Jordan's Farm

Down at the Farm -- Winter is on it's way

2009-08-25T09:54:00.001-04:00

It's been a long week. Tommy has really been on my mind a lot. And seem like every time I turned around, there is something to remind me of him: a song on the radio, a note he has written, a saying he always said, ect. I have cried all week. I do good most days but this past week has been very hard. ( I think it's because I'm starting to get ready for winter and doing things he used to do. And trying hard to remember everything that has to be done.) Please say an extra prayer for me this week. I have been sick too. It's in my chest and I'm coughing and sneezing all the time, I think it's sinuses. I hate feeling yucky. I have been using the silver water so much that someone could trade me in and get rich. :) I have tried to stay away from Gabby so as she does not get sick, in case it's something other than sinuses. I was up all night coughing, and overslept this morning, causing TommieLynn to have 8 minutes to get ready for school and to get to the bus stop. I have never seen her get dressed so fast. But I hated it that she had to rush this morning.

Winter is getting closer everyday. In a way, I am ready for cooler weather. It has been really hot here this year. I will be covering my windows with plastic this year from the inside as I do not do ladders well. :) The food barn is in good order and ready for winter. I still need to stock up more on: bath paper, sugar, veg. oil, toothpaste, shampoo. For some reason these run out the fastest. Tommy used to tell me to buy stock in the bath paper company, and we'd be rich. :) I know I can make homemade bath paper, but time is not there yet. But I know how if I have too. I have to change out the water in the 425 gallon tank in the next few weeks for winter use. I clean it out every six months to keep the water fresh. I am so thankful Tommy brought that tank, even thou at the time I questioned him buying it. Tommy has so taken care of us, still now. I can now see all the things he has done over the years and the things he has taught me, that I am using now and they are making my life easier. Thank you Lord for my time with Tommy. I need to get someone (who is not afraid of heights) to cover all the house's outside vents and close the chicken house window up with plywood. I need to blow out the gas heaters with the air compressor and check the gas lines. I have to get the chicken water heater out and cleaned and check to see if it's still working. I would like to get a few more blankets and make more cloth napkins. And hopefully find time to make everyone some wool house socks. And I need someone to show me now to use a skill saw. I need to do a few small things around the farm before winter comes.

A few questions to you all or your husbands:

1. How do I prepare the push mower for winter so that it starts next spring? The car is ready for winter.

2. How do I prepare our generator for winter? change spark plug, oil, gas??? It has not been started in months. It has a push button start and pull cord start. And it has left my mind on how to start it. Tommy always did more than just pull the cord and I can't remember.

3. Is there anything else I am missing that needs to be done before winter sets in??

4. I need to get 5 gallons of back up gas for generator or car use. How long does gas stay good??

School is still going great. I am learning so much and believe it or not, I'm loving it. I have always loved learning new things. And the writing papers thing is getting easier, but still not fully enjoyable yet. I am holding high A's in all three classes and we are now at the half way point. This fall I am going to try taking four classes instead of three. If I can pull it off, I will finish earlier. Tommielynn is still enjoying school. I am so proud of her, she is going great.

Thank the Lord the tractor sold, and the truck had died about a month ago. But I found a car, an 1988 Olds. Cutlass Ciera, 4 doors with AC, and a sun roof for a great price. Thank you Lord. The girls and I can now get around easier. I feel like a princess now with AC and a sunroof. TommieLynn loves the sunroof. :) But I still feel like an ant in a car after so many years in a truck that's higher than most cars. The car is great on gas, 3 1/2 trips to town equals one trip in the truck. :) The only draw back to the car is, I can't haul the 100lb. gas tanks (they are about 5 ft long and it will not fit in the trunk) needed for our heat this winter. So I am trying now to figure out a way to keep us in heat this coming winter. No one in my neighborhood has a truck.

Well I had better get back to the books. Thank you all for your comments and prayers, they have kept us going. I wish I could give each of you a hug. Hope you all have a blessed day.

Becky

Still Rolling with the Flow - Aug. 14, 2009

2009-08-14T07:10:00.001-04:00

It's been a while and I am still here. Boy, I am getting old. I have been so busy that I am not sure if I am coming or going. Busy with what? Life. As you all know, things do not happen, one thing at a time. It all happens at once. And right now, I'm glad I did not plant a garden this year. And at times, TommieLynn has to remind me to eat. Why, because I honestly forget too. You mom's should understand this very well. Often times there are more things to do, than time to do them.

It's been very hot and sticky here for a while. One day, I went and sat in the food barn with the AC for about an hour. When I came out, my glasses fogged up and they started dipping water. And then I was hotter than when I went in. I am looking forward to fall weather. :)

TommieLynn has started school and loves it. She is still not sure about this thing they call "homework", and can't seem to figure out why she has to do it, when she did school work all day. How do you explain homework, to a home schooler, who never had it before? But she has been doing it and doing a great job. She really likes all her teachers.

This is her first day of public school. Thank you S.S. from MI, for the clothes, shoes, book bag, and school supplies, they were a great blessing.

A week ago today, TommieLynn was attacked by a red nose pit bull dog. A long story, main points being, for two weeks owners said it didn't bite, they called TommieLynn into their yard to pet the dog, dog attacked her. We spent 4 hours in ER, dog did not have current shots. The dog got her nose good. And she still loves dogs. But they all don't like her, as this is her second dog attack.

The dog also put a bite in her mouth, on the top of her gums.

Gabby is growing as fast as the grass in my yard. She smiles all the time. But her days and nights are still mixed up. She is now over 9 pounds, and 24 inches long. And she's the house ham.

This is our drama queen and she knows it.

Tasha had her gallbladder taken out earlier this week. She is now still sore and tired.

My classes are still going great. As of today, I am holding high A's in all three classes. The last four papers I have written, I had gotten a 100% on. How that happened, I still do not know. And I'm waiting for the teachers to send me an e-mail to say they made a mistake. :) Thank you all for your prayers.

In my down moments, I'll say I just can't do it ( after 6 hours of just reading with more to do or one week to write a paper). TommieLynn will pipe up and say, " I know you can do it, mom", with a smile on her face. I will ask her to suspend me from school, and she'll just laugh and say "no, you have work to do." Boy, the Lord really blessed me with her. Now we will see what happens when I use her words on her, when she has homework. :)

And boy am I going to get plenty of practice on writing papers, 4-6 papers due every two weeks. This is way out of my comfort zone. I know there will come a day in the future when this will no longer bother me. Maybe, just maybe, writing all those papers will help me write that book Tommy and you all wanted me to do. I am being stretched, remolded, and refined. What does the Lord have in store for me? And will He give me any hints along the way?

Well it is time to hit the books again. Thank you all for your prayers.

Have a great day.

Becky

Update: 7/20/09

2009-07-20T08:11:00.001-04:00

Well, I now have one week's worth of school work under my belt. Boy, I forgot how much work you have to do. I am learning so much. I'm taking 3 classes and they keep me on my toes, along with Gabby. I got an e-mail from my school saying they would transfer 4-classes = 16 credits, and I needed 96 for my degree. Starting out with the 16 is great. Boy, I was doing the happy dance all over the place. The 4 classes were the hardest for me, two of which were Composition 1 &2. Writing is not my strongest area, term papers are not like writing here. The Lord answered prayers again, thank you Lord and thank you all for praying. But don't worry, I still get to practice writing those term papers. I have three due this Saturday. I printed off a ream of paper, on how to write a term paper as it's been 12 plus years. As soon as I get these three wrote , I'll be fine and breath a little easier.

This week at school has made me leave my comfort zone more than once. Most times I took a step with shaky knees, and others with a lot of prayer. That comfort zone of ours is a nice place, the only thing is, you don't grow much there. I believe it's just a resting place. And I really like it there. :) But I want and need more in my life, so I have step out. The Lord must have big things planned for me as I have not been able to stay in that comfort zone of mine much this year. And that at times has been scary. Like most people I want to grow, but I don't want to leave my comfort zone to do so. So I'm taking steps of faith, one day at a time.

The girls have been a great help this passed week, fixing dinner and cleaning house, letting me study, etc. As I try and fit my schooling into the day, along with everything else. Thank you girls. :)

My truck is on it's last leg. I no longer take it to town, just a corner store that is less than a mile away. That way when it dies, I'll be close to home and the auto repair shop. So I have been borrowing a car and shop for two weeks worth at a time. So please pray that I'll sell the tractor, so I can buy a small car. My neighbors have been great. ( another step out of my comfort zone) You don't see having a car as being in a comfort zone, well hopefully you will never find out it is. Sometimes being an independent person has it's draw backs. (yet another lesson I'm learning). Boy, it's great I enjoy learning new thing, or this year would of really, really been hard on me.

Gabby is 3 weeks old today. She is such a joy to have in the house. Tasha is a great mommy ,too. Gabby is getting her fill of love, while she gives us her smiles and funny faces.

The youth group came out for two days, last week. Oh what a wonderful blessing they were. My yard got mowed, weed eated, garden weeded, some things moved around. What a blessing the Lord sent. As the yard was getting high, and first week of school, He was watching out for us yet again, Thank you Lord.

There are blessings in everyday, you just have to find/look for them, they are not all big blessing. And at times the smallest blessing are really the biggest.

Well it's time to hit the books. I pray you all find at least one blessing today.

Becky

Gabby - Winter - Preparing

2009-07-05T13:47:00.001-04:00

Well, I love being a Nana. Gabby is doing great. She sleeps at times up to 5 hours. And only really cries when it’s time to eat or we change her diaper. She has kept us on our toes. :)

I need your help. I am looking for a knitted soaker pattern ( cloth diaper cover). A friend gave us some all in one cloth diapers, but I have a lot of the old cloth diapers so I need the soakers for them. And I’m getting ready to start knitting my first sweater (baby sweater). For some reason I have a fear of knitting a sweater. So someone said to start with a baby sweater. I’ll let you know how it turns out.

The farm is doing good. The house is ok, I rather spend time with Gabby than clean. :) TommieLynn and I are getting ready for school to start, and looking forward to something new. So we have been busy.

I am still looking for new ways to stretch money and make more things at home. More people are cutting back on extras ( turning off: cable, phones-home and cell, internet, etc.) and winter is not here yet. And I have just started preparing for winter. Having put so much information on stocking up and preparing last year on this blog, I am not sure what else is need. So if you don’t tell me what you need, I will just write about what I am doing now and about things that come to mind.

Things I need to make/do before winter:

*knit: soakers, baby sweater, house socks for all

*cut and sew more napkins/tissues/baby wipes

*keep a check at thrift stores for wool sweaters on sale, to take a part to make wool socks and soakers. Most times I can get a wool sweater for $1 and it will make 2 pairs of socks plus. And flannel sheets to turn into napkins/tissues/baby wipes.

*look for ideas/items for Christmas gifts ( that time of year again)

*looking for sales at the grocery stores to keep stocked up. I only buy items on sale. I need to get stocked up on bath paper(not using homemade yet, but can use the flannel napkins if needed).

*need more fire wood. I have a small stock from downed trees in yard. I’ll use for an outdoor fire for cooking if needed, power goes out and I’m out of gas. If not needed, will use for fun fires( roasting hot dogs and marshmallows in the summer).

*I am sure there is more to do but I’ll start here.

Ways I save money:

*I try really hard to go to town no more than once a week, it was every two weeks. But with Gabby doctor appointments it’s once a week now.

*Hang clothes outside to dry. Wash in cold water. Wash only full loads of clothes..

*Turn off everything not being used. TV’s, computers, etc. Lower hot water temperature. This has dropped my power bill by over $70 a month.

*When we do go out to eat- have to have a coupon.

*Only buy on sale items.

*See if I can make it before buying it. Even better, can I do without it.

I’m off to see what I can get into today.

Happy 4th of July. Have a great weekend.

Becky

Helping Each Other In These Hard Times

2009-07-05T13:43:00.001-04:00

The last few days I have gotten an insight into those around me. At times when we are going through our own hard times, we don’t look around and see. And we all are bad for this, even me. I live in a small neighborhood were most are on fixed incomes or are low income; older people, families with children. The Lord has opened my eyes to those around me. One family has 10 kids, 3 grandbabies, and 3 adults (only one car that holds 4); another an older blind man with his older sister living together (just to make ends meet, both their cars are in need of repair). These families are having car troubles too, along with me. So I have put together kind of a neighborhood car help. We have agreed to call each other when we HAVE to go to town, to see if the others need anything or a ride to town. We all live about 20-30 minutes from town, and no one goes to town for fun. I am praying this will work for us all. All the cars are on their last legs and some have stopped working. Hopefully taking turns going to town will save gas money along with car wear and tear. We as a neighborhood, have been trading things around with each other. We have become a closer people. We all have a way to help others along. Look around you, really look, who can you help today. It does not have to cost money, most times it’s just your time. Can you pick up something in town for them? If you don’t have something they need, do you know someone who might? Sometimes they just need an ear, someone to listen without judging them. How can you help?

This winter is going to be harder than last winter. People have by now used up all the saving they did have. Some may have gotten jobs by now, but now they are trying to pay off back bills and the new bills are still coming in. More and more people rich and poor are having a hard time just with life's have too (rent, power, food). They have already given up the extras, and still have a hard time with the musts.

So this week coming see if you can help at least one person/ family with something? The Lord does not aloud us to help ourselves but help others. May you all have a great week.

God bless you all,

Becky

Answering Your Questions :) & Updates

2009-06-10T19:32:00.001-04:00

Most of these have to do with Canning Potatoes post. This post is the most read/looked up/searched for post on this blog. Which to me is a little funny as I have canned potatoes for 10 plus years. Now more and more people are canning more than just jellies and vegs.

Tanya: love your web site…I too am into canning and have gotten a friend of mine into it but she came across a problem that I have never had so wondering if you have…She canned potatoes and at least half of them the lid actually popped up..later when they cooled off they went back down but left wrinkles in the lid..do you think they are safe and has this ever happened to you…thanks for any help are suggestions///

Tanya,

Sometimes this happens to me too, at least one time a canning season. I think it’s the lids (weak). If the jars have sealed, they are still good. But I do use those with the wrinkled tops first. If they didn’t seal put in the icebox and use as soon as you can.

Katye Birdsong: Becky, Do you have a recipe for canning peppers? chili and banana peppers?

Katye,

No, I don’t. I usually freeze mine.

Oscar: Good afternoon Ms. Becky I hope you and your family are well. I would like to can the makings of a potato soup/stew. Can potatoes be canned along with other vegetables such as onions and carrots….or beef?
Take care. O.W.

Oscar:

Yes, you can can potatoes with all you listed above. But I have found it easier here at our home to can them all by them selves, as you can do more with them not mixed. When I make Beef stew- in a pot put a jar of: potatoes, carrots, beef(meat), and any thing else you like in there, cook to warm up and eat. But if you want to mix them look in a canning book and see which takes the longest and can for that time for mixed things. This goes for all things you mix to can, use the longest time. Hope this helps, if not let me know and I’ll try again. ok

Yvon: Becky, I just got a pressure canner and was very eager to try it. Mom has done her veggies all her life in a water bath but thought I would do the safer thing and get a pressure canner. I just tried to can to qts of potato for my first try. One didn’t seal so I thought I would taste them. I’m a potato lover and I have to say I have never tasted worse potatoes in my life. They almost had a burnt taste without being burnt or over cooked. What did I do wrong. I followed the Bernadin book. It’s early June and used old potatoes, could that be the problem? Thanks Yvon, a newbie at canning.

Yvon:

It is best to pressure can most vegs, some are safe to hot water bath, but not many. Old potatoes are your problem for sure. I have at times used store bought potatoes on sale but they must be hard still, with no eye growth. Most times I can the potatoes out of the garden, dig up one day and can them the next. Good luck and let me know how it goes canning this year please.

Katye Birdsong: Becky, Have you ever thought of writing a book? Your website is so interesting! I’m sure it would sell! My husband came up with that idea.

Katye:

Ok Lord, I get the hint. Katye you see, you and your husband are not the first to say that. My late husband being the first( 2 1/2 years ago.) and then other readers here. But that would be stepping out of my comfort zone. And second, I have not the faintest clue were to start, or how to put it in a book form. So for now you all get it free here. :) But as this writing a book thing keeps come up all around me, I will look more into. But please pray for me in this area, that the Lord’s will be done, as this is why I started the blog here.

Updates:

Tasha’s baby, Gabby, is now about 6 1/2 lbs as of today, and is due in under 3 weeks. We are ready and trying hard to wait on her. Tasha had an ultra sound today, the last one. Little Miss Gabby is head up and feet down. Please pray that she will turn the right way soon. Thank you for all your prayers for me and my family.

I’m doing good most days, more so than a month ago. Thank you Lord. I really miss my better half, a lot. And I’m learning to live again, one day at a time. I’m finding me. (Only moms and wives will understand this.) Some how we lose ourselves over the years. The girls are doing great. We are waiting for our blessing from above, Miss Gabby.

The farm is doing good. I have made bigger chicken pens. I need to make 2 more different pens. We are chicken sitting for about 8 weeks. Now that’s a true farm, chicken sitting (watching for a out of town friend). Really starting to miss the fresh cows milk. I have a few gallons in the freezer for when I get the withdraw shakes for fresh raw cow’s milk. :) :)

I have not found any new tips, hints, money savers lately. I only planted tomatoes and strawberries this year. Our food barn is full ( only 3 girls eating and no men, should last us way longer than a year), and it’s been a long time since I/we have enjoyed a summer, more than 10 years. So the girls and I are going to see what we can do besides hoe and weed all summer. I think Tommy knew this too, when he had me start stocking foods 3 years ago. But next year will be garden time again. This will be a easy summer for us because of Tommy’s insight.

Well I better go for now. Thank you all very much for reading my blog. May God bless you all. Have a great day.

Becky

Becky’s Farm Life

Down at the Farm

2009-05-31T11:38:00.001-04:00

It’s been very lively here at the farm.

Well those two push mowers would not start again. But I traded the tiller for a newer push mower. They needed a tiller and had a push mower they didn’t need. Thank you Lord. The yard looks good again.

Dogs got after my Silky chickens, killing all but 2. I was not a happy camper. A rooster and hen ( sitting on 14 eggs) were left. So I moved them to another pen, and now have baby silky chicks. Thank you Lord. My nephew, Matt, came by yesterday and helped me make the chicken pen bigger, and reinforce it to keep the dogs out. Matt also did weed eating, and moved some things around for me. Thank you Matt. I worked his city boy muscles. But he said he liked working on the farm.

Miss Jenny blessed me with enough homemade clothes soap to last a year. Thank you Miss Jenny.

The landlords came and fixed the bathroom. I have a new bathroom now and it looks great. They were also kind enough to climb on the roof to open all the vents for me. Thank you Lord.

Then Tasha’s laptop got attacked by Trojans. But my step son fixed in a hurry. So if you need computer help for home or business, His company is the best, with great prices. He can fix your computer on line. Please go check them out. http://twistednetworx.com/

Here are some photos from Tasha’s Baby Shower yesterday.

Tasha and Becky( my first grandbaby almost here, Boy I’m getting old)

Ok, Miss Gabby, we are ready for you to come on, 4-5 week wait.

Well hot weather is on the way, time to dig out the fans and make sure they work. And put the attic fans in the ceilings in kitchen and food barn.

My days are getting better. The girls have been a great help to me. Thank you girls. The Lord always sends me people and blessing right on time. Thank you Lord.

My power bill has dropped to it’s lowest in 10 years, dropped by $90, and I did two happy dances. :) :) I could not believe my eyes, I almost called the power company to see if it was a mistake.

Hope you all have a great day.

Becky

Technorati Tags: Twisted Networks,Trojans,Farm life,making do,self sufficiency,chickens

A deep breathe-some tears-a lot of Prayers

2009-05-11T12:25:00.001-04:00

Well it’s been a long week. This is what’s been going on:

*Took my truck in, it was not acting right. Well I now need a new engine. The engine will last 2 days – or 6 months or maybe a year. Cost if they can find a used engine $1,800.00. Ok Lord, let’s watch and see what You do. I need to sell the tractor to pay for the engine.

*The man came and put a new glow bar in my gas stove. While he was testing it, the safety switch would not shut off. Now I’m not to use the stove at all until it’s fixed, this Tuesday or Wednesday. Cost $250.00 for safety switch, glow bar was $166. The Lord sent someone to buy a hand gun I have which will pay the the safety switch. Thank you Lord. Now I’ll have a new stove, which will cost more than a brand new one.

I am glad I have a grill and a two eye gas stove outside.

*Well I had the stove man check the washer and dishwasher while he was here, ( so I would not have to pay another service call fee). The washer needs the arms that hold the tub in place. And the dish washer needs a sprayer bar. But they are cheap and he’ll bring them out with the safety switch. Thank you Lord. I’m taking very deep breaths with a few tears.

*Then I go out to mow the grass, I have 2 push mowers. To start, the best one, I had to turn on it’s side to get a string that was around the blade. Well when I set it back up right there was oil on the ground. So this house wife went and got a quart of oil to refill it. Would you not do the same? Well it took the whole quart. I started it up and mowed for about 10 minutes and the thing started smoking really bad. So I shut it off and called a guy. Did you know a push mower is Not supports to have a whole quart of oil? I didn’t. So he tells me to drain it. I ask, How? He said there’s a plug, or tip it again to drain it out. Well I looked and looked, could not find a plug, so I tipped it again. I got the right amount of oil in it. And mowed for an hour, and it stopped working. Ok Lord thank you I have another mower. So I go get it going, and mow another hour when it dies. Ok Lord, this yard really needs mowing. So inside I go to rest and cry a bit. I go back out and try that mower again, it starts. Thank you Lord. I mow another hour and it stops yet again. Then it dawns on me, the mower stops when it’s hot. Sure enough I go back out when it cools off and it starts. Thank you Lord. Then I have to turn it off to take a phone call. I go back out and I don’t have the strength now to pull the cord to start it. Ok Lord, no more mowing today. Will this mower or mowers start again today? I am praying hard they will.

*The closet that holds the hot water heater has a hole in the floor to the ground. The main bathroom floor has dropped 2 inches. The landlords just left and they said they’d fix it tomorrow. Thank you Lord. While they were here they treated all the ant hills in the yard. Thank you Lord. They said all their rentals were having the same problems with ants.

Things I learned:

*I have also learned I do not have enough hands to do all that needs doing. Yard is clean – house a mess or yard a mess and house clean. I have to find the middle ground somewhere. Please Lord.

*A push mower does not need a whole quart of oil. And you need good arm muscles to keep starting them.

*The Lord always sends people to help you in His time.

*Prayer is so much better than worrying. Worrying never fix a thing, while prayer fixes everything.

*Tears are good, they clean your eyes and heart.

*There is always something good to be found in the bad things that happen. In ALL things give thanks. I forgot to do this with the mowers and stove. And the Lord will still work everything out for my good.

Thank you Lord for Your mercy and grace.

Well let’s see what happens today on the farm.

Have a great day and God bless you all.

Becky

Blessed !!

2009-04-04T14:11:00.001-04:00

I sold both the bull and the small truck. Thank you Lord, and you all for your prayers. We'll be able to pay rent, power, and phone bills this month. With the bull it took 5 men (2 with lassos) and 5 cattle dogs and half an hour to load that crazy bull.

I have had a few bad days this week. One was really hard. But the last two days have been easier, thank you Lord. I'm still stepping slowly in this new life's path I'm on. And only sure of one thing: God never fails you and never leaves you alone.

Social Security widow benefits start in May. So selling the bull and truck was a great, wonderful blessing. The Lord took care of us yet again. At times I question the Lord if I'm doing Him any good, leading any to Him. Well today I read on another forum, where I had help someone in their walk. I cried and thank the Lord. I know we don't always get to know when we help people, but God knew I really needed it. I was close to giving up this blog. How could a simple, house wife, on the Internet help anyone? Well the Lord showed me. He has shown me many different things lately. Things that have always been there but I never really saw them, or the way He wanted me to see them. Does that make any sense to you? I hope so. The Lord is still working on my wings, getting me ready to soar. (for those who missed this post: type "my wings" into the search box on the right, under photo, to read it at the end of that post).

The girls are doing good. They too have hard days but we just start talking about Tommy and let the tears roll. One day at a time sweet Jesus is all we ask. And He answers.

Well I have to take TommieLynn to an Easter egg hunt down the road, so I have to go.

May you all have a blessed and wonderful weekend.

Becky

What a Day? Mad Bull

2009-04-01T07:23:00.001-04:00

The man came and tried to get the bull yesterday morning, he had brought an other man with him. Two hours of chasing the bull and almost getting him in the trailer but bull broke through them. The bull ran around the yard then broke the gate to get back into his field. Tommy always went out and helped load cows, while I stayed in the house. Boy, I sure wish he was here again. The men left without the bull and said they'd be back last night.

The man came back by his self. The bull went into the stall and we used a rope to hold the gate closed so he could not get out. The man had me hold the rope to keep a 500lb mad bull in there. I had no gloves on and no where to wrap the rope around but my hands. Well the bull didn't want to stay in there, and he pushed and rammed the gate. I kept losing my grip on the rope, which allowed the gate to open some. After 10 minutes of fighting with this mad bull, some thing popped in my chest and by now I have rope burn and now a big deep cut on my finger where the rope was. My nerves are shot now, and I'm shaking all over. I told the man I could not hold any longer and let go. He was not happy but he was also smart enough not to open his mouth. He did say he would be back today with a gun that would put the bull to sleep while they loaded it. I said good and walked away.

I had wondered if my decision was right to get rid of the bull was right, NOW I have no doubts, none! The sooner that bull leaves the happier I'll be.

The guy brought my truck back last night. He said that with the big trucks, it had extra oil lines for pulling large loads. And since I would no longer be pulling loads, he did away with the lines and plugged the holes. Total cost $2.00. Thank you Lord. The guy has worked on Tommy's and my trucks for years. So I know he has blessed me when he fixed my truck the last two times. Please pray the Lord would bless this guy.

My farm will now just be chickens and gardens. That decision has been made very very clear. No more cows, I can't handle them by my self.

