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 

Helping Each Other In These Hard Times

  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

 

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

Road Ahead - Part 3

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 |

Getting Ready for the Road Ahead - Part 1

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

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

Comments:

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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?

1. pray
2. get knowledge on every thing you can
3. stock a little of something every time you can
4. start reading up on growing a garden next year, look into a few chickens
5. find ways to make do with what you have
6. 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 |