This is an article written by Anne Vincent in Utah for her ward - it's good information and her timing is great.
“We encourage you to grow all the food that you feasibly can on your own property... Grow vegetables and eatthem from your own yard, Even those residing in apartments or condominiums can generally grow a littlefood in pots or planters. Study the best methods of producing your own foods.”
— President Spencer W. Kimball
“We will see the day when we will live on what we produce.”
—President Marion G. Romney
How do I store seeds***?
Like all food storage products, the enemies to long term storage are heat, light,air, and humidity. Store your seeds in an envelope and then in a zip-lock bag in which the air has been removedto keep out moisture. Then, close the whole bag of seed packets in a #10 can, or in a bottle with a firm lid. Placethe closed can or bottle in a cool, dark place like your cold storage. If you don’t have a cool, dry basement,consider making room in your fridge. But remember that fridges tend to be humid, so you will want to takeextra precautions there. Some experts suggest packing your seed envelops in a closed bottle of uncooked rice, whichacts as a mild desiccant to keep out moisture, but a zip-lock bag or double bag also works. If you do not use anentire packet of seeds and want to save the rest for another year, simply fold the envelop down tightly severaltimes and tape or clip shut and then return it to your storage place. It is generally not advisable to freeze seeds for long term storage.
How long will my stored seeds last?
Most experts agree that if stored properly, you should still haveclose to 100% performance of seeds if planted after 5 years, and fairly good success of many seeds even up to 10years. Be sure to label your can or bottle with the year, so that you can easily rotate your seed supply. Store whatyou will use, and then use what you have stored!
*** It is suggested that when storing seeds, you store “heirloom” seeds. Most of the seeds we buy at thesupermarket are hybrids, which means the seeds will often produce a crop only once, or will do poorly after thefirst propagation. Our vegetables that we buy at the supermarket are usually the same: producing seeds that aresterile or will not perform well if planted. “Heirloom” seeds have not been genetically altered, and the seeds fromthese vegetables can be harvested generation after generation. Look for these “heirloom” seeds at nurseries or at the numerous on-line seed companies.***
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
72 Hour Kits - How do I customize my own pack?
Asking yourself questions may help you prepare.
What would I have needed if I was near 9/11 (dust masks, family pictures to help locate lost ones)? Hurricane Katrina (backpack with wheels so you could walk outside of the affected area, small bills to pay for gas or water bottles)? Does my family have any special needs (often items such as medicine can’t be purchased and placed in your kit ahead of time, so tape a note to the outside—saying “Grab medicine, or Grab baby formula.”)? What weather may I be in (mittens for winter, sunscreen or bandana to shield from the sun, or garbage sacks to line the inside of your pack with in case it’s rainy weather)? What if my loved ones were not with me (Separate kit for the workplace, pop top lids for young children’s backpacks so they can get in cans independent of you, paper and pencil to leave notes on message boards)? Will I remember important phone numbers (In emergency situations it’s hard to remember even the simplest facts such as out-of-state relatives phone numbers or work numbers of family members—put them in writing in your pack)? Will my kids need comfort/distractions (think of sitting in the Superdome for 3 days– maybe stickers or glow sticks)? Will there be those who need priesthood blessings (consecrated oil)? Will I need a pack horse to carry all of this? Just Kidding!
It’s also helpful in rotating packs when two lists are kept in the front pocket—one of perishable items that need to be rotated yearly, and one of non-perishable items. This also helps me remember what’s in there so I don’t have to empty it and check if I already have something when I hear of an item I want to add.
What would I have needed if I was near 9/11 (dust masks, family pictures to help locate lost ones)? Hurricane Katrina (backpack with wheels so you could walk outside of the affected area, small bills to pay for gas or water bottles)? Does my family have any special needs (often items such as medicine can’t be purchased and placed in your kit ahead of time, so tape a note to the outside—saying “Grab medicine, or Grab baby formula.”)? What weather may I be in (mittens for winter, sunscreen or bandana to shield from the sun, or garbage sacks to line the inside of your pack with in case it’s rainy weather)? What if my loved ones were not with me (Separate kit for the workplace, pop top lids for young children’s backpacks so they can get in cans independent of you, paper and pencil to leave notes on message boards)? Will I remember important phone numbers (In emergency situations it’s hard to remember even the simplest facts such as out-of-state relatives phone numbers or work numbers of family members—put them in writing in your pack)? Will my kids need comfort/distractions (think of sitting in the Superdome for 3 days– maybe stickers or glow sticks)? Will there be those who need priesthood blessings (consecrated oil)? Will I need a pack horse to carry all of this? Just Kidding!
It’s also helpful in rotating packs when two lists are kept in the front pocket—one of perishable items that need to be rotated yearly, and one of non-perishable items. This also helps me remember what’s in there so I don’t have to empty it and check if I already have something when I hear of an item I want to add.
Monday, March 30, 2009
What's in a 72 Hour Kit? Part 1 - Adult Male
Everyone's kit needs to be personalized to meet individual needs. Here is just one example of a kit:Food & water (*See food list below)
Garbage bags (lines the inside of pack to keep rain out & can be used for other things)
Socks/hat/gloves
Consecrated oil for giving priesthood blessing
Handwarming packs
tarp/emergency blanket combo
candy assortment
First Aid Kit: plastic gloves, acetaminophen, antiseptic, tape, safety pins, bug spray, chapstick w/ sunscreen, antihistamines, decongestants, sunscreen, burn spray
Flashlight & batteries
Cigarette lighters for lighting fires
Pocketknife (12 in 1 tool)
Handcranked radio/flashlight/cell phone charger combo
Soap
Plastic spoons
Rain poncho
Can opener
Baby wipes
Ziplock bags
Cash in small bills
Water purifying kit
Paper and pencil
3 lightsticks
Whistle
Rope of med. weight
String or wire
2 sterno cans
Family photo
Hand sanitizer
Candle
Dusk mask
Toilet paper
Toothbrush w/ built in toothpaste
Emergency Contact List including: Male’s name, if applicable – spouse’s name, home phone number, cell phone, work or loved one’s cell phone numbers, home address, in-state and out-of-state contacts, family’s meeting place (1st choice and 2nd), any health concerns.