It has rained here on and off now for more than two weeks. So getting into the garden to work has not happened.

Yesterday was an eye opening day, and I'm so glad it's over. I know the Lord walked closely with me yesterday. And for that I'm thankful.

Life was so much easier when there was two of us making decisions. Now every time I make one, I wondered if it's right.

Becky

"Forgive always, and show unconditional love to everyone you meet."

Technorati Tags: beef cow,blessings,farming,self sufficiency

My new life's journey

2009-03-30T16:09:00.001-04:00

Well I can say I off to a rough start, but I am kicking hard. And by God's grace we will make it.

Well for starters, the day Tommy went home, my truck broke- timing chain and water pump. So I got these fixed. But today the truck started spraying oil. Ok, Now I really want/need a horse and buggy. But wait there is more. The Social Security Office said Friday that I would not get any widow benefits until May(a whole month and the first on the month is this week.) I am a little rattled to say the least. But then this morning I went to the food bank, and saw a family getting paper goods(plastic bowls, and silverware) so they could feed their kids as their power was turned off last week. My heart broke, here I was getting upset because of money and my truck, when I do have so so much to be thankful for. And the lady that runs the food bank talk to me a while. Thank you Lord for her. I had had my eyes on myself and not others and God. So I got a spanking from God today. She asked about this blog, and I told I had not been here in a while. She said people needed it. So I am back and now you all will see me start this new journey, my new life. Let me tell you it's scary at times, as I do not do change will. But I am holding tight to God's hand as he walks me through each moment and each day. I am very thankful for my food storage. And everything I learned to make it through the hard times.

Thank you all for your prayers and comments here, they are such a blessing to me and the girls. Thank you again.

Ok, now I am trying to sell the small truck and the beef bull. Rent, power, phone bills have to be paid this week. So if you all we say a little prayer that someone would buy these. I was going to put the bull in the freezer, but we still have 1 1/2 cows meat in freezer and there is now only 3 of us. So that is a year plus in meat.

Some of you have asked questions that I have not gotten to, but I will this week, ok.

Thank you all for reading my blog and may God bless you all.

Until in the morning,

Becky

Things Tommy Has Made

2009-02-21T09:36:00.021-05:00

Not always easy being a women

2009-02-18T11:21:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we got the first of Tommy’s ER and hospital bills — $5,246.25, $43.00, $220.00. That’s a lot of money, and I know that there are morning coming. Show us the way, Lord.

Tommy got up about 11 am. And I got ready to go to town. In town I got : 100lbs gas tank refilled $70 ( both were filled at the first of the month- one ran out in 7 days due to the cold weather, so I need another tank to make it the rest of the month.), picked up 4 of Tommy’s meds ( one was the cough pills and the pharmacist was a little up set that the new hospice was making us pay for breathing meds. So he dropped the price down to half - 60 pills- 15 days- $25. Thank you Lord. The other pill was for his sinus $11.52.); picked of meds for Tasha from our old drug store( she opened the bag when i got home and found on the bottle that they owed her 12 pills more, she was up set. Tommy and I told her that’s why we changed, it was costings we to much to go to town twice to get 1 whole med filled.) : at Family Dollar, I got 4- 2liters of sprite (which had a coupon saying “buy 3 sodas and oreo’s cookies and get $2.00 off.” you kids know my love for oreo’s, so I checked there price- $2.25. OK, I got my cookies for 25 cents, what a blessing and a treat.) : then went to the feed store and got 200 lbs of feed, ( the ladies working there know I buy seed potatoes this time every year, so they tell me they only have a few of my kind left and the next order they place the prices go up. So I paid for my feed and charged to my account 50lb bag of seed potatoes until the first of the month, the bag was $15.75, so at least I had one bag for now.) : At the thrift store I found 4 new looking bras for 25 cents each, 3- mine and 1 for Tommielynn: then picked up a few groceries.

When I got home, I called up the road to a friends house and asked if her husband could help me unload the 100lb tank off the truck. He came down and unloaded it for me. Another blessing.

Then while I was unloading feed and putting it up, a man (which was here days ago, wanting to buy my chickens, I said no then). While he asked me how much I wanted for my chickens. I told him again I was not selling my chickens. He said, well I talked to Tommy earlier today and he told me to come out this evening. ( Well Tommy had told me he talked to him while I was in town, and that he’d told him he’d have to talk to me about it. Tommy has always let me handle the buying and selling of farm things. Even if the older farmer men don’t like dealing with women that know what they are talking about. Some have just left the farm when Tommy tells them to talk to me.) Well back to this man, he then asks to buy my young roosters and again I tell him no. Then he asks to buy my yard wagon, no. Then he wants to buy my meat bull because he looks so good, NO. He said, you can’t take care of him with Tommy down. OK, now my blood is really starting to boil. As calmly as I could I said, I have been taking care of this farm and bull cows for many year now, and I’m the one that got that beef bull to look good. He just shook his head and started walking around the yard again. He came to the camper shell Tommy had made for the back of the big truck, and asked to buy it, NO> Then he wanted our blue small tractor/ mower, NO. He said, What are you going to do with it? Well I said my yard still needs to be mowed. He asked if I did it, to this he has gotten his first yes. Now he sees the big farm tractor and asks about it. I tell him it’s $2000 with everything. He asks how low I’ll go. i told him it was not leaving the yard for under $2000. He was not happy and thought a minute and said, You know that tractor will tip over easy with you driving it. I said no it would not because I didn’t drive it. So he says then let me have it for under $2000. My lady manners are starting to leave my body. I said no, it would sit under cover until someone had $2000. Then he walks right back to my young roosters and asks to buy them again as I don’t need 5 roosters– ANOTHER NO. I tell him Tommy’s up and watching TV, why not go in and say hi as you are his friend. He said , no I have to go. thank you Lord, he’s leaving. As he is getting in his car, he asks again to buy my silky chicken and buffs. I take a really deep breath and say no yet again.

I go into the house to tell Tommy. He just said I handle him well just like I always handle farm business with old men. I told Tommy I was so very close to losing it and so very mad. I asked him if I had a “dumb” sign on my chest. “No”, he said, “some old men are that way. And that they think you will sell things cheap now that they all know I’m dying.” I asked Tommy to pray for me to have wisdom to handle these men now and in the future. He said he would but I was doing a great job now. I don’t feel that way at all. I know I’m not the kind of women these old farmer men are used to, but I’m not dumb and stand my ground. Over the years now, a few have really gotten ticked off when I showed, I knew what I was talking about or how they were wrong about something they were selling, and me knowing the fair price. I have fought these kind of men for years now, but today’s takes the big prize. There really needs to be more women farmers. I’m praying this man does not come back — for his sake. Now I do have to give credit to a few old farmers, who once they found out I knew what I was talking about , we all became great friends.

The lady at the feed co-op said today that more and more young people, then ever before, are coming in to get garden supplies and asking about how to grow gardens.

Becky

Commenst:

Becky,I’ve been following your site for about six months now. I stumbled on it via Hillbilly Housewife. I,like many,have been gleaning how to stretch our dollars. Your honesty,creativity, passion,and willingness to share your life…joys, struggles, etc. have drawn me to make your site my home page….to learn from, and pray for you and your family daily.Many days I’m amazed (God is so Good!)at what you have shared and how it has ministered to me, in what I may be struggling with and learning about. Today was another of those days and I felt the need to let you know. It started today with your title “not always easy being a women”. Right now I’m doing a study on Esther by Beth Moore…it’s title “Esther: it’s tough being a woman. I felt lead to share some of it with you.1) its tought being a woman in another woman’s shadow (Esther 1). Without Vashti, we’d have no Esther, sometimes, in the hiddeness(of life struggles), God builds a woman she’d never otherwise become.2)it’s tough being a woman in a world where beauty is a treatment (Esther 2). Praise God for a King who gives a woman dignity instead of taking it. Our God views women with purity, not sensuality..Isaiah 61:103)it’s tough being a woman in a mean world (Esther3).Meaness always has a history (ie. the Amalekite and the jews) Meaness perceives a threat. (2Cor.10:12). Meaness catches like a virus (passed down and around -generation to generation).Dear One, He who delivered you from a Pharoah can deliver you from any Haman. Remember who you are.I have a good friend, who whenever I share the not so good things that take place, she says “That sucks!” She’s right some things just suck, but it’s how we handle those things that set us apart, and today you were set apart and handled things well.
Deborah Comment by Deborah February 19, 2009

Sounds like you handled things well! Bless your heart! Just hold your ground and they will soon learn you mean what you say! God Bless! Comment by Wendy February 19, 2009

A Jordan’s Homestead Journals starting in 8/21/04

2009-02-17T09:17:00.002-05:00

This is the new blog:

Title Page: Becky’s Life Journey

As a Wife, Mother, Friend, farm life, home life, a Child of God. Life as it’s seen and felt through my eyes and heart. Honest and truthful, good and bad, right and wrong. My life and what I’ve learned over the years. Hopefully this will help and bless others along their own journeys.

About blog posts here:
I am starting with the first written journals, the post titles will be the date it was written. And will be typed just as I wrote them. Some days short, while others long, some boring and some not. I am doing this for my children to look back on our lives: to see the way the Lord works, what we did in years past, and the different things we have done and learned.

As this blog is very personal, and about kids, it is closed to the public. Those of you who would like you read it, please leave a comment here, with your e-mail. As I am choosing who is allowed in. Thank you all.
Becky

Comments:

Becky,I admire you for starting a new blog! I have learned so much and have been so inspired by this blog that I would love to be able to access the new one. God Bless you on this new journey! Comment by Wendy February 17, 2009

Becky, I would be honored if you would allow me to have access to your new blog. I love checking everyday to see if there are any new posts. I find you to be a fascinating, determined and strong woman. God Bless! Comment by Shannon February 17, 2009

Becky, I love your blog. I check it daily to see what is happening in your life. And see how Tommy is doing. I can’t remember where I found your site…maybe Hillbilly Housewife…not sure.
I don’t blog, but e-mail friends & family any frugal any ideas I may have. I don’t have a blog since I don’t want to see any of the negative comments despite my cousin telling me I really need to do one!
I love your “Making Do In Hard Times” folder idea & have been working on getting condiment recipes together right now. (I love recipes.)
Debbie Comment by Debbie February 17, 2009

I would be honored to be included in your new blog venture if you would consider adding me. I have truly gleaned so much and your family is in our prayers daily here. Either way, may The Lord richly bless your lives as the days continue.Deanna
Comment by Deanna February 17, 2009

Becky
If possible i would love to have access to your blog. If you choose to limit the number of people gaining access, i certainly understand.Linda
Comment by Linda February 17, 2009

You all have been added. The first few books are kind of boring as I looked through them today. But I was not use to writing. The journals slowly turn into prayer journals, and my personal feeling for the day about life, family, etc. More or less I really start to open up. So the more I wrote, the longer and more in depth they become. So you will see the real me, good, bad, up and down days, little faith to great faith. Thank you all. And you may comment or ask questions there too.God bless you all,Becky
Comment by Becky February 17, 2009

Becky,
I have enjoyed your blog so much, and would love to be part of the new one. I continue to lift you and Tommy up in prayer.
Because He lives,Stacie Comment by arksoaper February 18, 2009

Becky, I would love to be able to read on your private blog. In case you don’t still have my email it’s ddevalcoatyahoodotcom.
About the post above this one - oh I got mad just reading it! I’m not so sure I could have been as nice as you were to that man. That was some nerve right there. Oh my, even if I wanted to get rid of my chickens in the future I’m not sure I could bring myself to sell a one of them to him,lol!
Comment by D. February 21, 2009

Just Tommy and I this Weekend & Farm Update

2009-02-15T08:36:00.002-05:00

Shawn and Cindy came and got TommieLynn for the weekend, Friday night. TommieLynn was overly happy to spend the weekend with her brother. Thank you Shawn and Cindy. Tasha went to Carl’s for most of the weekend. So it was just Tommy and I. Oh, what a treat. It has been many years since we have had a weekend alone together.

I took him out to eat Saturday night to his favorite restaurant to get his favorite meal. The restaurant had 4 men walking around singing to those of us eating. The restaurant had candles and flowers on the table. It was a wonderful evening, which we both really enjoyed. Thank you Lord, for blessing our evening and time together. I did have to give Tommy a dose of morphine while we were there but he said he had a great time with a smile. When we got home he did put on his oxygen and rested with a full belly and a smile in his face. His smile on his face so very much blessed me. I have found that the smaller things bless my heart so much more now than ever before. Thank you Lord again for a wonderful evening.

It is now time to cut down my chickens. We have 25+ chickens. And their feed bill is getting to high. People are no longer buying eggs. So I am giving away 2-3 flats of eggs a week. Don’t get me wrong, I do not mind giving eggs away, but their feed bill is about $30 a week. We no longer eat a lot of eggs a week, maybe 1-2 dozen. So we are down sizing the chickens. More than like, we will give the extra chickens away, to those who need them for food. Tommy is no longer able to butcher them,and I just can’t bring myself to do it. Now I could if I had too, but right now I don’t have too. Thank you Lord. So we will get the chickens down to 8-12 hens and a rooster, that way we will still be able to bless others with some eggs without over spending on feed. The beef cow is getting fatter, and will go into the freezer hopeful by late spring/early summer. And then all the pasture fences will come down.

Looking to spring: We will not have the big garden down in the field this year. The strawberry & tomato patch (were I have many raised beds and is fenced in) will be used again this year. And I have to fence in an area for potatoes and some corn, up closer to the house but away from the strawberry patch. So I have been scouting the yard for the right place to put it. It will not be real big as there is only 4 of us now. I will only plant 50 lbs. of potatoes instead of 200 lbs. We love potatoes. Our potatoes did not do very well last year, maybe a new spot will help. I have really missed our potatoes this winter. And just enough corn to eat fresh and a little to freeze, not 8 rows 150 ft. long. All other veg’s will go into the raised beds. So this will be our first year with a small garden.

The only seeds/plants I have to buy this spring are: potatoes, tomatoes, onions sets. I have enough seeds for the other things we grow for about 3 years. Which is a great blessing. We were blessed last year with a really big box of seed packets: veg’s. , flowers, herbs seeds. Yes, not all of them will come up due to being last years seeds, but more than 80% will. So I just replant seeds that don’t come up, and have done so for years. Every fall when our feed store marks that years seeds to half price, I buy the seeds I need to plant the following spring. I save money on seeds. As the seeds get older the percentage of the ones that will come up goes down some. I have planted some seeds that were over 3 years old, and had a good crop.

As the girls and I will be doing all the yard work this year, I am looking for ways to cut back on as much as I can. One things I am going to do to cut down on weed eating is: put straw/mulch/hay around things and places that usually need to be weed eat-ed. I can get all the straw and hay from our feed store for free:I pick up the broken bales off the ground, there is always a lot. TommieLynn has been begging to use the push mower, oh little does she know what she’s asking for. She starts this year, we’ll see now long she’ll want to mow.

We have friends coming in this coming weekend, Scott and Ann. Then the following week, Tommy’s sister, Linda, is coming for a visit. He has not seen her in 6+ years. They both are really looking forward to this visit.

Well I am going to finish enjoying my quiet weekend. Hope you all have a great week.

Becky

From Becky's Farm Life: Ok, Blog Book

2009-02-14T09:21:00.003-05:00

You will see the icon on the left side of the page here. Blog2Print icon.

When you click the icon, it will take you to a site to make your own book of Becky’s Farm Life and Jordan’s Farm. I have transferred posts and comments from Becky's Farm Life. 90% of that blog is there, they would not let me do tabs, but the recipes are there. I get 20% of sales on soft and hard cover books. You may print only a months worth of blog posts to them all, it’s up to you.
If you order a book: Would you please write a comment here to let me know. This is new to me and I would like to know who’s buying, and if the Blog2Print site will let me know.
Hopefully I can use this to bring more money into the house.
God Bless you all,
Becky

Me, Write a Book? From Becky's Farm Life

2009-02-13T13:53:00.004-05:00

Tommy has asked me for many years to write a book about what we as a family have been through, the ways we live, the ways the Lord has worked in our lives, our up and downs, how I cook and canning , run a farm,etc. Something to leave the kids. And I have had a few comments asking me to write a book. I have been writing a daily paper journal about our family lives for years now, 12 + books are full.

Well I found a place that will turn your blog into a book for you at a reasonable price. So as a first step to please my husband, I am working so doing that. The only draw back is that the site only uses Blogger blogs. So I am transferring the post there and all the comments from here. It will take me a while to type in all my journals, to be able to get them in book form. And I will set up a different blog on blogger to do this. Am I trying to sell the books? I am not sure, this is new to me. So for now I’ll do them for the kids and see where the Lord leads. I would have never dreamed of writing a book. So I am not sure where this all will lead. Do any of you have any thoughts on this? I would really like to know your very honest answers. Would you want to buy a book about Jordan’s Farm and family life??
Becky

Comments:

I would buy one! I say go for it!!!!
Comment by Amanda February 13, 2009

When you set up the new blog would you please provide a link? I sure wouldn’t want to lose track of you, I SO look forward to your posts! Yes, I would buy one…I also say “Go for it!”
Linda Comment by Linda February 14, 2009

I am starting out with just the blog book for now. You can get an e-book style book for only $2.99. I don’t get any money for this, but I know this e-book will help and bless others. It will take me a while to get everything into a real book. Thank you both for your comments, as they really blessed my heart. Becky Comment by Becky February 15, 2009

Recipes From Becky's Farm Life

2009-02-13T09:39:00.003-05:00

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
makes 14 cups (this makes a 28 cup batch)
2 cups instant non fat milk (1 cup)
1/2 cup cocoa (1 cup)
1 1/2 cup sugar ( 3 cups)
1/4 teaspoon salt ( 1/2 teaspoon)
Mix all together well, store in an air tight bowl. To use add 3 heaping tablespoons to a cup of hot water, not boiling water. If you have a coffee maker- run the water with no coffee, this is just the right temp. ( after making it with the hot water and stirring good, it can be put in the ice box and becomes choc. milk, this is good too.)

More Brownies Please
1 cup butter(2 sticks)
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
3/4 cup cocoa
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup nuts optional ( but are great with walnuts)
Preheat oven to 350, grease 13 X 9 X 2 pan, melt butter in a pan then turn heat off and stir in sugar and vanilla, add eggs one at a time beating well with wooden spoon after each egg, add cocoa, beat until blended, add flour, baking powder, salt, beat well. stir in nuts. Bake at 350 for 30 - 35 min. or until brownies pull away from the sides of pan. Enjoy!

Freezing Eggs
(Freezing eggs- Farm and store bought with photos)
You crack say 2 -3 eggs into a bowl, add 1/4 tsp. of sugar or salt 9 use sugar or salt depending on what the eggs will be used for), just pop the yoke, and pour into a freezer bag. label your bag sugar or salt and how many eggs inside. Check your most used recipes to find the number of eggs you use the most. I use 6 eggs in ice cream with 1/2 tsp of sugar. Eggs to eat, I pack in 3’s with 1/4 tsp salt. Eggs for cakes add sugar to eggs. The only thing you can’t do with these eggs is have them fried. I have found they last 6 -12 months in the freezer. The older they get, its best to use them in recipes than to eat plain. A lot of people don’t know you can freeze eggs. After the first year here of home grown eggs, the store bought eggs didn’t taste so good any more. So I found a way to keep us in eggs when the hens slow down. This does work with store eggs, too. Date your bags and always use the oldest first.

Freezing Milk:
I have found that best way to freeze milk is to use juice bottles or 2 liter bottles, WHY? the jugs that milk comes in is very thin and weak. And more times than not, when the milk thaws the jug leaks. In a 2 liter bottle put a 1/2 gallon of milk, this will leave room for it to freeze. Always date your bottles. And it will thaw over night in ice box. I have found it will last 6- 12 months in freezer, I know that is not what is said, but that’s what works here. Just always use the oldest first. We have done this for over 6 years now, and same with eggs.

Canning hard cheeses:
We love sharp cheddar cheese but don’t like it frozen. You can, can any hard cheese this way. So I found a way to can it. In jelly/ or pint jars, in a pan of water (put jars in water), put cheese in jars(slice into small pieces) , allow to melt down to 1 in. from top, then put lids on and hot water bath 40 min. for both pints and jelly jars.The longer it sit on shelf the sharp it gets. We just got plans to build a cheese press, so as I can make my own cheddar cheese. We have had to wait to make it because I had no way or place to allow cheese to ripen. So now I’ll make it and can it. The can cheese will last 2 plus years in a cool dark place.

Home canning Cheese sauce
6 lbs of velveeta cheese ( I used a off brand, which was half in price)
3 1/2 cups of heavy cream
1/4 lb butter
1 quart milk
( I used our fresh cows milk, our butter and cream. This cut the price of my sauce way down. I just had to buy the cheese. In case any of you have your own cows, I’m not sure if goats milk will work.)
*melt butter in a big sauce pot
*add milk and cream
*slice cheese into above mixture
*melt cheese slowly, if melted too fast it will burn on the bottom.
*put into hot jars
*seal and hot bath for 20 minutes.
Makes 20 jelly jars. ( mine made 22 jelly jars)
The cheese sauce is great. I found that a jelly jar is enough cheese for a batch of mac & cheese for 4 people. And here, they like to spread the cheese on crackers too ( it’s like a cheese whiz). The best part for me is that it stores on the shelf. If keep in a cool dry place, it should last at least 2 years. ( I got it at http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/getrecipe.zsp?id=82726 It’s called “home canned nacho cheese sauce”, But I just wanted the cheese sauce above.

Home canned butter
I also found out you can, home can butter see here: http://frugalabundance.com/homecannedbutter.htm I have not tried this one yet as for time and it’s been to hot to make big batches of butter. I only make what we need, and all the extra cream I freeze for now. Then when it cools off, I’ll thaw the cream and make butter, then can it.
Canning raw cow’s milk
With our milk cow giving us 3 plus gallons a day ( it’s only her first calf). I have extra milk. So I freeze some (for when she is dry) and I can some( this canned milk makes the best white gravy you ever had. I use the canned milk for cooking only.We have been doing this for years. Can be used any where you would use milk or store can milk.)
Fill quarts and/ or pints with milk to with in 1/4 in. from rim. Then pressure can (cook) 10 minutes at 15 lbs pressure for both qt’s. and pt’s.
The milk will be a light tan color. I have canned the milk whole (without decreaming it, which will give you a thick cream like butter on top of the milk, which is good in cooking) and I have canned decreamed milk ( I take just the heavy cream off first, which gives you a little of the cream like butter on top). Both ways are good. And I have not used goats milk, but I think it would be the same but I’m not sure. If any one knows please let me know, Ok.
***************************************************************************

13 Comments »

I have canned goats’ milk and it turned out OK. I am looking for real recipes to do some now. I will try your suggestions as to time and pressure amounts. Thanks.
Comment by rebecca gring August 20, 2008

Rebecca,Have you tried your canned goats milk yet? If so, how did it turn out?Becky
Comment by jordansfarm August 24, 2008

Could you share your cinnamon roll recipe as well?
Comment by D. August 31, 2008

Becky - Have you tried canning butter yet? I just bought 14 pounds on sale, and would really like to can it. I’ve read the directions, got the jars, just haven’t gotten it done … yet!
For what it’s worth, most of my family thinks I’m crazy for stockpiling too, but this has been on my heart for months. I really believe the Lord is preparing us for something big. There are a couple of people at our church who feel the same way, but most just think the stores will always have food. I’m so glad to know that others share this conviction.
Your blog has been a *huge* help, and I can’t thank you enough.
Praying for you and your husband.
Comment by arksoaper September 5, 2008

arksoaper,No, I have not had time yet to even make butter. But I do have about 15-20 gallons of cream in the freezer just waiting on me to make butter. Please let me know how it turns out. I would start out with just a small batch of canned butter, and see how it works and if you like the taste. This canning butter, I have not tried, I want too. But I will make a small batch first. When I tried the canned cheese sauce and canned hard cheeses, I made small batches and let everyone try it, first.
And welcome to the crazy stockpiling group, the group is growing, and doing so fast.
Have a wonderful week.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 5, 2008

Hey Becky,
Just wanted to give you an update on the butter. I took your advice and canned one pound first to see how it turned out before I wound up ruining 14 pounds of it. ) I think overall it went well. The jar sealed with no problem, and I shook it several times as recommended while it was cooling. The consistency of the butter is grainier than normal, but it is beautiful in the jar! I think for now, I’m just going to freeze the butter, and if we have a major power outage, I at least have the option of canning it. I wouldn’t hesitate to use the canned for cooking, but just to eat on toast or something, it’s a little gritty for our taste (maybe because it’s the store brand?). I think it would be fine otherwise though.
Thanks for all of your help!
Have a great weekend,Stacie
Comment by arksoaper September 6, 2008

D.The cinnamon roll recipe is coming, I didn’t forget. I will post it next week.
Stacie,Thank you for letting me know about the butter. I found the “how to” for and if the power was out for to long. It’s my back up. Later this fall, I will try it with homemade butter and let you know. Thank you again.
Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 7, 2008

Hello Becky:just found your web site and wish you and your family all the best. I was wondering regarding the Parmesan cheese and Mock Mozzarella recipe it calls for 1 cup of powered milk and 3 cups of powdered milk. Is the milk already made up (from the powder) or is it in the powder form that you add altogether. I have never used powdered milk but have just acquired some for my food storage. Thanks in advance for your answer.Debbie
Comment by Debbie September 20, 2008

Hello again Becky: I forgot to ask if the powdered milk is instant or non instant. I do have both. ThanksDebbie
Comment by Debbie September 20, 2008

Debbie,Thank you for stopping in. As for the powdered milk: you are to add it in it’s dry form. Both say to blend all ingredients together. The recipes each have the water in them.Now for the instant or non instant: I am not sure as I have not tried these two yet, but the book just says powdered. i would think you can use either, or, as they both are cooked.Please let me know how it turns out. I posted these two because I know not everyone has a milk cow. And I’ll use it when mine is dry.Thank you again, and have a great weekend.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 21, 2008

