Thursday, March 21, 2019

Time for Concern & Stocking

I am going to take a break from the "simple foods" posts to get a little serious.
We are in some scary and serious times in this world.  So much is happening and it gives me concern that we just aren't doing enough to protect our families in the future.

I don't like to be  panic monger at all, but I am worried.
I mentioned the other day that we really need to get busy stocking as I thought things would get worse sooner than later.
I will tell you why I feel this way.

I am very concerned about the events that are happening around the world.  People are being deprived the basics of life in the name of control and politics.  I guarantee you that five or six years ago these same average middle class people never imagined that they would begging for food, water and medical help.  So many people have died from the lack of basics.  If they protest the situation, they still die, just in another way.   These people who led comfortable lives a few years ago - would be thrilled with the condiments of your frig - as food - that is how bad it is.
It's horrible.
NEVER think that this can't happen where you live - it can.  I don't want to get into politics, I just want everyone to be aware, stay informed, and be prepared to care for your own.  
NO ONE ELSE WILL!  

Secondly, there is the weather situations that are happening, that will drastically affect our grocery store experiences in the near future.  So much of the mid section of this country is totally covered with water (LOTS of water) and deep, deep snow.  That snow will eventually melt and become more water.  More heavy rains are in the forecast.
This midsection of the country supplies much of our food.  Grains, corn, wheat, potatoes, veggies, cattle and pork, etc.
Not only will the cost of food go up - but the cost of feed for the animals will go up as well (for the animals that haven't already died.)  Tens of thousands of animals have died to date.  Many farms will never be able to recover financially.
Predictions are that these farmlands will not get to dry out enough to plant for the entire spring season.

It is not just the mid section of this country, but it's all over.  There is extreme drought in some places on the west coast and also in countries in the southern hemisphere, where many fruits come from.
Heavy frost supposedly killed off the budding olive trees and olive oil prices will go up.  Chocolate and coffee crops have been damaged in recent months.  Have you priced vanilla lately??  WOW.


NOW is the time to really work hard on getting serious about our pantries.  Hunt for those good deals and take advantage.  Odds are you and your home peeps are not your only family or friends.  If the our extended families are in trouble - I am sure we would all want to help them as well.

Buying local is going to be huge for many of us.  Supplementing our garden produce or buying from local farmers for those who don't garden is going to be critical.  Can, freeze, dehydrate all that you can.  I haven't canned meat yet, but that is another idea.  (I will be doing a meat post next week).
Barter - with those who produce what you don't.
Forage for natural growing fruits, nuts, herbs, etc.
These things are going to be important.  Supplies are going to be limited - therefore they are going to cost a lot more.
ALSO REMEMBER - those arbitrary dates that manufacturers put on your food supplies are just that - arbitrary!!!!!  They can be used well past date and they are still fine.  Rotate and use as needed.  

Just remember that whatever you buy now, especially for a discounted price, is 100% totally money in the bank and a safety net for your family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know we are seeing a lot about these things on blogs and FB (not so much in the news), but it is serious.  Again, I try to steer away from politics on here and don't intend this to be a political post - just a wake up call.
IT IS TIME TO GET SERIOUS.

If you are so inclined, please pray for our world - it needs it badly.

23 comments:

  1. Cheryl,

    Prayers for all of us. Times are going to get very hard for everyone! God Bless

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    1. Thank you. Yes they are. It is bewildering for sure.

      Lifting us all up in prayer.

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  2. This is such a great post and so true. You are a blessing to all who read you. Thanks Cheryl

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    1. Oh thank you sweet lady.
      We just need to be aware and inform as many people as possible. Let's help each other.

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  3. Hubby and I were just talking about this last night. We have decided to up our grocery budget for the time being. I want to increase our food storage. I have a nagging feeling and hubby thankfully has learned that my feelings are usually right. Hopefully it ends up not being too bad. I say prepare for the worst and pray for the best. I am also trying to grow more and I will be canning it. Started lots of seeds this week. I'm so happy to be starting to garden again. God bless.

