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[HSmom]

This morning we will discuss the preparations that are specific to this time of year. I hope you can join us. Times are below, but I anticipate ending a bit early today, as I have to be somewhere soon after chat.

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[HSmom]

[HSmom] 7:38 am: Alright.... our topic for today is Changing of Season
[HSmom] 7:38 am: Or something like that...prepping for the new season.
[CowgirlGloria] 7:38 am: Ah, big topic area!
[HSmom] 7:38 am: There it is: Seasonal Preparations!
[CowgirlGloria] 7:39 am: Since I live in a cold winter climate, there's lots to do.
[jlegg759] 7:39 am: Which is why I have been trying to find a place to get fruit--so I can make apple sauce & other stuff people said I could make without a pressure canner
[HSmom] 7:40 am: What's one thing that you do Gloria...something that we might be likely to do as well?
[CowgirlGloria] 7:41 am: Well, none of what I do (other than harvest from the garden) would apply to warm winters.
[CowgirlGloria] 7:41 am: I change out the emergency supplies in the trucks, for example. In winter, you must have heavy warm things in the trucks in case one is stranded.
[HSmom] 7:42 am: I think that does apply to all climates.
[CowgirlGloria] 7:42 am: So a pair of Carhartts goes in, with a pair of boots and wool socks - things that aren't useful in summer.
[HSmom] 7:42 am: There's shorts weather, and then there's not shorts weather.
[CowgirlGloria] 7:42 am: And there's candles and matches with a metal container for melting snow.
[HSmom] 7:43 am: I'm in the process of changing ours over now. Also, the kids keep growing, so each spring & fall, I size up the clothing in their packs.
[CowgirlGloria] 7:43 am: And bags of sand for added ballast and traction when driving on ice and snow. I like to add about 500 to 600 pounds in the back of the trucks.
[HSmom] 7:44 am: Wow!! What does that do to your gas use?
[CowgirlGloria] 7:44 am: Added blankets in case one has unprepared passengers
[CowgirlGloria] 7:44 am: It doesn't help gas mileage, but neither does getting stuck.
[HSmom] 7:45 am: Well that's true...spinning tires use gasoline too.
[HSmom] 7:45 am: Have you ever used a mylar emergency blanket in cold weather,and if so, how did it perform?
[CowgirlGloria] 7:45 am: Sliding off the road on a sheet of ice and having to be towed out ... isn't helpful on the budget.
[CowgirlGloria] 7:45 am: Nope. I like wool.
[HSmom] 7:46 am: (I'm thinking for the unprepared passenger)
[CowgirlGloria] 7:46 am: Good ole Army blankets.
[HSmom] 7:47 am: I like to crochet, but I don't like to decorate with a lot of crocheted items, so last fall, I took all the ugly old scraps I didn't like, and all the rough yarn that didn't feel good, and whipped up a hideous blanket to keep in my car.
[CowgirlGloria] 7:47 am: That's a good use of scraps!
[HSmom] 7:47 am: Where do you find them? About what do they cost?
[CowgirlGloria] 7:48 am: Good time to check on emergency food supplies too
[CowgirlGloria] 7:48 am: I've had mine for ages. If I was going to buy another, I suppose it would be at an Army Surplus type store. No idea what they would run.
[jlegg759] 7:49 am: We are just coming off of our "emergancy supplies" season. Hurrican season is almost over!
[CowgirlGloria] 7:50 am: I like to keep enough basic survival stuff in each truck so that a person could manage for a few days (not comfortably, you understand, but survive).
[HSmom] 7:52 am: brb
[HSmom] 7:53 am: Sorry...kidlet.
[CowgirlGloria] 7:53 am: Kidlets have a way of taking our time. Enjoy it.
[HSmom] 7:54 am: This earthquake territory...they have no season. So I keep fairly comprehensive bags in my car as well.
[CowgirlGloria] 7:55 am: Yes, it is good to have emergency supplies with you at all times - one never knows. Ours just vary dramatically by season!
[HSmom] 7:55 am: I took some good notes after that family from SanFran got stranded in the mountains last winter. I added a few things after that. In fact that may have been when I crocheted that blanket.
[HSmom] 7:56 am: Not that I go driving in the mountains, but you just never know..
[CowgirlGloria] 7:56 am: If you were to head to the mountains, I would suggest some wool items. Other materials get wet and lose their insulating capacity.
[HSmom] 7:56 am: James Kim's family?
[jlegg759] 7:56 am: I'm horrable about keeping the car stocked...b/c I only drive 4miles a day I don't think about it. That's bad as I have a blood problem where I really should always keep food in the car
[jlegg759] 7:57 am: I do keep to blankets in the back
[CowgirlGloria] 7:57 am: Yes, food is important, and water (and a way to thaw water in freezing temps for us), and clothes.
[jlegg759] 7:58 am: they came in handy just the otherday when I almost passed out & DF tucked me in to the car & drove me home
[CowgirlGloria] 7:58 am: I have a folding shovel, a multipurpose tool (like a Toolman), and a socket set, and ropes and maps
[HSmom] 7:58 am: I got tired of melted power bars half the year, and purchased the Mainstay emergency rations that are stable up to 300º and have a shelf life of 5 years.
