Welcome!

These monthly newsletters (from January 2011 to present) are to help us all be more prepared. They are written for the Hurricane Utah Stake (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,) but everyone is welcome to make copies. Many other groups and individuals are using them. (Note: Garden tips are for Southern Utah. You may need to adjust to fit your climate.)

Friday, November 29, 2013

December 2013

As another year draws to a close, it provides a great time for retrospection. We can all give ourselves and families a preparedness checkup. How are YOU doing with the goals you set in January?  We can no longer lull ourselves into a false sense of security with thoughts that “it won’t happen to us”, or “it is a long ways off”. This year has been filled with worldwide disasters that bear a strong testimony to the need for each of us to engage in a personal family preparedness program.  Long winter nights provide a great time to take inventory of what your summer canning, and fall purchases have added to the storage shelves.  Take stock, and then take action. There is no time like the present…. to “Be Prepared!” The challenge is now that you have begun, or even finished, that you keep it up, for being prepared is a continuous process.  May you be successful in all your preparedness.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous and “Prepared” New Year!!


Included in this month's newsletter:
Season's Greetings: Preparedness ideas to give as Christmas gifts.
Spiritual Preparedness: Self reliance and becoming like the savior.
Disaster Prep: Solar cooking - making an oven from a box and tinfoil.
In the Southern Utah Garden: seed catalogs, leaves, ashes, Christmas gifts.
Using your Harvest: Pomegranates - jelly, Dixie Salad, tip to remove seeds.
Provident Living: Practice provident living at Christmas - quote by Robert D Hales.
Cool Clear Water:  Amounts and containers and Christmas presents.
Food Storage: Start with basics, then add other items for day to day use, and give for Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Click here for a complete copy of the December 2013 Back to Basics Newsletter.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

November 2013


November is a month filled with wonderful aromas, activities and thoughts. Fall is definitely in the air, and many of its days will remind us winter is just around the corner. It is a time we think of harvest, hearty meals, and wholesome living. This month as we enjoy all that November has for us, let us keep our thoughts turned to our preparedness. Those hearty meals with homemade breads and soups can be primarily from a solid food storage. Thanksgiving dinner can come from the storage shelves! As we enjoy this month of gratitude and color, let us add to our shelves those items that provide the peace and security that preparedness brings. As you purchase for Thanksgiving, put some on the shelf for next time. Then no matter what happens in the world around us, we know our family will go on living as they are accustomed to. Prepared!

In this month's newsletter:
Grains: different kinds to store, amounts and containers.
Sugars and salt: variety of items to store and info on how to.
Attitude of Gratitude: Stewardship; Waste not Want not; Dinner.
In the Garden: clean up, frost, hoses, weeds.
Spiritual Preparedness: M. Russell Ballard - filling our lives with peace.
Disaster Prep - Be a survivor: a list of skills you may need.


Click here for a complete copy of the November 2013 Back to Basics Newsletter.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

October 2013

The smell of fall is in the air. There are crisp mornings, warm afternoons, starry nights, and the smell of woodstoves taking the chill off. Leaves are starting to change, gardens slowing down, and our bodies are happy for a rest. It is hard to believe another summer season has come and gone. The years seem to speed right by. As time passes so quickly we should remember to be prepared while the opportunity is here. Like the song says “Today while the sun shines – work with a will…” As this harvest season “falls” upon us, let us be sure to bring in a harvest of preparedness. Remember: “Where preparations are being made there will be little difficulty, but where no preparation has been made, suffering and difficulties will come.(Welfare Conf. April 1970) While the autumn season brings in a harvest, let us also be sure that “all is safely gathered in” in each of our own homes.

               Included in this month's newsletter:
The Harvest: ways to extend/store produce harvested this fall.
Spiritual Preparedness: Quote from Paul V Johnson - using our skills, knowledge and talents from God.
Disaster Prep: Time to rotate 72 hour kits, water, smoke alarms.
In the Southern Utah garden: cleaning up for fall, killing weeds, planting bulbs.
Provident Living: Baking Soda - the storage room's secret weapon (cooking, medicinal, household.)
Home Canning: "Free Fruit" - Rose Hip Tea and Jelly Recipes. (And "other" ideas.)