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    1. It has been on my mind a lot too. Those gut feelings usually have a way of coming true unfortunately.
      Same here - plan for the worst and pray for the best. What is the worst that happens if we over prepare? We don't have to grocery shop for quite a while.
      I'd rather be prepared.
      God bless you as well.

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  4. Hello Cheryl, I agree 100%. Looking back a few years and how much more family income we had and now trying to make ends meet with MUCH less and higher prices on top of it. I keep telling our children to be careful and get a deep pantry started. There are so many who seem to have little common sense these days about getting some reserves ( both financial and food)

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    1. As we retire we have to plan a lot more. Income is limited and prices are variable - not a good match!

      Things have changed so much in the past 20 years. 20 years ago, we could never have imagined that things would be as they are now - so what is in the future?
      Good advice to your children. It is surprisingly sad how many people that just don't get it - or don't want to get it!

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  5. Hi Cheryl, just a aha moment for me was to not forget the toiletry items and soaps in food storage. I figure if I stock up on those items as well I will not have to worry about running out. I am stocking up on beans, rice, flour, sugar and other basics so I can make whatever I need from storage. I have 4 turkeys bought at 29 cents a pound after Christmas I want to try canning. I have never canned meat before but I think it's about time to try. Thank you for the frank conversation about these issues. I agree I have a strange feeling something is coming... blessings Gaila

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    1. Gaila I think we are all starting to get those feelings. That says a lot to me.
      Yes mam, TP and H&B aids, any health needs (vitamins, etc), and pet needs. We need to stock on everything we use!

      I am looking into natural alternatives for many common medications - just in case.
      Take care - blessings

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  6. Replies
    1. Thanks you. Good to know there are so many like minded folks out there.

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  7. Cheryl, I watched a Youtube video this week where this man bought several cans of food from an estate sale. He was curious about how the contents would look after 30 years, so he opened them up on his video. Most of the food inside looked like it normally would and he said they smelled fine. So yes, those dates on cans are arbitrary as the food is still good past those dates. And yes, we have priced vanilla lately. It's unreal and the reason I'm using imitation right now.

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    1. It is amazing how long things last. I just want to scream when I see stories of people throwing things out the minute it hits that date. I wonder - do they think the stuff in the cans knows what date it is? LOL

      You can buy food supplies that have 25 year guarantees - so why would other food go bad?

      I have been using imitation vanilla some too - the price for pure has gone to the moon.

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    2. Cooks Illustrated did a recent article and as part of it blind tested artificial and real vanilla---the artificial won in both flavor and price. Even the professional pastry chef said he could not believe that he was fooled! So, it might not be so bad to stay with artificial.

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  8. Thank you for your post! Every day I read of some new disaster. It really does seem like the end times are soon. Our leaders have lost all sense of common decency. Such nastiness on all levels.
    I have been trying to stock up more as I find good sales. My husband doesn't really understand why I am doing it, and I have been spending more money than usual.

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    1. Does your husband see the news? It amazes me how many people see it, say that's horrible, but never think it will happen to them.
      It can happen any where at all.

      Kathy, I think people in general have lost common decency. Everyone is so entitled and offended any more - it has truly gotten pitiful.

      Never feel bad for preparing to take care of your family in the worst of times. Trust me, they may have to thank you someday. Hopefully it doesn't happen, but being prepared is just smart.

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  9. You may be planning to answer this question in your canning meat post, but I was wondering if you can safely can meat that has been frozen and thawed.

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    1. Sure you can. Basically when you can, you are cooking the meat for long term storage. Lots of people are getting worried about power losses and are removing meat from freezers and canning.

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  10. I know about the flood .. I live in the St. Joseph, Missouri area. It is bad.

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    1. I feel so sorry for everyone. I have heard entire towns have been basically destroyed. God bless you all.

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  11. I'm so glad we found our rain check for the hamburger. We were going to stock up and I had it right in my coupon book. I have a feeling we will only see high prices but that's just my feeling.
    I watched some videos on youtube last night and was amazed at the footage that we are not seeing. Terrible. Have a great day!

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    1. Good going on getting and using the raincheck. I do believe prices will increase as well. Anything we get ahead - will be for the good.
      It really does sadden the heart.
      Have a great week.

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