Low Income - Disability Check - Recession

This year is hard on everyone with the recession : high gas prices - high food prices - job cut backs - no jobs - etc. I wanted to share how we are making it on just a disability check of $996 a month for 3 people. This is our second month living off of it, and it was a little hairy last month but better this month.

With this check, we first pay the rent, power and phone bills. And we are left with $ 211. The $211 is used for: food, gas for the truck, truck ins., soaps and etc., and animal food. And this can be tricky and overwhelming, but so far we are doing it.

The rent bill, we can not lower.

The power bill: is high in the summer due to having to run a AC in the food barn (which holds a years supply of food) , in the winter: we use gas to heat with so power bill will drop but then we have to add back the gas bill. Everything is turned off when not in use.

The phone bill: is a little high but it includes- free long distant and a toll free number ( for family and friends to call), and our Internet which is used for school and to find new ways to save money.

Some ways we are saving money, not spending money, doing without wants, new ways of doing things:

1. We started last year storing and stocking up on food and other house hold goods. Which I am so thankful we did because we would be having a hard time now if I had not. And we put a beef cow in the freezer a few weeks ago. So our meat is good and will last 1 1/2 to 2 years.
2. Our milk cow is giving us 21+ gallons of milk a week, chicken give us eggs ( 80+ a week) and meat, and vegs from the garden. You can do a lot with milk and eggs including feeding cats and dogs.
3. We only go to town twice a month. I'd like to get it down to once a month but I'm not there yet. A trip to town cost us $30 in gas round trip.
4. Bought power strips to plug in the TV, VCR, etc., so as they can be turned off all the way when not in use.
5. Lower watt light bulbs
6. Home school books left over from older kids, another 4 years worth left before I need to buy more.
7. We do not eat out, and our sweets are homemade. I do buy cereal as I have not learned yet to make it. The good, low sugar kind- the good for you kind.
8. I make a lot of my cleaners, clothes soap, monthly pads, dish clothes, cloth napkins, socks ( I buy wool sweaters from the thrift store, and take them apart for the wool.)
9. I do use my dishwasher but I don't use my clothes dryer. I chose to give up using the dryer so I could use the dish washer. And it is only ran once or twice a day.
10. I chose to have Internet over dish/cable TV. We have air TV and get 3 channels (ABC, NBC, CBS), we think that is enough for us.
11. We fix things when they break not buy new. I love DUCT tape, but hubby does not. Oh, well I still sneak it in once in a while.
12. We save for things that are needed. We don't rent to own, where you end up paying twice. Now there is nothing wrong with people who choose this, as I know it's their only way. But we chose not to.
13. When I go to the store, I only buy things on sale. I plan my menu on what I have on hand. And at times it's been hard, as you ladies know sometimes you just want something you don't have on hand.
14. You really have to learn to give some things up but not everything. We have all of our needs meet and still have a few of our wants. It's hardest on the kids. But I have been giving mine a choose of things. I just don't say no. I ask her, "Would you like this or that? or Do you want to do this or have that?" Recently she wanted to go to the pool, well we did not have the gas money. Which I told her, she said ok and went out side to play. She came back in a while later and asked," Mom, can I use that big roll of plastic to make a water slide?" I said sure. She found a way to have fun with out spending a penny. I am so proud of her.
15. Read a lot. There are so many ways to learn something new.
16. Pray a lot. Count your every blessing both big and small.
17. Remember this earth is not our home. I say, Earth and living here is our boot camp for heaven.

I know it's going to be a long hard winter for everyone. And we might have to give up some things for a while. But the sun will come out again, this I know. I know some of you are working with a income lower than ours. Some of you may not be able to pay your rent or buy food. And I'm really sorry, I wish I could be of more help to you, but I'll pray for you. Maybe some of my ideas will help you, at least I pray they do.

I will list more things as they come to mind on saving money, etc. And I'll let you know when I find great web sites, too.

Well I better go for now, work to do. Hope you all have a blessed day.

Becky

comments:

Becky - You are such an inspiration. I will continue to pray for you and your family. I agree with you that we are in for a long hard winter. Thanks to your blog I am starting to prepare. Thank you. Comment by Linda August 28, 2008

Wow! That’s amazing! You are a good woman!! Comment by Darce August 28, 2008

I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve linked to you on my blog. I’m really enjoying my time here and it’s nice to see others who live this type of lifestyle. Can you share where you purchased the laundry spindles that hold the socks and underwear? I’m planning my laundry drying for the winter months. Thanks!! Comment by D. August 31, 2008

D.
No, I don’t mind at all. And I got the spindles a Rose’s Dept. Store, here. But I have seen them from time to time at the dollar trees, and Dollar General. I payed about $2.50 for mine and they work great. God bless and have a great day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 1, 2008

I a beyond inspired here. I have always been a live more basic/frugal kind of person, but I come across truly wonderful blogs from time to time like yours here, and I sit in awe at how little I’ve actually done to make my life basic and simple.
Thank you so much for sharing. This large family deeply appreciates it (we have 11 here). Our prayers will be with you and everyone who will be pinching those pennies this coming winter, whether they planned to or not. It will be a rough road ahead, but if we can all share some tips and encouragement it certainly won’t be a lonely one!
I’ve linked you on both my blogs (http://plainhomesteading.blogspot.com/) Prayers and Blessings,Deanna Comment by Deanna September 2, 2008

Deanna,
Thank you for stopping by and for your comment. We will all need each other to make it though this coming winter. I am glad I could help some. With a 11 to feed, I know you have your job cut out for you. And thank you for linking here.
Have a great day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 3, 2008

