May 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter

Click here for a complete copy of the May 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

The “Merry Month of May” has been celebrated with poetry, song, May Day Celebrations, Maypole Braiding, and even more parties when another school year ends! It has been said that “May is proof that change can be beautiful,” and that May is “Blossoming one day at a time.” Truly those “April showers” brought “May flowers.” Just as the world explodes with color and fragrance this month as all the blossoming occurs, we can also plan for how our preparedness can continue to “blossom.” We plan now for harvests, prepare for canning, freezing, or drying, look for ways we can add to our preparedness, and teach others around us. Our preparedness is always “blossoming one day at a time.” We are never finished! It is an ongoing endeavor. Preparedness is not a destination, but rather a way of life. May your month of May be filled with blossoms all around – both in the yard and in the food storage room!

Included in this month's newsletter: 

Spice it up - Avoid Diet Fatigue - ideas for adding expanded storage items to basic storage to give a greater variety for your family meals.

Planning for Canning -  now is the time to get equipment ready for summer canning. This list gives suggestions of things you might need.

In the Southern Utah Garden - tips for the may yard and garden

Spiritual Preparedness -  a quote from Dieter F Uchtdorf on how Christ can help us in our lives.

Cooking with Food Storage: Mother's Day Treats -  recipes from your storage shelves for Old Bottled Fruit Cake, Breakfast Cake, and Mom's Best Brownies.

Spring Weeds - Using the Dandelion - ideas of things to do with dandelions and a recipe for Dandelion Jelly.

Lilac Pruning Tips (and other flowering bushes) - lilacs are pruned after they have finished blooming. This gives you a series of tips to help keep your bush healthy and flowering next year!

Click here for a complete copy of the May 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

April 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter

 

Click here for a complete copy of the April 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

April has arrived bringing with it Easter celebrations and the new life of spring. Flowers are greeting us everywhere, and for some of us they are a little early! But spring is always a welcome season as we plant our gardens and tend to the blooms. Spring is the season we “begin with the end in mind,” especially when we plant our future harvest! All areas of preparedness benefit by looking forward to what you hope to accomplish - that final hopeful outcome. Do you want to be ready to keep the lights on, drink water, feed a family, and keep them safe? Then begin with that end in mind. This is the perfect month to start anew or continue on. It is the perfect month to be prepared!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Disaster Prep - general guidelines for all emergencies and specific things to do BEFORE an earthquake!

Practice Makes Perfect - Drills baby drills! Tips and info for holding disaster drills.

In the Southern Utah Garden - planting and growing tips for April.

Provident Living - Money Saving Easter Eggs - recipes and ideas for coloring eggs this year.

Spring Chickens! Chores for the hen house - a list of "spring cleaning" items for your chickens.

Cooking with Food Storage - Easter Picnic Style - recipes for salads and cakes that are from ingredients that can be on your storage shelves.

Spiritual Preparedness - quote from Dallin H Oaks to help us listen to the Holy Ghost and draw closer to Jesus Christ.

Click here for a complete copy of the April 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

March 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter

 

Click here for a complete copy of the March 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

Spring has sprung – and in the west it seems like winter only made a short visit! As we “March” right into the new month- there are plenty of preparedness tasks to be mindful of. March celebrates St Patrick’s Day – and we can tap into that “luck ‘o the Irish” as we plant seeds and plan for a summer harvest. Now is the time we lay the foundation as we prepare the soil, plant the seeds, and prepare for the summer harvest and eventual winter storms. This applies to our gardens, but also to all temporal and spiritual preparedness. Take the opportunity of today to prepare for tomorrow. Take stock of your food and emergency supplies. Plant a garden. Plan for preserving the harvest. Include daily prayers and scripture study in your routine. Attend the temple regularly. Whatever that “preparation” looks like for you and your family - just Be Prepared!

 Included in this month's newsletter: 

Got Milk? - Amounts and tips for storing a basic milk supply.

Disaster Prep: Today While the Sun Shines! -  Thoughts and a suggestion list - of "daily tasks" that could be a game changer in case of a disaster. 

Spiritual Preparedness -  Quotes from President Russel M Nelson and President Ezra Taft Benson that encourage us in our gospel living and spiritual preparedness.

In the Southern Utah Garden -  Planting and garden/yard chores for this month.

Cooking with Food Storage - What's for Breakfast? - Recipes for Breakfast Peach Crisp, Biscuits, and Wheat Berry Cereal.

Food Storage - Quantity for each Family Member -  A list according to a variety of ages for amounts to store for a one year supply.

Food Storage Helps - Includes a link to "The Food Guys" online food calculator to figure storage amounts specific to  YOUR family!

A Blast from the Past! -  Two quotes from President Ezra Taft Benson to help us take a hard look at ourselves and where we are in our food storage endeavors.

Click here for a complete copy of the March 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

February 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter

 

Click here for a complete copy of the February 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

February is the month of love! They say love is spelled T-I-M-E. The time we spend with loved ones does show our love! But love could also be spelled P.R.E.P.A.R.E.D.N.E.S.S. This valentine giving time of year is a great time to consider how each of us are caring for our loved ones. So many disasters and unexpected life events can catch us off guard. The world is filled with uncertainty and evil seems to be growing. But we have long been warned to Be Prepared! When the sudden winter storms arrive, an earthquake, or even a lost job – we do not have to scramble at the last minute! We can follow the prophetic counsel of over 100 years – and be ready for whatever life hands to us! Let us “show the love” for our families and prepare every needful thing!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Legumes: Use Your Bean! - Info for storing beans as a long term storage item, and ideas of things to make.

Provident Living - ideas to help save money!

Spiritual Preparedness - Quote from Elder Mark D Eddy on being spiritually prepared.

Words of the Wise - a Quote from Elder L Tom Perry on the seriousness of being prepared.

In the Southern Utah Garden - tips for the Feb to March garden. Includes planting times, and references to previous Back to Basics Newsletters.

Fuel Storage - tips to help you store fuel for heating and cooking.

Cooking with Food Storage - Valentine Treats from your shelves! Recipes for Rolled sugar cookies, three variations of pudding, and a Pinto Cream Pie.

Disaster Prep - Groover. Portable Emergency Toilet instructions.

Click here for a complete copy of the February 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.