Click here for a complete copy of October Back to Basics Newsletter.

Friday, August 30, 2013

September 2013



September is a month of wonderful events. It is back to school for families with children in the home. It is time to harvest apples and wrap up the garden. The weather changes: days are much more pleasant and nights cool down. Truly the smell of autumn is in the air! As we wrap up another wonderful summer, it is also a great time to take stock of our preparedness. Take inventory of what you have added to the storage shelves, and what you need to add to make it a good solid supply in order to be self-reliant. Ask your family some “what-if” questions to see how prepared you are. What if there was a fire, a flood, an earthquake, or any disaster? What does our family need? Do we have it, and what do we need to get?  The survival of your family in any crisis depends on how prepared you are. Are YOU ready?


Included in this month's newsletter:
     Self Reliance: Spiritual (Testimonies, Peace, Order) and Temporal (72 hr kits, storage, skills, gardens, finances) ways to be self reliant.   
     In the Southern Utah Garden: fall garden, protection for cold nights, cold weather crops, weeds, fertilize lawns, plant trees.
     Disaster Prep: National Preparedness Month Red Cross and CDC four steps.
     Using Water Storage: Recipes to make water more tasty (Russian Tea, Sports Drink)
     Provident Living: Ways to cut costs in your provident living efforts.



Click here for a complete copy of September Back to Basics Newsletter.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

August 2013

The “Dog Days” of summer are definitely upon us! Those sultry summer days and nights though, are what spur the harvest forward. Truly the heat is what helps the orchard to ripen.  Summer time brings to mind “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” (Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens) Summer brings work as well as play, with a variety of “harvests”.  But – as Ralph Waldo Emerson said – “This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.”  Hopefully we are using some of this Summertime to further our preparedness. It is such a satisfying feeling to see the shelves lined with bottles of our summer bounty. We can have a taste of summer all winter long as we enjoy the fruits of our labor from harvest time. Even if you do not can a lot, give something a try. You will be amazed at the fulfilling feeling it gives you. However you choose to store for a rainy day, be sure to keep at it. Truly “slow and steady” DOES win the race. Add a little here and there, and before you know it, your goal of preparedness is met!

Included in this months newsletter:
     Spice it up - avoid diet fatigue Expanded storage ideas
     Provident Living: Recipes for pre-wash, window cleaner, outdoor windows, fabric softener sheets and collar stains.
     How much should I store?  A link to an online food calculator.
     Reader Recommendations: Links to three online preparedness sites.
     In the Southern Utah Garden :weeds, grubs and fungus, cover spray, fall planting, preserving garden.
Summer cooking - Using your produce: Vegetable Pizza, Peach Pit Jelly, Sun Dried Tomatoes.
     Spiritual Preparedness: from Thomas S Monson on standards of morality lowering and a warning to not follow ancient Greeks and Romans.
     Disaster Prep: Power Outages: things to have on hand in advance and helpful preparations.


Click here for a complete copy of the August Back to Basics Newsletter.


Tuesday, July 2, 2013

July 2013

The summer heat has hit – and hard this year! Unusually hot temperatures have made for very sweltering weeks. We are so blessed to be able to come in out of the heat and enjoy the comforts modern conveniences give us. It is a time we can reflect on how much we have been blessed with, especially as we celebrate the “4th of July” and Pioneer Day” this month. So many things we have are because of the sacrifices of our forefathers. Our freedom, religion, towns we live in and more are enjoyed because of the work someone else did. This is a great time to reflect on what we have and consider what we are doing with it. “Where much is given, much is required” (D&C 82:3 /Luke 12:48). May each of us live up to the blessings this country provides for us, and do whatever is necessary to keep those rights, blessings and privileges intact for those who follow us. As we live our lives with gratitude, we will be more inclined to extend those blessings to others. What better way to “Be prepared” than to live with the gratitude and actions necessary to pass on to others the things we enjoy today.


