Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Onward and Upward

So Sunday I was knee deep in chicken. 24 lbs. of frozen chicken breast was thawed, cut into small pieces, packed into jars and canned. I now have 8 more pints and 32 more half pints of chicken in jars. I have no idea where to stack them. I don't care. With less food on store shelves and prices racing skyward, every bit of food we can stash now gives us that much more time to ride out whatever horror the current regime comes up with next.

Yesterday was spent cleaning up the mess I made on Sunday. My kitchen now looks more like a kitchen and less like a place where a tornado went through.

I was able to get a good price on butternut squash, so six large ones are waiting to be processed. Tomorrow they will be baked and the pulp frozen in meal size amounts. I would have liked to can them but my supply of empty jars is dwindling. However, my Prince of a grocery delivery guy promised to call me next week when he is filling my grocery order, and let me know what canning supplies are available. He will bring whatever I need, bless him!

Today is being spent doing things that make me happy. Working on my Grandson's afghan. Reading a good murder mystery. Snacking on the smoked whitefish my son brought me yesterday. And there is the possibility of a pan of brownies in my near future. :)

We spend great amounts of time and energy in preparing for whatever comes our way. Sometimes we may forget that we also have a life to live outside of all that we do to prepare. Doing the things we love is just as important. Sometimes we just need a break to avoid burn out.

So continue to prepare but also take time to smell the roses – or in my case, smell the coffee!

Those in charge seem to be working hard at sucking the joy out of our lives. Sometimes the best revenge is to be happy anyway. :)

18 comments:

  1. Indeed, Vicki, we prepare for survival. We survive so we can LIVE. As a retired military man, I can tell you that remaining at "GQ" General Quarters; ("battle stations") wears one thin pretty quickly. You gotta take off the gear and open the hatches once in a while or you go crazy!

    ...The storms are coming... Best to enjoy the sun whilst it shines...

    Oh; and stock up on coffee... You gotta KNOW that's next!

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    1. Pete...I know that if I don't take some time away from the preparing, I can get real cranky, real quick. Better to take a day now and then. The work gets done and the insanity stays away, at least for now.

      I may have enough coffee stored to last the rest of my life and perhaps that of one or two of my kids. Priorities. :)

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  2. what mysteries do you recommend? i need something good to read

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    1. deb...I don't get out to the library or book stores so I am not sure what is popular now. I don't go for the blood and guts books but like those where I try to figure out who-done-it. I usually go for an Agatha Christie mystery. And I just found some audio books online by M C Beaton that are fun.

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    2. Deb I like this author. Red
      https://www.susannagregory.com/matthew-bartholomew/

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    3. I really like Susan Wittig Albert's mystery series with China Bayless as the main character. Or her Darling Dahilia series set in the Depression. I've also read her series on Beatrix Potter which was a fun read.
      SJ in Vancouver BC Canada

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    4. I really liked Alan Bradley’s Flavia de Luce books. I think because I see a lot of myself in the main character.

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  3. Vicki~ I was making lists of items we might need. As in oil and filters for the cars. Wipers for one car as
    we already replaced a set.Printer Ink. How many remember printer ink. Ordered new thermals as the old ones do not fit. Some long sleeved tops, shirts and hoodies for winter. Bayou Renaissance Man recommended a small propane space heater in case there are heating source interruptions. My garlic cloves and shallots order showed up today. *does happy dance* Tomorrow I reorganize my freezer. Red

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    1. Red...Living in the North, I have lots of warm clothes, although some wool socks might be a good idea. I do have a propane space heater and camp stove for emergency use, but only one ink cartridge. Thanks for the reminder. I do not envy you reorganizing the freezer - not my most favorite thing to do. :) Take good care.

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  4. Amen, Vicki. Be safe and God bless you all.

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    1. Thanks, LindaG. Take good care and God bless you and yours.

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  5. Variety is the spice of life. 😊 I am all about preparing, but we must take time to enjoy family, friends, hobbies, etc. Otherwise, we aren't really living; just existing. Have a wonderful day...CW

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    1. CW...The best part of retirement is doing what I want, when I want. Contrary to popular opinion, many retirees work hard. For you and me, it is with preparing. But we can take a day to relax and refresh when needed. Some said I would be bored after I retired. Hasn't happened yet. :)

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  6. Vicki, thank you for the reminder! I’ve been rather caught up in current events lately. I’m going to go paint now! 🎨

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    1. LTM...It is easy to get caught up in the news. But then, it is always good to know what the enemy is up to. (Let's Go, Brandon!) I had a quiet day yesterday. Freezing squash is happening today. Enjoy your painting!!

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