please submit your suggestions regarding water purification. i'm most interested in reviews for THINGS THAT WORKED.
for really bad water, it has been suggested to run it through a coffee filter first.
send your responses to: rogneva@cut.net
thanks!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Saturday, January 13, 2007
foot reflexology chart
i recently discovered the meaning of "catastrophic health insurance." essentially it means that i don't dare go to the doctor for anything not life-threatening. therefore, i've become instantly more interested in the art of healing.
"Reflexology is a very efficient healing modality for addressing a number of stress related ailments like:
Migraines
Infertility
Arthritis
Sleep Disorders
Hormonal Imbalances
Sports Injuries
Digestive Disorders
Back Pain
Stress-Related Conditions"
(from http://www.circlesoflight.com/alternative/reflexology-chart.html)
besides, who doesn't want to have a foot massage?
upcoming ham radio operator class
if you are interested in taking the class, please e-mail your name and contact information to: rogneva@cut.net
the minimal cost includes a manual- i'm guessing $30? don't quote me.
the minimal cost includes a manual- i'm guessing $30? don't quote me.
recommended books
marlene's magic with food storage
po box 802,
american fork, ut 84003
http://waltonfeed.com/marlene.html
there's a cow in the kitchen: powdered milk recipes
ok, i didn't find this one... but there was an interesting website:
http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/powderedmilk.htm
the complete book of essential oils & aroma therapy
(janet's favorite)
cindy's favorite food storage cookbook:
mix-a-meal (available through the same website as marlene's magic)
http://waltonfeed.com/mix-a.html
po box 802,
american fork, ut 84003
http://waltonfeed.com/marlene.html
there's a cow in the kitchen: powdered milk recipes
ok, i didn't find this one... but there was an interesting website:
http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/powderedmilk.htm
the complete book of essential oils & aroma therapy
(janet's favorite)
cindy's favorite food storage cookbook:
mix-a-meal (available through the same website as marlene's magic)
http://waltonfeed.com/mix-a.html
red worms
while visiting the topic of garbage disposal, richard mentioned RED WORMS. since i'm very curious... i decided to look it up. not only can you feed these little guys to your chickens, you can also put them to work composting!
this is one of the sites that i found about getting started:
http://www.cityfarmer.org/wormcomp61.html
this is one of the sites that i found about getting started:
http://www.cityfarmer.org/wormcomp61.html
homemade outhouses
for this one you'll probably want a more descriptive or technical guide in order to implement your own toilet. since we plan for everything... this made the list to keep us from drowning in- well, you know.
the public sewer system relies heavily upon water to move the "stuff" through the cleaning process. if water is in short supply, the system is useless. therefore we needed a more efficient option: i like to call it "the hole in the ground" method.
we specifically explored two plans.
a: go outside (full facility outhouse) and
b: go inside and carry the stuff to the hole in the ground.
you choose!
for plan a, the dimensions were as follows: (reminder- this is just basic)
main floor -
6'6" high in front, 5'6" in back.
roof: 5'8" wide and 6' deep.
bench: 4' wide and 2' deep, 15" high (fit toilet seat on it)
floor in front of bench: same size as bench- 4' wide and 2' deep.
door: 30" wide, 6'3" tall, and has a quarter moon cut into it. (the quarter moon is the privacy icon, also provides light, some suggested it be covered with glass or netting to keep the flies out)
garden apartment - use your imagination...
dig this one 3'6" square and 4'11" deep (any deeper and you might not be able to get out, jk)
for plan b,
dig a big hole.
how big?
enough room to fit a 55-gallon water barrel (metal or plastic) with 2-feet below and some room on the sides to fit gravel for drainage.
next, fill bottom of big hole with 2-feet of gravel.
put in big barrel (with holes drilled in side).
**top of barrel should protrude enough to allow the lid to be lifted**
backfill with gravel.
disguise as desired.
**you may want to devise a method of keeping this unit accessible during freezing season.... gazebo, fake water well thing, a tarp or whatever.**
i was thinking that i'd add a lid-lifter like the dutch oven things so i wouldn't have to touch the lid ever.
also, somebody said you can attach a piece of 2"x4" under the lid so it won't get stuck shut.
k. that was fun... now when do you dig this?
the correct answer is in the spring when the ground is soft. unless you live in fairview and the terrain is all rocks... then it might not matter.
so... happy digging!
the public sewer system relies heavily upon water to move the "stuff" through the cleaning process. if water is in short supply, the system is useless. therefore we needed a more efficient option: i like to call it "the hole in the ground" method.
we specifically explored two plans.
a: go outside (full facility outhouse) and
b: go inside and carry the stuff to the hole in the ground.