Becky,
Wow, you sound just like me! I have lived much as you are living for most of my life. You have most of the things I learned and practice, figured out and applied to your family’s lifestyle. And you’ve done it successfully, which is not an easy task. My newest ‘cost cutter’ was the propane. When the propane for the house became more than it cost for gas in the car, it had to go. We just finished building and installing a solar hot water collector and it’s doing well. On a cloudy day, it heated up well enough to shower in without teeth chattering. We heat with wood and cook with wood in the winter, to save on the propane bill. In fact, I had the propane company remove their 250gal tank last summer. I didn’t want to pay rent on it monthly when I couldn’t afford to fill it. Keep up the good work and the blog. More and more people are going to want and need to know how things are done… the old fashioned way that will help them cut costs and still live well. Most of it is attitude and a ‘can-do’ approach. Instead of saying to yourself how bad it is and how it won’t work, try thinking of finding a way to make it work.. your way. I try to look at something that isn’t working and see what has to happen so that it does work. Then I try to make that happen. It can lead to some interesting associations and paths in my mental workings and often leaves me laughing. In the end, most things give up and work for me because I just never give up. Ha! Laugh a lot, it helps. Remember that there’s a larger power out there that can help when you really get stuck and let that power work in your life.Keep up the great blog, I’ll be back to read more and maybe put in 2 cents worth every now and then. Comment by Lisa September 25, 2008

Lisa,
Nice to meet you. We would like a wood stove but with Tommy’s COPD, we can’t. We have thought of solar too, but we rent and can’t. I agree with your can-do attitude. Please feel free to add your 2 cents anytime, as I need all the cents I can get.
Have a great day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 25, 2008

Becky,
I am actually inspired by your post. I am a Filipino and haven’t been in the US but I may say I even speak with at least 150 Americans Everyday. I am a debt collector by profession in a Specific Bank there in U.S. I know we have bad impression as a debt collector but not all is Heartless. I can really feel your situation and it helps me more understand people from U.S. I will pray for you and your family and to all families who experience hardship. Comment by Daphne February 15, 2009

"Noah", He shouted, "Where is the Ark?"

"Noah", He shouted, "Where is the Ark?"  "Lord, please forgive me!" cried Noah. "I did my best but there were big problems. First I had to get a permit for construction and your plans did not comply with the codes. I had to hire an engineering firm and redraw the plans. Then I got into a fight with OSHA over whether or not the Ark needed a fire sprinkler system and floatation devices.

   Then my neighbor objected, claiming I was violating zoning ordinance by building the Ark in my front yard, so I had to get a variance from the city planning commission.

  I had problems getting enough wood for the Ark, because there was a ban on cutting trees to protect the Spotted Owl. I finally convinced the U.S. Forest Service that I needed the wood to save the owls. However, the Fish and Wildlife Service won't let me catch any owls.  So, no owls.

  The carpenters formed a union and went out on strike. I had to negotiate a settlement with the National Labor Union. Now I have 16 carpenters on the Ark, but no owls.

  When I started rounding up the other animals, I got sued by an animal rights group. They objected to me only taking two of each kind aboard. Just when I got the suit dismissed, the EPA notified me that I could not complete the Ark without filing an environmental impact statement on your proposed flood. They didn't take very kindly to the idea that they had no jurisdiction over the conduct of the Creator of the universe.

  Then the Army Corps of engineers demanded a map of the proposed new flood plain. I sent them a globe.

  Right now, I am trying to resolve a complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that I am practicing discrimination by not taking godless, unbelieving people aboard!

  The IRS has seized all my assets, claiming that I'm building the Ark in preparation to flee the country to avoid paying taxes. I just got a notice from  the State that I owe some kind of user tax and failed to register the Ark as a recreational water craft.

  Finally the ACLU got the courts to issue an injunction against further construction of the Ark, saying that since God is flooding the earth, it is a religious event and therefore unconstitutional. I really don't think I can finish the Ark for another 5 or 6 years!" Noah wailed.

  The sky began to clear, the sun began to shine and the seas began to calm. A rainbow arched across the sky. Noah looked up hopefully, " You mean you are not going to destroy the earth, Lord?"

  "No," said the Lord sadly," The government already has."

  AMEN

Technorati Tags: clean humor

Things I Have Been Making

This is a knitted oven door towel. "Shake , Rattle and Roll" Pattern can be found HERE .

A knitted placemat, and pattern found HERE .

Rachel's Knitting Corner Blog has a lot of patterns for sale and free patterns, too. A great site.

Knitted dish clothes. These were really fun to knit. The patterns were free on line.

Here are a few of my home made pads. I used flannel baby blankets from the thrift store, 25 cents a blanket and each one made two pads.

This was a flannel king size fitted sheet for $1 , and is now going to be napkins.

This is a knitted clothes pin holder.

This is the 8 foot bench that Tommy made for the kitchen table, to hold all of our family. They all signed it before they left. It's heavy and takes two big men to move it.

Have a blessed day.

Becky

Comments:

I love that bench! It looks beautifully made. And hurrah for cloth pads, especially the thrifty use of recycled fabrics. =) Comment by Put a Sock in it August 23, 2008

Wow, you have been busy! I do not mind clicking to see your pictures. I only mentioned the resizing because when I first started on homesteader, I was so frustrated to have my pictures disappear and not know why. I have another place on Google BlogSpot and it is so much easier. I put many more pictures there because it is less time consuming. All your hand made products are so pretty and thrifty! I love your way of recycling. Comment by hopefulheart August 25, 2008

What a clever idea and use of baby blankets….cloth pads. Where did you get your pattern? Comment by plantinthings September 6, 2008

plantinthings,
Thank you for stopping in.
Here is the link to the cloth pads pattern:
http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/sanitarypads.htm Comment by jordansfarm September 6, 2008

Thanks dear…..your full of knowledge and helpful tidbits. Comment by plantinthings September 6, 2008

Canning Potatoes

You can use garden or store potatoes to can. Our potato plants died to soon, so we did not get the crop we usually get. So when potatoes go on sale, I will buy a bunch and can them.

These are our new potatoes dug this year. The small ones, I wash really good and can. These are good when it's cold outside.

