FRUGAL TIMES IDEA’S Here

People here are planning on moving to cheaper places.  I talked to three friends yesterday, all finding new places to live.

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Turn the heat down a degree or two at night.

Turn off lights in empty rooms.

Make homemade soups.

Have a meatless meal.

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I find great “shop on line” deals from grocery stores and have been spending far less, not cruising the isles.

Change your meal plans to include only 1 meat a day and supplement with beans and rice (they are very cheap and I highly recommend getting the 20 plus pounds of rice and lots of different dry and canned beans while you can).

As mentioned, make up jars of beans, w/seasonings, dry bone broth and you have a meal in a jar, just add water and your favorite meat.

Use your wood burning stove (if you have one).

Wear layers and sleep in them.

I found a different “back-roads” route to work that takes me 10 min longer but allows me to use my hybrid therefore saving money on gas, no toll fee (that’s 1200.00 a year savings), less stress.

Cook meals in a crock pot or instant pot (shorter time and electricity) — Per Yohanan cook outside

Get rid of those HBO, Show time, Cinemax channels and play games with the family

Years ago I bought a cook book that was from Amish living — called being frugal — it has so many tips for stretching meals.

Get a large bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar and gargle with it daily, take 1 -2 Tlbs. Daily per the bottle as a health strengthening — it is pretty good after you get used to it

Hope this is helpful…..great idea Kolleen

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Plant container gardens if you do not have room for a full scale garden. In it plant potatoes, squash, beans, tomatoes, corn, and cabbage. Corn needs far less room than people imagine. Commercial corn growers use mechanized equipment to plant and harvest so they need the large amount of room between plants but you can grow a lot of corn in a small space. The Native Americans called corn, beans and squash the Three Sisters and it was a major staple for them.

Definitely cook outside in the warm months.

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Yohanan,  I grow corn in a several large planters in my garden — I typically have 3 plants in a 20” wide pot — gives us a good amount of corn to freeze. I use pots for a lot of things in the summer. Check out the square foot gardener for more hints.

I’m also a hydroponic grower and have fresh cherry tomatoes all year long. My lettuce has to be replanted but it does very well for several months. I have both hydroponic herbs and potted herbs. I am very fortunate to have a 4-seasons room in the new house with a bank of windows that bring in a lot of sun. My lemon tree is a happy camper in the winter and gets rolled outdoors for the spring – summer – early fall time.

It really does not take a rocket scientist to grow food. Only grow what you can eat or freeze (can). Remember the 3 rules: plants need a 1. good medium (soil) that is nutrient rich, 2. water, 3. sunlight, and I like to say air.

If starting from seed – you need only a good light medium, a little water, and warmth (so I keep a grow light on and in the winter I have used a heating pad on low to keep the seed warm and sprouting). Once the plants get their second set of leaves, then transplant them into a next larger space and start introducing sunlight (or artificial light, like a grow lamp).

Another easy thing to grow is sprouts. Alfalfa, mung beans, chia, lentils all work well. Just remember to rinse them every day and once they are sprouting leave them open to air. Refrigerate your sprouts once they reach maturity and they will last much longer. Sprouts are awesome for adding to just about anything. Think of it, your tomatoes, your lettuce, your cucumbers, your peppers and sprouts — what a meal…..

There are several citrus type trees that can be grown in pots and more hybrids as well for apples, etc….

Yep, you guessed it, I have a passion for gardening, it is just amazing to me to eat my own grown veggies and fruits…..but I do believe this year I may be a bit behind in getting that outdoor garden ready — praying to be in my new home and waiting for my new job, whatever the Father thinks is best

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Think of it, your tomatoes, your lettuce, your cucumbers, your sprouts — what a meal…..

Throw some avocado on it between two slices of bread and that is heavenly!

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There’d be a riot in the South if there was no bacon. No one would eat collard greens without it.

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I think the broader question might be, who would eat collard greens under any circumstance ?

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Yes, absolutely, by all means, be good stewards of money, food and resources!

I share the following, however, at the risk of sounding holier-than-thou (and I’m not!) but I think that here in Africa we have a little more experience of dealing with shortages and lack, and I’d like to share some tried-and-tested truths…

Lack is from the devil. As you all know, we are locked into a hellish economic system that is geared to subdue us and to control us. Submit yourself to God, resist the devil, and he will flee.