Hi Becky ! New to canning and simply *love* your site (was looking for info on canning potatoes when I found). Have a question regarding home-made buttermilk. I found a recipe from USDA which said to take 1/2 cup commercial buttermilk, add to 1 1/3 cup powdered milk and 3 cups water. You shake in covered jar and let sit on counter to ‘clabber’ 5 to 10 hrs.
I tried this recipe and came up with very thick, goopy ’stringy’ stuff (my husband said it looked like white nasal extract) that smells vinegary. I repeated recipe in case I made an error and came up with same result. I’m scared to death to use it for fear of being brought up on homicide charges ( thats supposed to be a joke ) - have you ever tried this? is my end result SUPPOSED to look this way? comments from anyone else?
Comment by Robin November 12, 2008

Thanks for all the great recipes and tips. I’d like to share one with you that my family loves and is very quick meal on cold days.
CHEESEBURGER CASEROLE1 1/2 lbs of ground beef1 large can of Manwich1 med onion diced1 med green pepper dicedany kind of cheese you likecanned biscuts
Cook meat, onions, and peppers in large pot til brown and crumbled. Add your large can of manwich and simmer for about 5 min. Transfer your meet mixture to a caserole dish, spread evenly and top with cheese of your choice. I use American Deli slices. Take your canned biscuts or if you choose to make homemade and place on top of the cheese leaving no space uncovered. Follow the baking directions on can of biscuts or til the biscuts are light brown and serve. The whole dish only takes about 30-35 min start to finish and we never have leftovers. Hope your family enjoys it as much as mine does. Let me know. I look forward to seeing more recipes and tips in your blog in the future.
Comment by Candace January 28, 2009

Candace,Thank you for the recipe, it looks like it’ll be good. And thank you for stopping in. Have a great day.Becky
Comment by Becky January 29, 2009

An Update On Tommy---The Lord does it again

2009-02-10T21:28:00.001-05:00

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 05, 2009 09:30 PM, EST
Tommy is in the hospital tonight and should be home tomorrow. I had to call 911 at about 11am to come and get him. He was having a hard time breathing, his skin was more yellow, and his pulse keep going higher.
The doctor in ER said that Tommy’s blood enzyme (?Spell) were very low and his hemoglobin (?spell)was really low, which was making it hard for him to breath and making him feel like he was smothering. Tommy’s blood was not carrying oxygen like it was supports too. The doctor believes the cancer has gotten into the bone marrow and is eating the red cells. They are giving Tommy 2 pints of red blood cells tonight, which will help him feel better and breath easier. This is only a kind of quick fix and will only last a few weeks at most. Kind of like giving him morphine for pain. Tommy can chose to get more blood but we have no insurance and this time we with in through the ER. The ER doctor said that the 2 pints of red blood cells were very expensive. I don’t know what to do next? But tonight he is getting them. The rest is in the Lord’s hands.
Tommy was looking a little better when I left, but very tired. He was not as pale looking. Please keep praying for us. And thank you all for your prayers.
Becky
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 06, 2009 09:15 AM, CST
mom called from hospital this morning dads hospice dropped his case last night we need hard fast pray now for a new hospice to pick up Tommy please pray hard
Tasha
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2009 04:11 PM, EST
Thursday evening: After Tommy was settled into his room and I had talked to the nurses, we went home. By this time it was really dark, ( I can’t see to drive at night, I’m blinded by on coming head lights). So I followed Tasha in her car, which really helped. Well about a mile from the hospital, my windshield was dirty, so I sprayed it and turned on the wipers. Well being my brain was not working well- my windshield is now a sheet of ice, while driving down the road. I had to roll down the drivers window to see to pull over. Tasha came back to see why I had pulled over, I told her- she said mom it’s 10 degrees. I just cried as I scraped ice off the windshield. The Lord then got us home safe and sound. Thank you Lord. After we got home I called some family with the update on Tommy and thankfully they passed it on to others. I was so very tired both mind and body. I prayed all night: Lord, will you please send us a better hospice or give ours now a heart to help Tommy. Friday: I awoke praying the same prayer. Tommy called a little after 8am saying the doctor had been there and he was ready to go home. I started getting ready to go get him; and dread, worry, fear started to cover me and I started shaking. It all came on so fast and that to scared me. Instead of letting my mind have it’s way - I started saying the 23rd Psalm out loud then said 2 Timothy 1:7 “My God did not give me the spirit of fear: but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.” I kept repeating these two all the way to the hospital. It was a fight, and by the time I got to the hospital, I was calmed down and had peace. Thank you Lord.
I went in and talked to Tommy and then went to tell the nurses I was there. While I was packing up Tommy’s things, his room phone rung. I answered it. It was the hospices head RN, I told her I was going to call as soon as I got home. She said no need too, that they dropped/discarded Tommy’s case last night and we could not leave the hospital until we found another hospice to take up his care. I asked, Why? She said because I had took Tommy to an uncontracted hospital for treatment. I said he was having trouble breathing. She said, we are no longer his hospice and hung up.
I can honestly say, if I had not prayed all morning- I know I would have lost my mind with a nerves breakdown. Thank you Lord for preparing me. Now I’m in total shock!!Tommy saw my face turn white as I was hanging up, and started to ask me, but I just held up my hand for him to give me a minute. I took a few deep breaths and tried so hard to pray but worry and fear came in again fast. So I told Tommy everything. Then started making phone calls asking for fast prayer, as I just could not seem to get the prayers out at that moment. Then I called our family doctor( they had set us up with the first hospice) and told them what happened(they had told me to take Tommy fast to an ER yesterday), She said she would look into it and get back to me. Honestly, now I’m shaking and wrapped tight in fear and worry and my mind is on overload. I asked to talk to the head nurse to see about talking to the hospitals social worker, she said she’d send her to the room. So I go back to the room to wait. Tommy says he wants a candy bar, so off I go to get him one. While on my way back to the room a small voice says, ”You asked for a new hospice, but I’ll do it My way.” I started crying and asking for forgiveness for my lack of faith and for worrying. And an overwhelming peace filled me. Thank you Lord. I walked into Tommy’s room crying and he asked why. I told him of my prayer last night and this morning and our answer coming. He cried too. We both thank the Lord and took a few deep breaths. We both had to fight hard to keep fear and worry away and hang on tight to His words for a few hours. We kept talking about all the prayers He has answered over the years. Then the call came from our family doctor, they found us a new hospice who would pick up Tommy’s case. And would be coming to the hospital as soon as our doctor signed and faxed them the paper work. Tommy and I gave thanks again to the Lord. They came and we signed papers.
Tommy and I left the hospital about 3 pm. The new hospice nurse was at our house at 5 pm. She was wonderful, and said they would get Tommy’s pain under control ASP. Tasha came home while she was still here. I had sent her out for a fast food dinner. I was totally worn out with no strength left to make dinner. Thank you Tasha for running into town for me.
The nurse called me an hour and a half later: She said that so far with the information she was plugging in, they would cover his cancer, but not sure yet if they could cover his COPD breathing meds, but no matter what I could keep the oxygen machine. With a peaceful heart, I told her ,“to do what she could do and the Lord would see to the rest. If it turns out we have to buy his COPD meds and inhalers that the Lord would provide them or a way to get them.” She said, “ she agreed as she to has seen the Lord answer prayers and knows He takes care of His own.” Tommy’s and my bodies are worn out , but our spirits are joyful and peaceful.
Thank you Lord for walking us through yet another day and for blessing us so. And answering prayers in Your way and in Your time. Thank you for forgiving us of our weak faith and trust.
Today looking back I now see: the Lord prepared me for bad news ( hospice letting us go), reminding me He is still answering my prayers in His way and His time, walking with us in what felt like our darkest hours, strengthening our faith and trust in Him, renewing our hope in hospice people. Thank you Lord. But in order for us to grow in him, and our faith and trust to grow: we must go through trials, fears, unknowns, lonely times to be able to see His hands and love in it all. That’s were faith and trust become stronger with each trial we look back on. When going through trials we do not always feel Him near us and helping us- But He NEVER leaves us- not even when we don’t feel him. Thank you Lord for carrying my family through another trial. And please help us to always remember this trial and the work you did in it when the next trial comes.
Saturday: Tommy had some pain last night but morphine stop it. The new hospice nurse was out this morning. She is going to be asking the new hospice doctor Monday morning for: morphine sulfate MSER 100 mg (she said if by second dose it’s not working they will up it); a new sleeping pill, a much stronger anti- inflammatory, and a few other things. What a great blessing not having to wait a week plus for something to work and go up on dose.
Tommy had corn beef hash and eggs to eat. Then watched some Netflix's. And is now going out on the porch to get some vitamin D with it 70 it’s nice and warm for him.
I can’t thank you all enough for all your prayers, Thank you.
God Bless you all,
Becky

Comments:

Becky,
I have been reading your posts for several months. You are the reason I started my food stock pile. You gave me a place to start. I am thankful for your guidance. You seem to be such a hard worker and I admire you for holding your family together. I know the Lord must have blessings for you a plenty. I was so happy to read that Tommy got a new hospice. Thank you Lord!!! I will continue to pray for you, Tommy and your family. I live by the saying, “when one door closes another one opens! The old hospice door closed, but another one opened! Wonderful. Comment by Holli | February 7, 2009 |
I am so sorry you have to go through all this. I am glad though that you love the Lord. I always wonder how people cope who do not know the Lord. Its true we grow the most when times are toughest. I will pray for you and Tommy and your family every time I think of you. It was good to read what you wrote about praying and then thanking God. Sometimes we pray for help but forget the give thanks when we get it. take care blessings debbieo Comment by Debbieo | February 7, 2009 |
Becky,
My wife and i have read you blog for a while and found it very inspiring that someone with so little has been able to accomplish so much. You are really amazing. I recently had a close brush with death and was convinced i only had a short time left and i was so scared and kept thinking “why me?”. But after a while i started to realize that I have to just let go and have complete faith that everything happens for a reason and that pertains to both the good and the bad. Often times we are not meant to understand why, but we must faith. We are all going to depart this earth eventually but its just a matter of how and when. But its up to us to decide what we will do with the time that we have been given and always remember that death is not the end but is only the beginning. Best Wishes, Maximus Comment by Maximus | February 9, 2009 |

Weekend – It’s been good

2009-02-09T09:46:00.001-05:00

Tommy has had a good weekend. He was up during the day and slept at nights. There was a few bouts with pain but the morphine helped. It was great having him up during the day. And he really enjoyed being up with us.

Tasha and Carl, helped me to get some more things out of the shop. We have until the 15th to get everything else out, almost done, maybe just one more trip. Thank you Carl for your help.

It has been a long time since we have had an easy and good weekend. Thank you Lord. Tommy was able to help me fix things and he got some other things done. Which made him feel useful.

The weather still does not know what it wants to do, one day cold and the next hot.

The girls are doing good. And Tasha’s belly is getting bigger. The farm is doing good.

Thank you Lord for all your blessings, love, and mercy.

Becky

Technorati Tags: update,Tommy,family,blessings

An Update On Tommy---The Lord does it again

2009-02-07T16:54:00.001-05:00

Comments:

Becky,
I have been reading your posts for several months. You are the reason I started my food stock pile. You gave me a place to start. I am thankful for your guidance. You seem to be such a hard worker and I admire you for holding your family together. I know the Lord must have blessings for you a plenty. I was so happy to read that Tommy got a new hospice. Thank you Lord!!! I will continue to pray for you, Tommy and your family. I live by the saying, “when one door closes another one opens! The old hospice door closed, but another one opened! Wonderful. Comment by Holli February 7, 2009
I am so sorry you have to go through all this. I am glad though that you love the Lord. I always wonder how people cope who do not know the Lord. Its true we grow the most when times are toughest. I will pray for you and Tommy and your family every time I think of you. It was good to read what you wrote about praying and then thanking God. Sometimes we pray for help but forget the give thanks when we get it. take care blessings debbieo Comment by Debbieo February 7, 2009
Becky,
My wife and i have read you blog for a while and found it very inspiring that someone with so little has been able to accomplish so much. You are really amazing. I recently had a close brush with death and was convinced i only had a short time left and i was so scared and kept thinking “why me?”. But after a while i started to realize that I have to just let go and have complete faith that everything happens for a reason and that pertains to both the good and the bad. Often times we are not meant to understand why, but we must faith. We are all going to depart this earth eventually but its just a matter of how and when. But its up to us to decide what we will do with the time that we have been given and always remember that death is not the end but is only the beginning. Best WIshes, Maximus Comment by Maximus February 9, 2009
Hi,there is some information available at http://ncrf.org/ that you might find helpful. Best wishes to you. Comment by hello February 11, 2009
Thank you all for your comments and prayers. And thank you for stopping in here. Have a great day.I am blessed to have you all.Becky
Comment by Becky February 15, 2009
God has answered your prayers. You are no longer stuck with a second rate hospice who seems to have little to no compassion for your husband. Just watch God work for you. As awful as all this is, Jesus is sustaining you. Things will get better. Comment by terilyn February 20, 2009
God bless and keep you Becky and your dear Tommy and family.I am meeting you for the 1st time tonight and so happy to know you and am inspired by your love of the Lord, your family, and your kindness to others. I am deeply touchedby your gratefulness, kindness, and humble simple way.Thank you for your good advice-I’m taking it! I’m the mom of 4 and grandma of 1 so far. My family (kids are 21-30) doesn’t know that I have been stockpiling food and necessary stuff for months now. They aren’t watching the horizon. So I pray much for them by God’s grace, and like you, place my trust in Him. Becky, I will pray for you and your husband and family. Much love and prayer in Him,stephanie
Comment by Stephie February 21, 2009

An Old Treat -- Fast Donuts

2009-01-31T08:47:00.003-05:00

Last night I made an old treat here. I have made it before but not for many,many years.

Fast Donuts

buy a can of the cheapest canned biscuits you can find.
you will need a deep fryer, like for French fries, or a deep pan with oil.
a donut topping: cake frosting, cinnamon and sugar, powdered sugar, a glaze, jelly, whatever you like
open the can of biscuits, flatten each one ( can even stick your finger in the middle if you want a hole there)
then drop into hot oil, brown each side
allow to cool just a bit, not to much, just enough to be able to handle
then add your topping
these are not as good when cold, but I had no leftovers, so no problem there.

Tommy and TommieLynn loved them and asked when I was making more. I just laughed. I know there are homemade recipes out there but these are fast donuts. I paid 35 cents for a can of 10 biscuits, and had some left over frosting from a cake. If you find a good sale on canned biscuits, open them up and wrap each biscuit in wax paper and place the number you want to use each time in a freezer bag and freeze them. My Granny made these when I was a kid, and we all loved them.
Beware they disappear faster then you can get them cooked.
Becky

Comments:

I use to make these when my kids were little. Now they are grown with homes of their own. We would put sugar in a baggie and shake them in that for a topping. Back then biscuits were 23cents a can. You cut them in fourths and fried them, so you got 40 a can. Comment by terilyn February 1, 2009
I too used to make these, then the canned biscuits got so expensive. Becky, you are a wonder. I am so blessed reading your site. You are such a good example of how to do things. I enjoy your sharing. Thank you so much and God bless you and yours. debbieo Comment by Debbieo February 2, 2009
I definitely agree with Debbieo….I am blessed reading your site. I am blessed in the information you share, the reminders you give me with your posts, the inspiration and the motivation to keep moving in the direction I truly feel led to walk in. Thank you — it’s a full life homesteading and family-steading ) It’s not always easy to find moments to share on the blog, and I am thankful for each moment you give us. Deanna Comment by Deanna February 4, 2009
Just checking in to say that I found your site after I canned 49 quarts of potatoes. We left the skin on. We hot packed 21 qts. and cold packed 28. We have eaten the cold packed potatoes several times now: fried, fried, and in soup. Can you tell we like fried potatoes? They were great. I would love to try the cheese making too. My mom used to make donuts like this. My husband takes frozen bread dough, rolls it out into saucer-sized circles, deep-fries it, sprinkles it with cinnamon & sugar, and calls it Elephant Ears. YUMMY! Comment by Crystal February 6, 2009

This & That 1/29/09

2009-01-29T08:29:00.000-05:00

I have not had a lot to say. ( alright now, no laughing) And I’m not sure what else needs to be posted on stocking foods and getting ready for the hard times ahead. I have been doing a lot of reading on the Internet, and checking on everyone. This site is still showing a lot of hits on stocking up and canning potatoes, etc.
I’m not liking what I hear on the News: more job loses, more people losing their homes, more companies lay off and closing down, and now the recall on peanut products. This mess will not be leaving us any time soon. So I’ll continue to keep a watch on our money, keep stocking, and keep looking for more ways to save money. And I’ll post any new finds I find out about.
Here we have seen good days and bad days but/and overly blessed. But we are still kicking hard. And we are thankful for grace and mercy for each day. This world is not our home. Tommy has good and bad days. And still loves his mp3 player. While he listened to it this morning, he found a loving message from Tommielynn. I did not even know she put it on there. But it brought a wonderful smile to Tommy’s face.
Tommielynn has stayed up late with Tommy a few nights, watching and helping him. I was informed by her that I needed my sleep and it was her alone time with her daddy. She has been a great help to me in helping with Tommy’s care. I am so very blessed to have a wonderful family.
With the weather not being the greatest(snow, rain), I admit I’ve been using the dryer for the clothes. In a way it’s been nice using it. (It does save some time, but also uses more power). Well I’ll use it as a treat for me. And it really only took the power bill up about $20, not bad for using it 4-5 times a week for about a month. This last week’s weather has been really different: one day is shorts, and the next layered clothes. No wonder I can’t get rid of this head cold.
Well I hope you all have a great day.
Becky

Update and A new find to save money

2009-01-16T08:55:00.000-05:00

I’m still kicking. But boy, oh boy is it cold here. It’s 6 degrees this morning. And I can stay in the warm house, as we no longer have the milk cow. So no more frozen fingers and noses. At 6 degrees outside, I’m really glad we sold the cow. Yesterday it did not get above 30 all day. I have seen where some of you are having it colder than me. And even some of you with lots of snow. Burrrrrr.
Tommy’s had good days and bad days. The pain comes and goes from his knees and chest. The morphine seems to help most times. Please keep praying for him.
The farm is still doing good. The chickens are still giving us a lot of eggs, which we are sharing. The beef bull is getting bigger. Hopefully by early summer he can go into the freezer.
My step-son told me about iPod Shuffle player, as I told him when I laid down to rest my mind kicked in on all I had to do. So I got one and downloaded books to it. It has made my rest time better. As hard as I try to stop my mind, well it’s hard to do. Am I worrying? I don’t think so, just going over everything that needs to be done. I have also loaded the iPod with parts of the Bible. And found out my library will allow you to download books free for a week at a time, off their Internet site, as long as you have a library card. They allow 5 books out at a time. They have adults and kids books, this find was a blessing. This is a money saver too. You might want to check with your library too, about this. As I know most kids and adults have some kind of iPod or MP3 players. You can also listen to to books from your computer or burn to Cd’s to play on CD players. I just found out about this last week. So I thought I share what I found out. TommieLynn loves it, as do I.
On another note: For those of you that can foods. Have you stocked up on canning lids? I try and keep about a year’s worth on hand. You never know when you will need them. They store forever, and you can usually buy them year round. Try and buy a pack or two every time you go to town, or when you can. You may not have money this summer to buy them, or power may go off for to long. You may not know when someone will bless you with meat and veg’s, at any time of year. It a small thing, these lids, but you can’t can without them. I ran out once during canning, a lesson learned well.
I have been keeping up with you all here, and glad you all are well. It seems to be a busy time for everyone. Trying to finds ways to save money, stretch what money you do have, looking for jobs, etc. Thank you all for the ideas and ways you have posted as they have helped me, too. This Internet is a blessing too. I have meet wonderful people, made new friends all over the world, got new ideas, and have learned so much.
Well I had better get this day started.
Becky
January 16, 2009 - Posted by Becky Canning, Stocking up, ideas, making do, saving money, update, winter Canning, making do, saving money, Stocking up, winter 4 Comments

4 Comments »
Hi Becky ~Glad to see that things are holding steady for you all. My husband found out his job is being done away with at the end of the month, so we’re sort of in don’t-know-what-to-do mode. Like you always say, God will provide.
I didn’t know about the books! Is it like an audio recording of the books? Or do you have to have one with a little video screen to read the books?
Take care,Denita~~
Comment by D. January 17, 2009

hello Becky.
I came across your website looking to make cheese.Thankyou for sharing this with people.Very generous of you.Im sorry to hear about your husband Tommy and his illnes.This is heartbreaking.How are you holding up thought this???This must be such a huge burden for you to bare.We sold our house in the city and moved to the country and bought a Jersey and Holstein.Im sorry you had to sell your jersey.
You have some fabulous ideas on your website.Im sure I will be watching it daily im addicted!!!
Take care Karen
Comment by karen January 17, 2009

Oh I wanted to ask you if you have ever made hard cheese???
Comment by karen January 17, 2009

Denita,It’s so good to hear from you again. I am sorry about the job loss. But our Lord WILL provide. My family and I are living proof. I will keep you all in my prayers. As for the books: they are audio recording that you can listen to on your computer, or down load to an MP3 player. Most have free download software.( like windows media player or i-tunes)
Karen,Thank you very much for stopping in. I am doing ok, I take one day at a time, and have grace for everyday. How much milk are you getting a day? And no, I have not made hard cheese yet. Tommy was working on a homemade cheese press just before he got sick, and did not get it done. But I have watched a friend, and it looks easy enough.
Becky
Comment by Becky January 17, 2009

Tommy need prayer

2009-01-12T09:02:00.000-05:00

Tommy has been up all night and is still up with very bad pain in his knees. His pain meds are not working. See Caring Bridge Site for more. Thank you for your prayers.Beckyhttp://caringbridge.org/visit/tommyjordan
January 12, 2009 - Posted by Becky Uncategorized prayers, Tommy 1 Comment

1 Comment »
Dear Becky and Tommy
Please know I am praying for you both as are all the ladies from the group. Please let us know how things are and how we can support you.
((hugs))
Comment by Jan from Ireland February 4, 2009

Update and My Wings

2009-01-07T06:40:00.000-05:00

TJ, Tex and Janet came up this past weekend. They got the tools out of the shop, so we can close it and stop paying rent there. They also got two large buffets out of our living room. This really open it up. And will allow Tommy to use his walker easier now. Now I have to find a place for everything that was in them. I still have some boxes in the floor. TJ put a part on the truck. We all worked hard this past weekend. Thank you all again for everything you did and all your help.
I sold the milk cow this past Tuesday, a mixed blessing. No more milking but also no more milk. TommieLynn is so very happy to be done with milking. I froze and canned some milk yesterday. And I thought I’d get to sleep in Wednesday morning, well only until 7:30 am as the dogs woke me up wanting out, oh well. And this morning, I am up at 4 am coughing really hard, but I will let the dogs out and go back to bed. I’m still fighting this yuck in my chest, and I’m almost done with round two of antibiotics and on my 5th bag of Halls cough drops, and week 5 of this. I have tried everything under the sun, even herbs. How long can this last???
It rained really hard yesterday and is to do the same today. We had rivers going through the fields and in the yard. The poor chickens looked so funny, them being all wet and muddy. Tommy told me to tie a rope to the truck and tied it to the porch. It was bad, we have not had that much rain in years. Yes, here we really needed it but didn’t want it all in one day.
A friend, Jenny, said the Lord was giving me my wings, when I talked to her last week. To be honest it felt like He was cutting my wings, with all the changes. Jenny said He was giving me my wings to fly. And at the time (last week) I felt grounded, very grounded. I didn’t feel like flying, and did not see it that way. And this really bothered me. Why I could not see what someone else saw. So the more I thought about it, the clearer it became. The things being taken away, the changes being made, were to lighten my load so I could fly. A bird can’t fly when it’s loaded down with things it really does not need. I see it like a bird who’s wing was broke, and it could not fly for a while, but still remembers flying. And has to wait for the wing to heal, and then relearn to fly again. Or like the fighting roosters tied to a little house, they can move some but can’t fly very high or far. I have always like the song, “ On the Wings of a Snow White Dove”, so Tommy has brought me doves over the years. And as I looked around my house at all the doves, I remembered, He sends His love on the wings of a dove. Now I see that the Lord is teaching me to fly again, and like the birds learning to fly again, it’s hard work and it hurts. And some birds don’t want to leave what they have known, being grounded by string or broken wing or just caged. They have forgotten what it is like to fly. I too, have forgotten what it’s like to fly, but I am remembering now. I want to fly again. I have allowed things and people to ground/ cage me. But my wings are healing and the door is opening, freedom is in the air. And just like the birds, I too, will fly through the storms of life or soar above them. I want others to see His love on my wings again, I want to fly for Him. To bad, I did not see all this sooner, so as not to fight it so hard. But I am thankful the Lord did not give up on me and keep at me to fly again. Is the Lord working on your wings?? Are you grounded or caged? Has something in life broken one of your wings? The Lord is waiting for you to fly again, He’s waiting to heal you, too.
Come fly with me.
Becky

Comments:

Becky, As always, you are an inspiration. ) What beautiful insight into our growth process. May God continue to bless you as you stretch your wings and fly once again. In Him, Stacie Comment by arksoaper | January 7, 2009 |
Thank you for sharing. Sometimes I forget the Lord has to prune us and our lives so that we can grow closer to Him. Hope you are feeling better soon. Comment by Country Lady | January 8, 2009 |
Nice post Becky… hoping your changes bring even bigger and better changes in your life.. take care and know that God is always near especially at times like these… Janine Comment by Janine | January 11, 2009 |
Why can’t they do a fentanyl (spelling) pump implant? That way your hubby can push the button for extra relief when needed, yet not use as much when not needed. It is very common for people with terminal pain to have the wire implanted for the pain pump on demand. It’s not exactly important to worry about “hooking” someone on drugs when the case is terminal. Pain relief is more important than any thing else. You really have a crappy hospice. I am so very sorry you are going through this with such poor support there. Is there anyway at all you could have access to a different doctor or program?
I will pray for your husband and your family. Comment by teri | January 12, 2009 |
And just like the birds, I too, will fly through the storms of life or soar above them. Your post was very moving for me. My family and I have had to learn to fly through the storms and soar above them!!!! I am new to this web site. I do understand the terrible dreaded “C” word. My husband was diagnosed with cancer last year. God was good. We had a growth - tumor removed from behind his left ear in May’08. He went back a week later to have the drain tube removed only to be told the tumor was cancer; however there were parts left behind. The doctors had to make a treatment plan for him. They told us because he was young and a strong healthy man that he could handle the sink being thrown at him. We went through our chemo and our radiation and now dealing with some hearing loss and vertigo - we are blessed that he is getting great results from his 3 month follow ups. As a spouse watching her husband go through all of it, it is very traumatic. You want to take their pain - their sickness away and all one can do is hold their hand or head through the rough times. During the good times, we made them our best. We have a small child - 5 yrs old. He still worries that Daddy will go to heaven. We are constantly reassuring him that Daddy is ok. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Comment by Tara | January 29, 2009 |
Tara, I will keep your family in my prayers. As I know first hand what everyone is going through. Remember to take care of your self too. Becky Comment by Becky | January 31, 2009 |

Changes in the Mist - Ready Or Not

2008-12-28T12:20:00.001-05:00

I have been looking ahead and trying to make a plan before Spring and Summer gets here. There has been a lot of changes in my life this year - some good and some not so good - little and big. I am not very good at change. Some changes are good for us, some hurt really bad, some don't last to long. My family is smaller in size now, needs are changing from a few years ago, and I'm getting older. We loved are full farm and all it gave us. But now there are not as many hands as before working the farm. And it's finally hit me, I can't run the farm by myself. Don't get me wrong the girls help all they can. But a farm is a lot of work year round. And I really would like to spend more time with my family.

