January 2023 Back to Basics Newsletter

Click here for a complete copy of the January 2023 Back to Basics Newsletter.

“Ring out the old, ring in the new…ring out the false, ring in the true.” Alfred Lord Tennyson penned those words long ago, but they “ring” true still today. The old year has gone and baby new year arrived. With it brings all the opportunity of New Year Resolutions and New Beginnings. Even mother nature itself has shed the old, and the new is starting again. Soon sap will flow in the trees, and buds burst from the soil and branches. So it can also be with us. Whatever old we want to rid ourselves of- this new year is the perfect time. This year as you set those new goals, include preparedness and provident living in your plans! While the nights are long, make plans for gardens, food storage, and emergency preparedness. Then as the month progresses, instigate those plans. How can you add to or polish up your provident living habits? What did you mean to do last year that just didn’t get finished? Now is a great time to send “old year habits” out the door. Let the new ring true. Be prepared!

Included in this month's newsletter:

New Year- Old List - a list of 3 month and one year basic storage items, and successful storage suggestions.

Ere the Winter Storms Begin - things you should have in your car for winter travels.

Spiritual Preparedness - three ideas for New Year Resolutions from President Nelson.

In the Southern Utah Garden - tips to prune, prevent, plan, plant, and prepare in your garden

Pruning Tips - basic pruning tips, including illustrations.

Disaster Prep - items to be sure you have at home to be ready for disasters.

Cooking with Food Storage - Recipes for Wheat Thins and Granola.

Thoughts on Being Prepared - four quotes to motivate us.

 Click here for a complete copy of the January 2023 Back to Basics Newsletter.

December 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter

 Click here for a complete copy of the December 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

It is hard to believe another year is almost over, and another Christmas season has arrived. It truly is “The most wonderful time of the year!” It is a wonderful time to give gifts, provide service, and sing in choirs! We celebrate as we decorate homes and yards, go to church dinners and company parties, and enjoy neighborhood light displays. The celebrations are many, the décor glittering, and the lights twinkling and inviting. But in the midst of all of these expressions of Christmas Joy, let us not forget the “Reason for the Season.”  Let us be sure to keep the Savior at the center of our CHRISTmas. We celebrate his birth because of his life and His atonement. Perhaps the best way we can celebrate His birth and life – is by being obedient. “The great test of life is to see whether we will hearken to and obey God's commands in the midst of the storms of life.” (Eyring) Being prepared helps us get through those storms! Following the commandment to be prepared, is a way we can celebrate the birth and life of Christ. Let us include both spiritual and temporal preparedness in our celebrations this year. If we are prepared, we shall not fear!

Included in this month's newsletter:

A Preparedness Christmas - ideas to give for gifts to help your friends and family be prepared!

Surviving Winter Emergencies - ideas to help you stay warm in a winter emergency at home or away.

Spiritual Preparedness - Voice from the past - quotes from Dallin H Oaks and Bruce R McConkie.

In the Southern Utah Garden - things to do in December for your garden. Includes an idea for your own compost bin.

Provident Living: Croutons - using the leftover bread instead of wasting it.

Disaster Prep: What level are you? - five levels of preparedness to help us identify where we stand and give ideas of where we would like to be.

Cooking with Food Storage - favorite Christmas recipes you can make using items from your storage.

Troubleshooting Food Storage - a list of things to help if you are having trouble getting going!

Click here for a complete copy of the December 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

November 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter

                                                                        

 Click here for a complete copy of the November 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

November brings with it the final harvests, and a final showing of fall leaves. This month we hope “all is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.” November uses all our senses as the days fill with sights of bright autumn foliage and hay stacks, sounds of crunching leaves and chain saws, smells of fires in the stoves and crisp morning air, tastes of creamy soups and baked goods, and the feeling of cold fingers and warm gloves! Some days in November bring warnings that winter is fast approaching, and others bring warm days where only “a flannel” is needed. This is the month we gather together to celebrate our blessings at a hearty Thanksgiving Dinner, but hopefully fill the month with gratitude that continues throughout the year. November - filled with harvests, dinners, and dancing leaves - is also a great time to be sure we continue with our preparedness efforts. True “preparedness” is not a destination we arrive at. It is a way of life. It is “Provident Living” and “Self-Reliance.” It is protection and peace for parents and children alike. Let us remember to use November to add to and continue on in living a life of Preparedness!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Spice it up - Avoid Diet Fatigue: tips to keep a food storage from being "boring".

Winter Ready Chickens - Live Storage for Fresh Eggs: Tips to help your chickens keep laying eggs through the winter.

Provident Living - Thrifty Living Tips: ideas to help you save money and even be ready for celebrations!

In the Southern Utah Garden: Tips for your November yard and garden

Rotation Rotation Rotation: Tips to hep you rotate your food storage.

