Bluebirds on the Ground, Vicky in Ohio.
Hello Bluebirds,
I first started preparing and pantry building because the nudges became a calling so to speak and when we feel called to do something we really should even if it doesn't make sense at the time. And even if it doesn't make sense to others. I have found out over and over it's to our benefit. Since they say history repeats itself I decided I wanted to be prepared for as many things as I possibly could be for any situation including illness, job loss, recession, another depression, to help others and even war.
I started stocking the pantry. I follow the rule of store what you eat and eat what you store with a few exceptions. I do store some things we don't eat to give to others who do like those foods and I never turn down something offered or something I can get free because again someone else may like it or I like to just keep some of the ingredients in some boxed dinner mixes that have pasta or potatoes in them. Pasta is pasta and the potatoes are already dehydrated saving me the process of doing it. I toss the seasoning pouches. We also garden every year and so I do a lot of canning, freezing and dehydrating. Frozen vegetables or fruits on sale at a good price are great for dehydrating. My favorite things to dehydrate though are broccoli and cabbage. I don't meal plan and then shop, but I do think about what I have on hand as I shop.
My goal was to have at least a year's worth of food and supplies to last us should anything happen and when I hit that goal I now just keep things topped up. And things did happen. My husband got injured and was off work for 6 months a few years later he lost his job and the pantry got us through.
We have chickens and do some hunting. We have tanks we collect rainwater in and we have back ups and back ups for the back ups.
We do a lot of bartering and trading. Everything has value even junk! We ask about the wood if trees are being cut and are happy to trade something for it so we amass a huge pile to burn in the wood burner for our home heat. Having a side hustle is good for the home economy. Trading, bartering or selling, it all helps and now that prices keep going up and up we have people approaching us to trade.
Where I'm at we are in the middle when it comes to prices. Not as expensive as some states, but not as cheap as others. Butter is $6 and higher. Eggs went up as high as $8 a dozen, turkeys and hams well the prices just ridiculous, even around the holidays when they are usually so cheap in price they weren't. Gasoline is rarely below $4 a gallon and home heating oil is the same. Cold cuts or luncheon meat are $12-$13 a pound, beef and canned goods have went way up. 6 cans of soup were on sale for $16. Canned veggies are $2 with store brands only being 2 cents cheaper. From bread to toilet paper everything is dramatically higher. We have had shortages, but they are off and on. Pasta is one and carrots, onions and potatoes often have empty bins, actual ingredients like flour and sugar are getting smaller shelf spaces or single bags lined up to look like there's more than what there is. There seems to be no shortage of junk foods though. The chips and cookies always seem to be well stocked still.
Some won't say it or don't believe it, but my personal belief is that we are experiencing a war of some kind. It's not just this event or that event, but a slew of events one after another. I'm only 80 miles from the train derailment in East Palestine for example. We have the important task of being good stewards of our resources and it doesn't matter what stage of preparedness we are in. Little things add up and count just as well as big things. So keep at it as much as your able.
XOXO
Vicky
Thank you so much Vicky! You have taught me so much about trading. Things we don't want or need we can sell or trade. Once we get going on this it becomes easier and easier! I also am agreeing with everything you say. We need to be wise and watchful and busy! xxx
I agree! Thank you so much for sharing with us. We don't hunt, but we know hunters :) I keep asking for chickens, our local council isn't quite so receptive but I figure it's better to ask forgiveness than permission in some things. Your prices are similar to ours for eggs, butter, deli meats etc. on a dollar for dollar conversion - a little more if we do the exchange rate. Food is getting so expensive, our pantries are I think the most important part of our home, and building that pantry is now my second most important job after wife/mother. I think we are being prepared, if we are open to it, for the end of time and the troubles that will come our way as the faithful, so when it happens it won't paralyse us so much as encourage us because we'll know it won't be long and we will be on our way to Heaven.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Knowing hunters is a good thing especially if you like the meat. It's always good to add a nice chunk or two to the freezer and hey if you can a few chickens that are close to laying you might even get a few dozen eggs before the council does anything. I don't know places are so goofy about people keeping chickens. I agree our pantries are the most important part of our home. It's just good sense to keep a good pantry because we just never know what will happen and not having to worry about buying food is a big relief! I agree we are being prepared for some big things to come! Hopefully after this will be the 1000 years of peace.
