Posted on 02/09/2009 12:36:11 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny
Yahoo ran an interesting article this morning indicating a rise in the number of survivalist communities cropping up around the country. I have been wondering myself how much of the recent energy crisis is causing people to do things like stockpile food and water, grow their own vegetables, etc. Could it be that there are many people out there stockpiling and their increased buying has caused food prices to increase? It’s an interesting theory, but I believe increased food prices have more to do with rising fuel prices as cost-to-market costs have increased and grocers are simply passing those increases along to the consumer. A recent stroll through the camping section of Wal-Mart did give me pause - what kinds of things are prudent to have on hand in the event of a worldwide shortage of food and/or fuel? Survivalist in Training
I’ve been interested in survival stories since I was a kid, which is funny considering I grew up in a city. Maybe that’s why the idea of living off the land appealed to me. My grandfather and I frequently took camping trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway and around the Smoky Mountains. Looking back, some of the best times we had were when we stayed at campgrounds without electricity hookups, because it forced us to use what we had to get by. My grandfather was well-prepared with a camp stove and lanterns (which ran off propane), and when the sun went to bed we usually did along with it. We played cards for entertainment, and in the absence of televisions, games, etc. we shared many great conversations. Survivalist in the Neighborhood
Thanks for the offer, right now I am ok, as I can’t add any more drugs to my system, I am at overload now.
Who knows what the future brings.
http://countrysidemag.com/blog/cook/
Be Ready for Anything: Emergency Prepardness 101
February 25th, 2009 at 11:01 pm by Jerri
Emergencies are by their nature dynamic and intense; how well you think on your feet depends entirely on the situation. Emergencies fall into two categories: mobile and stationary.
Mobile Emergencies
This is the most common emergency, and the one most of us are least prepared for. These are the kinds of emergencies where you have to react fast. They include evacuations due to weather, disaster, and civil unrest. For these emergencies, you need to be prepared to move fast and travel light. You’re not going to have much time to pack, if any. If you want to ease the amount of stress during such a high-pressure scenario, keep an emergency back pack for every member of your family at the ready. Store it in your car or closet, somewhere where you can get to it in a hurry. Here are just a few of the basics to include:
* A pair of tennis shoes or comfortable walking shoes that you’ve already broken in. If you’re ordered to evacuate on foot, you don’t want to breaking in a new pair of shoes in a ten mile hike. Remember the pictures of all those office workers pouring out across the bridge in high heels and penny loafers on September 11th? How fast and how far you are able to move on foot might be the deciding factor in how well you fare. You’ll need comfortable shoes and a pair of socks.
* Two eight-ounce or larger bottles of water. Even if you aren’t on foot, there might not be any water available until you reach your destination. Water adds weight if you’re on foot, so limit it to two bottles per person. Even a pre-schooler can carry a couple of bottles of water.
* Toiletries. Keep a roll of toilet tissue, a small tube of tooth paste, spare tooth brush, bar of soap, comb, and other grooming essentials in your pack. Those with small children should pack a small Ziploc bag of wipes in children’s packs if they are old enough to walk along with a few diapers.
* A flashlight, preferably one that requires no batteries. There are inexpensive LED flashlights available that are powered by cranking a handle for a few seconds.
* A solar charger for your portable communication devices. There are relatively inexpensive solar chargers that will power your cell phone, ipod, ebook reader, and rechargeable flashlights.
* A small amount of cash. This can be as little as $20.00. You don’t want to carry too much cash, but some just-in-case money might come in handy.
* Some high-energy snacks. Things like granola bars, dried fruits, nuts and hard candy can take the edge off of an appetite and help ward off fatigue.
* Any medications you regularly use. Also include some basics like aspirin, as well as a basic first aid kit.
Take a few minutes to examine your surroundings. How far are you from town? If you’re in town, how far would you have to walk to get to your nearest shelter or even out of town? Your emergency back packs should reflect your location and circumstance. For instance, those in the North will probably want to keep a spare pair of gloves in their back packs. Think light. That 20 lb. pack might not seem that heavy standing in the hallway, but after walking a few miles in the scalding sun, it will feel like 200 lbs.
Share your suggestions with others. Log in and let us know what else you consider vital for a mobile emergency. Just roll your cursor over the word “comments” below to share your thoughts. In a couple of days, we’ll discuss what to have on hand for stationary emergencies, the kinds that require you to hunker down.
A beautiful photo, thank you.
