Cat

So DH went up to visit his parents in Michigan yesterday, and will come home tomorrow. I encourage it because he gets to spend real "son" time with them. If I go, his Mom feels like she has to "entertain" me, worries about what to cook, etc., and DH worries about if I'm OK, etc. If it's just him, they can work, go shopping, or just sit and visit and there's no awkwardness. It is my "gift" to the three of them. He is fortunate to still have both of them, and he really is a help to them. So last night at 10:30 PM, some raccoon hunters were running their dogs sort of across the road in the farm field, and sort of also into the neighbor's front wooded land. The neighbor's house is deep in the woods, but ours is close enough to see, so they stayed away from ours. But they are NOT allowed to do that! It's posted "No Trespassing, no hunting". I tried to call the neighbor, but she didn't hear it and called me back this morning. She says I should have called the county police. But anyway, it kind of freaked me out since DH wasn't home. They know they're not allowed, but they set the dogs loose and then say BUT BUT BUT - we HAVE to get our DOGS! Yeah, RIGHT - then don't turn them loose there!!!!!!! Today I did some stuff around the house, went to the store, talked to DH and LilDD on the computer, then I took the trash out to the burn barrel, lit it, put on the screen on the top, and went back in to start some laundry. I thought about doing some organizing downstairs, but decided to come back upstairs to finish the dishes. Hmmm, why is there ALL THAT SMOKE out there? That trash in the barrel shouldn't smoke THAT much! So I walked out to check on it... to find leaves burning out as far as 20 feet from the barrel! Luckily it was more of a slow, smoky sizzle, no leaping flames or huge fires. But DH has some of his "stuff" out there - a non-working lawn tractor "for parts", an old garden tiller, etc. - junk that we are trying to get rid of but other things just take up the time. And there are trees very near - one had leaves smoldering pretty close to the bark. I freaked out... And ran to fill buckets with water and try to get it out. I knew if I couldn't get it out quickly, I'd have to call the local fire department. Thank God it was NOT a breezy day! Thank God it was a slow burn and not a huge one. Thank God I was able to put it out by lugging buckets over, dumping them, and refilling them. We used to have a well in the nearby pole barn, but it's no longer needed, and not working. I think the hole the raccoons widened allowed some ashes to get out and start it. I thought I had it "plugged up" enough, but something happened. DH picked up a new burn barrel recently, but hasn't prepared it yet. I'm thinking that will be a priority next week... I kept checking on it through the next few hours, poured more water around in "iffy" spots (to me), and went out after dark to be sure there were no telltale red glow spots. It's out. Thank God! On one of my trips outside, I noticed the calico cat outside was acting spooked. So I looked around, and found a healthy-looking yearling raccoon calmly looking at me like, "Hey, got any food?" He wasn't scared of me at all. He went into the cat's shelter, but I chased him out & I closed it up (she has another place she prefers when it's not cold out). I got a couple of pictures of him because he was just SO calm and acted like he belonged there. (Can't download them at the moment.) I dumped out the stale kitty treats that the cat refuses to eat, so he had those. But I told lilDD that he acted like he wanted to just hang out, be petted, and be my best buddy with treats. No, I wouldn't actually touch him, but he sure was odd. There was still very much daylight. He didn't act sickly (I've seen those!). I thank God for His loving protection. If I had stayed downstairs and not seen the smoke, who knows how bad it could have been. If it had been wilder and flame-filled, I could not have put it out alone. There are just WAY too many scenarios where it could have been a disaster. I don't know if any of his "junk" might have a container of leftover fuel, or other more flammable substances. My being alone certainly didn't help, but it was enough.

YAY for you!

Wow - I hadn't seen that one. . It's in Italy, and it appears it's the "authorities" who are bringing charges against her. Symptoms of food poisoning started almost immediately. https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=expired%20hot%20chocolate And yeah, I wouldn't have used that cocoa mix. 25 YEARS is just WAY too much to trust any food. My limit on canned goods is about 2 years past, depending on what food it is, and I am VERY careful about where and how any food I have is stored. And anything prepared but dried is less. Crackers, cereals, etc. - nope. I just toss them if it's more than a month past. Once in a great while, I'll try them first, but once opened, they go "stale" so fast that it's just not worth it.

