Preparedness for when

nuatha

GreyQueen wrote: »

I think the useful life on whole peppercorns is numbered in years, possibly even more than a decade. Imagine how happy you'd be to have a peppercorn stash if there was no more to be had.

I have a modest cache (half a jamjar), kept in a dark cupboard. Will need something to liven up the post-Apocalyptic gruel.

You can also pickle the fruits of nasturtium as if they were capers. Have no urge to try this IRL, just supplying it as a random fact-ette in case someone wants to give it a go.

I discovered half a kilo of black peppercorns that are 10+ years old, still in perfect condition and full of flavour. They have been stored in an old glass sweet jar with a bakelite screw top lid. (For some reason packed with some candle making kit before the last house move, just needed the moulds from that box last week.)

Nasturtium capers are worth trying, I prefer them to the real thing particularly in tartare sauce.
http://www.plantea.com/nasturtium.htm gives a method that works.

the_cake wrote: »

Ageing ... most days I don't mind! Our current litigation is speeding up the process, though, and the amount of time I have had to spend on the laptop recently is not doing the rest of me any good at all. This afternoon I popped out to spread some yummy well rotted horse manure over the veg. beds, and my back really aches now ... BUT ever since OH's brother died of cancer at the horribly young age of 38, I am so grateful still to be here, in this lovely world. His death really made me re-evaluate everything, and every day that I am alive and well I am really happy. (Sorry to sound so corny!)

Good luck with the litigation, I trust it proves worthwhile.
Aging, I've never cared that much for appearences, though I occasionally scrub up and become even less trustworthy, though suits are a rare thing these days.

I've had several near misses, and lost a number of friends far too early. My aim is to enjoy life as it happens and generally choose to do the things that are important to me rather than the things that duty suggests are important.

Karmacat wrote: »

I've *only* seen the tv series ... I really, really liked it, it was just my kind of witty and funny combined, dark/good guy, etc etc. GQ, I heard that fans of the books, who'd already *read* the books, mostly hated it, sorry there were only 13 episodes made. Still, its got a 7.7/10 on imdb ...

I know its a tangent ... but he's keeping the world safe from the apocalypse!

I enjoyed the series. Its different, but it needs to be, its a very different medium. I love the books, they have even more of the dark humour and wit that made the TV series work. His Codex Alera series are straight fantasy.

Part of my preps is a solar charger for the ebook reader and a decent supply of paper books - that way lies sanity. Recommendations for additions to the library are always welcome.

Karmacat

Hi nuatha, thats good news that you liked the novels *and* the TV series. Thanks for the link on nasturtiums ... I do think home grown seasonings are really important, even today - they're really expensive per 100g.

marmiterulesok

Oh boy,I've been absent for a few days,and have 15 pages to catch up on!

Softstuff

Peppercorns seem to be something I can get through in no time at all. A reasonable sized pack lasts me barely a couple of months, I'm guessing it's down to a particular curry recipe and not that my husband is sneaking them as a snack.

Spices in general for me have a far longer expiration than is listed. I can't remember who I read it from (some curry chef or other) but they said that they just get weaker in flavour, so you use a bit more. Bit of a !!!!!! buying an entire pack of "star anise" for one recipe, if you couldn't use it for the forthcoming decade :rotfl:

Apparently roasting the spices whole before grinding makes a great deal of difference. I say apparently because I just can't be bothered

[Deleted User]

Hello SOFTSTUFF lovely to see you posting again, how's life down under? Hope your health is improved andf that you're both well and happy, welcome back, Lyn xxx.

Softstuff

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

Hello SOFTSTUFF lovely to see you posting again, how's life down under? Hope your health is improved andf that you're both well and happy, welcome back, Lyn xxx.

Hello Lyn, how's Docky?
It sometimes takes me a bit to see it (with unemployment, health and whatnot), but life here really is blessed still. We're very lucky. My health is pretty good all round (change in meds, great physio) thanks for asking, though I'm off to hospital next week (bit of a celebration really, finally getting sterilised!). Frankly as preparedness goes, permanent contraception comes incredibly high on my list!
Thanks for the welcome
xx

[Deleted User]

As mad as ever and he doesn't know he's 10 and a half!!! He's developed a tumor on the nerve sheath around the facial nerves on his snout but although it's getting bigger the medication is keeping him very comfortable and it's very slow growing and the vet says will not spread. He's pretty good for all that but still doesn't like fireworks. Good luck in your hospital stay, sensible choice as it takes away all the what ifs doesn't it? Stay in touch, Lyn xxx.

Softstuff

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

As mad as ever and he doesn't know he's 10 and a half!!! He's developed a tumor on the nerve sheath around the facial nerves on his snout but although it's getting bigger the medication is keeping him very comfortable and it's very slow growing and the vet says will not spread. He's pretty good for all that but still doesn't like fireworks. Good luck in your hospital stay, sensible choice as it takes away all the what ifs doesn't it? Stay in touch, Lyn xxx.

Aww poor fella, sounds a bit like what my husband had removed from his chest.... a schwannoma? Fireworks night is easier in Australia, not legal to buy by the general public, so much less around.

[Deleted User]

She didn't give it a specific name, just said it wouldn't give him any problems other than getting bigger and coming into his line of sight. She said at his age something else would come along and take him out. I'll enjoy being with him while we can, he's a nutter, but he's MY nutter and I luvz him!!!

Softstuff

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

I'll enjoy being with him while we can, he's a nutter, but he's MY nutter and I luvz him!!!

Another similarity with my husband :rotfl: