Mormon Church Home Canning Center Changes.

Over the past few months there has been a lot of activity on several preper sites, prepper groups, media, conservative sites and other media outlets about the LDS Church(Mormons) shutting down their home canning sites as a result of government interference. This is a news release from the LDS Church on June 24 2013. I hope this will keep preppers and persons who want to live providently up to date.

Always go to the source before you join in rumors.

Church Clarifies Changes to Home Storage Centers

  From the Church News

• 24 JUNE 2013

Cannery black and white beans. Self-canning services are being discontinued, but members can still purchase the same pre-canned items at no additional cost.

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ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

• Changes are being made to most of the home storage centers located in the United States and Canada.
• You can no longer can items yourself, but you may purchase pre-canned or prepackaged food at no additional cost.
• Changes increase the Church’s ability to efficiently produce and ship goods in bulk, utilize less warehouse space, and allow for higher quality and safer preparation of home storage food.

RELATED LINKS

• Read more how concerns over home storage center changes are unnecessary.
• Find a home storage center near you.
• Learn more about the changes to the home storage centers.

Over the past several weeks, misinformation and unnecessary concern has been circulating on blogs, over social media channels, and by email regarding changes in operations at the Church’s home storage centers, which are located in the United States and Canada. Here are some important facts:

No home storage centers are being closed.

In 89 of the Church’s 101 home storage centers in the U.S. and Canada, patrons will no longer self-can products, but they may purchase these same items pre-canned or prepackaged at no additional cost.

The following 12 home storage centers will continue to offer self-canning for the time being:

·      Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada

·      Mesa, Arizona

·      Boise, Idaho                                                     

·      Idaho Falls, Idaho

·      Carrollton, Texas

·      Lindon, Utah

·      Logan, Utah

·      Ogden, Utah

·      Salt Lake City, Utah (Welfare Square)

·      Sandy, Utah

·      Springville, Utah

·      St. George, Utah

While many individuals have enjoyed self-canning at the Church’s home storage centers, the advantages of providing pre-canned or prepackaged goods include:

· It’s more efficient and cost effective for the Church to produce and ship high-quality, pre-canned or prepackaged goods in bulk rather than ship the same goods and empty cans to a location where individuals can them on their own.

· By offering the goods pre-canned or prepackaged, the Church utilizes less warehouse space.

· Pre-canned and prepackaged operations allow for higher quality and safer preparation of home storage food.

· It is much more costly to maintain and upgrade facilities that must meet food production standards (such as in a self-canning operation) than it is to maintain a facility that simply distributes pre-canned and prepackaged food. 

· Volunteer personnel time can be used more efficiently.

Easy spice to grow.

I hate to think of surviving on just whole wheat, beans and rice. That is why in my garden I have been adding some spices.

Often we think of spice as an exotic and difficult to grow product from the warm climate. It is true that many of the well know spices will not grow in the temperate zones. There are however many spices that grow well in the cooler places.

This year I have began experimenting with mustard. Mustard is an herb that is very easy to grow. Most varieties are heirloom and the seeds can be planted from season to season.

Despite what  the bible indicates mustard is not grown on a tree. It is a low herb that grows a lot like lettuce. It is a warming green. By warming I mean the leaves are warm or hot to the taste. And not too surprising they taste a lot like mustard.

To grow mustard greens plant the seeds a few inches apart. I did mine 3 inches apart. the plants grew to about 12 inches high and produced a lot of leaves. They make a nice spicy addition to a green salad. They are a bit like water cress. I would not use them for the whole salad. They would be to hot. If you suffer from heart burn you may want to have your ant-acid on hand if you eat too much.

This plant also produces a second crop. When the weather turns hot (80 degrees Fahrenheit) the plants bolt quickly. This is not a problem. The flower stalks may grow over 36 inches. They have a lot of small yellow flowers on them. Bees pollinate the flowers that become seed pods that are about an inch or so long and about 1/16 inch wide. Let the pods stay on the pants until they begin to turn brown or yellow. Then pick them off and place them in a paper bag. If you leave the pods on the plant they will split open and the seeds will fly out in every direction. Let the seed pod dry in the bag. When they are dry shake the bag this will cause most of the pods to open. Any pods left unopened and be gently crushed in your fingers to free the seeds.  Separate out the seeds. The seeds can be used for pickling or crushed and made into mustard. The mustard in a bit warmer than the yellow mustard in the store. It has a flavor more like Dijon mustard.

