April 2014

Children have always chanted that “April Showers bring May Flowers”. This year we surely hope so! Many parts of the western United States are in a severe drought and stand in great need of rain. So often we become accustomed to “good weather” we forget the necessity of rain clouds showering down and snow packed mountains giving us spring run-off to resupply our aquifers and springs as well as rivers and streams. (In the desert “good weather” is also rainy weather!) Truly these are the life blood of the desert. The lack of moisture in the west can ultimately affect the produce availability in our grocery stores. This springtime offers a great opportunity to become a little more self-sufficient – especially in the event food availability does become limited! Plant a garden, be vigilant in your personal family preparation, make a plan and involve the entire family as you implement it. Marion G Romney once said “We will see the day when we will live on what we produce.” (April 1975) Let us be certain that our April showers – and work - bring forth May flowers - and peas – and other summer fruits and veggies! No one knows when they will need to be more self-sufficient, but as an old saying tells us “There’s no time like the present”.

                  Included in this month's newsletter:

Spring into action: April is time to rotate 72 hour kits and water storage, and test smoke and Carbon Dioxide Alarms.

72 Hour Kits: If you do not have one - NOW is the time to get one. A list of items to include.

In the Southern Utah Garden: items to plant, lawn treatment, Malathion and Borer spray, fertilizing, weed killer.

Cooking with Food Storage: recipes for Graham Crackers and Wheat Thins.

Provident Living: Double Duty. Items to store that have multiple uses: from cooking and cleaning to medicinal and yard.

Spiritual Preparedness: quote by Marvin J Ashton - "We are living in a time of urgency...."

Click here for a complete copy of the April 2014 Back to Basics Newsletter.