Monday Message

"Wood, coal, gas, oil, kerosene, and even candles are among those items which could be reserved as fuel for warmth, cooking, and light or power. Some may be used for all of these purposes and certain ones would have to be stored and handled cautiously. It would also be well to have on hand some basic medical supplies to last for at least a year." (President Ezra Taft Benson)

"Concerning clothing, we should anticipate future needs, such as extra work clothes and clothes that would supply warmth during winter months when there may be shortages or lack of heating fuel. Leather and bolts of cloth could be stored, particularly for families with younger children who will outgrow and perhaps outwear their present clothes." (President Ezra Taft Benson)

"Most of us cannot afford to store a year’s supply of luxury items, but find it more practical to store staples that might keep us from starving in case of emergency." (James E. Faust)

At the time of writing this blog post horrible things are happening in Ukraine. Our hearts and prayers go out to those people who are being affected.

It sure seems that in this day stuff like that should not be happening. 

It makes us think more on our own preparedness.

I have still been spring cleaning here.

I cleaned the cone yarn shelf, unloaded it, wiped it down, wiped the bags I had over the yarn and bagged the yarn I didn't already have in bags, then reorganized it.

I have been working on the dishcloths. I think they are working up nicely.

I have gotten out a few projects I wish to work on as well as the ongoing ones by my chair.

I have done a little spinning when I can.

I have been rearranging the bedroom and bookshelf and putzing around at odd jobs.

Do you remember when I talked about making a food storage binder? - http://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2015/03/monday-message_23.html 

It might be a good time to revisit that and keep building it. Keep building your skills. Incase we are in for harder times ahead, it is good to know what you can use instead of eggs. For example, because of the conflict in Ukraine we will see higher prices and should brace ourselves. Learn what are some of the most frugal meals your family enjoys and put them in your meal rotation.

Try getting a few extra canned goods when you get groceries. I am sure we will have more shortages.  We want to be able to weather through what lies ahead.

We need to find ways to live more frugally.

https://www.seamwork.com/magazine/2020/06/how-to-sew-cloth-pads

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P26nU_a5gHc - how to make cloth diapers. If you don't want to make them then just purchase cloth diapers and plastic pants and diaper pins...not fun but oh my, so so very much cheaper!

Think of ways you can save. What do you spend a lot on? Look for ways that perhaps you can make those things yourself.

https://www.awilson.co.uk/making-friends-with-your-sewing-machine-using-the-buttonhole-foot/

I like how she says make friends with our sewing machines. Yes, we need to learn all that they can do to help us.

Gus says that we need to keep an eye on what is going on and make sure you are beefing up skills and storage, especially cat nibbles.

Missy says we need to make do with what we have on hand.