Surviving an Active Shooter Event

While this is relevant all the time, I thought now would be a great time to reinforce our situational awareness habits, particularly if you are out and about, possibly shopping for the holidays or attending holidays parties. It's not a fun topic to think about, being able to survive an active shooter event is just one of the ways to are able to protect yourself and/or your family.
This information is actually listed on multiple websites including the FBI's and is now the method the various agencies are promoting this for civilians.
Law enforcement agencies have been actively training for the newest type of terrorist attacks & changing their tack on what they encourage people to doing such a situation.

Prepper Stocking Stuffers 12 Under $ 11

Honestly buying gifts for Mr. Perky is not an easy task. But, things got a little easier when we started prepping. I thought I would throw together a list of just a few things we have purchased for stocking stuffers & not just for us but for others in the family like our grandchildren. Last year, I got Mr. Perky this Christmas Tactical Stocking
Actually it is pretty nifty with pockets and hooks to attach various items. I may ask for one myself this Christmas to carry around on my tractor.
I am also working with a young couple that are newbie preppers and they were considering some cost effective stocking stuffers for each other.  Most all of these are practical gifts for your get home bag or bug out bag. 

There is only one item here that we haven't purchased and that would be the first item listed a portable collapsible cup, but I am adding it to my cart today. 

    

  
   

What I do here is simply share our preparedness journey. We would love it if your joined our Perky Prepping Gramma community on Facebook. I participate in the Amazon Associate program, where I receive a small % commission for linking products that I recommend. I only recommend products I personally used and like. Your support is very appreciated, anything you choose to purchase through my link, is helping me to be able to share more things that I do with you. Perky Prepping Gramma Amazon link.

Vacuum Sealing A - Z (Tips and Tricks)

The FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer is one of my top five favorite prepping kitchen tools. I use it many times a week. Just last week I vacuum sealed 40 lbs. of Zaycon Chicken (referral link) for my freezer & vacuum sealed some cereal for storage.
I thought I would consolidate all the various posts I have on the vacuum sealer in one place. 

TIPS TIPS TIPS TIPS TIPS 

TIP 1: I find that if you leave extra bag space on the top before sealing, you later can open up the package using the slicer on your FoodSaver creating a clean straight cut. Then when you get out what you need, you are able to reseal the same package. This comes in handy. This week I had a lot of mushrooms I bought on sale and planned to use them several times. One bag, multiply times used and resealed. 

TIP 2: Sometime you may have sloppy leftovers. I have found it easy to freeze the leftover in a pan of some sort, then vacuum seal the frozen block. This helps keep your machine cleaner. When you want that meal for dinner, you drop the package in a pot of boiling water. The bags are sturdy enough to withstand the heat. Cut open the bag then serve.

TIP 3: Occasionally you will have a bag that all the air is not vacuumed out (on the left). If that happens I just put that in the front of the rest of the packages and use it first. To prevent it from happening, it helps to sort of push the food into the middle to create unobstructed channels on each side (on the right). That helps prevent air getting locked at the bottom and sides.

TIP 4: I mentioned above, since the bags are so strong, you can simply drop the bag into a pot of boiling water & cook. Even this raw chicken will cook completely and is very juicy because the package is sealed. It will even create a little broth.                 Posts on How to Use the FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer, 

                                                 Plus More TIPS.

How to Vacuum Seal Dry Goods

Step - By - Step: How To Vacuum Seal Meats

 

How to Clean Your FoodSaver 

How To Vacuum Seal When The Grid is Down




Items that I've used in these posts:

          

What I do here is simply share our preparedness journey. We would love it if your joined our Perky Prepping Gramma community on Facebook. I participate in the Amazon Associate program, where I receive a small % commission for linking products that I recommend. I only recommend products I personally used and like. Your support is very appreciated, anything you choose to purchase through my link, is helping me to be able to share more things that I do with you. Perky Gramma Teaches Amazon link.

Chicken Coop: Phase 2

Thursday we were adding Phase 2 to our chicken coop. Mr. Perky got up early and took down the entire entrance wall, framed up that side, added a door, then put up the chicken wire. This took several hours and the chicken run was completely open the entire time. Dudley-Did-Right and the girls had the opportunity to cross the open threshold and run free for the day. But, they weren't ready for that step yet. What were they thinking? What did they perceive was beyond that imaginary barrier? What stopped them from journeying into freedom?