[HSmom] 7:59 am: At least some candy Jlegg.
[jlegg759] 7:59 am: Interesting--melting is one rason I don't keep stuff in the car
[CowgirlGloria] 7:59 am: Neat! Do they come in anything other than chocolate? (I'm deathly allergic)
[HSmom] 8:00 am: Yes...they only come in lemon.
[CowgirlGloria] 8:01 am: Well, that would do in a pinch. Might keep folks from snacking on them in non-emergencies?
[jlegg759] 8:03 am: where do you get them?
[jlegg759] 8:03 am: Is there a site I can check out ingrediant lists? I have some alergies as well
[The Lounge]: HappyCamper45 has entered at 8:04 am
[CowgirlGloria] 8:05 am: Welcome HappyCamper!
[HappyCamper45] 8:05 am: Good morning.
[HappyCamper45] 8:05 am: Ty
[HSmom] 8:05 am: I them here: http://beprepared.co...alorie Food Bar
[HSmom] 8:05 am: Good morning HC
[HappyCamper45] 8:05 am: Good morning.
[HappyCamper45] 8:06 am: I saw a recipe for canning apples and apples sauce does anyone know where it is.
[HSmom] 8:06 am: Did you check in Preserving the Harvest Recipes. ?
[HappyCamper45] 8:07 am: I think I did...All the site kinda look the same when your reading everything you can get your hands on.
[HappyCamper45] 8:08 am: Yes It was preserving the harvest I looked in..
[HSmom] 8:09 am: But the Recipes sub-forum? I'll get the link...hang on
[CowgirlGloria] 8:09 am: This is a good time of year to be putting up applesauce!
[HappyCamper45] 8:10 am: ty. Some had done all of canned apple slices and jucie...I look to can apple slices and apple sauce.
[HappyCamper45] 8:10 am: I have 4 apple trees and an apple orchard just down the street.
[HSmom] 8:11 am: Here's the subforum: http://www.mrssurvival.com/forums/ubbthrea...st&Board=39
[CowgirlGloria] 8:11 am: Nice! My apple trees were planted by previous residents and tend to crop every other year. I'd like to plant some annual cropping varieties.
[HSmom] 8:11 am: Honestly applesauce is pretty easy. Cook, mash, sweeten if desired and can.
[HappyCamper45] 8:11 am: Yeah...clapping...huray...Thank you
[HappyCamper45] 8:12 am: Can I add cinnimon
[CowgirlGloria] 8:12 am: Yup.
[HSmom] 8:12 am: Sure
[jlegg759] 8:12 am: yes
[jlegg759] 8:12 am: I'm so jelouse.
[HappyCamper45] 8:12 am: OK...One more question I think...I have a ricer can I just use a potato masher
[HSmom] 8:13 am: Here's the USDA site: http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/can_home.html You'll find apples and applesauce under fruit (imagine that!).
[CowgirlGloria] 8:13 am: I don't suppose apples grow in your area, Jlegg?
[HSmom] 8:13 am: If you like it chunky a potato masher will be fine.
[HappyCamper45] 8:13 am: Where do you like Jlegg come on over ....I have plenty
[HappyCamper45] 8:13 am: Yeah
[CowgirlGloria] 8:13 am: HC - there's seeds to think about. So if you mash, core the apples before cooking.
[jlegg759] 8:13 am: I'm sure they do somewhere but I'm in the city & can't find a farm or farmers market that sells them
[jlegg759] 8:14 am: Sure I'll come over!!! Where?
[HSmom] 8:14 am: Here's the USDA on Applesauce: http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/can_02/applesauce.html
[HappyCamper45] 8:14 am: Rock Taven NY...
[CowgirlGloria] 8:14 am: You're in Florida? I bet you have lots of great citrus when it is in season! Apples -- well most of them -- like a cooler climate.
[jlegg759] 8:15 am: You need the little peeler/corer/slicer thing...it is the greatest kitchen tool ever!
[CowgirlGloria] 8:15 am: I good paring knife works just fine, if you don't have an apple gadget, though.
[HappyCamper45] 8:15 am: I have that...First thing I bought when I moved next to an orchard.
[HSmom] 8:15 am: I'm using that for my dried apples. I also have a stand-alone corer.
[HappyCamper45] 8:16 am: I'm lazy I love the apple peeler corer thingy
[jlegg759] 8:16 am: Even our citrus hasn't been that great--really dry summer--hard, woody, not sweet juice citrus
[HSmom] 8:16 am: I'm going to steer us back toward the topic now... *ahem*
[HappyCamper45] 8:16 am: We should be shivering here by now and it 72 degrees.
[jlegg759] 8:16 am: the hurrican's really damaged a lot of the crops over the last few years as well
[HSmom] 8:16 am: I have another Seasonal Preparation that appplies to all climates.
[HappyCamper45] 8:17 am: Sorry...What topic where you discussing..I was late.