you choose!
for plan a, the dimensions were as follows: (reminder- this is just basic)
main floor -
6'6" high in front, 5'6" in back.
roof: 5'8" wide and 6' deep.
bench: 4' wide and 2' deep, 15" high (fit toilet seat on it)
floor in front of bench: same size as bench- 4' wide and 2' deep.
door: 30" wide, 6'3" tall, and has a quarter moon cut into it. (the quarter moon is the privacy icon, also provides light, some suggested it be covered with glass or netting to keep the flies out)
garden apartment - use your imagination...
dig this one 3'6" square and 4'11" deep (any deeper and you might not be able to get out, jk)
for plan b,
dig a big hole.
how big?
enough room to fit a 55-gallon water barrel (metal or plastic) with 2-feet below and some room on the sides to fit gravel for drainage.
next, fill bottom of big hole with 2-feet of gravel.
put in big barrel (with holes drilled in side).
**top of barrel should protrude enough to allow the lid to be lifted**
backfill with gravel.
disguise as desired.
**you may want to devise a method of keeping this unit accessible during freezing season.... gazebo, fake water well thing, a tarp or whatever.**
i was thinking that i'd add a lid-lifter like the dutch oven things so i wouldn't have to touch the lid ever.
also, somebody said you can attach a piece of 2"x4" under the lid so it won't get stuck shut.
k. that was fun... now when do you dig this?
the correct answer is in the spring when the ground is soft. unless you live in fairview and the terrain is all rocks... then it might not matter.
so... happy digging!
sewage
myth: the septic tank treats and the drain field soil filters.
truth: dirt and other solids settle to the bottom. the effluent floats to the top, then the tank makes the initial breakdown using anaerobic bacteria (water breathing.) the stuff then flows under the barrier and up into the drain pipe. the drain field then completes the breakdown using aerobic bacteria (air breathing.)
you'd almost have to see richard's diagram to completely understand this process. it looked something like this:
for those who are interested in reading further about septic systems, there is a really good site:
http://www.apalacheeseptic.com/septic-info.htm
truth: dirt and other solids settle to the bottom. the effluent floats to the top, then the tank makes the initial breakdown using anaerobic bacteria (water breathing.) the stuff then flows under the barrier and up into the drain pipe. the drain field then completes the breakdown using aerobic bacteria (air breathing.)
you'd almost have to see richard's diagram to completely understand this process. it looked something like this:
for those who are interested in reading further about septic systems, there is a really good site:
http://www.apalacheeseptic.com/septic-info.htm
good garbage!
our lesson this week was about being able to sort and store/dispose of garbage more efficiently. richard shared the following basic categories:
a:
paper and wood - store and burn in wood burning stove. (remove staples first) OR use as mulch in your garden (not colored ink) OR just burn in the spring.
cardboard - 1: save for storage, 2: burn, 3: use as insulation in windows or other places, 4: use to keep containers from touching the concrete floor.
b:
plastic - save is usable. melt if not usable. this will reduce the space it takes.
c:
glass - save if usable. smash if not; then pour the powder into the gravel or dirt driveway.
d:
food waste - feed to animals, bury in garden, feed to red worms, make alcohol.
e:
metal - if unusable for anything else, try to reduce in size and store it. (assuming that recycling facilities are unavailable)
f:
toys or other what-nots - recycle for use by others OR treat as above depending upon the material of which it is made.
a:
paper and wood - store and burn in wood burning stove. (remove staples first) OR use as mulch in your garden (not colored ink) OR just burn in the spring.
cardboard - 1: save for storage, 2: burn, 3: use as insulation in windows or other places, 4: use to keep containers from touching the concrete floor.
b:
plastic - save is usable. melt if not usable. this will reduce the space it takes.
c:
glass - save if usable. smash if not; then pour the powder into the gravel or dirt driveway.
d:
food waste - feed to animals, bury in garden, feed to red worms, make alcohol.
e:
metal - if unusable for anything else, try to reduce in size and store it. (assuming that recycling facilities are unavailable)
f:
toys or other what-nots - recycle for use by others OR treat as above depending upon the material of which it is made.
everlasting yeast
1 qt. warm potato water (left after cooking potatoes)
1/2 cake yeast or 1/2 Tbsp. dry yeast
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
2 Tbsp. flour
stir in all ingredients and put in a warm place to raise until ready to mix for baking. leave small amount of everlasting yeast for the next time you make bread. keep in a cool place and add to the everlasting yeast all of the above ingredients except the yeast. do this each time and you will never run out of yeast. now add the everlasting yeast that you took out and make the bread the way you always do.
