Time to Think About the Holidays I Guess

I was thinking I would post these as a start on what can be made sweets wise as the Holidays are again so close.
Recipes:

Mounds Candy Bars

¾ cup chocolate chunks or chips

½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

¼ cup coconut oil

1 tablespoon agave nectar or honey

Melt chocolate in a small pan over very low heat; you can use a double boiler if you wish and temper the chocolate

Using a small paint brush, coat the bottom and sides of a mounds candy mold

Place mold in freezer for 10 minutes to allow chocolate to harden

In a small bowl, combine shredded coconut, coconut oil and agave

Remove mold from freezer

Fill chocolate lined molds with coconut mixture

Paint chocolate over coconut mixture to cover bars

Place in freezer for 10 minutes to harden

Remove from freezer, turn mold upside down and pop mounds out of mold

Serve: Makes 9 mounds bars (depending on the size of your candy mold)

From Copycats.

Fudge Easy, moms Wisconsin

½ c. butter or margarine

6 tab. cocoa or 2 squares chocolate

¼ c. milk

1 tsp. vanilla 4 c. powdered sugar

Place first 3 ingredients in a pan double broiler works to on a low heat. Melt and still until all melted and mixed. Add vanilla, beat in sugar then press into a 8 x 8 by 2 in. pan, cool and cut.

Old fashion fudge, moms Wisconsin

2 c. sugar

1 c. milk

2 tsp. karo syrup

6 tab. cocoa or 2 squares chocolate

1/8 tsp. salt

2 tab. Butter, added later

1 tsp. vanilla, also added later

nuts, optional

Mix together all but the butter in a large pan to allow for boiling. Over a low heat until all the sugar is melted, then boil it rapidly for 5 minutes or until the softball stage.(Will form a soft ball when a tiny bit is dropped in cold water.) Remove from heat and add the 2. butter, cool a little then add the vanilla, beat until dull and creamy. Add nuts if desired. Pour into a pan cool and cut.

Divinity fudge, hubbys moms Ohio

2-3/4 c. sugar

¾ c. white karo

¾ c. water

Mix and cook above ingredients to 240 deg. (on a candy thermometer.)

¾ c. white karo syrup

2 eggs whites beaten stiff

1 tsp. vanilla

¾ c. nuts, optional

Pour the ¾ c. karo over the beaten egg whites beating constantly. Cook this to 255. deg. Then add it to the first cooked mixture and beat until creamy. Add vanilla and mix. Drop on a waxed paper by the spoonfuls

Chocolate peanut butter fudge, moms Wisconsin

2 c. sugar

2 tab. cocoa 2/3 c. milk

2 tab. white karo syrup

dash of salt

Simmer until softball stage (forms a softball when some is dropped into cold water) stirring constantly, Cool some and add. 

2 tab. butter

1 tsp. vanilla

3 tab. peanut butter

Stir and put in a pan. Cool and cut

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Was going to go to the foot doc to get my right heel looked at as been hurting and swollen for 7 weeks now.  I have to watch what shoes I wear because of it. :(  But ended up having to cancel the appointment for today. This is the day it turns out that something we bought will be delivered so someone has to be here.  Rescheduled for next week so maybe that will work out.

 A daughter has changed departments at work so is on another shift that she works weekends.  I think it's still 12 hour shifts Ack that would be hard.  Good luck with that dear heart.

Our youngest son is getting ready to go back collage.  Well take some classes anyway because he also has a job.  Also good luck to you.  He had been out of High School 10 years I believe.  Sheesh time fly's.

We are allowed to burn at this time so we got the raspberry canes and branches from tree trimming piled up this past weekend and got those cleaned up and burned.

Weather wise the rest of the week is supposed to be rain/snow.

Idea:

It is time to make sure you have something in your cars as far as winter car kits go again.  Blanket or two, food etc.  Good luck to all those in that cold front that came down and hit.
*
I don't know what's wrong with this crazy thing the editing doesn't work much at all.  And when its previewed the page looks just fine. Sorry.

I know long time

Yes right been way to long since I put something up on here.

The pain from Dave's shingles is just starting to ease for him.  He went 5 hours yesterday with out having to take something for the pain.  And remember he has a very high pain threshold.  It has now been 6 weeks since this all started.

Kay has had a bad cold after her mom had one and is now sounding and feeling much better.

Third oldest son S and wife Jes are in the middle of packing for a move, good luck to them. That is a hard job with 5 children, working outside the home and being on call.

It is snowing and blowing here this morning.  We had out first snow Sunday night just like a 1/2 inch and are in the middle of a pretty good storm right now. 

