Gabby - Winter - Preparing

  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 

Update and A new find to save money

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

The Jordan’s did it again!!

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

1. 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

2. 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

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

Farm Life - 9/29 - Photos

My son is coming over today to cover the roof vents up for the winter.  This is a blessing as Tommy can't get up on the roof anymore and I really don't like heights. My son will help do a few other things around here, to help us get ready for winter. But I think he just wants some of my cooking, you know he is still a growing boy.  

We here, are still out of gas (GA,TN,NC). And no one is sure when we will get some more.  We have a half a tank of gas, which should get us to town about 5-6 times. But I do not need to go to town for about a week. I really feel for those here, trying just to get to work. Tommy and I feel some place might close down for a while here, because of the gas. According to the News, it is just the southeast, USA. Ok, winter is not even here yet.  Lord, help us all.

 

 This truck gets 25+ miles to the gallon, while only on a good day did this truck get 10.

 

 

 My strawberry  patch/ raised beds garden is almost ready for winter. There are still a few more tomatoes, and the birds are almost done with the sunflowers. I covered the beds in straw for the winter. Strawberry plants will get covered after the first frost.

   

  My garlic is drying and I'm going to try braiding it this year.

 

 Our T-Bone steaks come out to about $.50 a pound. All the beef cuts and hamburger is about $.50 a pound. This prices includes all the feed we give them and the butchers prices to cut, wrap and freeze. Is it worth having a beef cow? YES. I know what my cows eat, and who they are bred to. We have had our own meat so long that when we eat out/ someone else house, their meat taste so bland and tough and no flavor. This is most likely why they come here to eat. Would you like to come to dinner, too?

  

 

We are not getting the building, a long story. But I thanked the Lord with tears in my eyes, for He knows what's best for us.  1 Thess. 5:18 says "In everything give thanks...". This is sometimes hard to do without tears. But I know He knows what's best and does everything for our good.  I will not lean on my own understanding, but lean on Him.

One day at a time. One prayer at a time. Becky

Technorati Tags: beef cow,farm life,garden,garlic,gas prices,self sufficiency,winter

Comments:

Love the pictures! Keep them coming! I get so many ideas when I see them! Love how you did your strawberries! Comment by Pamspride | September 29, 2008 |

So sorry you are not getting your building. We too, have been wanting/waiting for a small building to use as a summer kitchen. We’ve “almost” been able to get 3 but each one fell through - I guess God has something else in kind for us - maybe learning the gift of patience!! Your garden pictures are wonderful! We are almost done digging up potatoes, carrots and beets then we will till and mulch. Minnesota winters can be tough - glad our garden prospered well (as yours did) and we have plenty of food put away for those long winter months! God Bless. Comment by Becky S. | September 29, 2008 |

Why do you cover your beds with straw for the winter? My wife & i love your blog and have learned a lot from you. Comment by Rick | October 1, 2008 |

Rick, In raised beds it’s hard to get a tiller in to loosen the soil. I have found that if I cover it with straw, the soil stays loose and does not get hard. Over the winter, I will spread used coffee grounds on top of the straw. This feeds the worms and keeps my soil even looser. Then in the spring, I pull the straw between the beds, in the walk ways, and use it as mulch in the walk ways.
All the straw I use is free, well almost, I just have to pick it up off the ground. Our feed store has a big truck that bring them straw. They let me clean up the mess on the ground and in the trailers bed. To me this is the best straw, because its all the small straw, and not the long straw. The small short straw works best in beds. Then once my spring plant are up, I mulch them with this straw. At the end of harvest, the bed straw goes in the walk ways.
Hope this helps. And thank you for stopping in. Have a great day. Becky  Comment by jordansfarm | October 1, 2008 |

Your website is so helpful and motivating! I have started stocking up and canning because we recently moved out to the country with our 3 boys and i am trying to learn all i can about homesteading. We home school and money is tight. My hubby wants to buy in on half a beef cow. What cuts do you like to get and how long does one cow supply last? Thank you for all you do, you are a great teacher. God is blessing what you do. Comment by kate | October 1, 2008 |