1 cup = 1/2 yeast cake
1/2 cake yeast or 1/2 Tbsp. dry yeast
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
2 Tbsp. flour
stir in all ingredients and put in a warm place to raise until ready to mix for baking. leave small amount of everlasting yeast for the next time you make bread. keep in a cool place and add to the everlasting yeast all of the above ingredients except the yeast. do this each time and you will never run out of yeast. now add the everlasting yeast that you took out and make the bread the way you always do.
1 cup = 1/2 yeast cake
brown sugar from food storage
everyone who has tried to store brown sugar knows that it doesn't last long before caking into a brick. this recipe is a solution for having instant brown sugar using ingredients that store well.
2 Tbsp. molasses
1 c. granulated sugar
add molasses to sugar and stir with a fork. store brown sugar in an airtight container to keep it soft.
for those who like to experiment, like me... try reviving your brick of brown sugar (or clumpy white sugar) by placing a soft piece of bread into the air tight container for a day or two. i've also tried this on dried up cookies and it worked.
2 Tbsp. molasses
1 c. granulated sugar
add molasses to sugar and stir with a fork. store brown sugar in an airtight container to keep it soft.
for those who like to experiment, like me... try reviving your brick of brown sugar (or clumpy white sugar) by placing a soft piece of bread into the air tight container for a day or two. i've also tried this on dried up cookies and it worked.
confectioner's sugar replacement
yield: 4 cups (1000 mL)
2 c. (500 mL) nonfat dry milk powder
2 c. (500 mL) cornstarch
1 c. (250 mL) granulated sugar
combine all ingredients in food processor or blender. whip until well-blended and powdered.
2 c. (500 mL) nonfat dry milk powder
2 c. (500 mL) cornstarch
1 c. (250 mL) granulated sugar
combine all ingredients in food processor or blender. whip until well-blended and powdered.
buttermilk (for baking)
1 c. powdered milk
4 c. water
4 Tbsp. lemon juice
pinch of salt
blend until milk is dissolved. chill, keep in covered container in refrigerator.
4 c. water
4 Tbsp. lemon juice
pinch of salt
blend until milk is dissolved. chill, keep in covered container in refrigerator.
light corn syrup substitute recipe
2 c. granulated sugar
3/4 c. water
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
dash of salt
combine all ingredients in a heavy, large pan. stir and bring to a boil. reduce heat to a simmer and put cover on it for 3 minute to get sugar crystals off the sides of the pan. uncover and cook until it reaches soft ball stage. stir often.
cool syrup and store in a covered container at room temperature. it will keep for about 2 months.
makes almost 2 cups.
3/4 c. water
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
dash of salt
combine all ingredients in a heavy, large pan. stir and bring to a boil. reduce heat to a simmer and put cover on it for 3 minute to get sugar crystals off the sides of the pan. uncover and cook until it reaches soft ball stage. stir often.
cool syrup and store in a covered container at room temperature. it will keep for about 2 months.
makes almost 2 cups.
bread crumbs
preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
using 2 cups stale bread, arrange bread in a single layer in a shallow baking pan.
BAKE for 20 minutes until crip. Cool. break into small pieces and feed, slowly, into a blender or food processor.
store crumbs in an airtight container. they will keep for several weeks on the shelf and indefinately in the freezer.
ITALIAN BREAD CRUMBS
2 c. bread crumbs
1/4 c. parmesan cheese, grated
2 Tbsp. parsley
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. garlic powder
combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
SWEET CRUMBS
2 c. cookies, crackers, sweet buns, or dry cake
(and you were wondering what to do with them anyway...)
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
grind the cookies, crackers, sweet buns or dry cake in the blender for 1 minute or until you have a fine-textured crumb. store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 2 months.
using 2 cups stale bread, arrange bread in a single layer in a shallow baking pan.
BAKE for 20 minutes until crip. Cool. break into small pieces and feed, slowly, into a blender or food processor.
store crumbs in an airtight container. they will keep for several weeks on the shelf and indefinately in the freezer.
ITALIAN BREAD CRUMBS
2 c. bread crumbs
1/4 c. parmesan cheese, grated
2 Tbsp. parsley
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. garlic powder
combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
SWEET CRUMBS
2 c. cookies, crackers, sweet buns, or dry cake
(and you were wondering what to do with them anyway...)