       Included in this month's newsletter:
Dairy Products: Ideas and info on different items to store for a food storage
Disaster Prep: documents to keep an a portable container in case of an evacuation.
Summer First Aid Tips: Sunburns, burns, swimmers ear, bee stings, chigger bite.
In the Southern Utah Garden: water gardens, plant fall harvest, spray fruit trees, squash bugs, treating grapes.
Using the Harvest: Recipes for Squash Pickles, Zucchini Brownies, Italian Zucchini, and a reference for other recipes.
Provident Living - Just for Kids! Bubbles, Baby Wipes and Play Dough.
Spiritual Preparedness: A Christ Centered Home.


Click here for a complete July 2013 Back to Basics Newsletter.

Saturday, June 1, 2013

June 2013


Another summer is upon us and already we are enjoying luscious fruits. Strawberries, cherries and apricots make their debut first, and soon to follow will be peaches, plums, apples, grapes and pears! The gardens are up and growing and their harvest has also begun. There is nothing in the store to compare with home grown produce! Why not take some time to save some of the summer bounty for a winter day? Home canning, freezing and drying are great ways to expand our enjoyment of our orchards and gardens. It is easy to do, and very satisfying to see a shelf filled with the fruits of our labor. The world around us seems more unstable almost daily. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to provide a sense of peace in our own homes as we are prepared. Preparing for our family to be safe, well fed, and providing a haven from the world around us, is a great way to fill our summer days!  Let the harvesting begin!

Included in in this newsletter:
Home Canning:  tips for canning.
Disaster Prep: 2 Way Radios.
Elevation Adjustments: canning time and pressure chart for elevations.
Emerson Quote.
In the Southern Utah Garden: planting, weeds, pests, fruit trees.
Provident Living: camping, propane, TP, paper towels, windows and newspaper.
Using the harvest: ideas for preserving Apricots.
Spiritual Preparedness: Paul V Johnson Quote.


Click here to download a complete June 2013 Back to Basics Newsletter

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

May 2013


The month of May is one almost all areas of the world can enjoy. The weather is mild whether you are enjoying spring in the northern hemisphere, or fall in the southern hemisphere.  May Day (the 1st day of May) has long been celebrated with traditions such as weaving the May Pole, singing, decorations and gathering family and friends. In fact - May 1st used to be the first day of summer, with the current summer solstice being mid-summer. All these years of celebrations may have faded in many areas, but we still have a joyful feeling as May arrives and brings with it the promise of summer fruits and vegetables, family fun, and traditions that follow the summer calendar. As this May comes and goes, may we keep preparedness a part of the joyful traditions we surround ourselves with. “Being Prepared” will bring more peace and joy into your heart than any May Day Celebration ever would! Make a plan for this summer – and let it begin with this May Day!

Included in this month's newsletter:
     Making Preparedness a Way of Life
     Provident Living: Homemade Cleaners - Pre Wash, Window Cleaner, Febreze.
     Thought for the Month: Our own Welfare  Program
     In the Southern Utah Garden: plnt sensitive plants, weeding and watering the garden, fertilize, spray fruit trees, involve the family.
     Family Preparedness Survey
     Cooking with Food Storage: Chicken and Taco Soup, Basic or Low Fat Pancakes, Maple Syrup.
     Spiritual Preparedness: last days.
     


Click here to download a complete May 2013 Back to Basics Newsletter.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

April 2013


April showers bring May flowers…. and a lot of summer and fall harvest from your garden!  We also harvest the fruits of other types of preparedness! Truly we will reap what we sow! Plant a garden and reap the rewards of a family well fed, who knows how to work, and who understands the law of the harvest. Be prepared with a 72 hour kit and reap the “harvest” of peace of mind, blessings for obedience, and something for an emergency.  Learn skills to use in a disaster, and reap peace and safety. What do you need to “sow” in order to “reap” the harvest you hope for? Use this month to add to your preparedness, and be ready to enjoy the bounty it will bring.

Included in this newsletter:
     Use Your Bean!  Information on storing and using beans.
     Provident Living: Homemade Ice Packs
     Spiritual Preparedness: General Conference
     In the Garden - Planting, tomatoes, lawns, weeds, spraying fruit trees.
     Cooking with Food Storage: Disguising beans - pie and muffins
     Vines of plenty: make a grape arbor
     Planning guide for harvest and canning: amounts to plant for a family of 6


Click here for a complete copy of April 2013 Back to Basics Newsletter.