Folding saw strapped to outside of pack for cutting firewood
Food menu:
1 tube Ritz crackers in hard cracker Tupperware container
1 can stew
1 can chicken pieces
1 can tuna
1 bottle Gatorade
2 water bottles
(2 other larger water bottles are outside of the backpack by a cord and can be thrown around your neck)
1 Pre-made rice pack
Individual bag of nuts
Can of deluxe nut mix
Indiv. size of goldfish crackers
3 energy bars
2 packets of hot chocolate in plastic baggies to keep from absorbing other flavors
Candy bar
Gum
1 Nutritional drink
Indiv. sized instant oatmeal packet
1 can clam chowder
Dried prunes (or other fruit)
1 can pineapple
Keeping a list of all items in a backpack in the front pocket makes it easier to know what’s inside as you may forget. It’s also advisable to keep a list of perishables that need to be rotated yearly in the front pocket. This becomes your grocery list so you can purchase fresh supplies and trade food out each year. Doing so before food expires means you can still eat that food and not waste food or money.
What's in a 72 Hour Kit? Part 2 - Adult Female
Remember, everyone's kit must be cutomized to meet individual needs and tastes. Here is one example of what may be in an adult female’s pack:
Food & Water (*See adult male’s)
Tampons & Sanitary pads
Plastic spoons
Sterno cans for heating food
12 in 1 pocketknife
Can opener
Baby wipes
Candle
Hand sanitizer
Whistle
Toilet paper
Cigarette lighters for lighting a fire
First Aid Kit: 2” bandage, 2” gauze, tape, bandaids, antibiotic ointment,
Thread and needle, safety pins
Plastic tablecloth/tarp
Old glasses
Rain poncho
Socks, hat, gloves
3 garbage sacks (lines the inside of pack to keep rain out & can be used for other things)
Water purifier
Hand cranked flashlight/radio/cell phone charger
3 dust masks
Paper & pencil
3 hand warming packs
Family photo
Toothbrush w/ built in toothpaste
Cash in small bills
Emergency Contact List including: Female’s name, if applicable – spouse’s name, home phone number, cell phone, work or loved one’s cell phone numbers, home address, in-state and out-of-state contacts, family’s meeting place (1st choice and 2nd), any health concerns.
(2 other larger water bottles are outside of the backpack by a cord and can be thrown around your neck)
Keeping a list of all items in a backpack in the front pocket makes it easier to know what’s inside as you may forget. It’s also advisable to keep a list of perishables that need to be rotated yearly in the front pocket. This becomes your grocery list so you can purchase fresh supplies and trade food out each year. Doing so before food expires means you can still eat that food and not waste food or money.
Food & Water (*See adult male’s)
Tampons & Sanitary pads
Plastic spoons
Sterno cans for heating food
12 in 1 pocketknife
Can opener
Baby wipes
Candle
Hand sanitizer
Whistle
Toilet paper
Cigarette lighters for lighting a fire
First Aid Kit: 2” bandage, 2” gauze, tape, bandaids, antibiotic ointment,
Thread and needle, safety pins
Plastic tablecloth/tarp
Old glasses
Rain poncho
Socks, hat, gloves
3 garbage sacks (lines the inside of pack to keep rain out & can be used for other things)
Water purifier
Hand cranked flashlight/radio/cell phone charger
3 dust masks
Paper & pencil
3 hand warming packs
Family photo
Toothbrush w/ built in toothpaste
Cash in small bills
Emergency Contact List including: Female’s name, if applicable – spouse’s name, home phone number, cell phone, work or loved one’s cell phone numbers, home address, in-state and out-of-state contacts, family’s meeting place (1st choice and 2nd), any health concerns.
(2 other larger water bottles are outside of the backpack by a cord and can be thrown around your neck)
Keeping a list of all items in a backpack in the front pocket makes it easier to know what’s inside as you may forget. It’s also advisable to keep a list of perishables that need to be rotated yearly in the front pocket. This becomes your grocery list so you can purchase fresh supplies and trade food out each year. Doing so before food expires means you can still eat that food and not waste food or money.
*Please comment on what you put in your 72 hour kit!
What's in a 72 Hour Kit? Part 3 - Elementary Age Child
Example of a 7-12 year old child’s back pack:
Food & water (*See food menu)
Plastic spoons
Rain poncho
Hand sanitizer
Mylar blanket
Bandaids
3 glow sticks
(Crayons, small rubber toy or paper doll, stickers, paper, 3 songs photocopied –shrink down to a smaller size. All of these are comfort items. Think of sitting in the Superdome in New Orleans for 3 days!)
12 in 1 pocket knife
Family photo
Cash in small bills
Hand Warmers
3 dust masks
Cigarette lighter for making fires
Socks, gloves, hat
Whistle
Emergency Contact List including: Child’s name, parent’s name, home phone number, cell phone, work or loved one’s cell phone numbers, home address, in-state and out-of-state contacts, family’s meeting place (1st choice and 2nd), any health concerns.
Food Menu (I make a menu so that kids could pace themselves if we were separated):
Day 1:
B: Instant Oatmeal packet & Nutritional drink
L: Tuna & Crackers, Sports drink
D: Package of ready-made rice, water, canned green beans
Day 2:
B: Instant Oatmeal packet, Nutritional drink
L: Power bar & Canned pineapple (all cans have pop–tops and don’t need can opener)
D: Rice (left over from lunch), crackers, and nuts
Day 3:
B: Nutritional drink & energy bar
L: Granola bar & Peanutbutter (I throw in a small jar)
D: Mashed instant potatoe’s
Extra’s:
Candy, indiv. pack of goldfish crackers, 2 Hot cocoa’s, 2 Fruit snacks, energy bar, and Vienna sausage
(2 other larger water bottles are outside of the backpack by a cord and can be thrown around your neck)
Keeping a list of all items in a backpack in the front pocket makes it easier to know what’s inside as you may forget. It’s also advisable to keep a list of perishables that need to be rotated yearly in the front pocket. This becomes your grocery list so you can purchase fresh supplies and trade food out each year. Doing so before food expires means you can still eat that food and not waste food or money.
Food & water (*See food menu)
Plastic spoons
Rain poncho
Hand sanitizer
Mylar blanket
Bandaids
3 glow sticks
(Crayons, small rubber toy or paper doll, stickers, paper, 3 songs photocopied –shrink down to a smaller size. All of these are comfort items. Think of sitting in the Superdome in New Orleans for 3 days!)
