To Make

 Most of you who have been around any length of time

have probably figured out that I don't let not knowing

how to do something stop me.

That's not always a good thing, but . . .

I have learned so much by doing.

Children also typically learn by doing

so this can be rewarding on multiple levels.

Perhaps you've not noticed, 😉

but things have been a little sketchy for the past year or so.

It doesn't appear as though the current stresses

are going to be alleviated any time soon.

With that in mind,

I'd like to share something that happened to me years ago.

We lived about 45 minutes from the nearest grocery store.

This was when we were living up the mountain.

I was getting supper ready, making enchiladas

with left over roast beef.

I was getting everything out and ready when I realized

I didn't have any enchilada sauce.

I was evidently set on those enchiladas (still love them!)

I thought, "This is nuts.  There has to be a way to make it.

I'm sure they didn't just go buy it years ago in Mexico."

I think that was it - the moment I started asking the question,

"Can I make it?"

I don't recall ever being afraid of making things,

but that moment sticks in my head as the moment 

I was no longer interested in purchasing things that

for so long I didn't think of as being optional.

That first batch of enchilada sauce wasn't supreme,

but it was good.

I don't think I've purchased enchilada sauce since then.

Like most recipes, they are better once changed-up 

to suit our own tastes.

Since then, I've figured out how to make so many things.

Not just in the kitchen.

It's become a way for me. 

(again maybe not always a good thing)

Regardless of what it is, I tend to ask if I can make it or do it

rather than buying it which is really no more than paying

someone else to do it for me.

Over the years, it's been a good thing.

The first perk is that it nearly always saves money.

Other perks to making your own or doing for yourself are

you can make it exactly how you want it, and

you are not reliant on anyone else for it.

That last part in particular is important right now.

It seems to vary by area,

but I've experienced, read of, heard of 

not being able to find certain items (shortages),

and not being able to have someone do certain jobs.

An example: Some shingles blew off our roof. 

It was about 3-4 months before 

someone could come take care of it.

It's been like that with mechanics for the rigs also.

I could make a longer list, 

but I have a feeling most of you get it.

The thing is, there's a lot we can do our selves.

From changing battery cables to that enchilada sauce,

you can do it.

Changing a battery cable requires only that you know the difference between red and black and are able to operate a screw-driver or wrench.  It really is that simple.

Enchilada sauce is no more than tomato sauce and broth 

(or water in a pinch) with a couple spices stirred in. 

Now, why on earth would we want to change our own cables 

or make our own sauces?

You might choose not to.

That's up to you.

But there is no guarantee that the products & services

will remain available as many of us have learned.

What is available right now is knowledge.

There are online instructions for just about everything.

We each live in our own way, and

we each have things that are important to us.

I could tell you to learn how to make your own cat food,

but if you don't have a cat, that would be useless.

So I guess what I am suggesting is that you ask yourself

the question - Can you make or do it yourself?

I will make a list of some of the things we make or do ourselves.

If I have done a post, I will link it.

If there is something on the list I've not posted on,

feel free to ask.

Enchilada Sauce

Taco Seasoning

Poultry Seasoning

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Meals (cook at home)

Canned Foods 

(multiple canned foods so won't link, please use search tool)

Process Meat Animals

Rabbit Hutch

Chicken Tractor

Pantry Shelves

Small Sitting Bench

Vintage Trailer Restoration

Socks (I'm still learning)

Yarn (spinning)

Rugs

Clothes

Candles

Gifts (so many possibilities!)

Linen Bath Towels

Hand Towels

Pillow Cases

Toothpaste

Deodorant

Lotion & Lotion Bars

Laundry Soap

Body Soap

Apothecary 

Garden Path  (& another)

Tomato Trellises 

(I see they are 8 yrs. old, only 1 has needed repair.)

Garden plants (from seed)

Chicken Coop

Change Vehicle Oil & simple maintenance

I'm sure there are more things I'm not remembering.

Once you get started, you will discover that it does

become a way of living.

You won't think twice about it.

You will also find that many items are multipurpose.

This means with a few basic ingredients,

you can make many products.

An example is tomato sauce:

think of all the dishes you can make with it.

Olive oil is similar in the hygiene/apothecary dept.

A few basic tools will enable you to do many 

mechanical and home/construction tasks.

One more thing to think about ~

Time.

As with most things, experience expedites most projects.

I work outside the home so time is a very real factor.

We can't do it all, all at once, all the time, every time.

We are human and can only do what we can.

This is why humans develop communities.

For me, doing things myself brings peace of mind.