Be sure to save some of the seeds for the next years crop.

Big Brother is watching your Phone and our Online Activity!

Part 1

This past week it came out in the media that the government has been gathering information on everyone in the USA. By following Facebook picture posts ad checking who you call on your phone.

The government of the USA stated that this previously secret program was instigated to protect the people from terrorist attack.

First let me ask you some questions.

You really did not know the government was watching you? Tracking your life? Keeping a file about you? If you did not you must be one of the most naive people on the planet. Tracking people is easy.

Most of us however are too boring to track or even pay attention too. We live mundane lives of no real consequence to the global stage. The government will not be spending any resources watching us because in most peoples lives there is nothing to see. Watching people work, go home and then watch TV is not interesting to the Federal government.

The people who may need to worry about the governments ability to snoop are the ones who are doing the wrong things.

This brings us to a primary question of freedom. One of our most cherished rights. How do we define our freedom! What is its meaning. How do we go about being free?

When I was in high school an American history teacher discussed freedom and gave an American idea of freedom and a Communist idea of freedom. In the USA we at that time believed that we were free to do. The Communist nations were free from.

We in the USA could choose our own path in life. Free to work at the jobs we wanted. Free to live where we wanted. Free to marry who we wanted. Free to get higher education. Free to protect our homes. Free to own property. Free to have a private personal life. Free from government intervention. Free from unreasonable search.

The Soviet block nations were free from the responsibility of finding a job. Free from paying for health care. Free from hunger. Free from the cost of housing. Free from crime. Free from personal responsibility. Free to have the government examine your personal life. Free to be searched without cause.

Over the past few years I have seen a change in the mind set of the people of the USA. They are expecting much more from our government. The want to be free from the high cost of of health care. They want to be free from hunger. They want to be free from gun violence. They want to be free from terrorist attacks.They are willing to have themselves searched before getting on a plane. They say its OK to monitor phones and the Internet if it prevents a terrorist attack. It's OK to give up your guns it it could save one child.

How quickly we have changed from a people wanting to choose our own course in life. A people who took responsibility for our actions. To a people wanting to be taken care of, watched over, fed and protected by the government.

SO WHY ARE YOU COMPLAINING WHEN YOU FIND OUT THE GOVERNMENT IS WATCHING OVER YOU!!! If the government is going to take care of you they need to know what you need. To know what you need they will watch you. Then they can take care of you. Why is everyone so surprised. You have what you have been asking for.

Seriously do you think the government is concerned about you? They are not. They are only concerned about getting re-elected. They will do what people who donate to their campaign or vote want them to do.

PART 2

I can tell you who is concerned about you and who is watching you much more closely than the government ever has. People who have a vested interest in you, what you do and how you live.

It is Corporate America. Yes the big retail giants are watching you. Do you have any member cards? The one that gives you a discount every time you shop at their store? They are tracking you. They know what you like to eat, drink and sleep on. They keep a list of your favorites. They track all you do and when you will need something. How do I know? Have you ever gone shopping for your food and bought a multi-vitamin with 100 pills in it? Then in about 80 to 90 days latter received a coupon for a multi-vitamin? They track what you buy then send you a coupon for it when you are about to run out. Then you will come back into their store to buy it. That can form a habit of shopping there. All this is not that bad, they are watching over you, helping you and saving you money. Did you check to see if the coupon was for a more expensive item? A brand name vitamin? They are slick and know how to separate you from your money.

The people watching your every move, who know what you buy, what you eat, your choice of entertainment, your shoe size and when your car needs its oil changed is not the government. It is Corporate America. So when the government has a reason to look closely at you they do not expend their resources.  They simply call your credit card company, your phone company, check your Facebook,  your bank and local supermarket. They have so much information about what you have been up to.

Get use to the idea you are being watched and so is every one else. Try to keep it interesting the government is getting bored.

Keep up on your Garden.

Are you thinking it's a bit late to plant a garden?

