"Latter-Day" Preparation!

Prepared Not Scared Blog

2012-02-12T13:29:00.000-08:00

If you want to go to an incredible site regarding preparedness and organization and family life..go here:

http://preparednotscared.blogspot.com/

It's a great preparedness blog!

Her name is Trish, she is LDS (of course) and her blog has won an award. Go and see why.

Check out Folder 3 (on the right side of the page) and scroll down to find Food Storage Inventory

Inventory Sheet and print it out. It is what I gave out in Relief Society today.

Check out her post on sanitation.

The Classic Food Storage Talk from April 1976 Conference

2012-02-12T13:23:00.001-08:00

This is Vaughn J. Featherstone.

Hi everyone...Thought I would resurrect this for you all....

Food Storage

Bishop Vaughn J. Featherstone
Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric
May 1976 Ensign

Brethren of the priesthood, sisters of the Relief Society, President Henry D. Moyle suggested that when someone speaks we ought to get three things out of the message. First and least important (but still very important), we ought to get what is said. Second, and more important, we ought to have a spiritual experience. Third, and most important, we should keep the commitments we make to ourselves. Let’s write them down and follow through. Don’t ever make a commitment to yourself you don’t intend to keep—if you do, you weaken your character.

For twenty-six years, since I was fifteen, I was involved in the grocery industry. I learned much about human nature during those years. I remember the effects that strikes, earthquakes, and rumors of war had on many very active Latter-day Saints. Like the five foolish virgins, they rushed to the store to buy food, caught in the panic of knowing that direction had been given by the prophet but not having followed that direction—fearful that maybe they had procrastinated until it was everlastingly too late.

It was interesting because only in Latter-day Saint communities did people seem to buy with abandon. It was not a few Latter-day Saints—it was a significant number. It caused great increases in sales. One such experience came when a so-called prophecy by someone outside the Church was greatly publicized.

How foolish we can sometimes be! We have a living prophet; we have God’s living oracles, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles. Let us follow the Brethren and be constant. We need have no fear if we are prepared.

Brothers and sisters, what have we done in our stakes and wards to see that every Latter-day Saint has a year’s reserve of food to sustain life? Let’s not only keep teaching the principle, but let’s also teach our people how.

This morning I would like to discuss food storage. Let me suggest three or four things we can do. Start by taking an inventory—take a physical count of all of your reserves. This would be a great family home evening project if you’re prepared. If not, it may be terribly embarrassing to you in front of your family. Imagine how the powerful testimony you bear concerning a living prophet must sound to your children, who know that as a family head you have been counseled for years to have a year’s reserve of food on hand. We need to know where we are. Every family should take an inventory—get all the facts.

Second, decide what is needed to bring your present reserve levels to a year’s supply. Then make a list and prepare a plan. Consider first, what are the basics?—wheat (or grain from your locale), sugar or honey, dried milk, salt, and water. Most of us can afford such basics. Buy them from your monthly food budget allowance. The Church discourages going into debt to buy for storage.

Now that you know where you are and where you need to be, the third step is to work out a time schedule for when you will reach your goal. I suggest that one year from today we ought to have a year’s supply of food in all active—and many inactive—members’ homes in the Church. Where food storage violates the law of your land, then abide the law. However, even in those cases we can plant gardens and fruit trees and raise rabbits or chickens. Do all you can within the laws of your community, and the Lord will bless you when the time of need comes. Now here are some suggestions how:

1. Follow the prophet. He has counseled us to plant a garden and fruit trees. This year don’t just think about it—do it. Grow all the food you possibly can. Also remember to buy a year’s supply of garden seeds so that, in case of a shortage, you will have them for the following spring. I’m going to tell you where to get the money for all the things I’m going to suggest.

2. Find someone who sells large bulk of grains, depending on your locale. Make arrangements to buy a ton or so of grain.

3. Find someone who sells honey in large containers and make arrangements to buy what you can afford on a regular basis or buy a little additional sugar each time you go to the store.

4. Purchase dry milk from the store or dairy, on a systematic basis.

5. Buy a case of salt the next time you go to the store. In most areas, 24 one-pound packages will cost you less than $5.

6. Store enough water for each member of your family to last for at least two weeks.

Where the foods I mentioned are not available or are not basic in your culture or area, make appropriate substitutions.

Now you ask, “Where do I get the money for these things? I agree we need them, but I’m having a hard time making ends meet.”

Here is how you do it. Use any one or all of these suggestions, some of which may not be applicable in your country:

1. Decide as a family this year that 25 or 50 percent of your Christmas will be spent on a year’s supply. Many families in the Church spend considerable sums of money for Christmas. Half or part of these Christmas monies will go a long way toward purchasing the basics. I recall the Scotsman who went to the doctor and had an X-ray taken of his chest. Then he had the X-ray gift-wrapped and gave it to his wife for their anniversary. He couldn’t afford a gift, but he wanted her to know his heart was in the right place. Brethren, give your wife a year’s supply of wheat for Christmas, and she’ll know your heart is in the right place.

2. When you desire new clothes, don’t buy them. Repair and mend and make your present wardrobe last a few months longer. Use that money for the food basics. Make all of your nonfood necessities that you feasibly can, such as furniture and clothing.

3. Cut the amount of money you spend on recreation by 50 percent. Do fun things that do not require money outlay but make more lasting impressions on your children.

4. Decide as a family that there will be no vacation or holiday next year unless you have your year’s supply. Many Church members could buy a full year’s supply of the basics from what they would save by not taking a vacation. Take the vacation time and work on a family garden. Be together, and it can be just as much fun.

5. If you haven’t a year’s supply yet and you do have boats, snowmobiles, campers, or other luxury possessions, sell or trade one or two or more of them and get your year’s supply.

6. Watch advertised specials in the grocery stores and pick up extra supplies of those items that are of exceptional value.

7. Change the mix in your family’s diet. Get your protein from sources less expensive than meat. The grocery bill is one bill that can be cut. Every time you enter the store and feel tempted by effective and honest merchandising to buy cookies, candy, ice cream, non-food items, or magazines—don’t! Think carefully; buy only the essentials. Then figure what you have saved and spend it on powdered milk, sugar, honey, salt, or grain.

The Lord will make it possible, if we make a firm commitment, for every Latter-day Saint family to have a year’s supply of food reserves by April 1977. All we have to do is to decide, commit to do it, and then keep the commitment. Miracles will take place; the way will be opened, and next April we will have our storage areas filled. We will prove through our actions our willingness to follow our beloved prophet and the Brethren, which will bring security to us and our families.

Now regarding home production: Raise animals where means and local laws permit. Plant fruit trees, grapevines, berry bushes, and vegetables. You will provide food for your family, much of which can be eaten fresh. Other food you grow can be preserved and included as part of your home storage. Wherever possible, produce your nonfood necessities of life. Sew and mend your own clothing. Make or build needed items. I might also add, beautify, repair, and maintain all of your property.

Home production of food and nonfood items is a way to stretch your income and to increase your skills and talents. It is a way to teach your family to be self-sufficient. Our children are provided with much needed opportunities to learn the fundamentals of work, industry, and thrift. President Romney has said, “We will see the day when we will live on what we produce.” (Conference Reports, April 1975, p. 165.)

I should like to address a few remarks to those who ask, “Do I share with my neighbors who have not followed the counsel? And what about the nonmembers who do not have a year’s supply? Do we have to share with them?” No, we don’t have to share—we get to share! Let us not be concerned about silly thoughts of whether we would share or not. Of course we would share! What would Jesus do? I could not possibly eat food and see my neighbors starving. And if you starve to death after sharing, “greater love hath no man than this …” (John 15:13.)

Now what about those who would plunder and break in and take that which we have stored for our families’ needs? Don’t give this one more idle thought. There is a God in heaven whom we have obeyed. Do you suppose he would abandon those who have kept his commandments? He said, “If ye are prepared, ye need not fear.” (D&C 38:30.) Prepare, O men of Zion, and fear not. Let Zion put on her beautiful garments. Let us put on the full armor of God. Let us be pure in heart, love mercy, be just, and stand in holy places. Commit to have a year’s supply of food by April 1977.

Bishops and stake presidents, let us accept the challenge on behalf of the Saints in our wards and stakes. It will prove to be a very Christlike deed on your part. Follow through and check up one year from now and make certain we achieve results.

In his October 1973 conference address, President Ezra Taft Benson gave some excellent instructions about home storage:

“For the righteous the gospel provides a warning before a calamity, a program for the crises, a refuge for each disaster. …

“The Lord has warned us of famines, but the righteous will have listened to prophets and stored at least a year’s supply of survival food. …

“Brethren and sisters, I know that this welfare program is inspired of God. I have witnessed with my own eyes the ravages of hunger and destitution as, under the direction of the president of the Church, I spent a year in war-torn Europe at the close of World War II, without my family, distributing food, clothing, and bedding to our needy members. I have looked into the sunken eyes of Saints, in almost the last stages of starvation. I have seen faithful mothers carrying their children, three and four years of age, who were unable to walk because of malnutrition. I have seen a hungry woman turn down food for a spool of thread. I have seen grown men weep as they ran their hands through the wheat and beans sent to them from Zion—America.

“Thanks be to God for a prophet, for this inspired program, and for Saints who so managed their stewardship that they could provide for their own and still share with others.” (“Prepare Ye,” Ensign, Jan. 1974, pp. 69, 81–82.)

I bear my humble witness to you that the great God of heaven will open doors and means in a way we never would have supposed to help all those who truly want to get their year’s supply. I know we will have time and money if we will commit and keep the commitment. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Correct Principals

2012-02-11T19:11:00.000-08:00

This is from John Taylor on November, 1851 in the Millennial Star 13:22 page 339.

Concerning government: Some years ago, in Nauvoo, a gentleman in my hearing, a member of the Legislature, asked Joseph Smith how it was that he was enabled to govern so many people, and to preserve such perfect order; remarking at the same time that it was impossible for them to do it anywhere else. Mr. Smith remarked that it was very easy to do that. "How?" responded the gentleman; "to us it is very difficult." Mr. Smith replied, "I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves."

This is how I feel about my blog...I have taught correct principals and now everyone should be able to get prepared!!! This blog is full of so many good things, so please revisit some of the posts! Even I have to revisit a lot of my posts because it is easy to forget or to get lax. I am now searching to find what I have not yet included in both of my blogs that still needs to be said.

I do realize it is important to refresh our memories and get re-motivated from time to time, so I hope to repeat things and in more interesting ways, hopefully.

OK...with that introduction,

THIS IS DIRECTLY FROM THE LDS CHURCH'S WEBSITE:

"Prepare Every Needful Thing"

“Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit and

use. His purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to ‘prepare every needful thing’ (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we may care for ourselves and our neighbors and support bishops as they care for others.

“We encourage members worldwide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings.

“We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings. Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve.”

Three-Month Supply

Build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet. One way to do this is to purchase a few extra items each week to build a one-week supply of food. Then you can gradually increase your supply until it is sufficient for three months. These items should be rotated regularly to avoid spoilage.https://www.lds.org/family/family-well-being/home-storage?lang=eng

Food Storage In A Nutshell

2012-01-30T07:50:00.000-08:00

This gal is READY !!!!!!!!! I love her pantry...look at her water supply!!!!!!!! Let this video inspire you!! http://www.dealstomeals.com/ is her website. I never heard of "Morning Moo" so I shall have to check it out. If it is indeed cheaper and more delicious than regular powdered milk, it's a deal!

Grains Are Good!

2012-01-23T14:54:00.000-08:00

I was talking on the phone to our daughter in Missouri a few days ago. It sounded like she was eating. What are you eating? I asked. Barley and walnuts, she said.
I was IMPRESSED. She told me it was cold barley, too. She had a stash in her fridge.

Your whole family can learn to enjoy barley! It is inexpensive and so so nutritious.

How to cook barley:
Cooking barley is similar to cooking rice. Cover 1 cup of pearl barley with 2 cups of water or or broth and simmer for 30-40 minutes or more before fluffing with a fork. if you stir it before it is done, you destroy the steam pockets that develop and it will not cook well. Or, try using a rice cooker. Add 2 1/2 cups water per cup of barley.
Barley and your health:
According to the FDA, barley's soluble fiberreduces the risk of coronary heart disease and can lower cholesterol. But that's not all that this amazing food does! Barley also contains insoluble fiber, which reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes and colon cancer. One cup of cooked barley provides 193 calories, 6 grams of fiber and 3.5 grams of protein. With less than one gram of fat per serving, barley is a virtually fat-free food and is also cholesterol-free.
May I recommend you experiment with barley!

First Step in Food Storage

2012-01-07T23:26:00.000-08:00

Consider seriously what your family NORMALLY eats in a week.

Make a list of what you eat for each breakfast, lunch and dinner and also your snacks...for seven days.

Do not go out for fast food or to a restaurant in those 7 days so you can get an adequate picture of what you need to be providing for your family.

ALSO: Take note of favorite foods of each family member. You will definitely want to purchase some of these items!

Food Storage In A Nutshell

2012-01-07T23:06:00.000-08:00

3 Month's Supply
Longer-Term Food Supply

From....

"Lay Up in Store" Liahona May 2007

BISHOP KEITH B. MCMULLIN

Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric

A cardinal principle of the gospel is to prepare for the day of scarcity. Work, industry, frugality are part of the royal order of life. Remember these words from Paul: “If any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” 1 Timothy 5:8

The main site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

http://www.lds.org/family/family-well-being/home-storage/longer-term-food-supply?lang=eng

has a link to another site called Provident Living where we find guidance and counsel on this matter: First, we are to build up a .....

Three-Month Supply

Then, we are to add to it a....

Longer-Term Food Supply

For longer-term needs, and where permitted, gradually build a supply of food that will last a long time and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat, white rice, and beans.

These items can last 30 years or more when properly packaged and stored in a cool, dry place. A portion of these items may be rotated in your three-month supply.

Finding the Money to Buy Extra Food

2012-01-07T22:57:00.000-08:00

Instead of going here.....
Go here.....

