Sunday, December 27, 2009

My Pantry Is Getting Bare...!


I'm sure that I'm not the only one this has happened to, but since the holidays and all the cooking and gift making...I find that my supplies are a lot lower than they should be!

My supply of pantry items has taken a real beating this year, or maybe it's just that I've noticed it more! Either way, it's time for me to start paying more attention for sure!

My biggest problem is that I got too comfortable with the amount I had, and as I used some of the goods...I didn't replace them! Bad idea!

When we get into the habit of not replacing what we use, or not rotating our supplies properly, it gets to the point where that becomes a habit! A bad habit, for certain!

We should (or at least I should) start remembering that my food supply, water supply, and my preps in general could make the difference in whether or not I survive some day!

It's time for me to get more organized, start planning again, and definitely time to restock and replenish all the things that I should have on hand!

In other words, time for me to start practicing what I preach! Time to start walking the walk again instead of just talking the talk!

Going to do better in the next year...no, make that the next week! No putting things off any more! Right? Right!

Now, let's get some coffee and sit in the kitchen...and no comments about the bare shelves, OK?

19 comments:

Felinae said...

Uncle Hermit,
You are not alone, we too have dipped into the preps a little more than we should. Good sales have been few and far between so the replenishment has not been as it should be. The water storage is good though.
I would love to join you for a cup of coffee and I promise not to comment on the shelves.

Have a good day!
Hugs~Felinae~

HermitJim said...

Hey Felinae...
Sure is easy to fall into that trap, isn't it? You're certainly right about the sales being few and far between. Wonder if it's because of the food shortage (which the gubmint says is not real)?

Whatever the reason, I sure need to stock up again!

Thanks so much for coming by today!

Andrea said...

I've been hard at work on my pantry for nearly 2 years and I'm pretty pleased with what we've accomplished. We've added 2 additional sets of shelves this year and they're almost filled up too.

We do eat from our food stores, but we replace it just as quickly. Anytime a product is close to expiration, I donate it to the Outreach center at church as it will probably be used immediately.

Ben in Texas said...

Like you, I am guilty of not restocking my supplies as well. I wonder if it is the season (winter) that keeps us inside or what? I went of a can of sumthing the other day and NOPE, out. I did put in on my list, but haven't been out to the store. Today!! Must go today so at least I can start the week with a full stock at least, ( but alas, I always for get something, don't you -)
Early Sunday AM Need cupa

TEAM HALL said...

Morning Jim! Yup, I hear yah! I was going like gangbusters at the beginning of '09 but have been really slipping since the end of the summer.
It's time to get back to work!!!
Thanks for the reminder!
You have a grand day, my friend!

Anonymous said...

You were serious yesterday. The local lady who orders from Walton was to have the form out last week. If it EVER arrives, I'll send your way.

After yesterday's thug tried to bring down a plane, just made Dave and I again realize it is a matter of time before they get one right. And the gubmint stand on our food supply does not give me confidence either. You are right, time to be back on things.

Enjoy the coffee. Mine is extra good with the cool weather.

Unknown said...

Our supplies too are not where they should be. But, we had a Christmas test on them. We had a major blizzard and have been snowed in since last Wednesday (it's now Sunday morning). We lost electricity for over 24 hours, our water now needs to be boiled before use for a week and we had no internet for 4 days because there was ice and snow on the satellite. We ate fine, we were warm, we are using our stored water, we read, played cards and board games. We still are not dug out, they got the payloader and maintainer stuck yesterday about 3/4 of a mile north of us and then left--not sure when they will be back (we're about 9 miles from the nearest town and 2 miles from our nearest neighbor). Anyway, God gave us a really good test.

Merry Christmas to everyone and God Bless!

JoJo said...

Good Morning My Special One, I have noticed how much I have removed from the MH when I was down with the cold and didn't want to run out to the store. I will start replacing things tomorrow. I also have to replace in the house as well. Even the water supply is very low in both places that is NOT a good thing.
A nice pot of fresh ground beans this morning for all to share.

Anonymous said...

Morning Jim;

Thanks for reminding every one to check their supplies. Like you say the season can get in the way.

I have mine in three places, so I have to really stay on top of it. maybe a semi would be a good idea.lol

Comments about bare shelves? Not from your loyal readers. Fullem up son.

See Ya

HermitJim said...

Hey Andrea...
See, that's what I need to do! Sometimes being single, I don't have that extra voice around to prod me some about staying stocked, ya know?

My fault and I need to fix it!