12 in 1 pocket knife
Family photo
Cash in small bills
Hand Warmers
3 dust masks
Cigarette lighter for making fires
Socks, gloves, hat
Whistle
Emergency Contact List including: Child’s name, parent’s name, home phone number, cell phone, work or loved one’s cell phone numbers, home address, in-state and out-of-state contacts, family’s meeting place (1st choice and 2nd), any health concerns.
Food Menu (I make a menu so that kids could pace themselves if we were separated):
Day 1:
B: Instant Oatmeal packet & Nutritional drink
L: Tuna & Crackers, Sports drink
D: Package of ready-made rice, water, canned green beans
Day 2:
B: Instant Oatmeal packet, Nutritional drink
L: Power bar & Canned pineapple (all cans have pop–tops and don’t need can opener)
D: Rice (left over from lunch), crackers, and nuts
Day 3:
B: Nutritional drink & energy bar
L: Granola bar & Peanutbutter (I throw in a small jar)
D: Mashed instant potatoe’s
Extra’s:
Candy, indiv. pack of goldfish crackers, 2 Hot cocoa’s, 2 Fruit snacks, energy bar, and Vienna sausage
(2 other larger water bottles are outside of the backpack by a cord and can be thrown around your neck)
Keeping a list of all items in a backpack in the front pocket makes it easier to know what’s inside as you may forget. It’s also advisable to keep a list of perishables that need to be rotated yearly in the front pocket. This becomes your grocery list so you can purchase fresh supplies and trade food out each year. Doing so before food expires means you can still eat that food and not waste food or money.
What's in a 72 hour kit? Part 4 - Young Child
Example of a young child’s backpack (ages 2-6):Food & water (*See menu below)
Family photo
Whistle
3 Light Sticks
Bandaids
Doll,toy, or comfort item
Crayons, paper, stickers, beads, etc.
Rain poncho
Mylar blanket
Warm pj’s, socks, hat
Emergency Contact List including: Child’s name, parent’s name, home phone number, cell phone, work or loved one’s cell phone numbers, home address, in-state and out-of-state contacts, family’s meeting place (1st choice and 2nd), any health concerns.
(Other items may be carried in their parents kits. Depending on the child’s age, they cannot carry it all themselves. Be warned, they will want their own pack if everyone else has one!)
Food Menu:
Day 1:
B: Nutritional drink & instant oatmeal packet
L: Tuna & pineapple (cans all have flip-top lids so they don’t need a can opener)
D: Ready made rice packet, water
Day 2:
B: Nutritional drink & granola bar
L: Tuna, nuts, hot cocoa
D: Energy bar & canned green beans
Day 3:
B: Nutritional drink & instant oatmeal packet
L: Granola bar & sports drink
D: Instant mashed potatoes, hot cocoa
Extra’s: 2 Fruit Snacks, individual sized goldfish crackers, candy, gum, energy bar, freeze dried strawberries & bananas, vienna sausages.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
How do I prepare food storage for an infant?
I always begin by asking myself “What would I not want to do without?” Items quickly come to mind – diapers, food, and acetaminophen. When it comes to food storage I always think in layers, i.e. long term and short term. If you use disposable diapers, storing a month ahead makes sense, but infants change sizes quickly, so don’t buy too far ahead. Instead, purchase some cloth diapers, plastic covers, and pins. That’s your long term plans (it would be better than using fabric or washcloths!).
Next, think food. If you’re breastfeeding that’s great, but what if you and the baby get separated for some reason? What if you get injured or the stress of an emergency reduces your milk supply? Being the frugal mom I am, I saved any and all free formula samples I got – from companies or friends. I didn’t store a year’s worth, but enough to get the baby through until another source of milk could be found. Don’t forget some bottled water in case the water supply is questionable – adults can handle bad water much better than an infant could.
Your baby’s food needs will change quickly the first year. I’ve never regretted buying jars of prepared baby food ahead of time. Even if my infant decided they hated the peas I bought, I can always find another baby who would eat it. There is a period of time where your infant is not ready for traditional food storage foods and baby food is nice and digestible. If you want to make your own baby food, then just think of 30 days worth of store bought baby food as insurance against a time where you may not be able to make your own. If you’re baby never uses it, sell it to another mom who’s child will. A few boxes of rice cereal will be nice as well. I also include a few infant finger foods just for fun – like infant crackers or freeze dried fruit.
Now, can you imagine your infant getting a fever of 103 or more and not having access to something as simple as Tylenol? After 4 kids and always storing a few extra bottles of Tylenol and Ibuprofen, I have never had to throw one out because it was expired and we hadn’t used it. They often last 2 years before expiring and for some reason you always need it in the middle of the night. So save yourself (or your spouse) from a late night run to a pharmacy and have some on hand. The peace of mind is well worth it.
What about an emergency 72 hour backpack for infants?
(Are you a grandparent?
Lastly, remember that unlike an adult, your baby is changing sizes every few months. This is the only year of their life that you may need to update their 72 hour kit 3 times a year. After that, once a year updates are fine.
Think about creating a kit like this for your grandchild as a gift.)
Remember seeing parents on the news during the chaos of Hurricane Katrina crying out for help because they didn’t have formula or clean water for their baby? I do – and I never want to be in that situation. So here is how I prepare. I have used a backpack or other bag (start today with whatever you have in your home – even a plastic bag until you find something better).
Remember seeing parents on the news during the chaos of Hurricane Katrina crying out for help because they didn’t have formula or clean water for their baby? I do – and I never want to be in that situation. So here is how I prepare. I have used a backpack or other bag (start today with whatever you have in your home – even a plastic bag until you find something better).