I believe the best way to find that extra money you need to buy food storage is to NOT buy food in restaurants. Dollar for dollar you get WAY MORE food and food value (nutrients) from your wise grocery store purchases than from your favorite restaurant. So save your money, by-pass the restaurant and go to Winco, which has the best prices around! You don't have to pay tax on your food, nor are you obligated to tip your server.

Also..you can't put a price on the secure feeling you have when you know you have laid up food for an emergency.

Scenario #4 CAN'T GO TO A FOOD STORE

2012-01-07T22:44:00.000-08:00

For the month of January, we will concentrate on how to prepare for Scenario #4: You are unable to go to a food store to obtain food. The stores may be empty because of some kind of disaster which makes it impossible for the trucks to deliver goods to the stores. Or you wallet or bank account may be empty.

In this case: You will want to have had prepared in advance....

A pantry full of food: Your own store, so to speak.

This picture is from this blog:

http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/2011/10/guest-post-today-food-storage-101.html

You may want to go to this site and get inspired! I did!

You may not have a pantry in your house. I do not. But I created one out of a coat closet. It is nice to open up that closet and see all that food! I also keep food in a dresser in the closet of one of our bedrooms. And my kitchen cupboards are packed!

Finding places to store you food is fun...it is an opportunity to be creative.

The blog posts this month will give you guidance, ideas, tips and sites to help you reach your food storage goals.

Keychain Flashlight

2012-01-07T22:37:00.000-08:00

I cannot tell you how many times I have been "saved" by this little attachment on my key ring. These little LED flashlight cost 99.99 cents at your local 99 Cents Only Store.

I bought this one 4 days ago at the LaPaz St. store here in Victorville. I bought it as a gift for someone. Since I already have one...and have had this on my key chain for over a year and it still work!
Here's mine...
Here it is in action: I implore everyone to get one and put it on your key chain where it will be oh so handy.

My New Car Escape Tool

2012-01-04T22:50:00.000-08:00

I got this nifty item for Christmas: A Car Escape Tool !

It is a Glass break hammer and a seat belt cutter. See the blade? I would like to go to "Pick and Pull" and try out the hammer and the blade on some old car and see how well this tool works.

My husband got it for me since he knows I carry a big pair of scissors in my purse ever since I heard the story of a 2 year old girl who died in a burning car because no one could unbuckle her seat belt. You can see the blade on this tool here....but I feel like I need to practice with it.

Utah man, three children rescued after car plunges into river

2012-01-04T22:28:00.000-08:00

This video is a great report of what happened.

When I heard this story, I was so amazed at how prepared the rescuers were. They were prepared mentally to not hesitate a second but to go ahead and plunge into an icy river to see how they could help. One guy who shot the car window with his gun because there seemed to be no other way to get inside to the 3 children. The guy who cut the seat belts with his knife said he never leaves the house without 3 things: His gun, a knife, and a pocket flashlight.

Other helpers used coats or blankets they had in their cars to help warm the children. CPR saved 2 of the children! Indeed, that all these rescuers happened upon the scene and acted so quickly and that all were saved was amazing!

Preparation for Power Outage in a Nutshell

2011-12-31T01:51:00.000-08:00

You want WARMTH ! Layers of clothes. Hot Hands products.

You want LIGHT! (Solar devices are the BEST!)

You want a means of cooking or warming your food, and you want comfort foods. (canned soups, ravioli etc.) Hot chocolate. Mac N Cheese.

Power Outage Fun

2011-12-31T01:32:00.000-08:00

During a power outage, you can just say you are "unplugged." ...and you can still have fun..the old fashioned way!

During a long term power outage, our charged devices (iPad, iPod, iPod Touch, Smart phone, Kindle, Android, etc.) will eventually run out of power. Consider the old fashioned ways of occupying your mind or of entertaining yourselves.

Have games, puzzles, books, drawing paper, crayons, etc. You will only be limited by your imagination!

This is why you want light...so you can see to play your games, ready your books, draw your masterpieces.

Musicians in the family can play their instruments! (If they are non electrical.) A harmonica would be a good thing to have in the home. And a guitar. Or Ukulele.

A recorder is easy. Create a jugband. Sing. Make up songs. Write.

Becoming unplugged won't be all that bad! I can be lots of fun!

Portable Stoves

2011-12-31T01:11:00.000-08:00

One day last October, I was in San Diego walking down a sidewalk near where some Mexican landscape workers were sitting on the ground around a portable stove, laughing and talking and cooking their tortillas.

Now this was eating in style! No cold sack lunch for these guys! Just the wonderful aroma of cooked corn tortillas and whatever else they had. (I did not linger to see.) I want one of those I thought!

And sure enough, I did get one at a swap meet, 2 months later, for 20 dollars. The fuel cartridge -butane -was 2 dollars. Now I am ready for a long term winter power outage. I can cook anything on my portable stove! These little stoves cook as well as your own kitchen stove. One burner at a time is all I need, how about you?
I found an even cheaper model on amazon.com.....

Deluxe Butane Burner Stove & Free Case
by Smart Chef

Price: $13.30 Check it out!

http://www.amazon.com/Deluxe-Butane-Burner-Stove-Free/dp/B000BVC4NY

The Power Went Out And....

2011-12-31T00:29:00.000-08:00

The house instantly became pitch black dark! But...

I was ready and fearless!

I looked out the window..the neighbors to the back had lights. I went to the front door and peered out. Complete darkness in all the homes across the street. No street light.

I went to out bedroom and got our three solar lanterns and brought them into the kitchen. There! Great! Lots of light! But I sure hoped the electric company would fix the problem soon.

I love our lanterns! Here they are...lighting up the kitchen during that power outage.

(Now you don't have to have SOLAR lanterns: my folks have lanterns that look almost exactly like this, but they are battery operated and sometimes they forget to check the batteries and get caught during a power outage without light. Usually, though, they are fine ready and the lantern is ready and handy.)

I had light, but I had a problem. Our gas oven stopped working! I was baking a turkey breast at the time...about 11:00 at night during the week before Christmas. Why did my oven stop working? It is not an electric stove. True. But the thermostat is electric...and so when the temperature of the oven dipped a bit, the thermostat did not kick in and the oven slowly got cooler.

I started to wonder when the folks at the electric company would get this straightened out.

Wait! Maybe they do not even know about this problem in our neighborhood. I called 9-1-1 (ON OUR LAND LINE because our cordless phones were not working) and told the gal that this particular neighborhood had no electricity. She said they knew about it.

My turkey breast had another hour and a half of baking/roasting....and I did not have any idea when the power would return. If it would not return for four or 5 hours, I would be in trouble.

I needed to get this meat cooked. I couldn't very well take it out of the oven and put it in the refrigerator. I decided I would relax and read for a while.

First, though, I turned off the computer and the power strip it is connected to.

Then I called our neighbor across the street on my cell phone (which was working!) and took a solar lantern over to him to use. He had a flashlight but welcomed the lantern, which he could set on a table and it gave off more light.

I then sat down and caught up on some reading and waited for the lights to go back on.

After 45 minutes, I began to think of that turkey breast again.

The best possible thing I could do, I thought, is to grill it on our outdoor BBQ grill. I went outside to the back patio to see if we had some charcoal. We did. Good! Next step, get the grill and clean it up and get it ready.

As I started to do that, the lights came back on! Yes!

I was set back a little that night and got to bed at 2:30am (had to finish cooking the turkey breast, then cool it off enough to refrigerate it.)

I was so glad I had those 3 solar lanterns! And that I could share one with a neighbor..and that someone out there (some electric company employees)knew how to get the power going again.

Solar Path Lights Save the Night

2011-12-31T00:17:00.000-08:00

Do you have some of those solar path lights that you can buy individually for about 3 bucks (or more) and then stick them in your lawn? All day long, these items collect solar energy and when the sun goes down and it is dark, they light up quite brightly! If you need a light, this is a good reliable source...doesn't need expensive batteries:the sunlight is free of charge(so far!)

What I like about these is that they are carried easily from room to room, a solar torch, as it were. Here I am carrying mine down the hall in the darkness. It surely lights my way.

I use it to illuminate the pages of the book I am reading. It does a great job.

Great Use of A Dollar Raincoat

2011-12-30T22:03:00.000-08:00

I may have told this story already, but here goes:

This is me one summer at the crest of a hill on a freeway (actually, this is at "the point of the mountain" in Utah...between Provo/Orem area and Salt Lake City.)

What happened is this: It was raining, and a very busy Friday afternoon (this was the day Michael Jackson died 2 years ago)and we got a flat tire. It was the tire on the left side of the car, so it was quite dangerous for my hsuband to be changing that tire, with his backside jutting out into the oncoming traffic on the slick road. I was thinking: I have to warn the cars to slow down as they crested the hill. So I put on my bright yellow raincoat from the 99 Cents Only store that I had in my Car kit. And I stood there with my arms holding the coat out so I would be more visible. I also was praying no one would hit me/us. Our daughter took this picture of me with

her phone. The hard part of this whole thing was that before my husband could jack up the car, he had to remove from the car of the car all the heavy granite slabs he had just purchased! This rain coat must not have had a hood (I can't recall)...not good. I should have been wearing a rain hat!!!

The main point of this post: Have a bright colored raincoat in your car!!! If it night, you can use it many ways. You can wear it so you can be seen (if you have to get out of your car at the side of the road)and not hit by other cars whizzing past. You can wave it over your head for a distress signal. It will keep you dry if you have to walk or work in the rain.

Keeping Warm in your Cold House

2011-12-11T11:45:00.000-08:00

Frosted Window Panes! You think you are cold???? Is there 1 and 1/2 inches of ice on your inside window?

Do you have a nice warm bed with flannel sheets and lots of blankets?

Dealing With the Cold

Here are 2 stories from my life that may enlighten you to the fact that you can survive well if you have no heating in your home/room.

Story Number 1

This goes back to the late 60′s. I was a college student living at home (Central Wisconsin-often the "coldest spot in the nation today" as the radio announcer often told us) and my brother left for the navy. I inherited his bedroom and for the first time in my life, I had my own room. The bedroom was upstairs, across the way from the attic door, which was actually a curtain hanging in the doorway. The attic’s ceiling was just the wood underneath the shingles of the roof. No insulation. In my new bedroom, there were no heat vents coming in from the basement furnace. I lived in this bedroom for 3 years, through all seasons.

This bedroom was my schoolroom for learning how to cope with extreme indoor temperatures. Before I describe my experiences in winter in this room, let me mention that there are 2 kinds of people in this world: people who are usually hot, and people who are usually cold. I am usually cold. I wear a sweater when it is 80 degrees.

In this bedroom, during the month of January and usually half of February or more, you could see your breath! Any time of the day. Frost, as well as being on the outside of the window, was on the inside of the window and usually 1 inch thick or more. We had 3 windows on the west wall. You could not see out the window for all that frost. We never tried to chisel it off…more would come the next day if we did.

Well, I had to sleep and sleep well because I always had early classes (that started at 7am) to walk over a mile to (there are other stories!) This was my strategy:

First I made sure I had flannel top and bottom sheets on the bed. And then I made sure I had at least 5 blankets on the bed including 2 heavy wool army blankets . My pajamas were actually thick sweat pants and a thick sweat shirt with insulated (thermal underwear) top under the sweat shirt. I had thick hunting socks on my feet and a thick knit cap on my head. I can’t recall if I had mittens on…probably.

Now, here is where my brilliance shows up: I jogged in place for 10 minutes or so..until my blood was going strong, my heart was beating fast , my muscles were all working and I was generating a lot of heat. Then I would jump in bed and cover up! The heat from my body would quickly spread to the flannel sheet below me and the blankets on top of me and soon I would be in dreamland…not caring if my breath was visible and the ice on the windows increased through the night.

So do not be dismayed if you home is unheated during a power outage in winter. Just dress warm and do some heavy exercising periodically to keep you body warm. You’ll do fine.

Story Number 2

I am a pansy compared to my former neighbor. She was a single mom, had 5 kids at home, and lived across the street in a big 2 story house. For 3 winters (maybe more) there furnace was broke and never repaired. They could not afford it. So how did they keep warm? They just wore their coats all day and all night. They got used to this and were fine.

What we learn is this: We can survive in a cold house. Be grateful for the walls and roof to keep the wind out, and bundle up with extra clothes, jackets, sweaters, etc. Have on hand a nice thick knit stocking cap for each member of the family and heavy socks! (go to the hunting section of Walmart or sporting good stores for the best socks!) And have some fun exercising.

Another tip:

Use your Sterno stove or propane stove to make hot drinks of herb tea, hot chocolate, hot prune juice (this is a favorite of mine), hot broth, etc. This will comfort and warm your chilled bodies. You will survive and you will have some good stries (like me) to tell your children and grandchildren.

Thanks for logging on. Remember: If you are prepared,you shall not fear. ~Joan Hulihan

Keep Food Safe During Power Outage

2011-12-11T11:36:00.000-08:00

KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE FOOD IN YOUR FRIDGE DURING A POWER OUTAGE

Keep Food Safe During Power Outages (Scenario #3)

Power outages may mean your refrigerator, stove, or microwave cannot work. When food is not kept cold or is not fully cooked the food can make you sick. More than 250 diseases can be caused by bacteria found in contaminated raw or undercooked food, such as meat, milk, eggs, fish, or shellfish. Keeping these foods cold and cooking them will help prevent foodborne illness.

Know How to Protect Your Food

If you think your power might be out for a long time, use foods that can spoil fast before foods that keep longer. Find out now where you can buy dry ice to keep your freezer cold, or blocks of ice for the refrigerator. Buy an ice chest.

Keep Food Cold

Keep doors to refrigerators and freezers closed to keep cold air inside. Freezers that are part of a refrigerator-freezer combination will keep food frozen for up to a day. A free-standing chest or upright freezer will keep food frozen solid for two days if it is fully loaded. A half-full freezer will keep food frozen for a day, especially if the food has been grouped together.