Cooking with Food Storage - A Heritage Thanksgiving: Family Recipes for Pie Crust, Apple Pie, Dixie Salad and Cranberry Relish.

Spiritual Preparedness - The Thanksgiving Challenge: a bible verse a day to help with an attitude of gratitude, and a quote from President Gordon B Hinckley.

Preparedness Traits - Obedience and Attitude: Thoughts on preparedness and how our obedience and attitude help us.

  Click here for a complete copy of the November 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

October 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter

Click here for a complete copy of the October 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

October means its autumn time! This is the favorite season of many people.  It brings with it wonderful fall aromas from the crisp morning air, woodstoves fired up, fresh cut hay, fall sunflowers, and ripening apples.  It is the end of harvest when we hope that “all is safely gathered in.” Fall provides a little more time to make sure the shelves are full, and the garden put to rest. This month is the perfect time to be sure you are ready for those “winter storms.” Be sure your shelves are full, the woodpile stocked, water barrels replenished, and a little “cash cushion” in the bank. Be sure to include some prayers, scriptures, and church attendance as a part of your preparedness – the “armor of God!” Then when the nights grow longer, and the days more cold, you are ready for whatever storms may come your way! We can say (and do) as did Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Come what may– and love it!”

Included in this month's newsletter:

A "Basic" 3 month food storage - an amount and list of basic storage items for one person. Includes a food calculator link, and reference for a more detailed list.

Disaster Prep: The What If Game - Questions to ask yourself and family. Acts as a check up on emergency prep  for your home.

Don't Forget - October preparedness "things to do."

In the Southern Utah Garden - October list for the garden and yard.

Holiday Provident Living - Make your own Halloween makeup, costumes, and pumpkin uses.

All is Safely Gathered In - Fall Harvest Storage - tips to store potatoes, apples, and other veggies. Including getting some wood!

Cooking with Food Storage - recipes for Breakfast Peach Crisp (with optional dessert peach or apple crisp) and Caramel Apple Dip.

Holiday and Fall Baking Helps - substitution recipes for basic baking items.

Spiritual Preparedness - a motivational quote from President Russell M Nelson.

 Click here for a complete copy of the October 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

September 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter

 Click here for a complete copy of the September 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

September is here and with it comes kids going back to school, cooler days and nights, the harvest of many fruits and veggies, and some “Friday Nights under the lights” for your favorite high school team! It is also our National Preparedness Month! It’s the perfect month to focus on our preparedness! We can make communication plans with our family as kids go to school and activities. We can use the available harvest to add to our storage shelves. We can restock a 72- kit so we are ready for emergencies. The world is certainly in commotion – weather, politics, wars, and basic unrest. We can CHOOSE to provide peace and security for our homes as we are prepared for whatever life may hold. “Where preparations are being made there will be little difficulty, but where no preparation has been made, suffering and difficulties will come” (John H Vandenberg)

Let us provide peace for our families – and Be Prepared!

 

Included in this month's newsletter:

Ready For the Storms of Life - suggestions for the five basic categories of preparedness.

Provident Living - The Simple Life - Tipos to "simplify" to take a step toward provident living and self reliance.

Disaster Prep - the 6 P's - ideas for making plans before a disaster strikes.

In the Southern Utah Garden - tips for September planting and garden chores.

Using the Garden Harvest - tips for fall harvest veggies.

Extending Shelf Life - Keeping Food Safe - tips for storing food and best used by dates.

The Fall Harvest - Apples and Pears - tips to harvest and preserve.

 Click here for a complete copy of the September 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.  

August 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter

Click here for a complete copy of the August 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

The dog days of summer are upon us! When this hot and sultry time of year shows up, so do the popsicles, a swim in the river, good “summer reads”, and early rising to beat the heat in the garden or for a summer walk around the block. The garden plants are stressed, and the harvest has slowed. It’s just hot. But it is also a great time to shade up indoors and do some inventory! Where do you stand with your preparedness plan? How are your storage shelves looking? What can you add while the harvest is still in full swing? This is a great time to gather the family and make a plan: play the “what if” game. Go over scenarios that our world is experiencing, and make a plan of action and communication. Dog days really offer us a wonderful time for reflection and planning. Let’s use these summer days to our advantage. Let us Be Prepared!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Provident Living: History's Preparedness Lessons - things we can learn from those who lived through the Great Depression.

Helping Families in Disasters/Emergencies - a list of things to do NOW to prepare our family to handle a future disaster.

Spiritual Preparedness - quotes to encourage.

In the Southern Utah Garden- a list of August garden chores.

Using the Harvest: Preserving Peppers and Tomatoes - ideas and recipes, and references to other newsletters for more recipes.