That peace of mind equals less worry and less stress.

Having restored a trailer (with MUCH help from Hubby), 

I'm not sure I'd be up to do that again.

I don't regret having done it.

It was sorta fun (that's a big sorta!) but

it was a lot of work and time consuming.

But now, I've done it.

Nobody can take that knowledge away from me.

Once you've done something,

you can then judge or prioritize accordingly.

I prefer to wash my own car.

I do a far better job and get in the door jams, gas hatch and

double scrub the grill and wheels.

There are times however, I don't have time

and go through one of those drive throughs.

I might grumble a little about the price for the outcome,

but it's all on me, my decision.

It is empowering to be able to make that decision,

not only with a simple car wash, but with many

aspects of our lives.

And lastly, there is something to producing something 

with your own two hands.

There seem to be so many jobs today that have nothing to show for the hours of input.

To actually produce something or fix something 

feeds the soul and is visual feedback for your labor.

I know this sort of feeling well.

I like to be able to see what I've done

even if it's washing the dishes or mowing the lawn.

I can see the results of my labor and that fuels me.

I love the reassurance of pulling up a video if I'm uncertain,

then giving it a shot.

Success doesn't happen without trying.

And. . .

It only takes a question.

A Different Kind of Shopping

For the record, I don't like shopping.
Searching for ways to give my money to others
is not my idea of a good time.

There are however, a few things I am always shopping for.
I keep a short list of items I need or would like.
This isn't like the milk and eggs list, but it is similar.
There's just no store that carries the items I'd like to purchase.
Before I get to the items on my list, 
I have to take you down a different path for just a moment.
As far as the milk and eggs above, I've sourced them locally
along with most other items one would usually purchase from the grocer.
I'm not saying I never need a grocer, 
but my dependency is lessening all the time.
I still like coffee, olives, Worcestershire sauce and a few other items 
which are not local or if we want a produce item that is not in season.
If something happened to the supply chain,
we would live (okay, maybe not so happily without coffee, but...).

Honestly, of all the things, raw organic/non-gmo milk was one of the most difficult to source simply due to state laws rather than supply.

It's unfortunate that wholesome foods can be so difficult to find.

I know others who think I'm a bit silly for this, but so be it.
We are healthy, and I accredit it in a large part to this effort.

Now on to the fun list.

There are a few things which probably seem odd to some folks,

but one of the things that I've been on the hunt for for at least a few years now

is a cobbler machine (pictured above).

This machine can stitch leather and has a narrow foot base

so it can reach in shoes.

My regular sewing Singers are all "ladies," but this one is a fellow.

I named him Sidney Singer.

My sewing machines have names because I can't just say "the Singer."

I'm pretty specific in my wants, but I have my reasons.

I wanted an old machine and a Singer.

Old machines have all metal parts.

Even in the best newer machines, there are plastic parts.

Sidney was born in 1906.

The other thing particular to Singer is that there are parts schematics available.

They were made to work and be repairable.

The schematics identify each part down to the size of spring.

And, because Singer is still in business, some of the parts are still available.

All of his mechanical parts are in working order though there are a few issues.

As is, he has neither the knob to be hand-crank, a motor to be electric, 

or the original treadle to be foot powered.

There was a single bobbin that came with him.

His bobbin winder is missing.

He was absolutely filthy!

This was in addition to a bucket of soapy water!

The first thing I did was take the soap and water to him on the outside.

I also had a scraper to get some of the crud off.

Then I worked on "his joints."

Someone had gobbed a bunch of 5 in 1 grease in it.

On the positive side, I guess it helped prevent rust,

but there was so much dirt and grit in there, I didn't want to turn the wheel.

I got him all cleaned up.

I ordered a set of bobbins which have already arrived.

I found the proper bobbin winder and am waiting for that.

I have a knob to add to his wheel so he can have hand-crank.

And now that I have him cleaned up,

I will call the local sewing machine repair shop that has taken care

of my other machines and ask about a motor for him.

I don't mind that he doesn't have the treadle at the moment.

He is on a smaller stand that came with him.

It does have the cast iron legs that are part of a regular treadle.

I've been working on a slipper pattern and am excited to work on that.

Once I have him in a solid functional state, I will order leather.

I want to be sure of what leather I am getting

and get the correct weight for what I will be doing.

Leather's not the cheapest of materials so it has to be right.

I am pretty excited (an understatement)

but have been patient in my search 

so need to be patient in readying him for work as well.

As I said above, I looked for a few years before finding him.

There have been other things that have taken a while,

and those things are among my most cherished items.