Power Outage Expected to Last More Than a Day

It is most important to keep meat, seafood, and dairy products cold. An ice chest packed with ice or snow can keep food cold. Bags of ice or block ice can be purchased and placed in the refrigerator to keep food cold.

Dry ice from a local ice company or grocery store can help save frozen food. Use caution when handling dry ice and follow these tips:

Never touch with bare hands, taste, or put in mouth

Provide good ventilation prior to placing dry ice in freezer and don't inhale gas vapors

Don't place dry ice directly on food or glass shelves and don't use in an operating freezer.

Can't Fit Everything Into the Ice Chest

It is most important to keep meat, seafood, and dairy products cold. In cold weather, other items can be stored in a cardboard box in a garage or shed. Generally, the following items can be kept on a countertop or in the garage:

Jams and jellies, Butter and margarine, Ketchup, mustard, pickles, relish and similar condiments

Fresh uncut fruit and vegetables.

Don't Store Food Outside During Winter

Storing food outside during winter isn't recommended. The outside temperature changes from hour to hour. The sun may thaw frozen foods or warm cold foods so that they grow bacteria. If you store food outside anyway, make sure that animals don't contaminate the food.

Know What Food to Keep and What to Throw Out

If food is cold to the touch, and you know it has not been above 45 degrees F for more than an hour or two, it is probably safe to keep, use, or refreeze. Throw away all meat, seafood, dairy products, or cooked foods that don't feel cold to the touch. Even under proper refrigeration, many raw foods should be kept only three or four days before they are cooked, frozen, or thrown away. If in doubt, throw it out. Never taste suspicious food. It may look and smell fine, but the bacteria that cause foodborne illness may have grown on the food and will make you sick.

SOURCE: http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/food/poweroutage.html

Scenario # 3 Power Outage

2011-12-11T11:27:00.000-08:00

Part of being prepared is knowing what to do in a power outage.

When there is a power problem, leave it to the experts to resolve. Never investigate the source of a power problem on your own.

If you see a fallen wire, stay away and call 9-1-1 right away. (This information is from the California Edison Company. )

If there is a power problem in your home:

If you’ve had problems with your power for more than a few minutes, please let us know.

Reporting the outage online is fast and easy.
You can also call SCE at 1-800-611-1911.

Charlie Brown is prepared!

2011-12-03T12:44:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is that time of year! This past week, historic Santa Ana winds blew down trees and knocked out power in the Inland Empire...not very far from us at all! Are you prepared like Charlie Brown?

WARMTH

2011-11-21T00:17:00.000-08:00

I love this product! I opened one up 2 Sundays ago at about 3:15pm to show to the RS sisters at the 3:40 meeting. I passed it around, it was warm, and I told everyone it was not too hot because it was old. I stand corrected. yes, it was kind of old... a year old...maybe 2...but it got hotter and hotter after I came home from church! I kept it with me...even at 9pm at night it was so nice and hot. Even at 11:00 it still was active...not as hot as 9pm, but still very warm and comforting. Truckers wear these in their shirt pockets. Women can tuck them in their bras. Just holding one between your hands is nice. You simply rip open the package, take out the pouch and shake it. The pouch is made of some kind of fiber that lets the air in to mix with the powdery ingredients inside and this activates it to produce heat. There are 2 sizes. Don't buy the small hand warmers... they are too tiny...buy the bigger pack. Keep them in you car's glove compartment so you can find them easily. They will be a comfort to you if you are stranded in a car in cold weather!
Using hot hands with a blanket is the best thing to do if you end up spending many hours in your car.Warm hats, gloves, scarves: keep extras in your car. Actually, mittens are warmer than gloves.

Is Your Car Ready For Winter?

2011-11-21T00:04:00.000-08:00

To Winterize Your Car, Attend to the Following:

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

2. Ensure antifreze levels are sufficient to avoid freezing.

3. Ensure the heater and defroster work properly.

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

(Our son recommends bringing an extra gallon of wiper fluid along in case of heavy blizzard.)

5. Ensure the thermostat works properly.

6. Check lights and flashing hazards for serviceability.

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

8. Check brakes for wear and fluid levels.

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

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

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

A Possibility For You

2011-11-20T23:56:00.000-08:00

Hi ! I just wanted you to picture yourself driving in the snow....if you cannot, maybe this video will help...(Elvis fans will enjoy this!)

Scenario #2 You are Stranded In Your Car

2011-11-20T23:13:00.000-08:00

"Tis the season!
It is November...and fast approaching December and W I N T E R !

Here in the high desert we have had snow and we have had roads closed and people stranded.

Scenario #2 is
You are Stranded in Your Car
Snowing or not...it will be cold...and you need to be ready.
You may be driving along fine and then something happens and your car won't go.

You may be on a lonely road...you will have to keep warm to survive!

IF A BLIZZARD TRAPS YOU IN THE CAR OR IF YOU AR STRANDED IN VERY COLD WEATHER, KEEP THESE GUIDELINES IN MIND:

1. Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from antenna or window (This is where a brightly colored bandanna comes in handy!)

2. 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. If it is snowing, distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but be too far to walk in deep snow.

3. 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 carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.

4. Exercise to maintain body heat (isometric exercises,etc) but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, floor mats for insulation if you do not have blankets. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.

5. Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.

6. Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.

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

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

9. 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.

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

Scenario #1 No Water Flows From Your Tap

2011-11-13T12:17:00.000-08:00

5 years ago, in our Relief Society, I began a project with the aim to teach and inspire the sisters of our ward to be prepared in the event of an emergency scenario.

I am now going to re-visit those scenarios (I had posted most of them on an old blog:www.survivalmode.blog.com) which you can still go to.

The first scenario.....

Scenario #1

You have no usable water flowing from your faucets.

This can happen if the city’s water pipes break during a big earthquake, or something can just happen in your neighborhood that wipes out your water supply. Or somehow the city’s water supply can become harmful.

Do not take a shower in bad water, by the way.

We prepare for this scenario best by purchasing bottled water in the amount of one gallon a day per person in your family for 2 weeks. If this is too much, do as much as you can…for 4- 5 days, for example. I find that having water in one gallon containers such as you purchase at the grocery store is a very handy way to obtain, and to use emergency water.

Since you won’t be able to flush your toilets, you need to have on hand packages of those white 13 gallon kitchen trash bags. You lift the lid of your toilet and place an opened 13 gallon trash bag down in your toilet, letting the sides of the bag flow out over the rim of the toilet and then put the seat down and the toilet is ready to use. Then you tie up the bag of human waste and dispose of it somewhere. Go potty in comfort… No need to squat over a bucket!

Some folks like to store extra water in those big blue 55 gallon water barrels (which I wrote about in a separate post previous to this one.) You can use the water in your water heater, also.

One of the best things you can do is to have a water filtration system. I use the Seychelle system ...please see my post on that.

Blue Water Barrels and Accessories

2011-11-03T17:35:00.001-07:00

This is the 55 gallon Water Barrel that is offered on many preparedness sites and range in price from $55 to $75. The arizonabarrels.com sells them for $18 !

Our ward is now able to buy them for $15 from a special dealer. You do need other equipment, though. Hence, this post. Please read on. Thank you.

I was able to get the screwed on caps off with my fingers, but only because they were not screwed on tight. I highly recommend getting one Bung wrench as they are called...This one sells for $6.95 at beprepared.com.
You need to fill your barrel with water with a food grade hose...available at Walmarts. Regular hoses have lead in them and are not to be used for drinking.
This is a pump for you to use to get the water out of your barrel.

Portable Water Filtration System

2011-10-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

Here's the story: I love water. Fresh tasting clear water. When I go to other cities, often the water taste bad, feels bad in my mouth. I believe we here in Victorville have pretty tasty water. I drink it from the tap. I , though, am aware of the chemicals they put in water here-we get a report from the Water Department regularly. Sometimes it scares me to see that long list of chemicals.

I am aware that when I am traveling, there may not be a source of clean good tasting water. Or we might have a natural disaster that will prevent us from having clean water.

To be a more prepared person, I have decided to purchase a portable water system.

Why?

Well...I don't like buying and using all those clear plastic water bottles: Long story for another post.

Also..another thing that motivated me was listening to my son who, for his work, had to do some survival activities up in the mountains which included using a portable water filtration system. They had to use water from a lake, some streams.

So, curious to see if the LDS Church Distribution Center offered something like this, I checked it out.

I bought the Seychelle Water Filtration Kit (my son used a different name brand system) from the online LDS store and was pleased to find it was a lot cheaper on that site than it was on other sites. I paid $16.50 about 6 months ago and the price recently went up to $22.00. On other sites, this same item costs $59.95!

Here it is...very nice .The plastic bottles Seychelle uses are environmentally safe, re-usable, can be recycled. They will not leach and are BPA free. Yippee! I'm in!

Water Filtration Bottle Kit

This advanced bottle removes up to 99.99 percent of pollutants and contaminants found in drinking water. Produces up to 100 gallons of filtered water. Kit contains one 28-ounce water bottle and two filters. Bottle includes an insulator sleeve and clip.

Water Filtration Kit

(1 Each)

$22.00 USD Item # 08381000

Purchase this item from... store.lds.org

This would make a great Christmas gift, don't you think?

A Prophet Speaks

2011-08-30T20:35:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhIQZGxeY6E&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Prepare Yourself For The Great Day of The Lord

Fiery accident on the 110

2011-08-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

Girl, 2, dies in fiery accident on the 110 Freeway in Highland Park

This story has consumed me most of the day. I kept trying to think what could have been done?

Doors were locked so no one could open them to get the girl. Someone broke the window to try to get the girl. Flames kept people from getting the girl. What if it was me? What if I was the mother?The car bursts into flame. This is so hard to deal with. Maybe have good sharp scissors handy to cut the straps and get her out of the car seat fast and drag her to the front of the car and out the door with you. Split second timing. But you are in shock. Whta if there was a fir extinguisher handy?

But everything is on fire. This is just a tragedy.

I believe every car should have a fire extinguisher.

And a good heavy sharp pair of scissors to use to cut child's seat belt in a hurry.

Girl, 2, dies in fiery accident on the 110 Freeway in Highland Park

This story has consumed me most of the day. I kept trying to think what could have been done?

But everything is on fire. This is just a tragedy.

After Christmas Sales-Chocolate

2010-12-28T08:28:00.000-08:00

This morning at WinCo, I noticed the Guittard Chocolate Chips (Butterscotch and Mint, also) were all priced at 98 cents. Last week, I paid $1.78 per bag. I like to buy the 63% dark since it is more healthy. I do not know how long this sale will last...they have tall stacks of all flavors of these delicious treats. A food storage plan should include some treat items. The chocolate chips can be melted and mixed with oatmeal or different cereals to make dessert clusters.

This is how the display looks at WinCO, part of an endcap. Now, that's a lot of chocolate chips!

Some bags are also on the shelf. I snapped this picture as proof of the price. I bought several bags this morning and I know they will stay good for quite a few months in my food storage pantry. I have discovered if I open a bag of chocolate chips and they have started to turn white-ish, I can melt them down to get them to harden up dark and snappy again.

EXPIRATION DATE ON THESE? There was just a code. I have at the same time purchased a bag of Ghirardelli Chocolate Chips that
have an actual expiration date stamped on it: 10-31-12. So I am assuming the Guittard expiration date is about the same. In other words, these chips should be good until mid 2012! And on into Halloween of that year.

Canstruction !

2010-11-16T10:18:00.000-08:00

Canstruction is one way to store your canned goods and also provides material for the creative construction people in your family. Cans in the toybox? Make a can city, a can mountain. Speaking of cans, I just paid 50 cents each for Campbell's Cream of Chicken soup at Target.

Can Organizer Systems

2010-08-01T23:38:00.000-07:00

Much of our food storage happens to be canned goods. Canned goods should be stored in a "First In First Out" method. You want to use the older cans up first.

One way to do this is with the systems described below.

The unit below is from http://www.thecanorganizer.com/pantry.html

They come in packages of 4, mailed flat and you assemble them. They are made of cardboard and are quite inexpensive. You can fill your pantry with them. The site has good ideas on how to use these.

I was thrilled to discover these smaller, cardboard organizers since we did not have room in our house for the big metal units as shown below.
This is one version of the many versions of the "First In First Out" style can organizers found at www.shelfreliance.com. The red bags are 72 hour backpacks ready to go. The site has a feature where you can enter information to build a customized 72 hour kit.

Solar Cooking

2010-03-31T16:45:00.001-07:00

Today I watched a program on byutv.org about solar cooking. I printed off the free pdf file of the booklet the Wendy DeWitt authored that explained the different cookers and had lots of yummy recipes. See side bar for the link.

This is a Sun Oven.

Sun Oven Description
Helps You Harness the Power of the SunWhether you're dealing with a power outage, or just plain conserving energy, the Sun Oven can cook anything that can be baked in a conventional oven. It lets you harness the power of the sun to cook without fuel.
Lets You Create Your Favorite RecipesWith the Sun Oven you can cook almost anything - breads, cakes, muffins, pizza, vegetables, poultry, fish, meats, casseroles, grains, pasta and desserts, just to name a few.
Provides High Cooking TemperaturesOur Sun Ovens reach temperatures of 360 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which are more than sufficient to bake, boil or steam your favorite foods - wherever you happen to take your Sun Oven.
Makes Foods Taste BetterSun-baked foods stay moister and have less shrinkage than conventional oven-cooked foods. Also, with the Sun Oven there is never any burning or scorching to ruin a meal.
Is Totally SafeBecause of the unique way the Sun Oven operates, there is never a danger of fire.
Is Ruggedly BuiltThe Sun Oven is not a toy. It is a serious appliance that is made for years of trouble-free use. Each Sun Oven is constructed with a strong plastic case that is both durable and easy to clean. It uses Reflexo specular-finish reflectors and a tempered glass door to retain the sun's powerful heat. The Sun Oven features an easily adjustable, self-contained leveling leg to maintain the oven's maximum exposure to the sun, while a built-in Levelator keeps foods level inside the oven to avoid spills.
Is Totally PortableYou can take and use the Sun Oven virtually anywhere there is sunshine. When the oven is closed it is as portable as a small suitcase. It measures just 19'' x 19'' and weighs only 21 pounds. It even has a convenient built-in carry-handle.
Is a Great Hedge Against Power InterruptionsWith a Sun Oven, you will be prepared for any interruption to traditional power sources. You will be able to cook any kind of food as well as boiling water. You can enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that as long as there is sunshine, you will have all the power you need to cook your meals.