Did you notice the 2 faces on the rock point?
Look between the dogs ears at the rocks and then toward his nose tip and there is another, maybe 2.
I tried to see your Bunny video, when the Bunny jumped in the middle of the cat, my computer froze, so won’t try any more video, I knew better.
.
http://countrysidemag.com/blog/cook/
Many people share Amy’s sentiments. They want to be self-reliant. To them, homesteading is more than a lifestyle, it’s an identity. Sustainability is more than a concept or belief; it’s a core expression of who they are.
So, the question is: when you feel drawn towards the idea of self-reliance, what are the first steps you should take? The answer is easy—you don’t take steps; you crawl. With that in mind, here are a few ideas to help you get on your hands and knees. You’ll have to stand on your own two feet when you’re ready.
Ten easy tips for self-reliance
1. Never buy something new until you are sure a pre-owned version isn’t available.
2. Avoid purchasing items that aren’t on sale. Looking for bargains takes some time, but once you develop your own bargain search routine, it goes much faster.
3. Identify and develop a skill that can save you money. Can you sew, knit or crochet? What about operating a chainsaw or fixing small engines? Whatever it is, develop that skill to your full potential. It will come in handy.
4. Learn to barter. Many people are uncomfortable with the concept of negotiating for goods and services, but once you’ve done it a couple of times, it gets easier. Can you fix my computer? I’ll trade you a couple of chickens for it. See, it’s as easy as eating pie.
5. Make something from scratch. Don’t run out and try to make everything your family eats from scratch, especially if it’s not something you do on a regular basis. Pick a couple of things to start with, like soup or cookies. Try making your own wine or cheese. Give yourself time to make mistakes and get used to the idea of doing it on your own.
6. Don’t give up every creature comfort just because you think that’s what homesteaders do. Your level of comfort is just that—your level. If you need your laptop, don’t sell it on eBay and try to rely solely on the library’s. Get rid of the dishwasher or microwave instead.
7. Develop an imagination. Learn to look at things differently. The more uses something has, the more valuable it is. The more imagination you have, the less you throw away. Just ask my tightwad friend, Roger.
8. Grow a garden, no matter how small.
9. Talk with others about your quest for self-reliance. You might meet with some resistance or eye rolling at first, but your friends and family will be more interested than they let on. Inspire and be inspired.
10. Embrace failure. Just because your first attempt at something, say cheese making, produces something other than cheese, don’t give up. Keep trying.
And, if like Amy, you feel “far removed” from other homesteaders, reach out and make some connections. For starters, leave a comment or two on this post. Click where it says ” leave comment” below and share with us what steps you took to become more self-reliant.
And remember, it’s not our fault we want to be more self-reliant; we really were born this way.
Posted in Homestead Skills
NAIS: Too little too late?
January 15th, 2009 at 12:11 am by Jerri
Wholesome milkThe National Animal Identification System (NAIS) has stirred up a hornet’s nest of problems for the USDA. Opposition to the program has been widespread. Citing the abject failure of a similar program in Australiaas well as the cost to small farmers, and voicing concerns about individual property rights, opponents have demanded the program be abolished.
On the other hand, the USDA claims it needs to be able to move fast in case of an outbreak of disease. It sure sounds fine and good, until you consider that we are in the middle of an epidemic on American dairy farms, and the USDA hasn’t moved at all to stop it.
Sixty-eight percent of all dairy cows in America are infected with an always fatal disease called Johne’s (pronounced yo knees). In 2004 the USDA estimated the infection rate to be at 20%. Today, 68% of the nation’s milk is infected with Johne’s, a three-fold increase in only four years, but the USDA doesn’t feel the need to mandate an eradication program. Why? Because the majority of infections are on factory farms, nearly every confined dairy animal is infected; it would be expensive for confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to replace every infected animal. But that’s okay, because they don’t have to. The USDA is fine with this epidemic, and refuses any serious at dialogue about the subject.