So here is some of the ways we are going to down size some:

I am selling my milk cow as soon as I can. We love the milk but thinking ahead there is no way I can keep the fence lines weed eat or all the fields mowed and do a garden. And come fall, the thought of loading and unloading a 100 bales of hay for winter use, is not a good picture. And we no longer drink 4-5 gallons of milk a week. So it's time to say good bye to milking.
The Black Angus Bull now running in the field, will be fatten up and put in the freezer as fast as we can. And while we are eating his meat, I'll put some money back every month to buy a half cow for meat. I know where I can do this cheaper than store prices and the cows are feed the way I feed mine. ( I'll also be able to buy half a hog when needed). So we will still be able to get great meat without all the work. I worked the price out, it's only 50 cents more a pound if someone else raises it. Which is about $1.09 a pound, cut and wrap and fast froze. Still cheaper than the store meat, and better tasting too.
My husband is selling his big tractor. We will not be mowing the fields any more or having a great big garden. We are switching to raised beds for most, and making a fenced in area for potatoes. We no longer need a big garden to feed us. I still will be able to get apples and pears off the ground from friends. So I think I have our food planned out.
We will keep our chickens for meat and eggs. And sell chickens and eggs. They are very easy to care for. And I HATE STORE BROUGHT EGGS.
We have 3 freezers that I would like to get down to using just 1 or 2. Which means canning more meat.

We will be growing a few more vegetable and I'll can every thing I can get my hands on. This new life is going to be really different, as we have lived this way for 10 + years. And it has kept us feed well. But changes are here like it or not. The Word says there is a season for everything, I guess my season is changing again. Time to learn new things, new and different ways.

Tommy and I are not looking forward to selling the milk cow or his tractor, we worked long and hard for both, Tommy and I together broke the milk cow to hand milking and she was born here on the farm, and Tommy has wait years to be able to buy the tractor: but now it's time.

This blog will still be about farm life, now just a mini farm life. And I will still share all I have learned and will be learning here.

Well for now we will be down sizing to fit our needs better. Will I ever have a full farm again, only the good Lord knows that and He's not told me yet. So for now it's one day at a time, going where the Lord leads us.

Change is in the air,

Becky

Tommy's Tractor

Peaches milk cow, bull meat

Comments:

You have some big decisions to make. It sounds like you are up to it. They are unfortunate, but necessary. Realize that not everyone is as insightful as you nor could they look at things so realistically and make the right decisions. Comment by Sheila Smith | December 29, 2008 |
I know there are many tears being shed into your pillow right now. You are having to face some very difficult truths about your family’s health and children coming of age, your finances, and your own physical limitations. I pray God holds you very close, and the Father of mercy comforts you as you pass through all the coming changes. Comment by teri | December 29, 2008 |
Good luck- I think you fair just fine.. just so you know we have been church “Searching” and think we may have settled on one here close to us. Thank you for inspiring me and my family in ways you may not even know of….I will keep you and your family in my prayers Love Amanda Comment by Amanda B | December 31, 2008 |
I only just started to read your blog, and find it amazing. I take my hat off to all you do.
Hope to read more soon. hugs gwen Comment by gwen | January 1, 2009 |
[...] bookmarks tagged black angus Changes in the Mist - Ready Or Not « Becky’s Farm … saved by 5 others mightguy1 bookmarked on 01/01/09 | Pingback by Pages tagged "black angus" | January 1, 2009 |
I haven’t seen an update from you in a few days so I’m hoping that is good news! God bless you today, Becky, as you live for His glory, depending on His grace, one minute at a time. Comment by Georgene | January 5, 2009 |

Hands have been full But I'm still blessed

2008-12-26T09:56:00.001-05:00

Life has been full lately. Tommy has been having a hard time with pain: Hopefully this is straighten out now. I have been sick for 3 weeks now, and last Thursday I went and got an antibiotic. And I have been doing only the "have to" chores. The farm is doing good. The girls are fine. The weather does not know what it wants to do- one day cold, next day warm.

I sure have miss you all. Hopefully I can get back here now and read up on what everyone has been up too. Hope you all had a Merry Christmas. Our Christmas was good. Tommy got a tractor book, he has wanted for a while. TommieLynn got a small MP3 player, which she loves. We had a quiet day.

Tommy is still enjoying Netflix. He said last night that he finally figured out the remote control. And loves the fact he no longer has to watch commercials.

Scott and Ann came up again for a few days. And they helped out around here. Thank you both very much for your help. And for putting a smile on Tommy's face.

This is from Caring Bridge site this morning.

Good Morning everyone,

I'm sorry it's been so long but it's been a long week. OK here goes:

Friday 19, Three people came out from hospice and talked to Tommy and I for about an hour. They said they would see about a break through med.

Saturday 20, Tommy woke up at 6 am having a hard time breathing. So we moved the oxygen machine into the bedroom. (he now uses the oxygen nightly)He is still hurting but not as bad as before.

Sunday 21, My grandmother died this evening.

Monday 22, At 12:20 am Tommy fell and I woke to a crashing sound. He's not hurt. At 11am, Tommy falls again trying to pick up clothes off the floor. He's not hurt. Then Dr. Burke calls me: and says he has made a mistake and can not take Tommy's case and will give it back to the hospice doctor. And he is really sorry. (now we are not sure if the hospice doctor will take Tommy back.) Then my uncle calls and says my cousin has been in a bad car wreck. Her 3 little girls only had some stitches and are OK. But she was throw from the car. The doctors have put her into a coma as all her face bones are broke and her skull is cracked. Then I go to town to find a walker for Tommy. And while I'm gone he falls again, not hurt. Our pastor bring us gifts from the church and has prayer with us. Very long day, and I'm still fighting this cold/ sinus infection.

Tuesday 23, The hospice nurse came out to get Tommy's vitals and stresses again about the meds and his BP. About 15 minutes after she leaves, a DSS Social Worker (Social Services)came to our door.(OK Lord I'm only one person.) First thing she say to me,"I told my boss before I even left the office that these charges would be unfounded. But by law I have to come out." She said she was sorry about Tommy's cancer and would pray for him and us. And she was really sorry to bother us, but she had to come out. She said the charges were unfounded and wish us a Merry Christmas and left. ( please say a prayer for the person who called them). At 4:30pm the hospice nurse called and Dr. Witt is back on the case and has ordered the drop Morphine immediate release, to be taken .25-.5 ml every 2 hours (before when he had the morphine it was .5-1 ml every hour). But we are very thankful to have it now.

Wednesday 24, Tommy got up really tired and with a little pain. Miss Jenny sent us a lot (I mean a lot) of apples and oranges, and so homemade clothes soap. Tommy just grinned from ear to ear when he seen all the bags of fruit. Thank you very much, Miss Jenny. Please give the boys a hug and kiss from us. This was kind of a very lazy day.

Thursday 25, I was up most of the night coughing which had Tommy up most of the night. Tommy had went out to check something on the truck, and while coming back up the stairs, his knees went weak, he fell to his knees, not hurt. I was there and helped him back up, then made him promise not to go back down without me, he said OK. So TJ and Tex when you get here I need you all to put a hand rail at the back steps, please. Another church brought us 3 Christmas dinners plates and a fruit basket this evening.

Tommy ate more dinner tonight, than he has eaten in a long time. I guess because it was his favorite: fried Chicken and liver, French fries and corn. It was so good to see him eat so much.

Friday 26, Then this morning when I woke up to give Tommy his 4 am pills, He said I already took them at 2 am. I said no you can't do that, he just said sorry. Well at his 6 am pills, I noticed not all the pills were in the slot. So I asked him, he said some fell into the sink at 2 am. One of which was the 40mg pain pill that he can't get again until 10am. So I am praying that his pain will be low until then. I can't give him another 40mg, as the hospice keeps a count of all the pills, every time they come out. and now I'll have to hide the pills from him.

It's been a very long, hard week. But by God's grace and mercy, we have made it through. He even threw in blessings along the way to bless us. Thank you Lord for watching out for us yet again. Thank you all for your prayers. Hope you all had a Merry Christmas.

This has been a very long, hard year for my family. But thank you Lord, you have seen us through it each step of the way, and have poured Your blessings out on us. Thank you Lord for all our friends and family, and all my Internet sisters who have become great friends to me. Lord, please bless them all.

Becky

Comments:

You and your family are in my prayers! Comment by Wendy | December 27, 2008 |
Have you considered that a “disgruntled” hospice worker turned your family into DSS? From reading your posts, I am unsure if you are able to afford a lawyer, but it sounds like you need one. If your husband is not getting adequate care and pain management, it is malpractice. He should get adequate care regardless of whether you are fully insured or simply on Medicaid. I would certainly file a complaint with DSS about the false report that was turned in on your family. False reporting is a felony, and the person responsible needs to be prosecuted. I am so sorry your husband is so very ill. Comment by teri | December 27, 2008 |

It’s been a long week

2008-12-18T09:04:00.000-05:00

I’m still here. Tommy has had a bad week with pain. And I’ve been trying to get pain relief for him. If I have not written here in a while, then please check the Caring Bridge site for updates. I have been fighting the hospice people trying to get help. They are so good at giving you the run around and blaming others. If I knew there was enough time left, I’d go and get my doctors degree just to help Tommy. I am sorry but at times, I seem to know more than them, and I’m just a wife and mom.
We had company this past weekend. Janet (Tommy’s ex-wife) and her husband,Tex came up for the weekend. They came loaded down with goodies. They brought: a TV tray, pj, shirts, fruit, nuts, choc. covered cherries for Tommy: the girls got an outfit and shoes and pj’s: I got baking goods and yarn. We had a good visit. But Tommy was in pain most of weekend. So Tommy and Tex watched NetFlix and had some laughs. Tex told Janet that he now wanted NetFlix for Christmas this year. This was really funny. Tommy really enjoyed having another male to enjoy the western movies with. Janet and I would just laugh at them while they were watching the movies. Thank you Tex and Janet for everything.
Tasha went to the doctors this week. The baby’s fine and is due to be here June 6,O8. She is having a little evening sickness. We all are so looking forward to this little one the Lord is blessing us with.
TommieLynn is doing ok, and is slowly getting over her cold. She was so happy that Janet had taught her to use curlers on her hair and got her her own curlers too. She is looking forward to Christmas. And praying it will snow on Christmas. Which I’m not sure it will as for the last few days we have had the house windows open because it’s so warm. This is really one weird winter.
I am fighting with a cold as well, stuffy head,being very tired, nose and eye running, coughing and feeling very yucky. All this because my girls just love to share with their mom. I have been knitting dish clothes for gifts this year, and almost done. Hoping to feel better real soon as I need to start baking Christmas goodies. TommieLynn has deemed herself old enough to help more with baking this year( really she just wants to lick more bowls). Milk cow is still giving us milk. Chicken are still laying, but have cut back just a little.
Well I had better get ready for morning chores, before the cow comes looking for me.
Have a wonderful day,
Becky

1 Comment »
Bless you, Becky!
Reading your blog always reminds me of the Lord’s grace and love as well as what a strong gal you are. I’m happy to hear that Tommy is enjoying NetFlix. I’m a chocolate covered cherry fan myself.
June is a wonderful time to have a baby! Our DS was born in June. I too had evening sickness. Actually…it was more like 24/7 sickness. I found that eating canned fruit without the juice was very helpful when I just couldn’t keep anything down. Another thing that helps is not to eat and drink at the same time. Either eat or drink, but leave about 30 minutes in between. This really worked for me. Hope Tasha will be feeling better soon.
Christmas blessing to you all!Joyce
Comment by Joyce December 18, 2008

Netflix verses Satellites

2008-12-06T12:14:00.002-05:00

First a little background about us. We have a air antenna which gives us: ABC, NBC, CBS(free TV). For the last ten years we have borrowed movies from the library and have seen all they have more than once. If any of you have TV or satellites, you know that there is not really many "good" show. And now that Tommy is home 24/7, he started watching soap operas and day time talk shows, as this was all we got. Tommy does not read, play cards, etc. All he knows is working with wood. He really has nothing to do while he is up during the day but watch TV. So I started looking into satellite and Netflix. So he could watch something he liked and what he enjoyed.

Here is what I found out:

Satellites ( looked into 2 different companies): They wanted $99 for installation and hook up or sign up for two years. (I'm not fond of signing up for anything for two years. If something happens they charge you to stop early.) Both of their lowest plans where for 100 channels. I check on the channel line ups, was not happy. On both, we would of only watched about 4-5 of the channels. and this cost $35-$45 a month with no movie channels. Needless to say we are not getting satellite.

Netflix ( our choice): They had a free offer for two weeks. Then we switched to 3 DVD's out at a time for $16.99 a month, unlimited. Along with this comes unlimited "Watch Instantly Movies and TV shows" , which can be watched on laptops and PC hooked to Internet. So this means with our 3 DVD plan, we can stream 3 different shows in at once. (We tried it on the laptop and PC, both had good pictures.) But Tommy can't see the screens really well on the laptop and does not want to sit in front of the computer screen. So Netflix has a box you can buy to hook to your TV and Internet and "Watch Instantly"movies and TV shows. This box is $99, but it's a one time price, and is your to keep, and can still be used if you move. Netflix has a cancel at any time with no fees, and you can start back up with no fees.

If times really get hard, we can switch to a low plan which is: 1 DVD out at a time unlimited during month and one stream to TV of the "Watch Instantly" movies and TV shows for $8.99 a month. Or even cancel the service for a month or two and pick it back up when we can, with no fees!

Ok, I know some of you think this is a waste of money. But for our family is great. The old movies, TV shows etc., we can watch unlimited. Some of you will not have to buy the TV box as you can watch it from your PC or laptop. But Tommy's eyes are not what they used to be. He can watch his war movies on the TV, Tommielynn can watch her kid shows on her PC, Tasha can watch her love stories on her laptop, everyone is happy.This TV box is a family Christmas gift this year. Everyone will get a few small things too. No we do not spend all day watching TV. We no longer go to town and friends houses as before. And having to stay home more because of Tommy's health, we are watching a little more TV than before.

There are other devices that can to used to get Netflix to your TV:

network Blu-ray player or even an Xbox 360.

We don't have these so we bought the box.

How we save by getting the Netflix and TV box:

gas going to town to rent or borrow movies, then returning them.
get to pick from 12,000 + movies and TV shows, including the oldies and goodies to watch on the TV and even more to be sent in DVD form to the house(free shipping both ways).
$16.99 for Netflix a month instead of $35-45 for satellite(not much to watch here).
no late fees , or cancel fees
movies everyone likes, no fighting.
family movie night at a click of a button.

I know this is not for everyone. But take a look and try 2 weeks free and see. I read every page on their site, even the fine print. Because this is a lot of money when everyone is having hard times. I feel like I found a pot of gold, for our family. This is what's best for us.

I just thought to share what I found out. I really wish someone would of told me sooner. Maybe someone can use this post. Hope you all have a great day.

Becky

Comments:

We have Netflix and love it. We have had it for a couple of years so I was really excited when they came out with the watch instantly part of their program. Also you might want to check out the nbc, cbs, abc and fox networks online they offer full episodes of most of their shows. If you get a chance come on over to my site and visit. I have some pictures up of my boys with their pets that Tommy and Tommilynn will get a kick out of. Comment by http://www.littlemountainhouse.blogspot.com December 6, 2008
Becky, If you can swing the cost, continue the Netflix. It sounds like a great distraction and is of interest to Tommy. It seems like this will add a bit of quality to his life. I
love family movie night. We do the on demand thing with cable. Only the good Lord can judge you so don’t worry about what others think. I think it’s a wonderful early Christmas gift. Enjoy it! Comment by Sheila Smith December 6, 2008
Becky, Checking into Netflix is on my “to do” list. Thanks for doing all the investigating! It’s good to know you are enjoying a family Christmas gift that makes everyone happy! Good Job! Glad to hear, too, that you are hanging in there. Fondly, Comment by Linda J. December 6, 2008
This is not a waste at all- I think you researched and found something frugal for your Tommy. Comment by Amanda December 6, 2008
Becky, we have used Netflix in the past and had a good experience with them. I actually cut it out for now to cut back on expenses, but we still have our cable. However, if the time comes that we need to cut our cable out I will try my hardest to get us back on Netflix. They seem to be a good company and I’ve always only heard positive things about them. I bet with the way the economy is now, their business is booming! Comment by D. December 7, 2008
I’m glad to hear you found some affordable entertainment for your family. I personally use http://www.surfthechannel.com and other sites like it. They have so many shows and movies and even some documentaries and things like that. If you have a decent internet connection, the quality is pretty good. It is also a free site and many times has the shows before the network websites. Comment by Jessi December 8, 2008
We had netflix and we loved it. I am contemplating cancelling our cable and just having my high speed internet with the company we have here and going with netflix for all the movies my husband & kids like. the kids don’t need to watch Disney channel from the minute they get home from school until bed time anyway! Good luck and enjoy that!
Janine Comment by Janine December 9, 2008
Netflix has been a wonderful blessing here. Tommy has really enjoyed it and it’s given him something to do. And we have already gotten our moneys worth in less than a week. And it has brought laughter back to the house. Thank you all for your comments. If you are thinking about Netflix, I highly recommend it. Becky Comment by jordansfarm December 11, 2008
We have been Netflix members for several years and LOVE it! We’ve also been using the watch instantly since it started over a year ago. We love it without having to pay for cable. All the “oldies but goodies” and good wholesome old TV shows. It’s definitely the way to go in today’s hard times. Comment by Amy December 13, 2008
I’m glad Dad is enjoying the netflix account. I can remember watching all the episodes of Law and Order (the original) years ago and being forced to endure every episode of “Heat of the Night” when it came on.. lol. Now he can watch ‘em all again! I’m really glad you guys decided to go with it. FYI: There are LOTS of movies that never make it to blockbuster stores that you can probably get on Netflix online, things that will be good for TL’s education. There is very little retail value in stores for National Geographic educational films and the like, but you can get all those things on Net Flix (probably). I know I can get them on my blockbuster account, so I’m sure Netflix has ‘em too. Comment by Tommy December 16, 2008
Hi TJ, Tommy is really enjoying it. With Tex here over the weekend to watch it with him, made it even better for him. But now Tex told Janet, he wants Netflix for Christmas this year. Thanks again for telling me about it. Becky Comment by Becky December 16, 2008
You could also consider borrowing DVD’s from your local library. Cost: FREE!
Find out other money-saving tips at http://www.jacksperks.com/blog Comment by Jack December 28, 2008
We have been using Netflix for the past several years. In May 08 we decided to purchase the Roko box. We changed our plan from $17 a month to $10. a month. We have gotten hooked on this that we hardly watched our satellite. We decided to do away with satellite costing us 100.00 month. We set up an antenna to receive our local channels free and get movies via Roko or movies via the mail box through Netflix. This truly has saved us money!!! In this economy every penny counts. This really is a money saver!!!! Comment by Tara January 29, 2009
Tara, We are really enjoying Netflix. When Tommy is up all night, he watches it. We too, have a air antenna, and have bought the box for that too. (using the governments $40 card- we only paid $20 for it.) This is a great service. More people should know about it. Yesterday, on Good Morning America (ABC) they talked about it too.
Becky Comment by Becky January 31, 2009

Thanksgiving - Friends - Snow

2008-12-01T11:47:00.002-05:00

We had a quiet, easy Thanksgiving here. My first year, not cooking a turkey or cooking for three days before. Oh, what a blessed treat. But we all still ate to much.

Tasha, Tommy, TommieLynn, Ann, Scott

We had: cooked canned ham, our sweet potatoes, stuffing, corn, green bean cass., potato salad, deviled eggs. And I made homemade strawberry short cake with homemade whip cream (Tommy's favorite).

They had to smile before they could eat.

TommieLynn and Ann

Tommy and Scott resting.

TommieLynn and Ann. This is the bunk bed we put together.

Tommy and Scott

This is our front yard this morning.

Our back yard.

strawberry and herb patch.

Tommielynn with a snow ball.

And it is still snowing and about 32 degrees outside now. Poor Peaches (milk cow) did not want to leave her stall after milking this morning. TommieLynn could not wait to finish her chores to go play. It's our first snow that's enough to play in.

Tommy loved having a man to talk to the last few days. Thank you Scott. And I had a women to talk too. Thank you Ann. We all had a great time, but all ate too much. They will be back for Christmas week. Tommy has been doing pretty good. He is now having pains in his shoulders. And is still tired and weak.

Tasha has now moved back in here. And we are trying to get her settled back in.

Well I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Becky

Comments:

Loved every picture! Thank you for sharing! I’m so glad that you were able to enjoy this Thanksgiving and that you were given a big TREAT of not cooking for days and days. You deserved a break! (My feet are still hurting from standing in the kitchen for 2 days while cooking! *S*) Comment by Georgene December 1, 2008
I came across this site and thought you might be interested in it!
http://www.sufficientself.com/forum/index.php I am so glad to hear you had a good Thanksgiving! Comment by Pam's Pride December 2, 2008
So glad you enjoyed your holiday! Looks like you had a good spread too. Stay warm!! Comment by D. December 6, 2008

The Surprise Guest and Family

2008-11-23T14:04:00.001-05:00

Family left this morning, and Tommy is taking a nap. He did pretty good and he took a nap Saturday. When he need to rest he did. There was a few times he was nausea but did not get sick. Over all it was a wonderful weekend.

Here are some photos of our weekend:

This is Tommy's surprise guest, Karen, his daughter who he has not seen in years. He had no idea she was coming. When she walked into the house, his mouth hit the floor. Then came the biggest smile ever. Thank you, Karen.

Tommy and Karen (daughter)

Saturday morning breakfast

TJ (son) and Tommy cooking breakfast.

Tommy and TJ

Becky, Tommy, Brenda (TJ's mom and Tommy's ex-wife)

And as always out with the guns again. TJ and Tommielynn

Brenda taking a rest.

Tasha and Carl (her boyfriend, baby's father)

Tommy, Karen, TJ

Tasha, Karen, Becky

Brenda cleaning the kitchen while everyone else is resting in the living room. I told Tommielynn to take her photo so I could show everyone my slaved labor for the weekend. LOL Thank you Brenda for all your help.

We all had a great weekend. Thank you very much TJ, Brenda, and Karen for coming and put so many smiles on Tommy's face and some much laughter in the air. Thank you all to for all the blessings.

Have a great day, I am off for a nap. Becky

Comments:

That is so nice you guys had such a nice weekend together as a family. Wishing you the best this Thanksgiving. Take care! Comment by Janine | November 23, 2008 |
Tommy & Becky…it was great to see Tommy smile as family usually cures our ailments…….I hope you guys have a great Thanksgiving…we’ll be eating the big bird here in Hawaii also. Comment by Rick Jordan | November 24, 2008 |
Love the pictures! It looks like you all have a great dynamic and get along so good. What a wonderful blessing. Comment by D. | November 24, 2008 |

The Jordan’s did it again!!

