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 |

Lessons Learned

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Comments:

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

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

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

Laura, Thank you, I will try that.

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

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

 

I'm still here

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

This morning we were blessed with much needed rain.

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

Technorati Tags: prayers,Tommy

Comments:

1. You are in my prayers. Comment by Linda J October 8, 2008

2. Praying for you, Tommy, and your family. Comment by arksoaper October 8, 2008

3. Praying for y’all! Hang in there. Much love, Raquel XO Comment by Raquel October 8, 2008

4. Hang in there! I hope he was found some pain relief. Prayers going up for you all.~~~ Comment by D. October 9, 2008

5. i am praying for your family here in Washington State! Take care and I love your blog!
   Janine Comment by Janine October 10, 2008

6. Thank you all for your prayers. They are being answered. On this pasted Friday,Tommy’s pain was at a one. We had upped his patches to 200.
   Thank you again for your prayers. Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 11, 2008

Stocking Food

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

15 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Farm Life & A Great Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

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

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

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

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

Wonderful Oatmeal Cookies By: the Steven's Brothers

1 cup shortening

1 cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 cups plain flour (all purpose)

1 tsp salt

2 eggs

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tbsp water

2 tsp vanilla

3 cups oatmeal old fashion

1/2 - 1 cup walnuts (can add)

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

They freeze well if you can make enough. Enjoy.

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

Have a wonderful day. Becky

Technorati Tags: cookies,recipes,farm life

Comments:

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

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

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

Low Cost Gifts Giving Ideas

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

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

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

Fill with:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have fun filling your baskets. Becky

Technorati Tags: creativity,gift giving,ideas,making do,saving money

Comments:

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

2. Debbie, What a great idea for wrapping gifts. Thank you. Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 14, 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 |

My first time with Gourds - Drying - Photos

Ok, I try to do something new every year on the farm. This year it was gourds. We want to make different things, to try and sell them. They would sell good in this area. Well, I picked them yesterday. I think they turned out so neat, they are dipper gourds. I got a few that will be dippers, bowls, bird houses.

 

Well, being it was my first time with gourds, I called a friends to see now to dry them. She said I could put them in the hay barn, on the hay, and turn them daily. I really don't have time for that. So I hit the Internet looking for how to dry.

I found that most people tied a string around the top stem and hang from the porch. I thought that easy, no turning. So I started getting them ready to put out. Tommy came in and said," Dear they will not stay on that string, they will fall off as them dry and the stem gets smaller." I said, "But that's how they are doing it on the Internet." And I got them all hung on the porch.

Right as I put the last one up, I heard a crash on the front porch. I went to see, one of my best looking gourds on the ground busted. As I was going in the house , an other one fell. So I took them all down and put them back in the house.

The ones that broke.

I told Tommy he was right.And this is his, " I told you",smile.

Boy,I just thought he was hard headed.

So Tommy made a little sling like thing for the gourds to hang in safely. But it would have taken us hours to make a sling for each one. Here on the farm, there never seems to be enough time for everything. So I put on my ," What do I have that I can use to hang them safely with". After looking at Tommy's homemade sling, I remembered I had a lot of the mesh potatoes sacks. ( as Tommy says I never throw away any thing). So I ran and got one to see if it would work. IT DID! So I got them all hung on the porch, and no turning daily. Thank you Lord. 

 

 

The next step is to let them dry 3-4 weeks, they will get a black type mold on them, that is washed off and they are dried and get hung back up to finish drying.

I will post as I do them. Have a great day. Becky

Technorati Tags: gourds,creativity,ideas,making do,self sufficiency

Comments:

1. Oh that internet eh? I also do my share of research of various things on this wide world web…and I too have experienced hit & misses. It reminded me how I learned to be so “smart” on things & had answers. When I failed at something I learned and then I had the answer. While I am thinking back, I figured out that my mom really didn’t have eyes in the back of her head and that she really didn’t know what I had been up too. Her “eyes” in the back of her head was from her own experiences and it was the neighbor you told on me! So I kept up the tradition (as a mom) and kept the eyes in the back of “my” head and a nosy neighbor around. It worked for awhile till my kids figured it out…now they are keeping up the tradition. I don’t know why I said all this…probably cause my mom’s b’day was on the 25th…and was just thinking back to those years!
   Blessings from Oregon. Comment by Sage White Owl | September 28, 2008 | 

2. Do you paint? They sell for a lot here at festivals. A lot of people paint all sorts of things on them. I can’t wait to see what you create. Comment by ~Country Lady~ | September 28, 2008 |

3. Sage White Owl, Nice to hear from you again. How are things up your way? --Country Lady, Not really, but I’m willing to try. I am looking forward to playing around with them. Thanks for stopping in. Becky  Comment by jordansfarm | September 29, 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 |