For the past 14 years, these ovens have been used successfully in 126 countries around the world. Thousands of cooking enthusiasts in the United States and around the world are using them and appreciate the unparalleled features and benefits of using the best manufactured solar cooking device in the world.
Whether you are preparing for emergencies, or you just want to experience the superior taste and nutritional benefits of sun-baked foods, the sun oven will prove to be a wise investment.
http://www.pureenergysystems.com/store/Sun_Oven/

Chile Missionaries Were Warned About Earthquake

2010-03-04T15:39:00.000-08:00

This article was lifted by me, Joan, from the Meridian Magazine site:
http://www.ldsmag.com/churchupdate/100303chile.html

I am ever grateful for stories like this that motivate us to always be open to the spirit's promptings! Also..I learned about the concept of a 36 hour kit. Read on.....

Editor’s Note: President Larry Laycock and his wife, Sister Lisa Laycock head the Santiago Chile East Mission and had spent the two weeks prior to the 8.8 earthquake visiting each missionary apartment and preparing them for an earthquake. They brought specific instructions on what to do, supplied water purification bottles for the missionaries, told them how to create a 36-hour kit for emergencies and how to stay in communication should an earthquake strike. They prayed with each missionary and dedicated their apartments. Why? Because of a special experience that alerted them to what was coming. They told their missionaries, “If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear.”

They have 171 full-time proselyting missionaries in this mission.

Special thanks to the Laycocks for allowing Meridian to publish this letter that Sister Laycock sent to her family shortly after the earthquake sharing their remarkable experience of kindness from the Lord. They are in Chile with their son, Landon.

The picture of the missionaries on the cover and in this article were taken at a March 1st gathering. These are post-earthquake smiling faces.

Dear Everyone,

I am writing to let you all know how very grateful we are for your prayers, concern, and love. Please keep praying! We need the Lord's help and guidance in order to do all He would have us do to learn what He would have us learn from this earth quake tragedy, and to minister in the way He would have us minister.

During the past few days, we have witnessed many events which serve to remind us that the Lord is in charge and that as missionaries and members of His church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are performing His work, and as President Monson teaches, "When we are on the Lord's errand, we are entitled to His help." I want to share with you a few miracles that will help you to understand our profound feelings of gratitude.

When we were set apart for this calling, Elder Scott of the Council of the Twelve Apostles taught us many important lessons. He spoke from personal experience when he was a mission president in Argentina. One message that he shared with us is this: "At times, during your mission, you will be awakened in the middle of the night or the early morning hours with thoughts of specific things you should do for certain missionaries. Do not ignore these thoughts. They are promptings from the Holy Ghost who will communicate with you in the stillness of the night or the peace of the early morning hours. He will speak to you then because that is when you are still enough to hear."

Elder Scott further instructed us to keep a notebook beside our bed so that we could record these precious promptings. He said that by the next morning, we would be likely to forget the promptings if we didn't write them down.

We have been astonished at the fulfillment of Elder Scott's prophetic words. We have received many promptings in the exact manner that Elder Scott described. We are so thankful that Elder Scott taught us how to recognize and act upon these precious promptings. Had he not taught us, we may not have given these promptings the attention they require.

Nearly two-and-one-half weeks ago, I was awakened at around 4:00 AM by just such a prompting. I did not hear a voice, but the thought was as clear as if it had been in the form of spoken words: "There is going to be an earthquake. Prepare your missionaries." I sat up in bed and immediately remembered Elder Scott's counsel. That morning I told Larry what had happened. He immediately set to work organizing our missionaries to prepare for an earthquake.

In talking with our office missionaries to arrange for them to put together a list of everything we would need to prepare...in both Spanish and English...we discovered that the Lord had also let two of our office missionaries know of the possibility of an earthquake (in the form of dreams) and the need to prepare our mission.

We set a goal and arranged our schedule so that we could visit every apartment in the mission to check for safety and to review with our missionaries what to do in case of an earth quake. What a wonderful experience we have had as we have met with them and shared scriptures with them about being spiritually and physically prepared. "...if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear" (D&C 38:30).

We instructed every missionary to have a "go-bag" (36 hour kit). We reviewed our emergency action plan with them of where to go and what to do if they had phone service and in case they did not. We gave everyone a paper with all instructions in English and Spanish, and we reminded them that "this life is the time to prepare to meet God" (Alma 34:32-34). We shared with them our thoughts and feelings about the need for spiritual and physical safety.

Some of them became frightened and asked us if we knew something they didn't know. We smiled and repeated "...if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." We didn't want to unduly alarm them, but we did want to impress upon them the need to be prepared. We tearfully reminded them of our recent transfer conference where we had shared our feelings about our dear Elder McKay Burrows who was unexpectedly called home in January while serving his mission in Romania...how he was prepared in every way to meet God. We reissued our challenge to "be prepared" in every way. Then we knelt with them in their apartment and dedicated each apartment, asking for a blessing of safety and security to be upon every apartment.

When the earthquake came, we were prepared. We did not experience the panic that many felt. We knew we were prepared. Because of the words of the Lord's chosen Apostle, Elder Scott, we had listened and heeded the quiet, but clear promptings of the Holy Ghost. We were blessed with peace in the midst of chaos. We learned an important lesson: our preparation helped us to avoid panic and fear, but the Lord, in His wisdom, allowed us to experience enough discomfort to know that He has all power. He is in charge. We are nothing without Him. We are dependent upon Him for every breath we take. Only He can save us from death and destruction. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He is our perfect example. If we follow Him, we will be saved through obedience to the laws and ordinances of His Gospel.

As the earthquake became more violent, the mission home groaned and wailed. The power died, so the whole city was black. The windows made a hideous screeching sound, and flying objects banged against swaying walls. The printer/fax machine, books, book ends, and fifty-pound television burst from the entertainment center and crashed to the floor, cabinets emptied, drawers flew open, the refrigerator moved, water sloshed out of the toilets, the floor jolted up and down as we ran across it trying to hold onto the walls to keep from falling down, and the piano toppled over like a small toy. As we made our way to the back yard, I remember thinking, "God is all-powerful. He is our only refuge from this horrible mess." I prayed and prayed for Him to still the earth.

When we reached the back yard, we watched in terror. By the light of the moon we could see the swimming pool water form giant waves and crash out onto the rocks. House and car alarms screamed into the night...some from being crushed by falling debris and others, I guess, from the bizarre movement of the earth. I am not sure if the intense rumbling sounds came from the earth itself or from everything else that was shaking so violently. Finally, it stopped.

When the calm came, we had to sit down because our legs were weak and unstable. My legs stayed wobbly all day and night yesterday. Today the muscles in my legs hurt like I ran a marathon. The aftershocks have been extremely unsettling. Each one begins like the one last night started. We just close our eyes and wait to see if it escalates or dies down. .I have never experienced anything like this!

We were awakened this morning by a very strong after shock. Larry jumped out of bed and yelled, "Welcome to another glorious day in Chile!" We just had to laugh. We moved a mattress into the floor in our bedroom and made Landon sleep in our room. He was in his room with the door locked the night before and we couldn't wake him up. He never locks his door, but he was playing a joke on Larry because every morning Larry wakes him at 5:30 AM for seminary by tickling him unmercifully. So Landon had decided to stop him.

When we couldn't open his door, in the middle of the quake, we thought he was trapped, so we screamed and banged. Landon thought that everything was falling off the walls because we were banging so hard on the door. I think we scared him more than the earthquake did!

Today, we attended a strong ward where Larry was invited to speak. The entire chapel and beyond was filled. People were so humble and so teachable. Larry taught the importance of doing the small things. He taught about Jesus Christ and the opportunity we have to love one another and to share what we have with others.

It was a great blessing for us to be with these beautiful Chilean people. Some have lost their homes...or at least parts of their homes. But they are strong and they want to serve the Lord. He taught of the scripture in Luke 21:11,13 which says, "and great earthquakes shall be in divers places...and it shall turn to you for a testimony." He also welcomed the sweet young woman who was in the congregation with the missionaries...her first time attending church...and then he invited her to be baptized from the pulpit. He asked her to please invite us to her baptism, and she said, "I will." The Lord always knows what His people need.

Landon was reading in Alma 15:17 today. He said, Mom listen to this. This is what is happening here in Chile just like in happened in Ammonihah. The people were humbled and "checked as to the pride of their hearts and began to humble themselves before God, watching and praying continually that they might be delivered from Satan, and from death, and from destruction."

Our hearts are filled to the brim with gratitude for all of the blessings we have received in the Chile Santiago East Mission. We see miracles every day. In the midst of great pain and suffering, we can always find our Savior. He stands with His arms open, pleading for all of us to humble ourselves and come unto Him. He loves us. He invites us to accept His gift...the atonement. He invites us to repent. He wants us to love one another and to serve one another. He wants us to bring our families and those we love to Him. We can do it. We can do all that He asks, no matter how difficult it may seem. "With God all things are possible"

We are having a devotional tomorrow for all of our missionaries to talk about the last week of Christ's life in preparation for Easter. We want to remind our missionaries to teach and preach with increased vigor of Christ. Last Monday in our office meeting, Larry suddenly stopped in the middle, and said, "During the prayer, I had a very strong impression that March 2010 is going to be our best baptizing month we have ever had in this mission."

Now we know why he received that feeling. We are going to prepare to bring many souls to the waters of baptism in March. Please continue to pray for us and for the people of Chile. Please pray for the missionaries to have strength and courage to do all that is being required of them, even in difficult times.

We are so thankful that the tsunami did not turn out badly in Hawaii. Who would ever think that an earthquake in Chile could threaten the shores of Hawaii? Thankfully, the Lord is in charge. He is the one to whom we must turn for refuge from every storm. He has the power to save us.

Editor’s Note:

The letter ends here, but President and Sister Laycock told us:

“We’ve never experienced anything like the earthquake. We have had 90 aftershocks, some stronger than others. Our legs are wobbly. It is a scary feeling to experience an aftershock because it brings back all the feelings we had during the earthquake.

“We love being with our missionaries. Because they were prepared, they were immediately able to turn their attention to helping others. They were never concerned about themselves. They were concerned with those who need help and by mid-morning the day of the earthquake, we were able to dispatch them to help others. We told them to investigate the needs of their neighbors and help in any way they could.

President Laycock noted, “The Spanish translation of Luke 21:13 says that there will be earthquakes in many places, and it will give you the occasion to bear testimony. We met with 10 sisters this morning, and one of them mentioned a neighbor next door whom they always asked if she would have time to speak with them, and she always said no. Yet in the crescendo of the toll of the earthquake, she was speechless with fear and not prepared. When the sisters said, ‘Could we pray with you?’, she answered, ‘I have time to pray with you.’ It opened the door to a teaching opportunity to share the gospel.

President and Sister Laycock said, “Everyone we talk to has been so willing to talk about Christ and God’s power. We’ve been sharing God’s love with them. We are seeing God’s love everywhere. People are reaching out to one another. They are serving one another. The news reports looting. We are seeing a different side. We are seeing people who want to communicate with God, who are sincerely looking for the truth.”

Meet Crystal Godfrey

2010-02-07T00:08:00.000-08:00

This is Crystal Godfrey. She is an amazing woman: LDS (Of course), author (you can buy her book "I Can't Believe It's Food Storage" on amazon.com), she has many youtube postings
(for example:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXDF8C-SQBU , a 9 minute video of herself teaching you how to use a canner from an LDS cannery)

and her website is all you ever really need...it is so comprehensive and attractive and fun . It has recipes, tutorials, etc! In this link below, you will see her and hear her talk about the importance of long term food storage. Do explore her blog...she has a lot to teach you! Enjoy!

http://everydayfoodstorage.net/2009/09/04/a-case-for-long-term-food-storage-and-using-it-every-day/food-storage-recipes

Regarding The Long Predicted "Big One"

2010-01-27T15:33:00.000-08:00

I would like to ask you if you think you may be a little complacent about preparing for Califonia's "Big One". The Haiti earthquake is a reminder to us all!
Photo courtesy of www.hopeforhaitinow.org
Please read this excellent reminder to us all! From the LA Times recently....

The Big One is inevitable. Catastrophe is not.

The message for Southern California from the horror in Haiti should be -- but probably won't be -- to prepare for disaster.

By Cathleen Decker

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-week17-2010jan17,0,6099530,print.story
January 17, 2010

With a faraway shudder of the Earth, Californians last week went from contemplating the fates of two multimillionaire late-night comics to confronting horror in a painfully poor country.Half a hemisphere away, homes shattered, entombing young and old. Roads clogged with debris and bodies. The injured begged for help, unheeded. Elsewhere in the world, the portrait was enough to wrench the heart. In California, it was that and more: a chilling look into the future.

For those whose livelihoods involve a constant gaze in that direction, there was a fleeting hope that the Haiti disaster would change California's reality:
Despite decades of ever more urgent warnings, not enough here are really ready for the big earthquake to come.

The long-predicted Big One, exponentially more powerful than that to which Port-au-Prince has succumbed.Denial being what it is, there are always more pressing things to think about -- a foundering economy, a job on the knife's edge, morning traffic on the 405, Jay and Conan.

"This is a reminder to us that the worst-case events sometimes do happen," said Richard Andrews, who ran the state Office of Emergency Services in the 1990s, a time when California suffered repeated blows. Among them was the 1994 Northridge quake.

It may have seemed big to you--scores dead, tens of billions in damages--but seismically speaking it didn't come close.The dry bureaucratic titles manage to startle nonetheless.