(That sounds weird.  I don't worship them, but am content with them.)

I think part of it is that if you're willing to wait,

you don't end up settling for something lesser than what you want.

A few examples:

Our travel trailer is a 1968 Aristocrat Land Commander.

My cauldron.

Concrete double sink.

A butter churn.

I know these things aren't exactly on par with diamonds,

but they make me far happier than jewels.

So with this oddball list, what could possibly be left on my list?

Well, a few more oddities of course.

Yet to find:

A cider press (like this one)

An old (not new repro) cast iron single sink with double drain board.

And yep, there's a reason for the old part - the shape of the basin is different.

A stove-top, corning, avocado green, percolator coffee pot.

McCall apron pattern 1105

and a few other smaller things.

We live in an age of instant gratification.

That avocado green coffee pot has been on my list for almost a decade.

You can bet whenever I do find one, I will relish every cup of coffee

I drink from that pot.

It's the same with Sidney.

Hubby has laughed at me (kindly) when my bobbins arrived, and

when I got him cleaned up & tension adjusted, 

then stitched a little scrap of leather.

I'm sure he will get to laugh again when my bobbin winder arrives.

He laughs but is coming up with projects for me to make for him - Ha!

I told him my slippers are first.

I'd be curious if anyone else keeps a list like this.

I guess it's my form of shopping.

I don't mind waiting - none of these items are life threatening.

They are just items that make life either easier or more enjoyable.

As long as I don't find them, I just figure I'm saving money by not buying them.

It's okay if you think I'm a bit silly~ so be it.

 

Pantry Stocking on a Budget

Right out the gate, I will ask your forgiveness 

as I might get a little overzealous about the pantry.

I think a well stocked pantry is a thing of beauty.

(My Pantry)

We've all seen or at very least heard about

the recent "shortages" in stores due to panic shopping.

We had no such panic at our house,

but there might have been a little grumpiness 

when I couldn't find a bag of spuds,

not realizing that folks were going nuts.

I told hubby, it was actually a sad state.

Most people eat out and are away from home most of the day.

Home has become little more than a parking spot

and place to shower and sleep.

Upon hearing the news that they might have to stay home

for two straight weeks,

with no knowledge of what would be required,

they went shopping.

I've heard of some folks buying things based on expiration date,

some buying what was left on the shelf,

some filling a cart, and so forth.

None of these are sensible ways to stock a pantry.

There are a number of ways to sensibly go about it,

and I will offer some of those methods here.

Take as much or as little of the information as you like.

The very first thing to know is what you need.

Make a list of the things you use.

I find it helpful to categorize the items:

food, hygiene, pet supplies, auto, etc.
This is much like the departments in a store,
but it will be within your own home.

(Source) 
(I wouldn't be able to handle the disarray of this one;-))

Next, is to know about how much of each given item you need.

Yes, here is where the mountains of TP in the garage

makes the perfect example.

I understand not wanting to run out so in some ways

I don't blame the folks who "stocked up."

But the other side of that coin is "C'mon. Really?"

If you don't know how much of a product you use,

simply date it when you open or purchase it.

When you use the last of it, you will know that you use that amount

of that product in the time that has lapsed since opening it.
For things like canned goods, just date and number.
6/1/20 1/6 on the first can of the 6 cans of green beans purchased,
date and 2/6 on the second can, 3/6 on the third...
At the end of the week or month, you will know how many cans
were used in that time period.
Simply multiply that times 52 if weeks or 12 if months.
I know we go through about 40 jars of green beans per year
so I can plan accordingly.  

I try to have an idea of how much I use by year.

Some things are seasonal so really only get used a few months

out of the year, but I've found that "per year" works for me.

This also enables me to look for those items towards the end of the season

when they are more apt to be on sale.

(Source)

The next piece of information necessary is a price.

This is something that can change of course,

but having a general idea of what is reasonable

will aid in budgeting.

And the final 2 pieces are:

 how much of each is already in the pantry?

and

what is my budget amount per month?

That last question is one that many might not know.

Much like how much TP is used in a week or month,

some folks don't track their spending.

Now is always a great time to start.

If you don't know how much you spend each month,

choose an amount you think is reasonable for your household.

Don't get too stuck on it at the moment.

There won't be a test, and you won't be graded.

It's almost as though folks don't want to try,

because they don't want to fail.

Learning is not failing~

it's a series of trials and errors and figuring out what works best

in any given situation.

What's best for me probably isn't best for you

and vice-versa.

Go easy on yourself and be okay with it being

a work in progress.