I add bottled water, formula, a few disposable spoons, some prepared baby food in plastic containers, small infant acetaminophen, diapers, a small zip lock bag of wet wipes, a warm set of pj’s that are a size or so too big, a binki, and a bottle with plastic liners that can be th
rown away so I don’t waste water cleaning a bottle. I also pin a few safety pins in there in case the nipple hole is too small for my growing baby. I also include a plastic rain poncho so I can cover the baby in bad weather if need be. It’s hard to carry enough diapers for 72 hours, so I just bring what I think I can get away with. When you think of what to put it in, remember that potentially your arms will be very full with a baby, their pack, and hopefully yours. Also, include a paper with the family’s names on it, address, emergency contacts both in-state and out-of-state. In a crisis you may not even remember your own phone number – so have it written down. I really like to put a photo of the family as well – another lesson learned from hurricane Katrina. The photo would allow me to post a picture on the web or through the media if a member of the family got separated for some reason.
rown away so I don’t waste water cleaning a bottle. I also pin a few safety pins in there in case the nipple hole is too small for my growing baby. I also include a plastic rain poncho so I can cover the baby in bad weather if need be. It’s hard to carry enough diapers for 72 hours, so I just bring what I think I can get away with. When you think of what to put it in, remember that potentially your arms will be very full with a baby, their pack, and hopefully yours. Also, include a paper with the family’s names on it, address, emergency contacts both in-state and out-of-state. In a crisis you may not even remember your own phone number – so have it written down. I really like to put a photo of the family as well – another lesson learned from hurricane Katrina. The photo would allow me to post a picture on the web or through the media if a member of the family got separated for some reason.Lastly, remember that unlike an adult, your baby is changing sizes every few months. This is the only year of their life that you may need to update their 72 hour kit 3 times a year. After that, once a year updates are fine.
Comments? Other ideas? Please tell us what you've done for your infant.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Fiber
Living providently is not just about saving money and food storage. It's about using any of our resources wisely - including our earth and our bodies. Our bodies are an invaluable resource and it's important that we take care of them so that we are physically prepared to fulfill our individual divine destinies.
Here's an article written by Heidi B. that can serve as a healthy reminder to all of us.
Let’s face it, most of us do not eat enough fiber. Why should we be concerned about our fiber intake? Fiber does our body good. Fiber helps to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, both which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. One in three women will die from heart disease. Fiber prevents obesity by decreasing our fat intake and causing us to feel full longer. How much do we need? For a woman it is recommended to consume 21-25 grams of fiber per day; most of us only get half of that. How can we increase our fiber intake? By reading labels and picking higher fiber foods. Some good sources of fiber are fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grain cereal, nuts and seeds and air popped popcorn.
How have you tried to increase your family's fiber intake? Please comment on this blog.
Here's an article written by Heidi B. that can serve as a healthy reminder to all of us.
Let’s face it, most of us do not eat enough fiber. Why should we be concerned about our fiber intake? Fiber does our body good. Fiber helps to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, both which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. One in three women will die from heart disease. Fiber prevents obesity by decreasing our fat intake and causing us to feel full longer. How much do we need? For a woman it is recommended to consume 21-25 grams of fiber per day; most of us only get half of that. How can we increase our fiber intake? By reading labels and picking higher fiber foods. Some good sources of fiber are fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grain cereal, nuts and seeds and air popped popcorn.
How have you tried to increase your family's fiber intake? Please comment on this blog.
Paper Products
What does paper products and water storage have to do with each other?
Well, having a 2 weeks supply of paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils will not only reduce water needs and expand the life of your stored water, but will minimize your work load as well. This may free you up physically and emotionally to do more important things during a potential period where your family's routine is disrupted.
I've learned having paper products in my food storage also makes me prepared when I deliver an unexpected meal to a friend in need (she won't have to return my dishes) or we have an impromptu lunch with a room full of neighborhood kids.
Well, having a 2 weeks supply of paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils will not only reduce water needs and expand the life of your stored water, but will minimize your work load as well. This may free you up physically and emotionally to do more important things during a potential period where your family's routine is disrupted.
I've learned having paper products in my food storage also makes me prepared when I deliver an unexpected meal to a friend in need (she won't have to return my dishes) or we have an impromptu lunch with a room full of neighborhood kids.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Sprouts anyone?
Did you know you can sprout alfalfa, clover, mung beans, garbanzo beans or even pumpkin seeds on your own counter and get all of this –
Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K
Calcium, Carbohydrates, Chlorophyll, Iron, Magnesium, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, All Amino Acids, Trace Elements, Protein: up to 35%
(according to www.sproutpeople.com)
If you want a source of fresh food for your food storage you may consider storing sprouting seeds and learning how to sprout them. Seeds last on an average of 2 years in your freezer and can offer a welcome relief to dried and canned goods. Sprouting also offers a fun and easy way to provide your family with healthy food on a daily basis. How do you do it? Easy instructions, seeds, and inexpensive supplies can be found on the web on many sites - my favorite being www.sproutpeople.com. Seeds can also be found at local health food stores, but the variety is limited.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Egg Substitutes
During World War II, eggs and oil were
precious and hard to come by.
Save these ideas as a back up if you ever need it.
Will substitute for 1 egg:
* 1 tsp. unflavored gelatin with 3 tbsp. cold water and 2 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. boiling water.
* Health food stores sell powdered egg substites made of
potato starch & tapioca flour
*Powdered eggs from food storage companies also work well, just use before expiration date for the best flavor
Substitutes will not work for every recipe. Start experimenting now so you'll be prepared, or at least have the ingredients on hand.
Substitutes will not work for every recipe. Start experimenting now so you'll be prepared, or at least have the ingredients on hand.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Sealing Mylar Bags at Home
This post is for Lenae C. who introduced me to the idea of sealing mylar bags at home.
If you own a clothes iron then you have what you need and it's easier then you think. Here is a link that taught me how http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk9b0dAtJ80 and it takes less then 4 min to watch!
If you own a clothes iron then you have what you need and it's easier then you think. Here is a link that taught me how http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk9b0dAtJ80 and it takes less then 4 min to watch!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Brad Produce Co-op
Here's info on Brad's produce CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). You can choose full share (weekly for 25 weeks) @$450.00 or half share (EOW for 25 weeks) @$250.00May - October. 30 different kinds of fruit and vegs. Sample summer box: 13 ears corn, 6 tomatoes, 3 green peppers, quart of green beans, quart of squash and zucchini, 6 peaches, 1 melon. Pickup at their home farm in Churchville, 550 Asbury Rd. More info and register at bradsproduce.com. 410.734-GROW. Here's a link to the form you need to print and send in. http://bradsproduce.com/csaform09.pdf Limited number of share, first come, first serve.