Cow sick with Johne’s Disease
So, if the USDA is aware of the Johne’s epidemic, why aren’t they focusing their efforts in that direction? If you think it’s because Johne’s doesn’t affect humans, think again. Crohn’s Disease, virtually unheard of in 1940, was on the rise by 1950, about the same time as the concept of factory farming showed up on the scene. Today, a generation later, up to two million Americans and even more Canadians are infected. Most cases of Crohn’s Disease are diagnosed in children, who will suffer a life of physical misery because of the debilitating symptoms for which there are treatments, but no cures. Read more»
Be Prepared: Medicinal herbs you should keep on hand
January 10th, 2009 at 5:37 am by Jerri
home grown herbs make great remediesCountryside readers who remember the Great Depression have generously shared their memories of the era with the rest of us. In those memories, are stories of homemade medicines. Homemade remedies are often just as effective as expensive over-the-counter pharmaceutical remedies. You don’t need expensive cleaning solutions for minor cuts and scrapes. Soap and water work just as well. And you certainly don’t need spendy cough drops for dry throat.
Before you spend your money on store-bought remedies, try a few of these home remedies that can save you money and support your well-being:
* For minor burns and sunburns, gently dab the area with fresh aloe. Don’t have an aloe plant? Don’t worry, they are relatively inexpensive and easy to grow from seed.
* Is someone dancing all over your last nerve? Try a cup of chamomile tea, but forget the tea bags. Buy chamomile flowers in bulk. It’s much less expensive without the bag and string and the stupid little paper tag that always falls into the cup. Brew me up one, too.
* For canker sores or sore throats, make a tea out of sage leaves and add a tablespoon of cider vinegar and a 1/2 teaspoon salt for an effective 3x daily gargle.
* Did your goat kick you? Put 1/8 cup of chickweed in a piece of cheesecloth. Wet the poultice and place it on the bruise. Chickweed has a cooling sensation when its wet. It can help stop swelling and discoloring.
* Have a chesty cough? For what it costs for a little bag of pre-wrapped cough drops you can make your own from horehound.
Ingredients
1 3/4 pints horehound leaves and stems
1 pint water
3 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter
-boil the leaves and stems in the water for half an hour.
- Strain, discard leaves and add sugar.
- Add butter and return to a boil.
- Mixture is ready when syrup has reached the “hard ball” stage when dropped into a saucer of cold water.
- Pour into a buttered shallow tin.
- Let cool and mark into squares with a butter knife.
- After it hardens, break squares apart and wrap each one in wax or freezer paper.
Take a look through your medicine cabinet. How much did all those tubes and bottles of stuff cost? How well do they work? Before you buy another bag of cough drops with more high fructose corn syrup than medicine, or an expensive salve, think about buying the ingredients to make your own instead. More often than not, they will be just as effective, less expensive and have far fewer side-effects than their over-the-counter competitors.
Illegal Food Part 2: The Buckeye Institute’s 1851 Center for Constitutional Law Steps In
January 4th, 2009 at 7:10 pm by Jerri
Jars of canned food.A couple of weeks ago, I reported on the raid of a food cooperative in LaGrange, Ohio. If you missed it, you can read the original story here. Since the raid, no criminal charges have been brought against the family who was held at gunpoint for hours while authorities searched their farm for “illegal food.”
On December 17, 2008, the The Buckeye Institute’s 1851 Center for Constitutional Law filed suit on behalf of the Stowers in Lorain County, Ohio. The Center lists the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the Lorain County Health Department, and the Ohio Attorney General as defendants. Lawyers for the center claim that these administrative officials didn’t have the authority to execute a search warrant. After all, these are only administrative positions, glamorous as they may be (yes, I’m being facetious).
Government administrators make the rules; they don’t enforce them. That’s the job of the justice system. Apparently, in Ohio, the state has either forgotten this, or chosen to ignore it completely. Either way, it’s a problem for the more self-reliant among us, even if we don’t live in Ohio.
These days, you need a license to do just about anything. In some states, you can’t provide daycare without a license, not even to family members. In Wisconsin, you can’t make and sell cheese unless you are a licensed Wisconsin cheesemaker…and it’s not a cheap license to get. In the Jan./Feb. issue of Countryside, there’s an article about illegal midwives.
I remember a letter to the editor in the local paper a few years ago after a much-loved daycare was shut down because the provider didn’t have license. She wrote an eloquent letter thanking the families who trusted her with their children over the years. It was truly sad, but in the letter was a gem. The busted daycare provider observed that having a license doesn’t make you good at what you do; it just makes you licensed. Now, that’s the truth if I ever heard it.
Time and time again, Countryside recieves mail from homesteaders who got caught in the bureaucratic web of state and local licensing. Getting out is often impossible. The best thing the self-reliant can do is find out what license they need before they grow, preserve or ingest anything. To do anything less would invite the fury of some low-level state or county administrator who apparently has the authority to send the SWAT unit to your home. If this happens, hand over the canned tomatoes and sauerkraut, all of it, or they’ll shoot. How’s that for enforcing local licensing requirements?