Kate, We have our beef cut: into steaks and 30% hamburger meat. I have no roast as we can’t eat that much. And with the steak cuts: I cut steaks up for beef stew meat, or in strips, and with the big steak I cook them like a roast. Type of steak cuts we get are: T-bones, cubed steaks, shoulder steaks, round steaks.etc. We have them cut the ribs in half, then in half again.
When there was 5 of us at home, we used 1 whole cow and 2 pigs,1 deer a year. Now with just the 3 of us the cow will last 1 1/2 to 2 years, if I have other meat I can cook. This year we didn’t raise any pigs, so I only have a little bit of pork left from last years pigs. And I only have a little bit of chicken and deer meat in the freezer. So for now, we are eating more beef than we usually do.
You could stretch your beef out better. For when there was 5 of us, I would put 3-5 pounds of meat on the table at night, and this was back in to easier times. Here lately I have cut back on our meat.
With the way things are now, it would be best if you can get even a half a cow. Hope this helps some. If you have any more questions just let me know.
Thank you for stopping in. Have a great day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm | October 2, 2008 |

Chickens Tips & Saving Money

Hint on Chickens:

If you want them to lay in the (all) winter, put a 40-60 watt light bulb in their house, and it needs to be on 14 hrs a day, or the chicken will stop laying as daylight lessen. I know this works because I have done it for years, and I'm one of the few in my area that has eggs in the winter. We put our chicken light on a timer, the ones you can hook to lamps in your house, and it works great. With the amount of power the light uses is still cheaper than buying yucky store eggs.

Saving Money:

Hot water heaters: we flip the braker off at bed time, so as it does not heat water all night, when no one is using it. And at times I flip it off during the day. In the morning, the water is still warm just not hot. They make a heavy duty timer (like above for the hot water heater), which we hope to some day get. But flipping the braker did make a difference in our power bill.
Have a great day.
Becky

Technorati Tags: eggs,ideas,saving money,winter

Comments:

We just bought a timer for our hot water tank this past Saturday to see if it would cut down on our electric bill. We have it set for it to go on at a little before 4am in the morning…DH gets up at 4 to get ready for work. That seems to be enough hot water for the kids to get a shower when they get up at a little after 8 or so. Then I just turn it on about 15 minutes before I am ready to get a shower or dishes need to be done. The timer was $40 at Home Depot. Comment by Pamspride | September 25, 2008 |

This and That on the Farm - 9/24

This comment was left on " I have a Friend" and it's great and I wanted everyone to see it. Thank you Linda J.

“…if all things are in His hand, if the very hairs of our head are numbered; if every event, great and small, is under the direction of His Providence and purpose; and if He has a wise, holy and gracious end in view, to which everything that happens is subordinate and subservient;–then we have nothing to do, but with patience and humility to follow as He leads, and cheerfully to expect a happy issue….How happy are they who can resign all to Him, see His hand in every dispensation, and believe that He chooses better for them than they possibly could for themselves!” ~John Newton, who wrote the hymn, “Amazing Grace”

A friend of ours let us borrow his living weed eater, goat. We are trying to clear out an area, so the cows can have a little more room. This area used to be the goat pen,  then was a pig pen. Well, at about dusk the goat was running around the yard.  Our friend had always keep him on a chain and just moved him around as needed. So the goat does not really like people, he runs from them. Yet, all my animals run to me, which makes catching them so easy, except it gets a little hairy when you have a 900 lb.+ cow coming at you. OK, back to this goat on the run. He had broke his collar, no fixing it. We got him , and used a rope to hold him. While
I tried to find another collar. Ok, I live on a farm and have animal bottles of all sizes and shapes, and I thought every thing needed to run a farm.

But there was no collar on the farm. I had think of something as the goat would go through the fence with the cows in it, and it's getting dark. Here is what I did, and goat was not to happy. I found a calf halter and put in on him. And yes it was big on him, Tommy had to cut another hole in it to get it as tight as we could. And let me tell you that goats can dance. He tried for over an hour to get it off.