I was rooting around in the basement freezer for something to thaw for meals. I'm trying hard to use more from it, as I know I have lots of good food I need to rotate out. And some not-so-good. I've continued to add food as I'm taking out, so I still find a few "surprises" sometimes. I opened a bag and found a nice boneless chuck eye beef roast with no holes in the store wrapper and no visible freezer-burn. Great! I also pulled out some cooked chicken to thaw for one of those "Oh my goodness I need a quick meal!" after I've been taking care of the grandchildren all day meals. So I set the beef and the chicken into the refrigerator to thaw over 24 hours. I pulled it out last night, thinking I'd put it in the crock pot/slow cooker today. OH MY GOODNESS... it was dated 2002! I looked it over very closely, and it still had no signs of any openings in the wrapper, and it looked perfectly nice, and smelled fine. (Believe me, I'm careful!) I decided that I'd go ahead and try it and see what it ended up like, with the much-more-recent chicken as a back-up. (from last December) I cut it up, browned it on the stove, then put it into the crock pot with chopped onion, chopped potatoes, spices, and added beef broth and dried onion soup. It cooked most of the day. It is delicious. I tried it, then served it to my DH and after he declared it very good, I confessed how old it was. Yes, he was surprised, but he knows I am careful, and he was just glad it was used up. If it had any holes in the wrapper, I probably wouldn't have used it. But it was store-sealed and enclosed in another bag, so it was well protected. We have never had a power outage that thawed our freezer, and this was low in the chest freezer, anyway. Would you have tried it?

She's got some good ones today... self defense, prepper stuff... not all free, tho... http://pamspriderecommendations.com/

Oh, Christy - I am SO GLAD to see you here again!!! I was wandering through here last week and it struck me that we just haven't see you for AGES. I wondered if you were OK. I stopped and prayed that God would help you in whatever you needed. Well, then, that led me to pray for everyone else here, too... But I know that God knows best how to help us. Welcome home, Sweetie! Catch us up in your life, or just jump in again... you're HOME!!!

Link to more today - http://moneysavingmom.com/2015/03/free-ebooks-treasure-the-child-who-loves-to-read-the-total-clutter-makeover-and-more.html

Sorry, but it's late, I'm exhausted, and I am just running through to try and share the link. I hope maybe some of my friends here can still catch these for free. Sorry that I'm not posting individual links. There's God, city preppers, woodworking, gardening, and food books... http://moneysavingmom.com/2015/03/free-ebooks-container-herb-gardening-meals-on-a-budget-slow-cooker-gardening-and-more.html EDITED - UGH - not all still free, even now.

Cheap Meals: Budget Friendly Family Recipes Cookbook with Tasty and Money Saving $5 Dishes http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QSBCWSI And others here... http://www.bookbasset.com/2015/03/11/queen-hen/

I'm so sorry you had to go through that again, but glad you came in to say hello. So Lois welcomed him into her arms once more... I'm sure it was a happy reunion. But hard for you. It sounds like he knew what would be a fun time to remember him, and it's what he wanted. Go for it! God bless and comfort you during this difficult time.... I'm praying for you.

Because he has no idea how to get there "for sure" and needs you to navigate. Am I right????

Just running through before I go to bed - just found these 2 - says "Find Comfort and Peace in God's Love" From http://freebooksy.com/ Divine Comfort: A Collection of Three Books http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CDXPMUK The Centurion's Wife (Acts of Faith Book #1) http://www.amazon.com/Centurions-Wife-Acts-Faith-Book-ebook/dp/B00B5J4PZ6

Oh, man... I'm SO SORRY it took so long. You must have gotten lost in the heavy volume of spammers we get daily - (hundreds!). Glad you never gave up on us. WELCOME! Now, what do you want to find?

And more - I'm checking out the older ones and a few still have freebies... Best Bean Recipes: Healthy and Delicious Bean Recipes in Quick & Easy Ways http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LERZE4K/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00LERZE4K&linkCode=as2&tag=paspr-20&linkId=LOUYXGA6XAFZFSL5 Survival Fitness: The 6 Best Bodyweight Training Physical Fitness Exercises For Escape and Survival http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CN2F9BS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CN2F9BS&linkCode=as2&tag=paspr-20&linkId=O5HIJ2ERBYMES24A Success Guide For Raising Healthy Goats (Goat Knowledge Book 4) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007LNW2A0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007LNW2A0&linkCode=as2&tag=paspr-20&linkId=JX2K7RPDSH2I6NLM (REPEAT) Pandemic: How to Survive a Pandemic, Prepare For An Ebola Breakout, And Protect Your Family and Friends During a Pandemic http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O9LI4BS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00O9LI4BS&linkCode=as2&tag=paspr-20&linkId=JDS4OBOEQP7IDO33 How to Make Sausages the Sausagenius Way http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TWPBPDK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00TWPBPDK&linkCode=as2&tag=paspr-20&linkId=7NVX542QSLFXGTXL How To Grow Tomatoes, Growing Tomatoes Made Easy http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EBCAXZA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EBCAXZA&linkCode=as2&tag=paspr-20&linkId=E4ULCQJSD3KIOY4V The Preppers Apocalypse Survival Guide to Camp Fires and Fire Pits http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TRRQZYC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00TRRQZYC&linkCode=as2&tag=paspr-20&linkId=4IQMA3CPDQKCFX4E

She's got one on an older post that looks interesting, but I wouldn't pay $2.99 for it. Doomsday Prepper No More: Free To Live Again http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I3OXLFQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00I3OXLFQ&linkCode=as2&tag=paspr-20&linkId=GQBBAY6H4DKXVWGV Makes me curious as to how far they went and how and why it became such a hard thing.

