Our world seems to be changing at a rapid pace and not for the better.
My grocery delivery guy calls to let me know if canning jars and lids are available. This past week he brought me one case of quart jars. He said that was the ONLY item on the canning supply shelf. The store manager said the store had none in reserve and had no idea when or if they would get more.
Shortages seem to have made it into my area of Minnesota. My delivery guy tells me that paper products are in short supply, there are a couple of bare shelves and many are looking skimpy. He says there are few choices any more as far as package sizes and brand names go, at least at the major grocery store where the service shops.
I don't know if more people are waking up to the truth that we as a nation are in trouble or if many of the goods needed are sitting at anchor on container ships outside our ports. I would hope that more are learning the value of stocking up.
I canned 7 quarts of chicken legs. Although I followed the same procedure I have done for years, 5 of the jars didn't seal. I am finding I have more seal failures when using the newest metal lids, which makes me wonder what has changed in their manufacture. I know the part of the lids that adheres to the rim of the jars is thinner now than it was on the older lids. I find I am reluctant to can anything else just now. With prices headed upward at an alarming speed, I am not so sure that I want to risk having jars of food lose their seals.
A friend sent me a couple of articles outlining the problems facing aluminum manufacturers. The supply of magnesium is drying up and it is needed for the production of everything from aluminum car parts to soda cans. I have to wonder what we will run out of next week. This 'Build Back Better' thing just doesn't seem to be working out too well.
On a brighter note, there is some venison in my near future. Minnesota has an early 'Youth Hunting Season,' for those 13 years and older, accompanied by an adult. My grandson took the required classes and his Dad took him out earlier this week. Sitting still, being quiet and patience are not terms usually associated with my grandson. However he watched for at least ten minutes, waiting for just the right moment to take the shot. I am proud of him. He has provided meat for his family's freezer as well as for mine. And he is learning a skill that could become necessary in bad times.
Me...I just keep stacking it higher and praying more often. I think I will add buckling up to my routine. The ride just gets more and more bumpy.
There's always pickling, brining and drying.
ReplyDeleteGorges...I am making use of my dehydrators, drying mixed vegetables, corn and peas this past week. I will have to check out the other methods of preserving. Thanks for the suggestions.
DeleteI was pretty excited to get 15 boxes of canning lids this weekend--for a normal price. I came across lids several weeks back, but there was no way I was paying $5 per box. Yesterday I got a dozen regular lids for $2.38 each and half a dozen wide mouth lids for $3.25. But now I will have to pay attention to the seal failure rate. I have to wonder if the manufacturers are cutting back on the sealing compound, since it is one of the components of the compound that is in short supply and causing the shortages (or so I've heard).
ReplyDeleteI, too, continue to preserve as much as possible. It's hard to choose something to focus on--I think we're going to need everything, as in there will be nothing at all in stores. I decided that we need more bottles of Gold Bond lotion for my diabetic husband and truckload of manure for next year's garden.
I just wish people would listen and prepare.
Jennifer...Good for you on finding lids. All I have been able to get here are the ones that come with the rings and then only wide mouth. Those are the ones I have been having trouble with. I know that the compound on the Ball/Kerr lids have been more thin for some time now, but I am wondering if they cut back even more. I just don't know.
DeleteI am pretty well stocked on home canned and dehydrated food, so now I am concentrating on building up other areas of my storage. I am in agreement that we may find little if anything in the stores, so whatever we can do now is a good thing.
I wish people would listen and prepare, too, but I kind of wish they had started a few years ago instead of yesterday!
I just wish people would WAKE UP from the Left's "Build Back Bolshevik" trance! How does "better" involve "Lower your expectations???"
DeletePete...I saw where the regime in power suggests we 'lower our expectations.' From where I stand, that equals not holding any of them accountable for the mess we are in. So, Nope. Not gonna happen.
DeleteYes, things are not good right now. I plan to do some more pickling and dehydrating, but not sure what to do about the shortage in paper items. I mean, we all need toilet paper. My husband and family know how to hunt, and we've already talked about that if it's needed. I see deer in our back 40 often. Ground hog too. Our daughter who works in furniture was told they are not allowed to order items from manufacturers and can only sell what is in stock in the store. It's a time to help one another for sure.
ReplyDeleteKristina...It may not be to everyone's liking, but there are many who are substituting cloth for some paper products. Old, worn out towels or t-shirts can be cut to size and used for paper towels. Some buy the packages of cheap Dollar Store washcloths to use for paper towels and TP. I had some flannel fabric that I cut into 7x7 inch squares, zig zagged around the edges to prevent fraying and have them stashed away for emergency TP use. I realize some can not get past the 'ick' factor, but I figure that I managed with cloth diapers for my babies in the past and this solution really is no different. And they are washable, so running out isn't a problem.
DeleteUnless something drastic happens, I fear we are in for a long period of time where many goods are not available. Buying ahead now while we can still find what we need or coming up with alternatives is paramount. And yes - so is helping one another.
I was going to suggest the same thing, Vicki; cheap washcloths. You can also get these at Harbor Freight and the "big box" home improvement stores in bundles. Get 'em now before the rest figure this out! "Panic early. Beat the rush!"
DeleteI bought a bunch of the washcloths at Sam's a while back, along with the flour sack type of dish towels. Both have multiple uses. Some time back I did a test of the flannel squares and found them to work just fine. I used the flannel simply because I sew, and have a fabric stash. So even when the panic buying gets into full swing, that is something I don't need to worry about. Whatever works!