The above canned potatoes are from this year. The below are from last year. The starch (the white coating on potatoes below) is just washed off, and potatoes are good. The chopped potatoes are used in : beef stew, put in a pan and fried with butter and onions, in a pan and eaten as boiled potatoes, drained over night and used in potato salad, and more.

To pressure can Potatoes:

Small ones: just wash well and pack loosely in jars.

Large ones: Peel and cut into a brine water ( 1 teaspoon salt to a quart of water) , then rinse and pack loosely in to jars.

Then add 1 teaspoon of salt per quart and fill with water.

Process 40 minutes for quarts at 15 lbs.

Happy Canning!

For those of you who do not have a pressure canned, the potatoes can be froze, put in the cool part of your refrigerator. But please do not use a hot water bath canner as it is not safe.

See comment #25 below on how to freeze potatoes.
( more answers can be found in the comments here)

Becky

Comments:
becky. when canning potatoes can you use table salt or do you have to use canning salt? also do you have to cook the potatoes before putting in jars or do you just wash , peal, and pack then pressure cook? thanks kathy Comment by kathy August 31, 2008

Kathy,I use table salt in the potatoes and in the brine.And no, you do not have to cook the potatoes before putting them in the jars. I just wash, peel, pack LOOSELY in jars and can them. Hope this helps, if not let me know.Becky Comment by jordansfarm August 31, 2008

Becky,Thank you for your response on the salt. I done just what you had said and now I have another problem. After I took my potatoes out of the pressure cooker their were some jars that like half of the brine is gone. We made sure that all the seals were on good and tight and filled all the jars the same before putting them in the canner. What happened? Can I break the seals on the jars that the brine is gone in and put more brine in them and reprosess or are they ok like they are or do I just need to go ahead and fix those to eat soon. Only had like 4 jars out of 44 jars to do this. They all look good. Thank You again for all your help. We will be praying for Tommy and your family.Kathy Comment by kathy August 31, 2008

Kathy,Your potatoes are fine. The potatoes soaked up the water and some times the water leaks out. But if they have a good seal, they are fine. Mine do the same thing, and it’s ok. And great job, 44 jars is alot of peeling. Thank you very much for your prayers.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 1, 2008

BeckyI had always heard you could can potatoes, but I have never tried to do them. This year my brother gave me a good supply of potatoes and since it is just my husband and me know I wanted to can them. How long to you process pint jars?I grew up on a dairy farm, seven kid in the family and still can a lot. My boys are grown and moved on but I still can some things for them and they love the cost savings on their food bill.Thanks for your siteSandy
Comment by Sandy September 1, 2008

Sandy,Pints are canned for 35 mintues. And thank you very much for stopping by. Please let me know how your potatoes turn out, ok. Have a great day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 1, 2008

I do not have a pressure cooker, so I would like to know if anyone has used the cold bath method for potatoes. Also, has anyone ever made salsa and either cold bathed or froze the salsa. Sure am glad I found this site!!!Rochelle Comment by Rochelle September 4, 2008

Rochelle,It is not best to cold bath the potatoes, it’s not safe. They need to be pressure canned. Can you borrow a canner from a friend? I am not sure about the salsa as we do not eat it. But hopefully one of my readers will know. And thank you for stopping by. Have a great day.Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 5, 2008

Becky….I would have never guessed that you can can potatoes…..such a good idea as I don’t use very often and the bag usually goes bad.Thanks for the idea. Comment by plantinthings September 6, 2008

Rochelle,Yes, last year I cold bath canned and also froze salsa. Tomatoes are acidic so it’s safe to cold bath can. Hope this helps ya. Comment by plantinthings September 6, 2008

Becky,Do you cook the potatoes before you can them or just pack them in jars and process? I have seen a few other recipes that require you to boil them for ten minutes first and then pack and process. Comment by Lee Snyder September 7, 2008

Lee,I do not cook my potatoes first. I pack them loosely in jars and then can them. And have done so for 10 + years. Yes, I too have seen those recipes and know people who boil first. But for us, when you are looking at a few 100 lbs. of potatoes, to us that’s just extra work. So I canned some with out boiling them first and it worked, and the canned potatoes lasted well over a year. So I guess it’s up to you which way you want to do it. We try and find the fastest, safest way to do things here on the farm, as there is so much to do. I hope this helps you. Maybe some of my readers will put in their thoughts on this. Hope you have a great day.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 7, 2008

Becky,Do you fill the jars with cold water or boiling water? Thanks for your wonderful tips. I’m canning for the first time and came across your site. It’s been very helpful.Blessings,Kimberly
Comment by Kimberly September 7, 2008

Good morning Kimberly,I fill the jars with hot tap water. More and more people are canning now. good luck with your canning and if you have any more questions, just ask, ok.Have a wonderful day.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 8, 2008

Good morning Becky,Thanks for the great information. So far I’ve put back 200+ jars of canned goods, not counting what’s in my deep freeze. I’m not done yet. Not bad for my first year. Anyway, I canned the potatoes last night, just guessing about the water. I ended up using hot tap water just like you said. My potatoes went from being white to having a yellowish gold color. My husband purchased a 50 pound bag. These were russets I believe. Is this okay? Yours still look white and I was wondering what the difference might be. Thanks again…I’m sure I’ll be visiting your blog often.Kimberly Comment by Kimberly September 8, 2008

Hi Becky-Found your website and it is so good to read-just like having a neighbor and friend next door talking to me. Thanks for the great information on canning the potatoes. We have more in our garden than we could keep good for the winter so decided to pressure can them. They ended up having the milky looking water. Glad to know it’s just starch and no problem with the canning. My husband and I also canned sweet corn and green beans for the first time this year. Scary but fun. I followed the directions to a t in the canning book for time and altitudes, etc. so they should be good. Take care-I’ll be keeping you and your family in my prayers. God bless-Marlys Comment by Marlys Zimbelman September 9, 2008

