Stocking Up

Since my garden was nonexistent this year, I've been concentrating on stocking my pantry in other ways. A few extra things here and there can quickly add up to a good 3-4 months supply of foodstuff. Granted, this did not happen overnight, but only in the last few years have I realized the value of being prepared. When I had to make a last minute run to the store before a hurricane hit (unusual for our area), and found there were no batteries to be had in our main supply stores, did I realize we were caught scrambling like everyone else. I finally found some at a small gas/convenience store where they charged me 3 times the amount they normally sold for. Never again!

I wanted shelves that could withstand the heavy weight of canned goods.  The 1x8 boards and concrete blocks are wonderful.  It may be a bit over the top, but I don't have to worry about sagging boards giving way under all my hard work.
This year I was able to pick up quite a few canning jars.  Big Lots had a very good price, better than Family Dollar or Wal*Mart.  I definitely have enough jars now. Seasoned canners advised me to buy my lids early this year rather than waiting for our harvest season when they might be more difficult to find.  I also purchased some hard red winter wheat to add to my food storage.  It cost me almost $20 more this year than it did last.
And even though we're hearing a lot of hype about the H1N1 flu virus, one should be aware of the plans that are in place should it reach serious epidemic proportions.
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/index.html

Q:  Are you able to be on your own if you have to stay at home?