Inside the run we added angled flashing, for some shade. Also it now will serve as a cover for the feed, feeder & water fount. Since the coop looks like a little house, I also added a lamp post in the yard.
Actually i am very excited about this phase of our prepping. While I still have several years of pressure canned meats, especially chicken in my prep storage, we now have them means to be self-sufficient with at least growing chickens as meat. Not taking that step yet, but we are prepared for expanding our flock if needed.
I will continue to use our stored meats and pressure can more. Having meats in the preps allows for the time to expand if the scenario changes. Depending on the time of year, we have enough prepped until we could expand our garden, our flock and just in case we have a bad crop for a year or two. In fact I have a shipment of Zaycon chicken coming November 10th.
Still more to do & more to share...

What I do here is simply share our preparedness journey. We would love it if your joined our Perky Prepping Gramma community on Facebook.

Items Used this Week:

I participate in the Amazon Associate program, where I receive a small % commission for linking products that I recommend. I only recommend products I personally used and like. Your support is very appreciated, anything you choose to purchase through my link, is helping me to be able to share more things that I do with you. Perky Gramma Teaches Amazon link.

For Fraser: Chicken Runs, Prepping and God Stuff

Thursday we were adding Phase 2 to our chicken coop. Mr. Perky got up early and took down the entire entrance wall, framed up that side, added a door, then put up the chicken wire. This took several hours and the chicken run was completely open the entire time. Dudley-Did-Right and the girls had the opportunity to cross the open threshold and run free for the day. But, they weren't ready for that step yet. What were they thinking? What did they perceive was beyond that imaginary barrier? What stopped them from journeying into freedom?

Honestly I believe that people allow fear of the unknown stop them in their path; a path they know in their heart they need to take.

We preppers understand that things are getting hairy. Some people simply become overwhelmed by what they see. Mired in fears of canning explosions, thinking they don't have enough money to prepare or any fill in the blank reason they may have for not crossing the line into prepping.

Others step out on faith and start preparing, figure it out with what they have, get out of debt, do the things that are necessary to become self-sufficient to the best of their ability. Make a plan and follow the plan.

For the last couple of weeks I have been drawn to read Numbers & Joshua in the Bible. When the Israelites reached Canaan the promised land, they wouldn't see what the Lord had promised them any more. They were complacent, sitting on their laurels with a defeated attitude. They were challenged and made the choice to remain lukewarm.
Fast forward 40 years when Joshua encountered the man with a drawn sword, the commander of the Lord's army just before Jericho. What did he do? He asked what message did the Lord have for him and then he complied.

The Israelites wandered aimlessly because of their attitude. When their passion was ignited again to actually listen to what God commanded them to do...things changed and they were able to take the territory that God promised all along.

Just a thought...

Prepared or not,

Canaan or Jericho:

which choice, which answer?

How to Make Classic Simple Syrup with Raw Sugar

Have you ever added sugar to a drink and not have all the sugar dissolve? I know it's not the end of the world, but it is annoying. Considering I occasionally like to sweeten cold beverages (think iced lattes, iced tea) I thought I would share just how easy it is to make classic simple syrup with raw sugar.
It is so simple to make:
Classic Simple Syrup (with raw sugar)
1 cup boiling water
1 cup raw sugar (you may use refined sugar)
Stir until the raw sugar is completely dissolved.
I store my classic simple syrup in a swing top glass bottle in the fridge.That's it.

What I do here is simply share our preparedness journey. We would love it if your joined our Perky Prepping Gramma community on Facebook. 

Items I used today: 

   

I participate in the Amazon Associate program, where I receive a small % commission for linking products that I recommend. I only recommend products I personally used and like. Your support is very appreciated, anything you choose to purchase through my link, is helping me to be able to share more things that I do with you. Perky Gramma Teaches Amazon link.

Not a Deuce Coupe but a Pullet Coop...

How I Chose My Chicken Coop

I have been using my Formex Snap Lock Chicken Coop since October 2015 now and I wanted to give you an update. Initially read everything I could, we looked at various coops online and at the stores and while Mr. Perky is very handy we decided on this little chicken dream house. While this coop cost over $700, but coops can get really expensive or even with plans the cost of the supplies was still fairly high. 