Hey Becky, It’s Cammy here. I am wondering about how many pounds of store bought potatos it would take to can 7 quarts. I have been running crazily and would like to just do one canner at a time. Thanks, and by the way would this work for Sweet potatos you think? You are such a wonderful person to help out all of us “newbies” to canning. Thanks and God bless you and yours! Comment by Cammy Harbison September 12, 2008

Cammy,Good morning. I think it’s about a pound per qt. but the little bit let you could cook for dinner. Or put in pint jars and put another canning rack on top of the qts. and put 4 pints and top. BUT make sure your canner will close. Only one of my canners can I do this with. YES, you can do sweet potatoes in a syrup, but I’ll have to check the time on cooking them. Have a great day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 12, 2008

Thanks so much for what you are doing! I have been canning for years, but have never canned potatoes–this will be a first. Your information is very helpful! Since I’m so visual, it is so wonderful to have pictures! There is nothing better on a cold January evening than to serve dinner from your own canned goods. A full cupboard of canning jars is a beautiful sight…a testimony to God’s goodness! Blessings to all! Comment by Linda Johnson September 15, 2008

Hello, fellow Becky!!I have been canning for a few years now but this is my first year trying potatoes. I did my first 7 quarts - used Yukon Gold and they looked beautiful when I pulled them out of the canner. When they cooled and we were putting them away, we noticed that the water had gelled - probably from the starch. Just wondering if this has happened to you and if the potatoes are still good. P.S. Love your website!! Comment by Becky S. September 16, 2008

Becky S.The potatoes are fine. Just wash off the gell/starch before eating/ using. It’s not harmful, I have always just washed it off. You did a wonderful job. And thank you for stopping in.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 17, 2008

Hi Becky,I don’t have a pressure cooker, but have been processing my dill pickles and salsa in boiling water in large stainless steel pot. Can I do this for the potatoes. I have never had a problem with my other canning goods. Thanks for your time. Great website!
Comment by John Szedlak September 18, 2008

John,It is NOT SAFE to process potatoes without a pressure cooker,they must be pressure canned. Can you borrow a pressure canner from some one? Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 18, 2008

I want to can my small potatoes whole. I do not have a pressure canner. I accept your advice about not being safe to can without pressure but I was wondering if I can a few and keep the jars in the refrigerator until I am ready to use them, would that be safe.
Comment by Nancy September 19, 2008

#25: Nancy,Potatoes are a low- acid food that must be pressure canned to destroy all bacteria and etc. I looked up an other way to store them safely.
freezing them:wash thoroughly, can peel. blanch 3- 5 mintues, depending on size. drain. cool. pack potatoes into can or freezer jars or plastic freezer boxes/ bags. seal, label, freeze.
Or they will stay in the cool part of your refrigerator longer than out. Hope this helps.Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 19, 2008

I loved your nice pictures of canned potatoes. We have a great crop of red and also gold potatoes this year so I wanted to preserve them somehow besides just in bins. Your information is very helpful. It’s great to know that I don’t have to blanch them first.It’s great there are others who believe it’s important for mom’s to be able to be home with their children. My last one of six just graduated this year and I have loved being home with my children (and doing all the neat homemaking stuff as well)God bless you,Helen R. Comment by Helen Robinson September 20, 2008

Becky,Well, I put up 20 Quarts of potatoes for the first time. Hope they come out. I tried reds, whites and russets. Also had some small onions, garlic, beans, peas and corn left from the late plantings so I did 10 quarts with some of the veggies in the potatoes. Also made a beef stock and used that as the canning liquid. Hope to have a nice soup base for this winter. Will let you know how that works out. Friend gave me a recipe for salsa, and it is the best I have ever had. If you want it, let me know. My family uses more salsa than anything else so I had to put up 68 pints. 30 hot, 20 med, and 18 mild. Well, back to preparing the garden for next year. Thank you for your help and will check back later to let you know about the soup. Comment by Lee September 21, 2008

HI,
All the recipes i have found say you have to peel the potatoes as they will produce a bacteria, but i see you can without peeling some. What are your thoughts on this? Comment by Kim Barth September 22, 2008

Kim,If you wash the potatoes really good first before canning, you should have no problems. I never have. Just wash them well. hope this helps.Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 22, 2008

Thanks to all your good advice I have put up many many quarts of Yukon Gold Potatoes! I left the skins on - washed them really well and cut off any bad spots. The Yukons seem to have more starch than the reds so most of my jars have “gelled”. Last Sunday we had to try a jar before I made the decision to can what’s left in my garden. I drained the jar and rinsed them well with cold water. When they were done draining (after the rinse) I fried them. My family absolutely loved them! Even my finicky 6 year old!! It’s so wonderful to “live off the land” and not rely so much on processed food. God Bless you and your family. Happy Fall!! Comment by Becky S. September 23, 2008

Becky S.,I am so glad you all like the canned potatoes. Try allowing them to drain over night after rinsing them, then deep fry them like french fries. We really like them this way. Or after draining over night - make potato salad, prefect potatoes salad every time. And thank you for letting me know about your canned potatoes. Have a wonderful fall.Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 23, 2008

Becky,I, too, am reporting in that canning my red potatoes went well! Thanks for your help and insight.The tomatoes are about done and now it is on to applesauce–my favorite!! The whole house smells so wonderful! Thanks, again. You are in my prayers. Comment by Linda J September 23, 2008

Linda J,Your welcome. I am so happy they turned out right for you. How did the applesauce go?I made apple butter, apple jelly, both for the first time this year. Boy, there is a lot of work in both. But I like to try some thing new every year. I started apple sauce about 4 years ago, now mine won’t even look at the store bought stuff.Thank you very much for your prayers.Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 25, 2008

If I freeze my potatoes wont they go mushy when thawed out?
Comment by sharon d September 25, 2008

Sharon D.,I have never froze potatoes. I always can them. The freezing potatoes came out of the Ball canning book, for those who don’t have a pressure canner. I was giving another safe way to put up potatoes. Sorry I could not be of more help on this.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 27, 2008

