What did you do to prep today?

[Summerthyme]

New thread, starting for Autumn.

Guys... there's no reason to NOT share what we do out here on our homesteads and homes, but please, be a little careful about what DETAILS you share, ok? Things like town names, occupations, etc, really could possibly come back to bite you at some point in the future.

I finally finished playing with 900# of milk, and we're all set on mozzarella cheese and butter for the foreseeable future! The dogs all are so full they can't move, too!

Summerthyme

[Meemur]

I've been organizing and reconfiguring closets at my new places to maximize space use. The pantry also got a makeover.

I looked at some of the so-called "closet systems," but none of the them worked for my needs, plus they were expensive. I've been cutting up pine boards and scrap wood to make the shelves I want.

It's not finish carpentry work by any means, but I sanded the wood and painted it a flat white. It's sturdy and does what I need it to do. Costs so far are around $48 vs. approx. $225 for a "system," plus cutting metal shelves wears out blades fast. Wood is much easier to work with, in my opinion.

[Summerthyme]

You're really settling in, Meem! Sounds good! I found a couple closet "systems" on clearance once, and replaced the "homemade" (two by fours and plywood) one we'd installed ourselves. I LIKE The coated wire shelves, etc, buy you're right- they're usually way too expensive!

With the cows gone, we're going to be trying to go through this house, room by room. TONS of paperwork, etc that we won't need (but can't get rid of yet, as it's all the pedigree, etc info on the heifers we still have!) and just plain messes and dirt that we've never had the time or energy to really deal with. (in the winter, which is the only "spare time" on a farm, chores took just about 10 hours a day. That meant that any "spare time" for housecleaning, etc had just about 2 hours in the afternoon to get done!

One thing we're really noticing is how much more you can get done if you don't have to stop at 3 pm to start chores!

Summerthyme

[Meemur]

Your days have another rhythm to them, Summer. It takes me about 21 days to get used to any sort of major change.

As for prepping, I spent some time exploring several roads, one of which didn't appear on any of my maps. It didn't connect to anything useful, but it's part of my learning the area as well as I can before the snow flies.

I've also found that maps of the newer subdivisions aren't accurate. I suspect at least one of my maps was published from builder drawings instead of what was actually built. That's another reason why it's a good idea to actually get out and walk/drive any potential evacuation routes well head of time.

[ChristieAcres]

Just received my Tattler Lid order and took the plunge to order some KitchenAid attachments to expedite my preserving. I'll take a break from putting up apples and focus on my cabbages. Made some applesauce, canned it last night, and cooking down a pot of Tomato Basil Soup. I've been wanting to make Ketchup, so that is next.

DH is finishing up the firewood. We have enough dry firewood to get us through the Winter, will use this wood last.

[Meemur]

Just got back from grocery shopping -- dead. No chaos or rioting. I had coupons and went after spices and other pantry staples. It was a good night to gather things.

I'm about ready for winter and/or whatever happens with the debt ceiling on Thursday, which is a load off my mind. There has just been a lot to do with this move and that bump back into the 90s put me about a week behind.

[Weps]

Went to the local "salvaged" goods shop. Found a package of QuikClot for $1.00 (normally $11+), as well as some powerbars for the BoB at a $1 each (usually $1.89+)

Need to make or buy some more shelves, I'm running out of room.

Also in the process of making a gun cabinet to keep everything in.

[Gitche Gumee Kid]

Because I tore out the old parquet floor in our kitchen , I had to disconnect the cooking stove.; New ceramic 12x12's going down instead.

The prep activity centers on the fact that I had to set up my 3 burner camp stove. Works as well as my fancy gourmet range. Using a 20# propane bottle ( have 3 0f them in reserve plus a 100# tank)

GGK

[greenhart]

Officially started garden 14.0 by planting lettuce and onion sets outside. A week ago I started peppers under lights, next week I'll start my tomatoes.

[ChristieAcres]

We are going to begin moving in about two weeks, but will have six months to move completely. Today, I fielded some Craigslist calls and have a Wood Turner coming to look at our Curly Maple (some blocks, stump, and a log leftover). In addition, I've begun packing up all my empty canning jars. I reconnected with a local Contractor and sure glad I did. He will save us a lot of $ helping with our move (we are moving at least one of our two cabins...). In addition, will need to get some Conex shipping containers, and he can move those for us.