If anyone knows of other produce co-op opportunities in our area please let us know.
If anyone knows of other produce co-op opportunities in our area please let us know.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Comforting Children
Comforting children during times of emergency:1. Reassure children by hugging and holding them.
2. Provide age appropriate information.
3. Keep them busy & optimize a sense of control. (A significant problem for all ages is a feeling of being out of control). Involve people in tasks that will help them feel part of restoring order & keeping their minds on doing something productive.
4. Praise & recognize responsible, helpful behavior.
5. Sing cheerful songs
6. Tell stories
7. Play games
8. Draw pictures & talk about what they’re drawing (kids will often express emotions through rawings).
8. Talk about what they will do when it is all over (call Grandma, play with friends, go out for ice cream together).
Having some items on hand will help children:
1. Individual Flashlights or light sticks— this will provide comfort, control, and a source of fun.
2. Paper & Crayons (for drawing, games, & writing to those not there such as grandparents & friends)
3. Treats
4. Balloons
5. Small toys
6. Picture of family
7. Photocopies of favorite primary songs (lighter then carrying the book and will help when you’re not in the state of mind to remember the words)
* A Comfort Kit containing these items make cute gifts from Grandparents, Aunts, etc.
Wood
- Wood needs to cure for about 1 year before burned (depending on weather and type of wood). Don’t expect to cut live trees for an immediate fuel source. (Preparation is a key to provident living)
This is a great website for info. on how to choose, split, stack, and burn wood.
I'm Prepared, but others are not...
What is our role when a general emergency arises and our family has already prepared and planned adequately, while others have not?
Have you ever wondered this? I have.
I found answers in an article written by John H. Cox in the Ensign.“I Have a Question,” Ensign, Apr. 1993, 53
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=d9119209df38b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1
Have you ever wondered this? I have.
I found answers in an article written by John H. Cox in the Ensign.“I Have a Question,” Ensign, Apr. 1993, 53
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=d9119209df38b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1
Save Energy - Save Money
* Did you know that some power companies will give you a rebate for purchasing Energy Star Appliances? BGE rebates range from $50-$75 for refrigerators, freezers, and clothes washers. You also save energy & water (which saves cash) over the lifetime of the appliance. For more info. go to www.BGESmartEnergy.com or contact your supplier.
* Look for a spot in your home where you can hang items such as Levi’s or towels after laundering them. To make them soft after line drying, just pop them in the dryer for 5 min.
*Switch from regular incandescent light bulbs to CFL bulbs. They cost more initially, but save $ in the long run and use a lot less energy in the actual manufacturing process - which benefits our earth. According to BGE, both Costco & Home Depot sell these for less because they have teamed up with the power companies. If you aren't used to the whiter light they produce and are using a light fixture with multiple bulbs, just mix standard bulbs with CFL’s to maintain a warmer glow.
* Look for a spot in your home where you can hang items such as Levi’s or towels after laundering them. To make them soft after line drying, just pop them in the dryer for 5 min.
*Switch from regular incandescent light bulbs to CFL bulbs. They cost more initially, but save $ in the long run and use a lot less energy in the actual manufacturing process - which benefits our earth. According to BGE, both Costco & Home Depot sell these for less because they have teamed up with the power companies. If you aren't used to the whiter light they produce and are using a light fixture with multiple bulbs, just mix standard bulbs with CFL’s to maintain a warmer glow.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Bean Recipes
White Chili
1 lb white beans (I often use great northern but I've also used navy beans)
1 C chopped onion (I try to remember to chop it up and simmer with the beans.
Sometimes I forget and just sauté the onion and garlic together later.)
1-2 Cloves garlic (can use garlic salt or powder)
3 Bullion cubes
2 t cumin (or more to taste)
1 C sour cream
1 small can diced green chilies
Optional: Add chicken
Soak beans overnight. Drain and rinse in morning. Put in large pan, cover
with water and bring to a boil then simmer for a few hours. Add everything
except for chilies and sour cream. Just before serving mix sour cream,
chilies, and small amount of bean liquid together. Pour into pot of beans.
Serve. We like it with tortilla chips and a little cheese. Enjoy. (Good even without sour cream. Makes a good chip dip if served cold w/ cilantro on top).
- Cori H.
Black Bean Salsa Salad
2 cans black beans drained (or cooked until tender)
2 cups kernel corn
1 yellow or red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium red onion, chopped
2 large Roma tomatoes, chopped
3/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Toss these ingredients together.
Stir the following in another bowl, then pour over bean mixture to coat.
2 fresh jalapeno peppers, seeded, chopped (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 Tbl. lime juice, to taste
1-2 Tbl. ground cumin, to taste
1 Tbl sugar
1 tsp salt
Pepper to taste
1 tsp dried oregano
Serve immediately over shredded lettuce w/ corn tortillas. Garnish w/ lime wedges.
Mock Tuna/Chicken Salad
1 Cup canned chickpeas (or cooked until tender)
1 stalk celery, chopped
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
3 Tbl. mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste
Mash (until slightly chunky) chickpeas in a small bowl. Add remaining ingredients and stir. Serve on croissants, sandwich bread, pita bread, or topped with lettuce, tomatoes, or sprouts. Serves 3.
Mexican Layered Salad From the Kitchen of Karen B.
1 16 oz. bottle Hidden Valley Spicy Ranch dressing (use regular ranch dressing if you like things a little milder)
8x8 pan of cornbread
1 bag romaine salad
2 med tomatoes, chopped
6 green onions, chopped
1 can black beans, drained & rinsed
1 can Del Monte Fiesta corn, drained
1 pkg. Kraft Mexican Four Cheese blend shredded cheese
1 pkg. Perdue Short Cuts chicken strips, Southwestern style (optional)
1 bottle Hormel real bacon bits, or 6 strips bacon, crumbled
Assembly:
Drizzle about 1 tablespoon salad dressing in the bottom of a large salad bowl. Crumble one-half of the cornbread into the bowl. Top with one-half of the lettuce. Add one-half of each of the remaining ingredients in the order shown above. Drizzle one-half of the salad dressing over the top. Repeat layers, starting with the remaining cornbread and ending with the remaining salad dressing. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.
