This weeks preps check-in

[jimLE]

congrats on the baby..and i hope that son-in-law gets a job soon..

 

[Brent S]

I'm a new grandpa today. My daughter gave birth to a new 7-1/2 pound baby boy this morning. Mother and baby are doing fine. Dad just got laid off at the mill last week, so things are going to be a little tight until he goes back to work this Spring.

Congrats! If I had known how much more fun the grandkids were I would have skipped the first round!

 

[Brent S]

Not as exciting as a new baby, but I went to the feed and seed store yesterday. Last year was the first year I had really planted potatoes, so I got two big bags of red ones for this season. Also got a lot of onions and bought seeds for corn, beans and peas. The onions kind of look like a birds nest in that bag, but they do smell really good. I am hoping to both can a lot and store a lot of potatoes in the root cellar. I never realized how hardy and easy potatoes were to grow.
By the way, the feed stores usually blow away the big box store prices.

 

[Maverick]

Feed stores are way overlooked, many farmers, community gardens and sometimes home gardens give produce to feed stores for the picking, I have picked up produce to use for animal feeds/seeding for the garden and some I've eaten, the cost is next to nothing and sometimes free. Good point Brent!

 

[Maverick]

Speaking of babies, the wife said she would like one (seriously she really wants a baby) and I say sweetheart, I will be 78yrs old in 18 years and you will be 62 and she said I know, you will have a driver by that time so I told her I wasn't planning on planting watermelons this year... she said huh?..... she never did get it, so I told the kids what I said and they all laughed and lisa had this perplexed look on her face and said whats so damn funny and I said sweetheart, all that sheepskins you have on the wall means **** now does it... so she hands me a bone, the kids laugh then I realized she put me in the dog house. So, I am in the dog house again today! and by the way, she still doesn't get it

 

[jimLE]

got this flashlight this morning..it use's 9 AA batteries.2 light settings.and to me it don't weigh to much..only thing about it,im not sure about..is the power switch is on the back end of it.but that's only because im not use to that..

 

[Brent S]

I don't think this has a lot to do with prepping, but we are getting a nice little snow tonight! Kind of hoping it's our last too, but am enjoying it as I look thru the window while staying warm by the wood fire.

 

[Billy Roper]

I got six baby chicks yesterday, after 99% completing the chicken coop that will house them in a month or so when they're big enough to go outside. Right now they're in a metal pet carrier under a heat lamp in the bedroom. Wife LOVES their chirping.

 

[Gazrok]

Cool, congrats on the coop! I know it was a great feeling when we completed ours.

 

[jimLE]

i made out like a bandit today.i had to go to.2 diff places after dropping mom at the beauty shop..then i stopped at the salvation army,where i located and bought a some what decent belt and a whirley-pop pop corn popper for use on the stove top..and it's in great shape.. i got both for $6.75..

 

[Joe SA]

Maps, routes, maps, routes and then some more maps and routes and fot the next two weeks some more maps and routes.

 

[Brent S]

Well, I was going to till the outside garden and plant potatoes and onions. Do good intentions count? Everyone I work with is sick, so I volunteered to cover for 15 straight days. The flip side is I get 6 days off in a row starting Wednesday! That should give me time to finish some projects here, starting with the garden.

 

[Billy Roper]

I transferred our County registration to the new locale with the County Extension office to get involved with the local 4h, and we took the ten year old to the County O-Rama where he participated in the sport fish identification, bait casting, firearm safety, and bb rifle shooting competitions. A lot of 4h families are homeschoolers and preppers.

 

[jimLE]

i just popped a 1/2 cup of popcorn with my stove top pop corn popper..and this is what i got..

 

[Maverick]

I transferred our County registration to the new locale with the County Extension office to get involved with the local 4h, and we took the ten year old to the County O-Rama where he participated in the sport fish identification, bait casting, firearm safety, and bb rifle shooting competitions. A lot of 4h families are homeschoolers and preppers.