It's fun to see how it develops.

(Source)  Wow!

With the above knowledge,

we can begin to really put it together.

As you begin to look at what you have and what you need,
you will begin to see patterns.
You will make realizations.
And you will know what you need.
But for starters, if you've never stocked a pantry
and have a minimal supply,
the first thing to do is make a shopping list
for one week.
Try to think of what you will need for each day.
Consider what you have on hand
and what additional items will be needed.
Just as an example, let's use a budget of $500/mo.
That makes it $125 per week for groceries.
When you go shopping, if you only spend $100,
you have $25 left.
With that $25, you can begin "stocking up."
If there is a sale on something you use often,
you can purchase extra of those things.
If there is no great sale,
you might choose to buy an extra of a couple of the items
you are already buying,
or you might choose to keep it for the next week
and watch for sales.
One other thing to keep in mind is that 
most items are cheaper when purchased in bulk.
If you don't spend all of your weekly funds,
you might look into purchasing a larger quantity
of often used items.
By doing so, over time and without a shock to the budget,
you will create a store of items you use.
A bulk example:
We actually purchase a whole grass fed beef each year.
We pay roughly $3/lb. (varies slightly by year.)
That's a reasonable price for hamburger, but we get steaks
and roasts and all for that same price.
That is a considerable savings over store prices.

(My Pantry - pints two high)
Once your store is created, you will want to make sure 
you rotate things to keep the oldest up front.
In my pantry, I have foods stored 3 deep which makes it 
pretty easy to pull the oldest to the front and put fresh behind.
My shelves are 11.5" deep and 10" space between them.
This also works nicely to stack cans (or pint jars) two high.
I don't like to stack things more than 2 high 
with the exception of tomato sauce.
I am just clumsy enough to cause an avalanche.
This is another area that requires pantries to be personal.
We each have a different space to use for storage within our homes.
The space I have now, I actually love
due to the fact that it's better than what I've had in the past.
But it is also behind the refrigerator, so it can be warm in there.
That's not ideal since I can't keep things like spuds or squash
or other fresh veggies in there, but I am still appreciative of the space.

You will find the same method for such items as
oil, filters, and fluids for the car, or
laundry supplies, deodorant, and toothpaste for hygiene.
Just start with your "auto" budget per month
or your hygiene budget per month.

It doesn't happen all at once.
It's something that takes a little time to do wisely,
but you will have the peace of mind knowing you'll be okay
if something unforeseen presents itself.
If there is something I've completely missed,
or if you have a question,
give me a jingle - down in the comments.
If you have a tip that you find helpful,
go ahead and let us know in the comments.
I actually like when y'all offer input -
makes it all so much friendlier:-)

Also, I am working on a post in response to the questions posed
in this post.
 I've not forgotten, just need to have things in order
so that they can actually be of some help - hopefully:-)

Uncharted Territory

That's what our accountant called it

when we were discussing our taxes recently.

You see,

I am a planner - not much for surprises,

especially if they impact my finances.

Source

Mr. LB and I have had several talks about this.

Haven't we all?

We don't have a crystal ball.

(Voodoo dolls maybe, but no crystal balls - heeheehaha.  Not really.)

So what do we do?

We live pretty organically - that word seems cliche any more.

But we are not extravagant.

We've decided that the best thing we can do is to get ourselves

into the best situation we can be in heading into the unknown.

There are hundreds of posts and tips on "how to save money."

This is a little different.

We've been rolling along on cruise control,

not paying much attention to the fuel gauge.

We don't give it much thought when we expect

a fuel station around every corner.

Isn't it pertinent to top off the tank when we have the chance?

That's what we are doing.

We don't generally carry debt but do still have a mortgage on the mountain house as well as rent here in town.

Many folks have at least one or the other and possibly other debt.

In the last post, 

I spoke of circles.

I like circles.  They flow with no abrupt corners.

We can't omit a portion of the circle and still call it a circle.

There have been several breaks in our circles recently:

supply/demand, social, travel, and on and on.

We've been fortunate in that we haven't had to cope 

with a real travesty as a whole society.

Instead of trying to "save money" so to speak,

we are trying to build security.

"Saving money" implies that we are still going to spend it

and purchase whatever products, just for a lesser amount.

Building our security is an attempt to eliminate as many expenditures

as possible so that we are no longer dependent on those items.

It's not a simple task!

I already track our expenses and challenge myself to try to set new lows.

Now, the challenge will be to completely eliminate

 as many of the expenses as possible.