DeleteI bought 5 yards of brown flannel about 8 years ago. Cut it into squares and sewed each 2 squares together. Makes great TP. I have a covered waste basket and use a zippered mesh bag in it. When full, just zip it up and throw in with other washing. Usually hubby's work jeans. Line dry or dryer dry, works great.
DeleteMy plans to work in the aluminum business are temporarily, wait, wait a bit more, ....... foiled!
ReplyDeleteYou never cease to amaze me, John...Not sure if a laugh or a groan is appropriate. Probably both! Thanks for giving me a reason to start my day with a grin. :)
DeleteCongratulations to your grandson Vicki! He’s learning very good skills.
ReplyDeleteWe’re probably going to make another run to town today and pick up as much meat as we can manage. The cost is going to be staggering but as much meat as you can store is a good thing. It’s one place where we’re probably a little bit light in our preps and it’s best to get it while you can find it.
Thanks for the giggle Mr. John! I could use it this morning. A friend of ours who is 80 is in the hospital with sepsis again so we’re kind of worried about him and saying some prayers. On the other hand the sunlight filtering through the trees in the backyard is particularly pretty this morning.
Stay safe all and God bless
LTM...I was pleased when my son told me he was taking my grandson hunting. Those skills could very well be needed as time goes on.
DeleteGood idea to stock up on meat before the prices get totally out of reach and while it is still available. I am lucky that I have been canning meat for quite a while and have a good supply between canned and frozen. Even with that, it makes sense to add more when we can.
John's comments always give me a good laugh! We all could use a bit of humor these days.
Prayers for your friend that he will recover well and quickly. God bless.
asw this some time back in my wanderings around the internet
ReplyDeletelady kept a set of lids to use as doubles
they were marked and used over and over again
she puts everything together as usual and adds one of the marked lids on top then adds ring cans as usual and removes extra lid gently after jars cool said it makes the seal take uses extra lid again in next batch try it and report back?
That is something to keep in mind, deb. Right now I am busy with other things but may give it a try later. Thanks.
DeleteEVERY boy should be taught how to handle a gun and how to hunt! So many have been raised with no idea of how to "hunt and gather..." Things get short, and this is going to be a disaster in its own right! Knowing how to use a gun for sustenance and self-defense will likely determine who lives and who dies. Heck, they might even need them to get our country back!
ReplyDeleteI am 100% in agreement, Pete. And now I am pestering my son to see to it that his daughters learn how to handle a gun. My Dad taught me when I was younger than my 13 year old grandson. My mother, I am told, used to shoot squirrels out of trees in order to have meat for a stew. The crime rate is rising as quickly as are grocery prices. Everyone in a family needs to be able to defend themselves. Doesn't look like things are going to get better any time soon. This skill is just another part of being prepared.
Deletetook daughter to cc class a few yeARS ago wanted her to be familiar
Deletewe have no weaponry but the instructor could not believe she had never shot before
excellent natural aim
we should all have some gun knowledge
i know how to dress game but daughter is vegetarian so i may never have to use it
Vicki~ A friend had to pick up some meds after she and her husband got home from the market. She got the meds and then hit the market again. It seems he has a list and if it is not on the list the item does not get purchased. If there is a little bit left in the bottle it doesn't get purchased. She had already ordered bulk herbs and whole spices for grinding so she was good with those. I had told her about dehydrating frozen veggies and she had watched a few videos about doing potatoes. All the basic staples for baking were added as were paper and foil products. Cleaning and Laundry items were next. I had told her to pick up Damp Rid for the closets. Plus to get the de-icing product from the hardware store.
ReplyDeleteFor those who survive these insane days ahead it will be by God's Grace and for some an assist by Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson. Just remember there is always Light in the Darkness. Red
Red...Are you telling me that your friend's husband won't buy a bottle of ketchup until the one in the fridge is empty?! So what does he think will happen when there is no more ketchup in the stores! When I take an item off my storage shelf, I get at least two more to replace it. Good thing your friend has you to show her some ways to stock up. And thanks for the reminder. I need to dehydrate more potato slices. :)
DeleteInsane is the only way to describe what is happening now. God help us all!
Vicki~ When they married, she went through the cabinets, freezer and pantry. She jokingly said she was surprised some of the cans and boxes hadn't had babies they were so out of date. She tossed, scrubbed, put out pantry moth and ant traps. Then organized what was safe to eat. She has him eating healthier now. But old habits die kicking and screaming to the grave. Red
DeleteClay jars, lard lids and root cellar.
ReplyDeleteWorked pretty well for our ancestors, Ed...We would do well to study the old ways.
DeleteHello, Vicki.......America is changing rather quickly...there are many things that I, being old, look back to and said "we must stop this" *back in the '90's....now it is too late. Modern technology grew strong, many children were educated in schools that taught lies, families disintegrated into nothing. Now, today, we are living with those results. It will be a very hard transition now to gain back what we lost...I frankly doubt that we can. There is coming a "new America.....as us older folks always do, we must adapt to the changes. And must hold tight to our God and our beloved famalies!
ReplyDeleteChange isn't always easy, lynney62...I remember my Dad's disgust with the rock and roll of the 60's. He much preferred Bing Crosby or Patsy Cline or Hank Williams. I fear today's changes are more sinister. It seems that most of the changes we see are geared toward eliminating the freedoms we have had from the founding of our nation. Those behind these changes want complete control of our lives. I don't think I am capable of adapting to those conditions. The America we grew up in had it's problems. but the good things about our country far outweighed the bad. I can not just give up, for those who wish to control us also want to eliminate God and break down the family, and I will never go along with that. Take care.
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