Bean Salad From the Kitchen of Elinor W.
One bag of cooked brown rice
15 oz. can black beans, rinsed
11 oz. can Mexi corn, drained (this is just corn with bits of sweetred pepper for color)
4 green onions thinly sliced
2 tsp. dijon mustard
1/2 cup Ceasar dressing
Mix and serve.
Greek Isle Pasta Salad (using items from the garden and food storage)
From the Kitchen of Bente
3 C. Bow-tie pasta, uncooked
2 C. baby spinach or 1/2 C. fresh parsley
1 Cup cherry tomatoes
3/4 C. drained canned chickpeas rinsed
1/2 C. Kraft Greek Vinaigrette Dressing
1 Cup canned chicken pieces drained (optional)
1/2 C. sliced olives
Cook pasta as directed, drain, & place in bowl. Add remaining ingredients & toss lightly. Cover & refrigerate until ready to serve.
Wheat Cereal
Wheat Cereal
Rub crock pot walls with 1 tbsp. of butter. Add 2 cups water to 1 cup wheat and 1/2 tsp. salt (optional). Cover and cook on low 8-9 hours.
or
Put 1 cup wheat per person being served to 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to boil, allow to boil for 10 min. or whenever you remember to turn it off! Let sit in water overnight. In the morning, reheat. Serve with milk and honey or sugar. Kernals should have split open and become soft. The longer they cook the better the cereal.
Creamy Wheat Cereal
Bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt if desired. While briskly stirring with a whisk, add whole wheat flour until moderately thick. Allow to cook for a few more minutes. Serve with milk and honey or sugar. *Using Cracked Wheat flour instead of whole wheat flour will add a variety to the texture.
Rub crock pot walls with 1 tbsp. of butter. Add 2 cups water to 1 cup wheat and 1/2 tsp. salt (optional). Cover and cook on low 8-9 hours.
or
Put 1 cup wheat per person being served to 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to boil, allow to boil for 10 min. or whenever you remember to turn it off! Let sit in water overnight. In the morning, reheat. Serve with milk and honey or sugar. Kernals should have split open and become soft. The longer they cook the better the cereal.
Creamy Wheat Cereal
Bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt if desired. While briskly stirring with a whisk, add whole wheat flour until moderately thick. Allow to cook for a few more minutes. Serve with milk and honey or sugar. *Using Cracked Wheat flour instead of whole wheat flour will add a variety to the texture.
Bread Recipes
Bread Recipes
Provident Living Wheat Class October 2007
Cyndee's wheat bread:
4 cups very hot milk/water ( I add powdered milk to recipe)
1/3 cup oil
1 Tbl. salt
1 cup honey
1/2 cup vital wheat gluten
3 Tbl. yeast
2 cups white flour
10 cups wheat ( I use hard white wheat)
2 Tbl. Dough enhancer
3 eggs
Knead for 10 minutes and add the dough enhancer for the last 2 minutes of Kneading. Put immediately into greased bread tins. Makes 4 big loaves and 1 or 2 small loaves. Let rise on the counter with a tea towel on top until double in size. Could be 30-45 minutes. It depends on the temperature of your room.
*I have made this bread with and without the wheat gluten and the dough enhancer. It seems like they taste the same, but it never crumbles when I use the wheat gluten. That helps for sandwiches.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Check the small loaves after 20 minutes.
Catherine's:
Here is the recipe I use...I use the kitchen aid, and always activate my yeast in the 2 cups water with 1/3 cup sugar, then all else as written.My personal hint to a fabulous wheat bread is keep the dough VERY STICKY!Enjoy!HONEY WHEAT BREAD
2 1/4 oz. pkg. dry yeast2/3 c. honey1/4 c. vegetable oi1 eggl2 c. warm water3 c. whole wheat flour2 to 3 c. bread flour
Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water in large bowl. Stir in honey, oil, remaining water and wheat flour. Mix until smooth. Stir in enough bread flour to make dough easy to handle. Knead 5 to 10 minutes on floured board. Place in greased bowl, cover with a towel. Let rise until double in size.
Punch down and divide in half. Flatten into a rectangle and roll to form a loaf. Place in 2 greased 9 inch loaf pans. Allow to rise to top of pan.
Bake on low oven rack at 375 degrees for 35 minutes. Freezes well.
Cori's:
Both of these recipes can be altered to use wheat. I started by just adding one cup of wheat flour for awhile and letting my family get used to that. We've only made it up to half and half, and I have one that still preferrs white, so I haven't had the kind of success I was hoping for!
Roll/Pizza Dough recipe
2 C. hot water (I let the tap water run for a minute or two until it's nice and hot)
1-2 T yeast (I don't really measure but I think 1T is probably fine)
1/4 C sugar (sprinkle over the yeast and water to make the yeast sink to the bottom)
Let sit for a few minutes until yeast bubbles back up to the top.
Then add:
1 egg
1/4 C oil (I use melted butter sometimes)
Then add:
6 C flour (I add the first 3-4 cups at once and stir until mixed together well. Then I gradually add one cup at a time until dough is slightly sticky, but not sticky enough to stick to my hands)
For rolls:
Roll into a circle and cut into triangles with pizza cutter. Roll up like crescent rolls. You really don't need to let them rise again but you can if you want. Bake and 350 for approx. 15 minutes.
OR:
Roll into little balls. Place on cookie sheet and let rise about 1/2 hour. Then bake at 350 or 375 for 15-20 minutes.
For Pizza:
Divide dough into 2 sections and roll out as you would for pizza dough.
*This is my fast recipe so I don't let it rise very much. Usually by the time I'm done working with it, it's risen about as much as I need it to.
Bente's Wheat Bread
Mix:
2 cups warm water
1 Tbsp. yeast
1/4 tsp. sugar
Mix gently. Let sit for 5-10 min.
In mixer combine:
2 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
3 Tbsp. honey
Add yeast mixture. Then add:
1 C. whole regular oats (or quick oats if you don't have whole)
2 1/2 C. wheat flour
2 C. white flour
Knead 6-8 min. Let rise once in bowl covered with a damp towel. Remove from bowl shape into 2 loaves and put in greased bread pans. Let rise again. Bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 min.
Hints:
Knead 6 min. if using spring white wheat
Knead 8 min. if using red wheat
I like to double this recipe and use the larger bread pans to make 2 big loaves instead.
