September 2023 Back to Basics Newsletter

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

September is known for many things: back to school, apple harvesting, pleasant weather, fall festivals, rodeos, and porch sitting. It is also the “National Preparedness Month.” What a perfect time for us to wrap up our summer with an extra effort to address our preparedness. As we end a glorious summer – we have hopefully set aside some of the harvest for a rainy day. That “Ounce of Prevention” of stocking shelves and a 72-hour kit today, is truly worth a “Pound of Cure” when emergencies arrive. Those preparedness efforts will pay off in times of emergencies, but they also help us in living providently. We eat food bought at good prices, instead of scrambling when supplies are low. We are able to care for our loved ones and not wonder each day what we will put on the table. The storms of life will certainly arrive, and in a variety of forms; but the greatest reward for preparedness may just be the peace of mind that comes when you know that you are ready to provide for those you love. If we are prepared we will not fear, and better yet- we can feel the same peace and calm as… a September Day!

Included in this month's newsletter - 

A Three Month Supply - the first step to build a year's supply: ideas to included as you stock your pantry for 3 months.

No Time Like the Present: Ideas to help you get your food storage. Includes a quote from Elder David Bednar on the importance of preparedness.

In the Southern Utah Garden: a list of garden tips for September. 

Disaster Prep - Family Disaster Plan: a list of suggestions and important things to include in your family plan.

Using Your Grape Harvest: recipes and ideas for using grapes.

Testing One- Two- Three: ways to test stored items

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

August 2023 Back to Basics Newsletter

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

The dog days of summer are upon us! It’s that hot, sultry time of year that can be – well a bit hot and sultry! But it is also a wonderful time of star gazing since the sun is setting a bit earlier, and eating juicy peaches right off the orchard trees, or fitting in a float down the river to cool off and enjoy the tranquil peace of the lazy summer water. This is the month that families try to fit those last activities in before school starts again, and school shoppers look for sales. It is also a time of harvesting. Summer gardens and orchards are producing and the bounty is ready to set aside for a rainy day. Bottles of fruits and veggies begin to line the storage shelves, and before we know it, we are surprised how fast those steamy kitchens with canners boiling have filled the shelf. In the midst of the dog days with plenty, we can put away for those winter days when storms may blow.

Included in this newsletter:

Storing Tips for "Basic" Long Term Storage - tells ideas for storing items, and includes the year amounts per person.

Disaster Prep - Be Ready at all Times - a list of things to include in a prep plan to be prepared for any surprises!

Spiritual Preparedness - a great quote from Boyd K. Pacher about industry, thrift and self reliance spiritually as well as temporally.

In the Southern Utah Garden - tips for the August Garden.

Using the Harvest: Peach Season - recipes for bottled, frozen, and dried peaches, peach jams and jelly, and fresh peach cobbler.

Cleanliness is Next to Godliness - a list for personal hygiene preparedness and includes hygiene tops to survive disasters.

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