DeleteWhat a beautiful, informative post Vicky. I learn so much from this site and the prudent homemakers site. These are times unseen by my 47 yr old son and his generation, and actually by my generation.
ReplyDeleteLike everyone on this site, I've been stocking up. My husband and I have a good sized garden and most everything we grow is canned, frozen, dehydrated or stored in our small root cellar. He hunts snd fishes. I'Being prepared removes the anxiety so many people are feeling right now.
I'm so sorry people are dealing with the terrible train derailment in East Palestine, 80 miles isn't much of a separation.
I believe we are in spiritual warfare but take comfort knowing our Lord is in control.
Thank you! Annabel has such lovely posts packed full of good info and inspiration it's an honor to share here. It sounds like you do a fantastic job being prepared. Gardening and hunting and fishing are great skills that really add to the larder. Good food coming from our own hands! And your right being prepared does remove the anxiety. It is security and we didn't feel any need to panic buy like others. I agree we are in spiritual war fare and more than likely headed towards something biblical.
DeleteXOXO
Vicky
Vicky, thank you so much for giving us a view of what is happening in your state. We live in a close by neighboring state. We are of like mind and felt the nudge to prepare several years ago and so we did and continue to do so. You are so right about keeping things you don't eat for the benefit of helping others. We do the same thing. Cookie
ReplyDeleteHi Cookie! I love helping others and there is always someone who likes the foods we don't eat. I would never want someone to be hungry and I know that some people only cook from boxes and pouches so giving them actual ingredients wouldn't be a help. Keep preparing as you can.
DeleteXOXO
Vicky
Thank you Vicky for your insight into what is happening in your part of the World. I hadnt realised that you were that close to the train derailment.
ReplyDeleteYou are so clever with the way that you barter and add to your pantry. You are the Queen of the coupon collection. Having all that wood keeps the worry of how to warm your home at bay. The cost of fuel for cars and heating is just getting out of control.
Your garden produce is a wonderful addition to your home economy. You will be getting your garden ready for planting very soon. I will be gardening along side you on the other side of the world.
Hi Jane!
DeleteSo far everything is ok here in regards to the derailment, but here's hoping there will be no water or soil problems later. I love bartering. I don't think society will ever be cashless, but it's certainly good practice eh? I love when it's so cold to have the hearty warmth from all of that wood! It's a big comfort to me and worth every trade we made for it. I am looking forward to gardening along together because you have your own little paradise there!
XOXO
Vicky
Dear Vicky,
ReplyDeleteMy draw dropped in admiration at the photo of the staked tomatoes! Are those determinate plants? (A single stake with my indeterminate ones has to be reinforced, and even with some det. ones...I think it might partly be our clay soil, which gets very malleable when it gets wet and the stakes really want to lean or fall over!) A homegrown tomato is one of my favorite things in the world!
I've always loved hearing what you do around your place...you are one industrious woman, just like Annabel!
Love, Jen in NS
Hello Jen!
DeleteThe tomatoes are indeterminate. A homegrown tomato is one of my favorites too haha so we plant plenty. Last year was 100 I'm not sure how many we'll plant this year. The stakes are about 6 inches in the ground and because the plants will get bushy and heavy I prune them off a few times each growing season or the stakes will start leaning. I prune off anything on the bottom eight inches of the stem and then leave them alone until they start blossoming and then prune off any stems pointing down and the little suckers.
Thank you for the compliment! I try to keep busy. We have done a few small projects and have more planned I'll be sure to send Annabel photos to share if she likes. Winter here is almost over and soon the gardening will start again.