It's Freezing in August - tips to freeze the summer harvest, things to try freezing, and freezer appliance tips.

 Click here for a complete copy of the August 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

July 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter

 

Click here for a complete copy of the July 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

This is the month we celebrate both our freedom and heritage on Independence and Pioneer Days! It’s a great time to show our gratitude as we celebrate and rededicate ourselves to the cause of freedom and religion. We have known these freedoms all of our lives, so it may be easy to take them for granted. Let us share the stories of the founding revolutionary fathers and faithful pioneer ancestors with our families, and reflect on the blessings provided by those that went before us. Then put that gratitude and remembrance to work to preserve and honor the gifts that are ours. We have the freedom to live our lives as we desire. Part of that “living” should be in providing for our families. That includes having food storage, extra water, emergency and first aid supplies, a savings account, and a little garden for fresh veggies! In some countries it is illegal to store supplies. But we are not that country! We have the freedom to Be Prepared! Let us use that freedom wisely, be grateful for the blessings that are ours, and stand strong to defend our civil and religious liberties!

Included in this month's issue:

What to do in the Summertime - if the power is out! Lots of reasons the power can go out. Prepare in advance for WHEN it happens.

Spiritual Preparedness - quote on the only read home storage by Marvin K Ashton.

Family: July 4th and 24th celebration traditions - Family activities build unity, which helps the family make it through hard times. a list of fun ideas, including a simple homemade ice-cream recipe.

In the Southern Utah Garden: planting for a fall harvest, fruit tree spraying, eliminating squash bugs, and a list of tomato tips.

Using the Harvest - recipes for Peach Pit Jelly, Apple Peel Jelly, and Zucchini Relish.

Mid-Year Inventory - the list of basics. Check yourself, and make a grocery list!

Disaster Prep: Emergency Sources of Water - a list of things to do to have water in case of a municipal outage.

 Click here for a complete copy of the July 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

June 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter

 

Click here for a complete copy of the June 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

June is the month that school is out, summer is here, and weddings are booked on weekends. The days are long and the nights are pleasant. The summer heat has not intensified yet- so lots of fun activities can take place. The temptation to squander away the summer days may be there- but the challenge this month is “carpe diem” – seize the day! What can you fill this month with to further your family preparation? Spend time in the garden, build some storage shelves, learn to sew a pillowcase, or have a BBQ! Above all – whatever activities you choose to fill this month with - do it as a family. Whether you are married, single, young or old – include “family” as part of your summer learning. Even if you are not near immediate family – you can be a part of a church family, or a neighborhood family. God made us families for a reason. We need each other! And June is the perfect time to gather as families, and fill our time with activities that will help us be prepared, and in turn bring us closer together!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Food Storage: Use It or Lose It - tips for rotation and organizing your food storage shelves.

Summer Time and the livin' - and preparing - is easy! Ideas for summer fun to add to your disaster and preparedness status and skills.

Spiritual Preparedness - a quote from Thomas S Monson on withstanding the harsh storms and icy winds of adversity.

In the Southern Utah Garden - tips for June gardens.

Disaster Prep: Outdoor Cooking - a list of ways you can cook outdoors to have fun this summer, and prepare for an emergency need to cook out of doors.

Using Your Food Storage - Ideas to use old bottled and frozen fruit. Using the Harvest recipes for "mock" tomato or zucchini jam. 

The "Egg-cellent" Egg! Tips for freezing eggs, and storage.

Click here for a complete copy of the June 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

 

May 2022 Back to Basics

Click here for a complete copy of the May 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

May is a month with many references to the joy it brings. It has been called “The Merry Month of May,” the arrival of which historically brought “May Day” celebrations, that often included the weaving of the May Pole! We always hear that “April showers bring May flowers!” The blooming roses, lilacs, and iris are proof! It’s pretty hard to NOT like the month of May. This is also a great month for us to focus on our preparedness! We can finish planting a garden, bottle some strawberry jam, and cut a bouquet of flowers from the garden to brighten someone’s day. It is a great time to plan how to use the summer to add to our preparedness. What can you bottle or dry to store for winter? Can you turn a closet or room into a storage area? What tools or equipment can you purchase to be ready for any disaster? What are you lacking in YOUR preparedness plan?  Whatever it is - this Merry Month of May is the perfect time to get it done!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Self-Sufficiency and Food Shortages - a list of ways to get going on your food storage, places to find food, and ideas to afford it!

Disaster Prep: Family Preparedness Survey - a list of 21 questions to ask you and your family to help focus on ways to be prepared for an emergency.

In The Southern Utah Garden - gardening tasks to do in the month of May.

Cooking with Food Storage - Recipes for Homemade Egg Noodles, and Pizza Crust (with topping suggestions) that can be used for a breakfast cinnamon roll!

