A Pillow Case Can Help You Survive

How Can A Pillowcase zhelp You Survive?

Read this (from a survivalist)....

If you have a choice between using ice or snow, always choose ice first. Ice will give you more water than snow of equal size. Also, ice is usually cleaner and may not require filtering before you use it. The big problem with snow is that small twigs, rocks, and other foreign objects may be in it. Ice, is usually from a stream, tree limb, or other water source and not on the ground.

Ok, now you have either ice or snow, how is the best way to melt it? I carry an old white (I do not recommend a different color because the dye may bleed) pillowcase with a very small hole in one corner of the sewed end. Make sure it is at the very tip. I then hang the pillowcase near but not over the fire. The heat from the fire will melt the ice or snow and as long as you have a container under the pillowcase it will catch the dripping liquid.

If you have to melt snow or ice in a container over a bed of coals, avoid scorching. If the container becomes too hot, the resulting water will taste burned. I usually move just a few red coals over and place my melting container on top of the coals. I constantly move the snow or ice to keep it from burning. Also, snow will have to be pushed down into the container occasionally.
When using snow that needs cleaning, I will filter the water through two layers of cloth to make sure it is clean of bits and pieces from the ground.

As I stated earlier, ice may not need filtering at all. Even though you have filtered the snow or ice, it is still not safe to drink as is. All water not from a known clean source should be purified with purification tables, or by boiling. Keep in mind that even clean looking streams, lakes and rivers, may not be a safe source of healthy drinking water. Always purify any water from unknown safe sources.

This was from :

http://www.simplesurvival.net/findwater.htm

What If This Was You and Your Spouse?

Looks like fun? But what if you are stuck in your car for 2 days in this lovely scene?

This couple survived 2 days in their car...good thing they did have water and enough fuel to keep them warm at times. Having some food would have surely helped to keep them warm.

Read on about their ordeal and vow to have a winter survival kit in your car.

Found: Missing Oregon couple return safe after getting stuck in snow on Christmas tree hunt
By The Oregonian

December 03, 2009, 10:37AM

They had three blankets, a case of bottled water, a winch, a jack, a cell phone, two maps and a GPS device. But when Keith and Jennifer Lee got stuck on Mount Ashland, near Medford, on Tuesday afternoon, none of the gear helped them get out. Until this morning.The couple went to the mountain for a Christmas tree and ended up trapped for two days, battling dehydration and trying to conserve fuel.

"We just got stuck in the snow and there was no way for us to turn around," 38-year-old Jennifer Lee said Thursday morning, hours after they escaped to safety. "It was a foot-and-a-half or two feet of snow. It was all the way up to the car door." The Lees were the subject of a search-and-rescue effort along icy mountain roads near the crest of the Cascade Range in southern Oregon.

While dozens of people searched on the ground, a helicopter circled the area, looking for the Lees’ neon blue Subaru. Searchers were preparing to head out again this morning when the Lees turned on the radio and heard about the search effort. Once they descended into cell phone range, Jennifer Lee got patched through to Jackson County Sheriff’s Office to report they were on their way home.

Although authorities didn’t know where the Lees were stuck, searchers planned today to scour the area where they were stranded. "We would have found them with the aircraft," said Jackson County Sheriff’s Lt. Pat Rowland The Lees, who live in Medford with their four children, set out at about 9 a.m. Tuesday to get a silver tip Christmas tree.

Jennifer asked a friend to pick up the Lees’ eight-year-old daughter from school. The couple planned to be back later in the day. But the Subaru got stuck in the powdery snow about 1 p.m. And no matter what they tried, the couple couldn’t move their car. They rocked it back and forth, but the wheels were spinning. Keith Lee jacked the car up and put rocks under the wheels, but that didn’t help either.

It was only when the snow hardened to ice early Thursday that they were able to free the car. They were on the road by 6 a.m. "My husband got up this morning and said, ‘I am not spending another night out here, so let’s get it done," Jennifer Lee said. While they were stuck, the couple ran the heater in the car for 15 minutes every hour starting in the evening. On the first night, it wasn’t too cold so they didn’t start the heater until 7 or 8 p.m. But Wednesday night was colder so they had to turn on the heat around 5 p.m. Still, they tried to use fuel sparingly.

"We conserved as much fuel as we could in case we got unstuck," 36-year-old Keith Lee said. "I had at least two or three more days of gas." As soon as they got to Medford, they went to pick up their children and had a breakfast of biscuits, gravy, eggs and hash browns. While they were gone, the Lees drank about six or seven bottles of water but did not eat anything.

Both were in good shape, though Jennifer may have frostbite.Around midnight on their first night, the Lees talked about what would happen if they were never found. But they never lost hope. "I knew eventually we would get out of there," Keith Lee said. "I just prayed a lot, " Jennifer said. "I have Jesus in my heart and my husband is a great outdoorsman. I knew between the two of them I couldn’t fail."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/12/search_on_for_missing_christma.html

Check out this blog!

This is Lori (and her husband.)

This is Katie.

These 2 women do this blog (http://positivleyprepared.blogspot.com/). They are LDS, of course.

Today I found a most wonderful preparedness blog. With these ladies online, who needs me?
Seriously, if you want a a SUPERB site to teach you and motivate you about preparedness, this is it!!!! Be sure to check out their MY BLOG LIST. Just click on the hyperlink here to go right to it.

E N J O Y !!!!!
http://positivelyprepared.blogspot.com/

Girls Die In Submerged Vehicle

This past week there was atragedy in NorthDakota where 3 young women lost their live. I wonder if they would still be alive today if they knew how to get out of a sinking car? I have posted a link on the left regarding this procedure.


Sheriff: 3 dead softball players likely didn't see pond
By BLAKE NICHOLSON
Associated Press
Nov. 4, 2009, 12:22PM

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/hotstories/6702737.html

DICKINSON, N.D. — Three college softball players found dead after their sport utility vehicle went into a pond on a North Dakota farm during a stargazing trip likely drove straight into the water in the dark, authorities said Wednesday.
Stark County Sheriff Clarence Tuhy said the women's SUV was found resting on its wheels Tuesday in about 10 feet of water hidden by tall grass, with the doors and windows closed.
“When you're not familiar with an area like that it would have been very easy to drive into,” Tuhy said.

The sheriff said the Dickinson State University students were on private property. He stopped short of saying they were trespassing.

No foul play is suspected in the deaths of Kyrstin Gemar, 22, of San Diego; Afton Williamson, 20, of Lake Elsinore, Calif.; and Ashley Neufeld, 21, of Brandon, Manitoba. The bodies of the women and Neufeld's dog were found inside the SUV after signals from their last desperate phone calls late Sunday helped lead authorities to the farm.