Hi..this willl be my first time canning potatoes. I am very excited about it..Thanks for all your tips.
Comment by Joyce September 29, 2008

Joyce,Please let me know how your canning goes.Have a great day.Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 29, 2008

mami wand to can potatoes but do not want them cooked. i like to fry them later. i like them hard when i fry them. is this possible?lil Comment by dale stratton October 2, 2008

Lil,Once the potatoes are pressure canned, they are so what hard. I fry the canned potatoes in a pan, and deep fry them, and they do not fall a part. And they are hard enough for potato salad.Hope this helps.Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 2, 2008

Hi Becky, love your site - love to see someone milking by hand too! We milk goats by hand, raise our children and our food here on our farm in Michigan too! God Bless you for what you are doing for our next generation. I love the blogs from you and all of your visitors about canning. I am going to do potatoes for the first time. I have been told by several people to wash them in the washing machine on gentle cycle. Ever heard of this? I was also wondering about the draining them overnight for potato salad. Do you just leave them out in a strainer at room temp, or what exactly. I got the point loud and clear about pressure canning so I wil be borrowing a pressure canner. Thanks again and prayers for Tommy and your family.Sherry Comment by Sherry October 4, 2008

Sherry,Nice to meet you. Sounds like you have your hands full too in Michigan.Never heard of useing the washing machine, sorry, I just wash them by hand.Draining the potatoes for potato salad: Leave potatoes in the strainer and put potatoes and strainer in your ice box over night to drain. Happy canning, let me know how they turn out. Thank you for your prayers.Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 4, 2008

Well I was just given a couple hundred pounds of potatoes Give or take. SO I guess I will be canning potatoes for my first time. Its been awhile since I canned anything. My question is how much water do you put in your pressure cooker. I kinda forgot. I am also from Michigan and greatly appreciate your time and effort you have put in your web site it’s a god send. I think allot of us would be lost without people like you helping out…..Thank-you Comment by Becky October 5, 2008

It’s more like 400 -600 pounds lol of potatoes too bad you did not live by me I could give you a couple hundred. Comment by Becky October 5, 2008

Becky,What a wonderful blessing you got.With the jars in the canner, then fill with water until the canner is half full of water. Hope this helps. Please let me know how many quarts you get? That is a lot of peeling.Happy canning. And thank you for stopping in.Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 5, 2008

help I don’t have a pressure cooker i only have cold pack
Comment by cindy October 8, 2008

Beckythank you for helping I don’t have a pressure cookerand would like to use my canner to do potatoes Comment by cindy October 8, 2008

Becky,I was wondering if when you bottle potatoes do you have to put the salt in. I’m doing the red potatoes. My husband can’t have salt on his food. But I really want to do them. Thank you Jeanne
Comment by Jeanne October 10, 2008

Cindy,Potatoes have to be pressure canned. Please see if you can borrow one from someone, as this is safest way. Or see comment #25 here for freezing them and storing them.
Jeanne,I am not sure about not adding the salt. I don’t know how safe that would be. I’m sorry I can’t answer this question for you. Maybe you can freeze him some (see comment #25 here). Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 11, 2008

Becky,I was wondering if you could give me insight. I canned my yukon golds with the directions you gave. The potatoes are very soft. They are great for mashing but not fried or salads. Is there a reason that you might know of? Is it because they are yukons or maybe because they are home grown? Any help would be great! Thanks again for you input! Blessings, Melinda Comment by Melinda October 15, 2008

Melinda,I am not really sure why your potatoes are soft. For I can the Yukon golds potatoes that are homegrown for years. How old were the potatoes? But I’m not even sure if age is reason. I am sorry, you have me stumped. Mine have never been soft. Could you have cooked them too long?Sorry I could not be of more help.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm October 16, 2008

Hi BeckyI love your web page. I have been canning for 6 years now. This will be the first year that I try canning potato. I have alot of sweet potato (yams) to do but I don’t know how to do them. Please help. The red and white one I will start working today. This year I have put up about 300 quarts of green beans, 30 quarts and 15 pints of tomato, 34 1/2 pint of strawberry , blackberry jam plus bags in the freezer, froze 15 bags of cabbage, made sauerkraut and apple butter for the first time, froze hot and green pepers, canned hot peppers and make cabbage rolls for the freezer. I canned beets,froze turnups and dried my onions, so all I have left is these potatos. Comment by Alice October 18, 2008

Alice, you have been busy.
Sweet Potatoes canned:Boil first for about 5 min. so as the skins will rub off.Leave small ones whole/ or cut,pack into jarsFill with water or med. syrup( med. syrup: 3 1/4 cup sugar and 5 cups water= 7 cups syrup)leave 1 inch head space, remove air bubbles`Pressure can 10 pounds for:pints: 1 hour 5 minutesquarts: 1 hour and 30 mintuesHope this helps. Please tell me how you freeze your cabbage.
Thank you for stopping in, have a wonderful weekend.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm October 18, 2008

BeckyI cut mine in 1/4 and blench it for 10 minutes. let it drain. pack it in bags. I like leaving it in 1/4 what way I can cut it up anyway I want when I get ready to use it. 1/4 you can use in roast, chop or shred is great in soups or fry. The secret is let it thaw and drain the water before using it.thanks for your help
Comment by Alice October 18, 2008

Alice,You are an amazing woman!! 300 Qts. of beans!!
Becky,Thanks for the Sweet Potato idea…I’ll need to watch for sales. Linda J Comment by http://valleyvisions.blogspot October 18, 2008

Becky I’m canning with large mason jar some deer meat.I can’t remember how long to cook them to seal the lids.I could use some help thank you for last time with trying to bottle some potatoes with out salt.Jeanne Comment by Jeanne October 19, 2008

Hi Becky,
I was reading on another website that forcing depressuring (manually letting the steam off quicker) could spoil your canned goods. Do you have any comments on this? This is my first time canning with a pressure canner. I have always did the water bath or hot pack methods.Thanks,Myrna Comment by myrna October 23, 2008

