like the burden of responsibility is all mine, when I know I need to realy on the Lord, and that PH is carrying his load too. But this preparation thing has been my baby since 1999, I thought I had it all figured out. I don't.
I need to check for more propane cansiters on Craigslist, plus another grill, and perhaps a propane stove. My propane grill isn't working properly PH said. The stove burner on the right of the grill doesn't allow for regulating of the flame. This is not good. I had counted on the burner for being able to can and cook without electricity. Now, I can't count on it. I also have a Coleman propane stove, but ask me where it's at. I have no clue!
I don't have enough quarts of food put up. This is a new venture for me. I've always made jelly every year, and pickles too, but that's it. This year I made salsa and a seasoned tomato sauce, but I only have about 3 quarts of salsa, and 10 of the tomato sauce. I find that I am needing to eat what I am storing now, and now able to save it for an "EMERGENCY". What's going to happen in the next year when I really can't afford to buy food?
I've made a list and will be discussing these issue with PH to get his input. I did find that I can order #10 cans of staples from the LDS Cannery in San Antonio. I am torn if I should do this or not. I don't agree with the LDS "church", so should I buy food form them? I'll be in prayer over this issue.
Today I did manage to can 9 - 1/2 pints of grape jelly. I have enough juice I made from the grapes to can another 9 -1/2 pints. I also have my 40 lbs of pears to put up, and then the prickly pear tunas to harvest, along with the nopalitos. I am still looking for more mesquite beans to dry for flour, and to make into jelly. I may have to eat biscuits a lot, but I'll have a couple different kinds of jelly/jam.
I am following the example of another blogger and eating my way through my older freezer items. I don't like depending on my freezer, so it is a good way to clear it out. Tonight I made hamburgers. I had a bag of frozen, pre cooked hamburgers in the freezer. I made homemade buns and served them with onions from the garden, my home canned pickles and additional condiments. I was able to make one loaf of bread, as well as, the buns, so I'll make toast in the a.m., and we can have sandwiches for lunch.
I'll look in the freezer in the morning to see what else I have to go through. I'd love to have more room to store food, but living in 360 sq feet is limiting. I don't want to put added pressure on PH to finish the house, but I feel desperate at times. All of our extra money is going towards the house, but it isn't taking shape fast enough. It's hard for one 44 year old guy to do it by himself . I am worried about his health, but stressed about needing more food storage space. My idea is to use the entire container for food storage once the house is done. Well, most of the container. I'll be keeping the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom for a guest house, but the kitchen shelves and living room area will be my food pantry (I hope). Sometimes PH and I don't see eye to eye ;-)
I came to the realization that I am not ready for the economy to tank even further. I've been talking a good game, but I haven't been walking the walk. I've been playing at it. I was so devastated with myself. I feel like the burden of responsibility is all mine, when I know I need to realy on the Lord, and that PH is carrying his load too. But this preparation thing has been my baby since 1999, I thought I had it all figured out. I don't.
I need to check for more propane cansiters on Craigslist, plus another grill, and perhaps a propane stove. My propane grill isn't working properly PH said. The stove burner on the right of the grill doesn't allow for regulating of the flame. This is not good. I had counted on the burner for being able to can and cook without electricity. Now, I can't count on it. I also have a Coleman propane stove, but ask me where it's at. I have no clue!
I don't have enough quarts of food put up. This is a new venture for me. I've always made jelly every year, and pickles too, but that's it. This year I made salsa and a seasoned tomato sauce, but I only have about 3 quarts of salsa, and 10 of the tomato sauce. I find that I am needing to eat what I am storing now, and now able to save it for an "EMERGENCY". What's going to happen in the next year when I really can't afford to buy food?
I've made a list and will be discussing these issue with PH to get his input. I did find that I can order #10 cans of staples from the LDS Cannery in San Antonio. I am torn if I should do this or not. I don't agree with the LDS "church", so should I buy food form them? I'll be in prayer over this issue.
Today I did manage to can 9 - 1/2 pints of grape jelly. I have enough juice I made from the grapes to can another 9 -1/2 pints. I also have my 40 lbs of pears to put up, and then the prickly pear tunas to harvest, along with the nopalitos. I am still looking for more mesquite beans to dry for flour, and to make into jelly. I may have to eat biscuits a lot, but I'll have a couple different kinds of jelly/jam.
I am following the example of another blogger and eating my way through my older freezer items. I don't like depending on my freezer, so it is a good way to clear it out. Tonight I made hamburgers. I had a bag of frozen, pre cooked hamburgers in the freezer. I made homemade buns and served them with onions from the garden, my home canned pickles and additional condiments. I was able to make one loaf of bread, as well as, the buns, so I'll make toast in the a.m., and we can have sandwiches for lunch.