Police Lt. Rod Banyai said authorities do not expect autopsy results for a week or two. The autopsies will help determine the exact cause of death and whether the women were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Authorities have said there is no indication they were. The North Dakota Highway Patrol also will examine the 1997 Jeep Cherokee to determine if the vehicle malfunctioned, Banyai said.

The students were believed to be in the Jeep when two of their friends received telephone calls late Sunday before the lines quickly went dead. Police described the first as a “very scratchy” call for help in which one of the students said they were near water.

Tuhy said the calls, which authorities were able to track to cell phone towers, were critical in leading searchers to the vehicle. He said it wasn't clear if emergency crews might have been able to reach the women had they called 911 instead of their friends.

“There could have probably been some location formed out of that (Sunday night) but if it would have been timely enough, I don't know,” he said.
University President Richard McCallum said classes were canceled Wednesday and a memorial service was being planned on campus Thursday.

“It is times like this that we realize our sense of humanity and our sense of connection,” he said.

Family members of the women planned to visit the site on Wednesday northwest of Dickinson, a city of 16,000 people that is about 100 miles west of Bismarck.
Gemar's father, Lenny, said Tuesday night after a prayer service on campus that “it's the worst day of my life.”

Neufeld's mother, Bev Neufeld, said her family was trying to be strong.
“That's what she would want, and we have so much support here (on campus),” she said. “We know how much Ashley loved this school. I would just like everybody to remember Ashley's smile and personality.”

The 2,700-student university listed Gemar as a senior business major who played third base on the softball team. Neufeld was a senior outfielder working on a psychology degree, and Williamson, a junior, was a pitcher majoring in psychology with a minor in coaching.

“I'm sure it will be difficult for quite a while. But we know that they'll be there with us. They would want us to play,” softball teammate Jessica Huseby of Hamilton, Mont., said after the prayer service. “We just know they're going to be the 10th, 11th and 12th players on the field with us."

Preparedness Gift Idea #1

The presentation. In retrospect, I should have also put a big label in the package: EMERGENCY TOILET BAGS or something.
These are at Target in the aisle that has all the platsic storage bags, ziploc bags, foil, etc.


We all love to give gifts at Christmas time. What better gifts are there than those that help your loved ones be better prepared for emergencies?

Here is an item that will give a person great peace of mind!!! At least, it has that affect on me.

One of my greatest concerns in a worst case scenario after an earthquake is this: Broken water lines. NO water from the water department. No water from the faucets. Can't flush toilets. Where do you go potty? I do not want to sit on a bucket!

SOLUTION: Get extra strength 18 gallon white trash bags. I get mine from Target. 100 in the bag for a little over 7 dollars (including tax). See photo. For the presentation of the gift, I take the bags out of the main bag it came in (and the twistie ties) and put them (they are in a nice cylindrical shape, in a clear plastic bag and insert instructions that I have printed out.


THESE ARE THE INSTRUCTIONS YOU CAN CUT AND PASTE INTO YOUR WORDPAD OR OTHER PROGRAM:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SANITATION
The lack of sanitaion facilities following major earthquakes can quickly create secondary problems unless basic guidelines are followed. If the water lines are damaged, or if damage is suspected, do not flush the toilet.

Avoid digging holes in the ground and using these. Untreated raw sewage can pollute fresh ground water supplies. It also attracts flies and promotes the spread of diseases.

~Store a large supply of heavy-duty plastic bags, twist ties, disinfectant, and toilet paper.

~A good disinfectant that is easy to use is a solution of one part liquid bleach to 10 parts water.

Dry bleach is caustic and not safe for this type of use.

~If the toilet is not able to be flushed, it can still be used. This is less stressful for most people than using some other container. Remove all of the bowl water. Line bowl with a heavy duty plastic bag. When finished, add a small amount of deodorant or disinfectant, securely tie the bag, and dispose of it in a large trash can with a tight fitting lid. This large trash can can also be lined with a sturdy trash bag.
Eventually the city will provide a means to dispose of these bags.

~Portable camp toilets, small trash cans, or sturdy buckets with heavy duty plastic bags can be used. Those with tight fitting lids are best.

~Large ziplock plastic bags and toilet paper should be kept at work and in the car for use if you are away from home. These can be wrapped in newspaper in preparation for future disposal.

Reviewing October's Goals

Wow! Here it is, the last day of October. At the beginning of the year, I handed out these cute little magnetized brick house calendars(because the wise little pig who built his house of bricks was a good example of preparedness).

So here is the OCTOBER page. HOWEVER.....

I just would like to warn the readers of this blog that for the next 2 months, until the end of the year, my posts will be very random as far as topics go.

We are all at different stages in our preparedness projects but we still need to MAINTAIN our stores and REVIEW concepts so we won't forget them.

I hope that each of use will always have this "preparedness mindset" as we go about our days and do something each day to become more prepared.

Last Night's Preparedness Club Meeting

Here are a few examples of what we discussed and did at last night's Preparedness Club meeting. The theme of the meeting was 98.6 Degrees: How to Keep Warm in Emergency Situations.

Basically you keep warm by wearing proper clothing and staying dry, hydrated and nourished. Your body is a furnace and will create heat if you give it simple and complex carbs mixed with a touch of protein and an adequate amount of fat.

I had 5 crockpots plugged in, each with a different hot chocolate (Chocolate Ovaltine, Stephen's Gourmet Hot Cocoa Milk Chocolate, Ghirardelli, Swiss Miss Dark Chocolate Sensation packets, and Nestle Rich Milk Chocolate in packets) and we did a taste test. I also had my own recipe in a thermos (see post My Hot Chocolate Recipe) that I let each sister sample. What was amazing, was that the hot chocolate was put in the thermos 12 hours previous to the time we drank it and it was still hot. The Stanley satinlees steel thermos is great..unbreakable! No glass vacuum chamber. I got this one last winter (January or february) at Wal*Mart for $19.97.

I had 5 kinds of GORP for us to sample.

I had activated a few Hot Hands products an hour before the sisters came so they would be nice and hot. These are amazing products. I encourage you to get some for your car and home...97 cents for a pack of 3 of the bigger ones...and 97 cents for a pack of 6 of the smaler ones. If you tend to be cold, you can put one small one in each side of your bra. Truckers and outdoorsmen wear the bigger ones in their shirt pockets.