Myrna,I have never heard of this. I always let the pressure cooker cool by itself. Which usually takes about an hour, I’m for safety first. Now in my 4qt.pressure cooker when I’m cooking corn on the cob in it, I do run it under cool water to cool it down faster. But I would never do it with canned foods I’m going to store.hope this helps,Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 25, 2008

Becky,Our local market had 2 boxes of small red potatoes marked $2.00 a box. I am guessing there was at least 25lbs to a box. How could I resist. So we canned the potatoes for the first time.I cut them into 1/4s and placed them in the quarts with water and salt. Processed for 40 min after the giggle at 15lbs. Some of the bottles in each batch lost about 50% of the liquid. The potatoes looks soft and are falling apart. We had 1 jar that did not seal so we tried them for breakfast this morning and they were great fried. They were kind of like using the leftover potatoes from a roast, that kind of soft. Just think it is strange that some lose the liquid and why they seem over processed. I hope you have some ideas. Thanks for the help. Comment by Karen October 26, 2008

opps guess that would be jiggle not giggle but that is fun too.
Comment by Karen October 26, 2008

I have canned for over 20 years..I put up around 1500 jars of food this summer and filled up 3 deep freezers..I have a large family..(expecting my tenth)..and gardening/canning is no hobby for me but a necessity!!..You should never try to “cool” your pressure canner down quickly by releasing some of the pressure…Your jars never seal in the canner until after they have cooled..by releasing the pressure you can lose some of your fluid inside the jar and can also take a significant risk of breaking your jars by decreasing the temperature too rapidly!!..I have 2 stoves and 3 pressure canners I use in the summer..and I ALWAYS just turn off the stove eye and let my canners cool on their own..Some people suggest moving them to a table or counter-top to cool off..but the least amount of jiggling the contents can break your jars!! Patience will pay in the end!!! Comment by jana October 26, 2008

Also, I have had tremendous luck canning sweet potatoes, but have never liked white/gold/or red potatoes after canning them..They have always been too mushy for me. Sweet potatoes however are a different story and do very well!! Comment by jana October 26, 2008

Karen,I’m not sure about the soft potatoes, as mine are always hard enough for potato salad. And it times some of the water comes out of my jars. And once in a while a jar will not seal, and I’m not sure why. At times I think it’s just a bad lid. What a great deal you got on the potatoes. Sorry I could not be more help. Thank you for stopping in. Have a great day.
Jana,I thought I can a lot, 1500 jars is a lot. I too, fill 3 freezers. But my family is no longer that big. Now there is just 3 of us. I agree with you about cooling down the pressure cooker, as this is what I do. And Tommy loves the sweet potatoes canned. Thank you for stopping in and your comment.Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 28, 2008

What is the shelf life of canned potato’s.
Comment by Marcy November 6, 2008

Marcy,I know mine last for a year, harvest to harvest. We have never had any left longer than that. Hope this helps.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm November 7, 2008

Becky,
You have answered all my questions from past comments.I’m really nerves on the pressure cooking. I (My father and step mother) used my pressure cannier (canned beef) for the first time but I had my family’s help. But still nerves to do it myself. I have had a garden for 2 years now and it sure is a good feeling when the finish product is sitting on the self. My Aunt Ada would be proud of me!!! I’m putting you on my favorites so if I have any questions I know where to coming (HERE).I also stay home with my kids.
Thankyou and God Bless,Amy Comment by Amy November 14, 2008

Sorry wrong email address. This is the right one
Comment by Amy November 14, 2008

Amy,The more you use the pressure canner the better you will feel. Just give it a little time. It’s the best thing you can learn to do, and will help you out the most. Please keep me updated on how you are doing with it, ok. Have a great week end. Thank you for stopping in here.God Bless you and your family,Becky Comment by jordansfarm November 15, 2008

I canned potatoes last year, they look great and pretty as yours! BUT…I didn’t know about the pressure cooker and just water-bathe them for 45 minutes. What do you think? Should I just discard the 20 jars of it or try them and see? I’m afraid now! Comment by Marcie November 16, 2008

Marcie,This is what I would do, but you need to do what you feel is right and safe for you. I would open a jar and smell them if they did not smell bad or look bad, I would reboil them GOOD before using/serving. Then taste one, to check taste. I am sorry I can’t just come right out and tell it’s ok, because I am not sure on this one. Trust yourself on this.Hope this helps you some.Becky Comment by jordansfarm November 16, 2008

I have finally finished my potatoes. 167 quart jars. It feels so good, and so reassuring. Thank you for posting this. It was exactly what I was looking for. I have almost bottled 500 jars of fruit, and veggies this year.
My husband will need to have surgery on Monday for a ruptured disc in his back. I will be living on our food storage for the 6-8 weeks that he is out. It is nice to know that it is there. The reduced paycheck will only pay for bills and now I will still be able to feed my family. thank you and my thoughts and prayers are with your family. Comment by christie November 20, 2008

I noticed you left the red peels on do you have to peel russets or can you leave the skins on? Comment by Laurie November 25, 2008

Laurie,You can,if you wash the skins VERY well. I only leave the skin on the small potatoes, as peeling them would not leave much potato. Hope this helps.Becky Comment by jordansfarm November 26, 2008

Becky,
I just wanted you to know you’ve inspired me - I canned 7 quarts of potatoes for the first time today. ) I’ve canned lots of other things, but never thought about canning potatoes until I found your blog several months ago. Thank you! I have so many other things I want to try canning (cheese sauce, dried beans, etc.), and I feel like time is running short. I really appreciate all of the information you’ve shared on your blog. It is truly so helpful!
Continuing to lift you, Tommy, and your family up in prayer.
Stacie Comment by arksoaper December 9, 2008

Stacie,You are more than welcome, I am glad to help. I have been reading your blog and you are doing a great job with everything. My best find this year was the canned cheese sauce and the clothes soap. Thank you very much for all your prayers for us.Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.Becky Comment by jordansfarm December 10, 2008