I'll look in the freezer in the morning to see what else I have to go through. I'd love to have more room to store food, but living in 360 sq feet is limiting. I don't want to put added pressure on PH to finish the house, but I feel desperate at times. All of our extra money is going towards the house, but it isn't taking shape fast enough. It's hard for one 44 year old guy to do it by himself . I am worried about his health, but stressed about needing more food storage space. My idea is to use the entire container for food storage once the house is done. Well, most of the container. I'll be keeping the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom for a guest house, but the kitchen shelves and living room area will be my food pantry (I hope). Sometimes PH and I don't see eye to eye ;-)
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Who said the simple life is easy?
Because something is simple, doesn't make it easy. I live the "so-called" simple life, but it often takes a little bit more work than the modern life.
Because the fruit trees we planted 3 1/2 years ago didn't make it, I drove into town to pick up pears from a lady who was selling them for .50 cents a pound. I bought 40 lbs/$20.00 worth. I will be canning these pears, probably tomorrow (Sunday) or even Monday. We've been eating a lot of them, PH likes them, as well as, PS#2. I keep finding half eaten pears lying around outside where PS#2 throws them to the chickens. These pears are small, due to the drought, but they are good!
We had company for dinner tonight, two of my sisters, niece, nephew and baby sister's boyfriend. This is the first time we have met him. He was really nice. He loved our goat Curly, and took a picture with him.
I wanted to be able to provide a meal entirely from my food stores. I thawed two organic chickens. PH sawed them in half with the bone saw. I rubbed them with olive oil, sprinkled with lemon pepper and let them sit in the fridge for 2 hours before we cooked them on the grill. The rest of the menu was:
bread
home canned pickles
home canned pickled onions
home canned salsa (sister brought tortilla chips)
corn on the cob (from freezer that I had put up)
home made brownies
iced tea
lemonate
chicken
sausage
gluten free cookies that younger sister brought for PD#1
I was able to bag up the GF cookies (two per baggie) and place in the freezer. YS brought a dozen molasses, a dozen chocolate chips, a dozen M*M from a little GF bakery in Richmond VA.
Our little chicks are thriving, and the two roosters and three hens are trying to find their place in the "pecking order". It can be hilarious to watch.
PH is still plugging away at getting the piers for house set. Only 6 more to go! Yay! After that, he'll be able to place the joists for the floor. I am so happy!
It's still HOT, and our pond level is declining. Pray for rain please!
I wanted to share our church website. Our pastor has decided to brave the realms of the blogosphere
;-) www.fobcc.blogspot.com. Please consider following him and our congregation in our journey to discover what plans the Lord has for us in the areas of worship, ministry, evangelism, fellowship, discipleship and in getting prepared for the emergencies our world may throw at us.
Because the fruit trees we planted 3 1/2 years ago didn't make it, I drove into town to pick up pears from a lady who was selling them for .50 cents a pound. I bought 40 lbs/$20.00 worth. I will be canning these pears, probably tomorrow (Sunday) or even Monday. We've been eating a lot of them, PH likes them, as well as, PS#2. I keep finding half eaten pears lying around outside where PS#2 throws them to the chickens. These pears are small, due to the drought, but they are good!
We had company for dinner tonight, two of my sisters, niece, nephew and baby sister's boyfriend. This is the first time we have met him. He was really nice. He loved our goat Curly, and took a picture with him.
I wanted to be able to provide a meal entirely from my food stores. I thawed two organic chickens. PH sawed them in half with the bone saw. I rubbed them with olive oil, sprinkled with lemon pepper and let them sit in the fridge for 2 hours before we cooked them on the grill. The rest of the menu was:
bread
home canned pickles
home canned pickled onions
home canned salsa (sister brought tortilla chips)
corn on the cob (from freezer that I had put up)
home made brownies
iced tea
lemonate
chicken
sausage
gluten free cookies that younger sister brought for PD#1
I was able to bag up the GF cookies (two per baggie) and place in the freezer. YS brought a dozen molasses, a dozen chocolate chips, a dozen M*M from a little GF bakery in Richmond VA.
Our little chicks are thriving, and the two roosters and three hens are trying to find their place in the "pecking order". It can be hilarious to watch.
PH is still plugging away at getting the piers for house set. Only 6 more to go! Yay! After that, he'll be able to place the joists for the floor. I am so happy!
It's still HOT, and our pond level is declining. Pray for rain please!
I wanted to share our church website. Our pastor has decided to brave the realms of the blogosphere
;-) www.fobcc.blogspot.com. Please consider following him and our congregation in our journey to discover what plans the Lord has for us in the areas of worship, ministry, evangelism, fellowship, discipleship and in getting prepared for the emergencies our world may throw at us.
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