I told them the story of the children's blizzard of 1888, where my great great uncle died of exposure as a child while attempting to walk home from the one room school house in the worst blizzard of American history. I had the book there and tried to instill in the sisters a healthy fear (caution) of the weather and how it can suddenly turn deadly!

We took a space blanket out of its package, passed it around and Sister Earl wrapped it around herself as an experiment. We learned that it does make you warmer. It reflects radiant heat back into your body!

We learned about what to do to keep warm in a stranded car in a winter storm, and how to keep warm in your house when the furnace is not functioning.

My Hot Chocolate Recipe

Here is what I have every morning in the cold weather. It gives me warmth, energy and happiness. When I first get up, I have my warm lemon water tonic (1/2 squeezed lemon in 2 cups water that I warmed on the stove.). Then an hour later, I have my hot chocolate. Then an hour later, I have my oatmeal. All this takes place before 7 am and then I am ready for the busy morning. (I get up at 5 am or 4 am.)



Joan's Hot Chocolate

1 1/2 cups soy milk
1 level tablespoon Hershey's Cocoa
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
a pinch of cayenne pepper

I whisk it over a medium flame in my little stainless steel cooking pot until it gets nice and foamy and hot. This is my favorite mug...given to me by Kathy Sanchez when she was my VT last year.

NOTE: There is no added sugar to this recipe. I get enough sweetness from the soy milk. Some folks may prefer to add sweetener to this recipe (like honey, sugar, or stevia, etc.)

NUTRITIONAL INFO:
Calories from 1 1/2 cups soy milk: 150 calories
Calories from 1 TBSP. Cocoa: 20 calories

Protein from the soy milk: 10.5 g
Protein from the cocoa: 1 g

Fat from the soy milk: 5.25 g
Fat from the cocoa: .5 g

PLUS...all the wonderful antioxidants in the cocoa and I get 37% of my daily requirement of calcium.

WHAT DOES THIS COST?
My $3.20 box of Hershey's cocoa (8 oz.) has 45 Tablespoon size servings!
Total cost of my mug of hot chocolate: (37 cents worth of soy milk, 7 cents worth of cocoa, 1 cent worth of cinnamon and cayenne.

= 45 cents ! What a deal.

The Art of Bundling Up

I think she must live in Wisconsin.

This is one smart gal (or guy?)! Ready for some time outdoors in the cold!

Dangers in the Home ~ Carbon Monoxide

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

http://www.survival-supply.com/info_pages.php?pages_id=45

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) would like you to know that there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself from deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
UNDERSTANDING THE RISK

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

Where does carbon monoxide come from?

CO gas can come from several sources: gas-fired appliances, charcoal grills, wood-burning furnaces or fireplaces and motor vehicles.

Who is at risk?

Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Medical experts believe that unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens and people with heart or lung problems are at even greater risk for CO poisoning.

WHAT ACTIONS DO I TAKE IF MY CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM GOES OFF?
What you need to do if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off depends on whether anyone is feeling ill or not.

If no one is feeling ill:

Silence the alarm.

Turn off all appliances and sources of combustion (i.e. furnace and fireplace).
Ventilate the house with fresh air by opening doors and windows.

Call a qualified professional to investigate the source of the possible CO buildup.
If illness is a factor:

Evacuate all occupants immediately.

Determine how many occupants are ill and determine their symptoms.

Call your local emergency number and when relaying information to the dispatcher, include the number of people feeling ill.

Do not re-enter the home without the approval of a fire department representative.
Call a qualified professional to repair the source of the CO.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY FROM CO POISONING

Install at least one UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal near the sleeping areas and outside individual bedrooms. Carbon monoxide alarms measure levels of CO over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms. It is very possible that you may not be experiencing symptoms when you hear the alarm. This does not mean that CO is not present.

Have a qualified professional check all fuel burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney systems at least once a year.

Never use your range or oven to help heat your home and never use a charcoal grill or hibachi in your home or garage.

Never keep a car running in a garage. Even if the garage doors are open, normal circulation will not provide enough fresh air to reliably prevent a dangerous buildup of CO.

When purchasing an existing home, have a qualified technician evaluate the integrity of the heating and cooking systems, as well as the sealed spaces between the garage and house. The presence of a carbon monoxide alarm in your home can save your life in the event of CO buildup.

1 Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

ROADSIDE EMERGENCY KIT

Roadside emergency kit: What to carry with you

A few basic items can help you get back on the road quicker(This is from Consumer Reports...see link at bottom of page)This is an excellent article! Any of these items would be a good "Preparedness Christmas" gift



A roadside emergency can happen at any time, whether your car is new or old. A range of problems can cause it, from a tire failure or mechanical breakdown to running out of fuel. At best, it's an annoyance; at worst, it can compromise your safety. Being prepared with a basic emergency kit can increase your safety, reduce stress, and help you get back on the road faster.

Even if you have roadside-assistance coverage or an automobile-club membership with roadside assistance, you usually need access to a phone in order to contact them and you may have to wait on the side of the road for an hour or more before help arrives. That's why we recommend that drivers carry certain items in their vehicle, even if it only gets used for everyday, around-town driving. This basic kit can be supplemented with additional items if you go on a long-distance trip or have to deal with winter weather conditions.

It's also important to make periodic checks on the equipment to ensure it's in working order--that the spare tire is properly inflated, batteries are not discharged, first-aid supplies are current, water is fresh, and food is dry. In addition, be familiar with how each tool works, from the cellular phone to the jack, before you need to use it in an emergency.

BASIC KIT
This kit is intended to aid you in getting help, signaling your car's presence to other motorists, and tackling simple challenges.

Cellular phone.

We don't recommend that you talk on a cell phone while driving, but in an emergency, this can be the single most valuable component of your kit. Keep a car charger handy. This device plugs into the cigarette lighter or other power point in the car and charges the battery of your cell phone. When traveling, it's best to leave your cell phone on and, if applicable, leave the retractable antenna extended. This may shorten the time it takes you to reach 911, if necessary. Emergency tip: If you have to dial 911, remember that your location and phone number aren't always available to an emergency operator when calling from a cell phone. So give the operator your number and any information you have about your location. Ignore any "no service" messages on the phone and try the call anyway. If you have trouble connecting to 911 from inside a car, get out if possible and call from the side of the road. That may help you get a better signal.

First-aid kit.

Choose one that allows you to treat a range of problems, from small cuts or burns to ones that require major bandaging. We also suggest you get familiar with how to use the kit before you need to.

Fire extinguisher.

