Winter is coming fast here

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

Road A head - Part 4 - Making more at home

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