Speak and believe His Word over your life daily (a small sample here, choose your own verses):

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want… (Ps 23)

I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread. (Ps 37:25)

My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. (Phil 4:19)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, with thanksgiving make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6,7)

He that spared not His own son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall he not with Him also freely give is all things? (Rom 8:32)

Experiencing shortages in the world is an opportunity for us to receive from Him. Faith is really no effort at all if we are looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Cast your cares on Him, FEAR NOT!, and do what He tells you to do in your heart. Supernatural supply will surprise you often – been there, done that, still doing it!

Bless you all in Jesus’ Name!

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Indeed with “heartfelt” and genuine thanks in all things.  We as americans have been far from being frugal, with me at the top of the list!  But if we keep an open hand towards others, God’s extravagance will be realized!  With tender hearts towards the Lord may we never be frugal!  TR

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we’ve had an interesting experience in our adventure of life learning to walk with the Lord step by step…in the past few years, we had become kind of light preppers at our old house- partially becuz of the isolation and size of our town…  (we were aware of the need to and did buy some emergency food starting back in probably 2011, but it was in a closet in the garage- a done deal outta sight outta mind)-

hubby built special shelves for canned food, we bought, treated and filled a huge water tank in our back yard and also collected rainwater (not fancy just literally an open drum used to water plants on the growingly rare occasion of rain), bought water purifier, extra firewood and a stand and cast iron etc potential ways to cook outside or possibly even in the giant fireplace we had, etc…..had even added a brand new portable generator and were about to have it wired to the house!

we were feeling a little better about our preparations (even though we still couldn’t seem to get our veggies enough water to thrive in our half a back yard garden we’d been doing for years.)  then we believe the Lord opened and held open the door for hubby to transfer with work out of state!  so, we thought this was our chance to even go further with prepping by getting a little land and maybe even raising a few livestock and a bigger garden etc….but God had other plans…or at least different timing…

we are currently in the city in a vulnerable and often unpleasant (shared wall neighbors still very unnerving/loud) housing situation surrounded by more and more people as duplexes fill up…our environment now offers us no security…other than the nice big garage where we’ve brought a lot of our food & supplies (and it is a very nice, new duplex- way more abundantly blessed with more than just our need of shelter- i’m just making the point of how different it is to what we had in mind)

we do believe their is a balance…the Bible praised the work of the ant and had Joseph store up in good times for the bare times….but it also says to look at the grass of the fields clothed in beauty and the birds not storing up and yet having their needs met (going on memory which is questionable these days hope that’s right)…

hubby has been diagnosed with some rare thing that leaves us where his leg/hip is so much better, praise God! but where also we can expect if God lets it run its course that this (disabling pain) could happen again multiple & at unexpected times…therefore,the whole tiny “farm” type situation is less likely to be the path we will take in the future-  in our own abilities anyway…

i think He just always reminds us by things He allows and prevents, that He is God and we are not…that He actually wants us to rely on Him and not ourselves…that He has good plans for us that He Himself will do through us by His provisions- in His way & His time…He will work through us- don’t get ahead of Him and don’t lag behind out of lack of own ability and wisdom & resources etc…walk…one…step at a time….yoked with Jesus….trusting in God’s goodness and ability…

i love all of the posts on here!  love that we can share ideas!  we are blessed financially but stretched so very thin- it’s like being back in our 20’s but after being used to having so much more…it’s growing us spiritually i believe though…and we do not lack anything we truly need & are paying all the bills- it’s good to have the difficult times to see God’s provisions after being pushed to our knees to ask for His help more often and more earnestly w/ more awareness of our need for His help in all things always!  Great reminders that all blessings are from Him- starting right down to the very basics- including life itself!

We can always have a thankful heart when we choose to trust Him and remember Who He really is and that He’s given us Himself and that we belong to Him and He will take responsibility for our true needs and ask us to cooperate with Him however that looks in each situation- whether to have faith in and receive and praise Him for supernatural provisions, to grow something, allow His self control to keep us from buying something, or to go apply for a specific job,etc….He can handle it all and will tell us our part each step of the way if we are really willing to trust and obey!

May He bless us all abundantly with all He is and all He wants to give us as we learn to trust & love Him more and to pass the blessings on to others as He pleases for His glory and praise and for our own good, too!