To do this, we must prioritize those things that cost money.

In looking at what we spend money on,

I'll put those in order of importance.

Obviously, those items towards the bottom of the list

will be the first items nixed.

I'm not trying to make predictions or

saying anything awful is going to happen.

I hope it doesn't,

but like the accountant said, we just don't know.

There are a few things we are doing now

"just in case."

As always, I am continually trying to lower our power bill.

I've mentioned before, where we live now,

everything is electric - not my first choice.

We are keeping our possessions in good repair.

From changing the oil in rigs to mending clothes, and
making healthy personal choices.
Now is not a time to take our health for granted.

Whatever our things are that we have,

we are keeping them up the best we can.

By doing so, we are decreasing our chance for needing them

repaired or replaced down the road.
That one alone can seem a little tedious.
It's like nagging at myself to get some of those little tasks done.

Source

As spring progresses, 

I am planting the garden - still kinda early here.

I even planted the garden up the mountain.

I planted carrots, onions, beets, beans, and lots of spaghetti squash.

The deer don't bother those things (as much) and they are 

pretty low maintenance.

If it comes down to it, we will have the extra food.

It would make for a pretty boring diet, but it would be food that stores well.

Here at home, I am planting a "normal" garden with items

that will require a little more care and proper preserving.

If all goes well and the garden up the mountain produces, 

we will just have lots to preserve and/or share with others.

I'm keeping our stores topped off of things that we use 

to make our own household cleaning and hygiene supplies.

It is amazing how with just a few items/ingredients, we can actually make

most of the things used to clean ourselves and our homes.
If you think about it,
they didn't have all the variety of products in the past
and were able to keep their homes and families clean.

Again, this takes some doing.

We've been moving this direction for years,

but now it seems 'there is a chance' that it might be necessary.
Again, maybe not.
I know many of you already do quite a few of these things.
If it's all new to you, and you're just digging in,
start with what you can and build from there.
Right now, at least here, most things are still available.
I know it might be different in different areas.
We're just trying to top off that tank a bit :-)

We are really evaluating what money goes out

and if there is a way of eliminating the expense.

Just to get the juices flowing, 

here are a few of the things we no longer purchase:

paper towels, laundry detergent, fabric softener, soap, saran wrap,

waxed paper, napkins, shampoo and conditioner, multiple misc. cleaners,

toothpaste, deodorant (for me), furniture polish, air fresheners,

packaged foods, candy, seasoning mixes (taco, chili, etc.), garbage bags,
lotion, internet, television, games, lawn and garden fertilizers, . . .
(I'm still thinking.  At first all I could think of was paper towels.)

A few things we will purchase until we really can't:

coffee, tea, olives - we can't grow these things where we live.

Source

Hubby just went to the little place where we buy bread
and on occasion a few produce items.
They use/provide all organic items so he can actually have their bread.
While he was waiting for the kind he wanted to come out of the oven,
there was a gentleman about 30ish who walked in to talk to the owner.
He was looking for work and/or a handout
since he's not able to work right now.
He evidently said he couldn't afford food or diapers.
(They had stepped outside so Hubby didn't hear them.)
That puts the owner in a tough situation.
He wants to help, but he has to make money too.
He's already paid for the supplies and ingredients to make the foods.
If people are paying for diapers right now when they can't afford food,
I would question their ways.
I mean that in a "Are they aware there is another option?" sorta way.
Every household has its own ways and capabilities.
There are no right or wrong ways, just different ways.
Some ways cost a little more than others,
and that can even vary by what prices are in different areas.
I will say, this is where there was value in having
 multi-generational homes in past times.
A grandma could mend clothes for the family and 
help the mother in the kitchen
while those who could were out working.
There were rolls, and it took everyone doing their part to make it work.
For a single person or a couple (like Mr. LB and me)
that makes quite a bit for each person to take care of.
And on the other side of that, there is far less in the way of
laundry, food prep. etc than with a large family.
It will be interesting to see if changes occur 
once we are able to get back to "normal" whatever that might be.
My hope is that we heed warning and make positive changes.

Source This has become a lengthy post
and rather heavier than usual,
but there is definitely a bright side.
We have options and opportunities to improve upon what we know.
We still have access to most of what we need.
If there's something on the list above that you are curious about,
just leave a comment.
Likewise, if there's something that you don't purchase and have found
 a better way or option, please let us know.
We can be here for each other.
The more we share, the better off all of us will be.

And one last little note:
The dogwoods and lilacs are blooming.
They are absolutely stunning!
Don't forget to recognize your blessings.