A car fire can start from something as simple as a wiring short circuit or leaking oil. You should get away from a vehicle that's on fire as quickly as possible. Still, for extra security it's good to keep a fire extinguisher in the car that can be used in any emergency or to quickly dose a small flame that's just begun. The quicker a fire can be put out, the less damage it will cause. Multipurpose dry-chemical fire extinguishers are available in a variety of sizes. We recommend carrying a compact unit that's labeled 1A10BC or 2A10BC.

Warning light, hazard triangle, or flares.

If your vehicle is stuck on the side of the road, it's vital that you give other motorists as much warning of its presence as possible, especially at night. Look for a battery-powered warning light that can be placed far from the vehicle. Reflective hazard triangles and flares are also effective and don't need batteries.
Tire gauge. This should be used on a monthly basis to check the inflation pressure in all four tires and the spare tire. Because the ambient temperature affects tire pressure, it's also advisable to check the pressure after a significant change in temperature.

Jack and lug wrench.

Almost all vehicles come with these items for changing a tire. Refer to your owner's manual on where they're located in the vehicle and how to use them. Models that come with run-flat tires do not have a spare tire. Run-flat tires can be driven a limited number of miles with little or no air in them. They have very stiff sidewalls, which provide support when the tire is deflated. Click here to learn more about the warning signs of imminent tire failure.

Foam tire sealant or a portable compressor and plug kit.

For minor punctures, a foam tire sealant can get your vehicle back on the road quickly. Only use it in an emergency, however, as many tire shops will refuse to repair the tire because of the sticky residue these sealants leave inside it. Be sure to choose a sealant that's labeled as non-flammable, and don't consider this a permanent fix. A portable DC-powered air compressor can also be used to inflate a tire--and is especially handy for one that suffers from a slow leak. To fix a puncture, however, you need to have it professionally repaired.

Spare fuses. If you experience an electrical problem, your first check should be for a burned-out fuse. These are easy to check and replace by referring to your owner's manual. Keep an assortment on hand of the proper type for your vehicle.

Jumper cables or a portable battery booster. Jumper cables are easy to use as long as you have a second car available to provide a jump. Refer to your owner's manual for instructions. A portable battery booster eliminates the need for a second car.

Flashlight. This can be critical at night. Choose one that is bright and weatherproof. In addition, a flashlight with a magnet, flexible mounting system, or a stand will free up your hands for other tasks. Also, have extra batteries and a bulb available.


Gloves, hand cleaner, and clean rags.

Even the simplest jobs can get your hands dirty. Having these on hand will help keep that dirt from getting on your clothes or your vehicle's interior.
Auto-club card or roadside-assistance number. If you belong to an auto club or roadside-assistance program, be sure you have the necessary information in your vehicle.

Disposable flash camera.

Following an accident, this lets you record the condition of your vehicle and other vehicles for insurance purposes.

$20 in small bills and change. Keep this available for miscellaneous use. And resist dipping into it for a spontaneous ice cream cone on a hot day.

Pen and pad of paper. This can come in handy for a range of uses, from leaving a note on the windshield should you have to leave your car to jotting down information after an accident.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR LONG-DISTANCE DRIVING For long trips, especially those through remote areas, add these items to your basic emergency kit.

Basic tools.
This includes a set of socket and open-end wrenches, a multi-tip screwdriver, and pliers. This should be enough to perform simple jobs such as changing a lightbulb, tightening battery cables, and so on. Even if you don't know what to do, a Good Samaritan will still need something to work with.

Coolant hose repair kit and tape.
A leaking coolant hose can sideline your vehicle quickly and possibly cause engine damage from overheating. Often, a leaking hose is a simple fix if you have the right items. They can be bought at any major auto-parts store.

Extra clothes and small tarpaulin. Even if all you do is change a tire, these items can help keep your regular clothes clean.

Water and nonperishable emergency food.

Bring enough food and water to sustain you and any passengers for at least a meal, longer for remote areas or in extreme hot/cold regions.

CB radio. If your route will take you into an area where cellular service is spotty, consider a portable or in-car CB radio.

GPS navigation system. This is an optional item, but good to have when traveling to new places.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR WINTER DRIVING

For the cold, wet conditions of winter, you may need additional items in your emergency kit, especially if you travel in remote areas or in severe conditions.

Windshield scraper.

Good visibility is your most important safety item, but persistent snow and ice can build up quickly and make it hard to see. A long-handled, soft-bristled brush can also come in handy.

Tire chains and tow strap.

Familiarize yourself with how to put the chains on your vehicle's tires or attach a tow strap before you need to do it in cold and possibly dark conditions.

Blanket and winter hat.

If you run out of fuel or if your battery dies, the vehicle won't be able to provide heat. A blanket and hat can help keep you warm if you have to wait for a long time in cold conditions.

Chemical hand warmers. These small, inexpensive packets are available at ski shops and sporting-goods stores.

Small folding shovel.

If you get stuck in snow, this can be a vital tool. A folding camping-style shovel will require more digging effort than a longer-handled shovel, but is more convenient to store in the vehicle.

Bag of cat litter. This can help provide some traction on an especially slick road surface.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/tires-auto-parts/auto-parts/roadside-emergency-kit-what-to-carry-with-you-1105/overview/index.htm

Winter Storm Preparedness

Winter Storm Preparedness

With cold weather upon us this week, we are reminded of the possibilites of being in trouble because of wild stormy weather. It was a year ago..November 2008, that my husband and about 30 other teachers were stranded overnight at Lewis Elementary School in Fort Irwin, CA due to a big snow storm that left the roads so impassable the highway patrols closed them down. These folks spent the night sleeping in sleeping bags supplied by the army base. They also enjoyed a gourmet meal cooked on a propane camping stove by one of the army officers.

Here is a very good article about preparing for a winter storm. It is long, but it covers a lot. Please read and re-read this so you feel you really understand it.
What you learn here may save your life or the life of someone you know...or at least make your emergency situation more bearable.

The Winter Storm

http://www.survival-supply.com/info_pages.php?pages_id=16

Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold. Winter storms can result in flooding, storm surge, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia.

Know the Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a winter storm hazard:
Freezing Rain
Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.

Sleet
Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.

Winter Storm Watch
A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information.

Winter Storm Warning
A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.

Blizzard Warning
Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.