2008-11-20T06:36:00.001-05:00

Someone who supports to come and help me put the bunk set together yesterday. But he called and said he was not coming. Tommy had called him to help me because he did not have the strength, this was the third person we had called to help us. And the third, no show. Tommy just about cried. So I put my hands on my hips and said, “We are Jordan’s and the girls and I can do it if you talk us through it. You have taught us a lot.” He just smiled and we got at it. We got it put together, together. This bunk bed set is a place for me to lay down some during the day, a bed for Tasha when she moves back in, and a place for family to sleep when they come. The Jordan’s did it again.
It’s been cold here, even in the house. I am using the gas heaters and a powered floor heater. And winter is not even here yet. For the last week, we have had a heavy frost every morning. But it’s been a long time since we have use this much heat. I am not looking forward to this coming months power bill or the winter to come. I guess I need to get busy making more quilts and wool socks. Is anyone else using more heat earlier this year?
Tasha came by yesterday, to show me an outfit she got. It said, ”That’s it! I’m going to grandma’s!” I am sure looking forward to being a grandma!! She also help me move things from sew/her room into the bus ( our storage place), and get the room ready. She is coming back today to help so more. Boy, there is a lot of stuff in that room, that needs to come out. I will post a photo when it’s done.
Well I had better get this day started. Praying you all have a great day!
Becky

Comments:

Becky - Congrats on getting the bed done! It is amazing what we can accomplish when we put our minds, and our hearts, into it! Congratulations…you are stronger and more capable than you give yourself credit for! Glad to hear Tasha will be coming back today to help you clear out some more! Lin Comment by Linda November 20, 2008

Becky, Great job on the beds! You Jordan ladies are made of tuff stuff!!
After enjoying a mild beginning to November, we are now in the deep freeze. Colder than normal temps and more snow than usual. The forecasters are predicting 3-6 ins. tonight and tomorrow, which is unusual for us this early in the season. They also say this cold blast from Canada will reach as far as Georgia and Central Texas! Hang in there!! Comment by Linda J. November 20, 2008
Hugs to you and Tommy, Becky-I knew you all could put that bed together!
Sometimes when others fail us and our plans fall through, God comes shining through and shows us what we can do when He gives us His strength. Glad you all did it together-it’ll give you memories and God will give you His strength to draw on in the future again when you need it. Thank goodness, He is there beside us every step of our lives. It would be very hopeless, otherwise. Keeping you in my prayers, Marlys Comment by Marlys Zimbelman November 21, 2008

What’s going on here? 11/17/08

2008-11-17T10:39:00.003-05:00

Here it was 28 this morning with frost. It’s been chilly here lately. I guess winter is here. I have made my first pair of baby socks, they are so little and cute. And I just started Tommielynn’s socks. Tommielynn is still trying to fight off a cold/sinus. She’s doing pretty good. She has made a new friend up the road, and has been spending some time up there with her. Which I think is great, as it gets her out of the house for a while. Someone has to be here with Tommy at all times (due to having to take pills around the clock and him being weak), which means when I have to run to town get his meds, etc: Tommielynn has to stay here with Tommy. She does not get out as much as before. Tasha tries to get her out of the house as much as she can, too. Thank you Lord for sending her a new friend.
Tommy has been sleeping a lot lately. But his pain is better and he’s not getting sick any more, but has had nausea. He says he’s really tired and weak and tired of both. He has been eating a lot of apples and oranges as he says they taste so good. At this point, I’ll give him anything he wants to eat. He does eat a little dinner but not much.
I have been taking naps and rest when I can. Sorry to say, I only do what has to been done in the house and on the farm. My house is a mess. But trying to do it all was not working well. So now I do what I can, and the rest is on hold until I get time. So when you come over just don’t look around to much. When Tommy’s up, I do nothing but spend time with him. I still have not gotten the bunk bed set put together or the sewing room done and ready for my daughter and company.
So those of you out there trying to be a super mom/wife, you had better slow down, and enjoy life more, one day at a time. Because the days and time pass to fast. I have learned this lesson the hard way. I can’t do it all.( boy, is that hard to say) I do what I can, and leave the rest to the Lord. Spotless house or time with my family and rest for me??? I guess I’m as hard headed as Tommy. (don’t tell him I said that or I’ll never hear the end of it.)
Thank you Melaine and girls for the wonderful dinner brought last night, and the smile you put of Tommy’s face with your hugs and smiles. And thank you for your prayers. Melaine told Tommy that her children pray nightly for him, hearing that really blessed us. Melaine, thank you very much for your friendship. I pray that God would bless your family to overflowing and fill you all with His peace.
Thank you all who have signed the guestbook at Caring Bridge Site for Tommy, as your comments have blessed Tommy and myself. Knowing so many of you really care and are praying for us is a wonderful blessing to us. Thank you for taking the time to pray for us and leave your comments saying so. May God bless you all to overflowing.
Very humbled and blessed,
Becky

11-13-08 Update

2008-11-13T07:30:00.001-05:00

I woke up this morning to a light rain outside. Thank you Lord for the rain we need so badly. Thank you all for your comments and prayers. I have really missed you all and my time here.

My new baby chicks are growing so fast. They have their wing feathers now. The milk cow, Peaches, is still giving us milk, and no signs of heat. I will give her one more month to make sure she is with calf. The chickens have slowed down a little on their eggs, about 8-10 a day.

I have canned more milk, froze more eggs. And thankfully, I'm running out of freezer space. Three freezers full is a great blessing. A local church is going to bless us with a turkey for Thanksgiving. They had called and asked if they could, I said yes that would be a great blessing. Thank you Lord for looking out for us. As I had not even thought of a turkey yet, or a Thanksgiving meal. And I have so much to be thankful for. Thank you Lord for all your blessing on us.

With a grand baby on the way, I need knitted sock, hat, etc. patterns. I have not had time to search the Internet. So if any of you could help, I'd be very thankful.

Gas prices are down here to about $2.00 a gallon. But yesterday, the station down the road was out of 87 and 89. I don't know what's up with that. I had new tires put on the back of the truck yesterday. As the tires that came with the truck were in places showing wires. The tire shop men are friends of ours and only charged me for the tires. Thank you Lord for that blessing.

Tommielynn is getting a cold/ sinus. So I started her on the silver water nose drops. Which she did not like at all. She is doing pretty good. Thank you for praying for her.

More and more of my friends are losing their jobs and homes, and having a really hard time making ends meet. I so wish I could do more to help them, as this really breaks my heart. I look around and see so many people in worse shape than we are, and I'm not sure how to help them. I'd move them all in here if I had the room. We share what food and things we can with them. But I so wish I could do more. This mess the US is in will not go away for many years. With God's grace we all will make it through this, if we help one another. And it does my heart good to see that people are helping one another. Trading things, bartering things, giving things, teaching new things, helping others any way you can, is making a difference, just look around. When you help someone, then they help someone, it keeps going on and on. We need each other, now more than ever before. I'm not telling you to give away all your money. Sometimes people just need an ear (your time to listen), help doing something that they would of had to pay someone to do, a meal for their family, out grown clothes passed around, extra things you have and are no longer using. You can help others with out spending a dime. And they will be there for you when you need help, or the Lord will send others to help you. You can not out give GOD. I dare you to try it. I have seen Him meets needs before they were needs. My God is an awesome God.

Becky

Comments:

God is so awesome, isn’t he? Praying for you and yours. It is a good feeling to have that food in store, isn’t it? I have one freezer, but only 3 people to feed. I usually go by the pay it forward philosophy. If I can help someone, no matter how, I do it. Then, I tell them to help someone else when they can - it always comes back around. I had someone help me when I was down and out a while back and have never forgotten it. God Bless! Much love, Raquel XO Comment by Raquel | November 13, 2008 |
I’m a very beginning knitter and I have not used any of these patterns but I had them bookmarked. Very cute and simple bib. http://www.knitlist.com/2003/babybib.htm Tons of free knit patterns for babies as well as crocheted and sewn. http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/baby.html Hope you find some patterns you like. Congratulations on the upcoming grandbaby. Comment by Jessi | November 13, 2008
I am so happy to hear you have so much food put by. I am trying my hardest to get things stocked fully here. Of course, since i don’t keep a separate “emergency stock”, we eat from our pantry and are constantly using it down while trying to stock it full. But i am trying to stock in more quantity than we use, lol. I feel so bad. My DH’s company will be letting some people go, not my DH, thank you God, but several others. This is a hard time to be let go. My DH is doing everything he can to try to at least keep some of the people…but he has only been with the company a short while and doesn’t have much “pull”. The big bosses will do what the big bosses want to do, no matter what he says. This is just such a hard time for everyone. And, like you, I don’t see it getting easier any time soon. Keep stocking your home and trust in the Lord…he will never let us down. Comment by Linda | November 13, 2008 |
Raquel, Thank you for your prayers.
Jessi, Thank you for the links, they are great. Thank you taking the time to post them for me.
Linda, Keep at your stocking, sooner than you think your pantry will be overflowing. Try hiding some things under beds or in closets, out of sight, out of mind, this might help some. Becky Comment by jordansfarm | November 15, 2008 |

I need someone to stand in the gap

2008-11-10T09:47:00.001-05:00

I need someone to stand in the gap of prayer for Tommy and I. Tommy had a really bad night last night, and I'm worn out body, mind, and soul. All I can seem to pray is "Lord, I believe, please help my unbelief". I need strength and wisdom today. Tommy needs to be eased from his pain and rest. Please pray for us.

Thank you, Becky

Comments:

Becky - I am sending more prayers for Tommy and you both…along with Tommielynn…I’m sure last night wasn’t easy for her either. Take care. (((((Becky))))) Comment by Linda | November 10, 2008 |
Becky: Prayers going up for you and Tommie - Indeed, your whole family. Remain strong - God is always there for you. Much love, Raquel XO Comment by Raquel | November 10, 2008 |
Becky, You and your family remain in my prayers daily. Comment by http://valleyvisions.blogspot | November 10, 2008 |
Becky, You have my prayers for you and your family. God is our hope, our strength, our rock, and our very present help in time of trouble. May His comfort surround you like a warm blanket, and give you peace that passes all understanding. Love in Christ, Stacie Comment by arksoaper | November 10, 2008 |
Becky, after I read your words today, I thought of the song, you may know because it is taken from scripture; and He will lift you up on angel’s wing …. we pray for you and Tommy and know that God does hear and will answer. My sister and I went through our mother’s suffering with kidney failure and know that there are some days when you don’t think you can go another step, but remember God will carry you through this time. It is most difficult to watch a loved one suffer … may God give you strength. Comment by Kay Peebles | November 10, 2008 |
Praying… I hope you all can get some rest and a heart full of peace. Much love… Comment by D. | November 10, 2008 |
Praying for your family Becky… all of you… That the Good Lord will let you rest and let the pain subside… Take care, Janine Comment by Janine | November 11, 2008 |
You and your family are in my prayers! When we are at our weakest….God is at His strongest! Comment by Wendy | November 11, 2008 |
Praying for all of you! Comment by ~Country Lady~ | November 12, 2008 |

Updates - Tommy & Farm 11/7/08

2008-11-07T07:29:00.001-05:00

(This post will be on my blogs and Caring Bridge, this time they’ll be the same as to save a little time this morning.) Sorry it’s been a few days; good, bad and busy.
First off Tommy:
( Wed.) Tommielynn and I came back from town to find: Tommy up and dressed, the hospice nurse and social worker here. And Tommy grinning from ear to ear. I asked him why? He said I got the tractor fixed while you were gone, and I needed my vit. D from the sun and it felt great. He looked wonderful and his smile was so bright. The hospice people were please with how he was doing today. He did get sick twice before dinner, and was really tried this evening, but he was still smiling. Tasha brought us KFC chicken for dinner, which he ate and keep down.
(Thurs.) Tommy was really tried and hurting in his legs bad, and his nerves were bad again. He really enjoyed talking to everyone who called/ he called. He did not get sick at all. He is still riding his bike in the evenings.

Farm: Well I took my computer in Wednesday to see what was wrong with it. The guy said it had a very bad virus, that wiped out my computer. And this virus had hit hundreds of people so far. He could not find nothing left on it. Tommielynn and I just started crying. All of our family photos, all my research for cancer, everything I had done for the last year, GONE. Tommielynn said what about the photos of my dad? The guy said they were gone. That hurt us both the most. When I told Tommy, he was in tears too. So the guy reinstalled what he could and installed avast antivirus and spybot on my computer(he said this is what he uses on his computers and it’s free from the Internet), and gave me a 4MG USB 2.0 Data Traveler to save my things to until I could buy a cd burner to save to. My cd only plays. (Does any one know how much information and photos I can put on 4MG?)
So any of you who I have personally e-mailed, Please send me a short e-mail so as I can get your address in the book again. This is why some of you have not heard from me. And for our family, if you have photos please burn them to cd’s for us and send them, please. We have none left. I can’t save them until I get a CD burner.
I have only the photos on my blogs, which I am so very thankful for. Tommy was really worried about Caring Bridge too, I told him it was saved to the Internet. Which he did not understand, as he does not do computers. I told him it was still there. Which he and I are thankful for too. My best links where saved on my blogs too. Now I just have to refind all the others. So I have been trying to get the computer , Becky friendly again. So please bear with me. I will be posting more as I get this thing working again.

My daughter ,Tasha, came by Wednesday and told us we were going to be grand parents in about June. Then she called last night and said her land lord wants her out by Dec. So back home she comes. We are happy to be grandparents, life happens. Just love and go on. So my sewing/computer room is getting yet another make over. I really need a bigger house. LOL This will be my first grand baby. For those of you who are already grandmas, do you have any helpful hints? Tommy swears it’s going to be a boy, and he was right about Tommielynn being a girl. So we will see if he is right again.
Well I had better get things moving this morning.
Hope you all have a blessed day.
Becky

Comments:

We just had our tenth grandchild this year. My youngest son and his family were living with us so I got to see the little guy every day. They have moved out of the house now so I don’t see him as often. I’m not sure that I have any advice because I’m still learning but my ‘banner’ for being a grandparent is 1 Cor. 10:31… whatsoever you do, do all for the glory of God. We are always watching for ways to teach them about Christ. Currently, Bapa is having them memorize the Romans Road (scriptures that will lead a person to salvation). Tonight is the first Friday night that he will call each of those that can read (there are 6 that can read) to see if they have memorized Romans 3:10. If they have then he will take them to ice cream. I think he should have waited until they memorized all 5 scriptures but he insisted on a weekly visit. Anyway, that is my heart. I want more than anything in this world for my grandchildren (and children) to be in heaven. Congrads on your upcoming blessing! (and OH do I understand changing rooms around to fit our children coming back home… we call them our ‘boomerang children’. Comment by Georgene | November 7, 2008 |
So glad to hear Tommy is smiling - I know that makes you happy. Wish I knew something about computers but I don’t so can’t help you on that front. But, as to grandchildren, they are wonderful blessings from God and you will definitely find a new life is inspiring. My youngest nephew and his wife are expecting a little girl in February - it is exciting for entire family. P.S. My sister loved the book I got for her birthday - it is the one you talked about in an earlier writing. Can’t remember the name of it as I send this. Comment by Kay Peebles | November 7, 2008 |
Upload your photos to photo bucket.com or another photo site. Even if you loose your own drive, you can download them back onto your computer when you get it fixed. It is a great way to save photos. And don’t erase your cards from your camera when you load them. Just buy another card to fill. They are not expensive, and will hold the pictures for you as a back up. Finally, I would suggest you print special ones just to have a “hard copy”. WM charges twenty-four cents a print here. It is worth it just to keep a hard copy of a nice family picture in case of computer failure. I’m so sorry about your husband. Comment by teri | November 9, 2008 |

Farm Life Update - 11/4/08

2008-11-04T09:06:00.000-05:00

Winter has not made up it’s mind here yet. At night we are at freezing and during the days in the 70’s. I go out to milk in layers of clothes and at lunch time back to 1 layer. Last night it was 45. With the temps going up and down, my sinuses are back this year. As soon as mine started, I started nose drops of the colloidal silver water, 3 times a day. Oh, what a great difference it’s made.
We had 5 baby chicks hatch out a few days ago. My chickens- Silkies,( Tommy says their mine as they are the funniest looking chickens he’s ever seen.), but they make the best sitters. Right now, I only have one hen and two roosters. I am praying the new batch will give me a few more hens. As the roosters are not big enough to even eat. I might give Silkie roosters as Christmas gifts.
I canned another 20 pints of milk for this winter. Peaches ( milk cow) is now down to just about 2 gallons a day. The end of this month, she will have been giving us milk for a year. When she gets down to under a half a gallon a day, we will dry her up. We are praying she is breed back, to the bull that is running with her. Praying he did his job, and did it well. She has showed no signs of heat for almost two months now. It’s really hard for us when the milk cows dry up, as we are use to having all the milk we need and then some. We really count the days until she drops a calf, as it gets close we are looking out the back door every hour for a calf. So hopefully, in 7 months we will have a new meat calf and milk again.
I have knitted another 3 pairs of socks for the winter. Tommielynn said the next pair has to be hers, so I’ll let her pick her colors.
Tommy had a good weekend. Hospice is upping his pain meds, and will be coming out 5 days this week.
Thank you all for your prayer, they keep us going from day to day.
God bless you all,
Becky

Thank you for recipes and prayers

2008-10-31T09:07:00.001-04:00

Thank you all for the recipes. Yes, I do have a crock pot. I have printed off the recipes you left and Tommielynn is getting to pick out which one’s she wants for dinner, which she loves. They all sound so good. Thank you again.
Yesterday and last night were bad for Tommy. I updated Caring Bridge last night and will update it nightly now. Tommielynn finally accepted the fact that her dad is dying. She broke down last night. We have told her everything, every step of the way. Please say a prayer for her.
Thank you all for your prayers as they get us from day to day. And all your wonderful comments really touch my heart. To know some many people care and are praying for us is a wonderful feeling. Thank you all again. May God bless you all to overflowing.
Very thankful and humbled,
Becky

October 31, 2008 - Posted by Becky Prayer, Tommy, blessings, recipes, thank you blessings, Prayer, recipes, thank you 7 Comments

7 Comments »
Here are a couple easy and good recipes. I normally make the pie crust for the Chicken Pot Pie but the ones in the store freeze well and taste good. You could even use a can of chicken if you wanted to make it very easy. The Taco Skillet is easy enough for your daughter to make. My husband does not like casseroles but enjoys this one.
As I was reading your update on Tommy I thought of this U-Tube I saw this week and hoped it would encourage you.The Lord is ever-present and promises that His grace is enough. I am praying for you and your family.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0r_FbARIn8&NR=1*~*~*
Chicken Pot Pie
1 can cream of potato soup1 can cream of celery soup16 oz. Veg-all2 c. cooked diced chicken1/2 c. milk1/4 tsp. thyme or less1/2 tsp. pepper (make sure it’s not the coarse pepper or use less)Put inbetween 2 crusts and cook until crust browns. Somewhere between 30-45 minutes at 375-400.*~*~*~Taco Skillet
My husband doesn’t care for many casserole dishes but really liked this one when my daughter in love made it.
1 pound ground beef1 can tomato soup (10 3/4 oz)1 cup salsa1/2 cup water8 6″ corn tortillas cut in 1″ pieces1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Brown beef in skillet, drain grease. Add soup, salsa, water, tortillas & 1/2 of the cheese. Heat to a boil. Cover and cook on low 5 minutes. Top with remaining cheese.
Comment by Georgene October 31, 2008

Sending more hugs & prayers!
Comment by Pam's Pride October 31, 2008

Hi again,
I just ran across this video that I know will minister to you. He talks about his diagnosis of prostrate cancer and how God used the gospel to minister to His heart. Click on the link below.
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=edf1eb4e6e52a37ea7bc&msg=Your%20email%20has%20been%20successfully%20sent%20to%20your%20friend.
Comment by Georgene October 31, 2008

We are lifting Tommy, you, and your family up in prayer, Becky. May God comfort you all, strengthen you, and give you peace that passes all understanding. Wish we lived close enough that I could bring supper to you. Sending you lots of love and hugs.
Stacie
Comment by arksoaper October 31, 2008

Becky, I am praying for You,Tommy and Tommielynn. I agree with Stacie, I wish we lived close enough that I could bring you supper. God has blessed you with remarkable courage and strength. He has given you the knowledge and ability to not only take care of your family but to also teach us how to take care of our families. And you are doing this while you are dealing with your husband’s illness! May God give you and your family rest and comfort.God Bless!Jackie
Comment by Jackie October 31, 2008

Oh Becky, my heart goes out to you and yours. I can’t imagine the feelings you must all have right now, but you are on my mind and in my prayers. I know there are alot of ladies in the blogging world who feel the same about you. We may not all know each other in real life ~ but your blogging sisters have your back! Lol…
Lots of prayers for you my friend.
Comment by D. November 2, 2008

Becky,Here is a link that I thought you and Tommy would find comforting…http://danledford.blogspot.com/
You remain in my prayers.
Linda J.
Comment by http://valleyvisions.blogspot November 3, 2008

Help - I need fast, easy, good meals

2008-10-30T09:10:00.000-04:00

By dinner time, I’m worn out, and I have little strength to prepare a meal. I use to be able to pull out of my mind fast meals - but not now. Tasha (older daughter) came over last night, I asked her to bring 2 of those frozen pizzas. I have not done this in years, always made pizza from scratch. At times, I don’t feel like eating and Tommy can’t. Tommielynn really needs good meals not cereal and noodles and sandwiches. She is learning to cook, but has not yet master making a whole meal yet. She has been a wonderful help to me.
So I’m asking for fast, easy, good recipes.
Thank you,
Becky

October 30, 2008 - Posted by Becky recipes recipes 10 Comments

10 Comments »
Becky -
Do you have a crockpot? If so I can pass along a few recipes that we save for really hectic days.
Linda
Comment by Linda October 30, 2008

For non crock pot recipes…
My son has been able to cook these meals for years, they might be something that Tommielynn could handle:
Scrambled eggs with cheese added, toast with jelly, juice and milk
Spaghetti and meatballs (made with frozen meatballs and jarred sauce) with buttered bread and a side salad or veggie
Chicken taco bake…mix together…2 cans of chicken (drained), 1 cup of salsa, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 to 1 cup of cheddar cheese, 1 can of tomato soup, 6 flour tortillas cut up in bite sized pieces. Pour into a casserole dish and bake at 400 for 20 minutes. Top with more shredded cheddar (1/2 to 1 cup)and enjoy! This isn’t the most nutritious meal in the world, but it can all be mixed together and just thrown into a baking dish…super easy…and it has become one of my son’s favorite “throw-together” meals.
Chili-Mac.. Boxed macaroni and cheese made according to directions. Add one can of chili and heat through.
Tuna Noodle Bake…Boxed macaroni and cheese made according to directions. Add one can of tuna (drained) and 1/2 can of peas (drained). Heat through.
Do you have any canned vegetable soup that she could pair with grilled cheese or grilled ham (or turkey) and cheese sandwiches? I know you prefer to cook completely from scratch and avoid processed foods, but now may be the time to turn to processed food for a while.
Linda
Comment by Linda October 30, 2008

Thought of another possibility…baked potatoes with all kinds of toppings…chili, broccoli and cheddar cheese, bacon and cheese. Served with soup or even veggies and applesauce and it would be a pretty healthy meal!
Comment by Linda October 30, 2008

Spaghetti is one of my favorite quick meals!Hot dogs with a salad or green veggie as a sideSmoked sausage and cabbageLoaded baked potatoes (you can place potatoes in microwave!)Breakfast dinnerSoups!! and a grilled cheese or peanut butter sandwich! (Mom and Dad lived on soups when Dad was sick! There are so many flavors!)Ground beef with gravy(or open a can of cream of mushroom soup to be the gravy) over toast or mashed potatoes
My brain is coming up empty now. I will think on this some more!!
Comment by Wendy October 30, 2008

for the things you’d like your daughter to eat but she isn’t capable of making, possibly making and freezing something during a high-energy period (early mornings or 1 day a week) she could pull out and microwave when you’re feeling not up to cooking.
a big batch of burritos, breakfast burritos, casseroles frozen in serving size containers, meatloaf, meatballs. Lots of once a month cooking recipes and websites out there… these saved my life during low energy periods (late pregnancy, illness, etc.)
Comment by FW October 30, 2008

Seems like if you can prep some stuff early in the day, it isn’t so overwhelming to finish the rest at meal time.Thaw out meat in fridge the night before. Peel potatoes and leave in cold water to cover. Grab a jar of your home canned veggys. AS it gets closer to meal time - Cook your meat while you’re waiting for potatoes to cook. Skip fancy and just use the seasoning you like. Still better than cereal, noodles, sandwiches.Take the opportunity to give the friends and family the OK to bring over food and help with chores. Freeze extra if you get too much.Borrow a crock pot. Most people don’t use theirs often and won’t miss it.
Comment by Sheila October 30, 2008

Some of my quick, easy dinners:
sandwiches with lunchmeat, cheese, and/or whatever is in the fridge and sounds good. Raw vegis, pickles, fruit are all good side dishes.
Scotch BeefChopped onion (as much or little as you like. I use 1/2 a med onion)2 T Butter1 lb Ground beef2 T Flour1 t salt1 t pepper1 can Evaporated milk1 can peasToast or biscuits
Saute onion in margarine for 3 min. Add ground beef. Brown and drain extra fat. Blend in flour, salt and pepper. Stir in mil. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until sauce thickens a boils, abt. 1 min. Stir in peas, juice and all. Serve over toast or biscuits or just eat it plain.
Any kind of pasta and spaghetti sauce or alfredo sauce. (I can make it, but when I’m in a hurry I just use the jarred kind.)
And my absolute favorite:
Popcorn (made in a pan, not microwaved) with salt and butter (I love to do this one when my husband has an evening meeting and sit down and watch a movie or show with the kids while eating our “dinner”.)
Comment by DeeAnn October 30, 2008

This one is my favorite. I like it because I can change it at any time and get a different flavor out of it. one time Mexican and another Italian.One Pot Meal1 lb hamburger, Left over taco meat or1 Med. chopped onion1 Lg can tomatoes1 can whole kernel corn, with liquid1 can sliced olives if you have them1 1/2 tsp chili power (or not)1 clove garlic or garlic salt (or not)6 oz fine uncooked noodles or rice or bothfry hamburger and add onions and saute’ until onions are clear. add the remaining ingredients and cover simmer for about 30 min can be topped with cheese.
But my favorite is to empty my fridge. I take the left over taco meat instead of the hamburger and put in what ever I have available. I have used tomato soup instead of canned tomatoes and have added other vegetables. Left over spaghetti w/sauce, use it instead of the tomatoes, onions and noodles. Just mix it up and it works. and it is fast too if you use the left overs.
add bread and butter and you have dinner.Make a great left over for heating up later.
Comment by Karen October 30, 2008

Crockpot Saucy Scalloped Potatoes
4 cups thin sliced potatoes1 can cream of mushroom soup12oz can Pet milk (evaporated milk)lg onion, sliced (I use onion powder)2 TBSP butter1/2 tsp salt1/4 tsp pepper
Spray crockpot with non-stick spray. Combine potatoes with other ingredients and mix well - pour into crockpot. For thicker sauce, sprinkle 2 TBSP flour in between potato layers. Cook on high for one hour, then reduce to low for 4 to 5 hours until potatoes are tender.
For a one dish meal, add 1 1/2 cups chopped ham to the mixture. I also top with shredded cheddar cheese a few minutes before serving.
Comment by arksoaper October 31, 2008