Now for gas here. A friend called yesterday and said that our area was very low, or out of gas. One gas tanker was splitting the gas between 4 stations. For about 40 miles around us there is no gas. They are not sure when it'll come in. When Tommy came home Monday, he said the gas station , less than a mile from home was out of gas, and the next station 6 miles up the road had a 10 gallon limit. So he filled up the truck. Which now I am thankful he did. With the new little truck, we can go to town 3 1/2 times in gas for what we only got 1 trip with the other truck. Thank you Lord. And thank you Lord the worry and fear bug had no hold this time, I had Your peace! And last nights News was not much better, but I got my peace.

I am having to get more creative. Here are some more of my new ways of saving money:

1. I use freezer bags, but have not been washing them out and reusing them. ( don't reuse the ones that have held meat in them. I use freezer paper for my meats.) But now I'm washing them out. I have seen those little bag drier stands, costing about $20+. I will not pay that. So at the thrift store I found a small set of Tinker toys for a $.25, and got them. And made my own bag drier and it sits on top of the drier. I'll post a photo in a day or two.
2. The AC was turned off in the food barn. And the windows were opened and a fan turned on. This will really drop the bill.
3. I willing be making my own clothes soap this week.( will post photos later).
4. Will start back making our own bread as a store loaf here is over $2.50.
5. Even my 11 yr old daughter is getting creative, she has 3-4 new grilled cheese ways.
6. Tommy is getting up some fire wood. Not knowing what this winter will bring, we are preparing for the worse and praying for the best. We do not have a wood heater but I will be able to cook. The cooking/heating gas has already gone way up and winter is not here yet.
7. I am making everyone wool house socks. Our floors are so cold in the winter. And the heat this year will be keep on low. I guess I will not be able to wear shorts in the house this winter. And I'm looking into getting my daughter sweat suits to wear to bed this winter, as she does not like to cover up or likes to kick them off.
8. Water- We have a 425 gallon tank in our back yard. ( I need to change the water below winter) You can save any bottles you have and fill with water. The bottles that had soaps of some kind in it, fill with water, they can be used to wash dishes, hands, etc. Other bottles for drinking/ cooking water. And the bottles can be stuck anywhere it does not freeze. Fill bottles almost full and let freeze, to put in coolers for when power out.

We were blessed this week, when a family up the road was moving out. Tommy trade a few ladders, transit, air compressor for a 12' X 16' building. They could not move it on the highway, but can be moved to our house. It is dried in, has a roof, a small loft in it, cedar siding almost done on the outside. It is so nice, looks like a little cabin. Well Tommy said I could have it. He had a  trailer frame  here in which to make me one, but this one is so close to done and the trade was good for both of us. The family could not take it, but needed the tools. The Lord is so good. It will be a sewing/ guest house. I can't wait to get it here so as I can fix it up the way I want. You see, we rent so I can't fix up much here. But the new little house is mine, oh what fun I am going to have. We'll put the bunk bed set we just got ( twin on top and full on bottom, which slides up to make like a couch.) The loft will be great for all the kids to sleep. They are pulling it down here this coming Saturday.

I have to go to town today to get food and feed. Boy, I sure hate going to town. I don't need much, but I really need the animal feed. So I'll get the few other things I can't make. Like bath paper, sugar, oil, goat collar. I have been reading others post about the prices of everything going up, so I'm glad my list is short. Anyone know how to make bath paper? I'm willing to try it.

Well I better get going and see what great deals can be found in town today.

May you all have a blessed day, Becky

Technorati Tags: blessings,creativity,farming,food prices,gas prices,ideas,making do,recession,saving money,self sufficiency,winter

Comments:

here is a good tutorial on making your own flannel bath tissue. http://walkslowlylivewildly.com/?s=bath+tissue  Comment by Caroline | September 24, 2008 |

It looks like you already got a good link. I was going to suggest the same thing….taking receiving blankets or fleece and cutting them to size and then surge ring the edges. I have asked my DH about doing this and he is not keen on the idea to say the least….but he did like my napkins (I posted a picture on my blog. Thanks for the idea!) I do like the idea of everyone having their own color scheme though!  http://pamspride.blogspot.com/2008/08/napkins.html  Comment by Pamspride | September 24, 2008 |