Frost/Freeze Warning
Below freezing temperatures are expected.

```````````````````````

Take Protective Measures
Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

Include the following in your disaster supplies kit:

~Rock salt to melt ice on walkways.

~Sand to improve traction.

~Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.

For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.

Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To winterize your car, attend to the following:

Battery and ignition system should be in top condition and battery terminals clean.

Ensure antifreeze levels are sufficient to avoid freezing.

Ensure the heater and defroster work properly.

Check and repair windshield wiper equipment; ensure proper washer fluid level.

Ensure the thermostat works properly.

Check lights and flashing hazard lights for serviceability.

Check for leaks and crimped pipes in the exhaust system; repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.

Check breaks for wear and fluid levels.

Check oil for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.

Consider snow tires, snow tires with studs, or chains.

Replace fuel and air filters. Keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.

Dress for the Weather

Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.

The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.

Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
Wear a hat.
Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
During a Winter Storm
The following are guidelines for what you should do during a winter storm or under conditions of extreme cold:

Listen to your radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information.

Eat regularly and drink ample fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attacka major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.

Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first, and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.

Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.
Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, consider the following:
Travel in the day, don't travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule
Stay on main roads; avoid back road shortcuts.

If a blizzard traps you in the car, keep these guidelines in mind:

Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.

Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but be too far to walk to in deep snow.

Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open an upwind window slightly for ventilation. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.

Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.

Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for res-cue crews.

Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.

Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs - the use of lights, heat, and radio - with supply.

Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.

If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.

Leave the car and proceed on foot - if necessary - once the blizzard passes.

Get Ready!

A reminder to my sisters....and their families...

~Silver Lakes Ward Relief Society~
P R E P A R E D N E S S N E W S
10:15 on 10-15
Get Ready!

The Great California ShakeOut, a statewide exercise, involving the participation of millions of Californians, in preparation for the inevitable large earthquake in Southern California’s future. will be held October 15 at 10:15 AM.

see dropcoverholdon.org and shakeout.org for more detailed information

Everyone is encouraged to take part in the drill in which they will take action in a manner commensurate with a response to a magnitude 7.8 earthquake along the southern San Andreas Fault.

"Drop, cover, and hold on" is the best course of action during an earthquake drill.
If you are indoors, you are encouraged to drop, cover, and hold on for 60 seconds, starting 10:15 a.m. on Thursday. We in Southern California especially need to prepare ourselves for a large earthquake through regular drills such as this one. Each one of us ought to know what to do before, during and after the Big One when it arrives.

Studies show that in a real emergency, “muscle memory” can help people respond quickly even while the mind is in shock. Studies also show that a large earthquake is expected to hit Southern California in the future.
The Great California ShakeOut will now be held statewide on the third Thursday of October each year.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How to Stay Safe During an Earthquake
By Kayte Deioma, http://golosangeles.about.com/od/latravelplanning/a/EarthquakeTips.htm

Small tremors occur pretty regularly in Southern California, but larger quakes that do damage are much less frequent. However, it doesn't hurt to be prepared in case the next quake strikes during your visit to LA. It's a remote possibility, but it could happen. Here are FEMA's recommendations for surviving an earthquake, with a few additions.

If you are indoors:

DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.

Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture, window or anything else that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place (i.e. under a desk or in an inside corner).

Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway. Brace yourself on the side with the hinges to avoid the door swinging at you.

Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.

Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

DO NOT use the elevators, even if they are working. There may be aftershocks.
If you're in your hotel room, stay there. There are usually aftershocks, and sometimes they may be worse than the original earthquake. Under a desk or in an inside corner of your room is the safest place to be, even if you're on the 40th floor.

If you are in a restaurant, get under the table.


If outdoors

Stay there.

Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
If in a moving vehicle

Pull over to the side of the road and stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. (Guide Note: an earthquake while you're driving feels like there's something wrong with your car. Don't stop in the middle of the freeway if traffic is still moving around you. Slow down and put on your turn signal to get to the side of the road. If everyone else is doing the same thing, it was most likely an earthquake.)
Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris
Do not light a match.
Do not move about or kick up dust.
Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
Things to pack that can help you survive an earthquake:

A crank radio or battery operated radio, including MP3 players with radio. They don't take up much room and if the power goes out, you will be able to get current information.

A small flashlight in case the power goes out.

Travel snacks like granola bars, beef jerky and trail mix in case you're stuck in one place for a while.

Water. You can't pack it if you're flying, but keep a couple bottles in your hotel room once you settle in, and in your rental car if you have one.

Sad Story

This was the saddest story to me. I have read many stories about people choking and then being saved by someone who did the Heimlich manuever on them.

The adult in charge of this child should have known some basics of safety. There is a
rule and I wonder how many parents know this: Don't feed small children grapes, hot dog pieces or peanuts. These are the most choke-able foods for little kids.
Think about the grape. It is round and smooth and even when you try to bite it, it can slip away from your teeth. It find its way down a child's throat very easily. You always cut grapes in half for a child. If you don't have a knife, just bite off half and then give the child one half and you eat the other.
I feel so so sad for this family that lost its toddler. I thought the heimlich was common knowledge with everyone. Doing it on a child might be different for an adult, though. I have never personally done the heimlich on anyone who was really choking. My husband has done it several times on me, though.
I hear you can do it on yourself, too, if no one is near.
This story should motivate us all to learn the Heimlich Maneuver.

Hesperia toddler chokes to death on grape
By Melissa Pinion-Whitt
Created: 09/11/2009 11:38:06 AM PDT

A 2-year-old Hesperia boy riding in a vehicle with a family member died after choking on a grape Wednesday.