Yesterday morning

Everyone got off to work okay early this morning and hope they can get home alright to.

The dogs did not want to go out this morning.  Grandsons dog Bear had to be shoved out lol.

Here is Bear

We did manage to get the corn and beans hung to dry for seed back at the end of Sept.  Wasn't fun as Dave thought he had pulled his shoulder muscles but turned out it was the shingles starting.

Yeah more then we should need but we wanted to make sure if something happened to some of it that we had what we needed.

Backdoorsurvival has some good info on essential oils this week.  The benefits of Rosemary was today's.

WHAT IS ROSEMARY?

Rosemary is a lovely shrub-like green plant with pale blue flowers and long, needle-like leaves. The aromatic leaves and part of the flowers are used to produce essential oil.  Although native to the seaside regions of North Africa and the Mediterranean, today rosemary grows in other parts of the world and is quite prolific.

Lavender growing in my yard

It takes its name from “rosmarinus”, a Latin term meaning “dew of the sea”.  This implies that rosemary can thrive without any water other than the humidity carried by the breeze of the sea.  Perhaps that is why it grows so well in temperate coastal regions.

In ancient times, rosemary was used as the universal symbol of remembrance.  In Egypt, sprigs of rosemary were laid across coffins or tombstones and it is has been determined that this tradition continued well into the medieval period and beyond.

During the Middle Ages, rosemary was associated with wedding ceremonies. The bride would wear a rosemary headpiece and the groom and wedding guests would all wear a sprig of rosemary.  This tradition continued and later on in history, newlywed couples would plant a branch of rosemary on their wedding day.  If the branch grew, it was a good omen for the union and family.

Throughout history, rosemary oil has been used as both a physical and mental stimulant and as a remedy to for muscle and joint aches, poor memory, indigestion and headaches.

HOW IS IT USED?

Rosemary essential oil has many outstanding qualities.  It is an effective antiseptic and an antibacterial/antifungal agent.  It also has excellent antioxidant properties.

Like lavender, rosemary is one of the few essential oils that can can be safely applied to the skin in its undiluted form.  Be aware, however, that for safety reasons, undiluted rosemary oil should not be used by women who are pregnant or by individuals who are prone to seizures.  (This caveat applies to all essential oils, not just rosemary.)

Today I share 12 of the most practical applications of rosemary essential oil.  Each use has been time-tested over the ages and promises to foster both healing and wellness over the long term.

12 USES OF ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL

1.  Muscle and Joint Pain:  Applied topically, rosemary oil is an effective treatment for muscle pain and arthritis.  It also helps circulation.  It works especially well in combination with lavender and peppermint essential oils.  See my all-purpose relief formula below.

2.  Heal wounds: Use sparingly on cuts and scrapes to speed the healing of wounds

3.  Physical and mental stimulation:  Use while bathing to aid in relieving both muscle soreness and mental exhaustion.

4.  Relieve anxiety and stress:  Rosemary reduces anxiety plus, when combined with lavender oil, reduces stress by calming and relaxing the nerves.

5.  Sooth and heal rough scaly skin: A few drops of rosemary oil mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut oil reduces itching and irritation and heals dry, itchy patches of skin caused by psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.

6.  Reduce bad breath and promote oral health:  When mixed with water, a few drops of rosemary oil helps get rid of halitosis. In addition, by removing bacteria, rosemary essential oil can prevent gingivitis and the excess build of plaque.

7.  Relive headaches:  Apply a drop of two topically to the temples to relieve tension headaches and migraines.

8.  Treat respiratory problems and congestion:  Inhale or use aromatically to aid with congestion associated with allergies, colds, flu, and respiratory infections.

9.  Promote healthy hair and scalp  A few drops in shampoo or conditioner stimulates hair cells and re-growth, and also provides relief for itchy scalps and dandruff.

10.  Improve Concentration and Memory:  Rosemary increases your ability to concentrate and remember things.

11.  Repel bugs: Diluted in water, rosemary essential oil in a spray bottle wards off flies and mosquitos.

12.  Control and prevent acne:  Apply topically to reduce the oil and sebum production that causes breakouts and acne.

THE BACKDOOR SURVIVAL ALL-PURPOSE RELIEF FORMULA

For years I have used the following formula to relieve muscle and joint pains and also to reduce scarring from cuts, scrapes and even surgical wounds.

Rosemary – 10 drops
Lavender – 10 drops
Peppermint – 10 drops

Combine the essential oils in 2 tablespoons of your favorite carrier oil. My current favorite is a half and half combination of organic coconut oil and olive oil.