XOXO
Vicky
XOXO
Vicky
Thank you Vicky, it is a very good and informative report - I admire how much you accomplish just by being eyes open and paying attention to what is around you. Every small bit counts and a good pantry gives you peace of mind in this crazy world. I am learning so much from you. Lots of love, Laura_s_world from Romania
ReplyDeleteHi Laura!
DeleteThank you! I do try to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way and make good use of it. And with rising costs it can help keep us on an even keel or just stay afloat. I'm grateful for either. Every small bit does count for sure! From something added to the pantry to even just a candle in case the electric is out or a few wild berries foraged it is the small things that can be the most comforting. Especially the crazier the world gets. Lots of love!
XOXO
Vicky
Thank you Vicky, my mum always used to notice downed trees when we were out driving and would say something about it being nice firewood. I find myself thinking the same now!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about there being no shortage of junk food! I can’t remember any limits on that area in the last three years but definitely plenty on essential items.
Thank you for the encouragement that small improvements add up too.
Jen (NZ)
Hi Jen!
DeleteI am the same if I see a tree down haha. I think of the firewood. Yes junk food is still in abundance here with no limits. We did have limits on essentials for awhile too, but the people who live on potato chips and cookies have been happy.
Oh yes small improvements do add up too! Big improvements are so nice to be sure, but I always think about the story of the tortoise and the hare racing and remind myself of it if I get frustrated.
XOXO
Vicky
Vicky, I thought of you when I first heard of the train derailment and wondered if you were close to it. Please take care, 80 miles is not that far away. I always love reading things you write, your wisdom is spot on for the times we're in! The things you've shared are reminders to keep on keeping on or if not doing them try and start implementing them. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Patsi!
DeleteSo far we have no issues from the derailment so I'm praying none arise later. Especially something that could have been prevented. Yes mam we need to keep on and if anyone just now wants to start there are still ways to accomplish building a pantry and preparing. Something is much better than nothing.
XOXO
Vicky
Dear Vicky,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing what is going on in your area. Prices seem to vary, so much, from location to location. I think, from all of the wonderful posts written in various places, that our prices here are still rather good which is surprising and a blessing.
Please stay safe, my friend. There is so much intentionally being perpetrated on certain areas of our country.
Love and hugs,
Glenda
Thank you, Vicky, this is so timely and helpful. I do the same thing with my pantry. I am seeing the same things in OK with canned goods and soups, and baking supplies. Eggs and butter have come down a bit in price. Always lots of junk food here too. You are inspiring me to learn about dehydrating and how that can help. And your garden is gorgeous!
ReplyDelete<3
Kathy
Kathy,
DeleteThank you! Canned soups were always sold out at the first of the pandemic and now they are just priced high. Crazy! I hope you do check into dehydrating. It's a wonderful way to store extra produce or fruit and doesn't take up much space. Dehydrate2Store is a fantastic site for learning. When we start running out of canning jars or freezer space it is a valuable asset. The key to good tasting dehydrated foods is proper rehydration. It can make a difference. Thank you about the garden!
XOXO
Vicky
Thank you for a wonderful post, Vicky, and hi from a fellow Ohio neighbor. The East Palestine train derailment was scary. I'm closer to 180 miles away, but still. I completely agree about listening to the nudges. We started stocking supplies back in 1999 in preparation for Y2K and always stay topped off.
ReplyDeleteYour garden photos are beautiful. I'm anxious to begin planting for the year also. Blessings, Laura
Laura,
DeleteWell hello neighbor! Hopefully nothing else happens in our state, but in these times I expect there will be something else. I'm glad you listened to your nudges and also stay topped off. It is security and right now I am so thankful that myself and others followed what we felt the need to do. I'm anxious to start planting to haha except that part isn't my favorite. I do get a good leg workout though from all of the squats. Blessing to you as well!
XOXO
Vicky
Thank you for your report Vicky. I am a bluebird living in the United States.