4H is a an excellent program, my kids and now Grand kids are involved with the 4H program and now that I am retired I have benefited even more from the kids/grand kids learning

 

[Billy Roper]

Yep, I'm a volunteer in their shooting sports program.

 

[Maverick]

For our first aid kits I never purchase the small medication packets for the FAKs instead I purchase bulk bottles and fill each bag labeled for the OTC meds and adding desiccants as shown below. So today I was re-supplying the FAK for our backpacks, these meds should cover most anything encountered if bugging out. For non OTC meds I pull the labels off the bottle and place in the larger bag that stores all the smaller pouches though prescribed pain meds should be kept in original container w/label in a non-shtf situation. I change the meds out every two years. Desiccants is very important when bagging meds like this especially for un-coated and gelatin coated meds

20) Acetaminophen 500MG
20) Ibuprofen 200MG
20) *Ibuprofen 800MG
20) Diphenhydramine HCI 25MG
20) Aspirin uncoated (NSAID) 325MG
20) Ranitidine 150MG
20) Loperamide Hydrochloride 2MG
20) Guaifenesin 400MG
20) Dramamine 50MG
20) Pepto-Bismol Chewables
30) Penicillin 500MG

* non OTC

This explains the generic names on my labels.

1. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) – Among the OTC anti-inflammatory medications, ibuprofen is probably the most versatile. Primarily indicated for pain and inflammation, it may also be used to relieve headaches, earaches, sore throats, sinus pain, stiff neck, muscle strains, menstrual cramps, arthritis including gout, and back pain. It is also effective at reducing fever and is generally safe for use in children. It is not advisable for most stomach-related pain, although may decrease the pain of kidney stones, kidney infections, and possibly bladder infections. The most common side effect is stomach irritation or heartburn. When combined with acetaminophen it is nearly as effective as codeine, tramadol, or hydrocodone in relieving more severe pain.

2. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Acetaminophen is the only OTC pain-reliever that is not an anti-inflammatory drug. It will not irritate the stomach like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen. It is useful for the same conditions as ibuprofen, though effectiveness varies according to patient. As mentioned above, it may be combined with ibuprofen in full doses for more severe pain. Side effects are very few, though in high dose, especially when combined with alcohol, it can lead to liver failure. It is available in several pediatric dosages, both for pain relief and fever reduction.

3. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – An inexpensive antihistamine, diphenhydramine is primarily used for drainage due to respiratory infections and nasal allergies, in both adults and children. It is also indicated for hives and itching, including itchy rashes such as poison ivy. Although not all patients become drowsy when using diphenhydramine, many do so, making this medication useful for insomnia as well. Some people find the drug relieves nausea or mild anxiety.

4. Loperamide (Imodium) – The most effective OTC medication for diarrhea is loperamide, which is available both as tablet form and liquid for children. It is often useful for relieving intestinal cramping.

5. Meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine) – This antiemetic drug is available both over the counter and by prescription. It relieves nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, and vertigo-like dizziness. For some patients it causes drowsiness, and therefore may be used as a sleep aid. It is related to medications for anxiety and may help with this as well.

6. Ranitidine (Zantac) – Although several medications are available OTC for the treatment of heartburn, ulcers, and other acid-reducing conditions, ranitidine is among the best-tolerated, is inexpensive, and is also useful for relieving hives. Doctors often advise an acid-reducing medication such as ranitidine for patients who experience stomach upset when taking ibuprofen, though this must be done with caution.

7. Mucinex DM (Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin) – This is great for the kind of colds that cause lots of coughing and chest congestion. Drink plenty of water with it.

8. Pepto-Bismol (Bismuth subsalicylate) – Soothe almost any kind of stomach discomfort (diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, nausea) by limiting digestive secretions and reducing inflammation.