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup (this freezes well also)
1 onion, chopped1 (16oz) can chili beans, Ranch style beans, or pinto beans1 (15oz) can black beans1 (15oz) can whole kernel corn, drained1 (8oz) can tomato sauce1 can chicken broth1 (28oz) can diced tomatoes (could use 1 or 2 cans Rotel if you wanted)1 pkg taco seasoning3 whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Place all ingredients in crockpot, place chicken breasts on top and press down into the mixture. Allow to cook on low for 7 hours.
Before serving, remove chicken and shred/dice, add back to the crockpot.
Serving options:riceshredded cheesesour creamcrushed tortilla chips
I like this best served over rice with cheese on top, but hubby prefers chips and cheese.
Comment by arksoaper October 31, 2008

Winter is coming fast here

2008-10-29T09:12:00.001-04:00

It’s getting cold here fast. We were to have our first hard freeze last night. Which means I had a lot to do yesterday outside. And it only got to 50 here as a high. I’m not ready yet.
Covered the big water tank with more old blankets, then cover it with a dark colored trap.
Tommy a few years ago made a box to go over the outside water spigots. I had to remount it over the spigots, and get a new light bulb. It’s a pig tail light, that hangs down over the spigots. The light is plugged in at night. Since doing this our spigots have never froze. I’ll try and post a photo as soon as I can.
I got out all the animal water heaters out, and I’ll clean them today and put them in the waters.
I have to close in the rest of the new chicken house for this years chickens. Tommy has not felt like finishing it.
Add more hay to the chicken houses.
Get the truckers filled with antifreeze- and the gas run out of all mowers/tractors, etc. Get the generator filled with gas, and make sure it runs. Tommy usually does this, but he has not been out of the house for weeks now. And I’m having a hard time remembering every thing he does to get everything(outside) ready for winter. So if you think I have forgot something, please tell me.( you men out there, what am I forgetting?) Right now my mind is on overload.
I covered up things that will stay out in the weather all winter( I can’t move them under shelter).
I would like to cover windows with plastic, but will have to wait and see if I can get help, I don’t do heights will.
Our gas heaters are working well. I got out the 110 heater and it works.
I closed the inside vent hole (in ceiling) in the food barn. Now just have to close the outside vent hole. My son has covered all house vents already.
It seems this years winter is coming in faster than before. And I still have so much to do.
Tommy had a really hard day and night. He is still getting sick. Now it’s hard for him to even keep water down. Please keep praying for him.
I have really been studying and looking into herbs and there uses, how I can use them, which of them I can grow here, getting them ready for use and storage. A few of the herbs I already grow. I had a small boil/bite on my neck. I talked to a friend who uses herbs. She told me to make a onion and potato poultice and put it on the boil/bite. To draw out what ever was in there. It worked. Even if I smelled funny for a little bit. It still amazes me how the Lord puts things on this earth to heal us. How far I get into the use of herbs is up to the Lord. I don’t know His plans here yet, other than this is were He is leading me now.
Looking back, I never would of dreamed of doing all I’m doing now, not this city girl. Talk about a total life style change. The Lord has brought me a long way. And I’m thankful He is not done with me yet.
Well I had better get this day started. Hope you all are nice and warm. May God bless your day today.
Becky

October 29, 2008 - Posted by Becky creativity, herbs, ideas, making do, self sufficiency, winter creativity, herbs, ideas, making do, self sufficiency, winter 6 Comments

6 Comments »
Gosh! Sounds like you have things under control! I’m so sorry that Tommy is still getting sick. My Dad was diagnosed with squamous cancer a year ago….it was really rough with the operation, chemo, and radiation! He had to have a feeding tube in his stomach…that really helped him a lot. That way he could just pour Ensure down the feeding tube when he was too sick to eat. It taped to his side and with a shirt you would never know it was there. Not sure if Tommy would be interested in that, but the doctors told Dad that it would help keep his weight up and give him energy that he needed to help fight the sickness. He kept it about for about 4 months…you don’t have to use it, you can still eat when you feel like it. But, it was there for the times you didn’t feel well. I hope the sickness passes quickly! Your family is in my prayers!!
Comment by Wendy October 29, 2008

Becky,I only found your site a few days ago and I am compelled to come back here and see how your family is doing and what you are up to.You have a way with words. I think you should not only do your blog but you should be writing a book about all you have learned and what you do. I think you are wonderful. You have such strength and courage. I have great respect for you.I have you and your family in my prayers as so many others do and I am sure you will over come this trial in your lives.I told my husband Val about you and how I cannot seem to close your page. I am always looking for updates. I am just sure that if we were to meet in person we would be great friends. You are a wonderful lady.All my best,Karen
Comment by Karen October 29, 2008

Oh my goodness, you are a busy gal! I thought I was busy this week…not by a long shot, compared with your outdoor chores. I think you are just amazing, Becky. The things you can’t do aren’t worth mentioning. What a renaissance girl you are!
Joyce
Comment by Joyce October 29, 2008

Wendy,Thank you for your prayers. Tommy has signed papers saying he does not want to be hooked up to tubes or machines to keep him alive. I stand behind his decision but it still hurts.
Karen,Thank you for your prayers. I am glad you like this blog, hope you will find helpful things here. I don’t know about a book. Right now, I just want to help others make it through the hard times, and save a little money.
Joyce,How have you been? I don’t know about amazing, I just do what has to be done. I am sure all of you can/would do the same for your families. All I do is by the grace of God, I can’t do it on my own.
God Bless you all and have a great day,Becky
Comment by jordansfarm October 30, 2008

Becky,I respect Tommy’s decision. I just thought I would throw it out there. It helped my Dad a lot! No machines, just a tube and he still went to work and was active (as much as he could be), which helped him too! We were a little confused when the doctor mentioned feeding tube, I guess not understanding, but when explained it is a simple clear tube inserted in your stomach that you can put water or the vitamin drink Ensure down when you are sick and unable to eat. Dad had cancer in his throat and with radiation and the chemo focused on there and his lungs it was hard to swallow. So, he would come home and open a can of Ensure and pour down the tube and then some water and that was his lunch! But, when he did feel better he was still able to eat normally. The tube was taped to his side and he would untape and use and then tape back in position. When Dad decided to get rid of it, the doctor just pulled it out and let heal on it’s own with no stitches. It was really wild to think medicine has come that far and you can have something like that, a tube going to your stomach! Dad is now 100% cancer free and I’m looking forward to when Tommy will be too! You and Tommy are in my prayers!!!
Comment by Wendy October 30, 2008

You can plastic windows on the inside if you have too. It will leave staples on your window casings, but it works.
I’m so sorry your husband is ill. I just happened upon your site, and will definitely pray for your family. I am sorry.Saw Palmetto is regularly used in Europe for BPH. I know cancer is much worse than simple BPH, but the herb is considered a drug or choice for prostate problems in Europe, Japan, etc. for prostate issues. You might research it.Just speaking from what I have seen in my in-law’s family, the men who choose to not have chemo, radiation and other “cancer” treatments live longer and healthier lives with the disease. Prostate cancer doesn’t kill overnight. I have seen relatives live for 5-10 years with no treatment. I have also seen relatives die in two years from complications from cancer treatments. I know my hubby and I have discussed this many times. Just from the cases we have seen in his family, the ones who refused chemo did much better. And their lives were healthier longer. You might want to research more natural treatments when you make choices.
Comment by terri October 30, 2008

Homemade Ideas and Memories

2008-10-26T06:44:00.001-04:00

Well I have been up since 3:30 am with Tommy this morning. I got him settled and back to bed, now I'm wide a wake. So here I am, I can do this quietly.

Turns out that we all really like using the flannel napkins and tissues. Because some of them are so cute even my 11 yr. old has stopped using her clothes to wipe her nose. She now is always carrying one around with her. And showing them off to all her friends.

You say you can't sew a straight line. So,who cares. I don't know of any sewing police out there. No sewing machine, hand sew. I did for 5 years before I got a machine, or borrow one. Not all my lines are straight. I am no master sewer. I do the best I can and that's it. I know your family is not doing to say, "I'm not using this, the lines are not straight."

Yesterday, at the thrift store, I found some really cute flannel baby blankets for 10 cents each. I bought what they had, 5. I will just cut these into fourths, and only have to hem two sides. This is a time saver. I still have not finished all the others yet. But they are using them, and liking it and you can't beat the price.

I also found those small square baby water proof changing pads for 10 cents each. And bought 4, this was all they had.(we have a lot of wood furniture in our home). These I will cut some into coasters for drinks, some put under plants, and I have 2 uncut ones on my dryer under the clothes soap and vinegar. ( so as not to farther rust the top of my dryer, which we have had for 13+ years now). I have some cut to go between the homemade pads and underwear for leak protection, they are very bendable. When they are dirty, just wash and dry them. When they are cut they do not have to be hemmed, oh what a blessing. Usually one side is a solid color and the other at times has a pattern on it. You could always sew a piece of fabric on top to match the colors in your home.

The bigger crib/chair/bed water proof pads: can be cover with fabric on top and used in to bathroom when getting out of the shower (shower mat). No more wet floors and its washable, without the backing wearing off. These bigger pads I have picked up used for $.50 to $1.00. The top fabric can easily be changed as needed. These can be used too, for homemade pads, just add a soft top, but do not sew down middle, just outside edges. Do not sew in the middle, just sew the fabric to the outside edges, when making a shower mat. As sewing in the middle will cause them to leak where the needle has gone through.

Those nice quilted mattress covers, at thrift stores here sell for about a dollar. They can be used to make pot holders, and batting in quilts. I made one quilt using this, and it was so much easier. As the cover was already quilted, no more batting balling up when washed. So what if there is a few stains, wash and use, who is going to take it part to see the stains. They can be cut to go into homemade pads too as the center. Or used to make a chair cushion, or foot stool pads. Just sew layers together until you get the thickness you want.

Earlier before I left for town Saturday morning, Tommy asked me to buy a pumpkin, for him and Tommielynn to carve. As we have never carved one. Tommielynn picked out the biggest one she could carry. When we got home she had to bring it in to show her daddy. The smiles on both their faces and the laughter in their voices was worth more than $6. Tommy can no longer run outside to watch her do something new, or play with her like he used too. Carving a pumpkin, he can do in the house sitting down, and do it with her. It's the little things in life that make the best memories. This will be one I will never forget.

With hard times hitting everyone, please take some time to make some happy memories of your own. Once today is gone, you can not get it back. The best happy memories are usually free or very cheap.

God bless you all, Becky

Technorati Tags: creativity,ideas,making do,saving money,self sufficiency,sewing

Comments:

Get a photo of the smiles and “Pumpkin guts” and a finished product to share with us. This is a family tradition for us. Comment by Sheila | October 26, 2008 |
Hi Becky! I love all the ideas, especially for the waterproof changing pads. Putting them under plants is a good idea. I’ve been rearranging things in our house just to try and make things neater and work better. The challenge of having a family in a small home! Hope you have a wonderful day! Hugs!! Comment by D. | October 27, 2008 |
Sheila, I will post photos as soon as they carve it. We are waiting for Tommy to feel a little better.
D., I know all about a small house. And I also know love grows best in small places.
Becky Comment by jordansfarm | October 28, 2008 |
I have put Tommy and you on my prayer list, Becky! You come to mind often and I continue to pray for the Lord’s strength to get you through each ‘minute’. I remember when I took care of my Daddy and that is all I looked for at times.. strength for the next moment. God was faithful! Comment by Georgene | October 28, 2008 |
Becky, Has anyone ever suggested following the Hallelujah Diet for Tommy? Check out the testimonials: http://www.hacres.com/home/home.asp My husband’s father died of cancer last year, and we wanted him to follow this diet, but he didn’t want to. Comment by Lisa | October 30, 2008 |

My time here

2008-10-25T07:08:00.001-04:00

It has been a rough few weeks here. Tommy has not been doing good. Hospice is now coming out twice a week. Please keep praying for him. And thank you for all the prayers that are going up now.

Ok, as for my time here writing post. I really enjoy all of you and writing posts. But I need to send as much time with Tommy as I can, taking care of him, etc. I will still be writing posts but I'm not sure now often. I will be checking in here as often as I can to answer your questions and writing posts. But now, it might take me a few days to do that. If you have not heard from me in a while, you can check here: Updates on Tommy’s Health. This is were I keep everyone up to date on Tommy's health. I will post there more than here. As we have family and friends all over the USA and Canada. I hope you all will understand.

Wednesday, I made two batch of homemade ice cream for Tommy. It's one of the few things he can keep down. And Tommielynn loves it too.

A friend, Beth, brought us two dinners yesterday. Oh what a great blessing. By dinner time I'm worn out. Poor Tommielynn has had cereal or bag noodles a few times these past few weeks. She was so thankful for the dinners, and Beth became her best friend when one of those dinners was chicken.

I have been (when Tommy is sleeping) redoing the sewing room. I have too rearrange it. So as to get the bunk bed set put in there. There is a twin top and a full bottom. Shawn, my son, is supports to come by soon and help me put it together. We will being having family and friends coming in, who need a place to sleep. With this set more people can stay here.

With the donations given here, we have been able to get the heater tanks refilled, and more. They have been such a wonderful blessing. Thank you again to all who gave; and those that could not give, thank you for your prayers. With out your prayers I/we would never make it through all of this. But with your prayers and by God's grace, we are making it, one day at a time.

With this blog, God has brought such wonderful people into our lives, oh what a great blessing. And here I thought I was writing to help others, when really you all were/are helping me. Thank you.

God Bless you all, Becky Becky's Farm Life

Comments:

Becky - Sending prayers and warm hugs your way… Comment by Linda | October 25, 2008 |
Hugs & prayers! Comment by Pam's Pride | October 25, 2008 |
We continue to pray, Becky. Your family needs you right now. You’ve been a huge blessing to so many, and I pray the Lord will grant you strength and peace through this time. Please know you are thought of daily. love in Christ, Stacie Comment by arksoaper | October 25, 2008 |
My thoughts and prayers are with you! You are doing what is right and biblical by putting your husband first. God bless you and give you His strength! Comment by Georgene | October 25, 2008 |
Thank you all for your prayers. Becky Comment by jordansfarm | October 28, 2008 |

Road Ahead - Recipes from Scratch - Part 6

2008-10-22T06:31:00.002-04:00

These are the recipes I use weekly.

Pie crust or pastry( chicken and pastry dinner)

3 cups sifted all purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking power

1 cup lard or shortening

1 eggs

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

5 tablespoons ice water

Sift flour with salt, baking powder. Cut lard into flour mixture until crumbs form. Beat egg lightly and add to mixture. Add lemon juice, and water. Stir with a fork until blended. Roll out on a lightly floured space. makes 2 pie crust.

for pastry: roll out very thin, cut into squares or strips, drop into boiling broth and chicken. Cook about 10 more minutes. This is like a chicken and dumplings but the pastry's taste almost like a noodle. I usually have to double the recipe as they eat it up fast here.

No bake Choc. Oatmeal Cookies

1 3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/3 cup cocoa

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup peanut butter

2 1/2 cups quick oats

Mix sugar, butter, cocoa, milk in a pan over med. heat, boil 1 minute.

remove from heat, stir in peanut butter, then quickly stir in oatmeal.

then drop by spoon full's on to wax paper.

Chocolate Cream Pie ( this will disappears very fast)

makes 2- 9" pies

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup cocoa

1/2 cup all purpose flour

3 eggs, beaten

12 oz. can evaporated milk

1 1/2 cup water

3 tablespoons butter

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 baked pie shells

Combine sugar, cocoa, flour in a heavy sauce pan, stir to remove lumps.

combine eggs, milk, water in a mixing bowl.

gradually add milk mixture to cocoa mixture, stirring until well blended.

Cook over med. heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Boil 1 minute, stirring constantly.

remove from heat, add butter and vanilla, stir until butter is melted.

pour in to pie shells and chill. then top with whipped cream. ( you had better hide one)

Creamed Cheese Peas (the only way my kids will eat peas)

1/2 stick butter

2-3 tablespoons flour

6 slices of cheese ( or a jelly jar of the canned cheese sauce in the recipe tab)

1 can of peas

In a sauce pan add butter, melt butter over med. heat, stir in flour and add a pinch of salt, stir until it thickens. then add about 6 slices of cheese and stir until the cheese melts, then add a can of strained peas.

Quick Pizza Dough

2 cups flour

2 1/4 teaspoon yeast

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup lukewarm water

Dissolve yeast in water, mix flour and salt together then mix with yeast mixture. let sit covered for 5 minutes. grease pan and sprinkle with flour. form crust and let it rest for about 10 minutes. (to prevent sogginess, coat lightly with oil or non-stick cooking spray).

add toppings. bake at 400* for about 20 minutes.

An even faster pizza: use English muffin halves, and add topping.

Coconut Dream Bars (a heavenly treat)

Bake at 350* , 20 - 25 minutes or until golden brown, in a 13 X 9 pan

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

2 cups brown sugar

1/2 cup butter

3 eggs

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups coconut

Combine flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, butter until particles are fine, use low speed of mixer. press into the bottom of an ungreased 13 x 9 pan and bake at 350* for 15 minutes. beat 1 1/2 cups brown sugar with eggs , just until blended. mix in remaining ingredients, spread over partially baked crust. bake 20 -25 minutes or until golden brown. cool and cut.

I know this is mostly sweets. But in hard times this is what is cut first from the food bill. And having sweets around always makes hard times a little easier on old and young alike. What is your best sweets recipe? Would you share it here with us?

Have a great day, Becky

Technorati Tags: recipes,making do,saving money

Comments:

These sound wonderful! Just the recipes I needed! Thanks so much for sharing! I can’t wait to try them! God Bless you! Comment by Wendy October 22, 2008
Our family loves this! It’s easy, quick and a comfort food. It’s wonderful just plain warm or with a side of vanilla ice cream:
Apple Crisp
5 C. pared apple slices
1/2 C. flour
2/3 C. sugar
1/4 C. soft butter
Cinnamon
Fill lightly greased 8 in. square baking dish with apple slices. Sprinkle with the amount of cinnamon that your family likes (ours likes it almost ‘black’ with cinnamon). In mixing bowl, mix flour, sugar and butter. Mix with fork or pastry blender and cut in butter. Spread over apples. Sprinkle more cinnamon on top. Bake at 350 for 35-40 mins. depending on the type of apples. It should be bubbly.
God has graciously given us a bumper crop of apples around here. This is one great way to enjoy his gift. Hopefully, I can post more later. It’s applesauce day here !! Whoo hooo Linda J. Comment by http://valleyvisions.blogspot.com/ October 22, 2008
Here is another recipe…it makes a ton, so if you don’t have time to spend in the kitchen, cut it in half. Be sure to do ‘quality control’…taste test shortly after they come out of the oven…another comfort food.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
4 C. flour
2 C. quick oats (uncooked)
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 C. soft butter
2 C. packed brown sugar
1 C. white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 C. canned pumpkin
2 C. or 1 pkg. chocolate chips (can use raisins)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, oats, soda, cinnamon and salt in large mixing bowl; set aside. Cream butter; add sugars, beating until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. Alternate additions of dry ingredients and pumpkin, mixing well after each addition. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop cookie dough by spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for about 15 mins.; cool on rack. Store in airtight container.
Dough may be frozen in airtight container. Thaw in refrigerator. Bake as directed.
Thanks for sharing all those great recipes, Becky!! I’ll be trying them. Comment by http://valleyvisions.blogspot.com/ October 22, 2008
Thank you for the no bake cookie recipe! They are so easy and came out perfect!
DJ Comment by DJ October 23, 2008
DJ, Those cookies go very fast here. And I’m glad you like them.
Thank you for stopping in. Hope you have a great weekend.
Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 25, 2008

Road Ahead - Canning Meats - part 5

2008-10-20T06:15:00.002-04:00

Ok, you find a great sale on meat but don't have room in your freezer; a friend is sharing their deer meat with you.

I have canned meat. Talk about a quick meal: open a jar of beef, potatoes, carrots, put in a pot and add some seasoning and you have beef stew. Open a jar of chicken and add noodles, a great soup.

Canning Meats

This is raw packing meat( which means you don't cook the meat first), beef, pork, chicken, deer, veal, mutton, lamb. Cut meat off the bones.(save meaty bones for canning broth below).

Cut the meat into jar length chucks or slice into 1" slices, cube it like for beef stew.

Pack into jars loosely.

if desired add 1/2 teaspoon salt to pints, and 1 teaspoon to quarts.

pour in hot broth or water over the meat: leaving 1" head space.

remove air bubbles, put lids on.

Pressure can at 10 pounds pressure:

Pints: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Quarts: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Canning Broths or Stock

Meaty beef bones or deer bones or chicken bones:

boil and simmer 2-3 hours, remove bones, skim off excess fat off the top, strain the liquid.

pour into jars, put lids on.

Pressure can at 10 pounds pressure:

pints: 20 minutes

quarts: 25 minutes

Or the broth can be frozen if you have the room.

Waste not,want not. I try to use everything. And after the meaty bones are done into a broth you can also can the meat off them, the bones go to the dogs and cats.

Happy canning,

Becky

Technorati Tags: canning,Road Ahead,saving money,self sufficiency,stocking up

Comments:

Becky, Please help me out with canning chicken. I’ve done beef before, but never chicken. You say that you pack it raw, too? Do you cut it into chunks like the beef? Canned beef is the best…and it’s easy. On short notice, I can open up a can of beef add some green peppers, onions and even some potatoes. Add some noodles or rice and its a quick, hearty meal…almost fast food. Thanks for the tips on broth, too. I appreciate all your insights!! Linda J Comment by http://valleyvisions.blogspot.com/ October 20, 2008

Linda J, chicken can be packed raw. You can cut it into chunks or slices(breast meat and thighs). Hope this helps. Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 21, 2008

Thanks so much–You are a BIG help!! Comment by http://valleyvisions.blogspot.com/ October 21, 2008

Thanks so much for the information, Becky. I have wanted to can meat for a while now, but I’m a bit afraid to. I keep hearing scary stories about getting botulism from improperly canned meat. I’m concerned that I might make my family sick… or worse. Is there some way to know if the meat is alright before you eat it? On another topic…how is Tommy doing? I continue to pray for you both. Blessings, Joyce Comment by Joyce October 21, 2008

Joyce, If you handle the meat just like you were cooking it for your family, you will have no problems. If you open a jar of canned meat that smells funny or looks bad, throw it out. In the 10+ years I have canned meat, I have never had any go bad. If you are still concerned, you can always cook it a bit before canning it.Cook it until it’s half done then can it to the times above. But it does not need to be cook first. To find out now Tommy’s doing click this link:
http://caringbridge.org/visit/tommyjordan or Under Jordan’s Family Sites click on “Updates on Tommy’s Health” this is were I keep the updates on how he is doing for family and friends. Thank you very much for your prayers. Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 22, 2008

Thank you, Becky I’m hoping I can get over my fears and give meat canning a try. I have canned meat at an LDS cannery several times, so I do have a nice supply of tinned meat, but I’ve never done canned any in my own kitchen. Thanks for the link to updates on Tommy,
Joyce Comment by Joyce October 22, 2008

Hi Becky, Thanks for keeping us posted on both you and Tommy. It is good to know how to pray. Thanks, too, for the help with canning chicken. I was able to pick some up on sale and canned some. It looks like it worked! I realize that canned meat is not what some would call ‘beautiful’. But having it adorn my canning shelves makes it a thing of beauty! Thanks for all your help and encouragement. Linda J. Comment by http://valleyvisions.blogspot.com/ October 26, 2008

Joyce, Please try canning the meat, as it is so worth it.

Linda J., Thank you for your prayers, as they get us through each day. I like canning the chicken the best. You can do so much with chicken. Drain it off, and add BBQ sauce, and you have BBQ sandwiches, or main meat for a meal.
Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 28, 2008

Becky , Love this site. My question is when you can the chicken ,do you take the skin off first & the other meats do you trim the fat off beef ,deer , pork , ect. Thank You Kris Comment by Kris December 8, 2008

Kris, Thank you very much. And thank you for stopping in here.
As far as the fat on meats: at times I leave a little fat on for flavor, then take all extra off. So really it’s up to you and your family’s taste. When taking the chicken skin off, save skin and bone: boil skin and bones to make a broth to can for later use(chicken broth). Hope this helps.
Have a wonderful day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm December 8, 2008

Becky, I know of people who can their meat but they don’t pack in water, they put in jars raw (uncooked) add 1 tsp. salt per quart jar or 1/2 tsp. per pint jar put on lid and pressure can at 10lbs. for 90 mins for quarts and I think 45 mins for pints. Have you ever heard of that? It must be obviously safe as they are older than me and are still alive. Just wondering about your input on that. Comment by plantinthings December 8, 2008

Becky, Hi again, I have another question. I was wondering if you have ever canned Home noodles & chicken. If so How did you do it. If not do you think it would work? & would I make the noodles & dry them , then add them & the cooked chicken into jars with salt? What do you think? Thanks again Kris Comment by Kris December 10, 2008

plantinthings, I have canned meat without water, and it’s turned out fine. I use this meat to make BBQ, fry with potatoes, etc. The meats with water, I use in stews and soups. So it can be done how ever you need it. Hope this helps. Have a great day.

Kris, I am not sure about this. But I would not dry noodles then can. I would try a small batch in pint jars, first. And see if you like it. When I try something new I always start with a small batch first. If we like it, I make big batches. I know it’s been done in the past, but I’ve not done it yet. If you make it please let us all know how it turns out. Have a wonderful day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm December 11, 2008

Road A head - Part 4 - Making more at home

2008-10-18T07:48:00.002-04:00

Well I have made 2 batches of homemade ice cream. And for some reason it's so much better than store bought. I have never worked out the price to make it, as we have milk and eggs here. We save up ice to make it.