Eureka! I’ve finally figured it out. I know why some homesteaders are successful and others are defeated before they even begin. The difference is imagination, the ability to look at one thing and see another thing entirely. Take my friends Roger and Ann. They live a highly self-sufficient lifestyle, providing their own shelter, power and food. They work hard, but they also think hard. For these homesteaders imagination and self-reliance go hand in hand.
Roger is a confessed tightwad. His motto is “Use it up and wear it out. Make do or do without.” He sticks to his motto, and it’s not so much his determination that anchors him in his sustainable lifestyle; it’s his great imagination. Roger can look at one thing, and see something completely different, something no one else sees. To some folks, an old trampoline is just an old trampoline, but to Roger it’s a frame for a rounded greenhouse. The springs can be used to make a gate, and the trampeline’s surface might have holes in it, but it will still provide plenty of shade for pigs. Imagination increases the value of things that others view as worthless. Homesteaders can make do without a lot of things, imagination isn’t one of them.
Wayne and I were discussing building a windbreak or some sort of temporary shelter for the dry cows. When the wind picks up out of the east they are exposed. Of course, we don’t want to spend a fortune on building supplies for a simple windbreak. We also want the windbreak to be movable, not only so we don’t have to pay taxes on a permanent structure, but because it might come in handy for shade in the pasture. We penciled out a few numbers and decided to put the project on the back burner. (Which around here means it’ll just be shoved completely off the stove. I’m pretty sure we don’t even have a back burner.)
Roger the tightwadI’m a frequent visitor to Roger’s blog, Confessions of a Tightwad. During a pre-holiday jaunt through the blogosphere, I stopped in at Roger’s site to see what he was up to. Lucky me! It turns out Roger had been busy solving our windbreak/shelter dilemma. Instead of using tons of lumber, we could use a few tall, skinny balsams or aspens and some spare tin. Hey, we have both. Thanks to Roger’s Zen-like imagination, he saw inexpensive, abundant building material where others saw scraggly and small trees. Check out Rogers inexpensive, moveable, non-taxable animal shelter. Now, that’s good ol’ homesteading ingenuity.
*
Countryside Magazine Blog © Countryside Publications.
[Interesting use of barb wire...granny]
http://tightwadconfessions.rfdamerica.com/
Root Cellar Success
January 19th, 2009
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At the house we used to live in, I had built a cellar in one corner of the basement and that worked fairly well. Now that we are at the cabin we need some place to store potatoes, apples, and carrots that is cooler and more humid than the cabin but will not freeze. A root cellar was the obvious choice. Not having any heavy equipment to dig out the hole my son and I did what had to be done. We dug it by hand.
It turned out to be a bigger job than I thought it would be . We hit clay and hardpan at about 2 feet and it continued to the 7 foot depth we stopped at. It meant that every bit of dirt we took out had to be loosened with a pick first. We finally got the 10 x 16 hole dug into the south facing slope of the hill below our cabin dug, now we needed walls. I had intended to build the walls with rock since we have it in abundance but the season was getting late and building field stone walls is a slow job. Plus of course, I’m a tightwad.
One alternative type of construction that I have read about but never tried came to mind. It’s called earth bags. It’s just what it sounds like, bags filled with dirt and stacked to form the wall. A bag, think 100# feed bag here, is filled about 1/3 full,then the top is folded under and the bag placed flat with the fold underneath. Run a row of these , then place two rows of quadruple barb ,barbwire on top and sandwich it between your next row of bags. It really ties them together.
After you have your wall as high as you need it, 5 feet in my case, build a form for concrete on top of it. Put in some rebar, drive a few down into the wall too, and pour it full. I made mine 4 inches thick. This helps compress the wall and keeps ever thing in place. I also used it to get every thing square and level as it’s hard to keep it that way building with the bags. After that you need to plaster the walls with portland cement plaster to protect the bags. I have to do that to mine yet when the weather allows. Also make sure you put drain tile on the outside of the walls.
On top of my concrete curb I built a two foot wall and then a low gable roof. The outside of the wall was water proofed and then I back filled almost to the top of it. I used heavy clay for the top few inches and have every thing sloped away. I used styrofoam to insulate the top part of the cellar. I left the floor dirt to help keep the humidity high. The front wall is built the same but will be faced with rock. I got started last fall but didn’t get done before cold weather hit.