Becky, Just got done canning 7qts of potatoes, Looks like they are over cooked, (soft) When you talk about processing for 40 minutes. Is that once the canner starts to jiggle. Or Do you start timing when you put the canner on the stove? Thanks Cara Comment by Cara January 3, 2009

Cara,Yes, you start timing when it starts to jiggle. Hope this helps.Becky Comment by Becky January 7, 2009

Love this site, first time here, will can next year. here is a tip for potatoe fry lovers. Cut the taters as you wish raw, soak in in sugar water, for a hr or so before frying. You will never make french fries again with out this method I’d bet.YUMM Lots of sugar,sweet water. Rod Comment by Rod January 7, 2009

This is excellent; I like knowing how many pounds to quarts. Thank you! Comment by Prudent Homemaker January 19, 2009

Gave my wife a pressure cooker for Christmas and I ended up wanting to play with it. I thought potatoes would be a good first start. I’ve got a question if you don’t mind. I thought I’d experiment with just 15 lbs. of potatoes but ran out of time after my first batch. I’ve got the unprocessed potatoes in their jars with no water in them. Would it be alright to put them in the fridge overnight and start the process up again another day? I’m sure I need to let the jars warm up before just putting them in hot water. Will this work or should I try something else in the future? Again, this was meant as an experiment so if I need to start over, that’s fine. Thanks, Bill Comment by Bill February 2, 2009

Bill,I am not sure about this. I always make sure I have time set aside for canning, usually a whole day. I would think that just putting jars in fridge with no water in them would turn the potatoes colors. I , myself, would not pressure can them. Maybe you could cook them for a meal, but add water so as they don’t turn colors. I really hope this helps some.Becky Comment by Becky February 2, 2009

Drying Clothes without a Dryer

This chain is on my porch. But it could be hung in a hallway or between two trees. On bad days, I fold towels in half and clothes pin them to the hangers. Blue jeans, socks, and on can also be pinned on. Even in high winds the clothes do not come off the hangers. When you go to the store to get the chain, take a clothes hanger with you, to make sure it fits in the chain.

Here is how Tommy screwed it to the porch.

These little spindles are great. Each holds 8 pairs of socks or 8 underwear. As you can see I have a lot in the back ground. And they take up very little space. The one with the socks on it, is hanging on a clothes line that is run in our hall way. And in the winter, I hang blue jeans on this line, and other clothes. It is up out of the way, and can not be seen unless you are looking for it.

I have 4 of these wooden clothes racks. I picked them up at the thrift stores for a $2.00 each. I put towels on these, too.

Hope this gives you some ideas on getting by with out your dryer.

Have a great day.

Becky

Comments;

I bought our folding rack at Lowes — it’s a plastic coated style. I have a small wooden one I use for laundry, but the plastic coated one is my pasta drying rack. I tried just lying the pasta across a broom handle on two chairs, but we make so much, I finally went for the larger drying rack. I certainly need aback porch and a drying line like this! My only covered porch is in front…though we live pretty rural out here on the mountain and no one really uses our road much. Guess I could just embrace my hillbilly roots and go for it, heh? Deanna Comment by Deanna September 2, 2008

Deanna,
I will be trying home made pasta soon, thanks for the drying rack idea. Hillbilly roots are good for everyone. I have been known to step out of the box more than once.Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 3, 2008

Love the clothes on the porch! We have Amish friends that have a ‘clothes porch’ –which is one of their porches with clothes lines running across the top. To help save money, I hang clothes out even in the winter. (we live in Western PA) We laughingly call it ‘freeze drying’. If I get an early start and there is a decent breeze, lighter weight things will dry with no problem. Towels can be a bit trickier, but it can be done. It takes some skill to work clothes pins with gloves! If things aren’t quite dry, I bring them in to finish drying on my line in the basement. The bonus is the scent! The winter air smells so different and wonderful. You can’t put that in a bottle. Comment by Linda J September 27, 2008

Linda J.,Thank you. I usually hang my clothes out at about lunch time in the winter, no gloves. And leave them out over night to “freeze dry”. I find that if they freeze, it makes them soft, like using the dryer. I bring them in the next day, if they are still not dry, I hang them in the hallway.And this helps add moisture to the air in the house.Have a wonderful day.Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 28, 2008

Getting ready for Winter, Family weekend, Photos,

The News yesterday said we were in for a hard, long winter, with prices still going up, and all the floods and fires in the USA.  All around here people are without jobs, and having a hard time making ends meet.  More and more people are asking me what I do and how I do it.  I tell most it's about giving up things, (eating out, driving to town for no real reason,  buying ready made meals, etc.). This is not a easy time for anyone here in the USA. People need to go back to helping each other and trading for what they need.  We had family up last weekend, and  we needed help cleaning up the yard and house. With no money to hire help, we asked friends to help. They too, have been out of work for months.  So we traded meat and canned goods for their help. So everyone won. I liked too thank those good friends again for their help and their friendship, you guys mean a lot to us.  Good friends are very hard to come by.

Barb // August 8, 2008 at 10:27 am

I found your blog most helpful and I do agree with your husband. We are headed for some very hard times ahead. I would love to know how you heat your home and what part of the country that you live in? We may not have gas or electric heat in the future….and that is all I have. I have a wood stove that I have thinking about installing in case we lose our electricity.
Love your blog…..great info.
Barb

Barb asked in a comment about  how we heat our home. Well we use gas, and live in  GA, USA.  With Tommy's breathing wood  heat would be hard. And our house has no where to put a stove.  With our gas heater, it still works if the power goes out. If you all can get a wood stove, do so now. A friend told me yesterday, that the wood stove companies were not making as many this year due to high prices on everything.  We know our heating bill will be up but right now we just will have to make due. No running around the house in shorts this winter. And we'll wear our shoes in the house. I'll being baking more this winter: breads, cakes, cookies, etc. Which will help heat the house.