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Well said prayer!  TR

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Paul and greatfulforgrace – I would certainly agree that what we think we need is far less than what we have. God is able and willing to meet the “need”. You have not because you ask not …. But we must remember to ask according to His Will, not ours and for His glory.
Thank you for sharing truth

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Here in the States abundance is the normal and has been my entire 61 years of living and because of that I think most people simply go to the store and buy what they need never considering that staple items wouldn’t be available. We have gotten away from growing our food and now rely on factories and processing plants (which are burning to the ground regularly) to supply us with our needs. I think sharing knowledge of what to do when this way of life is disrupted is a good thing. Yes, the Lord absolutely provides but I do think He expects us “sell the oil” like the widow in 2 Kings 4. In the coming hard times we cannot be a blessing to others if we have nothing to bless them with.

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Tammie- i am super impressed with all of your gardening endeavors!  my cat eats any living plant she can reach in the house so i stuck with just putting seeds in the grounds and letting God do the rest!  i love the idea of all you do, but that is super intimidating to me- even sprouting- i actually bought the mesh lid and little open paperclip looking thing to hold the jar upside down at an angle to drain, but i got scared i’d do it wrong & make us sick or something- plus well, the move….i might try it though- i already have sprouting seeds….i have done one fermented sauerkraut and we didn’t get sick or die and it was super yummy- crunchy and flavorful!  that was probably 6 months ago…need to try it again…will be excited to own a house here some day if not raptured before that- which we prefer obviously- with at least a decent size yard since we have a tiller already & can do a decent veggie garden Lord willing…i’d love to grow a couple fruit trees, too!

Paul R- thank your for the encouragement from someone who’s “been there”- and God’s Word is the greatest encouragement- thanks for the verses!  when you see His Word in action it is truly a faith builder…it seems the Father wants Yeshua’s Bride to “…be mature and complete, not lacking anything” when He calls us up to meet Him in the air! James 1:2-5.  I think God is showing us that what we need most is to be growing in knowing, trusting and loving Him more and more- learning to focus on Him and spiritual things of His Kingdom above all else is the best way to get thru the lean times- believing He will help us with our physical needs in whatever ways He chooses and makes clear to us what to do, when & how as He leads, guides and gives us wisdom in all things we ask Him to!  I for one would be very interested in hearing ways you have experienced God providing supernaturally- I know He works in mysterious ways that His ways are not our own Isaiah 55:8-9 and when the resources are unavailable to someone who loves and trusts Him and asks for His help it is within His character to intervene in unusual ways- I am thankful mostly He chooses to use other children of His to minister to each other and that’s why we need to all hold loosely to our blessings- willing to share with those in need for His glory- instead of gripping tightly out of fear of not having enough or thinking we won’t have more when needed…it’s hard not to be that way sometimes…

Kolleen- thanks for this post!  i love the beautiful scripture art at the top!  i’ve been using (expired) canned evaporated milk- mixed with equal part water or to taste and use it for our cereal milk…still bought smaller milk to drink straight…

i actually forgot how delicious (especially if you freeze ham hock left from holidays) pinto beans are- did them in dutch oven on stove!

and if you have a instant pot- we discovered you can cook beans in there w/o soaking and really quickly and they are just right- pretty amazing- we did a bag of dry black eye peas with a bunch of seasoning & used vegetable broth!

we don’t want to use up our stash, but working in a few things and starting in on the deep freezer soon, too…very helpful when money is going out as fast as its coming in…but nice to still have access to food at the stores nearby too- but it’s crazy the prices on so much of it