You can use this concoction to massage sore muscles, relieve an itchy scalp or topically to heal wounds and mitigate scarring.  This is my go-to all-purpose relief formula – I use it for everything.

THE FINAL WORD

The well-regarded herbal authority, Rosemary Gladstar, has this to say about rosemary:

We’ve only begun to uncover the many uses of rosemary. It has long been renowned as a memory aid. It has a tonic effect on the nervous system and is good for circulation. It strengthens the heart and reduces high blood pressure. It has been used for hundreds of years as a cosmetic herb for its beneficial effects on the hair and skin.

http://www.backdoorsurvival.com/?utm_source=BD+News+Flash&utm_campaign=f815ef5bc0-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8dab905704-f815ef5bc0-320344441

Had 1st Frost & Preparing Your Family for an Emergency

We had our first night of 32 and below, tonight it also should be around 30 or below.  Last night we pulled everything that was still in good shape and this weekend will pull the cold hardy things to finish out the garden for the season.  We also hung bean plants to dry for seed in the barn strung on rope. That may be how he pulled his shoulder by pulling that rope tight.

Last weekend hubby pulled his left shoulders muscles and he has been miserable all week.  He did everything last night right handed.

I read backdoorsurvival.com on preparing your family for an emergency.

http://www.backdoorsurvival.com/preparing-a-family-emergency-plan/

THE FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN

1.  Sit down with your family members and decide how you will get in contact with each other in an emergency.  Possible methods may be by cell phone, texting, email, or a standard land line.

2.  Once you figure this out, document the contact information on both a master sheet and on wallet sized cards to be carried by all family members.  This document will become your “Family Communication Plan” and it will  form the cornerstone of your family emergency plan.  It will list all family members, their date of birth, and other important information. Include a photo for each person as well as any important medical information. Also include a contact number for an out of town contact person.

3.  Determine a meeting place where you will meet in the event you can’t get home.  This may be your workplace, the home of a parent or relative, your church or even at a school if there are children involved.  Whatever you decide, you will need at least three possible locations:

·    Your home or the home of a designated family member

·    A safe meeting place near home

·    A safe meeting place outside your immediate neighborhood

4.  Determine the best evacuation routes from your home or workplace to the safe meeting places.  Go to Google Maps or some other online tool and create maps showing your evacuation route along with printed directions.  Then take the route and make sure it is accurate and that you understand the directions.  This is important!  You must drill and practice your evacuation procedure.

5.  Prepare a list of all workplaces along with the address, telephone number, and closest evacuation location in the event getting to the pre-designated meeting place is not possible.

6.  Also prepare a list of all schools that are attended by your children along with the address, contact names, and telephone numbers.  Contact the schools now to learn about their own emergency evaluation policies and procedures.

Important Note: In many areas, the State, County or City emergency evacuation plan takes precedence over any school preparedness plan. When it comes to evacuation routes, check with your local  county or city preparedness office or call and find out what their plans are since THEY will be the ones determining which roads are used as evacuation routes and which will not.

7.  Prepare a list of your doctors and your veterinarian along with their telephone numbers.

8.  Prepare a list of your insurance policies, including the carrier, the telephone number for claims, and the policy number itself.  Include health insurance, homeowners or rental insurance, life insurance policies.

9.  Consider creating a phone tree. Think of your phone tree as a pyramid where the person at the top of the pyramid contacts two people, who each call two more people, and so on, until every person on the tree has been contacted. This will allow you to distribute information quickly without redundancy and without placing the burden of work on one person.

Important Note: Be aware, however, that phone lines and cell service may not be functional following a catastrophic disaster. Although a valuable tool, do not count on your phone tree to be the sole mode of communication following a disaster.  If you text, you might want to consider a “texting tree”.  Texting is usually available even when cell service is down.

10.  Store all of the information you have carefully compiled in multiple locations:

Your bug out bags and go-bags, Your family preparedness binder, On a flash drive that you carry with you

In your desk drawer at work, In an email attachment sent to yourself at one of the cloud based email services such as Gmail, Yahoo and Outlook.com (formerly Hotmail)

THE FINAL WORD

One easy way to get started is to go to the Ready.gov website where you can fill out much of this information online.  You can then print out the online document and add the supplemental information on your own.  Whatever you do, do not fall prey to rip-off artists who will want to charge your hundreds, if not thousands of dollars to prepare a Family Emergency Plan for you.  Unless you are independently wealthy, you can do it yourself over the course of one weekend. 

