tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post290797713837637473..comments2024-03-29T19:22:11.409+10:00Comments on down to earth: Making plans for a better futureUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-26598055411689311252020-05-07T07:48:01.133+10:002020-05-07T07:48:01.133+10:00We were prepared too, Janice. There was no panic h...We were prepared too, Janice. There was no panic here and I'm sure the same at your home. Good luck with your pressure canning and stockpile. xxrhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-16457634586901048042020-05-07T02:34:15.868+10:002020-05-07T02:34:15.868+10:00I just wanted to thank you. I found your blog bac...I just wanted to thank you. I found your blog back in 2010, the same year we had some major home improvements done. One was the addition of a large pantry in the garage. I have been learning to pressure can and stocking up since. Here in the US the pandemic has become a nightmare, but my husband and I were prepared. We are in our early 70's, retired, and thankful.Janice Wisernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-10753464092777555732020-05-06T14:29:16.994+10:002020-05-06T14:29:16.994+10:00Curvywitch... isn't it just lovely when they f...Curvywitch... isn't it just lovely when they finally come around!! Well done on your perseverance and DH enjoying the bread making.Tanyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09094151149308611306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-91581319040185730272020-04-24T08:44:24.457+10:002020-04-24T08:44:24.457+10:00Thanks for waving my flag, Shirley.Thanks for waving my flag, Shirley.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-13083140462125533572020-04-24T02:54:46.132+10:002020-04-24T02:54:46.132+10:00Rhonda, I just wanted to let you know that I comme...Rhonda, I just wanted to let you know that I commented on your blog at the frugal girl site today, 4-23 U.S., when the topic was other favorite frugal blogs. I said it was devoted to simple living, "which is frugal." Shirley in the USAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-82798234856745100212020-04-23T14:21:24.078+10:002020-04-23T14:21:24.078+10:00Hello Kim, I'm really pleased you commented so...Hello Kim, I'm really pleased you commented so I know you're out there. I'm a bit frustrated at times when people don't say hello and give me a clue that they're out there. Your comment is the third thing today that mentioned my recipes and for that reason, tomorrow I'll share the recipe of what we had for lunch today. See you then! And thanks for reading. xxrhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-84426081872190544092020-04-23T10:19:03.949+10:002020-04-23T10:19:03.949+10:00I feel so blessed that I came to find your blog at...I feel so blessed that I came to find your blog at least 6-7 years ago. I purchased your books. You are always encouraging and giving me peace in the journey to self-reliance. I cherish your point of view, your advice, and all your recipes and ideas. You are a blessing. Wishing you a belated happy birthday and saying a prayer of thankfulness for you and the ability to know you through your blog. Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15786575575306811615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-75750065372335267762020-04-22T22:53:04.566+10:002020-04-22T22:53:04.566+10:00I have kept a deep pantry for many years. Mostly ...I have kept a deep pantry for many years. Mostly because it saves me money and time but also because I have lived through quite a few emergencies where the grocery stores get wiped out. When the news was coming in from Wuhan back in December I topped things off, especially meds, herbs, first aid and sanitary products, and disinfecting products. And I particularly increased my stock of dog and cat food. I know that I can keep myself going with some unusual food combinations but my pets would not understand! My pantry is definitely not as tidy as yours though! I need some additional shelves in my pantry area one of these days. I know that overbuying is being discouraged for now, but if everyone managed their household like this, there wouldn't be such panic now and people would be able to better avoid the stores and therefore keep themselves more removed from the virus and therefore reduce the rate of infection and lower the burden on the hospitals. I have done grocery shopping once since this began and it was actually pretty scary. Not everyone has extra funds for keeping a pantry and hopefully we will remember to donate some money, now matter how little, to our local food pantries because people are definitely going hungry now, probably especially the elderly who not only have limited funds but are also really afraid to go shopping (rightfully so). Sara888https://www.blogger.com/profile/06501978203284800309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-80257115919519114002020-04-22T14:25:07.329+10:002020-04-22T14:25:07.329+10:00Great post. What some folks don't realize it t...Great post. What some folks don't realize it that a good stockpile is not created in one fell swoop, cleaning the shelves so that your neighbour cannot buy, but it is created over time, buying some extras here and there. It is like the edible version of an emergency fund, created to help out in times of sickness and other calamities. Ours has come in handy during storms, loss of electricity, floods and fires that cut off the truck routes and now during this pandemic. I would also add that you should have a good, well stocked first aid kit and any medications that are required. Take care.