Tuesday, September 15, 2009

An Interesting Year (so far)



I have always been frugal. Well, cheap would be a better way of putting it.
Shopping takes on a whole other level when you are "frugal". It is like a game for me. Putting together a list of things I want to shop for and then seeking out the best deals I can find. I shop at several grocery stores. Thrift stores are wonderful places. I DO brake for garage sales. Craigslist is cool. You get the idea.

This has been a very interesting year for me.

I found 10 cases of canning jars for four dollars each on Craigslist back in the spring.

I was at the local thrift store this summer (cool story) and found 12 cases of canning jars for free.

I helped grow a pretty nice garden this summer for the first time. Well except for the tomato's (really bad year)

I found a Presto Canner on Ebay for 35 bucks less than the same one in Wally World.

I learned to use that canner and put up squash, beans, peas, tomato's, pickles, peaches and pickled okra.

I made jelly for the first time in my life and it turned out GOOD!

I was given a gift of a dehydrator.

I learned how to dehydrate squash, zuccini, carrots, corn, green peas, onions, potato's, banana chips, pineapple and strawberries.

I learned that you can't rush things under pressure (canning accident) but to take notice of things that could cause you harm. (There is a bigger lesson there)

I bought a bread machine at the Thrift Store and learned to make bread. I have since that time bought ONE loaf from the grocery!

I'm finally getting to the point in my food storage that I can now mainly shop for only things that are on sale. That and coupon's are saving me even more money.

I am helping with the first fall garden in my life.

I found out that there were others out there like myself.

When I found the American Preppers Network who knew I was a Prepper at heart? Who knew I would find a like minded group of people on the internet? One's that are willing to share their knowledge, their trials, their failed plans, and the one's that really work! People not put off by what you don't know, but willing to share what they do know.
I have learned so many new things. And you CAN teach an old dog new tricks! I'm the proof in the pudding so to speak. So if your new to this kind of thing I highly suggest you drop in over at the Preppers Forums and check it out.

You might be surprised at what you can learn in a few short months.

10 comments:

  1. Howdy,

    WOW - great finds. I, too, have found or been blessed with several great things this year allowing us to increase our self-reliance and preparedness!

    I'm waiting to get my good deal on a pressure canner...but for now am sharing with a friend.

    Just tonight I attended my first knitting/crocheting group session and came home having been taught a new crochet stitch so I'm working toward gaining new, or re-learned, skills.

    Enjoy your site, learning a lot and encouraged to keep moving forward! God bless,

    MaMaBear in the Mitten

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  2. Lost of great info on the Prepper Networks. Sounds like you've really got a good food storage!

    Great post Scifi!

    matthiasj
    Kentucky Preppers Network

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  3. Being a prepper is not only fun, its a wise occupation:)

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  4. Scifi~great post! and the pic. of your garden is nice, looks good. :D

    Hugs~Felinae~

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  5. It's great to be able to look back and see such a productive year! You've come a long way baby!

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  6. Gosh, SFC, I had no idea this was your first year for a garden or for canning. You seem so comfortable and accomplished in both things. I'm impressed! I think the next couple of years are going to be 'interesting' too for all of us. Prep on, Sister!

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  7. SciFi - i am so proud of you for all that you accomplished this year - you are living proof to the rest of us that this can be done.

    This weekend is our canning weekend - we are finally getting enough stuff in to start the 'ol canner. Thank goodness you are in Texas...if you hear a really big loud bang on Saturday - you'll know it's just me blowing up half of Canada!!! But run to the high country just to be safe!

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  8. Congrats. This sounds wonderful. YOu have learned a lot this year. Saving money takes time and patience. Good job. I will enjoy your blog.
    Sonya

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  9. Great Post, I've learned more in the last year from like-minded friends on these networks than most other places in the last 5 years combined.

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  10. Thank You one and all for stopping by today. It is through all of you that I do what I do with the confidence of knowing that if I run into a snag.... you guys have my back! Thank you all!

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