Then don’t forget to practice your evacuation plan and to test your escape routes.  Your safety – and your life – may depend on it.

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye from Backdoor Survival

Canning away

Been trying to get the canning finished.  Still have beans to can and whatever tomatoes are left over.

 I did tomato sauce again this week and need to get the broccoli out of the dehydrator and get other things in it.

We still haven't had a frost yeaaaaa.  But I know that will be here anytime.  We woke up to 36 degrees yesterday morning and it was 38 this morning. 

It was time to get wood in.




We had some illness we were passing around but I think we are all on the mend.  At least that is my hopes.
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If you are thinking of having some food put by and don't know where to start here is a list for beginners.

 Remember this does not have to be bought all at once.


1. 20 pounds of Rice.  Rice is usually one of the main food storage items.  It is filling and with the use of different spices and condiments and be different tastes White rice has a longer shelf (years) life. Brown rice is more nutritional but lasts only 6 months to a year.

2. 20 pounds of Pinto Beans.   Like rice, beans are the backbone to every food storage plan.  You may substitute white, kidney or other types of dried bans. Pintos are one of the least expensive dried beans.

3. 24 cans of Vegetables.  Green beans, peas, corn and canned tomatoes are good choices.  

4. 24 cans of Fruit.  Applesauce, berries, peaches, pears, pineapple, fruit cocktail or other your choice. 

5. 24 cans of Meat.  Turkey, chicken, tuna, shrimp, salmon, Vienna sausages, beef stew, roast beef and yes Spam or other meat you enjoy.  

6. 4-10 pounds Rolled Oats.  A bowl of oatmeal topped with honey, jam, sugar or canned fruit can be enjoyed for any meal.

7. 2 large jars of Peanut Butter.  Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein, with calories for energy.  

8. 2 large containers of Tang or other powdered drink mix.  Make sure it is fortified with Vitamin c.

9. 5 pounds of Powdered Milk.  Milk is a good source of protein. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla and 2 teaspoons of sugar (or other)when you mix it up.

10. 12 cans canned milk

11. 5 pounds of Salt.  Salt is an essential for survival plus it has lots of other uses other adding to your food to help taste. Our bodies need salt to survive.  

12. Pepper and other spices

13. 10-15 pounds of Pancake Mix.  An all in one pancake mix (like Krusteaz) you only have to add water to make up a batch.  Plus you can these for any meal. It can also be used to bread meats or vegetables. 

14. 3 large jars of Honey and 2 large jars of Jam.  You can choose honey and jam over sugar or can make or simply mix and match according to taste.

15. 10-15 pounds of Pasta.  Assortment: Pasta is easy to fix it and most like it along with it being filling. 

16.  12 cans or jars of Spaghetti Sauce.  Inexpensive and satisfying, canned pasta sauce on pasta makes a satisfying meal that can be put together in minutes.

17. 20 cans of Soup or Broth. Soups are an all-in-one meal solution. All you need is a can opener and a spoon and you have a meal ready to go. This can be poured over your rice.

18.  20 pounds of flour. Wheat or white or a combo.

19. 10 pounds of Sugar

20.  Can and large box of baking soda and baking powder.

21.  Water, anyway you want to store it. You can use empty large pop bottles, 5 gallon containers for water (camping area in a store sells these).  Or and buy bottled. This is a must have.
 

Indian Summer

We are nto the second week of September and going to be in 80's all week per the weather people.  Getting to 88 on Wednesday.  Normally by now we have the heat going at least in the mornings.

I can say this will give our garden more time to finish its growing season.

The beets are all pulled and canned one of the harder things.  We did the boiling outside in the driveway in the big metal tub.  Took 2-1/2 days to get them all finished.  212 pounds worth.

On Labor day my niece Kimberly and her hubby Rob were in town to visit her grandmother.  So they came up with my mom and her boyfriend Chuck to visit and picnic. Wish more could have come but some were working and other live to far away.

A few of us girls in the family.  Four generations here even with a sons wife on the right. :)

A few of the scattered men.

Kim and Rob

All in all it was a good visit.

Recipe:

Homemade Vanilla Wafers

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 large egg

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 1/4 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

Cream butter and sugar together in a bowl.  Add the egg and vanilla and stir well. Stir together the flour and b.powder and then mix into the creamed mixture.  Using ½ teaspoon; spoon dough onto cookie sheet.  You should get about 20-24 cookies on one cookie sheet.  Bake 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until done.  Let their color be your guide to their doneness.  You want brown edges for crispy cookies.