Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Paying Attention Yet?

 Have you noticed just how much bad stuff is going on all around us these days?

Doesn't matter in which direction we look, there is something on the horizon that can hurt us - we the people.  And our elected officials are doing nothing to stop the madness.

I want things to get back to a normal that we can live with.  It is those who are in control who do not give a rodent's behind what I think.  They continue to do what they can do to enrich their bank accounts and ignore the fact that many can no longer afford to take care of their families. 

So what do we do?

I am not in a position where I can bug out to some secret location deep in the northern Minnesota woods and 'live off the land.'  No matter what happens, I will be right here in my little apartment, as will many of us be in our homes.  

Even so, it is possible for me to do everything I can to prepare for whatever happens next.  My every-other-week grocery order arrives tomorrow.  The weekend will be spent dehydrating frozen corn, mixed vegetables and hash browns plus 10 lbs. of onions.  Yes, they are expensive, but I am pretty sure that they will cost more next month. 

The room where I store most of my food and supplies has been organized, everything sorted and labeled, so I know at a glance what I have and what I yet need.  Because I was blessed with a mother who taught me to sew, I am working on sewing together quilt tops to make warm blankets that are necessary in my cold climate.  And I have collected recipes for making many of the food items I would normally buy, like cream soups, Bisquick, other soups using dehydrated vegetables and pasta, and seasonings, to replace some of the items I might need to buy.  Jennifer over at 'Prep School Daily' is a wealth of information on all things preparedness and is the source of much of my information.  Her blog is listed in my side bar. 

This isn't a brag session but is a suggestion or two to give others an idea of what we can do to get ready for whatever our 'betters' have in mind for us which is absolutely nothing good.  You know, I am sure, that everything that is happening now is all about control.  As those close to me know by now, I do not do well with some trying to control me. 

I think those things that can make life even tougher than it is are accelerating at breakneck speed.  The wide-open southern border, the flight of a Chinese data gathering balloon flying across the breadth of our nation, the out-of-control inflation, are but a few examples.

Get ready.  Don't wait.  Do the very best you can to take care of your families, especially since it is likely that some of them think you are nuts for doing so.  We do not want even the nay sayers to starve.

And pray.  All the time.  God is our only hope.   

27 comments:

  1. Vicki, I'm sure Noah tried to warn the people who laughed at him as he built the ark. We can do no less and no more than the same.

    ...America is EXACTLY where ancient Israel was at when Jeremiah and Ezekiel were waving their red lanterns. I can only wonder if our "Babylon" will be literal or symbolic... All we can do is be ready, one way or the other... Indeed, God IS our only hope...

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  2. You are spot on, Vicki! I feel as though we are on a downhill only roller coaster. Praying throughout the day and night!

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    1. sbrgirl...That is an excellent description of what is happening. There was a time when I had hope that the general population would wake up. That time has passed. Praying right along with you, my friend.

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  3. Are you aware that the Chinese 'balloon' flew itself over 21 of our military bases? Their, uh, "weather balloon?" This will not end well.

    Mama J

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    1. Mama J...Yes, I am aware. I followed as much of that business as I could. Weather balloon, indeed! I also saw the miserable excuses given for not immediately shooting it down. Couldn't have that. Had to let it continue sending data before getting rid of it. Smells like treason to me.

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    2. and they made sure to bring it down over the ocean. couldn't risk doing so over land and perhaps recovering 'parts' to study. (snarc)
      SJ now in California

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    3. The info from the weather balloon had been jammed, blocked from being transmitted.

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  4. My biggest 'prep' lately was my move to California. I am now close to friends who are like family instead of being another country away.
    I'm chipping away at restoring my water supply and my pantry. I have an OTC benefit each quarter with Medicare. Yesterday I received my first order. My plan allows for $100/quarter from an online catalog.
    Next on my to do list is to get my veggie garden beds built and my seeds started.
    Thanks for your posts. Sending prayers to all.
    SJ now in California

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    1. SJ...Many would consider a move to California as not being a good thing, considering your nuttier than a fruitcake governor. But since it is where you grew up and you are now among friends and family and considering that the leader in Canada is more than crazy, I am happy for you!

      Glad that the rebuilding of your extended pantry is going well and that you can do some gardening in your new location. Every bit helps, as do the prayers.

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    2. I know and agree about the numbnut governator.. All I can say is that I'm glad I'm in the 'red' zone and in the middle of the state and not in any big city. The relief in finally arriving here is amazing. For a while, I thought the move was not going to happen. And now, I'm 7 miles away from my very best friends and even closer to one of their adult kids. And they all have included me into their family. I am blessed.