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
grind the cookies, crackers, sweet buns or dry cake in the blender for 1 minute or until you have a fine-textured crumb. store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 2 months.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
just for fun "life survival kit" for students
physical needs:
poptarts- to help you pop up and get to class on time.
stuffed animal- to get enough sleep and to have sweet dreams at night.
mini hand scrubber- to help you keep things clean so that you stay well.
spiritual needs:
picture of temple- remember your spiritual goals.
prayer rock- to keep you grounded in eternal perspectives.
extra gum- make an extra effort to stick to your standards.
intellectual needs:
ruled paper- will help you adhere to the rules of each class.
larger eraser- no mistake is too big for this tool when you mess up.
pencil- to get the lead out and get your homework done in time.
emotional needs:
chocolate kisses- to cheer you up when you are done.
ear plugs- to help keep out the noise when you need study or sleep.
kleenex- because everyone needs a good cry once in awhile.
*****
poptarts- to help you pop up and get to class on time.
stuffed animal- to get enough sleep and to have sweet dreams at night.
mini hand scrubber- to help you keep things clean so that you stay well.
spiritual needs:
picture of temple- remember your spiritual goals.
prayer rock- to keep you grounded in eternal perspectives.
extra gum- make an extra effort to stick to your standards.
intellectual needs:
ruled paper- will help you adhere to the rules of each class.
larger eraser- no mistake is too big for this tool when you mess up.
pencil- to get the lead out and get your homework done in time.
emotional needs:
chocolate kisses- to cheer you up when you are done.
ear plugs- to help keep out the noise when you need study or sleep.
kleenex- because everyone needs a good cry once in awhile.
*****
Saturday, January 6, 2007
upcoming classes
as a result of our latest planning meeting... we have decided to implement the following topics in relation with our food storage and preparedness classes:
*felting boots
*greenhouse, how-to
*hands-on activities (learn by doing)
*food storage recipes/nutrition
*recycling garbage
*water management: collection, storage & use
*bulk-buying opportunities
*watching preparedness and survival movies
*homeopathic medicines
*gift ideas
*felting boots
*greenhouse, how-to
*hands-on activities (learn by doing)
*food storage recipes/nutrition
*recycling garbage
*water management: collection, storage & use
*bulk-buying opportunities
*watching preparedness and survival movies
*homeopathic medicines
*gift ideas
the cannery food pack - 3 days full!
when it comes to portability... size matters! this three-day menu fits into a #10 can. imagine adding a shoulder-strap and- whew- you are ready for anything, right?
anyway, here is the list of ingredients:
2 granola bars
4 fruit snacks
2 pkgs apple cider
1 pkg oatmeal
4 pkgs crackers
1 canned juice
1 canned meal
plastic cup
18 pcs individually-wrapped candy
2 pkgs hot cocoa
1 jerky
2 pkgs peanuts
2 pkgs soup (mash up into ziplock bag; keep one cup for cooking)
2 pkgs raisins
1 pkg corn nuts
plastic spoon
15 sticks gum (keep on outside of container--not in can- under lid)
menu:
1st day
breakfast-
1 granola bar
1 pkg hot cocoa
1 pkg fruit snack
lunch-
1/2 beef jerky
1 pkg apple cider
1 pkg peanuts
dinner-
1 canned meal
1 pkg crackers
snacks-
6 pcs candy
5 sticks gum
2nd day
breakfast-
1 pkg hot cocoa
1 pkg oatmeal
lunch-
1/2 beef jerky
1 pkg fruit snack
1 pkg apple cider
dinner-
1 pkg soup
1 pkg crackers
snacks-
6 pcs candy
5 sticks gum
3rd day
breakfast-
1 canned juice
1 granola bar
1 pkg fruit snack
lunch-
1 pkg soup
1 pkg crackers
1 pkg corn nuts
dinner-
1 pkg fruit snacks
1 pkg crackers
snacks-
6 pcs candy
5 sticks gum
anyway, here is the list of ingredients:
2 granola bars
4 fruit snacks
2 pkgs apple cider
1 pkg oatmeal
4 pkgs crackers
1 canned juice
1 canned meal
plastic cup
18 pcs individually-wrapped candy
2 pkgs hot cocoa
1 jerky
2 pkgs peanuts
2 pkgs soup (mash up into ziplock bag; keep one cup for cooking)
2 pkgs raisins
1 pkg corn nuts
plastic spoon
15 sticks gum (keep on outside of container--not in can- under lid)
menu:
1st day
breakfast-
1 granola bar
1 pkg hot cocoa
1 pkg fruit snack
lunch-
1/2 beef jerky
1 pkg apple cider
1 pkg peanuts
dinner-
1 canned meal
1 pkg crackers
snacks-
6 pcs candy
5 sticks gum
2nd day
breakfast-
1 pkg hot cocoa
1 pkg oatmeal
lunch-
1/2 beef jerky
1 pkg fruit snack
1 pkg apple cider
dinner-
1 pkg soup
1 pkg crackers
snacks-
6 pcs candy
5 sticks gum
3rd day
breakfast-
1 canned juice
1 granola bar
1 pkg fruit snack
lunch-
1 pkg soup
1 pkg crackers
1 pkg corn nuts
dinner-
1 pkg fruit snacks
1 pkg crackers
snacks-
6 pcs candy
5 sticks gum
questions about anti-plague formula
good question... what is the ratio of the equal portion dry ingredients to the organic apple cider vinegar?