You still have a lot of time. Hear in Utah I still have more than 120 days of growing before the first freeze.

Just get out and plant some seeds!

Now is the time to start some of your warm weather crops. Planting seeds for corn, squash and beans peppers, egg plant, carrots, beats, turnips, or any other root crop and anything else that needs warm weather. There is still lots of time for for planting.

It is exciting to try a few new crops each year. A lot of seeds are going on sale now so pick up something new and see how it produces and what it tastes like.

There is a lot of security in knowing where your food comes from and knowing how to grow it yourself.

Where are you bugging out to?

I have looked around, spoke with other preppers and listened to a lot of plans about the bug out. That fateful day when something happens, the sky falls, and Armageddon comes over the horizon. You grab your gear and head out.

WHERE ARE YOU GOING.

Your plan must include a place to go. If you are just leaving town you will end up with everyone else who is just leaving town. IN A GOVERNMENT RELOCATION CAMP! They will take your guns, your supplies and your independence. There you will live under marshal law. They will keep you safe.....well keep you anyway.

It is much wiser to have places you can go. It is better yet to have some good trustworthy people you can go to. It is best if you can find more than one place to go. It is a good bet that you will not be able to go everywhere you want to.

When you look for a place to bug out to, consider where your friends and family live and people who belief like you do. Are any of your people within one tank of gas from your start point? Is where they are better than where you are. Consider that your home may be their bug out place.

Evaluate the travel rout to each potential refuge. Will you be able to get there if there is troubles.
1. Population between here and there. The more people in between you and your goal the less likely you will reach it.
2. Distance to destination. The longer you have to travel your chance of reaching your destination decreases.
3. Are your people already there? An empty place is up for grabs for the first person to arrive and take the high ground. Even if you own it. If there is no law your place may be their place.
4. Open land, that secluded place in the woods? Who else will be competing for this spot. I know a place about 50 miles from my home that at least two well armed groups plan to bug out to. I will not be there.
5. Leave early. The road will be quickly blocked.
5. Have a rout B, C, and D. and a place B, C, D.

 I have a planed place to evacuate to in each direction. Some sites for bugging out to are better equipped than others. Some have better people than others. I belief that if you go to a place you have people you can trust with equipment and supplies, you have a higher potential to survive trouble.You will want to have a place that is defensible, has water and can resupply or self supply. AND one that no one uninvited will be there already as an unwelcoming committee.

Remember the place you live may be the best place. Only leave if you have to.

Be sure you have a plan.

Thinking about bugging in? Sheltering in place.

Some times the emergency you have prepared for is not some thing you can run from. Some times the best plan is to shelter in place.

This past week at the Boston marathon there were 2 bombings.  Three people died and many more were seriously injured.

As the identity of the bombers was made known a man hunt began. During the efforts to find the bombers the people of Boston were advised to shelter in place. It was said to be for their safety. With two men driving around Bean Town tossing grenades at police I can see the point of taking cover and sheltering in place.

There are many more reasons to shelter in place. Radioactive fall out, severe weather, social unrest, an epidemic or chemical contamination. Also if you were unable to evacuate for what ever reason you may be forced to shelter in place.

Having your 72 hour kit is a good start for sheltering in place. It can meet your basic needs for the short term.

Unfortunately it may take a lot longer than 72 hours to get help.  People who were hit by recent hurricanes found that it may be several days or even weeks before there is any sign of help.

It is a cold hard fact that if there is an event near you there is not going to be enough emergency personnel to meet the needs of the disaster.

So get more supplies for your home. If you have been living providently you will already have a supply of food that can last several weeks, months or even years. If you do not have a food supply for your home you should start one. You can start by picking up a few extra food items every time you shop or you can go out and buy a lot of supplies at one time if you have the money to do so.

If you have room store at least 50 gallons of water for each person in your home. If you are short of space make sure your water supply is your first priority.

Other things you will want for your home.

Large rolls of heavy plastic black and clear. This can be used to cover broken windows or create a waterproof shelter.
Some tarps, the blue kind you find at the home center. They can be placed on the roof if shingles are lost.
Large trash bags. There will be a lot of trash you may not be able to take out side.
Be sure you have plenty of toilet paper and paper towels.
A tent for shelter if your home is damaged.
Heat source.