 

[Brent S]

For our first aid kits I never purchase the small medication packets for the FAKs instead I purchase bulk bottles and fill each bag labeled for the OTC meds and adding desiccants as shown below. So today I was re-supplying the FAK for our backpacks, these meds should cover most anything encountered if bugging out. For non OTC meds I pull the labels off the bottle and place in the larger bag that stores all the smaller pouches though prescribed pain meds should be kept in original container w/label in a non-shtf situation. I change the meds out every two years. Desiccants is very important when bagging meds like this especially for un-coated and gelatin coated meds

20) Acetaminophen 500MG
20) Ibuprofen 200MG
20) *Ibuprofen 800MG
20) Diphenhydramine HCI 25MG
20) Aspirin uncoated (NSAID) 325MG
20) Ranitidine 150MG
20) Loperamide Hydrochloride 2MG
20) Guaifenesin 400MG
20) Dramamine 50MG
20) Pepto-Bismol Chewables
30) Penicillin 500MG

* non OTC
View attachment 5384View attachment 5385

This explains the generic names on my labels.

1. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) – Among the OTC anti-inflammatory medications, ibuprofen is probably the most versatile. Primarily indicated for pain and inflammation, it may also be used to relieve headaches, earaches, sore throats, sinus pain, stiff neck, muscle strains, menstrual cramps, arthritis including gout, and back pain. It is also effective at reducing fever and is generally safe for use in children. It is not advisable for most stomach-related pain, although may decrease the pain of kidney stones, kidney infections, and possibly bladder infections. The most common side effect is stomach irritation or heartburn. When combined with acetaminophen it is nearly as effective as codeine, tramadol, or hydrocodone in relieving more severe pain.

2. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Acetaminophen is the only OTC pain-reliever that is not an anti-inflammatory drug. It will not irritate the stomach like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen. It is useful for the same conditions as ibuprofen, though effectiveness varies according to patient. As mentioned above, it may be combined with ibuprofen in full doses for more severe pain. Side effects are very few, though in high dose, especially when combined with alcohol, it can lead to liver failure. It is available in several pediatric dosages, both for pain relief and fever reduction.

3. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – An inexpensive antihistamine, diphenhydramine is primarily used for drainage due to respiratory infections and nasal allergies, in both adults and children. It is also indicated for hives and itching, including itchy rashes such as poison ivy. Although not all patients become drowsy when using diphenhydramine, many do so, making this medication useful for insomnia as well. Some people find the drug relieves nausea or mild anxiety.

4. Loperamide (Imodium) – The most effective OTC medication for diarrhea is loperamide, which is available both as tablet form and liquid for children. It is often useful for relieving intestinal cramping.

5. Meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine) – This antiemetic drug is available both over the counter and by prescription. It relieves nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, and vertigo-like dizziness. For some patients it causes drowsiness, and therefore may be used as a sleep aid. It is related to medications for anxiety and may help with this as well.

6. Ranitidine (Zantac) – Although several medications are available OTC for the treatment of heartburn, ulcers, and other acid-reducing conditions, ranitidine is among the best-tolerated, is inexpensive, and is also useful for relieving hives. Doctors often advise an acid-reducing medication such as ranitidine for patients who experience stomach upset when taking ibuprofen, though this must be done with caution.

7. Mucinex DM (Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin) – This is great for the kind of colds that cause lots of coughing and chest congestion. Drink plenty of water with it.

8. Pepto-Bismol (Bismuth subsalicylate) – Soothe almost any kind of stomach discomfort (diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, nausea) by limiting digestive secretions and reducing inflammation.

Wow, I only wish I was that organized! My medical bag is pretty well stocked, but it's just all thrown in the bag in a mess!

 

[diluted]

Nice work on the meds

 

[Billy Roper]

The two boys and I selected some 6' x 3' (I told them we were digging graves) sites in the yard of the new place, dug out a couple of feet of rocks and roots, churned up the ground, and replaced it with sifted topsoil from another site we were preparing to be the next hole, to make garden plots for my wife to plant vegetables in. I nailed 4" x 12"'s to 2" x 4"'s for frames, with rocks underneath, for her to stand on and be able to reach all of the vegetables without getting in there with them. There's a slope, so we raked an embankment of dirt at the end, backed up by rocks, with which we also ringed the rectangle on the outside.