French Bread (Bente’s):
This is a fast bread to make because it doesn’t need to rise twice.
2 1/2 C. Hot Water
2 Tbl. Yeast
3 Tbl. Sugar
1 Tbl. Salt
1/3 C. Oil
6 C. Flour
Combine water, yeast sugar, salt, and oil. Mix in flour. Let dough rise for 30-50 min. Shape into 2 loaves. Let rise for 5 minutes. Place on a greased cookie sheet then bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 min or until brown. Sometimes I like to place tin foil over the loaves the last 10 min. of baking to keep a light color.
Susquehanna's Section 89 Enrichment Group
Susquehanna Word has started an Enrichment Group focusing on the "Do's" of the Word of Wisdom. Their meetings are fabulous and they have extended our Sisters an invitation to attend. Check out their blog at http://www.section89.blogspot.com/ - it's worth your time. Here is what they are doing next:Next Meeting written by Tiffany
March Grains. subtopics: learning the nutritional value of different grains, How to use your wheat, Grinding and using other grains, Incorporating more whole grains into your diet. Our next meeting will be on March 10th at 7 PM at Marjorie W's house. Woo hoo!Please bring your two vegetarian recipes to share with the group: typed up on one sheet and 15 copies. (You can get your copies done at the church because it is for enrichment if you would like) If you would like to actually bring a dish for us to sample -- that would be great! The month's reading is on the sidebar. You may be curious about the Ensign Article I linked as a reading. It isn't completely related to the Word of Wisdom or to grains but I was prompted to add it. I feel like this time of year is very difficult on our mental health. Maybe I speak for myself only! I read that article and there is a section of it that talks about the link between depression and diet. I know this can be true. Not only do we not feel mentally at our best when we don't feel comfortable in our bodies but also the food we eat can play a major role in how our brains operate and function. I hope this article can inspire us with ways to get out of any winter-y downs we may be going through, whether it is through diet or elsewhere....(go to their blog http://www.section89.blogspot.com/ for the article title)
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Where do I begin?
Preparedness comes one step at a time. Set one goal today and don’t worry about what else needs to be done until you’ve accomplished the first goal.
Here are some examples:
*Purchase an inexpensive first aid kit and put in car trunk
*Find a back pack, tote, or even a garbage sack for next week and start throwing 72 hour kit items in as you find them
*Skip one dinner eating out, stay home instead and use that money towards preparedness
*Throw 3 extra items in grocery cart reserved for storage—repeat each week
*Identify a location away from home where family could meet—talk to family about it
*Designate a small portion of a tax return or Christmas gift money towards food storage
Here are some examples:
*Purchase an inexpensive first aid kit and put in car trunk
*Find a back pack, tote, or even a garbage sack for next week and start throwing 72 hour kit items in as you find them
*Skip one dinner eating out, stay home instead and use that money towards preparedness
*Throw 3 extra items in grocery cart reserved for storage—repeat each week
*Identify a location away from home where family could meet—talk to family about it
*Designate a small portion of a tax return or Christmas gift money towards food storage
Food Storage Tips
What does hand sanitizer have to do with storing water?Storing Water: Keep liquid hand sanitizer to use instead of washing hands when water is scarce. This will reduce the spread of disease and can easily be transported. Store paper plates, cups, etc. to save dishwashing water and time.
Rotating Powdered Milk:
Prepare a gallon or so at a time. Mix it in to regular milk at a ratio of 1:3. Powdered milk changes flavor over time, so use before the expiration date & your family may never notice the difference!
Avoiding Waste:
There are many foods you’d be grateful for in an emergency, but don’t necessarily eat them on a
regular basis (canned yams?) or perhaps you need to store more for emergencies then you’ll use in a regular year (shortening?). My suggestion is to plan on donating them to a food bank before the expiration date. Many communities have annual food drives (ask the scouting program) that remind me to do this. If the food bank provides receipts, you may be able to deduct what you donate on your taxs.
Preparing Beans:
To save time, it’s helpful to make up a big batch (or two) all at once. Then separate them into freezer zip lock bags, use a permanent marker to write the date on the bag, and pop them in the freezer.
Prepare a gallon or so at a time. Mix it in to regular milk at a ratio of 1:3. Powdered milk changes flavor over time, so use before the expiration date & your family may never notice the difference!
Avoiding Waste:
There are many foods you’d be grateful for in an emergency, but don’t necessarily eat them on a
regular basis (canned yams?) or perhaps you need to store more for emergencies then you’ll use in a regular year (shortening?). My suggestion is to plan on donating them to a food bank before the expiration date. Many communities have annual food drives (ask the scouting program) that remind me to do this. If the food bank provides receipts, you may be able to deduct what you donate on your taxs.
Preparing Beans:
To save time, it’s helpful to make up a big batch (or two) all at once. Then separate them into freezer zip lock bags, use a permanent marker to write the date on the bag, and pop them in the freezer.
Children's Food Portion
Children eat more then you think! Below is the percentage of an adult's food storage needs that should be stored for a child (except milk).
0-3 years old = 50%
4-6 years old = 70%
7-10 years old = 90%
(Taken from www. providentliving.org)
0-3 years old = 50%
4-6 years old = 70%
7-10 years old = 90%
(Taken from www. providentliving.org)
Maryland Cooperative Extension Services
County Extension Services
http://www.extension.umd.edu/
Offers helpful hints on gardening, pruning, lawn maintenance, canning, and freezing. Look under the “publications” listing for hundreds of helpful articles written by experts.
For exclusively gardening information or to submit gardening questions online go to: www.hgic.umd.edu
You can also call and speak to a Master Gardener
FREE (asking silly questions is OK!)
M-F 8 am-1 pm
1-800-342-2507
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Time Management
Contributed by Elinor Wine
Time- What do we do with it; Where does it go? Time is a quantity that is often hard to manage. We are responsible for what we do with the time we are given here on earth. We are stewards over how we spend our time.
Some techniques to manage our time are the following:
1) It is wise have a notebook, planner or other device that you keep all your notes and to do lists in. Have only one. This way, you have all your various commitments and tasks together which helps prevent overlap, duplication or lost information. This is true for both church commitments as well as work or personal items.
