Greetings, All.
It has been awhile since I have reported in. All is well. It is cold here, below zero, and over two feet of snow on the ground. I’d need snowshoes to get to our gardens. The wind is whipping the snow horizontally over the sidewalk. Driveway is icy underneath what our neighbor plowed. Since it is winter, we just do not get out much; there is no need to go anywhere, and by choice. Grandkids are all in school and our kids are working. So, we stay home, warm and cozy. Plus, trying to do more than our lethargic winter bodies want to do is a challenge. I just need to get off my chair and computer and get stuff done. Visits to the grocery store, and Ham Radio Club, and a couple birthdays is all since the beginning of the year.
VIRUS: I am very concerned about having the right supplies to take care of our family if the Covid-19 virus should reach our state. I do not think that will really happen, though. I have organized some things into one bucket, clearly labeled, so we can find it. In it are NEW bottles of the meds and anti-germ cleaning supplies. Yes, we have stuff on our shelves already. This bucket is not to be touched unless we are sick. That way I know we have not depleted anything. We are doing this slowly since there is not a lot of disposable income. Yes, I know, meds and hydrogen peroxide, etc., are not frivolous, but they just do not fall into the normal range. Finding masks is impossible in the stores. I only have a few masks, and I have no coveralls or goggles. Found out our gloves are nearly gone. It is time for a couple new boxes in different sizes.
I started writing a letter to our two children, my daughter and to Hubby’s son. I don’t know if we will send it. I figured we should write it now when we have the leisure of time, that way I can get the lists right, and phrase and re-phrase things. The letter is quite long. In it I talked about the possible emergencies that could happen in the nearby major metropolitan complex. I listed what they need to have in their homes to survive a lock down, and what meds they need to treat the virus. Plus gave them some links to online lists and articles.
I’d like to actually visit with them and not just send it. I don’t want to include the younger grandchildren in the discussion until I can make sure their parents are in a good state of mind. Although, my grandsons know we prep, following in our grandparent’s footsteps, they just don’t quite understand why we are so serious about it now. I know my daughter will just pooh-pooh our concerns about the virus, the complications of having people quarantined and no utilities or food deliveries, and any possible chaos after a brutal election, or the downfall of our government. She chooses not to pay attention to bad things and they never watch the news. Hubby’s D.I.L.is more aware and we can have discussions about possible scenarios. They are never long because we don’t want to scare the kids. The problem is, our children may be TOO educated and ignore the warnings thinking that they are smart enough to work through it. My daughter’s house has no basement so she really has no place to store food and water. Step-son has room.
In the letter I have asked them to get a 5-gallon container for each person in the house. I know it will not last long, but it is a start. Plus, they could bring the containers here if necessary and if they can use a car. Plus, I asked for every person to come up with a menu for five days and bring it along with them here. Even the 13-year old can plan a week’s worth of food that he likes. He enjoys cooking with me when he is here.
I have also been talking to Hubby about how we would handle 9+ people staying with us. We have had them overnight very few times, and never more than three at a time. I can think about and imagine scenarios. I can see how things will work and flow. I know how to organize three families in the kitchen, their stuff on shelves, etc. He just cannot see it. I think of a big picture and then the details fill in. He cannot get past one detail especially if it means him changing his habits. It is hard to old folks to change habits.
So, with all of that dystopia in mind I have been:
Practicing my Morse Code. I had a lesson from a couple of Morse Code Key users at the last radio club. It made a big difference. Now it is just getting my ear tuned up to hear it.
Canning from the freezer. I made a pork, sweet potato, and dark beer stew that is delicious. Flemish pork and onion stew it is called. I need to get more pork roast to make more since I only got four jars. A turkey does not really yield a lot either. I did make some pot pie filling that will be hearty, plus some plain jars of turkey in broth, and just broth. Lots more to go, but I am getting there. I am only buying what I need to get those items canned. Plus stocking up for the virus.
I am watching a pheasant walking through our woods. There were some in a gaggle two weeks ago, looking for mates. I thought it was a bit early. Perhaps we will have a big bunch this year and actually harvest some.
I am also looking into closets to remove clothes that just do not fit, or that at my age of 70 will not wear again. Do I need business suits? I do not need that sequined gown that I bought for 1/3 the price 30 years ago. Do it? Just checking. Besides it is way too small now. The idea here, is, not only do we not need those clothes, we could use the space for the families if they visit. Plus, if I do it now, our kids will not have to the work if it becomes their duty.
I have packed up some extra glassware, and other trinkets that the family does not want. Saving for a garage sale. I am having trouble getting Hubby off his mark to empty some boxes. We need the space. We need two or more new heavy shelves for our L.T.S in the basement. I have filled it all with my filled canning jars and there is no room for the empty ones, or the other canning supplies, or paper supplies, etc. Found a deal on 100 heavy duty paper plates at the grocery store for ½ price; one bucket full. Now I need paper bowls.
I’d also like to be able to get a couple bunk beds for the family. There were some online that I wanted to buy through our local city’s sale page, but did not get them. The bunks can stay in the basement until they are needed. With one grandson at 6’4”, and his younger brother supposed to be taller, perhaps we should get the extra long beds. Gigantic sweethearts.
And now here comes one deer to brazenly eat the sunflower seeds on the ground under the feeders. Hubby thinks these are the, now there are – TWO, fawns that he rescued last spring. And they are not afraid of us or the house. They just look at us and do not bolt. Now, four. I wish I could tell them apart. Five. He needs to get his hunting rifle fixed.
I finished knitting one blanket for a pregnant niece and it is time to do the other one. I don’t like the yarn I bought for her, it is too coarse, so, it is going back. I think blankets should be soft and cuddly, not firm and rough. Perhaps firm for a blanket ON a bed, but not for a snuggly one.
Another thing I am trying to do is organize our recipes. I keep trying new ones, and am disappointed that they do not work. The revised recipes, with the regular meal size and the canning directions are going into a notebook so I don’t have to search for them again.
My grandson #1 is coming home from college for his three-day weekend. We will brave a trip into the big city to visit and see what we can pick up on the way there for supplies. My dear daughter is very close to finishing her practicum hours for her Master’s in Family Therapy. She is so happy to see the light at the end of the tunnel and so far is really enjoying her job. I am very proud of her, as are her sons. I supposed S.I.L is, too, but he does not speak with me on the phone as much as every one else does.
Take care of yourselves. Avoid crowds. Stay Healthy.