Tommy and I were talking about the winter times coming just last night. We are trying our best to plan ahead as much as we can.  With his disability check we get every month, we'll pay the rent, power, phone, heating gas and have a little let. So we are blessed to be able to pay these bill as some can't. Heating gas: we used 200lbs. a month last winter( running it on low) for about $100 a month, but the gas prices have jump here by $20 extra a 100lb tank.( last year a 100lb tank filled cost $50 and has jumped to $70 and winter is not here yet) We use two 100 lb tanks, and fill them as needed. I know most people have the big 250 lb + tanks in their back yard, but we have never had the money at one time to fill the big tanks.  And we are really paying less per gallon than those filling the big tanks.  Our biggest bill this winter will be our feed bill( cow's milk and eggs) without feed we will not get the milk and eggs. Right now our feed bill is up $25-$30 a week($70 in feed week). But we get some much for the money: 21 gallons of milk, 80+ eggs, beef meat, chicken meat). So we are trying to find a way to pay the feed bill, as this bill is a must. And we know the feed prices we keep going up. Many farmers have sold all their stock due to high feed prices. I can do a lot with milk and eggs, so we really need them. We'll just have to wait and take it one day at a time.  And our food stores, I can make them last two years( just needing to buy flour, sugar, oil).   We have learned to make due or just do without. Yes, there are a few things we would like to have, but that's life. We still have fun, we eat very well compared to some who can only eat very little due to food and gas prices. We always look for things to be thankful for instead of wishing for what we don't have. Take a really good look around you, look really close: You can find many things your family can be thankful for.  And being thankful for everything will lighten your load, we all are really so blessed. We sometimes forget to count our blessings ( including me). And most of the time the smallest blessing mean the most.

It going to be a long, hard winter. And we all can make it one day at a time and helping each other along the way. I have learned so many new things since we got the Internet. I know I will not use it all daily but when it's needed I'll have the info. I have always prepared for the worse times and prayed for the best. The simple life has been good for us in more ways than one. It's a working life( garden, and animal care, cooking from scratch, using less power and using God's wind), but we have always had a roof over our head and food in our tummies. God has blessed us, we have always had all of our needs meet.

Tommy is doing ok. Yesterday, he was hurting in his hip bones. He rested most of the day.  Friends brought us some dog cage panels yesterday ( an other answer to prayer, we needed them to make a jr. chicken pen, badly, and no money for new fencing, God sent them to us). So Tommy had a nice visit with him on the porch for a few hours (Tommy does not sit still well, thanks Scott).  It has been getting really hot about noon and staying that way until dark. ( 92-95 in the house) Well winter will be here soon.

Our family weekend with so well. We all had a great time.  Someone had given us a big, big roll of plastic, which my 11yr. turned into a homemade water slide.   The kids had so much fun, and they were funny too.

   

 

         

Most of the weekend everyone was trying to get a photo of the humming birds coming to the feeder on the front porch. Even with everyone sitting on the porch they still came, but went as soon as someone tried to take a photo. Well they finally got a few Sunday evening.

 

 

I made homemade cinnamon rolls, but there was none left, oh well.

And I had my first S' mores, and it was really good.

It was really a great week end. Thank you to all who came. Well I had better go and get this day started. Hope and pray you all have a great day. Becky

Comments:

1. Thanks for the update, Becky
   I believe it is going to be a very long winter for a lot of people. We are doing our best to be prepared. I have much more supplies than I did last year at this time. We;re working on saving money for a freezer. I think, it would give us so many more options.
   Blessings to you and your family, Joyce  BTW, you cinnamon rolls looks so yummy! Comment by Joyce | August 21, 2008 |

2. Joyce,
   Freezers are great, I have 3. 2- 6 foot and 1- 5 foot. But it sure does take a lot to fill them up. And I am glad your supplies are good. It makes starting the winter easier. Thank you for all your comments. have a great day.
   Becky  Comment by jordansfarm | August 24, 2008 |

 

 

Weekend Family Photo

I'll post about our wonderful weekend in a day or two, but wanted to show off our family.

Comments:

1. Becky,
   You guys do a lot of eating!!! hahahahaha!!!!! Nothing is better than family around the table! Hugs, Judy Comment by Judy Thurman August 18, 2008

2. Now THAT is the stuff memories are made of. The simple, good life is best. That is why I enjoy my daddy so much on Friday nights. I am so happy you all had such a blessed week end. You continue to be in my prayers. Comment by hopefulheart August 18, 2008

3. What a great looking bunch! Everyone looks so happy and definitely well fed. Yum… wish I could have taken part in that meal! Good to know everything is well with you, Becky. How is Tommy doing? I’m keeping you all in my prayers.
   Blessings, Joyce Comment by Joyce August 19, 2008

Come on Down to the Farm

Taking a break

I'm taking a little break, for about two weeks. We have family come in to see Tommy. And it's time to fall clean house, and get ready for winter.   And my daughter (19) has moved out a few weeks ago, and her room is now my sewing room. No more kitchen table sewing. So I am cleaning it up and getting ready for sewing.

You all have been a great blessing to me. And thank you for all your prayers, they are felt daily.

For those of you that are following Tommy's health updates, I will still be doing them. See: Up dates on Tommy's health 

I will check in here every other day or so. But will not be posting for about 2 weeks. 

Becky

Comments:

1. Have a great two weeks and that is wonderful news about hospice! I know you will be working hard, but a vacation from blogging at least will be one less thing you have to do to. Have a grand time. Take care. Comment by matronofhusbandry | August 5, 2008 |

3. I hope you have a nice visit with your visitors.  I will continue to pray for Tommy and for your family. Hugs and blessings,Joyce Comment by Joyce | August 5, 2008 |

5. so happy to hear your news about medical bills  I live in the UK and sometimes think this country is going to the dogs …………….but at least we have free healthcare………for now at least  My thoughts are with you  Sharronx Comment by Shaz | August 6, 2008 |