San Bernardino County coroner's officials said Savino Lopez was sitting in a vehicle that was being driven on Bear Valley Road at 12:10 p.m. The child began to choke on a large grape.
The driver pulled into a parking lot and called 9-1-1. A San Bernardino County sheriff's deputy arrived and began to help the child until paramedics came to the scene and removed the grape.
The boy was taken to Desert Valley Hospital where he died shortly after arrival.

http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_13316465?source=most_emailed

October 2009 Popluar Mechanics Mag.

This issue is on the newstand now. 10% off at Winco.It has lots of basic information for beginners and I learned some new thing, too! Will share later....

Deep Bed Gardening Yields

This article (I referenced it at the end.)amazed me. I am thinking: could my husband and, if we invested the right amount of time and effort, actually grow enough vegetables for a year???? That would be quite a project! Especially when you consider that this year, we planted 12 tomato plants and only 2 of them really produced anything of merit. We have alot to learn about gardening in the high desert!

As it sounds, this method involves a deeply dug garden bed. The preparation is more labor intensive but the yields much greater…up to 4 times that of a conventional bed. Deep bed gardening aka the Chinese method or the French intensive method has been around for hundreds of years used in various countries by farmers that lived just outside of the city on small expensive land and needed high yielding crops.

A deep bed is essentially a double dug bed which is exactly what it sounds like. The bed is dug in trenches about the depth of a spade and the soil at the bottom of the trench is then loosened to the depth of a pitch fork- each trench being “dug” twice. The soil from the first trench is set aside and each trench dug is filled with the soil of the previous trench. The last trench is filled with the soil of the first. Compost, manure, or peet would be added along the way. Suggestions are either to layer it on top of the soil before you begin digging, or layer it into the trenches as you go.

The size of the bed is determined by what is comfortable for the gardener. The most important rule of deep bed gardening is to never compact your soil which means never ever walk on it. Take this into consideration when planning your bed size. Make paths if needed or keep your bed small enough that you can comfortably garden from the perimeter.

Deep bed gardening has been very successful for many years because it allows the roots of the plant to grow down rather than sideways. This frees up space in the garden and your plants can have much closer neighbors. It is recommended that generally plants can be spaced 4 times closer and in triangular or diamond patterns rather than the traditional row. The goal is to space the plants out so when mature the leaves just barely touch their neighbors. This will create an environment that conserves moisture in hot dry climates. There is no consensus on whether to double dig each year or if forking through the soil is sufficient.

Studies have shown a consistant 4x higher yield than a conventional garden. The US department of agricultural stats claims the average adult eats roughly 320 lbs of vegetables each year. A 100 square foot double dug garden bed can produce between 200 and 400 lbs yearly.

http://www.self-sufficient-home.com/206-deep-bed-gardening-double-digging.html#more-206

Honeyville Farms

(Joan took these pictures yesterday at the new Honeyville Farms Retail Store.)

Yesterday, my husband and I came across this place by accident. We had been at a shoe store nearby (this is Rancho Cucamonga)and were driving along and we saw the store front. I had heard of this company before and was curious. So we stopped. We had some delicious samples of their products...some slushies, some hot chocolates, some freeze dried pineapple and corn, to name a few. They have a wonderful collection of food storage books for sale that I wish I had more time to look at. They have lots of different flavors of TVP. I was amazed at the great selection of freeze dried fruits in #10 cans. They have all kinds of grains in 50 pound sacks. I could go on and on, but will keep it short for now. They are having a Grand Opening on October 1...BUT THEY ARE OPEN NOW! (They call it a soft opening...they opened this past week.)

Honeyville Farms
9175 Miliken Ave.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
(909) 243-1050

Hours Mon. thru Friday: 9am until 6pm
Sat.: 9 am until 5 pm Closed Sunday

AGAIN, they are open now..so you may want to check it out before the grand opening.

Steam Canner

At our July Preparedness Club Meeting, we learned about this wonderful piece of equipment!


This steamer is $56.95 (A September Special), which is a great price. $6.00 for shipping and handling.

From Emergency Essentials
see BePrepared.com

H1N1 Flu Prevention

I know you all have heard this before, but reminders always are good!
H1N1 Flu:

Good health habits help to minimize your chances of becoming ill from seasonal
and H1N1 flu. Some easy ways to protect yourself and your family:

* Get your seasonal flu shot.

* Cough or sneeze into your sleeve.

* Wash your hands often with soap and water,especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are spread this way.

* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

* If you get sick with the flu, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

* If you have a fever, stay home until you have not had a fever for at least 24 hours.

For more information go to: http://flu.nv.gov.

September's Theme and Your Assignment

H A P P Y S E P T E M B E R !
September is National Preparedness Month.

The theme for September is visible on this blogpost...and I will try to help us all by posting information, reoprts, stories, tips, helps... daily.

Here is your assignment:
Go to the 99 Cents Store or Dollar Store and get at least one bandana (they sell for a dollar at Walmart, too, I think)and one adult rain poncho.

If you have more money and a spouse, get 2 of each. If you can spare the money, get a bandana for each family member and a rain poncho for each(you can find actual rain coats with sleeves for a dollar, too, at the 99 cents store..you just have to dig.)
They have rain ponchos in children's size there, too.

Here are 2 little narratives regarding these 2 items.

BANDANAS KEPT US COOL

In 1995, our family of 7 children and 2 adults, set off in a blue Astrovan in the heat of July for a trip from Victorville, CA to central Wisconsin. We had no functioning air conditioner in this vehicle. But we had fun and did not die of heat exhuastion. Why? Well...we each had our bandana and our water bottles.
We kept our bandanas wet by using the water in the waterbottles...(even though that water was often warm )and rubbed these wet or damp bandanas on our skin: our faces, neck, arms, legs. If you roll a wet bandana up and place it around your neck, you have a nice, cooling collar.

If you don't have bandanas, hand towels work well, too. I suppose an extra piece of clothing would also work...a small T-shirt..hey, even a sock.
You can also pour water or sprinkle water on your clothes...that will kepp you cool. I wear a wet T-shirt in our house when I am home alone and do not want to use the air conditioner. The point is...use the principle of evaporation to keep you cool when it is very hot and you do not have air conditioning.

Back to the bandanas...if you have kids, let them each have their own color. These are good items for 72 hour kits. They can be used to stop bleeding. You can wave them to get rescuers attention...and I am sure there is a list somehwere entitled 101 Uses For A Bandana!


How A 99 Cent Rain Poncho Saved Us!

Here is the scene. It is June 26, 2009. It is raining. We are on Interstate Highway (I-15)heading south. We get a blow out...it is the left fromt wheal. We roll to a stop on a dangerous curve. We are on what is called "The Point of the Mountain" in Utah. Tons of fast traffic because it is close to 8 am and people are going to work.We don't have that much space on the side of the freeway. My husband is getting ready to change the tire. As he bends over to jack up the car and replace the tire, I notice his rear end (of his body) is jutting out into the freeway. Since it is rush hour, and cars are whizzing by at fast speeds and visibilty is poor becuase of the rain and we are on a curve, I am filled with terror.