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Yohanan- yes, we are in our 40s and 50s and don’t know any different than blessed abundantly here in USA…i believe God blessed us as a whole because of our foundation of His ways of justice- what He said is good and right and true and yet we still allowed for freedom of choice within the basic framework of God’s virtues.  We really didn’t know any differently than hope of better even when hard because it was a land of opportunity.  I believe overall He blessed us, too because we were a blessing to other nations and individuals who came here and accepted the Godly guidelines and prospered…(I know prosperity doesn’t equal righteousness)…i just feel that USA because of it’s overall moral decay isn’t as a nation blessed & protected by God as much these days and it does affect all of us, but He sees the individuals and honors our humble requests for His wisdom and provisions as we seek Him and His Kingdom first….i’m ramble-y today…not sure any of that made sense…just shoulda probably said “Amen!” like Kolleen did!  You were talking about getting away from growing own food, too, and yes, i agree it’s becoming a problem…most of us have truly gone soooo far away from that…i think many, like me, were just so naive and honestly “clueless” in our happy bubble growing up that we couldn’t begin to comprehend the evil in this world that would take such advantage of our trust…it could only work as long as the majority of society agreed to value & uphold Godly principles overall of how we should treat each other- (whether they personally accepted Him or not)…i do thank the Lord for a blessed and abundant life, though…He taught me to be thankful to Him- learning that it is all from Him…and He has blessed so many by financially blessed Believers financially blessing those in real need, too & sharing the gospel worldwide!

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Tammie- thank you! i look forward to gardening with you! & i will try to do a little more fermenting and try out the sprouting jar at some point in the near future- it’s a good time to do that while still in the city in a smaller space and cold weather outside!  My mom has indoor plants that are like her pets or babies- she talks to them- people give her their poor half dead ones that have been neglected and she is like a plant rescue house- they love her & thrive- indoors i can only keep ivy alive and have to keep it inaccessible from the cat (probably not even possible in this place.)  i tried to get my mom to do some veggie plants, but that’s just not her thing- although i did give her part of a tomato plant i got to root and she grew it, but i’m not sure it ever gave her any fruit…i bought a planted parsley from the grocery cuz it wasn’t much higher than the part that was cut and more than i needed at one time, but my cat ate some & i put it outside and think my other cat or a neighbor cat ate the rest and then the stems died cuz i forgot it outside overnight- way too cold hopefully this summer we can either be in Heaven or guess i could settle for a house w/ a private and decent size yard!  i know i sound spoiled rotten, and i really am…but i do know it’s only by God’s grace- i’ve always had “better than I deserve”!!!!

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I don’t want to sound like a Debbie Downer … but … if we are still here this spring I’m not going to even bother planting flower gardens let alone veggies.

Got word from the town they are going to sock it to people who use a lot of water. This is where I wish I still have well water.  I’m already paying over the top price for “their” stinky undrinkable water … also got to buy cases of bottled water for drinking & cooking.

This past summer I saw my neighbor planted grape tomatoes in individual mega pots and kept in her driveway so it gets sun all day.  Then low and behold the chipmunks would climb the pot and chew off the ripe tomatoes … she never got a chance to eat any.  Plus I hate to encourage rodents to roam around … they can do damage to your vehicles since we don’t have garages.

There is a community garden on the land that is fenced in and gated for the others who are part of the garden club.  But they are notorious for begging us for money for their cause.  I just ignore them.  But if you are part of the club … you probably can’t.

And then you have the weather patterns in these last days that are no longer normal … its been mostly dry and lack of rain these past 2 years so you must water almost daily but it could change back to so much rain and lack of sun and then the plants are rotted.  If I had a sun room I might consider indoor home veggies, but I don’t.  I’m just grateful the food banks have been supplying most of the veggies.  Its hard to get lettuce though.  That is the only prize veggie I would consider growing year round, if I could.  But then … we got the wild rabbits …

I got my eyes looking up for the rapture instead.  In the millennium I want to garden again.

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My grandparents used to have a barrel like those in your photo that caught rainwater from their roof gutters and downspouts.  It was not used for drinking, just for occasionally watering plants, etc.  They lived through the Great Depression and learned to save everything.

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Ah, Kolleen, looking at all those wooden barrels we now all know the secret to your sweet temperament! (Just kidding, of course!)

On the subject of the USA and the perception of its moral decay, allow me to say that the whole world is experiencing moral decay – many countries much worse than America. Father God has blessed the USA because it has been the major source of the spreading of the gospel for the past century or so. Also, it has been the vital protective ‘big brother’ of Israel for decades. The devil hates the USA with a passion.

I worked in the US (based in Massachusetts) for two years in the late 1990’s and I fell in love with the wonderful, hardworking, intelligent, generous, God-fearing people of America. Because of Hollywood and the malicious media the world has a skewed perception of your country and its people. Never forget that.