the answer... as much "pulp" or solids from the dry mixture as possible. of course, you'll just have to experiment to see how talented your blender is!
i have been helping convert my mom's family history stories from WordPerfect on floppy disks to Word and eventually to a CD. since these are my ancestors too, i just keep getting mesmerized by their stories. having not tested the formula personally, i had to wonder if it could have helped my great-grandmother. read on:
"The year of 1919 was a dark year for many families of the United States. The flu (Spanish influenza) hit hard. Schools and churches were closed that they might be used as hospitals. All public meetings were banned, even funerals.
Fred's family was not passed by; the whole family had it. Melba and Estella were in the hospital. Grandma Olson came to take care of the rest of the family. Estella died during the night of January 11, 1919. She was only 28 years of age and left four small children, the oldest 7 years old --my grandmother, Ila (Christensen)-- and little Melba, only 2 years old. At that time it was feared that Melba would soon join her mother but in time Melba was able to get better."
my personal question was what to do with this concoction once its mixed up. according to dr. christopher's version, "This is the best remedy for colds, flu or any communicable disease (especially bacteriological). It strengthens and stimulates your immune system and should be used as a tonic and preventative at the dosage of one tablespoon of syrup per day. If infected, increase to one tablespoon per hour.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. As always, seek the care of your healthcare professional." dr. christopher's version of anti-plague formula is more exact for those who get nervous about the dump-and-pour method of mixing with a very different list of ingredients from this one. i found his recipe by typing "anti-plague formula" in my google search bar (just in case you are interested in comparing)
best of luck... and stay healthy!
the answer... as much "pulp" or solids from the dry mixture as possible. of course, you'll just have to experiment to see how talented your blender is!
i have been helping convert my mom's family history stories from WordPerfect on floppy disks to Word and eventually to a CD. since these are my ancestors too, i just keep getting mesmerized by their stories. having not tested the formula personally, i had to wonder if it could have helped my great-grandmother. read on:
"The year of 1919 was a dark year for many families of the United States. The flu (Spanish influenza) hit hard. Schools and churches were closed that they might be used as hospitals. All public meetings were banned, even funerals.
Fred's family was not passed by; the whole family had it. Melba and Estella were in the hospital. Grandma Olson came to take care of the rest of the family. Estella died during the night of January 11, 1919. She was only 28 years of age and left four small children, the oldest 7 years old --my grandmother, Ila (Christensen)-- and little Melba, only 2 years old. At that time it was feared that Melba would soon join her mother but in time Melba was able to get better."
my personal question was what to do with this concoction once its mixed up. according to dr. christopher's version, "This is the best remedy for colds, flu or any communicable disease (especially bacteriological). It strengthens and stimulates your immune system and should be used as a tonic and preventative at the dosage of one tablespoon of syrup per day. If infected, increase to one tablespoon per hour.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. As always, seek the care of your healthcare professional." dr. christopher's version of anti-plague formula is more exact for those who get nervous about the dump-and-pour method of mixing with a very different list of ingredients from this one. i found his recipe by typing "anti-plague formula" in my google search bar (just in case you are interested in comparing)
best of luck... and stay healthy!
can-do taco soup in five minutes
okay, i'm not sure exactly how many minutes it took to open and dump the six cans but this one definately qualifies for the category: heat and eat.
thank you joanne for sharing (and renee for typing the recipe)--
JOANNE'S TACO SOUP
2 CANS DICED TOMATOES
1 CAN WHITE BEANS
1 CAN RED BEANS
1 CAN BLACK BEANS
1 CAN OLIVES, SLICED
HEAT THE ABOVE AND SERVE OVER CRUSHED CORN CHIPS. GARNISH WITH SHREDDED
CHEESE AND SOUR CREAM.
thank you joanne for sharing (and renee for typing the recipe)--
JOANNE'S TACO SOUP
2 CANS DICED TOMATOES
1 CAN WHITE BEANS
1 CAN RED BEANS
1 CAN BLACK BEANS
1 CAN OLIVES, SLICED
HEAT THE ABOVE AND SERVE OVER CRUSHED CORN CHIPS. GARNISH WITH SHREDDED
CHEESE AND SOUR CREAM.
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