The "Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast," released in 2007, said California had a 99.7% chance of a 6.7 magnitude earthquake within 30 years. The likelihood of a quake of 7.5 or greater? About half and half, the flip of a coin.

The "Shakeout Earthquake Scenario" released by seismologists and others a year later filled in the gaps: The likely 7.8 magnitude breach of the southern San Andreas, now long overdue, would kill 1,800 people. Another 50,000 would be injured enough to be treated at a hospital, if they could find one.
Utilities would cease; some buildings would be without water for six months. Downtown Los Angeles, some distance from the epicenter, would shake for 55 seconds, eight times longer than Northridge.Granted, buildings in California are far stronger than those in Haiti, but a 7.8 temblor would be much more powerful than the Haitian quake and is far from the worst the San Andreas could deliver.

Much of the damage could be lessened with preparation, earthquake experts say, but people don't prepare. California's earthquake insurance authority says only 12% of those who insure their homes also carry earthquake protection.

A state-financed report now winding its way to the governor's office is expected to show that not enough people have adopted cheaper ways to get ready -- stocking water and food, buying a fire extinguisher, tying down water heaters and heavy furniture, making a plan.In part, that is because most of the quakes in recent times -- indeed, for California natives, for their parents' times as well -- have been fairly survivable.

Armchair earthquake psychologists say that, for many, the assumption is that if they survived Northridge, or the 1989 Loma Prieta quake in Northern California, well, how much worse could it get?"

It's human nature to consider your risk based on your experience and also to deny the risk you have in order to feel safe," said Mark Benthien of the Southern California Earthquake Center at USC.

"If we didn't think that way instinctively, we'd never leave the house."There is also a common misperception that in times of grievous damage, rescue will come from the hand of government. Not terribly likely.Glenn Pomeroy heads the California Earthquake Authority, which provides catastrophic insurance to homeowners in the state. In 1997, when North Dakota's Red River broke its banks and flooded Grand Forks, he was the state's insurance commissioner. "We learned a lot about people's false hopes -- 'Well, the government's gonna help out,' " he said.

"As we learn time and time again, from floods in North Dakota to hurricanes in New Orleans, the federal government doesn't just swoop in and build back homes."Pomeroy and others are trying to ease one impediment to preparation: the high cost of earthquake insurance. Members of Congress and senators from California are trying to push through a change in the funding requirements that would allow the earthquake authority to drop both the rates and the high deductibles."They're not buying because it costs too much and the deductible is too high," he said.

Despite their desperate financial straits, county and state governments have managed not to cut too grievously into earthquake planning or emergency programs. Helping them out since 2001 has been the influx of anti-terrorism money, of which about $2 billion has flowed into California."Whether you're preparing to protect critical infrastructure from willful attacks or earthquakes, some of that is the same type of work," said Jay Alan, director of communications for the California Emergency Management Agency.But never-ending budget woes do strain the system, noted Ryan J. Alsop of Los Angeles County's chief executive office.

Disasters are always a priority, he said, but if they happen, there is less and less left over for anything else."We hope we don't have one right now," he said facetiously. "It's not a good time."

The day the quake struck Haiti, Ken Kondo got a call from an L.A. group that wanted someone to talk about earthquake preparation. A program manager at the county's office of emergency management, he showed up and took a survey. Of the 200 in the audience, how many had a disaster kit? Three hands rose.

"Southern Californians are used to earthquakes and so sometimes you get a little complacent with it," he said. "The goal is to prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes."cathleen.decker@latimes.comEach Sunday, The Week examines implications of major stories. It is archived at latimes.com/theweek.
Copyright © 2010, The Los Angeles Times

Great Product for your Prepared Purse or 72 Hour Kit.

2010-01-06T10:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at Target (on 7th Street-sometimes called Palmdale Rd.- Victorville) I purchased for 5 bucks something that could save my life.

Maybe some day when I am in a movie theatre and all the lights go out because of electrical failure, I can whip this out of my purse and use it to guide everyone out of the theatre safely. If I am lost somewhere where there is no one around-like deep in a woods-and there may be a search party out looking for me...I can use the whistle to show my whereabouts...and the flashing light if it is dark night.

Every kid on a camping trip should have one of these on his person at all times.
(Or a flashlight and a whistle)

It is called Life Gear Glow Red. It also comes in blue and in green. It has 200 hours of light power stored in it! Batteries can be replaced.

They can be found in an aisle across from the backpacks, where all the other flashlights are displayed...at the far side of the store near where the seasonal goods (Xmas decorations, etc.) are displayed What I like about it is that is has a flashlight feature, as well as the bright glowstick look of bright red that can be a steady light or flashing. It has a whistle on one end that is nice and shrill and it has a cord you can attach to it.
Here is more info:

200 Hour Glow Sticks
LED Glow Stick, Flashlight, Flashers and Whistle

FEATURES
•200 HOUR GLOW STICK
•FLASHLIGHT- built in
•Emergency Whistle
•LED Technology
•Replaceable batteries (3x AG-13 Batteries included)
•Emergency Flasher
•10,000 Hours product life with Replaceable batteries

Dates on Food Jars and Cans

2010-01-06T10:26:00.000-08:00

Today I am making a slow cooker spaghetti dish. I found 2 bottle of Ragu deep in my cupboard. There was a date on each of the lids: AUG 16 07. That's all. It did not say "Best by" or "Sell by" or "Use by".

I tested the screw on lid...the "button" in the middle was depressed. If it had popped up and down with the pressure of my finger, I would have not hesitated to through it out immediately.
So...since the seal was good, and since it was glass (I have read that canned tomato sauce, if kept for long periods of time, will get some of the resinous coating of the inside of the can absorbed into the food.)I felt completely 100 % confident to use this product, even though today's date is 2 and 1/2 years past the date on the jar lid.

I once saw a show on BYUTV that had a woman who was a food science professor say she opened and ate a can of vegatables that was 12 years old...it was not harmful. The flavor and nutritional value were somewhat diminished but it was edible and provided needed calries. Of course, she said, if the can was bulging, or if the lid was not depressed (that is, if you could push the top of the can down and feel it pop up again)...then you would definitely not eat it. Or if you opened it and it smelled bad, you would not eat it.

I found a great article on this by Jane Brody(famous nutritionist, author) and posted the link on the side bar.

A Pillow Case Can Help You Survive

2009-12-10T12:43:00.001-08:00

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?

2009-12-10T11:36:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-18T16:16:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-08T09:21:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-03T13:19:00.001-08:00

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

2009-10-31T08:42:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-29T00:19:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-10-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-14T17:16:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-09-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

(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

2009-09-03T13:07:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-03T10:32:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-02T07:43:00.000-07:00

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....

2009-09-02T06:58:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-08-09T16:11:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-08-09T16:02:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-31T15:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-30T22:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-22T12:07:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-05T10:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

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.

Now at Target !

2009-05-19T12:01:00.001-07:00

This item is currently at the Target on Palmdale (7th Street) in Victorville.

I don't think you will see this cheaper. I bought one as a gift for someone (since we have one already from Walmart)...it was $9.17 compared to $9.97 at Walmart and $13.99 online. It has so many good items in a convenient sturdy case, complete with a little handbook of what to do in emergencies.
I highly recommed this kit. It is on a low shelf against the wall perpendicular to the toothpaste section or thereabouts...There were 5 left on the shelf after I picked out one to buy.

Here is a list of every item in this kit. To buy them all separately would cost way more than the $9.17 (plus 8.75% California state sales tax)you pay at Target.)
CLEAN: 9 - JOHNSON & JOHNSON Cleansing Wipes.
TREAT: 2 Neosporin Antibiotic ointment packets
1 JOHNSON & JOHNSON Red CRoss Band Burn Cooling Patch (2.6" x 1.0")
1 CORTAID Advanced 12 hour Anti-Itch Cream (.1 oz.)
PROTECT: 1 - BAND-AID Brand Flexible Fabric Extra Large Adhesive Bandages 1-3/4 in x 4 in
34 - BAND-AID Brand Adhesive Bandages 5/8 inch x 2 1/4 inches
30 - BAND-AID Brand Adhesive Bandages 3/4 inch x 3 inches
14 - BAND-AID Brand Sheer Comfort Flex Spots Adhesive Bandages 7/8 inch x 7/8 inch
2 - BAND-AID TOUGH STRIPS Adhesive Bandages 1 inch x 3 1/4 inches
2 - BAND-AID Brand Flexible Fabric Extra Large Adhesive Bandages 1 3/4 inches x 4 inches
20 - BAND-AID Brand Flexible Fabric Finger and Knuckle Adhesive Bandages*;
8 - JOHNSON & JOHNSON Gauze (Four 2-packs) 2 inches x 2 inches
20 - BAND-AID Brand Butterfly Closures 1 3/4 inches x 3/8 inch (4.5 cm x 1 cm)
1 Band-Aid Brand Large Water Block Plus Adhesive Bandage 2" x 3"
1 - JOHNSON & JOHNSON Oval Eye Pads 1.6 inches x 2.6 inches (4.1 cm x 6.7 cm);
1 - JOHNSON & JOHNSON First Aid Tape 1/2 inch x 5 yd (1.2 cm x 4.5 m) (no scissors required)
3 Band-Aid Brand Sport Strip Adhesive Bandgaes 5/8 inch x 2 1/4"
OTHER FIRST AID & UTILITY ITEMS:
2 - IMODIUM AD caplets;
2 - TYLENOL acetaminophen extra strength caplets;
4 - MOTRIN IB caplets;
1 - COACH instant cold pack,
1 - JOHNSON & JOHNSON Survival Wrap;
1 Omni Glow Light Stick
2 - health care gloves;
1- tweezers;
1 - American College of Emergency Physician's First Aid Guide;
1 - ready organized tray;
1 - durable plastic shell.Warnings *The packaging of this product contains natural rubber latex which may cause allergic reactions. This First Aid Kit contains non-prescription drug products that have expiration dates. Please check before use. Please keep out of reach of children. For medical emergencies seek professional help.

Ready for cuts and burns

2009-05-17T15:25:00.000-07:00

1. When traveling, stock your first aid kit with a small bottle of fresh clean water.

2. Clean the area with cool water immediately.

3. Apply antibiotic and a Band-Aid. You only need the antibiotic for the first 24 hours.

4. Keep it moist. Some advice tells you to let the cut "breathe", but a dried up wound won't heal as fast. New cell growth will be delayed and you have increased chances of having a scar.

5. Keep the wound moisturized until the skin heals.

6. According to the latest edition of Ladies' Home Journal,p. 154, to avoid getting a scar, you do not need special scar salve or cream. "Just apply petrolem jelly daily under a fresh band-aid for at least a week until the skin is completely healed. Vitamin E or aloe also provide moisture, but the active ingredients do nothing to improve healing and can even cause an allergic skin reaction."

7. "Massage after it heals. Use a firm circular motion to massage the area several times a day. This helps break down the dense scar tissue left by the healing process and encourages your skin's softer upper layers to regenerate."

We Need To Know....

2009-05-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

We need to know how to survive in the coming summer sun and heat! There may be times (who knows?) when our air conditioning will be inoperable and we need to have techniques for staying cool.
There may be times when the car we are in stalls on a lone desert road on a 105 degree day!

The next month or so, I will post information about these topics as well as how to refine our 72 hour kits, our car kits,...and I will include first aid information also.
I am sorry I have not posted anything here for 2 weeks! Sorry if I have disappointed you...check back again soon, though!

Beware Mylar Bags

2009-04-30T14:36:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you get kits that have food in mylar bags. Just make sure these kits are stored in tough plastic buckets. Mice and other rodents eat right through mylar bags. My friend Norene told me today she had mylar bags of water in her duffle bag kit in her closet. She went to check on it and the bag was all wet, mice ate through the mylar bags. Other friends have told me about how mice ate through their mylar bags of food storage (wheat, oats, etc.). So...BEWARE.

In My First Aid Kit: Aspirin

2009-04-30T13:21:00.001-07:00

I have a mini first aid kit in my purse with 4 Bayer aspirin wrapped in
plastic wrap in it. Why ? I just may need to chew on one if I think I may be having a heart attack (I am at risk becuase of my age and heredity and cholesterol levels).

Here is what I found out:

People who think they may be having an attack need 325 mg of aspirin, and they need it as quickly as possible. For the best results, chew a single full-sized 325-mg tablet, but don’t use an enteric-coated tablet, which will act slowly even if chewed. And don’t forget to call 911, then your doctor. It’s a contemporary update on the old reminder to take two aspirin and call in the morning — and it’s good advice to chew over.

Most heart attacks develop when a cholesterol-laden plaque in a coronary artery ruptures. Relatively small plaques, which produce only partial blockages, are the ones most likely to rupture. When they do, they attract platelets to their surface. Platelets are the tiny blood cells that trigger blood clotting. A clot, or thrombus, builds up on the ruptured plaque. As the clot grows, it blocks the artery. If the blockage is complete, it deprives a portion of the heart muscle of oxygen. As a result, muscle cells die — and it’s a heart attack.

Aspirin helps by inhibiting platelets. Only a tiny amount is needed to inhibit all the platelets in the bloodstream; in fact, small amounts are better than high doses. But since the clot grows minute by minute, time is of the essence.

To find out how aspirin works fastest, researchers in Texas asked 12 volunteers to take a standard 325-mg dose of aspirin in three different ways: by swallowing a tablet with 4 ounces of water, by chewing the tablet for 30 seconds before swallowing it, or by drinking 4 ounces of water with Alka-Seltzer. Each subject tried all three methods on an empty stomach on different days. The scientists monitored blood levels of aspirin and its active ingredient, salicylate, at frequent intervals, and they also measured thromboxane B2 (TxB2), an indicator of platelet activation that drops as platelets are inhibited.