Thanks for the kind words, gratefulforgrace, maybe at another time I’ll recount some stories of the Lord’s miracles of supply in my life. Right now it feels like boasting and I have nothing to boast about – except Him. Glory to God! Suffice to say that I’ve been a freelance writer for the past 20 years, with no guaranteed income at all. When I stay at His feet, looking to Him, miracles happen. When I don’t, I struggle. Been there and done that too.

I’m also a keen gardener (not nearly as accomplished as Tammie) and try to grow flowers and veggies that I like as organically as possible. A few weeks ago I was on the verge of throwing away a snack pepper plant that was suffering from blight (fungal infection). The thought struck me that we are supposed to take dominion of the earth, including plants, and (with no one in earshot!) I cursed the blight and blessed that plant in Jesus’ Name. In the moment I did it with real conviction, because I’d noticed lately how many of my plants get sick or infested with pests – more than ever before. I was actually angry.

I gave it no further thought and last week I suddenly realized that the plant is recovering; I’d say it’s about 95% perfect right now, full of flowers and small pepper fruit. Praise God! Even at my age, I’m learning all the time!

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Paul, I love what you did here …

“ I cursed the blight and blessed that plant in Jesus’ Name. In the moment I did it with real conviction, because I’d noticed lately how many of my plants get sick or infested with pests – more than ever before. I was actually angry. I gave it no further thought and last week I suddenly realized that the plant is recovering; I’d say it’s about 95% perfect right now, full of flowers and small pepper fruit. Praise God! Even at my age, I’m learning all the time!”

The demons do want to rob us of our joy anyway they can.  Back in December 1998 I had a red Amaryllis plant in bloom and I said out loud “oh how beautiful you are!  Looks like you need some more water” … so off I went into the bathroom to put water in the watering can and then I heard this loud crash … I returned to the spare bedroom and the plant was on the hardwood floor … the ceramic pot was shattered and dirt everywhere.  The stems were violently ripped in shreds and the red petals were removed and scattered.  The poor plant was murdered.   I cleaned up the mess and just stuck the bulb back into another pot with soil  and figured next year it will rebloom but it never did.  I waited 3 years .. nothing. It was cursed.  I wish I did what you did and spoke over it in Jesus’ name!

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Gardeners or fishers of men?  Surely looking forward to what kind of lifestyle the Lord will have for us in the New Heaven and Earth???  Our frames of reference concerning individual pleasures may change!  I am encouraged by each of your spirit’s and hearts!!!  A true honor fellowshipping with you all!  TR

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Muscato? Out with it Kolleen… those look like sour mash whiskey barrels.

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Tammie, oh Tammie, I so hope you are right!

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Agreed, Geri. Somebody once said if you don’t bump into the devil from time to time, you’re probably going in the same direction that he is. However: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them out of them all” (Ps 34)

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Yes, TR, indeed an honor to fellowship with you and everyone else here too! Just a reminder: some very important biblical events happened in a garden…

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Here’s a very short, over-simplified report from South Africa:

Apart from the radical lefties, the die-hard commies, the organised crime mafia, the witch doctor culture, the LGBT gaggle and the lunatic fringe, ordinary South Africans of all creeds are quite optimistic and many of them are full of faith. Yes, unemployment and poverty have reached heartbreaking levels, with our government doing very little to practically resolve these issues. It’s up to churches and benevolent charities to shoulder most of the load. More than half of the population of neighboring Zimbabwe, as well as many refugees from all over Africa try to make a living here — it’s easy to cross the border (sound familiar?).

However, I’d say at least 70% are believers. Probably more. Two or three years ago we had an inter-denominational day of prayer that was held (by Angus Buchan) on an airfield on the outskirts of Pretoria. Over two million attended! Africans smile easily and they usually light up when when you mention the Lord. Their faith is child-like (the best kind) even if their knowledge of the Word is not always all that good. Sadly, there are plenty of religious charlatans peddling dodgy doctrines. On the bright side though, we have many sincere and effective intercessors and people in full time ministry doing a lot of good work.

Our leaders are mostly puppets of the global elite. Politicians call each other “comrade”. Our elections are a joke (sound familiar?). Fortunately, due to their incompetence and greed, they don’t always execute the dictates of the globalists. Thankfully, only about 30% of the population was vaxxed. Our police force is largely inept and corrupt — there are 2.5 privately hired trained security people for every 1 cop. Unless it’s a very serious crime, we don’t even bother to call the cops. Over 80% of all local governments (municipalities) are bankrupt due to corruption. Our state-run electricity supplier is a total mess; we often have “load-shedding” with the power going down for about four hours a day. We adapt and work around it, of course.