This is what I do. I put on my bright yellow 99 cent rain coat and take a position on the side of the road about 10-15 yards from where my husband is working to change the tire. I stand there in the rain, with my arms out. So cars can see me (before they find themselves plowing into my husband). They whole time I am standing there, I am of course, praying. The tire gets changed, we drive cautiously to the Costco in Orem, Utah and buy an new tore (since the spare was a small old one) and continue our journey. I was truly grateful for our safety! I think the raincoat helped.

The Last 5 Months....

Hello everyone! Happy September! And wouldn't you know it, to re-motivate us (especially me, who has been quite negligent about this blog lately) SEPTEMBER has been designated as PREPAREDNESS MONTH. Pictures posted here are from the little calendar we gave out to the sisters in our ward in January as we began the new year. (We ran out of the cute little brick house themed magnetized calendars, but were giving out the little pages printed all on one sheet..they have been on our Relief Society table at times).

I was planning to have a nursery rhyme/fairy tale theme for each month but some months I just couldn't come up with one. And sometimes our Thursday night event (the last Thursday of the month)did not coordinate with the calendar theme. For example, the last Thursday of the month, our event featured Craig Collin and the topic of Ham Radios. I hope to have something on this blog about that in the near future. Thank you for putting up with my irregular postings this summer!~Joan

So...to review the last 5 months, I took pictures of those 5 calendar pages...you can hardly make some of them out, I am sure...so as soon as I get back from my second Colorado trip (where I am right now), I will type up the entire year for you all.

Blueberries on Sale!

Blueberry lovers take note!
Now that California is producing blueberries commercially (I believe this is the first year they have had a real harvest), we seem to have an overabundance of them! At Albertson's now they are
99 cents for 11 oz. pack...which I measured to be 2 and 1/2 cups.

I have about half my freezer full of frozen blueberries
...they make great smoothies...blend them with frozen bananas and milk...or best of all...blend with ripe peaches and milk (we use almond milk or soy milk) . I made a
blueberry buckle this morning. Next on the list: make blueberry pie filling.

Here is recipe for the Blueberry Buckle...
Makes one 9-inch cake, serving 8 to 10.

A blueberry buckle is a blueberry coffeecake with a streusel topping. The batter will be extremely thick and heavy, and some effort will be required to spread it into the prepared cake pan. This buckle is best made with fresh blueberries, not frozen ones, which are too moist. If you'd like to serve the buckle as dessert, consider a vanilla ice cream or whipped cream accompaniment (see related recipe for Cream Cheese Whipped Cream). Leftovers can be wrapped in plastic and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Ingredients
Streusel
1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour (2 1/2 ounces)

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (3 1/2 ounces)

2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch table salt

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), cut into 8 pieces, softened but still cool
Cake
1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour ( 7 1/2 ounces)

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

10 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/4 stick), softened but still cool
2/3 cup granulated sugar (about 4 3/4 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon table salt

1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs , room temperature
4 cups fresh blueberries (about 20 ounces), picked over

Instructions
1. For the streusel: In standing mixer fitted with flat beater, combine flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt on low speed until well combined and no large brown sugar lumps remain, about 45 seconds. Add butter and mix on low until mixture resembles wet sand and no large butter pieces remain, about 2 1/2 minutes. Transfer streusel to small bowl and set aside.

2. For the cake: Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position; heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9-inch round cake pan with 2-inch sides with nonstick cooking spray, line bottom with parchment or waxed paper round, and spray round; dust pan with flour and knock out excess.

3. Whisk flour and baking powder in small bowl to combine; set aside. In standing mixer fitted with flat beater, cream butter, sugar, salt, and lemon zest at medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes; using rubber spatula, scrape down bowl. Beat in vanilla until combined, about 30 seconds. With mixer running at medium speed, add eggs one at a time; beat until partially incorporated, then scrape down bowl and continue to beat until fully incorporated (mixture will appear broken). With mixer running on low speed, gradually add flour mixture; beat until flour is almost fully incorporated, about 20 seconds. Disengage bowl from mixer; stir batter with rubber spatula, scraping bottom and sides of bowl, until no flour pockets remain and batter is homogenous; batter will be very heavy and thick. Using rubber spatula, gently fold in blueberries until evenly distributed.

4. Transfer batter to prepared pan; with rubber spatula, using a pushing motion, spread batter evenly to pan edges and smooth surface. Squeeze handful of streusel in hand to form large cohesive clump; break up clump with fingers and sprinkle streusel evenly over batter. Repeat with remaining streusel. Bake until deep golden brown and toothpick or wooden skewer inserted into center of cake comes out clean, about 55 minutes. Cool on wire rack 15 to 20 minutes (cake will fall slightly as it cools).

5. Run paring knife around sides of cake to loosen. Place upside-down plate (do not use plate or platter on which you plan to serve the cake) on top of cake pan; invert cake to remove from pan, lift off cake pan, then peel off and discard parchment. Re-invert cake onto serving platter. Cool until just warm or to room temperature, at least 1 hour. Cut into wedges and serve

Tomatoes on Sale Now!

To my Victorville Silverlakes Ward friends!
This is proof that yes, tomatoes are actually 20 cents a pound now at Vallarta here in Victorville. The sale ad says the limit is 10 pounds. So I would get 10 pounds, then leave the store and come right back in (after taking my tomatoes to the car) and get another 10 pounds, (maybe going to a different check out) and so on. The sale lasts through Wed.,August 12th.

So if you were intending to can tomatoes or make your own salsa and can that, now is a good time. Sister Horvath recently bottled some tomatoes from her garden, using the deep kettle boiling method. Give her a call, if you have questions.
Also, Sister Shanks is an expert, too, if you want to talk to someone.

I plan on canning tomatoes for the first time this week...so wish me luck!

Steam Canning

At our Preparedness Club meeting last night we learned about the best way to can: steam canning! Now, you can't get steam canners just anywhere...Walmart and Target do not carry them. You can buy them used on eBay or recycle.com...and we were told about between 30 and 40 dollars is a good price, although some folks will charge more. So we have some hunting to do.

The unit is pictured here...and I can see how this is much more efficient than bringingone of those big boiling kettles to boil..where you have 13 inches or more of water to bring to a boil. Also, with the steam canner, you do not have to wait between batches dor the canner to cool down, like you do with the boiling canners.

Make Your Own Beef Jerky

This is a short video...just a brief highlight of our Preparedness Club meeting last night. It was great! Here Sister Carter is teaching us about beef jerky. The 8 pounds of London broil she usually buys for her jerky is divided up: 4 lbs. are used for jerky first and the other 4 pounds are put in freezer to make jerky later. She uses an oven and lays the strips of meat right on the oven racks.

Recipe:

Carter's Beef Jerky

20 oz. Roast Beef or London Broil-1/4 inch thick