We were getting into a pinch because we had 10 chickens coming from the local coop and time was running out.

So I decided to check and see what the Chicken Whisperer suggested. His recommendation was the Formex Snap Lock Chicken Coop. I chose the large one which holds 6-12 chickens. My chickens are a fairly large breed (red sex links) and I admit it's a little snug for my 10 chickens and one rooster. But, they don't seem to mind at all. I found that ordering through Amazon I saved $23.95 with the free shipping. That bought my first bag of of feed & part of my first chicken feeder. (when you included the shipping from the Formex Site) The coop was delivered in less than one week. These are the selling points and I have found each to be true. I listed the predator resistant first because the very first night we had evidence of a visit from a raccoon. I wanted to mention the "Chicken Whisperers" book, because as a newbie chicken momma, it have found it incredibly helpful and an easy reference to use. When I found the muddy paw prints on the coop, I was easily able to identify them from my book.

The house comes with carabiners for every hasp lock.

  

• Predator Resistant
• Locking Access
• No tools required
• Insulating double wall construction
• Impact resistant
• Ultraviolet resistant
• Water resistant
• Chemical resistant
• Maintenance free
• Removable litter tray
• Adjustable ventilation
• Easy access for egg collection
• 64” by 39” by 42” tall
• Room for twelve standard breed hens
• Three 36” roosts
• Four laying boxes
• Larger adjustable ventilation

Next, the coop was relatively easy to put together. The pieces "snap" together. Sometimes we had to fiddle with some of the pieces to get them to set true. The pieces they selves are double wall construction and are very sturdy. I am able to lean heavily on one of the walls without it bending. It held up extremely well during the snowmageddon we had in January. 

The very best feature is how easy it is to clean. I really like the fact that it has a separate little door that opens up (it is in that last photo above) and you can completely remove the floor trays to clean. Super easy to do.

The people who designed this really thought things out. It comes with 3 adjustable roosting bars that slide into recessed cubbies in the walls. The 4 nesting boxes are also recessed into the sides with lids that open over each side for easy access to get the eggs. The actual nesting boxes are removable, you just slide them out and dump them, rinse them, fill them again. Plus the lid actually slides out and back in, great for adding pines chips.

 

It has vents in the gable on two sides. The vents easily slide up and down to adjust the mount of ventilation.

It has five access points. The front door, the two sides with the nesting boxes, one side of the roof opens up & you are able to remove the entire roof. I am frequently using the high slated roof that opens up for easy overall access.

Some people asked me about out gassing (release or give off a substance as a gas or vapor). There is nothing specific that talks about it on their website. The company has been in business for about 4 years. I did check the Better Business Bureau and they don't have any complaints filed. All that and the fact that Andy the Chicken Whisperer endorses that product I felt comfortable that out gassing would not be an issue.We have been using the coop for awhile now.  To wrap it up, I am more than well pleased with and would highly recommend this Formex Snap Lock Chicken Coop. 

   

What I do here is simply share our preparedness journey. We would love it if you joined our Perky Prepping Gramma community on Facebook. I only recommend products I personally used and like. Your support is very appreciated, anything you choose to purchase through my link, is helping me to be able to share more things that I do with you. Perky Prepping Gramma's Amazon link.

Perky Prepping Gramma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

For Tammy (Tick Repellent)

Part of our morning routine is getting the dogs really for hanging out in the yard. One of my concerns when we moved to the farm was ticks. Obviously nobody likes ticks, so I did some research.
In my reading I found that the following essential oils were recommended as helpful as a tick repellent: lavender, lemongrass, citronella, eucalyptus, rose geranium and cedar wood. 
Or you could try Insect Shield which contains the Pure Essential Oils of: Citronella, Eucalyptus, Cedarwood, Lemongrass, Lavender, Litsea, Tea Tree, Patchouli & Catnip.
Pretty basic, I filled my bottle with the fractionated coconut carrier oil & because they have sensitive noses added enough drops of oil that I could just smell it. I always add a carrier oil to extend the oils efficacy.  I apply it to the napes of their necks and bum.

All I will attest to is that I was using it for weeks and then got out of the habit. When I was using it, they didn't get any ticks. When I stopped, they got a tick. Now we will use it until the first hard frost.
Yes it is safe for people. 