Becky - If you are getting sweats for your daughter to sleep in, consider getting her a hooded sweatshirt. The difference having her head and neck covered will make is enormous. I have a hooded sweatshirt that I got at the end of season a few years back. I found it in the young men’s department, some sports team that had played particularly badly and was no longer popular was on the front. They were practically giving them away as no teen male would be caught dead wearing that team’s logo, lol. I didn’t care what it looked like, as long as it was warm. I wear it over my flannel jammies. It is so nice and warm!  I am so happy for you trading your unused tools for a sewing/guest room that you will get TONS of use out of! Smart lady! Sorry to hear you are still having gas problems in your area. I have REALLY been trying to conserve as my car only gets 15 mpg. I have cut my driving so that I am now getting two full weeks out of a tank of gas. Thank you Lord, the cost to refill weekly was really hurting! I have been trying to follow your lead and prepare for the winter and hard times to come. I was so proud of myself when this past week or two I took a free towel and cut it down into six much needed dishrags. I am finding ways to substitute or stretch all over my home! Thank you. You are truly an inspiration!!! Linda  Comment by Linda | September 24, 2008 |

1. Thank you for sharing that quote at the top. I really needed that tonight. I may copy it and print it out. Gas is still in shortage here too. Makes us nervous. We will not be turning the heat up much this winter either. And from what I’ve heard, everyone is expecting this to be a hard winter weather-wise. There is much to plan for. Comment by D. | September 24, 2008 |

2. Caroline,  Thank you so much for the link.

3. Pamspride, When clicking on your name, we can not get to your blog. Would you copy and paste it in a comment? I would really like to see your napkins. And my hubby is not much for the idea of flannel bath tissue, but I am doing everything to prepare for the long winter ahead. We might not need them, but it’s good to have on hand if needed. Only the Lord knows what it will bring.

   Linda,
   My daughter does not like the hooded ones. She’ll wear her knitted wool hat out to help with chores.At town yesterday, I passed more than 10 gas stations, all with the pumps covered, no gas. Well I’m set to stay home now for about two weeks.
   I am proud of you too, homemade dish rags, great.
   And your welcome, I am just wanting to share what I know, to help others along the way.

   D.,
   Was is not great. I too, am printing it out.And yes, there is a hard, long winter coming. All the fruit and nut trees were overflowing this year. God’s way of helping wild life prepare. By watching the animals, we can get a good idea of whats to come. My cows are starting to get their winter coat. And yes, we all have a lot to plan for, for this winter. Thank you all, Becky  Comment by jordansfarm | September 25, 2008 |

4. Becky, I’m so excited to find your blog. I’ve just started reading through and I can’t wait to learn more. We’re fighting hard to keep our cars gassed up, too. The last fill up for my husbands vehicle (which gets poorer gas mileage, but we need the 4 wheel drive filled during hurricane season just for safety reasons) was over $70. I don’t have room to keep a cow, but I do have room for a milking goat. Do you know anything about them? God bless, Country Lady Comment by ~Country Lady~ | September 26, 2008 |

5. Country Lady, We started out with a milk goat. They give a little under a 1/2 gallon a day, if milked twice a day. But for us, my son was the only one who like the goats milk. If I were you, I would try and taste someone's fresh raw goats milk first. Before you spend money on a goat and everything that goes with keeping a goat. There is a big difference in goat and cow milk. Some people like one and not the other. Looking back, I wish we had tasted it first. Well, it’s just a lesson learned. Please let me know what you think. Have a blessed day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm | September 27, 2008 |

 

Another week on the Farm - Winter is Coming Fast

I have stayed busy. Tommy has had a bad week but thank God, I think he's getting better. I have canned more potatoes, froze more milk and cream and eggs, and made a big batch of mozzarella cheese for the freezer. The mozzarella cheese photos and recipe, I will post in a few days.