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup water
4 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon hickory smole seasoning
1 tablespoon liquid smoke
1 handful of brown sugar

Put meat in sauce and marinate 2-3 days in fridge. (Sister Horvath commented on how she makes jerky without soaking it in marinade...she just dips it in marinade and then puts it to dry. We'll get her recipe later.)
Layer bottom of oven with foil just enought to cover the area of jerky.
Put about 12 slices of meat on each rack.

bake in 170 oven for 4 hours 45 min. For roast beef, 4 hours 30 minutes. If the jerky is chalky or brittle it was dried too long. If the jerky is limp, it wasn't dried enough.
Allow jerky to cure (just turn oven off and let it sit there)for 24 hours after drying. Store in freezer bags. will last 2 weeks on the shelf. If you have a system of bagging that removes all air and creates a vacuum, you can use that.

The Harvests Are Coming In

Like Squirrel Nutkin here...it is time to start gathering our harvests. Some of us will gather from our own gardens, and some of us will gather from the supermarkets that have especially good sales of season produce.

I look forward to Thursday Night, July 30...when we will be taught by an expert canner: Suzanne Carter of the Adelanto Ward. Our class will be in the RS room of our ward building: 6:30pm-8:00pm.

Earthquake Awareness

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the southwest Fiordland region of the South Island Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Hello everyone...Again I am so sorry I have not posted much here this summer. I have been out of town for a total of 4 weeks, and have had some hard times (sickness and death in the family), and consequently unable to focus on posting items on my blog here.

The news today is that there was quite a big earthquake in new Zealand, so I am posting an article and photo for those of you who like to read about earthqakes. They are a reality, and the potential for the big one to hit us here is great. Most important..have water for 3-5 days at least! One gallon per person. Have food. Make sure your car is outfitted for a possible overnight stay in your car.

Here is the article and its address:

Massive quake moves NZealand closer to Australia

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090722/sc_afp/nzealandquakescience
WELLINGTON (AFP) – A massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake last week has moved the south of New Zealand closer to Australia, scientists said Wednesday.

With the countries separated by the 2,250-kilometre-wide (1,400-mile-wide) Tasman Sea, the 30 centimetre (12 inch) closing of the gap in New Zealand's southwest won't make much difference.

But earthquake scientist Ken Gledhill of GNS Science said the shift illustrated the huge force of the tremor, the biggest in the world so far this year.
"Basically, New Zealand just got a little bit bigger is another way to think about it," he told AFP.

While the southwest of the South Island moved about 30 centimetres closer to Australia, the east coast of the island moved only one centimetre westwards, he said.
The biggest quake in New Zealand in 78 years caused only slight damage to buildings and property when it struck the remote southwest Fiordland region of the South Island last Thursday.

A small tsunami was generated by the earthquake, with a tide gauge on the West Coast of New Zealand recording a wave of one metre.

"For a very large earthquake, although it was very widely felt, there were very few areas that were severely shaken," Gledhill said.
Aerial inspection of the forested fiords near the quake's epicentre showed few land slips or other signs of damage.

This was partly because the type of rupture at the boundaries of the Australian and Pacific plates meant the energy from the quake was largely directed westwards towards the sea rather than inland towards the nearest towns.
The type of quake, known as a subduction thrust rupture, also meant the quake produced lower frequency shaking, felt as a rolling motion, rather than sharp jolts which would have caused more damage.

New Zealand frequently suffers earthquakes because it marks the meeting point of the Australian and Pacific continental plates.

Gledhill said the latest quake may have brought forward a major quake on the offshore section of the Alpine fault, off the coast of Fiordland in the Tasman Sea.
"There could easily be another large earthquake in another part of that region. We can't predict that obviously."

The latest quake was the biggest since February 2, 1931 when a 7.8 quake killed at least 256 people in the North Island city of Napier.
The biggest quake recorded here measured 8.2 and caused major damage in 1855 in the fledgling European settlement that later became the capital Wellington.
The latest quake was unusual in striking right on the boundary of the Australian and Pacific plates and will be important in researching earthquake hazards, Gledhill said

Cherries Now

Hi everyone! I have not posted for a long time...a long story involving a tragedy in the family.

It is cherry season. I thought I was getting a good deal at Winco where I paid around 1. 49 a pound for Bing cherries. then when I got home, I noticed the Stater Brother's flyer and they were 99 cents a pound.

My plan is to buy 20 pounds at least and dry them. First I have to pit them with my cherry pitter (see photo).
I will post more about cherries in the next few days. Our focus in July is: Preserving Foods, either by drying or canning (sealed glass jars.

I just wanted to get the word out about the Stater Brother prices here in Victorville California..sale ends midnight Tues. night.

Quiz

Thanks to the author, Charles A. Lehman, of the 1988 "Desert Survival Handbook", we
can project ourselves into certain scenarios and see what we would do...and should do.

Here is a quiz for you:
You are driving from El Paso to Phoenix along Interstate 10 and at about noon, you get bored and take the next exit and travel 5 miles and turn west on a well-maintained road. You check the rear view mirror...no cars...you get to enjoy all this rare desert beauty by yourself..the airconditioner is keeping you cool and comfy. All of a sudden, you bright red HOT light on the dashboard flashes. You have ablown radiator hose! As you step out of the car, the blast of 115 degree heat (you knew that from the radio announcer)shocks you.

Boy, it's hot. You recall a ranch you passed 25 minutes back. You know you are 5miles from the freeway, but you are quite isolated. You recall that only 2 other cars had come toward you just after you left the freeway.

How would you insure your survival in the searing desert heat?


a. Begin walking toward the freeway and hail a passing car.
b. Strip off as many clothes as possible to help beat the heat, then walk slowly back down the road looking for help.
c. Stay in you car.
d. Get in the shade, wait until dark, then walk out.


The answer is.....











d.


Why?

First of all, you want to save the water that is already in your body. If you take some clothes off, you expose your skin to more evaporation and you lose more water.
If you walk, that also creates heat and you work up a sweat and more water leaves your body.

So rest, and find shade. Your car is shade but will feel like an oven. You will overheat quickly in your car. Roll down all the windows...if still too hot for comfort, create some shade. Make a lean too with 2 poles and some fabric. The car also will cast a shadow as the day progresses. If there is a cave, use that but don't go far in..stay within sight of the entrance, and within sight of your car. A rock overhang nearby could also provide shade.

Desert Survival Handbook

I live in the Mojave desert and most of the people who read this blog do too.
We live in Victorville, California which is about a 3 hour drive from Las Vegas.

When we moved here, I bought this book...I was scared.

Several years ago, there was a story about a guy and his son who were out walking in this landscape in the heat of the summer, thinking they had enough water. They both perished. Official cause of death: Dehydration and hyperthermia.

This book has loads of lifesaving information and I will post the main points for you as soon as I can. We are going on a trip across this desert next week, so it will be good for me also to review these concepts.