Otherwise, the sun shines and the weather is fine most of the time, and the country is beautiful. Father God is good to us!

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I saw this Instagram post and it reminded me that money and material goods are not what bring happiness. Granted, I do not know if these kids know the Lord but they have that joy about them that would indicate that maybe they do.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjiJbnQj4QL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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Kolleen that is two awesome lists…..

I also have watched a sweet lady who is a believer and she calls herself the Prepsteader.  She has some great ideas.

Praying for a quick exit but preparing for whatever….

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I work with a social services agency. Many times we have stuff to help people that we don’t advertise because then too many people would come and we only have so much.

We had a rent supplement program. If approved, a client would get $150- $400 a month for 4 months to help with rent.

we also give money for clothing, furniture and grocery gift cards.

Usually, we know which clients are really needy, tell them we can help and put in an application for them.

Other agencies give financial aid to their clients.

There is also the rent bank that helps people who are facing eviction or are behind on their rent.

In one of our offices, we have a room that is filled with items that come in as donations and we give them to clients in need. We might have canned food, baby food and items, toys for kids, backpacks for children going to school………….

It doesn’t hurt to ask a social service or community agency if they can help with rent, food, clothing…………..

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That is so cool, Heidi!  Love how your work with social services is helping out those in need.

I urge everyone if your finding it hard to buy things to check into your local food bank.  Most people qualify and don’t even realize it.  Even if you’re retired and getting a pension.  I know a married couple who are getting 2 pensions and/or working part time and they still qualified.   I accidentally found out about it last year while going to pay my water bill and the guy said are you here for the food bank because he was going to give me a number and a grocery wish list to complete.  And if you need something that is not on that list … you write it down and if they have it in stock, they will give it to you as well.    I said no I’m not signed up.  Would I qualify?  And sure enough I did.   I regret not knowing about it sooner.  I no longer buy eggs … they been consistently handing them out each week.  Besides all the generous food handouts.  They give out grocery gift cards worth $25.00 but the last one I received the store upped them to $50.00.  They also hand out gasoline cards valued at $35.00.  All this helps.  Each week the back on my vehicle is filled with food and necessity items (toilet paper, hand soap, tooth paste, cooking oil, etc.).  Those that have babies and toddlers they give them diapers, toys, clothing.  Its amazing.  Its like trick or treating when you go … between the donations from the local stores and businesses to the donations from the wealthy people.  Its kind of like going to a Goodwill store but everything is free. 😆

Besides the once a week handout … there is also a once a month drive thru handout for EVERYONE  yes EVERYONE is welcomed.  I see some out of stater license plates in that line – New Yorkers, Massachusetts, even Florida plates but most people don’t know about it.  No questions asked other than how many in your family.  And then you open the back end of your trunk and they place the items there.  This one lady normally hands me 2 dozen eggs thru the driver side window, sometimes I get 3 dozen and these are my favorite brand of eggs .. and I will share them with my family if they are in the area.  I’ve seen them give certain people a whole box  containing 12 dozen😆 … I think they either have a bed and breakfast or a restaurant.  Each month its fun watching what the hot items are going to be … chips/pretzels bags, sodas, case of bottled brewed ice teas, case of bottled water, 4 frozen DiGiorno pizzas, 6 pork tender loins, 2 bottles of organic milk, 2 cases 24 small containers of organic yogurt, pint size ice creams – last month it was 8 pint sizes of frobert, this week it was 2 pint size Ben & Jerry’s.  The staple items at the drive thru is 2 bags of potatoes, 2 bags of onions, various assorted veggies that are in season and a few frozen food meal items. This time (pic below) they gave me 5 bags of celery and cabbages.  Back in October they gave out 5 small pumpkins, and 3 acorn squash.  I gave away the acorn squash and I put the pumpkins outside my front porch for decoration. The summer months they have those long cucumbers that are sealed wrap and will hand out 4 of those with a bag of home grown tomatoes.