Have some hand tools you know how to use. The claw hammer is a wonderful tool. it can be used to build, tear apart and dig. An axe, saw, shovel, nails, screws, screw driver crow bar, chain saw, duct tape, staple gun, generator, gasoline and good quality knife are very helpful in an emergency.

Next it is good to plan for what could happen.

Know what your most dangerous threat is, When it last happened and how ofter it has happened? Earthquake, hurricanes, floods and active volcano's represent natural disasters.

Industrial accidents, dirty bombs, biological attacks and other terrorist activities can also create a need to shelter in place.

Plan your supplies for what your disaster is most likely to be.

You may need to shelter in place for several hours to weeks. Having food, water, shelter and heat will make it a lot easier.

Thinking of Bugging Out?

For years I have been teaching people about their 72 hour kit. This is most often referred to as a bug out bag. The plan is to have a 72 hour supply to make do with until you can reach a safe place or until help arrives.

I have re worked my kit several times. The best way to know what you need is to use it. This means a camping trip and only use your bug out bag. If you are not into camping see how long you can live in your home with only your supplies. That means living out of your kit.

Quick review of basic kit.

Number one item for a kit is 3 gallons of water for each person in your home.
Second have 3 days of food that can be eaten without any extra preparation. Like canned food or MREs
Third any medications you need.

After these three things you will need to determine what works for you.  Shelter, bedding, tools.

Bugging out?

If things at your location are too dangerous to stay the plan must be to bug out. This would be any emergency that had an ordered evacuation or social situation that makes where you live unsafe. If there is a chance you will need to leave. Be sure you are one of the first ones on the road out. To be one of the first out you need to be ready. Always leave at the first suggested evacuation.

Have your car kit up to date. You should check your kit every month or so to be sure it is still intact. If you are at home grab your bug out kit and add it to your car kit. If your at work grab your work kit. Have a plan of what you will be taking. Water, food, shelter, important papers and money. Be able to bug out in less than 15 min.

Have a place to go. If possible have more than one place you can evacuate to. Going to the community shelter is not the most pleasant place to end up. Plan the routs you will leave on. Try to have a safe place to evacuate to that is less than one gas fill up for your vehicle from your home. If it is a large evacuation for a hurricane, radiation exposure or other regional disaster, a lot of people will be trying to leave. Some routs may be blocked so also have a plan b, plan c, d, etc.

Some things that will slow you down as you bug out.

Need gas? You must have gas in the car. You do not want to have to wait in line to buy gas. Keep your gas tank more than 1/2 full. If you have a safe place to store gasoline store several gallons so you can fill your tank quickly without going to a retail outlet. You may want to have a few cans of gas that you can take along so you can make it if you are caught in traffic.

Waiting for family. It is important that your family have a plan of what to do if every one is not together. Most of the time your family will not all be together. Each parent may be at work, children in different schools. Grandparents at their homes. The longer you wait the less chance you have to get out.  Plan a rendezvous point for the members of your family who can drive. Use an out of state contact to keep track of the exit plans and routs your family is taking. Make assignments of who will pick up which family members who do not drive. This will speed things up if everyone knows what is expected of them. You need to accept that all your family may not be able to evacuate together. If you have to wait for every one to be together at home the chance of you leaving early will be greatly diminished. It is better to have some leave early than for no one to leave.

Have everything you plan to take packed and ready to go. If you need to gather things up from around the house you will leave late. All your bug out equipment should be together. Have copies of important documents and a cash stash as part of your equipment. Keep the bug out equipment in the front of the place you store them. If you have to dig them out from the back of the garage you are loosing valuable time.

Once on the road, keep ahead of the crowd. Keep an eye on the gas gage. Watch for a gas station near the exit. If you need to stop for  gas, try to get it quickly. If you see a long line of cars waiting and still can keep going to the next exit, keep going. Do not get into line to buy things unless you absolutely have to.

Because you are on the road quickly you will be ahead of the rest of the people. This means you will have the best chance to maintain a good speed, buy gas, food and water along your evacuation rout. You will also have first pick of lodging when you reach your destination.