I have 3 lbs. of onion sets that need to be planted. I could not get any this past spring. So hopefully they will have enough time to grow this fall. I have never grown onions in the fall, so this is my something new this year. We eat a lot of them. And two weeks ago at the store they were $2.?? for 3 lbs., used to be less than a dollar.

I am at the point were I hate, hate going to the store (any store). The prices on everything are up to unbelievable. Enough to make all sick. Thank God for my food barn, milk cow and chickens. I know a lot of you don't have these things, and I am racking my brain on tips and hints for you. For right now, my tips are buy very wisely and learn to cook from scratch. I'll be posting some easy from scratch recipes soon.

The chicken are slowly slowing down on their eggs. But I'm freezing a lot too. The milk cow is down to 3 gallons a day, and should keep going down now. We have a cow in the freezer. Chickens to kill this fall when it cools off more.

Winter is on the way. And I'm almost ready, or should I say as ready as I can get. This summer has flown by. There are leaves all over the ground here. At times, I would love to put a hold on the winter coming, Saying I need a little more time to get ready. But the good Lord knows what's He's going, so I pray I'm putting up enough for the winter. And if not, He'll find a way to supply what we need, not want. I have felt like the ants in the Bible, more this year than ever before. And we have lived like this for years. Does anyone else feel like the ants this year?? I feel we all are in for the longest, hardest winter world wide.

I would like to thank everyone for all your comments and your prayers. These blogs have been such a blessing to me in more than one way. To be honest, I didn't think I would be able to help any one. But the overwhelming numbers are unbelievable. The canning potatoes post has reached 497 hits. Are there any potatoes left out there? Thank you all again. I am just here to help you all any way I can. There are so many people looking for ways to make it through all this mess. And my heart goes out to you all. I wish I could give you all a big hug.

Well it's time to start another day. May God bless you all to overflowing today.

Becky

Technorati Tags: canning,eggs,food storage,food prices,freezing,homemade cheese,making do,self sufficiency,winter

Comments:

1. Oh I am definitely feeling a push to “get my house in order”. I just don’t have enough hours or enough energy to do everything I want to get done. At the same time my job is getting very busy. Since I am self employed I really need to take advantage of the abundance of work and earnings right now. So time is my biggest problem. This weekend I really want to cook up all of the chicken leg quarters I have in the freezer and pull the meat off and freeze in portions that we use for “comfort food” in the winter like chicken n’ dumplings and casseroles. The next time I go to the butcher I will try to get even more chicken leg quarters. They sell them at $.19/lb with a $15 purchase. I will also use the bones to make a large supply of chicken stock for my freezer. I have never learned to can food and really wish I knew how. I did buy a water bath canner last year but haven’t gotten up the nerve to try it. Now why am I so hesitant? I even have a bunch of strawberries in my freezer…just need to take the plunge. Thanks once again for your encouragement. Linda Comment by Linda September 12, 2008

2. Linda,
   What a great deal on chicken!! Here the cheapest leg quarters (on sale) is $1.09 a lbs. I might have to come and visit you. The water bath canner is easier then the pressure canner, you just can’t can as many things in the water bath. But it’s a great place to start. Have a great day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 13, 2008

Amanda said... I had no idea you could freeze eggs. How do you use them after they've been frozen? Can you still scramble and fry them or only use them within recipes?

September 12, 2008 7:58 AM

Becky said... http://jordansfarm.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/freezing-eggs-farm-fresh-and-store-bought-with-photos/ here is were you can get answers September 12, 2008 10:53 AM

Fall Is Coming - Getting ready for winter

Yesterday while I was doing chores, I notice dried leaves on the ground. Fall is coming, I just love the fall time of the year. I'm not sure when it start here, as I have not stopped to look. I really need to stop more often and look around and smell the roses. I have been trying to get ready for winter and now I'm stopping for a few moments to enjoy the fall. The trees are starting to show they too are getting ready for winter.  And I saw our first wooly worm, and he was as black as coal. Which here means a long cold winter. I am so thankful the Lord allows seasons. Even thou the seasons of life are hard at times, I know He knows what's best. And no one season last forever.