<br />Barbbbarnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15399421440007975826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-28073707870211690032020-04-22T13:19:34.286+10:002020-04-22T13:19:34.286+10:00As always, well said. :) xAs always, well said. :) xNicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06540380146541193698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-54894533536128404542020-04-22T06:49:34.141+10:002020-04-22T06:49:34.141+10:00This is a lovely post, Rhonda. I know there is a h...This is a lovely post, Rhonda. I know there is a huge desire for things to return to "normal" but I hope too that these challenging times encourage a rethink of some aspects of what we want our normal to be. <br /><br />I started a little stockpile after reading your first book. I have found it reassuring to have some staples in the cupboard. <br /><br />I wish too for a gentler world and hope that the challenges of this current crisis lead us to that. MegXx Meghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11573371198907761962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-76483121024784715572020-04-21T23:09:10.438+10:002020-04-21T23:09:10.438+10:00What a great stockpile you have! Mine is not bad, ...What a great stockpile you have! Mine is not bad, but yours is better. Going forward, stockpiling will be my goal. Takes organization---not my strong suit---and hard work, something I'm pretty good at. But worthwhile. Also, what a wonderful ending to this piece. Yes, we all must care.Laurie Graveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05325882465476679150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-6551982265487077012020-04-21T21:17:39.624+10:002020-04-21T21:17:39.624+10:00Good advice Rhonda, it pays to be prepared as you ...Good advice Rhonda, it pays to be prepared as you never know what may happen. I do hope done good comes out of this crisis! Liz (Eight Acres)http://eight-acres.com.aunoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-54023227186203321162020-04-21T17:49:22.959+10:002020-04-21T17:49:22.959+10:00I have never stockpiled, not enough room or money ...I have never stockpiled, not enough room or money so was caught out but realise food is not that important. Have lentils to make Dhal, one meal a day is sufficient.Sarah in Dorsetnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-82768496570803448442020-04-21T16:44:52.832+10:002020-04-21T16:44:52.832+10:00This is a different kind of stockpiling, Betty. We...This is a different kind of stockpiling, Betty. We had problems with panic buying here too. A well functioning stockpiling should see you well away from the shops except to top up occasionally. rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-18942904957226145822020-04-21T16:06:05.490+10:002020-04-21T16:06:05.490+10:00we are being discouraged from stockpiling in the U...we are being discouraged from stockpiling in the UK as the supermarkets got cleaned out by panic buying, but I can see where in some countries it is necessary/supply and demand differ and not everyone lives round the corner from the shops. I do agree with you that when we emerge from this it would be so good to have a more mindful lifestyle, whilst the economy has to restart it would be good if it could not be at the expense of the environment and if we could all just slow down a bit and enjoy each day as it comes.Elderberry-Robhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14197689596360708239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-26421631240770543972020-04-21T15:27:47.683+10:002020-04-21T15:27:47.683+10:00Well said Rhonda. I agree with everything that yo...Well said Rhonda. I agree with everything that you have written. I would add that just as you hope to see more things that you use in Australia made in Australia, I would say the same of the United States. At one time my husband and I always chose items manufactured here if there was a choice, but so little is made here these days. I'm sure that is the case for others as well. What strange times we are in.Debbie in PAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16638334788335810581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-67277668314161696762020-04-21T12:51:18.736+10:002020-04-21T12:51:18.736+10:00 Rhonda your food stockpile and pantry are great. ... Rhonda your food stockpile and pantry are great. Of course I love your basket of yarn. As well as food I need and have a stockpile of fabrics, threads, yarns etc. I am also a member of 2 ebook libraries. I believe our minds as well as our bodies need nourishing and care.<br /> I am fearful for my family and friends. I still often have trouble believing this is all true. <br />Out my window I see parents with their children riding bikes and scooters, this is heart warming and I hope the family togetherness stays when this is over. Hopefully this awful time will bring a closeness to families become a learning time for others who have stepped down from their fast and overfilled lives. Stay safe.<br />Judehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11374028034442765656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-86401297742419960622020-04-21T11:58:31.553+10:002020-04-21T11:58:31.553+10:00Hi Rhonda,