ReplyDeleteIn the last few years alone, we have endured raging fires that consume entire communities, hurricanes, blizzards, floods, mudslides and of course horrific drought..extreme weather calamities one after another, back to back it seems. The media calls them "events". Snow events, wind events, rain events etc. They dont see that God is allowing the United States to be shaken to wake us up and turn back to Him, the only source of blessings and strength. And all of this is decimating our crops and food production.
I just read a report on American Faith.com dated September 14, 2022 detailing a very long list of incidents of explosions and fires to our food processing facilities and plants, some destroyed to the ground along with all the manufacturing equipment, others damaged but were able to be repaired but still causing mayhem and interference and disruption . I have no idea what is going on and i hope that they are all somehow unrelated incidents, but seeing such a long list so detailed by date, location and what type of plant it was, along with a map...is frightening and we should take it seriously. Also worth noting is that those facilities had food in them that was destroyed. I have read of fires and explosions in Canada as well. No Matter what caused these explosions and fires, the damage is done and i have never heard the media report on them to offer an explanation. Less food coming out of the fields due to weather, and less processing plants..yes we need to keep working with willing hands. The bible is clear that the wise see trouble coming and prepare. Trouble already arrived. We prepare not from some anti.government basis, but simply because the bible tells us to, and that we live in the end times which are full of stressful things.
We have yet to see the longterm damage that the derailment of 10 cars of toxic chemicals might cause to the farmers and dairies and people of Ohio.
The Holy Spirit led me to expand by planting a more complete medicinal herb garden and studying more seriously about how to use each herb. Mullein alone is worth its weight in gold for respiratory illness. I feel that each healing herb is a gift from our heavenly Father and I want to honor Him by creating this home pharmacy garden and show Him and others how valuable they are and how we appreciate them being provided for us, for our health, our family, friends and neighbors. And to be a steward of knowing how yo use them.
I am now only buying open pollinated seeds that can be saved and shared and working diligently making as much compost as possible and other ways to build and improve our backyard soil. I also ordered a used garden book called Gardening When It Counts, How To Grow Food In Hard Times. No more 'recreational gardening' anymore, its very important to be as knowledgeable as possible to get the best yield while helping the soil. I just head Josh Thomas from Homesteading Family say that we should look at our soil like a bank account. We can't withdraw more than we put in. We must build our soil quality. What a simple and understandable explanation!
To lower our expensive water bill, the Lord showed us to remove the grass from our unused front yard which is shady and repurpose it into a prayer garden, xeriscaping it with a few drought resistant plants and flowers and adding a comfortable bench or swing or rocking chairs, whatever He provides. I may even invite the neighbors to use the prayer garden.
Thank you Annabelle for this blog for such a time as this.
Miss Susan
Miss Susan,
DeleteI do believe we are in a biblical time. And the food industry has been hit hard. True shortages haven't happened yet just spurts of them. I am so glad you are learning and preparing as every bit will help. We try to keep our soil in proper growing condition and last year we had a ditch we had to expand and the mud was like black gold so I hauled buckets of it to my garden. We also do crop rotation. A prayer garden will be just beautiful that is such a great idea!
XOXO
Vicky
Thank you Vicky. I learn from your words each week. Its been so good working on the compost project and also learning about permaculture. Its Gods timing to really drill down and make more improvements. I feel a shift from being a former casual backyard hobby gardener more for pleasure to becoming a focused producer. It feels like a part tine job because it is. We dont have a homestead but we have a homesite and i am so grateful for a large backyard. I am also more aware now of the need to take care of my body, muscles, knees, etc. to stay strong.
DeleteIt is hard to say it but our humble gardens may one day again become the wartime victory gardens of our grandparents era. Its time as they say, to batten down the hatches.
Times are getting more and more difficult and it is wonderful to see how others are coping.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Jackie,
DeleteI agree. It's wonderful to see how others are coping. It is nice to have good company as times get difficult and we never know what will be a spark of inspiration.
