Country Living With Emma

We're starting Frugal Fridays with knitting and crocheting. There are many sources for yarn, and even needles and hooks. Look for supplies in garage sales, estate sales, and even thrift stores. However, check the prices against the prices at Walmart and Hobby Lobby. Some people think very highly of their used stuff! Here is a link to the dishcloth I like to knit. The cost of terrycloth dishcloths...

I'm this episode, Louvenia takes her chances with the Indians and moves to Ranger camp at Menard. 

Homesteading is hard work. What happens when we get old and can't do what we used to do? 

One tool I use a lot is a vacuum sealer for food going in the freezer. It greatly increases the shelf life. Here's the one I currently use: Nesco Vacuum Sealer

I attended a funeral for a friend's mom this weekend. She was a strong Texas woman, respected and admired by all who knew her. What will people remember about us when we're gone?

There is so much more knowledge now than there was in the 19th century. We can leverage modern skills to make life in a grid-down situation easier.

Louvenia shares her experiences as the wife of a Texas Ranger on the frontier in the 1870s.

Some skills have gone by the wayside, but would be helpful in a long-term grid-down world. Here is a link to a blog with what looks like pretty good instructions on specific hand sewing skills: Essential Stitches

Gardening is made easier with specific tools. The warren hoe is a good example. 

Some skills are valuable no matter the conditions we live in. Problem-solving, navigation, and negotiation will serve you well in all situations.

We finish up Fannie's story with Indian raids and religion. 

When we discuss "having skills", what exactly does that mean? Are we just talking about old traditional skills, or does that include modern day skills?

A gardening journal can be a really valuable tool. Use it to track how your garden is performing over the years, and you can learn a lot about what works and what doesn't. Gardening Log Book and Planner

Onions are planted and settling into the raised beds. What is you have never gardened before, or you live in a new place where you have never gardened? This episode discusses where you should start.

It's time to get our hands on the dirt!

Fannie recounts a couple of Indian attacks that affected her family directly. 

I cover a multitude of topics in this episode, including the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, Quilts of Valor, and why living a life of preparedness and self-reliance involves making choices in how we spend our time and our financial resources. If you are interested in participating in the Quilts of Valor program, here is a link to their website. Quilts of Valor

Some things don't need much power, but keeping them running or charged up is important. A small power station is relatively inexpensive and can be very handy in a pinch. It won't keep you warm, but it could keep you connected to the outside world. Jackery Power Station

Over 130 people, so far, have died as a result of Winter Storm Fern. Can we do anything to mitigate that going forward?

This episode references a recent Cajun Navy Facebook post about the current winter storm and the vulnerability of senior adults during disasters.

Fannie Beck, born in 1862,  tells what it was like growing up on the frontier in West Texas. 

After action report for Winter Storm Fern. Tool of the Week: Bluetooth Thermometer

I took off from work yesterday afternoon to get at least some of my winter storm ducks in a row. We can only hope it's not as bad as the prediction!

Just like Snowmageddon, every update we get from the weather channels is worse than the last one. The biggest issue for us is losing power and trying to stay warm. Are you in the path?

We're continuing our discussion about water and looking ahead to the winter storm that is forecast for Texas starting Friday. Siphon Pump Water Brick