By all three measurements, chewed aspirin worked fastest. It needed only five minutes to reduce TxB2 concentrations by 50%; the Alka-Seltzer took almost 8 minutes, and the swallowed tablet took 12 minutes. Similarly, it took 14 minutes for the chewed tablet to produce maximal platelet inhibition; it took Alka-Seltzer 16 minutes and the swallowed tablet 26 minutes (see graph below).

https://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0505a.shtml

Getting Water From Your Water Heater During An Emergency

2009-04-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

How To Get Emergency Water From A Water Heater
http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Emergency-Drinking-Water-from-a-Water-Heater
A typical home water heater can provide between 30 and 60 or more gallons of clean drinking water during a disaster. Hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and other power outages may prevent you from having many things, but clean drinking water is not one of them.
1. Turn off the electricity or gas to the water heater. You will be draining the clean drinking water from it. If there is power to the tank while it's empty, damage to it will be certain. Turn off the circuit breaker for electric types or close the gas valve for natural gas and propane types. Most electric water heaters in residential applications are 208 / 240 volts, and supplied by a double-pole circuit breaker or two fuses rated at 30 amps.
2. Preserve the cleanliness of the water in the tank by closing the supply valve to the tank. When water service is restored, the water department will be pumping water that could be contaminated. This will be fine to use for flushing toilets and for cooking, but not for drinking. See the Tips below for information on determining which one is the supply valve.
3. Find the valve at the bottom of the tank for draining when it needs servicing. This is where your clean drinking water will come from. Many water heater valves have a connector for hooking up a garden hose to the drain valve. A short 3 foot length of garden hose will make the collection of the water easier. A washing machine's supply hose is the perfect length and is available in many homes. Connect the hose and open the valve briefly to flush any debris that may have collected in the valve. Make sure the drain, hose, and container are clean before using them.
4. In order for the water to be drained from the tank you must allow air to get into it. This is easy to do by opening any hot water tap in the building such as the kitchen or bathroom sink.
5. Wait for the water to cool down, then purify it. Water heaters are notorious for trapping sediments. The "heavier than water" sediment sinks to and collects at the bottom of the tank because hot water is drawn from the top of the tank, rather than the bottom. Purification filters will not work on hot water, so let it cool down!.
Many people mistakenly believe that the tank is made of glass (or another inert substance). It is not. The inside of the tank will likely be lined with glass to prevent corrosion, since corrosion is the leading cause of water heater failure. There is no danger cooking or consuming water that has been contained in a water heater.
Before disaster hits, mark which valve is for the water supply. Run some hot water from any sink. Go back to the hot water tank and feel the two pipes attached to it. The supply line will be the colder one. Somehow mark the valve as "supply". This will be the one to close in an emergency so that contaminated water will not go into the tank as you drain the clean drinking water that is stored in it.
It is a good idea to flush some water from the bottom of the tank once or twice a year. Sediment can collect on the bottom of the tank. Draining some water under pressure will clean out the sediment.
Turn off the power supply to the tank first. Even if there is a power failure you must unplug, turn off the circuit breaker, or close the gas valve first.
Allow the tank to fill before restoring power to the water heater. Open the supply valve and wait for the water to run out of the open hot water faucet.
Be sure that the water has had time to cool before opening any valves on the water heater!
Be sure the water inside the water heater is not soft water. It can contain excess sodium (the harder your water supply is, the more sodium is used to soften it), which is not recommended for those with certain health concerns (such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular or kidney disease). If you don't have a water softener...you're good to use the water inside the heater like normal!

Things You'll Need
Flashlight to find the circuit breaker, plug, and valves if it is dark
A short water hose to drain the water from the tank
A screwdriver or coin, to operate the drainage valve
A clean bucket or glass to collect the water in, or an empty gallon jug and funnel

#5 Phase Declared by WHO

2009-04-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

I shortened this article a bit...to see more..cut and paste the cnn address into your browser...
WHO raises pandemic alert to second-highest level

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/29/swine.flu/index.html

GENEVA, Switzerland (CNN) -- The World Health Organization raised its pandemic alert to 5, its second-highest level Wednesday, warning of widespread human infection from the swine flu outbreak that originated in Mexico.

The WHO's "Phases of Pandemic Alert," which has been in existence for five years, characterizes phase 5 as a human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region, signaling that a pandemic is imminent.
The highest level, phase 6, is defined by community-level outbreaks in at least one other country in a different WHO region, according to the agency.
"The question now is how severe will the pandemic be, especially now at the start," Chan said. "It is important for us to take this very seriously and take vigilance as the virus evolves."

The Pentagon is planning for a task force that would help with transportation, logistics and distributing medical supplies in the event of a pandemic, a spokesman said.

The U.S. government is distributing 25 percent of its stockpile of antiviral medications Tamiflu and Relenza to all states, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Wednesday. Health officials stress that the medications are effective only if taken in the early stages of the infection.

Common seasonal flu kills 250,000 to 500,000 people every year worldwide, far more than the current outbreak of swine flu. But there is a vaccine for seasonal flu.

How To Wash Your Hands

2009-04-28T19:55:00.001-07:00

Found this on yahoo...see my references...full credit goes to them. I just copy and paste:

We have been teaching kids this for years:
Washing your hands can help protect you
from nasty germs. But a quick wash won't due.
You need to scrub them for at least 20 seconds.
istockphoto.com

Keep Flu At Bay With A Song
by Allison Aubrey
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103576804

Morning Edition, April 29, 2009 · Grandma was right. If you want to prevent the spread of viruses, wash your hands.
But how long do we need to scrub? Preschoolers know the answer, and they sing a silly song or two to help them while away the 20 seconds experts recommend.
Karen Robison, a preschool teacher at the Learning Center for Young Children in Kensington, Md., leads her charges in singing the entire A-B-C song. It lasts about 20 seconds.

LCYC Director Karen Murphy says the singing works: "What we do do is certainly quite effective."

The children wash their hands three times each day. "It's part of their routine," she says.

But it's not good enough to run your hands under water and pat the soap absentmindedly.

Pathogens hide in crevices and crannies. On our bodies, the back of the fingernails can harbor germs, explains Rob Donofrio of the National Sanitation Foundation International, a nonprofit group that aims to protect public health by certifying products and setting safety standards for risk management that are recognized internationally.

Donofrio's job is to help educate people about where germs hide. He demonstrates how to scrub the fingernails —down where the skin meets the nail using a small brush, with bristles like a toothbrush.

"I'm scubbing my fingers for about 10 seconds or so — and just going horzontially across the nails," Donofrio says as he shows off his technique.

All the proper steps of handwashing, and why it's so important, are depicted in colorful cartoon form on the NSF International site. "Keep Influenza Enzo on the run!" one cartoon about handwashing admonishes. (scrubclub.org)
But if adults want to reinforce the good habit of 20 seconds of washing, perhaps we should come up with our own song, because the A-B-Cs and cartoons can get tiresome.

NPR's reporters were quick to offer their suggestions: The chorus of Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" is about the right length. Maybe the guitar riff from "Layla" by Eric Clapton, or how about that famous bridge in "Bohemian Rhapsody" about how "we will not let you go"?

For those more inclined to the theater, the first six lines of Lady MacBeth's "Out, Damned Spot, Out" soliloquy clocks in at 22 seconds.

You can vote for your favorite below.
Whatever option you choose, make sure it lasts 20 seconds and invest in a nail brush to give those flu germs the slip.Kids sing the A-B-C’s to keep washing 20 seconds. What should adults sing?

Rolling Stones, "Let’s Spend the Night Together" (could sing Let’s Wash our Hands together)
Rap in the middle of the "Bohemian Rhapsody"
Chorus of "Sweet Caroline" (Neil Diamond)
"Rapper’s Delight"
"My Country Tis of Thee"
"Hit the Road, Jack," change lyrics to, "wash your hands Jack..."
The Verdi opera version of Lady MacBeth’s “Out Damned Spot” soliloquy
Created on Apr 28, 2009

WHO issues Phase 4 Warning

2009-04-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

The highest warning for an epidemic/pandemic is Phase 6.

Here is a very informative artcile on what is going on....

Official: US flu victims may be infecting others
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090428/ap_on_he_me/med_swine_flu
By ANDREW O. SELSKY, Associated Press Writer Andrew O. Selsky, Associated Press Writer – April 28, 2009

MEXICO CITY – The swine flu epidemic crossed new borders Tuesday with the first cases confirmed in the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region, as world health officials said they suspect American patients may have transmitted the virus to others in the U.S.

Most people confirmed with the new swine flu were infected in Mexico, where the number of deaths blamed on the virus has surpassed 150.
But confirmation that people have been infecting others in locations outside Mexico would indicate that the disease was spreading beyond travelers returning from Mexico, World Health Organization spokesman Gregory Hartl told reporters on Tuesday in Geneva.

Hartl said the source of some infections in the United States, Canada and Britain was unclear.
The swine flu has already spread to at least six countries besides Mexico, prompting WHO to raise its alert level on Monday but not call for travel bans or border closings. On Tuesday, countries, including Canada, Israel and France, warned their citizens to avoid nonessential travel to Mexico.

"Border controls do not work. Travel restrictions do not work," Hartl said, recalling the 2003 SARS epidemic that killed 774 people, mostly in Asia, and slowed the global economy. "There was much more economic disruption caused by these measures than there was public health benefit."

Hartl said WHO is advising countries to provide sick people with treatments such as Tamiflu, and make sure national plans are in place to ease the impact of a larger outbreak.

"Governments will need to start thinking about larger-scale care for a specific disease in accident and emergency wards," he said. "Do they have the infrastructure? Do they have the equipment? Do they have the medicines? This is the time, now, to prepare."

WHO raised the alert level to Phase 4, meaning there is sustained human-to-human transmission causing outbreaks in at least one country. WHO's pandemic alert system was revised after bird flu in Asia began to spread in 2004. Monday was the first time it has ever been raised above Phase 3.

Flu deaths are nothing new in the United States or elsewhere. The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 36,000 people died of flu-related causes each year, on average, during the 1990s in the United States.
But the new flu strain is a combination of pig, bird and human viruses that humans may have no natural immunity to.

Tuesday, Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard ordered gyms, sports clubs, swimming pools and pool halls closed — extending a growing shutdown that already included schools, state-run theaters and other public places.
The city was evaluating whether to keep open a subway system that provides 5 million trips a day.

New Zealand reported Tuesday that 11 people who recently returned from Mexico contracted the virus. Tests conducted at a WHO laboratory in Australia had confirmed three cases of swine flu among 11 members of the group who were showing symptoms, New Zealand Health Minister Tony Ryall said.

Officials decided that was evidence enough to assume the whole group was infected, he said.
Israel's Health Ministry confirmed Tuesday the region's first swine flu case in the city of Netanya. The patient, 26, recently returned from Mexico and had contracted it. A hospital official said the patient had recovered, but will remain hospitalized until the health ministry approves his release.

A hospital in the central town of Kfar Saba said a 47-year-old man who returned from Mexico two days ago and checked himself in when he felt ill had the strain and was being kept in isolation. He was expected to recover.

Meanwhile, a second case was confirmed Tuesday in Spain, Health Minister Trinidad Jimenez said, a day after the country reported its first case. The 23-year-old student, one of 26 patients under observation, was not in serious condition, Jimenez said.

With the virus spreading, the U.S. stepped up checks of people entering the country and warned Americans to avoid nonessential travel to Mexico.
"We anticipate that there will be confirmed cases in more states as we go through the coming days," Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said on NBC's "Today" show on Tuesday.

The Food and Drug Administration late Monday issued emergency guidance that allows certain antiviral drugs to be used in a broader range of the population in case mass dosing is needed to deal with an outbreak.

Mexico, where the number of deaths believed caused by swine flu rose by 50 percent on Monday to 152, is suspected to be the center of the outbreak. But Mexican Health Secretary Jose Angel Cordova late Monday said no one knows where the outbreak began, and implied it may have started in the U.S.

"I think it is very risky to say, or want to say, what the point of origin or dissemination of it is, given that there had already been cases reported in southern California and Texas," Cordova told a press conference.

Mexico City Health Secretary Armando Ahued said three people died in the capital Monday, but it was unclear if they were included in the national toll. He said 6,610 people went to city hospitals Monday with flu symptoms, but only 29 were remained hospitalized.

Dr. Nancy Cox of the CDC has said she believes the earliest onset of swine flu in the U.S. was on March 28. Cordova said a sample taken from a 4-year-old boy in Mexico's Veracruz state in early April tested positive for swine flu. However, it is not known when the boy, who later recovered, became infected.

A decision by WHO to put an alert at Phases 4 or 5 signals that the virus is becoming increasingly adept at spreading among humans. Phase 6 is for a full-blown pandemic, characterized by outbreaks in at least two regions of the world.
Fifty cases — none fatal and most of them mild — were confirmed in the United States. Including the New Zealand, Israeli and new Spanish reports, there were 92 confirmed cases worldwide on Tuesday. That included six in Canada, one in Spain and two in Scotland.

Amid the alarm, there was a spot of good news. The number of new cases reported by Mexico's largest government hospitals has been declining the past three days, Cordova said, from 141 on Saturday to 119 on Sunday and 110 Monday.
Symptoms include a fever of more than 100, coughing, joint aches, severe headache and, in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea. Many victims have been in their 30s and 40s — not the very old or young who typically succumb to the flu.

So far, no deaths from the new virus have been reported outside Mexico.
It could take four to six months before the first batch of vaccines are available, WHO said. Some antiflu drugs do work once someone is sick.
The best way to keep the disease from spreading, the CDC's acting director, Richard Besser, said, is by taking everyday precautions such as frequent handwashing, covering up coughs and sneezes, and staying away from work or school if not feeling well.

Russia, Hong Kong and Taiwan said they would quarantine visitors showing symptoms of the virus.
World stock markets fell Tuesday as investors worried that any swine flu pandemic could derail a global economic recovery. In the U.S., stocks fell moderately in early trading as investors worried that a growth in swine flu cases could hurt industries such as travel and tourism.
__
AP writers Mark Stevenson in Mexico City, Mike Stobbe in Atlanta, Ray Lilley in Wellington, New Zealand, Aron Heller in Jerusalem, Frank Jordans and Sandy Higgins in Geneva, Aron Heller in Jerusalem, Maria Cheng in London and Pan Pylas in London contributed to this report.