We have stored potatoes, apples, and carrots in wood crates filled with leaves. So far every thing is doing great. We have had quite a bit of below zero temps. and nothing has froze. The carrots and potatoes were actually dug too early as we had to move back to the cabin sooner than expected. Despite this they seem to be doing good. Most of the apples we bought were hail damaged seconds[ can you say tightwad ] but we have had very little spoilage so far. I think I will have some ventilation issues in the summer but will have to wait to see. So far I am very pleased with the results.
Tags: apples, barbwire, carrots, root cellar
Posted in Make Do, gardening
>>>> We don’t need fancy vacations <<<<
Hey, sure you do - Just like me....
I just took a mini-vacation and tilled up the ground for my ‘nekkid’ oats. Temperature is 56º - So, I extended that vacation and shredded last years tomato vines onto the compost pile.
Enjoyed every minute of it... I might even take another mini-vacation a bit later after I finish this nice big glass of tea.
Every day I can till, plant, pick, can, dry or eat the produce of it is a vacation!
Yahooooo - vacations - Love ‘em!!!
You’re right, there are faces there. Interesting what God puts in Nature for us to see - if we are paying attention.
Thanks for the links. I am so far behind in reading this thread. I wish I could take a vacation from life for a week. No responsibilities, just time to catch up and do stuff I wish I had more time for.
My guys always think about getting away for a vacation. Sometimes that’s nice to do. But my idea of a vacation for me is for them to all go away, and be home by myself with no one to look after but myself. LOL
“Very good thinking - I put rice, dried beans, peas, etc. in them and put a whole tray full in the oven at 170 degrees for about an hour - I simmer the lids and put them on and tighten the band. They will vacuum seal very nicely. Gives a nice long term storage package. I put rice into pints and some half pints.”
I didn’t know you could do this. I have been trying to buy bags of beans and rice, but hubby is worried I won’t be able to keep them safe from bugs/mice long term. Do you add a bay leaf to these jars? I’ve also checked out your links to Walton’s. I’m thinking of ordering a few things. Would you recommend getting it in the #10 cans or bags?
Ooooh. Thanks for the canning links. I have some of the equipment, but just have never done it. I’ve wanted to try it for a long time. I grew up in the city and married a farm boy. When I told him I wanted to can he told me to just buy the canned stuff at the store, it was cheaper by the time I would get all the stuff and the time involved. So, I let him talk me out of it. Then raising 4 kids and working for part of the time, I just never did it. This year I’m determined to give it a go. And he is actually involved in the garden this year. He’s secretly (or not) having a tomato seed competition with me - which ones are growing faster.
>>>> I didn’t know you could do this. I have been trying to buy bags of beans and rice, but hubby is worried I won’t be able to keep them safe from bugs/mice long term. <<<<
Absolutely. Works great. There is only one caution... DO NOT HEAT TREAT SEEDS YOU WANT TO PLANT!
For food storage, the heat at 170º for an hour will kill the bugs and eggs. I have never found bugs in any of the stored grain or beans I have treated this way - I do not use bay leaves in the heat treated ones. I only use bay leaf in flour and cornmeal that I have freezer treated and am keeping in bags.
Please don’t say if 170º is good 350º is better - can cause toasted beans with different flavor and also hard beans that no matter how long you cook them they won’t get soft. At the 170º It does an excellent job and does not change taste or texture.
What I like about the jars is that they will keep for years and years without worry, plus I use the size jar that we would use all at one time. Makes it very handy.
Since I use re-used lids to do it, the cost is only for the heating in the oven. Note: if you plan to reuse lids, take extra care when opening them. Don’t use a bottle cap opener and bend the lid. I usually use the back of a knife or spoon to hook under the edge and lift with a steady pressure - I think I have only bent one in the last year doing it that way. Some of the lids must have been used 3 or 4 times this way. Don’t re-use them for regular canning! (even though I have been known to do it when it is getting late at night and stores closed but need to finish canning a batch of vegetables - without losses so far.)
I put rice up in ½ pints and pints - these sizes work out just about right for the three of us, depending on how we use it in the meal.
I put split peas, black beans, lentils, pintos, limas, red beans, navy beans and mixed beans (I make my own mixed beans for soup) all in pints.
I put kidney beans in quarts - (because I make larger batches of chili.)
That way, there is no waste, no partial containers - It just works well for us.