A "New" Planting Guide - Mother Nature's time line for planting gardens.

Using Food Storage: Powdered Eggs - Amounts to use to reconstitute, and a recipe for egg substitutes.

Provident Living: How to Live on a Shoe String - a list of money saving ideas and cleaning recipes.

Spiritual Preparedness - a quote from Dallin H Oaks on a 24 hour spiritual prep kit.

Click here for a complete copy of the May 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

April 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter

Click here for a link to the April 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

We have long heard that “April showers bring May flowers.” A few stormy days bring about great beauty! We roll up our sleeves and plant seeds, water and weed, and add sunshine from on high, and before we know it our homes are surrounded by colorful blooms. So it is with preparedness. It takes some effort and planning; some “rolling up of sleeves,” to establish and maintain a solid family preparedness program. But that extra food on the shelf, water in a jug, and garden in the yard, all help bring about great satisfaction and personal peace. It is not too late to plant flowers to enjoy this summer! And it is never too late to start, add to, and strengthen your family preparedness. Just like you have your own favorite flowers - only you know the needs of your family. Storms will continue to roll around. It is our job to be sure our family is ready to weather the storms with the preparedness we have established. Our family’s peace and satisfaction will come from the “flowers” we plant today.

Included in this month's newsletter:

H2O - Cool Clear Water: Tips for storing water for your family.

"Heart Attack" your family: Get a First Aid Kit - Learn First Aid! Tips and a list for your kit.

In the Southern Utah Garden: Tips and a list to plant for April.

Cooking with Food Storage- Recipes for Basic Bread, Homemade Pudding and Basic Pancakes.

Provident Living: A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned - A list of money saving ideas.

Disaster Prep for April - Specific tasks to do this month to help prepared for disasters.

Spiritual Preparedness - Quote from President Ezra Taft Benson on listening to prophets to be prepared.

 Click here for a link to the April 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

March 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter

Click here for a complete copy of the March 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

This month we will “March” right in to spring! It may come and go like a lion or lamb, but in between, the days seem to have a hard time deciding if it is winter, spring, or summer.  True to spring it is a time of renewal. New gardens can be planted, new blossoms pop, and yards look new again. It is a great time to renew our preparedness efforts. We can plan and plant for this year’s canning and eating fresh from the garden. We can inventory our food storage and renew our monthly plan to restock. YOU are the one who can best take care of your family, so plan accordingly. We see unrest across the face of this tired old earth, and we have been warned to Be Prepared. The “forecast” for last day’s storms has been made. It is up to us to heed the warning and set aside for the rainy days upon us. Let us “March” right into the Peace of Preparedness.

Included in this month's newsletter:

Now that I bought it - Where do I store it? General guidelines for storing food, storage place suggestions, and container and storage tips.

Magical Food Storage Shelf Space! Ways to store food without giving up space behind doors, along a hall, or between the studs. Pictures included.

In the Southern Utah Garden - planting lists, transplanting tips, and garden chores for March.

Start at the Very Beginning - The Three Month Supply Made Easy- A grocery list suggestion for one adult 3 month supply.

Cooking With Food Storage - recipes for Sour Dough Starter, Sour Dough Biscuits, and Flour Tortillas.

 Click here for a complete copy of the March 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

February 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter

 

Click here for a complete copy of the February 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

February is the “Month of Love.” We ask our favorite someone to “Be My Valentine,” and shower loved ones with flowers, chocolates, or a special dinner. It is also a wonderful time to show our families “love” by adding to our preparedness. “Love is” … storage shelves filled, 72-hour kits in a closet, first aid kits, and barrels of extra water. No one knows our family’s needs, or can care for them, - quite like we do. What a disaster it would be to watch loved ones go hungry or thirsty. We do not know when our “preparedness” will be needed, but we can know that we have done all we could to follow the commandment to “Be Prepared, and that the Lord will “Make all things work together for our good.” If we do our best, He makes up the difference. He has said – “If ye love me, Keep my commandments.” Preparedness is one of those commandments. Let’s show our love!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Food Storage: Use it or Lose it: a list of ideas to help protect your investment.

Disaster Prep - Be a Survivor - a list of "survivor skills" to teach your family.

In the Southern Utah Garden - things to plant and chores to do in February. Includes planting tips.

Pruning Tips - tips to help you prune fruit trees, and a reference for further instructions.

Cooking with Food Storage - What's for Breakfast? Recipes for Breakfast Peach Crisp, Baking Powder Biscuits, Hot Cereals (Oats, Cornmeal, Wheat).

Provident Living - (Clothes) - Got you Covered! Tips on storing clothing to save money and Be Prepared.

Spiritual and Temporal Preparedness - thoughts on how the two go together.

Click here for a complete copy of the February 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.