Things I still have to do to get ready for winter:

1. need to fill all my heater gas tanks( we use 100lb's, and 30lb's tanks so we can fill them as money allows. We use about 200lb a month for the heater and 30 lb a month for the stove)
2. pull out and sort, winter clothes and see what's needed new this year
3. working on homemade Christmas gifts ( this I really enjoy)
4. getting the gardens clean out, strawberries mulched for winter
5. do a final check on food supply's and goods
6. keep an eye out for candles at the thrift store. I usually get them for .05-.10 each. these are good when power goes out, or just because. I love candles,to me they are relaxing.
7. get all quilts and blankets washed
8. close up holes in the house's under pinning and cover the end of the house vent holes.
9. get chicken house ready for winter
10. get up and clean all stock tank heaters (we put these in the animals water tubs to keep the water from freezing.)
11. check all oil lamps and change the wicks
12. blow out the gas heaters, they get dust in them during the summer.
13. reinstall the hood over the out side water, the hood has a light in it the keep the outside water line from freezing. ( I'll post a photo when it's up. Tommy made it out of scrap wood. And it was my biggest blessing last winter.) 
14. make strawberry jam ( 8 - 10 gallon freezer bags full of strawberries)
15. make butter (over 10 gallons of cream in the freezer).
16. make and canned homemade veg. beef soup for winter use.

I know there is more I just can't think of what else right now. 

What are you doing at your house to prepare for winter? I'd like to know because I might be forgetting to do something or not thought if it.

Take time to day to have a look around out side, see all God's wonderful work. And enjoy what He has sent you today.

Becky

Technorati Tags: blessings,ideas,making do,winter

Comments:

1. I’ve just STARTED preparing…and feel like I should have started a month ago! These are in no particular order, although some of the things needs to be done NOW! So far my list includes:- Stocking up mixes (muffin-done, brownie, homemade “Good Seasons”, homemade “Shake n Bake”, homemade “Hamburger Helper”-1/2 done, Popcorn “shake in” mix. - Cut up old jeans and make a quilt for our family room to combat the cold winter heading our way - started.- Make and can strawberry jam.- Inventory and defrost my freezer. - Inventory dehydrated food - done.- Organize dehydrated food.- Dehydrate more veggies to increase my stock.- Inventory my pantry - done.- Complete stocking of my pantry. - Make French toast and waffles to stock my freezer- Make cookie dough to stock my freezer - Make corn bread to stock my freezer (We like it better after it has been frozen and defrosted!)- Cook up all of the chicken leg quarters I have in the freezer and package the meat in 2-3 cup portions.- Make beef jerky.- Once the weather gets cooler start baking to stock my freezer: muffins, quick breads, etc. - Call in the heating company for our free “pre-winter” check on our heating system. - Have our chimney fixed (Contract has been signed and down payment sent…should be done in about 3 weeks.)- Purchase our new gas insert for the fireplace so we can heat only the two rooms we are in, the family room and kitchen. (Have to wait for the chimney repairs to be done) With working 40 hours a week my time is pretty limited so I really need to prioritize this list and get to the things that need to be done NOW! So much to do…so little time. Hope this helps with some things others may have missed. Keep the ideas coming! Comment by Linda | September 6, 2008 |

2. Becky, I’m going to get some fleece material and put it on tension rods behind our blinds to help combat winter drafts. I’ve also got to get started on getting the cold weather clothes out and the warmer stuff packed away. Make sure everyone has some good, heavy blankets on their beds. I need to re-organize our food storage and take an inventory as well. There will be lots of baking and cooking involved as well. I love the Fall ~ it’s my favorite season. Mrs.. D.D. Comment by D. | September 6, 2008 |

3. Linda,
   Boy, I though I had a lot to do. You stay busy. I would like the recipes for “homemade “Shake n Bake”,”Popcorn “shake in” mix”, that is when you have time. And “”Make cookie dough to stock my freezer”", is what I forgot, thank you.
   We love an oatmeal walnut cookie.  Mrs..D.D.,I’ll have to look into material to cover windows. Great idea, to save on heat. Thank you both. Becky Comment by jordansfarm | September 7, 2008 |