I'd forgotten about "PamsPrideRecommendations". http://pamspriderecommendations.com/ Not all are free, but these are today - Off the Grid Cookbook: Master the Great Outdoors with Campfire Cookery (Off The Grid Cooking Book 5) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U0QKWT8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00U0QKWT8&linkCode=as2&tag=paspr-20&linkId=FBDPD2X5HEPJNKOS Prepped In A Year: Your 12-Month Guide to Emergency Preparedness http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TQIAF98/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00TQIAF98&linkCode=as2&tag=paspr-20&linkId=MN2PMTDM57MEVXF4 The Modern American Frugal Housewife Book #2: Organic Gardening [Kindle Edition] http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TEJDFKU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00TEJDFKU&linkCode=as2&tag=paspr-20&linkId=TUFPFCVB2UB3Y5DJ Ultimate Prepper Stockpile and Barter Handbook: Prepper Barter Items for Survival & Emergency Food Storage in SHTF Situation [Kindle Edition] http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P4DUH6K/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00P4DUH6K&linkCode=as2&tag=paspr-20&linkId=6HBJJU35OBKWAVLR (REPEAT) I CAN CAN CHicken!!! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D0HOR0Y/?ie=UTF8&link_code=as3&camp=211163&creative=375279&creativeASIN=B00D0HOR0Y&tag=false Economic Survival Pantry for Beginners: A Prepper Mom's Guide for Emergency Essential Food Storage, Recipes, Seeds, Tool, Kits and Spreadsheet to Prepare Your Family for any Disaster or Worst-Case http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJZX6SM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00HJZX6SM&linkCode=as2&tag=paspr-20&linkId=NB4V5PXJDCIOU5NQ Natural Laundry Detergent: DIY Organic Laundry Detergent Recipes To Clean Better & Save Money (DIY Household Hacks - Natural Laundry Detergent - Green ... - House Cleaning Guide - Cleaning Book 1) [ http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U1DAP3S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00U1DAP3S&linkCode=as2&tag=paspr-20&linkId=CDDEHNK5PZWJ6QDN

More - http://moneysavingmom.com/2015/02/free-ebooks-simple-homeschool-freezer-soups-stews-cast-iron-cookbook.html (Some are no longer free)

As always, check to be sure they're still free before clicking that "buy" link! This one sounds good to me - Fearless by Joe PileggiThroughout the Bible, God instructs us to “fear not” — but that’s easier said than done. Let God show you the way with this uplifting book! Turn your fear into hope with these encouraging verses and personal stories. https://www.bookbub.com/ebook-deals/free-ebooks?date=20150207&source=fbpost_02_07_15

From http://moneysavingmom.com/ Couponing 101: The Coupon Hunter’s Secrets to Couponing for Beginners How To: Frugality Is Not Being Cheap: How Small Tweaks Create Massive Changes 101 Ways To Make Your Money Go Further – The Essential Guide to Surviving on a Budget Money Saving Tips And Tricks The Best High Speed Blender Recipes In History

I hope this one's still free when you see it... Spiritual Growth: Trusting God - Why His Plan Is Better Than Ours http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RCIN06O?tag=vglnk-c59-20

Cast Iron Cookbook. Cooking Easy Recipes with your Cast Iron Skillet http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q5OG2HU/ref=oh_aui_d_detailpage_o01_?ie=UTF8&psc=1

OOPS! Just realized I went into January. Thanks, Mt_Rider for the new thread...

WOO-HOO!!! YAY you!!! I've been watching for sales but I haven't found any good ones yet. I've been working on cleaning the freezer out so I'll have room - *IF*... I was happy today to find a "left-for-someone-else" store coupon good for a couple dollars off if you bought $10 of frozen foods, which I wanted to get because of a sale, anyway. So I was happy to get a bit more off.

Check to see if it's still free before you buy! From http://moneysavingmom.com/ Understanding Your Bible in 15 Minutes a Day 7 Simple Choices for a Better Tomorrow Living Clutter-Free with Kids in the House DIY Household Hacks For Beginners How to Homeschool 9th and 10th Grades: Simple Steps for Starting Strong (rerun from July) 5 Minute Morning Boosters Simple Living – 30 days to less stuff and more life Truly Healthy Meal Ideas: The Natural Ingredients Cooking Guide Smart Sauces: 41 Nutritious, Delicious & Easy Sauce Recipes He Is My All: Living in the Truth of God’s Love for Me Understanding Your Bible in 15 Minutes a Day You Can Break That Habit and Be Free Pressure Cooking Recipes The AMAZING Cookbook For Every Kitchen

Sounds like a good one! Thanks!