January 01, 2009
WE DID !!! Just seven more steps and we are done! I have been reviewing our progress this year to see if we have any obvious gaps and to design a program for those who were not able to join us from the beginning. But, more on that next week. You will not believe what we have accomplished when you see the list next week!
I have appreciated hearing from you and what you would like to see as we tackle food storage next. Please keep those suggestions coming. There are so many directions we can take food storage that I really want to be able to meet your needs. We will not forget about other preparations and we will also spend more time on financial solutions to self reliance. I find I just don’t have enough time to devote to research and writing now that our economy and weather conditions are making people more anxious to develop a workable plan to care for themselves.
This week are are going to finish up a few very random things.
1. We have worked a little on preparing our home against burglary but we have never done the most simple thing. No burglar wants to “mess with” opening or breaking a window protected by thorny vegetation. This week plant some thorny bushes, or if you are still snowed in, plan for the planting. Roses are great. You have had the experience of pruning a rose bush and your shirt gets caught in the thorns, no thief wants to deal with they. They will move on to the next house. I was just reading an article about the increase in theft and home burglaries since the economy has taken a nose dive. Prepare now to discourage those who might want to make your home a target.
2. Begin compiling your medical records. I had planned to have a medical records form ready for today but I have been overwhelmed this week. So much is happening on the food and pandemic fronts this week that it isn’t done. I will get it up in a day or two so check back for that. For now begin gathering records and asking questions of your parents about family history concerning illness and diseases.
3. I noticed when I was reviewing that we have never copied our licenses and permits to include in our important documents. Be sure to do this. Items like fishing or hunting licenses, building permits, wood cutting permits, professional licenses, etc. Copy and include them in your 72 hour kits and also send them to your out of area contact.
4. Purchase a gallon of white vinegar. We will be discussing this soon, so for now just trust me.
5. Now is the time to scour seed catalogues and to check in at the nursery. It’s time to purchase seeds and in some areas fruit trees and bushes. Do your research and begin purchasing. Check with your preparedness buddy, remember I asked you to find one…and see if you can share seeds or share gardening with them. If this is a family member or someone you know won’t be moving away consider planting different gardens and different varieties of trees and sharing. If you are great at growing tomatoes and they do great at green beans, share.
6. Get out all that gardening equipment and clean it up. Now is the time to check your supplies and make sure you have the tools you will need to plant and harvest. Make a list of items you need to purchase. Remember we compiled a list of items we need in order to be prepared but can’t afford to buy? Add tools to that list and make sure you distribute it to family and friends who may be looking for gift ideas for your birthday, Mother’s day, Father’s day, an anniversary or even Easter. I don’t need chocolate for Easter but I would love a blueberry bush!
7. Finally!!!! Reread Time to Think Food Storage and do what it says. In other words, prepare this week to begin our food storage journey. If you are still thinking food storage means buckets of wheat everywhere and disgusting tasting food, you couldn’t be more wrong. We are going to do food storage right! You know when you diet they tell you not to think of it as a diet but as a lifestyle. That’s exactly what we will be creating, a self reliant life style, eating great foods. Get ready for the journey.
Don’t forget I still want to hear your concerns and suggestions. And don’t forget our JANUARY GIVE AWAY still continues. Get you friends and family placing those links for a chance to win!
Please instruct me on how to begin seven steps from the beginning- Your info. is wonderful , but i have discovered the bulk of it only recently- Thanks, Becky
As to seed purchasing: Get NON-HYBRID SEEDS, so you can harvest seeds year-after-year and not have to depend on a seed supplier.
There’s a huge assortment pack at http://www.internet-grocer.net/seeds.htm
I need help with dinner type recipes to use with my food storage. I have found it difficult to convert my favorite recipes, such as beef stroganoff and chicken cacciatori. An example would be helpful, giving substitutes for the fresh produce called for in the recipe like green peppers. If this has been covered, please direct me to the resource. Thanks
Thank you for all the hard work you put into this. I am currently on week 2, headed into week 3, and I have finally become excited about getting more prepared. We have a 72 hour kit already, and I feel that finding your site is EXACTLY what I needed to get the extra push to get the rest done. Thanks again!