I completely agree with you about retu...Hi Rhonda,<br /><br />I completely agree with you about returning to more local manufacturing. When I was a child our shoes and clothes were made in Australia. We didn't have many but they were good quality and we appreciated what we had. I am also glad you mentioned politics as we can 'think globally, act locally', but also need those at the top to know what we want if they are to act on our behalf to create a better world for everyone.<br /><br />Big hugs from Armidale,<br /><br />Madeleine.xxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-41503465432430605242020-04-21T10:32:46.810+10:002020-04-21T10:32:46.810+10:00We live in New Jersey and I LOVE Tractor Supply st...We live in New Jersey and I LOVE Tractor Supply stores.They have really reasonable pricing on bride seed and animal supplies. Actually, I bought their own gardening boots from the years ago and they are still in excellent condition.MissFifihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09948141818594611257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-53197086520165334622020-04-21T10:07:11.525+10:002020-04-21T10:07:11.525+10:00Life has changed very little here to as we are hom...Life has changed very little here to as we are homebodies, I miss our family dinners, seeing the kids who have flown the coop, and our grand daughter but we keep in touch by phone. I even used facetime for the very first time to talk to Savannah, our granddaughter and she loves showing us everything that she's been doing. I'm very grateful for our frozen and preserved garden produce and the stockpile we have, it's wonderful to shop from the larder and just replace what you use. Hopefully our country will become more "self sufficient" because of this and everyone will slow down and become more aware of our responsibility to the earth and each other. Have a lovely week at home, take care Kate from Tassie x Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16715125727791233577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-63012395596336200372020-04-21T09:09:36.074+10:002020-04-21T09:09:36.074+10:00Rhonda, I've followed your blog for years now ...Rhonda, I've followed your blog for years now and I've always been so thankful for your wise words and frugal ways. In some ways I feel like I've been preparing for a time such as this for years and instead of dreading this time, I'm trying to see things as a challenge to put into practice the things I've learned. First order of business was telling my family that I wouldn't be cooking anything new until the old was eaten up. Praise The Lord they've be favorable to this and haven't complained openly, just a few sighs at times :) Thank you for continuing on encouraging us. CDShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15940156573871579695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-25174259310639479282020-04-21T08:28:39.498+10:002020-04-21T08:28:39.498+10:00Although it's slower, so I have to learn to pl...Although it's slower, so I have to learn to plan better, we've made our own sourdough starter from scratch. I'm sure there's lots of how-tos online. Our breads and bagels come out nicely, not too sour or bitter tasting. There's just much longer wait times for the rising. My daughter has a good knack for kneading, so most of the loaves have fallen to her expertise while I try to get our garden prepped and seeded.<br /><br />Thank you, Rhonda, for your lovely post, as well. We're getting take-out to support our local businesses when we can, but I've found only two holes in my stockpile - milk and eggs. We have dry milk we can use for baking, and other drink powders set aside when we can't get milk, but it's really time to plan a coop and get some chickens!Yvettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02124413074476321789noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-22486278137261871342020-04-21T04:10:26.780+10:002020-04-21T04:10:26.780+10:00It's been interesting for me to see how all my...It's been interesting for me to see how all my years of staying home and making do have helped in this situation. It really has not been difficult though I should say that my husband still has a job and is still getting paid. But even if that were not the case not much about our lifestyle would have changed.<br /><br />We have been keeping the news off for the most part. That is one thing that I found was increasing our stress level and we have an adult son staying with us who struggles with an anxiety disorder and depression and every time he would hear it his anxiety went sky-high. So it was just better for our mental health to keep it off. Terrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-27879234353567389412020-04-20T23:31:24.341+10:002020-04-20T23:31:24.341+10:00I had a bit of a stockpile as well. I love to bake...I had a bit of a stockpile as well. I love to bake and cook, but unfortunately I cannot find yeast any longer. There seems to be a shortage now; but I will keep a lookout for some and also need to plan to have a bigger stockpile pantry for anything else that might happen. In some ways I look at this as being a lesson for humankind in general; we have not been good stewards of the earth, and now we are paying for some of that. I too hope that we all take away some lessons in the light of self sufficiency, a less empty and cluttered life, and good stewardship of those gifts that the earth provides us.hopflowernoreply@blogger.com