Friday, March 1, 2013

March 2013


Spring has sprung – for a day at least. Seems like March is either the lamb or the lion: winter, then spring, then almost summer! As the days warm and the blossoms pop, we can “spring” into action with a little more effort concerning our preparedness.  Spring brings smells and colors and so much more - to entice us to venture outdoors and – like a kid – dig in some dirt! March is a great month to plant or plan your garden (depending on where you live). This is a great month to invest some time and effort into a summer harvest. Take stock of what you need, and plan accordingly. All preparedness areas are just like planting a garden: there must be planning, time and effort to bring about the “harvest” of that calm and peaceful feeling that being prepared gives us! With the state of the world today, we cannot afford to be un prepared! Even non-religious entities have encouraged at least a 3 month storage of basic supplies. Let’s take this month as a time to “March” into preparedness!

Included in this months newsletter:
     Expanded Secondary Storage: Amounts per person for Staples, Mixed and Packaged Foods, Canned and Dried Foods, Herbs and Condiments, and Other Foods.
     In the Southern Utah Garden: Planting times, Poor Mans Manure, Chart for watering lawns.
     Provident Living: Raising chickens: how many and why.
     Disaster Prep: Anchoring your water heater.
     Spiritual Preparedness: Quotes from Gordon B Hinckley and Ezra Taft Benson.


Click here for a complete copy of the March 2013 Back to Basics Newsletter.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

February 2013


February is often called the month of “Love”. We send cards and treats to friends and those we are fond of. It is a time for extra special remembering of one another. What better way to show love for your family than by having those things on hand that are needed to care for our family – be it short or long term. Preparedness is a great show of love to those around you.  The LDS church has talked about how the Lord’s work is being hastened – and many feel a sense of urgency regarding it. May we also feel that urgency in having our pantry shelves stocked, a 72 hour kit stashed safely in a closet, and a plan in place for whatever may arise. This month, let us make sure our preparedness shows our love!

Included in this month's newsletter:
     Emergency Preparedness: 72 hour kit, Other items to have, turning off utilities.
     First Aid Kit.
     Spiritual Preparedness - Gordon B Hinckley.
     In the Southern Utah Garden: planting, pruning, sprays.
     Provident Living: Pine Gum Salve.
     Cooking with Food Storage: Homemade noodles, Pudding from scratch.
     Hot Tips: Do-it-yourself "How To's" online, Free preparedness book, Storing macaroni.
     Thought for the Day.



Click here to download a complete February 2013 Back to Basics Newsletter.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Home Remedies

Our Relief Society in January was called "Healthy Wealthy and Wise". We learned about women's emotions and depression, healthy living, AND home remedies. If you would like a copy of our Home Remedy handout  with "Tried and True" hints and recipes, click here to download a copy!

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

January 2013


Hard to believe we are in the year 2013. I remember as a child thinking the year 2000 would be space ages with life like the “Jetsons”, and never did I think we would make it this far in the century before the Savior came again. But here we are with grounded cars, and - sadly - a world filled with disasters and tragedies. The most wonderful thing however, is that no matter what evil there may be, like a pendulum swings equal on both sides – there is as much good and righteous in the world to counteract the negative. One of the positive things we have is our ability to prepare for whatever trial may come our way. As we make our “New Year’s Resolutions” this year, let us remember to renew our commitment to being prepared. No one can better take care of yourself and knows your needs better than you! So be proactive this year, and step up the efforts in adding to your preparedness.

 Included in this month's newsletter:
       Wheat: The Staff of Life: Using and Storing Wheat.
       Inventory Challenge: Where are you and where are you going with preparedness.
       Provident Living: Ideas to save money.
       In the Garden: Prune, Prevent, Plan, Plant.
       Cooking with Food Storage: Parched Wheat, Whole Wheat Bread, 
Bottled Wheat, and Wheat Fruit Salad.
       Pruning Tips: Pointers to help you prune fruit trees.


Click here to download a complete January 2013 Back to Basics Newsletter