XOXO
Vicky
Thank you Vicki for this update. I have to say I’m glad you raised the observation about there still being plenty of junk food on the shelves, because I have noticed that here in Australia as well! I’ve found it quite interesting that in all this there hasn’t been a shortage of alcohol or cigarettes 🙄
ReplyDeleteCheryl,
DeleteIt's the same here. No shortage of alcohol or ciggies, chips, cookies and anything not good for you. With everything they wanted us to do as far as health apparently diet wasn't an important factor.
XOXO
Vicky
Thank you for sharing, Vicky. Such valuable information and inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI live in north western Ohio. My prices are not as high. Also our grocery shelves have only been low on beef, butter and milk.
So glad to be a home gardener!
Blessings, Leslie
Leslie,
DeleteHello my fellow Ohioan! We didn't have any shortages on milk, but I'm thinking that will happen here. Maybe not. Home gardening definitely is a big pay off, especially in times like these. Plus you just can't beat the fresh taste and goodness of everything. There is nothing better!
XOXO
Vicky
thank you miss susan, i feel your comments and observations are spot on. we have been studying revelations for the past 6 months or so and the pastor takes each verse and breaks it down along with the current headlines. it is amazing how God is showing us his word and plans. we must be like the ant and prepare for "winter" and take care of our families and each other. this week i am waiting on the butcher to call with the side of beef i ordered for the freezer, and some bones for broth to can. the price was very good, $3.65 per pound, cut, wrapped and frozen. can't beat it. have been using up my canning and freezer items to make room for the garden season. and just picked up a book that was recommended from our library, "gardening when it counts-growing food in hard times". that will be my reading material for the next few evenings. thank all of you bluebirds for the wonderful info- i just love reading everyones comments and ideas. have a wonderful day!! bonnie
ReplyDeleteDear Bonnie, i agree with you completely. The ant worked slowly and steadily with intentionally knowing instinctively that the season would change and winter would arrive. We must be future focused and it involves a sacred sacrifice of time, money, energy and even our attitudes in not getting weary in well doing. I just purchased the same book. I am not a good candidate for using thr library because I like to write and highlight them, marking things i need to remember but found a copy second hand.
DeleteThe prophetess Cindy Jacobs recently said something to the affect that the Lord was once again preparing "Goshens" as in the story of Joseph and his entire household being saved during the great famine. To me this means areas of abundance in the midst of egypt (which in the bible as you know is a type and shadow the world) and it means to me, simply that it will be needed. I Praise God for His faithfulness. And i thank Him for this international blog He led Miss Annabelle to write to uplift, edify, and encourage.
Blessings, Miss Susan
Hello Vicky
ReplyDeleteThank you for your informative post and I love the photos of your garden. This series about the situation around the world is very interesting and it helps to know we are not alone.
When the Covid lockdowns began my husband and I moved up our veg, fruit and herb growing into top gear and we are staying there.We live in England and are blessed with our soil and climate. Our larder and stores have helped out family and friends which makes us happy. What goes around, comes around and just this week a friend we gave seedlings to gave us lovely free range eggs in return.
I am particularly struck that you mentioned a war because this went through my mind only a few days ago. World events, climate change, rogue nations etc are heaping pressure on our lives and no one is exempt. We do what we can to be prepared in multiple areas of our life and count our many blessings while remembering those who are in much worse circumstances. Stay safe Vicky and Bluebirds.
Hello Penny!
DeleteI'm happy to hear you moved your home production into top gear. Healthy fruits, veggies and herbs are helpful to the home economy, but helpful to others and I'm sure your family and friends greatly appreciate what you share.
How wonderful that you were given eggs for the seedlings you shared, that sounds like a great trade to me! It is often the little things that are the best.
Others disagree about this being a war time, but this is what I feel in my heart. I am so glad you are prepared. Keep up your good work!
XOXO
Vicky