2) To minimize being overwhelmed by the information we are bombarded with daily such as emails, texts, voice mail, or regular mail the 4 D’s can help. For EACH piece of information you encounter, decide whether to:
* Discard it – decide right then whether this is worth your time. If it is not, throw it away. If it is, then either:
* Delegate it- make a note about who this information should be delegated to and make a time to have a conversation with that person
*Decide when – make a similar note about when you want to act on/study this information in greater detail or
* Do it-take time to handle the information right then and get it off your plate
3) Realize that each person has a natural rhythm that their bodies follow. Some people are morning people; others evening; others night. Regardless of when you do your best work, know that it is natural to have times during the day when our energy is highest and other times when it is lower. Do the harder tasks of your day when your peak energy is highest – when your energy lags, take care of the more mundane tasks like email, phone calls, etc. My own experience is that if I do the “hardest” jobs first, I don’t have them hanging over my head and I am able to enjoy the rest of the day free from the stress of those tasks.
When we manage our time effectively, we become better masters of ourselves. I am certain the Lord would be pleased with that outcome.
Lessons learned from a 72 hour backpack…
Once a year for General Conference, our 72 hour backpacks are lifted off their shelf, dusted off, and the contents spilled out onto individual towels with strict threats for anyone who removes anything outside of that perimeter. The kids dig through the edibles and enjoy listening to conference while making themselves sick on energy bars, nutrition drinks, crackers, and tuna. This year we were especially excited about the fact that nothing had expired or gone rancid from the last time we had checked them, so we weren’t going to have to throw things away and loose money. With that thought in mind, we decided that we should seize the day and eat nothing but what was in our packs for the 48 hours of conference weekend. What a memory! Lasting visions of everyone circled around the table heating up a can of corn on Sterno cans will stay with us for a lifetime. We passed around the flavored oatmeal packets and used our 12-in-one tools to lift heated cans of water off the flame. I share all of this so that you can learn what we learned with less effort and in time to not repeat our mistakes.
Here are the lessons learned:
· A can of corn, although usually detested, was so desirable after not having any fruits or vegetables for 24 hours. Note to self – add more fruits and veggies!
· Lower the sugar content – we had added too many comfort foods.
· We had more than enough food, but wanted more water – change the ratio.
· Put expiration dates on everything, or at least the date you put it in your pack. Were our sterno can’s expired? Some of our hand warmers didn’t work anymore, etc.
· Sterno cans are great and everyone needs one in their pack – even the kids. They also need a “stove” above them in order to get enough oxygen to burn. You can’t just set a tin can on top and expect them to work and we didn’t have a plan. We got very inventive with what we had but learned another important lesson…
· 12-in-one tools are a must, and again needed in everyone’s pack.
· Wintergreen and peppermint lifesavers flavor everything in the pack, even packaged items. If you don’t want peppermint flavored soup in a pouch, leave out the peppermint candy.
· Vacuumed packed cereal would sure be nice for breakfast, even without the milk.
(Familiar foods are really nice, too much of unfamiliar foods make us sick).
· Foods without preservatives were nice. Definitely include nuts, dried fruit, canned fruit and veggies.
· A small doll in Kaia’s pack and some small rubber animals in Tabor’s will be as important as water or food to calm them in a turbulent time.
· A backpack with wheels might be nice… all that stuff and we wouldn’t be able to walk very far!
· Canned nutritious drinks like Ensure are great for filling you up and keeping you full.
The last idea we learned came from me not wanting to have to organize six backpacks by myself while trying to keep inquisitive minds and fingers from misplacing items. A week prior to this big event I had taken the list of perishables out of the front pocket of each person’s pack and gone shopping. All items were on hand. Once all of the old perishables were removed, I opened up the “store.” Each person was given their “shopping list” and could pick up 3 items from off the table (with mom being the clerk to control anxious fingers). They would then place them in a pile by their pack and come back for three more. When all items were “purchased” and by the appropriate backpack, I closed the store and packed the items in the packs. The store created another good memory that was forever placed in our minds and hearts. The longest lasting lesson our family has learned is that preparedness is fun and is a tradition in our home that we look forward to.
Here are the lessons learned:
· A can of corn, although usually detested, was so desirable after not having any fruits or vegetables for 24 hours. Note to self – add more fruits and veggies!
· Lower the sugar content – we had added too many comfort foods.
· We had more than enough food, but wanted more water – change the ratio.
· Put expiration dates on everything, or at least the date you put it in your pack. Were our sterno can’s expired? Some of our hand warmers didn’t work anymore, etc.
· Sterno cans are great and everyone needs one in their pack – even the kids. They also need a “stove” above them in order to get enough oxygen to burn. You can’t just set a tin can on top and expect them to work and we didn’t have a plan. We got very inventive with what we had but learned another important lesson…
· 12-in-one tools are a must, and again needed in everyone’s pack.
· Wintergreen and peppermint lifesavers flavor everything in the pack, even packaged items. If you don’t want peppermint flavored soup in a pouch, leave out the peppermint candy.
· Vacuumed packed cereal would sure be nice for breakfast, even without the milk.
(Familiar foods are really nice, too much of unfamiliar foods make us sick).
· Foods without preservatives were nice. Definitely include nuts, dried fruit, canned fruit and veggies.
· A small doll in Kaia’s pack and some small rubber animals in Tabor’s will be as important as water or food to calm them in a turbulent time.
· A backpack with wheels might be nice… all that stuff and we wouldn’t be able to walk very far!
· Canned nutritious drinks like Ensure are great for filling you up and keeping you full.
The last idea we learned came from me not wanting to have to organize six backpacks by myself while trying to keep inquisitive minds and fingers from misplacing items. A week prior to this big event I had taken the list of perishables out of the front pocket of each person’s pack and gone shopping. All items were on hand. Once all of the old perishables were removed, I opened up the “store.” Each person was given their “shopping list” and could pick up 3 items from off the table (with mom being the clerk to control anxious fingers). They would then place them in a pile by their pack and come back for three more. When all items were “purchased” and by the appropriate backpack, I closed the store and packed the items in the packs. The store created another good memory that was forever placed in our minds and hearts. The longest lasting lesson our family has learned is that preparedness is fun and is a tradition in our home that we look forward to.
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