LOL My wife likes it because I usually will cook enough for an army... Then we have a ton of leftovers to deal with, either freeze, can or eat for a week. She says it really provides a good portion control and keeps me in check.
Guess I just get carried away when canning and have two 21 qt. pots of spaghetti sauce, apple sauce, etc. so I figure when cooking dinner I should do the same. LOL Well not quite, but I do overdo the portions without putting them in the right size jars for what we normally use for one meal.
Give it a try. It is much more reassuring to know that the investment you have made is safe! (I hate having to throw out buggy beans or any food that I just didn’t take care of.)
Thanks for reminding me - I have 20# of rice and 10# of red beans that I need to process from the last time I went to the store. I’ll have to do that tonight.
>>>> Thanks for the canning links. I have some of the equipment, but just have never done it. <<<<
It is sooooo simple... Only thing I will suggest is to check the instructions before you start, and again as you are doing it. Don’t take short-cuts! I know, it is tempting to try to hurry things along when you have a whole lot to do, but it is not worth taking a chance. Check instructions often, use current recommended processing and enjoy!
I get peas right off the viner - all shelled - : )
So when I am canning peas, I will do 4 canners full of pints (my canner does 19 at a time) - at the end of the day, you have no idea how fulfilling it is to look at the table with 76 pints all nicely sealed and ready to store - and good for years.
We usually just sit there and have a cup of coffee and smile like Cheshire cats.
Each time you can something it gets easier and easier. Now, it is just second nature.
Start with something simple and build from there.
I gotta toss in another link that I think you will really enjoy and find very informative:
http://www.backwoodshome.com/advice/askjackieonline.html
Your husband may not appreciate me giving that link to you as it is captivating and reading one leads to another and another - kind of like potato chips.
Jackie is a very resourceful person and it is information you can depend on.
I have several cases of jars in the basement and was thinking I should bring them up and put in the dishwasher. I’m not even sure if they have rings or not. I did buy a box of rings and lids a couple of months ago to use with them if needed. I have about 20# of rice so far and several bags of beans. I think next week I will try putting them up in the jars.
I’ve also decided to start buying a case of canning jars each trip to the grocery store. We have a Woodman’s store near us which is employee owned. I believe they originate in WI. The prices are great and the variety is unbelievable. It’s about the size of a warehouse store, only everything is on shelves and purchased individually. They have canning supplies there year round.
>>>BTW mason jar lid and ring sets have gone up in the last day at our local wallymart.. significant rise from 2.38 to 2.96 overnight..<<<
OUCH !!!
Check feed stores, hardware stores, and I found Big Lots was a good place too. I was picking up chicken feed last week and they had regular lids for $1.98 The Amish bulk food store had them for $1.89 - I stocked up on them from Big Lots when they had their sale at 99¢ per box of 12. (I bought 2 cases of 36 boxes - that’s 864 lids), and would have bought more if they had them. Last year they had the pints with rings and lids for $6.50 per case. The brand is inconsequential - Ball, Kerr, Altrista, Golden Harvest are all made by Jarden - the sole supplier... (talk about vulnerable...)
I see you are looking at lid and ring sets... You don’t need rings every year... They are good for reuse over and over. By the way, it is best to remove the rings when you store your jars. That way you do not get moisture in there and rust. I remove them (I have hundreds stored and only use maybe 75 or 80 each year), wash and dry the jars then put them in the pantry or in the box - I do stack some cases - have never had a stacking caused failure - however if I am going to put plain jars stacked in the pantry, I put a piece of cardboard between and it works great - makes them more stable too.
From what I am hearing of the seed shortages developing, the canning supplies may just go out of sight like you found. I have seen where their sales were up 40% last year so I’ll bet this year is going to get crazy.
I have an old pressure cooker from my MIL that she gave me many years ago. I’ve never used it. I think I will take it over to the county extension office and have the gauge checked as someone earlier suggested. Then I’ll have to try it out. I don’t know how much it will hold. I think I will keep my eye out for another one.
” at the end of the day, you have no idea how fulfilling it is to look at the table with 76 pints all nicely sealed and ready to store - and good for years.
We usually just sit there and have a cup of coffee and smile like Cheshire cats.”
I smiled at that one. I understand how rewarding it is to work real hard and then just enjoy seeing the fruits of your labor. It is a thing to behold and find pleasure in.
Thanks for your CAN DO encouragement. (pun intended)
I meant the mason jars are pretty! #10 cans - not so much.
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