A trip to town yesterday was an eye opener. Gas here was down to $2.78 a gallon. I'm trying to restock some of the sugar I've used. (so as my stock does not get to low going into the winter). And do you know the 5 pounds bags are gone with the wind. All I could find where 4 pound bags for the same price as the 5 pound. I was not a happy camper. Some lady in the store said, "They changed to 4 pounds two months ago. Why are you so mad,now?" And as nicely as I could told her about my stocking and that I was just refilling my stock. And then I got the funny look from her, and she asked why I was stocking up? I just rolled my eyes, sorry to say, and went on. Potatoes, these are now gold in this area. Early this year, 10 lbs. $1.49, 50 lbs.$7.00, now 10 lbs are $4.99 and the 50 lbs. jump to $18.99. I bought one 10 lbs bag, why not the 50 lbs? Well we wanted some French fries(it's been a month and half since we have had any), and the frozen French fries were even higher. I have some canned potatoes and instant mashed potatoes . We use to eat potatoes about every night, now maybe 2-3 times a week. Which is killing my 11 year old daughter.

I am now only buying staples at the store. I was buying a off brand hamburger helper ( for a fast meal) but the last two boxes I bought had a flavor of nothing but salt. So no more prepackaged foods. If I can not make it from scratch, we don't eat it. I have put my foot down on cereal too( the only prepackaged food I buy as I have not learned to make it), as the price is the same but the ounces keep going down. I'll buy one box a week that is not more than $2.00. Which has my 11 yrs. old checking prices and ounces better than before. Yesterday at Save A Lot, she was almost in tears. She said, "Mom, my cereal is now $1.89 a box and two weeks ago it was $1. 69 and 2 ounces larger." She knows I will not buy it when it goes over $2.00. I think this mess is hurting the children hard. Yes, I know there are other foods for breakfast but we also use cereal as snacks( because we have so much milk).

I need to keep an eye out for milk prices as our milk cow is slowly drying up. (We are praying the bull in the pen with her, has done his job.) We are now getting about 2 gallons and a quart a day. I am still freezing and canning.

But we are using/drinking a gallon a day. So I'm not sure now long my stock will last.

Colloidal Silver Water - Natural Antibiotic

I first tried this, a few weeks ago. And I love it. I had a super bad ear infection, which meant I needed an super antibiotic( I used pill antibiotics for 20 days). I could not hear out of my ear for almost 3 weeks. A friend said to try this Colloidal silver water. And I did, with in 3 days, I could hear again. Then I goggled it and found more uses. Here is one: Usages. And another friend has the machine to make it at home and is going to make me some( thank you Angela). The last few days, I have been checking out herbs and their usages. Finding out which I can grow at home, which grow in the woods and fields around me. Please check into this.

My son got me an "Natural Remedies Encyclopedia" with 908 pages. He had gotten it earlier this year so that I could find things that might help Tommy with his cancer. I know this is an other must have book.

Here at Amazon

This book is not cheap, runs from $50.00 and up. (Maybe you can ask your son too, as we could not have bought it our selves).If you are like me and know very little about herbs, it's great. And if you already know about using herbs, it has everything in one book. This book tells you everything, from photos of the herbs to making them, and what herbs to use for what. My son blessed us in more than one way with this book. This book covers a lot of every day things too. And think of all the money you will be saving, no more waiting in the doctors office for two hours. You say your not a doctor and will not know what your treating. Well the book also list symptoms, causes, natural remedies and is written by MD's. I am not saying never go to the doctors, just not as much. With money tight you want to do all you can to save it. Some of the herbs are growing in your back yard for free. You moms with kids, I know you get tired of going in for ear infections, the Colloidal silver water works and the book will give you more herbs and ways.

There are a very few books I put on my must have list. But the ones that are on this list are the best out there. And most cover everything in a subject. I have a most have gardening book, I'll tell you about next time.

The more thing I can make/ or do at home, the less money I'll have to spend. Everything I am doing takes more time than money. Time I have, money very little of. A few years ago, I would of never dream of using herbs, as I only knew a very few people who used them, so I did not know much about them myself. I had nothing against them or using them. I guess you could say I didn't need them. Then Tommy got sick and this opened my eyes to herbs. I don't know a lot about them YET, but I'm learning daily. And I'm thankful the Lord supply's all our needs, even in the back yard.

Happy herb hunting, Becky

Technorati Tags: economic situation,food prices,great book,herbs,ideas,making do,recession,Road Ahead,saving money,self sufficiency

Comments:

Love the “Road Ahead” series you’re doing, Becky. I completely agree with you on all of it. I don’t believe it will get any better any time soon unfortunately, and I hope people will open their eyes to what is going on and prepare. Sugar has been the same here (and potatoes). Sam’s Club has had the best prices on sugar in 50# bags, but we have to drive out of town to get it. On herbs that are natural antibiotics - goldenseal and garlic are both excellent. We’ve used them for years with very good results. Praying for you and Tommy, Stacie Comment by arksoaper October 18, 2008

I know this is probably not the best post to put this comment in….but I figured you would read your most recent comments first. I was at a craft show today and saw Chocolate cake in a mug that you microwave for $5.00 and I remember you saying that you picked up cute mugs and such for really cheap. These were all wrapped up in cellophane, had a tag, and looked really nice. Here is a make it yourself from scratch recipe… http://www.record-eagle.com/food/local_story_287094629.html Here is one using regular box cake mix….
http://budget101.com/recipes/id195.htm I think these are perfect for making up to give for people who stop by or to give to a party hostess. And if you have some left after the holidays you can always eat them yourself!!;) I think this would make a perfect little inexpensive Christmas gift…especially when you like to do a lot of little gifts. Blessings! Pam Comment by Pamspride October 18, 2008

Becky - I found recipes for homemade “Hamburger Helper” type meals at Hillbilly Housewife. They are really, really good. I use ground turkey instead of ground beef. My husband, son and I each have our own favorite. I made up a dozen bags (4 of each of our favorites) and they last me quite a while (close to a year). I will never again buy a box of the prepackaged stuff. Let me know if you can’t find her recipe. I am switching more and more to homemade items. The chocolate syrup from Hillbilly Housewife is also wonderful…no more Hershey’s for us!!!

We went to Sam’s today for an every other month stock up. UGH…we spent WAY too much money as the largest portion of our purchases today were toiletries and over the counter meds. Goodness they have gone up in price! But what are you going to do…we need soap, shampoo, aspirin, toilet paper, etc. For a while I was trying to keep a running total in my head, but finally gave up. I was shocked with the total at the register. Fortunately we had the cash to pay it, but that just means I REALLY have to scrimp at Aldi this month! Next time I take a calculator!!!

I completely avoided hitting a sale this past week on boxed brownies. They were $.79 a box, a WONDERFUL price around here. But I figure homemade HAS to be cheaper and I know it doesn’t have any preservatives in it! I am trying to add one “homemade” item per week to my recipe book. I agree, the only way we are going to be able to save money is to buy basic ingredients only and make everything from scratch. Please pass on any “scratch” recipes you find that are tried and true…I need to incorporate a whole lot more! Thanks again for the motivation and support, it means more than you know. Sending prayers… Comment by Linda October 18, 2008

Linda, Hillbilly Housewife site is great. (link under great sites on right hand side here) I have used a lot of things from her site. I’ll start posting the from “scratch” recipes I use here on the farm. And if you have a great one please share. Thank you for your prayers. Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 19, 2008

I am learning so much from your blog! Thanks for sharing all your information! I have never learned to can….and now I don’t have the money to buy the proper stuff. Is it real expensive? What do I have to have? I would love to learn more! Thanks again for your blog!! Love it!! Comment by Wendy October 20, 2008

Wendy, The pressure cooker runs about $80 + dollars, and then you’ll need jars. the first year or two will be when you spend the most money. Then all you will need to buy are the lids. Hope this helps. Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 21, 2008

Road Ahead - Part 3

2008-10-15T09:47:00.001-04:00

This economic mess is not getting better. I know gas price are down, oil prices by the barrel are down, the stock market is on an up swing and something is just not right( some have called it a momma thing). I know it looks good and sounds even better, but it's not. It has taken us over a year and half to get in this mess, it will not clear up in an week or two. Please don't think everything is find and dandy now. Don't let your guard down, please. I do not have a master's degree or PhD. in our economics, I'm a simple housewife/ mother. But I do know how to handle money in a home and business and what will happen when it's not used right. This will take years to fix, not weeks. Some of you see this as great news, and are going back to life as before. I am warning you to keep a hold of your money and keep watching your spending. This is not over, it's just starting. I don't know all the proper words for this mess, but I do know it's not as good as it looks and sounds. This money going out has to be backed by something, has to come from some where, Where? What? The US owes more money than we can pay back in years. The News has said that the people(you and I) have over used the credit system, and are in to much debt. Well I'm sure our debt is not as large as the USA's. What happens to you and I ,when we over charge our credit cards and can't pay them back and spend out side our means? Bankruptcy, can't pay our bills, no money for food. Now think a little bigger (times a few million+). What will happen when much more money is spent and borrowed on credit and can't be paid back on time?

The government has put a pretty flowered band- aid on this mess, while the sore below get worse. What's going to happen when the band- aid falls off? If you don't really see the sore, it does not hurt as bad and at times you forget it's there.

I think the worse and hardest times are to come. This is now I feel and what I think. A wolf has come in, in sheep's clothing. And I know some you think I'm over reacting and that's your right. But this is me and how I think and believe. I'm trying to pull the wool back off some of your eyes.

I'm not trying to start a panic or make things look worse than they are, just telling you all what I see. Every one wants things to go back to the way they were, and they will in a few years, but not now. I don't want more people to be blind sided this go around. Please prepare for your family, think twice before buying something, and pray a lot.

In all my life, I never thought I'd write posts like these. Why, now? I'm really not sure. I feel very strongly about warning people. This is not an area I know a lot about. But then when I put it in a family aspect and did some multiplying by big numbers it became a little more clearer.

I know I'm not alone in my thoughts. As a friend, Janet, came by last night and felt the same way. She too, sees people who think it's all getting better, but it's not.

Please pull the band-aid off and take a really good look. Are we in a recession and heading for a depression?

Do you agree or disagree with this post? I would really like to know. Becky

Technorati Tags: economic situation,recession,Road Ahead

Comments:

I agree with you! I have seen so many of my friends just spend to the limit…then refinance and spend to the limit again and are just teetering on being bankrupt. Comment by Pamspride | October 15, 2008 |

I am totally, 100% in agreement with you. I think we have a very long journey ahead and there’s not anything anyone could do to make me loosen my grip on my pennies right now. This has been gearing up the last couple of years and now that it’s here, well like you said it’s not going to be going anywhere soon. On another note, I’m going to go ahead here soon and get that cheese starter kit you talked about and get going on the cheese making. I use a lot of it and it doesn’t come cheap in the stores anymore. I’m excited, I can’t wait to try my hand at this! Comment by D. | October 15, 2008 |

Becky, You are right! This is going to take years to fix. We must be wise. Tomorrow is payday and I’ll be stocking up on more staples as well as supplies for soap making (thanks!). This morning I gathered rose hips for drying to make tea this winter…full of Vitamin C. (see Carla Emery’s book) We will need to be healthy…who knows what the government will do to health care. There is much to do to prepare for winter and the rough road ahead. Blessings to you, Linda J. Comment by http://valleyvisions.blogspot | October 15, 2008 |

I absolutely agree! I love your line about a “flowered band-aid” on the mess. That is SO true. We are not going to shovel out of this one for quite a while. I believe that when the going gets tough, the tough get going….therefore, I’m in preparedness mode. I’m buying what we need for today and for tomorrow. I’m doing my best to get the best deals on everything and thinking ahead to what will be needed in the future. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Becky. It is very much appreciated. Hugs, Joyce Comment by Joyce | October 15, 2008 |

I very much agree! Unfortunately we are in debt..way too much! Got sucked into the world’s way of thinking and now….well, our eyes have been opened, but a little late. We are pinching every penny until it screams! We are determined to pay off this debt. I am looking for an evening part time job, or something to bring in extra income (I’m a stay at home Mom). I feel an urgency down deep in my spirit to prepare! I agree with your view on this 100%! Comment by Wendy | October 15, 2008 |

Becky, I totally enjoy reading your blog! I don’t know if you are right or not, but I do think that we should be prepared for any likelihood. The information you have posted over the last few days has been fabulous. Thanks! This financial mess has taken years, even decades, to come to this point. Lots of finger pointing, but really it’s about our society and our inability to do the right, ethical thing in our jobs. Lots of people making unethical or uninformed decisions that keep snowballing. I don’t know if we will face a disaster similar to the great depression, but I keep holding out hope that we won’t. One thing I do know, is if people expect it, it’s more likely to happen. (Becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy). If we all stop spending money, then companies will go out of business and people will lose their jobs. If we all take our money out of banks, then they will run out of money and go under (unless the government steps in to guarantee things, which it has done). I’ve cut back spending as well, but I haven’t quit using the people that I know rely on my business to stay afloat. Maybe that’s naive of me, but I’m lucky enough to have a years supply of food on hand and enough cash to get us through a short rough patch. Plus both my husband and I are hard workers and have a good family and friends support network, so I think we’ll weather things better than most. Just my thoughts. Comment by DeeAnn | October 15, 2008

Wendy - We are in the same boat. Our eyes have been opened, but WAY too late! But now we are making sincere efforts to try to pay down some of our debt! In the process though, i am stocking up on what we will need at the best price available NOW.

Becky - Once again you have “hit the nail on the head”. Unfortunately we were very stupid for a very long time and are not in a position where we will weather any economic downturn easily. I just hope we have had our eyes opened early enough to at least avoid the loss of our home if things get really really bad. I will NEVER be the person I was again!

I am in a MAJOR preparation mode. We got our new freezer today. Unfortunately it is a lot smaller than our old freezer (they don’t make them that big anymore) so i am going to have to rethink our stocking of frozen food. However as “scratch” ingredients have so much less packaging I am going to now do away with ALL prepackaged frozen food and stock ONLY meats and things purchased at our local butcher. As another poster said…I need to spend money to prepare, but I will spend it where it will benefit the people of my local community the most! The last time I checked “Banquet” and “Oncor” weren’t my neighbors! Comment by Linda | October 15, 2008 |

Becky, you are absolutely right! I have been saying for along time that this was coming and now it is here. I love your website. I have started storing extra food and I will continue to do so. I feel the Lord has laid it on my heart to prepare for what lies ahead. I want by family to be prepared. People need to wake up and see that we as a country cannot keep going the way we going. We cannot spend more than we make. I have asked the Lord to help me be content with what I have and He has done so. Keep up the posting…I love learning from you and I will be praying for you and your family. Jackie Ringgold, VA Comment by Jackie | October 15, 2008 |

Becky, you are so right. My family members, except for a son who LIVES IN THE WORLD, and cannot be reached mentally as I write this. We are in prayer for him and his family. As to the rest of us, we are in a state of preparation. I am going to town tomorrow to order the book you wrote about yesterday for my sister, as a birthday gift. She has chickens who are laying eggs (about 14 a day;) my brother-in-law is raising four cows that will provide meat to five families this winter. We read your postings daily and appreciate so much what you are sharing. I believe, as you, the government has put a band aid on a wound that may never be repaired in our lifetimes. Thanks so much, please keep at it, as your information is very much appreciated. Comment by Kay Peebles | October 15, 2008 |

Pamspride, Thank you for the link on monogrammed handkerchiefs.

D. Please let me know how you like your kit, it really is fun. And saves you loads of money. How have you been?

Linda J. Thank you for the saying you left on part 2, it was a blessing to me, and really made my day. A friend of my is making me some Colloidal Silver Water - natural antibiotic, to keep on hand here at the house. I first tried it a few weeks ago with a very bad ear infection on my self. And it worked great. Those of you who don’t know what this is, please goggle it, and I’ll put in a up coming post.

Joyce, I’m so glad you are preparing, for today and tomorrow. And your welcome, I’ll do all I can to help others make it.

Wendy, I don’t know of anyone that is not in some kind of debt. But you keep making those penny scream. Keep me update on your job hunt.

DeeAnn, Thank you for your thoughts. I agree with buying from businesses, and buying locally, for things that are needed. But some people are buying like everything is fine and dandy. I don’t want people to pull their money out of banks, but just to spend it more wisely. Thank you for stopping in. Looking forward to hearing more from you. have a great day.

Linda, I know what you mean about not being able to buy the big freezer any more, that’s why I have to have 3. and your wise about not stocking up on prepackaged frozen food, they take up a lot of room and cost a lot. You can also can meats, which I’ll post about soon.

Jackie, Thank you for stopping in and for your prayers. The “content” in what we have is going to be really hard on some.

Kay Peebles, You will not be sorry about buying the book. And you’ll be on your sister great list.

Thank you all. In posting your comments, you give others and myself ideas. And I know what to post next. If you have something you’d like me to write a post about please let me know. No, I don’t know everything. All I want to do is help others with what I do know and have learned. God bless you all. Becky Comment by jordansfarm | October 16, 2008 |

Becky: I so much agree with you. I wonder if mothers in particular are especially feeling the need to get cracking (even though we can’t explain what happened). We are responsible for the health of our families and for preparing for times of hardship. If our family is threatened, we kick it into gear! I’m trying to turn some of our dollars into seeds, fruit trees, hand tools etc. You can’t eat a $20 bill! Kris Working hard at http://www.sccworlds.com Comment by Kris | October 16, 2008 |

Road Ahead - Part 2

2008-10-14T07:11:00.001-04:00

The Encyclopedia of Country Living , An Old Fashioned Recipe Book

By: Carla Emery

This is a great book. And a must have for everyone. Even if you don't live on a farm, or you don't want to grow your own food, you want nothing to with animals. This book has everything in it. In hard times, this book will tell you how to do everything and in good times, it'll make your life easier. I usually do not talk highly of books. But please try and get this book, ask for it as a gift, or save your change, give it as a gift. It will be the very best investment you can make. The book price runs $20 -$30, see if you can go in half's with a friend to start with. I know this is a lot on money right now, but I know you will not be sorry. If I could only have one book, this would be it. The book photo shows the edition I have, but there is a newer one( I'm saving my change to get it). To get a look at the inside of the book click this link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1570615535/ref=sib_dp_pop_fc?ie=UTF8&p=S001#reader-link To see about price and ordering here: http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Country-Living-Carla-Emery/dp/1570615535/ref=si3_rdr_bb_product

Water Storage I know I gave you a few links but I want to do a little more as this is a very needed thing. Before we got our storage water tank, these are ways/ were I stored water. They say to store 3 -7 days water. But I took it a little farther, 1 month. You say that's a lot of water, not really if you reuse it.

Ways/were/reuse

fill 2 liter bottles and stick in closets, under beds, in the freezer( if you lose power, they can be put in coolers to keep things cold, then as they melt you have drinking water)
5 gallon buckets with lids ( the old paint buckets, use this water to flush the toilets, only) some of these can be left outside to freeze as long as they are not filled to the rim. I did store some in the outside sheds and barns. When a bucket became empty, I filled it with water. If I really needed the bucket for something else, just dump out the water and dry.
Water needs to be stored were no sun light can get to the water. our water tank is almost clear and sits outside on it's own little deck. At the thrift store, I bought old blankets and covered the tank. And it worked great. No green water for two years now. The blankets also help to keep the water from freezing in the winter. On top of the blankets (in winter time) I place a dark colored trap, which helps to keep the water from freezing. On the neck part, where the water comes out, I wrap it in old wool sweaters. And it worked to keep it from freezing.
Save the water you use to rinse the dishes and wash hands in, and put it in a 5 gal. bucket in the bath room, to use to flush the toilet.
Plastic trash cans (unused, new) with lids, to store water in, if they have to be left out side, do not fill full. Used cans can be filled for flushing toilet.
If you know ahead of time that a storm is coming: fill your washing machine , bathtub, any large pot and pans you might have, coolers, up. Then use this water first, before using your stored water. I have two of those 5 gallon drinking coolers on my front porch, year round, and change the water once a month. They have never froze, but we usually don't get colder than about 0.
For those of you who do canning, take your extra jars and can some water. I have some 1/2 gallon jars, that you are really not to can food in (nothing but apple juice), I use these to can water. This water can be used to clean wounds, to drink, etc.
Milk jugs really are not strong enough to store water in. And they leak so easily. Reuse plastic juice bottles, 2 liter bottles, 16 oz. soda/water bottles.
The big tub plastic tots with lids are good to store water in. Throw a sheet over them and you have a little table.
Use the water in your hot water heater. I'm not sure I'd drink it, but can be used for washing and toilets.
If your stored water turns green, use it to flush the toilet.

I went one time with very little water stored, for three days. I was not a happy camper. It just takes one time for me. You might think I store to much water, well we'll see. This is the most important thing I store, and I'll not be caught short handed again. And I really do not want any of you to come up short here. It's not a pretty sight.

With a hard winter coming it's best to store some water. Why? What if you can't pay your power bill on time and it takes you a few days to get the money up? What if a big storm comes? What if your well goes dry/pump breaks? What if the city water lines break or go down or run out of water?The what if's are endless. Please store some water. It does not cost to store water. Just look around your home for things to use. Everyone is storing food and other things getting ready for winter and the hard times ahead. How is your water storage? How many days can you go?

Until next time, Becky

Becky's Farm Life

All the these posts will be tagged as "Road Ahead" and other tags, but to see just these, click on the tag "Road Ahead" in the categories drop down box. I thought about giving these posts their own tab, but I think this will work better. And make it easier for you all to get too.

Technorati Tags: great book,water storage,creativity,ideas,making do,recession,self sufficiency

Comments:

I have this very same book. In fact I bought it a few years ago with a gift card so it was FREE! Now that’s a great out of pocket price in my books. I have to admit, I haven’t given the book much though until here recently and then today I happened upon your blog. Maybe the LORD is trying to tell me to get it back out and start digging deep into it. With the economy in the condition it is in, any extra helpful tips I can learn will only be to our family’s benefit. I know the LORD will take care of us but HE also gave me a good mind and I plan to put it to the best use I can. ~blessings Comment by Heart 4 My Home | October 14, 2008 |

Among the other important things one would grab if the house caught fire, Carla Emery’s book is a must grab. It has a wealth of practical information. Thanks, Becky, for all the time you haven given to help so many. Linda J. Comment by http://valleyvisions.blogspot | October 14, 2008 |

Becky, When I read this, I thought of you: Some of you are called to some extraordinary duty and do not feel strong enough. Follow that call for surely the Lord is in that place. He will help you. ~ C. H. Spurgeon Comment by http://valleyvisions.blogspot | October 14, 2008 |

Becky, I came across this blog posting about a handmade Christmas gift and thought you might like it! It is handmade monogrammed handkerchiefs in a handmade tissue case.
http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/ Blessings! Pam Comment by Pamspride | October 14, 2008 |

Getting Ready for the Road Ahead - Part 1

2008-10-12T13:22:00.002-04:00

Economic Situation - Recession - Life Ahead : this post was the first, and you all asked for links and more of what I was printing off.

In these posts, I will list links to things I'm printing off. ( I started out just taking notes as we did not have a printer). Now most of these sites have a lot of other great information on them and ideas, some of which I know will not work in our family or will be to costly, but might work in yours.

When I look up something, I make sure it's the cheapest and works the best. And I try and make sure it's with things I have easy access to, or have a lot of uses for.

Most of you have seen this one, but to me it's my best find so far.

I found this recipe and like it the best for a few reasons: I can get Ivory soap bars for 3 for a dollar and baking soda is cheap, both Ivory and baking soda store just about forever, not a lot of work to make, can be used to clean other things. I have bought Ivory and as have baking soda, for when it’s need. I really don't want to work with lye.

Homemade Laundry Soap Detergent Recipe this recipe is in the Home Tips tab at the top of the page here. I got this at: 10 Homemade Laundry Soap Detergent Recipes ( Recipe #8) There are other recipes here, too.

Homemade Sanitary Pads , I have made these and used them too.

End Times Reports Site Index : this is a great site. I have gotten a lot here. Stop in and see if it has something else for you. Below are posts I like: Building a solar oven , Making candles ,An inexpensive water filter , Emergency Food and Water Supplies - from FEMA , WATER TANK STERILIZATION , STORING WATER IN 2 LITER POP BOTTLES , WATER DISINFECTION , Home Remedies , Survival and Austere Medicine (long .pdf download) Very good! (it's 213 pages long, just print off what you need and save to your computer) , Powdered Milk Recipes ,Making and using a solar cooker with photos ( I like this one the best) ,Using herbs , Homemade Convenience Foods : a lot of good recipes here. Food, Food Storage and Food Tips : a lot here, you can pick and choose. Cloth Toilet Paper,towels, napkins (still sewing these)

How To's --Knitted Socks with photos , When I first started knitting, I started with this. She gives step by step with photos. Here is the pattern it's self: An very easy knitted sock pattern step by step great - started

Today, I added bleach ( 1 cup)to my water storage tank (425 gallons). Then I stirred it up and will let it sit for a day. Then I will drain it and refill with fresh water. Why do I drain it after I put the bleach in? Well it helps to keep the inside of the tank clean. And when I drain it out, there is still water (about 25 gallons) in the bottom. Adding fresh water to that little bit of water with some bleach still in it, has no different taste to it than out of the sink. But still has enough bleach to keep water good and clean all winter. The power goes out here a lot in the winter, so we have a water storage tank. Before we got the tank, I had 2 liter bottles and milk jugs filled with water in every hiding place I could find. Do you know how many milk jugs of water it takes to keep a milk cow in water? Too, too many. Do you have any water stored up? This should keep you all busy for a day or two, while I get the next post ready. Here I need your help too. So if you have found something you want to share with everyone, please put it in the comment part and I'll add it to the next post too. ( to make it easier for all to get to.)

What are you looking up and printing off?