 

[Brent S]

The two boys and I selected some 6' x 3' (I told them we were digging graves) sites in the yard of the new place, dug out a couple of feet of rocks and roots, churned up the ground, and replaced it with sifted topsoil from another site we were preparing to be the next hole, to make garden plots for my wife to plant vegetables in. I nailed 4" x 12"'s to 2" x 4"'s for frames, with rocks underneath, for her to stand on and be able to reach all of the vegetables without getting in there with them. There's a slope, so we raked an embankment of dirt at the end, backed up by rocks, with which we also ringed the rectangle on the outside.

Pictures please! I always appreciate hard work.

 

[jimLE]

i just trimmed back 2 small groups of trees,to get rid of the dead stuff..and hauled that stuff to the burn pile.no mom aint happy with it.but she gotta live with it.and we can see further out from the house,while looking out 1 of 4 windows.and the yard just got mowed.so it now looks like a yard instead of a field..lol

 

[Brent S]

i just trimmed back 2 small groups of trees,to get rid of the dead stuff..and hauled that stuff to the burn pile.no mom aint happy with it.but she gotta live with it.and we can see further out from the house,while looking out 1 of 4 windows.and the yard just got mowed.so it now looks like a yard instead of a field..lol

I can't say I love yard work, but at least I feel accomplished when it's done. I just put a new battery in the mower, and will probably have to start cutting grass again this comming weekend. I still have another area to till, more spraying of all the trees, mulching and collecting leaves for compost, etc. It never ends! I did get a decent rain today, so at least I don't have to water the outside garden for a few days.

 

[jimLE]

i love yard work.but then again,i love outdoor work.i guess that has a lot to do with growing up outdoors

 

[Billy Roper]

No pictures yet to post, but we put in the second garden plot and began the third, with plans for four total and a water feature, a small pond. Worked on the wire footing of the chicken coop in preparation for the rapidly growing chicks, too.

 

[jimLE]

i just started going through my seeds.i had already decided on tomato in 2-15 gallon pots.and habenero,jalapeno, cayenne long red for 3 diff planters.so im now working on what'll go into the ground..i'll diffidently be going with emerald okra Iroquois cantaloupe melon,golden batman corn..just not sure of what else i wanna go with yet..

 

[Marv.Schmitz87]

With the snow finally gone and temperatures just below freezing at night, I started preparing my backyard. Getting leaves in the composter, bought a whole bunch of yearling grape vines and blueberries. We probably going to start the seedlings as soon as temps stay above freezing at night.
Also bought a new to me garden tractor with plow and lawn cart, snow blower and I treated myself with a brand new stihl leave blower. Can't wait for spring to kick in.

 

[Brent S]

With the snow finally gone and temperatures just below freezing at night, I started preparing my backyard. Getting leaves in the composter, bought a whole bunch of yearling grape vines and blueberries. We probably going to start the seedlings as soon as temps stay above freezing at night.
Also bought a new to me garden tractor with plow and lawn cart, snow blower and I treated myself with a brand new stihl leave blower. Can't wait for spring to kick in.

It's always fun getting new toys! I'm also all for anything that makes yard work easier! We are just getting down to freezing tonight and tomorrow night. I just started a fire, and am hoping the next two nights will be the last ones I need for the season. I'm relaxing next to the wood burning stove right now, just poured a glass of wine, and am content with what I've accomplished this weekend. Life is pretty good.

 

[Rob Painless]

I'm relaxing next to the wood burning stove right now, just poured a glass of wine, and am content with what I've accomplished this weekend. Life is pretty good.

Ditto....except a bourbon & soda for me. (Wine for my wife.) Pretty good indeed.

 

[Brent S]

Ditto....except a bourbon & soda for me. (Wine for my wife.) Pretty good indeed.

It's just good to know when to relax occasionally.