Here is an idea of the food I get weekly …

lately its been steady with a bag of pistachio nuts.  3 days ago I gave a bag to my neighbor because he was so kind to drive to the local convenience store and buy me a cup of hot tea!  So I wanted to return the favor.  Before the pistachio handout it was pecans and almonds. There is also pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, raisins and walnuts.  The brown bags are pancake mix, oatmeal, granola bars, candy.  2 weeks ago  I got a bag of grits and tried them for the first time.  I do like them.  I now have a bag organic quinoa. So I’m curious to taste that next.

In this group … I got free laundry detergent soap, various brand name flour, biscuit mixes, instant mash potatoes, bags of rice, beans, pasta, egg noodles, Mac & Cheese, Taco Bell kits and the shells, and various boxes of herbal teas.  They used to hand out Starbucks coffee … I did accept it and quickly gave to my brother and sister in law. And they hand those bags out to their friends.

These are some of the can goods … I need to find a place for …

Some left behind folks will appreciate these items.

Then there are the donuts, pastries, bagels that are donated (day or 2 old).  They have prepared meals too … I did get the pasta meal on Thursday … it was in a plastic container and I just needed to put in a microwave dish and heat up for 1 minute.   It was great to have a warm meal after 2 1/2 days of torture with no electric or heat.

The food bank here is closed for Christmas and New Years.  But they have a generous handout right before Christmas if you sign up for the “Christmas Basket” and if you have kids you give their ages,sex and size and if they want toys or clothing.  Then we get a letter in the mail with instructions of when we need to drive over … to the local Catholic Church. Those who have kids stop at the first entrance and they have the gifts all wrapped up … so cool.  And the food handout is around the corner at another entrance way.  You park and walk into the church … give your name and they mark their book and you sign your name and they have all the food in boxes numbered.  And a worker finds the number assigned to you and they haul the boxes  it to your vehicle and load it up. The amount of food they gave me had to be close to $200. Got a 3 lb ham, quart of apple cider, orange juice, a gallon of milk, big jar of apple sauce, various jello & pudding boxes, microwave popcorn, potato chips/pretzels, assorted bags of Christmas candy, box of hot cocoa mix, a pineapple, bag of apples, bag of oranges,  2 pomegranates, green bananas, bag of grapes, a bag of russet potatoes, a package of romaine lettuce, bag of carrots, container of grape tomatoes, salad dressing,  frozen apple pie, various can veggies, dish soap, etc.   I was just amazed by the generous supply of stuff.

So definitely check with your town/city and see what they have to offer.

I’m having fun at these food banks, meeting people and got a chance to witness to a lady 2 days ago.  The volunteer workers are also very friendly … its a happy place.

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Oh I just learned something about the eggs … I was talking to a worker at the donut shop today and mentioned I had to throw out 5 dozen eggs because of the power outage. She was surprised they didn’t keep.  Then she asked were they washed?  I said I would assume so since this brand is sold in the local grocery stores.  She said she has a few hens that lay eggs and she doesn’t have to refrigerate them right away and they last a long time (months) cause they haven’t been washed … still have the protective placenta on them.  So that is probably why when you see someone selling eggs on their front lawn out in the sunshine … they probably haven’t been washed yet.  But if they are washed … they do need to be refrigerated.

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I used to raise chickens. You shouldn’t have to wash eggs. If you do it’s because you have a poopy nest. It’s a simple matter to keep the nesting boxes clean. The cuticle protects the egg from bacteria and when you wash an egg you are taking the protective cuticle off of it allowing bacteria to enter.

A simple way to test for bacteria is by placing your egg in water. If part of the egg floats then it has a fair bit of bacteria bacteria. It can still be eaten. If the whole egg floats it needs to be tossed.

Yoke color has nothing to do with freshness. Color is determined by diet. If chickens feast on mulberry it will turn the yoke a very dark purple, almost black! It’s still perfectly edible but it looks awful! 😁 A fresh eggs yoke will stand up higher than an older egg. If the yoke is the same level as the white then it’s very old.

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As I’m expecting the eggs in the grocery store I’ve seen poopy stuff on the eggs or the egg carton on the store brand eggs.  Its such a turn off and I can’t buy them.  I thought it was required for egg factories to inspect each egg and wash them before packing them and shipping out?   I think Nellies Free Range brand eggs they give that promise but perhaps not all facilities have that high standard?

Have any of you come across a double yolk egg?   I have and I couldn’t eat the Siamese twin eggs.

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