Happy printing, Becky

Becky's Farm Life

Technorati Tags: economic situation,ideas,making do,recession,Road Ahead,saving money,self sufficiency

Comments:

Thanks so much, Becky, for sharing with us your hard work. Carla Emery’s “Old Fashioned Recipe Book” also has great ideas on soap and washing by hand, herbs, gardening, bread baking, recipes for lots of good, healthy foods, livestock and so much more. Amazon has it (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Old+Fashioned+Recipe+Book) with new and used ones beginning at $19.71. If you are looking for wringers and live near an Amish settlement, their hardware stores might carry them. In the fall and spring the Amish have benefit auctions that will, no doubt, have old wringer washers. Be sure to check out auctions of elderly folks. We found just the wringer off an old washer in a garage sale of an older gentleman. You never know when one might turn up. Thanks and blessings to all! You are so helpful!! Comment by Linda J October 12, 2008
I just made my first batch of homemade laundry detergent. I used recipe #8 that was just Ivory soap, water, and baking soda. It only took about 20 minutes to make 2 gallons! I just used my last two empty store bought containers. Nothing like running out of store bought to get me to finally make my own! I bought the Ivory soap and baking soda a couple of weeks ago just for this purpose. And I bought like 5 boxes of baking soda. They were like .46 each at Aldi’s…I think….for a two cup box. A wringer washer though…..Uhhh…not sure if I am up to that though!! I would love to have a HUGE water storage container like you have! With 7 of us and the power out having water to flush the toilets is a necessity!!! Comment by Pamspride October 12, 2008
Linda J., I have that book, it’s a must, wonderful book. And so worth it’s money. --Pam Spride, I’m glad you made your soap. And thanks for the prep time,too. Thank you both, Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 14, 2008
I read this post yesterday and was not able to get the mental image of you trying to keep a milk cow in water from two liters out of my head, lol. Wow, I can’t even imagine. I have the Emery’s book as well and it is *wonderful*. So full of wonderful and useful information. It’s a must have for the home library. Comment by D. October 15, 2008

Economic Situation - Recession- Life ahead

2008-10-10T15:41:00.001-04:00

It's time to take this serious. This is not going away any time soon. Those of you who thought this would blow over, well it hasn't, it's blown up. And now it's effecting the whole world. I'm not telling you to start worrying but if you have not started preparing, you had better start now. This will take years, yes years, to get worked out. Take a really good look around you, this is touching everyone you know. Some of you might think that I'm just over reacting and that I'm trying to start a panic, well I'm not. I just want people to open their eyes before it's to late for them to do anything. And I'm sorry to say, I don't think our government can fix it now, only the good Lord can. This is effecting more and more people, day by day, and around the world. We should start helping each other, bring bartering back from the old days, start growing more of our food in the USA and in our yards, trade things, learn from each other, stop living outside our means, stop waiting for the government to help us as they can't help themselves. Am I downing the USA and our government, no, I'm saying we all are human and even they make mistakes. And some mistakes are not made right over night.

What can you do now?

pray
get knowledge on every thing you can
stock a little of something every time you can
start reading up on growing a garden next year, look into a few chickens
find ways to make do with what you have
read , talk to people, learn something new

I am searching the Internet as often as I can, and I am saving the information to my computer and printing it off. There will come a time when we will no longer be able to pay the Internet bill, which will mean I will really need the information I looked up. Yes, ink and paper cost money, but if you change the font to small, you can it a lot on one page and print on both sides. I have a new folder called "Making do in hard times", when I print it off, it goes right into this folder.

Here are a few of the things I looking up: healing herbs, how to cook over a camp fire and in the ground with coals, homemade reusable pads and napkins and bath paper,other uses for things you already have, what wild plants are eatable, ways to store water and ways to make it safe to drink, homemade solar ovens from things around your home, washing clothes by hand, making clothes soap, storing meat without a canner/freezer/cooking it, make candles from candle ends and leftovers, what wild plants can my farm animals eat safely or what can I grow for them: if I can no longer buy feed for them,ways to keep food good without canning/freezing/ ice boxes, homemade tooth paste, the list goes on and on.

Will I ever need to use all these things? I hope not, but I can if I need too. ( and with them in the folder, my great grand kids might need the information). I don't do all this now, but I do have the how to's when I need them. Some of these, I have already started doing just to save money.

Get the knowledge now, for when it's needed later. Prepare for the very worse and pray hard for the best.

In God We Trust, Becky

Technorati Tags: economic situation,ideas,making do,recession,saving money,self sufficiency,stocking up.

Comments:

Some of us have had this feeling in our gut (God-given, no doubt) that something was coming. There are so many more folks that are canning-the number of folks on your website asking for information-shows that some folks were listening to their inner voice.
Your suggestions are great and I agree 100%. God is still in control of all things. Any other insights or links you may find time to pass on would be greatly appreciated. You and your family continue to be in my prayers. Comment by Linda J | October 10, 2008 |

I agree with you completely, Becky. I’ve been printing things off just in case I need them later (or maybe someone else will). Some websites have already gone down that once had a lot of good information. One thing I just learned how to do is wash clothes manually. Take a plastic Rubbermaid tote with a lid and a new red toilet plunger, cut a hole in the lid large enough for the handle of the plunger to go through, and use this contraption as your washing machine. A friend suggested drilling a few holes in the rubber part of the plunger so it washes even better. It takes about 200 plunges, but they say it really gets clothes clean. Now I just need to find something to use as a wringer. God bless you and yours always! We continue to lift you and Tommy up in prayer. Comment by arksoaper | October 10, 2008 |

Becky, I so agree with you! I think we are in for some VERY scary times ahead. All we can do is pray and prepare as much as we can. Like you, I have been printing out as much as I can for over a year now. I would like to say it is all neat and organized, nope, pretty much in a big pile, but if I need the info and recipes, they are there! I have also been talking with my son (20 years old) and he agrees that things are going to get tough and we spent about an hour today brainstorming how to reduce our expenses and stretch what we have! Hubby is “on board” too. Our family will be replacing our very old (23+ years) freezer some time next week. Then I am going to work hard on restocking. I have been using down the freezer for a while now because I was so afraid it would die while full of food. I am also planning on doing a big stock up at Aldi this weekend to replenish some areas of my pantry. While my pantry may look very stocked to the average person, I’m afraid I need to have even more to avoid drastic increases in prices that are to come. As I said, all we can do is pray and prepare. Thank you for starting this website as you are a great motivator and a great source of information in my preparations. God bless! Comment by Linda | October 10, 2008 |

Linda J, We have been preparing for over a year and half now. And I am working now on posts with links and information, and I’ll post them as I can. Thank you for your prayers.

arksoaper, How have you and your family been lately? I know about the web sites closing down, I’ve printed off them and wanted to post their links for others to see and their gone. I hope it’s OK, if I just type out the information for you all. thanks for the tote idea, as I had a 5 gallon bucket with a lid ready and waiting. I could get a lot more done in a tote. Let me know if you find something to work as a wringer, I think this part will be the hardest.Thank you for your prayers. Have a great day.

Linda, Well my pile is not neat and organized, but it’s all in one place. It’s great that all your family is will to help, this really makes life so much easier. Let me know how is going with restocking your pantry. And I’m praying for will find the best sales while restocking.

Becky Comment by jordansfarm | October 11, 2008 |

Becky, I read your comment on my blog. I do have something I want to impart to you. Get online, find a source for raw bloodroot, and have your husband ingest about a half a teaspoon of it (powdered) each morning. It will kill his cancer. Another thing, if you would like to communicate, go to my email address and I most certainly will reply. I am actually an expert on most things pertaining to survival, but am not a steely-eyed gun toting redneck. I love the Lord first and foremost, which is rare for someone in my profession. Blessings upon you and your precious family. Most respectfully, Tuklo Nashoba (translates to Two Wolf in English) Comment by Tuklo Nashoba | October 11, 2008 |

Lessons Learned

2008-10-10T07:32:00.001-04:00

With our potato crop not doing well this year, we did not get enough potatoes to last us until next year, first time in ten years, I bought instant potatoes and the dried sliced potatoes in boxes. First lesson, when trying something new with your family, only buy 1 box, (I bought 10). The sliced potatoes(with cheese, seasonings, etc.) I fixed twice, the dogs would not even eat them. And I even doctored them up, adding more seasonings. They tasted awful to us. I know some of you really like these kinds of potatoes, but after you have lived on real potatoes for years, these are really awful, and that's being nice. As for the instant mash potatoes, well we can eat them if I add enough butter and cream to them. I know you are supports to add milk, but I have a lot of cream, and the cream helps them taste better. Store bought food is not looking good, we may not eat our usual amount of potatoes this winter. Tommy says it's my fault they will not eat these things as I have spoiled them with fresh home grown foods. Now it's my fault, what am I to do?

Having to stay in the house to watch and listen for Tommy, I have knitted 2 pairs of house socks and working on my third. I cut a set of queen flannel sheets into 10" squares to use as tissues and napkins. Second lesson, that's a lot of hemming to do. And don't think you can get it done in one day at the kitchen table. This is not possible, the sack is very tall, and took me a whole day just to cut them out.

Third lesson , the harder you try to be quiet, the more noise you make. This goes for old and young alike.

Fourth lesson, don't try and feed your family store bought cakes or cookies, even if they are given to you. They make funny faces and weird sounds and want to know what they did wrong.

Last lesson, don't spoil your family as this makes it really hard on you. An easy night in the kitchen is 1 hour instead of 3 hours. So much for store bought. Please don't get me wrong, I love my family and love cooking for them, and will keep doing so. And at times I think twice about making something new from scratch as I know I will then always have to make it from scratch. But I keep doing it, just to see the smiles on their faces, and their big belly's.

I really enjoy the way we live. To me it's the best for all, a little work, a little good food, a little fresh air, a little fun, a lot of smile, a few tears, lots and lots of prayer, a little rain, a little sun, a lot of great friends. Boy, life is good, and God has blessed us all.

Well I better get this day started and see what I have to get into. Becky

P.S. As an award to my family for having to eat store bought goods, I have to make a pineapple upside down cake today. Oh what a hard life I have.

Technorati Tags: farm life,ideas,knitting,making do

Comments:

Becky, Maybe you could use those dry potato slices in soups this winter. Might be a good use for them. Good luck. Comment by Laura | October 10, 2008 |

I know what you are talking about the sewing of napkins. It is easy cutting them out but wow does it take time to sew the raw edges, whew! I also found out that if I kept a container full of water with some soap, I just throw the dirty napkins in there to soak. When the time comes to need more I just hand wash them and hang them up to dry. Of course you can throw them in with the laundry. Prayers to you & your family! Comment by Sage White Owl | October 10, 2008 |

Hello Becky:Happy Thanksgiving (from here in Canada). I found it is much faster to just tear the material in strips the size I want. One long strip and then tear that strip to the size either square, rectangle etc. If you have a serge, it goes much faster than by hand if not how about a tight zig -zag stitch right next to the raw edge if you have a sewing machine . If you don’t have a zigzag stitch on your machine you could always press a narrow hem and then press over again to contain the raw edge and then just straight stitch. Hope this is helpful. Debbie Comment by Debbie | October 10, 2008 |

Laura, Thank you, I will try that.

Sage White Owl, Good to hear from you again. How are you and your family doing? Thank you for the soaking napkins, I will need to do this as there is a lot of white in my napkins. Thank you for your prayers. Have a great day.

Debbie, Happy Thanksgiving to you. For some reason my serge and zig zag stitch have stopped working. Most likely because I have a very large pile of napkins to do. Oh well, I’m folding and stitching, which is taking a little longer but it’s getting done.Thanks for the tearing idea, I’ll do that next time. Becky Comment by jordansfarm | October 11, 2008 |

I'm still here

2008-10-08T07:22:00.002-04:00

I need a few more days, then I'll start posting again. Tommy has had a really bad week. Hospice upped his pain med's and we have not found the right dose yet. So he has been in a lot of pain. I have had to keep calling doctors and the Hospice RN, giving them updates and trying new things. Please keep praying for him.

This morning we were blessed with much needed rain.

Thank you for your prayers. I'll be back soon, I have really missed you all. Becky

Technorati Tags: prayers,Tommy

Comments:

You are in my prayers. Comment by Linda J October 8, 2008
Praying for you, Tommy, and your family. Comment by arksoaper October 8, 2008
Praying for y’all! Hang in there. Much love, Raquel XO Comment by Raquel October 8, 2008
Hang in there! I hope he was found some pain relief. Prayers going up for you all.~~~ Comment by D. October 9, 2008
i am praying for your family here in Washington State! Take care and I love your blog!
Janine Comment by Janine October 10, 2008
Thank you all for your prayers. They are being answered. On this pasted Friday,Tommy’s pain was at a one. We had upped his patches to 200.
Thank you again for your prayers. Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 11, 2008

Stocking Food

2008-10-06T11:15:00.002-04:00

I got an e-mail from a friend. I didn’t know about the “loss leaders” , so I’m sharing it with you to. Thank you Carol.
I was reading on your blog page about tips on saving money. I don’t know of a lot of people know that the sale ads contain what are called “loss leaders”. They are on the front and back pages. They are the sale items that the store loses money on in order to bring you into the store. You’ll save the most by concentrating on those items.
A price notebook is also a good idea for items that you buy. Set it up with the name of the item. When you go to one store, check out the prices of the items on the list there. Do the same when you go to another store.It may take awhile to do this but it is a great way to keep price of which stores have the best prices especially if you record their sale prices. Sometimes I record prices into the notebook from the receipt. From Carol L.

Yes, we do have a milk cow, who gives 3 1/2 gallons of milk a day. And yes, I can and freeze the milk. But I also keep the dried milk on hand( 3-5gal. buckets, about the time I run out, it’s on sale again and well keep 6-8 months in a cool dark place.). If I can’t get feed for her due to no money and or no food to buy, and when she dries up- I’ll have milk. We use a lot of milk both to drink and cook with. What I do with the dried milk: make cheeses , hot cocoa mix, in baking. The many uses of powdered milk-great site for more ideas; http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/powderedmilk.htm

Expiration Dates on stored food
I use a big black pen to write the date in big letters on front of package, then as I buy new, I put it where the dates go from oldest to newest. I just look around my stores at the dates facing me. Then once a month, I go though and pull every thing that needs to be eaten that month, and bring in to the house. Most can goods are good for years, but as the years go by they loose some nutritional value with age. If you are buying for your stockpile, look at the expiration dates as you buy, I have moved cases of food to get food that has more than a year from exp. date( I do put the other cases back like I found them). The oldest food is always on top or in the front. No store people have said any thing to me as long as I put things back. It your money, and with money being tight, why not buy the freshest you can. It takes a little more time, but if your like me you have more time than money.

Bakery stores usually will give you empty buckets. I go to Ingles and get them. They are food grade, I wash them up, and they are ready to go. They come in different sizes. I got one that had garlic butter in it, I could not get the smell out. So I use it for a feed bucket for the chickens. If you live where power goes out a lot like here: you can all store water in them. Then stack two high and cover with a cloth and it looks like a small table.

When storing RICE, put a bay leaf in with rice to keep bugs out. An used 2 liter bottle works will, just run tape around lid. And you can stick the bottle just about any where.

When storing FLOUR, put in a bay leaf or a stick of spearmint gum, to keep bugs out.

When storing OIL ( veg., corn, etc) Put in a place that gets very little light and is cool.

15 Comments

Here’s another tip for storing dried goods such as rice, flour, beans, powdered milk, instant potatoes, and even marshmallows. I put things like this in my freezer. Just remember things in paper bags such as your flour you can put bag and all in a freezer bag don’t forget to take the air out then seal and freeze. That way your flour does not absorb the moisture. I do this allot as like most people I do not have the shelf storage. I only keep in the house what I need. Bay leaves work good too if you do not have allot of that kind of stuff to store. Comment by Becky October 6, 2008

I am fascinated by your website and lifestyle. I visit frequently. I am from suburban Baltimore and although I cannot do a lot of what you do I find it inspiring. Anyway, I was looking at your pantry and am wondering why you store your canned goods upside down. Is there a reason for that?Thanks and Good luck with everything. Comment by Felina November 4, 2008

I was wondering the same thing Felina. Comment by Jackie November 6, 2008

Felina and Jackie,I too was wondering how long it would take for someone to ask. lol I do this because we have a lot of dust living on a dirt road. This saves me from having to wipe the top of the can off before opening it. Just a time saver.Thanks you two for asking. Have a great day.Becky Comment by jordansfarm November 7, 2008

Becky, i had someone ask me if i had evercanned onions, an i have not have youif so how are they done?please let me knowthanks Grandma Comment by Grandma November 15, 2008

Grandma,No, I have never canned onions by themselves. I always can them in soups, stews and with meat. Onions usually store well for a long time in a cool, dark place. Hope this helps some. Have a great day.Becky Comment by jordansfarm November 16, 2008

HelloI have just started pressure canning>>I have canned ham and beans >> they are sealed >> but they appear to be more mush than bean >> what have I done wrong??>>I cooked every thing and then put them into jars and canned it at 15 lbs for 90 min.Hope I have given you enough info for you to be able to help me.I am so glad I found your websitethis is a gold mine!!THANK YOU Vera Comment by Vera November 19, 2008

Thanks for the infolove your site you have some good info on it Comment by grandma November 19, 2008

Vera,I have not canned(dried) beans before. But my close friends who do, do not precook the beans. They do soak them overnight, then can them. Hope this helps. They say it works great. Thank you for stopping in, have a great day. grandma,Your welcome. Have a great day.
Becky Comment by jordansfarm November 20, 2008

Hello again BeckyI was wondering about the room with the air conditioner for food storage.My hubby is going to make one so I can age cheese there and put canning.Do you find it kicks on often?I was just wondering about the power bill thats all.I guess in the basement untouched it should stay cool enough to kick on rarely.Just wondered. Comment by karen January 19, 2009

Karen,The AC only kicks on if it gets really hot, as there is also three freezers in there too.(which put off heat, and this is great for winter months.)The power bill does go up some when it’s really hot, does not go up in the winter. In the summer, I keep the temp. at 70, and the winter: we use a small heater to keep it at 40. Neither or used unless it gets really hot/cold. Hope this helps. To us, the power bill going up some for a few months, is still cheaper than not stocking and knowing we have food. And the bill does not go up that much (maybe $20-$30 if it really hot/cold, and this usually only last a few days to just a few weeks)as the heater and AC are for small areas.Have a great Day.Becky Comment by Becky January 20, 2009

I read your recipie for canning milk. But it does not say how long it can be stored after, or how to store it. Can you just keep it on the shelf, or does it still need to be kept cold?
I recently moved to a small 10 acre tract, and we are trying to start a farm. I have a few goats and chickens so far. We have a long way to go. Money is tight and I need to make things last. Driving to town to get groceries when the price of gas was over $4 a gallon cost us over $20 in gas alone. So I try not to go to the store often. That means I have to freeze things to keep it longer. Gloria Comment by Gloria January 23, 2009

Gloria,Sorry it’s taken me so long to answer you.I store my canned milk in a cool, dark place(with my canned veggies). I have used canned milk that is over a year old, still good. Milk can be frozen too, for drinking. I have drunk some that’s been in the freezer over a year, and still good.Thank you for stopping in. Hope this helps. Have a great day.Becky Comment by Becky January 28, 2009

To store fresh eggs for up to 1 year. Rub warmed mineral oil on your hands and coat the entire surface of the fresh egg with the oil. Replace the egg in the egg carton with the point down. In cold climates they can be stored in a cool, dark place. You can place them in a refigerator and rotate once a year. Comment by Cathy Facer February 11, 2009

Cathy: Thank you for your comment as it will also help others who stop in here. Thank you again. Becky Comment by Becky February 15, 2009

Farm Life & A Great Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

2008-10-02T12:25:00.002-04:00

I woke up this morning to 36 degrees and our first frost. It was cold. Winter is coming to fast, I still have a lot to do. And I'm going as fast as I can. Any one else in this boat with me?

Yesterday, I put all the house fans in storage. Tommy closed off the ceiling vents in the house. Looks like when did it just in time. Last night we started our normal winter snack, homemade hot chocolate after dinner (the recipe for this is in the recipe tab at top of page). And boy, was it good.

This morning I'm making cookies, to help warm the house up. Now there is a story with these cookies. Tommy does not like oatmeal, period. So some boys I know, Stevens Brothers, let me try one of their cookies. And it was great, wonderful cookie. So I asked them for the recipe so as I could make them at home for me. Thinking I could keep some cookies I like around the house more than 3 days. While I made a batch, Tommy asked what they were, I told him oatmeal cookies. He said said let me try one, I said there is oatmeal in them, he said I want to try one. I thought oh no Lord, just let me have one thing.

Well, he loved them. But these are great cookies that are good for you, too. So in away I am happy Tommy likes them, he needs the fiber. And at times we all have had them for breakfast.

Wonderful Oatmeal Cookies By: the Steven's Brothers

1 cup shortening

1 cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 cups plain flour (all purpose)

1 tsp salt

2 eggs

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tbsp water

2 tsp vanilla

3 cups oatmeal old fashion

1/2 - 1 cup walnuts (can add)

Cream shortening and sugars: add eggs, then dry ingredients, water, and flavoring. Do this with a electric mixer. Stir in oatmeal by hand, plus add walnut. Drop in small balls on ungreased cookie sheet, then press down with the backside of a spoon. Bake at 375 degrees for about 12 minutes.

They freeze well if you can make enough. Enjoy.

I just pulled first batch out , and for some reason they have already been eaten. These are really good. (shhh, I just had two, warm ones are so much better.)

Have a wonderful day. Becky

Technorati Tags: cookies,recipes,farm life

Comments:

Thought I would say I really enjoy your blog! I love the old-fashioned ways of doing things, being frugal, etc. I would like to bless you with some funds, but will have to discuss it with my honey first! It has been cool here in Missouri, but no frost yet, thank the good Lord! Much love, Raquel XO Comment by Raquel October 2, 2008

Raquel, I am glad you are enjoying my blog. I’m just trying to help others along the way. Thank you for stopping in. Have a great day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 3, 2008

Becky, I knew exactly what you meant, when you said please just let me have one thing…, around here I have tried putting nuts in the cookies etc., because my DH swears he doesn’t eat anything with nuts! Well, you guessed it, the cookies disappear. The next thing I’m going to try is espresso powder! He really dislikes coffee. Glad you’re getting things buttoned up before it really gets cold. Comment by matronofhusbandry October 3, 2008

Low Cost Gifts Giving Ideas

2008-10-01T06:56:00.002-04:00

That time of year again, but these ideas will work for any gift giving time.

At thrift stores, dollar stores, etc. get baskets, big bowl, plastic boxes with lids, etc. and fill them with little things the person would like.

You can make family baskets( put things in for everyone in family), kids baskets, guest baskets(you didn't know they were coming), etc.

Fill with:

homemade clothes, dish cloths, hats, mittens, pot holders, placemats,etc. (what ever you can make)
little bags of baked goods, candies, drink mixes (packets of hot cocoa, or tea bags)etc. You don't bake, buy a bag of cookies, bag of candy, box of hot choc. mix packets and put in those fold top sandwich bags and tie with a ribbon.
candles
for kids: a small toy, book, puzzle, colored pencils, markers, etc.
adult: small book, pens ( we can never find one when we need it)
buy a pack of socks and split it up, one pair per basket
the bath cubes that come in packs of 4-6, put one in each basket
get a bar of homemade soap from someone and cut it in 4ths and put in 4 baskets
for the men: socks, small tool set or tools, crossword books, small books, a quart of oil
a box of tissues or the travel tissues (always needed)
for those of you who have had gardens: add a few potatoes, carrots, apples, jar of canned food, etc
for those who didn't garden, get a bag of potatoes, carrots, etc and split between baskets
a pack of those garden tools, usually 3 tools per bag, and out one tool per basket, and usually at the dollar stores for a dollar
those little debbie cakes boxes, and out one in each basket
If you know someone is really having a hard time, add things like: a roll of bath paper, bar of soap, small bottle of dish soap, small box/bottle of clothes soap, to the baskets.
a can of beef stew, soups, etc.
box of crackers, with one of the 4 packs in each basket
for someone who sews: a pack of needles, thread
box of band-aids: put a few in each basket. for kids get a box of the cute kid band-aids.
cake mixes, muffin mixes
roll of duct tape ( always needed a round a house)
get new looking coffee cups at thrift store ( usually only cost .10-.25)
get a 12 pack of dishcloths or wash rags and put 1-2 in each basket, same with hand towels
books are great, even when lightly used.
for those of you who used yarn, put your small balls of left over yarn in kid baskets for them to do crafts with, or to another person who uses yarn. same with your leftover materials from your sewing .

There are so many different things to put in the baskets. And this year is going to be hard on every one. Think about the little things you'd want. I would rather give things I know will be used, than give something that will just sit on a table. Most kids would like a lot of different things they can use and play with than one really costly toy. Think of the long hard winter ahead, what would your person used/ need to make it a little easier.

The kids baskets/plastic boxes with lids, you could wrap all the small things, as kids really like to open this.

For the person that is in the kitchen a lot use a big bowl instead of a basket.

Other adults and teenagers use the plastic boxes with lids as they can be reused later.

Instead of buying boxes to wrap things in, save your boxes food comes in( cereal boxes, cake boxes, etc). We do this and it's fun. The kids will say,"I got cereal,cake mix etc."And we all laugh.

And I don't wrap the baskets/bowls/plastic boxes, I just tie a ribbon around them. This save on wrapping paper and tape.

What are your ideas? What would you put in your baskets/ bowls/boxes?

Have fun filling your baskets. Becky

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Comments:

Hi Becky:
I haven’t bought wrapping paper in twenty years. I hated wrapping presents ‘cas I was the one to do it all. So after Christmas when all the Xmas material came on sale I bought bolts of it and made bags. I sealed them with elastic bands wound tightly at the top and added ribbon and tired in a bow to conceal. It actually takes longer to get the elastic off than to just rip the paper. When they are given away the stipulation is they must come back if they want a present next year (this part is for family). You can also use broad cloth and the cheap fabric at Wal-Mart offers some good opportunities, it doesn’t need to have an Xmas print. I use solid colors and prints in my color scheme which is burgundy, pink and white with gold accents. Happy hunting. Debbie Comment by Debbie October 13, 2008
Debbie, What a great idea for wrapping gifts. Thank you. Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 14, 2008