[HSmom] 8:18 am: Cold and flu season....even if you're not worried about pandemic flu or bird flu...you have to admit that the creeping crud will be here soon -if it isn't already present.
[HSmom] 8:18 am: The topic is Seasonal Preparations.
[CowgirlGloria] 8:18 am: That's for sure! I already had the flu!!! Before they even offered the shots.
[jlegg759] 8:19 am: yucky
[HSmom] 8:19 am: I had flu-y-type colds in July, August & September myself...That frequency is unusual for me
[HSmom] 8:19 am: So this is the time of year that I review my OTC meds and replace any that are expiring.
[HappyCamper45] 8:20 am: I am worried about the bird flu...A lot.
[HSmom] 8:20 am: I also stock up on soap and hand sanitizer.
[CowgirlGloria] 8:20 am: Whole body aches, chills, fever, the works - bet the flu season is going to be a bad one
[HappyCamper45] 8:20 am: If it's anything like Austrailia where in big trouble.
[HSmom] 8:21 am: I don't often use the Clorox wipes for routine cleaning, but I LOVE to have them on hand if anyone has vomiting or diarrhea.Then I can give the whole bathroom a quick wipedown.
[HappyCamper45] 8:21 am: It was to late in the season to produce products for the mutated strain.
[jlegg759] 8:21 am: It has been going around my office too. I use alcohol wipes on everything at my desk each moring
[CowgirlGloria] 8:21 am: Yes, good time to stock up on herbal remedies - especially if the bird flu hits, there wouldn't be enough Tamiflu to go around.
[HSmom] 8:21 am: That's good Jlegg, especially your phone & keyboard.
[HSmom] 8:22 am: I do another thing that's a little OCD....
[HSmom] 8:22 am: After shopping, I sanitze my hands when I get in the car.
[HSmom] 8:22 am: I started that little habit after a VERY sick cashier checked me out of a thrift store.Ew.
[CowgirlGloria] 8:23 am: That's a very good idea. I should. I wash up when I get home, but that isn't as good.
[HappyCamper45] 8:23 am: Ok don't want to freak anyone out but everything you buy has been touch be several people before you grap it off the shelf.
[HSmom] 8:23 am: I tend to make several stops in one trip out.
[CowgirlGloria] 8:24 am: Me too, HS. Too far to drive into town for one stop.
[HSmom] 8:24 am: True, HC, but alot of those bugs don't live toooo long. Are you going to get me to clorox wipe everything I bring home?
[CowgirlGloria] 8:25 am: I tend to wash off cans and so forth before they go into the pantry or fridge. I don't wash off bags of TP though.
[jlegg759] 8:26 am: I just make sure I wash the fruit & veggies...I wash my hand about every 10seconds when I'm cooking so germs off of cans get washed off me right away
[HappyCamper45] 8:26 am: I use a lot of wipes. I think because of all the studying I've been a germ freak.
[HSmom] 8:28 am: I'm an RN...I'm a germ freak at work. At home not so much. We're a family with chronic allergies...and there's some research that says a component of allergies is that our homes are 'too clean' in modern times. *shrug*
[The Lounge]: Cat has entered at 8:28 am
[HSmom] 8:28 am: Good morning Cat!
[Cat] 8:28 am: ACCKK! You're STILL HERE?????
[HappyCamper45] 8:28 am: What can you use if you don't have ascorbic acid when canning apples. I have no idea what that is...Can I use maybe lemon jucie. If I can How much do I use.
[HappyCamper45] 8:28 am: Hi Can
[HappyCamper45] 8:28 am: CAt
[Cat] 8:28 am: WHAT is keeping everyone so interested?
[HSmom] 8:29 am: Lemon juice mixed with water is fine HC.
[CowgirlGloria] 8:29 am: With the dogs in the house, and the various critters outside, and the tracking in that occurs ... I dare say "too clean" is not something one would say of our home.
[HappyCamper45] 8:29 am: APPLES :roll: AND FLU
[HSmom] 8:29 am: Seasonal Preparations, Cat.
[Cat] 8:29 am: I use lemon juice, HC. Maybe a quarter cup per gallon.
[HSmom] 8:29 am: Things like changing the car bags over to warm clothes, getting ready for cold/flu season, canning/drying apples...
[CowgirlGloria] 8:29 am: Ascorbic acid -- get it at the health food store
[HSmom] 8:29 am: Wasn't there something else?
[HappyCamper45] 8:29 am: tY
[HSmom] 8:30 am: Ascorbic acid is just VitC.
[Cat] 8:30 am: Ascorbic acid is just Vitamin C, so you can get that cheaper sometimes.
[HSmom] 8:30 am: 1/4 c per gallon???Heavens,I've been using way too much! Oh,well.
[CowgirlGloria] 8:30 am: Yup. I find it in bulk at a health food store.
[Cat] 8:30 am: LOL GREAT MINDS...
[CowgirlGloria] 8:30 am: I use it for making mozerella cheese
[HappyCamper45] 8:30 am: What's a Health food store...I know we have one around here somewhere. I like Junk...