Hey, thanks for coming by!


Hey Ben...
I guess we all find ourselves getting too used to just taking from the pantry and not restocking. Time to get busy again!

Like you said, it may be the weather...or the season! Whtever it is could hurt a LOT if we don't get busy!

Thanks for coming by, Ben! I appreciate it!


Hey Cath...
At least I feel better, knowing I'm not the only one! Guess we just need to remind each other.

The weather is not going to make it any easier to get out and get started, but it has to be done!

i sure do appreciate you coming by today!


Hey Kris...
Right about them getting it right pretty soon! Security has gone out the window for all of us!

Stock up, plan, and pray...it's about all we can do! I'm surprised that some of the ports haven't been the target before now!

Thanks for coming over for coffee this morning, my friend!


Hey Rebecka...
Sometimes getting a test like that is a good thing! Major plumbing problem here last week put the water storage to a test...and it was found sadly lacking!

Sort of opens your eyes! Kind of a nudge in the side by the Powers above to pay attention, huh?

Thanks so much for coming by!


Hey JoJo...
Sweetie, looks like you have fallen into the same trap I fell in. Now, one of us needs to be on guard, and since the ladies seem to be a bit better at paying attention sometimes, guess that means you will have to be my "little voice" reminding me to stay stocked!

Thanks, darlin', for coming by!

HermitJim said...

Hey Tony...
Wouldn't it be nice to have a semi trailer we could just have loaded all the time?

I do well to keep track of one spot, so I can imagine that having three could be a hassle, but a life saver too!

When I move, I may have to build a little extra storage place for food alone!

Thanks, buddy, for coming by today!

Phelan said...

Did you not read my article on the American Preppers site? ~shaking head~ I'm disappointed.

:D

We here live all year on what we grow, no replacing in the winter. If we run out of something, it's out until next harvest. It isn't easy, but it works out well for us. And I know not every one can grow all their own food. No lecturing there.

keep a visual record of all the food you use. It will give you a better idea of the TRUE amount that you use every year.

And I have some extra coffee that I will be more than happy to brew up for us all.

HermitJim said...

Hey Phelan...
Point well taken! Like I said, I fell into a common trap for us folks that still are in an urban area!

I have to do better!

Extra coffee is something I NEVER turn down...but never run out of either!

Hey, thanks for the (mild) scolding...I needed it! I do thank you for the visit as well!

Kyddryn said...

Silly Hermit - next week IS next year!

Meanwhile - my pantry is still fairly full, but only because I'm keen on eating leftovers rather than wasting food, and I try to buy BOGO or 2-for-one deals and stashing half away. It still isn't much, but it's a start.

Seems lots of folks are cleaning up, cleaning out, and taking stock this time of year...which reminds me...that spice rack needs some attention...

Shade and Sweetwater,
K

JoJo said...

My Special One, they have note pads with magnets to hang on the fridge. Every time you take something wright it on the list to replace. Hope that helps. Bet you can find them in Walgreens, even if they have a xmas design it still works and they are probably on sale right now.
hugs to you.

Stephanie in AR said...

We have a slightly similiar looking shelves. We've had to pay off a huge bill in 3 months (or else) so lived off the storage. Good thing is we had it & bad is we need to up the favorites amounts. But the sticker shock!! My powdered milk (in freezer) that was a big box for $7 is now $21 IF you can find that size. Ouch!! And the kids see oooohhh so much and seem to eat/drink so much more. But the bill is paid and we know where we need to improve.

The week before New Year's always seems to be a good time for thinking & with some coffee we'll do much better won't we?

HermitJim said...

Hey K...
Putting some aside is always good common sense! You are definitely on the right track, friend!

Glad things are going well...

Thanks for the visits!


Hey JoJo...
I appreciate the ideas, but I pretty much know what I need! Never have enough, that's for sure!

I sure do appreciate the visit from you, sweetie!


Hey Stephanie...
It's a never ending strugle for sure! Prices keep on going up...and stocks keep going down! Just the way it is...

Hey, I appreciate the visit, my friend!

Angela said...

Been living off the food room here for the last 6 weeks so we could pay some bills and some Christmas. This paycheck's mostly eaten up also, so another 2 weeks before I can get to some serious restocking. Thank goodness for having some extra around for times like this. Do be sure to get yours replaced--you'll be needing it :)

HermitJim said...

Hey Angela...
I know THAT'S right! Gotta get serious about the restocking thing!

I feel pretty silly about letting this go as long as I did!

I sure do appreciate the visit today!