 

I participate in the Amazon Associate program, where I receive a small % commission for linking products that I recommend. I only recommend products I personally used and like. Your support is very appreciated, anything you choose to purchase through my link, is helping me to be able to share more things that I do with you. Perky Gramma Teaches Amazon link.

How To Restore Vintage Linens & Things...

When the "s" hits the fan no matter how much toilet paper, paper plates, napkins and such you manage to store; eventually you will run out of paper products then the "s" could really be a problem. That's why it is important to think about storing cloth items now.
Don't get me wrong, I still store some paper products but I am actually storing a lot less now. I am converting to using cloth for a lot of everyday uses and working on skills like how to clean the stains.
Many of you may already be storing personal bathroom cloth. When I was getting rid of a bunch of clothes, I saved soft items in black, white and grey. I figured each would serve a defined purpose.

Then I happened across a large box of vintage linens.
Antique is mostly defined as more than 100 years old (unless it is a car). Vintage is a loosely used word - so for your edification my definition here, I am cleaning vintage 1940's linens from my MIL. As I transition from less paper to more cloth, I thought now would be great time to start work on cleaning the stains on these treasured linens.
One of the first steps for was determining just how important these napkins, tablecloths and hankies were. The only real value for me was sentimental, they are not antiques & I was planning on using them. So, I was willing to take chances and some losses were acceptable.

Like always I did a lot of reading. One of the most helpful things I read wasn't from a blogger, but from an anonymous comment:

I am a studied archival linen purchaser/collector and do not recommend any hydrogen peroxide or related peroxide products, +bleach, or any man-made definably chemical-based formulations to wash or treat linen and/or related fine cottons.

Use of these products creates irreparable hardship on the fibers and you will notice shortly thereafter that the texture of the article(s) will have changed (first detected to the touch, or ‘feel’ as it is deemed) then over time the fabric in question will begin to break and separate in the form of small holes, frayed/worn edges which often appear at the edge-seams or openings of your fabrics, garments or bedding material.

Vinegar, blueing liquid, buttermilk, lemon juice, salt soaks and mild ph detergent soaks (no extreme hot water temperatures must ever be employed) is best recommended. Wash fabrics on the gentle cycle of your washing machine using only a ph balanced soap like “Zero” or equivalent ph balanced soap.

Sun bleaching and/or hang drying is always best for archival fabrics, including natural linen or cotton. Caution: Never use Sun Bleaching if the fabric has been dyed–vegetable dyes will readily fade with sun exposure. Often antiquated quilts have depreciated in value considerably for oversights such as sun exposure and related sun bleaching.

Basically I started with the least harsh method I could find and worked my way up to soaking in bleach. The entire process took  a long time, but eventually I was able to set up a system.

Buttermilk (Step 1)

1 Gallon Water

1 Quart Buttermilk
1 TBS Fresh Lemon Juice

Soak items in the buttermilk recipe up to 24 hours. I added a plate in the pot to weight down the linens & to keep submerged in the solution. 
Rinse twice, then launder.

Step 2 When that method didn't work, I then used a gallon of water and Oxi-Clean. Soaked for 6 hours, rinsed twice, then laundered.

Step 3 Then I use an all fabric bleach and a gallon of water. Soaked for 6 hours, rinsed twice, then laundered.

 

By the time I reached this stage, I was all in. There were a lot of tough stains.
Step 4 I graduated to a bleach pen. I let that set for awhile and there wasn't any improvement I went directly to a cup of bleach in about two gallons of water. This was used of course with only the all white linens.

 

By this time, I manage to salvage almost all the linens. There are a few dots of stain left on a few of the linens and I lost about 4 pieces to deterioration of the fabric. Yet I would still be able to use these pieces. Since I went into this knowing I'd lose a few I was comfortable with the outcome.

Here is why I went to all that trouble. My picture parade of some of the fun and great pieces I am now going to be able to use.

 

 

What I do here is simply share our journey. We would love it if your joined our Perky Gramma Teaches community on Facebook.
Some of the items I have used this week.

   

I participate in the Amazon Associate program, where I receive a small % commission for linking products that I recommend. I only recommend products I personally used and like. Your support is very appreciated, anything you choose to purchase through my link, is helping me to be able to share more things that I do with you. Perky Gramma Teaches Amazon link.