sparky's Page

sparky replied to Melanie Baltzer's discussion 'Rum Pot/Rumtopf' in the group Food Preservation

"I think my mom used to do this with raisins. LOL, she said it was good for her arthritis. Suuuure mom!"

Jul 6, 2011

sparky commented on Torry's group 'Food Preservation'

"Lynda, I can imagine. I would love to get my hands on some "bonzo" beans and cranberry beans. Let me know the price, and maybe we should see how many pounds will fit in a flat rate box. LOL, maybe that is the way to…"

Jun 22, 2011

sparky commented on Torry's group 'Food Preservation'

"Lynda, speaking of resurrecting the barter...lol. Wanna sell or trade some of those nice fresh beans????"

Jun 22, 2011

sparky replied to Pat Johnson's discussion 'Canning meats' in the group Food Preservation

"ZA, preparedness goes much further than disasters. Being able to feed and clothe your family through an extended illness, or long layoffs like the ones I have seen, is also preparedness. Being able to grow sustainable food supplies,…"

Jun 22, 2011

sparky replied to Pat Johnson's discussion 'Canning meats' in the group Food Preservation

"ZA, I agree with Pat. I do all I can do to be self-reliant, and practice sustainable measures. However, there has to be a balance. In 2008, I worked 5 months. In 2009, 13 weeks. In 2010, 4 months. I then took a…"

Jun 21, 2011

sparky replied to Pat Johnson's discussion 'Canning meats' in the group Food Preservation

"Pat is right. Every Thanksgiving I hit the local small supermarket, and get at least seven turkeys. Those will last for the year. :) I slow roast them to get that awesome broth, then can them up. Some jars mixed, some…"

Jun 21, 2011

sparky commented on jonmesser's group 'BREAD!'

"Steve, lol. Having made bread for years does not mean that every loaf was perfect. :) Also, although I am working to adapt my own favorites, I am always up for other people's tried-and-trues. Also, if anyone…"

Jun 20, 2011

sparky commented on jonmesser's group 'BREAD!'

"Happy to see this group. I have made bread for years, but recently got a Bosch. Now I am trying some things to find that perfect loaf. Anyone here have a favorite recipe?"

Jun 20, 2011

sparky replied to Cornelia's discussion 'Canning safely - how do you secure your jars in the pot?' in the group Food Preservation

"I see. I also love the All American. I had one given to me...put $60 new parts on it, and had a $300 canner. They are lifetime investments. I also am using an older Mirro right now, which I put a new weight and vent tube…"

Jun 19, 2011

sparky replied to Caroline Malcolm's discussion 'Chicken Coops' in the group Backyard Chickens

"Yolande, I have no idea what will keep a hungry bear out. I don't think I would try it right now. :( Where do you live? Predators here are coyotes, foxes, hawks, coons, and dogs. Maybe an occasional weasel or…"

Jun 19, 2011

sparky commented on Angie Thomas's album

Chickens! Hooray!

"Very nice coop! Look like some happy, spoiled chickens!"

Jun 19, 2011

sparky commented on Torry's group 'Food Preservation'

"Hello. I am somewhat new here, and yesterday I really enjoyed reading this whole comment thread from the back forward to see what everyone is up to. I am getting a feel for all of your personalities, and learned a few things, too. …"

Jun 19, 2011

sparky replied to HOMEGROWN.org's discussion 'How To Grow Collards'

"I have collard seed, and am thinking of doing some. I wondered how you cooked yours? Same as cabbage?"

Jun 18, 2011

sparky replied to Cornelia's discussion 'Canning safely - how do you secure your jars in the pot?' in the group Food Preservation

"I follow you. I just use the same process, removing and then dropping in the second batch. One of my fears was that I would lose control of the rack. Burns are not on my list of something I wanted to experience. My mom blew…"

Jun 18, 2011

sparky replied to Cornelia's discussion 'Canning safely - how do you secure your jars in the pot?' in the group Food Preservation

"LOL, Pat! You are thinking too hard. I usually have the water warming as I pack the jars, then set them in the water. When the canner is full, I bring them to a boil together, and time them. As long as they all have the full…"

Jun 18, 2011

sparky joined johna's group