Swine Flu Advice

2009-04-28T08:13:00.001-07:00

AFP – A statue is seen on Reforma Avenue in Mexico City, on April 27. An outbreak of deadly swine flu in Mexico.
An outbreak of deadly swine flu in Mexico and the US has raised the specter of a new virus against which much of humanity would have little or no immunity.
(AFP/Alfredo Estrella)

At Church last Sunday, Sister Spencer, a nurse, on assignment from the bishop, told us what to do regarding this threat.

~Carry lost of Kleenix in your purse (plus a plastic ziploc bag to store used tissue in) and blow your nose, cough or sneeze into these. Do not cough or sneez into you elbow and shoulder if you can avoid it. Use tissue.

~Wash, wash, wash your hands. Wash your hands before you eat.
If you are out and about, you will be touching things that other people have touched. Do not touch your eyes, mouth, nose! Unless you have returned home and thoroughly washed your hands.

~If you are sick, do not go out among people.

~Go to www.cdc.gov for updates on this swine flu and other health concerns.

5 Minute No Knead Artisan Bread

2009-04-21T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hey all you bread lovers..especially lovers of that crusty artisan bread with the big holes...(the better to soak up olive oil or butter or both or whatever you put on your bread)...here is a quick simple easy recipe. I made 3 loaves this morning..effortlessly, and my overnight guests got a real treat-fresh hot homemade bread.

Also-now that we are all more thrifty...(I just could not pay $4.59 for 2 loaves of Brea bread at Costco when for much less, I could make a pretty good imitation at home)
Their are videos of this breadmaking process all over the Internet and I have posted my favorite one on the side...this is the address if you would rather cut and paste it into your browser: http://www.startribune.com/video/11967361.html

Here is the published recipe followed by my remarks.

Five-Minute Artisan Bread

From Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: The Discovery that Revolutionizes Home Baking by Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois (Thomas Dunne Books, 2007). Copyright 2007 by Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois

Serves 4
Note: This recipe must be prepared in advance.
* 1-1/2 tablespoons granulated yeast (about 1-1/2 packets)
* 1-1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
* 6-1/2 cups unbleached flour, plus extra for dusting dough
* Cornmeal

In a large plastic resealable container, mix yeast and salt into 3 cups lukewarm (about 100 degrees) water. Using a large spoon, stir in flour, mixing until mixture is uniformly moist with no dry patches. Do not knead. Dough will be wet and loose enough to conform to shape of plastic container. Cover, but not with an airtight lid.

Let dough rise at room temperature, until dough begins to flatten on top or collapse, at least 2 hours and up to 5 hours.

(At this point, dough can be refrigerated up to 2 weeks; refrigerated dough is easier to work with than room-temperature dough, so the authors recommend that first-time bakers refrigerate dough overnight or at least 3 hours.)

When ready to bake, sprinkle cornmeal on a pizza peel. Place a broiler pan on bottom rack of oven. Place baking stone on middle rack and preheat oven to 450 degrees, preheating baking stone for at least 20 minutes.

Sprinkle a little flour on dough and on your hands. Pull dough up and, using a serrated knife, cut off a grapefruit-size piece (about 1 pound). Working for 30 to 60 seconds (and adding flour as needed to prevent dough from sticking to hands; most dusting flour will fall off, it's not intended to be incorporated into dough), turn dough in hands, gently stretching surface of dough, rotating ball a quarter-turn as you go, creating a rounded top and a bunched bottom.

Place shaped dough on prepared pizza peel and let rest, uncovered, for 40 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough or refrigerate it in lidded container. (Even one day's storage improves flavor and texture of bread.

Dough can also be frozen in 1-pound portions in airtight containers and defrosted overnight in refrigerator prior to baking day.) Dust dough with flour.
Using a serrated knife, slash top of dough in three parallel, 1/4-inch deep cuts (or in a tic-tac-toe pattern). Slide dough onto preheated baking stone. Pour 1 cup hot tap water into broiler pan and quickly close oven door to trap steam.

Bake until crust is well-browned and firm to the touch, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven to a wire rack and cool completely.

JOAN'S Comments:

#1. The first time I made this bread, I used my daughter's 45 dollar baking stone (from Pampered Chef) and half way through the baking of the bread it broke in 3 places! I have heard other stories of those stones breaking in the oven. That is why I chose to use my trusty iron skillets. (No wonder the guy in the video said.."It was a mistake to put the baking stone on the lowest rack.")I think a cookie sheet would be fine.

#2. I had to laugh really when all this came out last year-this guy thought he made the greatest discovery since, well.... sliced bread....I have been making bread since the 1960's...and I got this same result whenever I started to make bread and then...oops...I had to suddenly leave the house for an important event with my kids or spontaneously planned adventure by one of my college friends (before I was married). So then I put my unkneaded dough in the fridge..in fact, I didn't even get to put as much flour as I planned to in it. Then days later, I would pull out the dough and knowing I did not have time for the typical 2 risings (I could tell by the yeasty aroma of dough that it did not knead 2 risings) I would just form it into a loaf and let is rise a little bit on the counter and then baked it quick in a hot oven. It looked and tasted back then like the results of this "Revolutionary" new bread baking technique! Ha!

#3. You do not need a baking stone! (They break when accidentally dropped.) Bread turns out fine..unless you are a purist of some sort. Personally I would like to do a comparison test.

#4. Recipe calls for 1 1/2 Tablespoons salt..I use only 1 Tablespoon salt..the other way was too salty for me.

#5. I only used about 5 cups of flour...so first try that and if the dough seems too wet, add a small amount more of the flour. 6 cups made it way too dry. But that was me. I did not level off my cups of flour...just shook them.

#6. Besides the pan of water on the bottom rack, I opened the oven door occasionally throughout the baking and sprayed water into the oven with my big squirt bottle. This makes for a crispy crust.

#5 My pictures: each loaf was about a 14.5 oz in weight and about 8 1/2 inches long.
First I made 2 loaves, one in each of my 10 inch iron skillets. Then when I took those out and cooled them a bit, I put another round loaf on the cornmeal dusted skillet, slashed it like the video shows and let is rise a bit and then baked it.

This is going to make some terrific garlic bread!

Next time I will do 3 loaves at once on my big cookie sheet.

"Local Harvest" "CSA"

2009-04-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of Local Harvest?
Go to

localharvest.org

and type in your zip code to search for places around Victorville for fresh produce and even raw goat milk, etc.

Have you heard of CSA?

Over the last 20 years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a "membership" or a "subscription") and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. Read more at localharvest.org

The Power of Marigolds and "Companion Plants"

2009-04-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

I love love love marigolds.
What a feast for the eyes! And they havfe a special role in gardening: they repel pests of certain vegetables...

tomatoes
cabbage
broccoli
brussels sprouts
cucumbers

Here is a little narrative (I included the source, a web address)...good things to know before you start planting..or even after. You can squeeze some of these plants in between the plantings you want to protect.

Garden Companions and Enemies

http://users.netconnect.com.au/~ewood/companion_planting.html

In recent years many of the traditional herbal remedies used in earlier times have come back into favour. The use of herbs in tonics, teas and medicinal compounds has created a new interest in a variety of plants.

Many culinary and medicinal herbs are strongly aromatic. Their pungency can act as a deterrent to many insects and garden pests and in this way they protect other more succulent plants from attack. Other flowering and herbal plants are used as trap plants, luring predators away from prized fruits and vegetables under cultivation.

This technique of companion planting has come to be recognised as an effective way to reduce the need for unnatural pesticides in the home garden.

In Japan, for example, a traditional farming technique uses alternate rows of wheat and tobacco to prevent disease and pest infestation of either crop. The use of such mutually beneficial plantings can be similarly applied in the home vegetable garden using aromatic herbs and flowers which are known to deter or trap various insect pests.

As well as the pest repellent herbs, some flowers, such as marigold, calendula, zinnia, nasturtium and the white geranium not only brighten up the vegetable garden but repel pests while attracting bees and other natural pollinators necessary for a bountiful harvest of crops.

Nasturtiums and marigolds protect cucumbers, the marigold being particularly effective in repelling nematodes or eel worms from cabbages, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.

Zinnias, along with radishes, help to deter the cucumber beetle and the tomato worm.

Geraniums repel beetles from sweet corn, asparagus, kohl rabi and soybeans. These flowers can be combined with herbs to form a protective boundary of plants not only around the vegetable garden but within it also.

Some vegetables are known for their insect repelling qualities: garlic, onions, parsley, chives, turnips and radishes all contribute as useful companion plants. Their pungent aroma repels many flying insects, ants, beetles and aphids.
Turnips are useful in the garden border, repelling aphids, spider mites and flies. Radishes help repel cucumber beetles and squash bugs. Chives and parsley also dispel aphids and are useful planted amongst roses in the flower garden.

Within the garden, the pungent aroma of mint, tansy, pennyroyal nasturtium and zinnia will also help to ward off aphids and ants from susceptible vegetables. Mint, sage and thyme are good and useful companions for cabbage, protecting it from the cabbage root fly.

Rosemary and members of the onion family - garlic, shallots and chives - are useful in deterring the carrot fly.

Basil keeps pests away from tomatoes, as does dill, which acts as a trap plant for the tomato worm, as well as being a good companion plant for celery.

Many plants are good companions and thrive next to each other: peas and carrots, potatoes, beans and marigolds, beets and broccoli, radishes and cucumbers are some of the happy combinations.

Parsley, basil, asparagus like tomatoes, carrots grow well with onions, chives and garlic, but certain other vegetables resent growing close to any of the onion family and may be killed off by their proximity. Broad beans and the dwarf and climbing peas do not flourish next to onions, garlic or chives. Peas help turnips, corn likes cucumber and potatoes, bush beans thrive near celery.

With a little planning the vegetable garden can become a new and interesting place to observe the effects of good companion planting.

The above item was from an article by Barbara Ready in 'Your Garden' February 1982

Square Foot Gardening

2009-04-18T11:10:00.001-07:00

I have been reading the first edition of Square Foot Gardening this spring. How I wish I would have read this years ago! He teaches you so simply...and I am so hopeful! I learned so many new things.... like if you buy packets of seeds, they last 3 years in your storage...(not the hot garage, though.)This guy has a website, too....
www.squarefootgardening.com/

April's Goal

2009-04-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

This is what it says on our April calendar:

"If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." ~ D & C 38:30
(Each person in the family should have his own backpack or dufflebag or BEST OF ALL: A ROLLING SUITCASE!!)

~Update your 72 Hour Kits
~Increase your water storage.
~Learn how to purify water.
~Obtain 3 gallons PLAIN bleach.
~Twice a week, serve meals soley from your food storage (non refrigerated items.)

Regarding the 72 Hour kits. A lot of LDS foks make it a habit to update them at conference time, which is a great time since the seasons are starting to change then. You need a different 72 Hour kit in the winter than you do in the summer. Plus, If you have packed away crackers and granola bars, they are going to expire in about 6 months, so you need to eat them up and replace them with fresher ones.

March's Goal Was....

2009-04-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

Here is what is written on the March Calendar...
March
"We will see the day when we will live on what we produce."~Marion G. Romney

~Plant vegetable seeds in your backyard or in patio pots.
~Obtain a transister radio with batteries.
~Obtain oatmeal and cinnamon for 30 days worth of breakfasts for your family or more.

I have been super busy, I must admit, and have just begun to do gardening.
I have the radio and batteries, do you? Keep this handy on a surface...so you can grab it and tune in easily. What if some enemy took out all our electricity and satellite communications in one fell swoop? Be prepared!

I have lots of oatmeal and have become quite addicted to it for breakfast....or for snacks. In fact, the other day as I was at the stoplight by Wendy's drive-thru restaurant. I looked at their big posters for the Double Stack, The Junior Bacon Cheeseburger, etc...and I thought..mmm..I am hungry..then I thought...but I can go home and fix a bowl of oatmeal with raisin and walnuts, cinnamon and soy milk..and that will be much more satisfying and healthful than a burger!

OK...back to the gardening..I will be posting great resource books, tips, news, etc. This is planting season! And what a gorgeous day we have today to do it.

Food 4 Less Bargain-April 18-21!

2009-04-18T09:16:00.001-07:00

Hi Victorville people..this is for you. Today and for the next few days you can buy
Casa Fiesta refried beans at 50 cents for a 16 oz. can. They are located at the end of the frozen food aisle by the frozen pizzas (right on the edge of the produce lane)....I bought 4 flats (12 cans in a flat). Also..the re-usable black shopping bags are 2 for 99 cents!
I tried a can of these beans:
I tasted it cold out of the can: delicious! I made a bowl of soup with 1/2 cup of refried beans, 1/2 cup of cooked brown rice (which I keep in my frdige all the time now) and some Tapa Tio. Delicious, flavorful,high fiber soup!

In my opinion, refried beans in a can is perhaps one of the best items you can buy for food storage. Already cooked! Just open and eat...or heat and eat. Remember: in a worst case scenario, you may not have water or fuel to cook up some dried beans.

The "use by" date on these cans is: February 2014 !!!! (Of course, you can go longer..just make sure the can is not bulging.)

This product is made in the USA. See www.brucefoods.com

Here is what else it says on the label.
No Artifical Ingredients.
No Lard & Trans Fat Free.
No Preservatives.

"Our pledge to you: We have been producing delicious
Mexican foods long enough to be one of the originators
of canned Mexican foods. Over fifty years in fact. We
take a lot of pride inthat and the fact that we are
located in El Paso where some of the finest Mexican
food is created. We are committed to producing the finest
products that nature, time, skill and care can create."

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 1/2 cup
Servings per comtainer: 4
Total Fat 0.5 g
Cholesterol 0 g
Sodium 380 mg
Total CHO (Carbs) 20 g
Dietray Fiber 3g
Protein 7 g ( Joan says: this is as much as in one egg!)

