Monday Message

"More than ever before, we need to learn and apply the principles of economic self-reliance. We do not know when the crisis involving sickness or unemployment may affect our own circumstances. We do know that the Lord has decreed global calamities for the future and has warned and forewarned us to be prepared. "(President Ezra Taft Benson)

With all that is going on, it feels like we are getting pecked to death. It is hard to keep on in it all.  We must try to find comfort and peace. We need to keep on stocking up and keep learning skills.

Our preps need to include things like needles and thread. If you have a sewing machine, learn how to use it better. If you don't, be looking at yard sales and thrift stores but be sure to try them before you buy them. Be on the lookout for dehydrators, jars and any canning supplies, look for fabric and sewing supplies, look for zippers and buttons, look for knitting and crocheting supplies, etc.

Add to that list, good books, also children's books, puzzles, board games.

Look for back-up items like blenders and toasters, things you might need. I try to do this because inevitably I will have one die at the worst time and in the winter I might not have any luck finding used and will have to pay higher prices.

Look for the old church type cookbooks where everyone put their favorites in and use the basic ingredients.

Start preparing for winter, I know it’s early but maybe it will cool you down some. Do you have ice melt? That is what I will need more of. How about ice scrapers? Shovels? Try to think ahead. But if we never get out of the heatwave, no snow will come - OK, that is a joke :p

But we need to think ahead and plan ahead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlazQtUfJ-0 - remember to build your cooking from scratch skills.

So back to these times being hard, they will paralyze us if we let them...don't let them.

Use this time to learn your skills, they can be therapeutic.

I am working on this shawl for winter. The yarn is homespun, some my sister spun and the rest I spun. I will be learning new techniques.

I also am still working on the critters. I am learning so many things by working these up. l love little cotton rabbits. She makes the cutest critters, her patterns are clearly written unlike some others I have done, bringing me back to hers. Not a commercial, just a very happy customer.

So find something that will make you smile and build a skill.

My garden is winding down. I have never had success growing watermelon. I am so so excited that these yummies came out of my garden this year!  You might remember me telling you one year that I was excited I had one a bit smaller than the size of a tennis ball, then one day it disappeared without a trace. I was so disappointed. The next day it showed up again in the same spot. A critter took it, ate on it, must not have liked it and brought it back. Too funny.

Gus said, if only he had longer legs and thumbs he would take up weaving.

Missy says, always stay safe no matter what.