      As for stacking it deep -- I'm starting to get my dog used to human food. She's more then agreeable. Given shortages everywhere, she too might start eating rice and table scraps when dog food isnt affordable or available.
      Cheers, SJ now in California

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    3. Unfortunately Vicki, the current batch in DC are WELL on their way to turning the WHOLE COUNTRY into California. I'm stuck here due to economic and family circumstances, but honestly, I wouldn't know where to go where these people had no reach! ...'Might as well stay where the weather is good, for now...

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    4. Pete...I don't think there is any place to go where those in charge will leave us alone. And really, that is all I want from government - just to be left alone. I obviously don't stay here for the weather. :) I stay here because here is where my family is. Nothing is more important to me. And if I have to endure hardship, I would rather it be on familiar ground.

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  5. Hard to believe that 81million people voted for Biden. Did you listen to his speech last night? Do you believe the gall that Biden touts that America is doing just fine? Never in my lifetime have I seen the American people out to destroy its very own people. You're already under its control. Have you bought gold or silver yet? Your cash holdings will become digitized by the end of the year. You will have NO freedom then. How does anyone prepare for that?

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    1. We prepare the best we can for whatever comes our way and trust in God for the rest.

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  6. You deserve to brag for your ideas and industry.

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    1. Thanks, Linda...but I don't care much for bragging. I write about what I am working on with the hope that maybe someone with similar circumstances might realize that they can prepare, too.

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  7. Yes, pray. You all be safe and God bless.

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    1. LindaG...Buckle up. Think it may get pretty rough soon. God bless you and yours!

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  8. Vicki~ Our son and daughter-in-law moved into their first place after living with her folks. As a "House"warming gift we helped them out with some pantry staples. Pasta, rice, flour, sugar,, salt, maple syrup, caned veggies, fruits, beans and meats. While we were sorting and packing, he was checking on current prices. Dumbfounded was the word of the day. Especially when I told him what I had paid for the items. We did the same for our daughter when she married 15 years ago. It was a lot less then. Red

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    1. Red...It is incredible what the current grocery prices are now, compared to even a couple of years ago. What a wonderful gift that was!

      My son went ice fishing last weekend. He caught several walleye but threw them back because they were too small to keep. His family was looking forward to a fish dinner and not wanting to disappoint them, he bought walleye at a store. When he looked at his grocery receipt, he found the price of the fish was over $17 per pound! Said he wished he had bought one pound instead of two. And that was the last time he would buy fish!!

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  9. I've always tried to be prepared for whatever may happen but I have to say I am upping that quite a bit because things are looking really bad. Like you, I'm focusing on dehydrating more now and increasing the garden this year. At this point I believe we can only do so much and just keep praying. Stay safe!

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    1. Lori...Seems like every day brings something else that is not good for us. I am at the point where I know I can not change a single thing by myself. So I keep stacking it as high as possible. And praying. Take care and be safe.

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  10. Vicki, I think all of us realize that all heck is about to break loose. We're doing everything we can to make sure our families are provided for.

    My husband told me just this past week that he wants some more medical supplies. Just about everything related to medicine is imported from China. That alone ought to scare the bejeebers out of everyone.

    On a happier note, I made your summer sausage this past week. (I spent a long time trying to find Morton's Tender Quick or any curing salt in stores here without any luck. Finally had to order it from Amazon.) My son absolutely loved it and wants more, so I'll be getting busy with that.

    Have a great day and keep on prepping!

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    1. Jennifer...I firmly believe that anyone who pays attention to what is happening around the world can only conclude that we are now in very deep doo and are sinking fast. I can't stop it, so continuing to prepare is my only option.

      Thanks for the reminder to stock up on more medicines. I already have quite a lot, but it is wise to add to that while we still can.

      Glad you like the summer sausage. That recipe has been a favorite of mine for well over 40 years! I had trouble finding Tender Quick, too. I suppose just now there isn't much of a market for items used to make that kind of sausage at home, what with most people just buying what they want at the store. Another item to add to storage, perhaps.

      Take good care and stack it high.

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    2. I found something similar on Cabela's site in case you'd like to avoid the @mazon beast. SJ now in California

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  11. I believe it was Jennifer at Prep School Daily that mentioned that the FDA will be shutting down getting fish antibiotics this summer, so best get some now if you are so inclined. (I actually have some fish, and am not thrilled with the prospect of having to have a vet visit -- however one does that with a fish -- to have antibiotics prescribed, so I quickly bought some for them, with the added advantage of having some on hand for other *cough* critters).

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    1. chipmunk...Seems to me to be just another example of government types being determined to control every aspect of our lives! Good idea to stock up on as much as possible before more is banned. Is this really America?

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