Now one warning...do not be too greedy. Let others buy some too...don't buy too many flats all at once....Happy Shopping.

Bulgar or Burghul

2009-04-02T07:05:00.000-07:00

Click on this picture to really magnify it so you can see the texture of real bulgar or burghul!

This is called bulgur, bulgar, bulger, bulghur or burghal. You may have had tabooli or taboulleh of which bulgur is a main ingredient.
If you go to The Pita Stop Restaurant in Apple Valley, ask for a take out container of "burghul"..it costs a little over a dollar. It is very tasty and satisfying. I asked them if they cook it in broth. No, just water, they said. They have it seasoned nicely with some salt and a red powder they called "sumac" (hmmm?)I cook mine in broth, then add a dash of olive oil to it when it is done cooking.

Burghul is made from whole wheat kernels that are partially hulled. They are then soaked, steamed, dried and finally crushed. This crushed product is burghul. True cracked wheat has no soaking or steaming process - it's simply crushed wheat berries. It will take longer to cook than burghul, so if you use it, you need to factor in a longer cooking time.

Bulgar is sold at WinCo in the bins. Cook it like rice...twice the amount of water than grain. Bring to boil, then turn heat down and put lid on. You can season it any way you like. I often stir fry it later with onions, bell pepper, etc.

The K-Tec Mill

2009-03-31T20:44:00.000-07:00

I have a K-Tec Mill just like this one. It is about 200 dollars. We got ours at a rummage sale for less. It takes up as much room as a toaster.

2 cups of wheat will yeild 3 cups of flour. One good sized loaf of bread takes about 3 cups flour to make.
The K-Tec Grain Mill will provide your family with fresh flour from most grains, and from most dry, non-oily legumes and lentils, including all of these:

Wheat (hard and soft)
Oats
Rice
Triticale
Dried Pinto Beans
Dried Green Beans
Popcorn
Split Peas Buckwheat
Rye
Millet
Sorgum (Milo)
Dried Mung Beans
Soybeans
Dried Field Corn
Chick Peas

DO NOT MILL THE FOLLOWING:
Sugar
Sunflower Seeds
Nuts (all types)
Dried Fruits Sesame Seeds
Coffee Beans
Peanuts Avoid items which have a high oil or moisture content. Do not mill wet or damp products.

Grain Mills-My Favorite Hand Mill

2009-03-31T20:32:00.001-07:00

The "Back to Basics" Hand Mill
This hand mill is great! It currently sells on the Internet (just "google" it..many sites sells this mill.)for 65 dollars to 75 dollars in price. We have one that my husband purchased at American Way Thrift Store years ago for $3.99. It grinds as fine as my electric K-Tec. Once I made my own wheaties by hand grinding the wheat with this grinder...then adding water and a dash of salt to the fine flour..then pouring this "slurry" onto a greased cookie sheet. After it bakes, you end up with a thin crispy brown sheet that you, with your hands, crumble up into "flakes" into your bowl. Then add milk and eat with a spoon.

RICE

2009-03-31T20:12:00.000-07:00

What kind of rice do you like?
What kind of rice do you usually fix?
Are you willing to try some different rices?

The most unusual rice I have ever eaten was purple rice at a Thai Restaurant. It was great!

Tonight, we had basmati brown rice (purchased at WinCo)for supper, with salmon and brussle sprouts. My husband loves whole grains and he liked how I fixed the rice tonight. I cooked it this morning. Brown rice takes 40 minutes to cook. Then after it cooled a bit, I put it in a container and refrigerated it. For supper, I stir fried it in some olive oil and added some soy sauce, black pepper, and Mrs. Dash. MMMmmm.

There is jasmine brown rice available at WinCo as well as many other kinds of rice...go check it out!

Brown rice has much more fiber and many more nutrients than white rice, plus it tastes better! If you have not had brown rice in a while, I challenge you to cook some up this week! You can do so mnay things with rice!

My favorite things to do with rice:

1. Stir fry it with different vegetables...or with finely chopped meat..or a combination.
2. Make frittatas.
3. Pour curry sauce over it.
4. Make rice pudding.
5. Add it to Ragu Spaghetti sauce with a little water and make a tomato rice soup.

I want to learn how to make "Sticky Rice" and have purchased some (also called "sweet rice" or "sushi rice" from the Asian Market by BigLots here in Victorville.
It is the end of March...I have barely touched on the subject of grains for our food storage so I hope you do some research on your own. The Internet is full of information and recipes!

Pistachio ReCall

2009-03-31T19:58:00.000-07:00

This morning, on the Today Show (I always watch first 20 minutes which is pure news.)I learned that a California company that provides pistachios for many other companies is recalling about 1 million pounds of pistachios. The reason they are doing this is because one of the companies they sell the nuts to did a random check on some nuts and found salmonella in some. So far, only 2 report of intestinal distress have come in. They said don't toss out your nuts, just put them in the back of your cupboard and wait for the report...it may be all clear

Here is what I found on the Internet about it:

http://www.fda.gov/pistachios/
The FDA and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) are investigating Salmonella contamination in pistachio products sold by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc, Calif. The company has stopped all distribution of processed pistachios and will issue a voluntary recall involving approximately 1 million pounds of its products. Because the pistachios were used as ingredients in a variety of foods, it is likely this recall will impact many products. In addition, the investigation at the company is ongoing and may lead to additional pistachio product recalls.
The contamination involves multiple strains of Salmonella. Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Thus far, several illnesses have been reported by consumers that may be associated with the pistachios. It is not yet known whether any of the Salmonella strains found in the pistachio products are linked to an outbreak. The FDA is conducting genetic testing of the samples to pursue all links.

Three Month's Supply

2009-03-31T19:16:00.000-07:00

This is a friendly reminder: Are you working on your Three Month Supply of Food You Normally Eat?

This is a direct quote from official LDS church publications and website.

Build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet. One way to do this is to purchase a few extra items each week to build a one-week supply of food. Then you can gradually increase your supply until it is sufficient for three months. These items should be rotated regularly to avoid spoilage.

http://www.providentliving.org/content/list/0,11664,7445-1,00.html

Note:
This 8 foot pantry can hold around 6 months of storage for 2 adults.
Picture courtesy of....http://www.markandleah.com/Storage/index.php

Thermos Wheat

2009-03-31T16:27:00.000-07:00

Thermos Wheat

1 Thermos (with not too narrow of an opening)

1 cup whole wheat berries
2 cups boiling water

First preheat the thermos by filling it with your hottest tap water. Place the lid on it loosely and allow it to sit while you do the rest of the work. Meanwhile bring 2 cups of water to a boil. When the water boils, dump the tap water out of the thermos. Immediately pour the boiling water into the thermos. Pour the wheat berries into the thermos along with the boiling water. Try to work quickly so the water doesn't lose too much of its heat. Screw the lid tightly onto the thermos. Now allow the wheat to cook in the thermos for about 8 hours or overnight.

When you open the thermos, you will have lovely freshly cooked wheat, the perfect temperature for eating. You may need to drain off a little water if it hasn't all been absorbed. Serve anywhere that you would serve rice, or stir some into a little yogurt with a bit of brown sugar. Cooked wheat is also nice for breakfasts with a few dates and milk.

If desired, this recipe is easily doubled or tripled for larger thermoses.

HERE ARE SOME OTHER RECIPES TO USING COOKED WHEAT:

Sweet Wheat Treat
Spoon some of your thermos wheat into a small bowl and add thawed fruit punch concentrate, or apple cherry juice concentrate. Just add a Tablespoon per 1/2 cup cooked wheat..or to taste. Eat with spoon.

Chocolate Porridge
After you have prepared your thermos wheat or after you have cooked your wheat in a pot for an hour, drain the soft cooked wheat. Transfer to a bowl and stir in 2-6 oz. of chocolate chips and 2 oz. of chopped nuts or more. If desired, add fruit juice to soften the mixture.

Note: You can cook whole oat groats the same way..only use 3 parts water to one part oat groats. MMMmmm.
Be sure to clean your thermos out right away...after you have dumped out or shaken out all the cooked grains.

Wheat Grass Easter Basket

2009-03-31T16:21:00.001-07:00

A few years ago, I made an Easter baskets like this-it was so much fun to watch the wheat grass grow.

Line a basket with plastic wrap. Add some soil, add some wheat grains, add water, and place in the sun. It takes a little less than a week to grow so there's still time if you want to make one for Easter. This also might make a nice dinner table centerpiece. If you don't have a basket, a nice bowl/dish would work as well.

You can use regular grass seed, too.

Crockett's Corner

2009-03-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

I met Pam Crockett at a wheat demonstration at Mormon Handicraft in Salt Lake City about 5 years ago. She was so knowledgeable, skilled and amazing. She belongs in the Preparedness Hall of Fame, for sure! Since then, she has written a few more books on the subject of grain cookery, food storage, gardening etc. Check out the link to Crockett's Corner Store on the side of my blog.

She has a great gardening book with a subtitle of Oh My Gosh, Lots of Squash! I've got all her books on my wish list!

Creative Uses of Wheat-Non Eating Uses

2009-03-25T11:09:00.001-07:00

You can make theraputic wheat bags. Microwave the cloth bag filled with wheat for a heavy portable heating pad for aching muscles or just to keep warm.

The wheat weaving is an old European thing to do...this one remind me of the "Polish House Blessing" Ornament I have hanging in my kitchen. I know a lady in her 90's...from the "old country" (Poland) who still makes these "house blesings" by weaving wheat.

Recipe for Fancy Crock Pot Wheat

2009-03-17T09:44:00.000-07:00

When I have done my whole wheat in a crock pot, I have done it plain..Just wheat and water. I am a purist, what can I say?
I found this recipe that looks quite appealing, though....and am sharing it here..note the website I got it from...

Crockpot Wheat Berry Cereal

1 cup Wheat berries - rinsed and drained
2 cups apple juice
1/2 cup apricots - chopped
1/4 cup raisins
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
Place all ingredients in the crockpot in the evening. Stir to mix.

Cook on low over night.

Serve in the morning with milk and brown sugar.

http://www.mrbreakfast.com/recipe_print.asp?recipeid=1771

Introducing Wheat to Your Family

2009-03-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

If I had children at home (my dear 7 children are all grown up now) and I wanted to introduce them to wheat, I would first go buy some-maybe 2 or 3 pounds) at WinCo, if I did not already have some.

I would bring it home and put it in a bowl on the kitchen counter and wait for the kids to discover it, and ask about it.

Her is what may occur:

Child: Mom...what is this?

Mom: What does it look like to you?

Child: Seeds?

Mom: Yes, you are right. If you plant this in the ground, you will get a plant!

Child: What kind of plant?

Mom: A stalk of wheat.

Child: What do you mean "stalk of wheat"?

Mom: Well, a stalk is like a long skinny stem...Wheat grows on stalks. These are wheat seeds, or wheat grains...You know what wheat is don't you?

Child: Like in "wheat" bread?

Mom: (Now you can impress as well as teach your child.)Yes, wheat bread is made from ground up wheat. When you grind wheat, it is called flour.

Let's go on the Internet and look at a picture of a stalk of wheat
(Go to "google.com" click on "image", type in "wheat grains" and look at those neat pictures..you can click on the picture to enlarge it)

A stalk of wheat usually has one head. There are 35 grains of wheat in one head.
Some really good varieties of wheat, in a good year, can have 3 heads on one stalk!

Enjoy the pictures on the Internet and go back to the kitchen...

Child: I like feeling this wheat. It is fun to play with.

(Note: Our daughter Molly makes a "Wheat Sandbox" for her kids to play in....)

Mom: Yes it is...

Child: Are you going to grind up this wheat?

Mom: Not today...but tonight I will put some in our crockpot with water and cook it on low all night. You see, you can cook this grain just like you cook rice, only it takes longer. You can eat cooked wheat with a spoon or fork, just like you eat rice.
In the morning, this wheat will be all soft and a lot rounder, and hot and ready to eat.
I wonder if you will like the smell you smell in the morning when you wake up.

Child: Hmmm.I don't know that yet.

Mom: Well...we shall see if it is something you like.

(Can you tell I used to be a first grade teacher?)

Anyway...that night...when the child is watching, put wheat and water in your crock pot and put it on low. Better yet, have your child measure the cups of wheat to go into the crock pot..and then let him put it in the crock pot. Maybe start out with 2 cups wheat and 5 cups water. In the morning you will have well over 4 cups cooked wheat.

In the morning, let him look inside the crockpot (Be carefull..you can burn yourself, even if it is on low..so do not touch rim). Spoon some out into a bowl and let you child try a taste...you taste it also..hopefully, you like it,too.

You can brainstorm with your child as to how to make it taste even better...by adding cinnamon, walnuts, raisins, etc.

Pure Wheat

2009-03-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

BY far, the easiest way to use wheat is to cook in overnight on low in a crockpot (at least 8 hours). Use 2 cups water for each cup wheat, and then add some extra water to make sure the wheat does not dry out. I used 3 cups of wheat and about7 and 1/2 cups water...in the morning, I measured out about 7 cups wheat, hot, fragrant, soft, ready to eat. I ate a half cup of it plain...nothing added..no sugar, no salt, no cinnamon..and it was delicious..this pure wheat. Try it!

Now I have all this cooked wheat in a covered container in the fridge. Tonight, I will make Chinese Fried Wheat with it. I am lucky my husband LOVES whole grains.

This is the recipe I will use:

Chinese Fried Wheat

Saute in oil....
1/2 cup diced onion, 3 cloves garlic, sliced, 1 cup diced bell (I have a nice big red one from Winco-48 cents now) pepper, until all are glistening and hot but still crunchy.
Add 2-3 cups cooked wheat. Stir
Add a cup and a half of diced chicken meat and stir. Add some soy sauce, black pepper, Mrs. Dash (if desired.) Stir until all combined and hot. Serve...extra soy sauce on the side and maybe some steamed asparagus (in season and 99 cents for a large bunch at 99 Cents Only Store) and steamed sliced carrots on the side to give the plate more color and nutrition. Voila!