Christmas Mice part 1

Every year the our Stake* holds a special Christmas Dinner and program for our Adult Singles. Last year our responsibility in this event was to decorate, prepare entertainment and a special take home favour. This year we are in charge of the dinner and favours. As part of the favour I suggested something I make every year for my Father- in- Law... Christmas Mice!
This is your ingredient plate: Hershey Kisses, unwrapped, slivered almonds or halved peanuts, Maraschino cherries with the stems- patted as dry as possible, semi-sweet chocolate chips, tiny white nonpareils. You will also need a glass microwave dish, spoon, toothpick, and parchment paper.
Gently squish the fruit so that the liquid is released and pat the cherry dry, set aside on a towel while you melt the chocolate chips. Put a small bag of chips in a glass bowl and microwave on medium for 25 second intervals, stirring in between to smooth, being careful to not burn or scorch the chocolate.
Grab the cherry stem and dip the fruit into the melted chocolate to cover. Make sure the entire fruit is covered and the tiniest bit of the stem at the base.
Set the dipped cherry on it's side on top of parchment paper, making sure the stem is as parallel to the table as possible. This is the mouse "tail", and the cherry the mouse body.
(part 2 is in the next post. this page may be on the next page in the blog)

part 2

While the chocolate is still wet, add the flat side of the kiss to the cherry and make a mouse "head".
Slip two slivered almonds into the wet chocolate between the kiss and the cherry making mouse "ears". You can also use a peanut half. If you choose to use peanuts, place the peanut with the flat side towards the front of the mouse, rounded part to the back.
Using a toothpick add two tiny drops of wet chocolate to the kiss where you want "eyes".
Add the white nonpareils to the wet chocolate drops and there you go! Isn't he cute? Allow them to set on the counter (during the late fall this is actually possible!) or slide them carefully into the fridge to set. Carefully peel them from the parchment paper and give them to the sweet people in your life!

*"Stake" In our church there are 9-12 or so congregations in a regional area, we call this region a "Stake" as in the "stake" that secured the temple tent to the ground in the Old Testament. Each congregation has approximately 600-900 people. We expect to serve approximately 180 single adults aged 32 +; the majority being in their late 60s and older.

Project Noah: A once a week, year plan for Food Storage

Someone in our ward (congregation) did a little 'on line' search and found "Project Noah", a year long plan designed to help families start a storage program and not become overwhelmed with it. This is supposed to be about $5.00 per week, very manageable, and fairly painless! I went to ASK and got this web page, I am assuming it is the same program our ward is participating in. Since its inception, the price of groceries has gone up considerable, so I am thinking this $5.00 per week may be higher now. However it will just keep getting higher and higher, so we might as well get started on the list as soon as possible. Some of the following material has been repeated in several places. Please excuse any foibles and understand this isn't a professional site, just folks helping folks.

Project Noah

Provident Living is another great resource to get free reliable information on self reliance and preparedness.

This is a year long food storage and emergency preparedness program. It is designed to help you set and obtain goals in the area of family preparedness and self reliance. This is a suggested food and emergency kit schedule for one year --- starting with basic supply then emergency and finally expanded basic food supply (as given in Essentials of Home Production and Storage). If you follow it you will have one month's supply for 1-2 people. If you do not like an item on the list feel free to substitute. You can double, triple, or half the purchases according to your families needs, and your finances. There is also a weekly to do list to remind you of things to check around your home. Approximate cost is $5.00 per week.

Week 1: At least 7 gallons of water. Hint: Water storage may be in plastic bottles, to which bleach may be added if the purity of the water is in question. (generally l/2 tsp per five gallons if water is clear or 1. tsp. per five gallons if water is cloudy.) In case of emergency, the water in water beds, water heaters, toilet tanks, and cisterns may be purified and used.

Week 2: 15 Pounds of good wheat. 'Hint: People who have small homes with limited storage space should prepare the best they can for emergencies. Basic food items often can be stored in rather limited space. Closets, attics, and space under beds can be used S'mee's suggestion: We used a large lawn and leaf trash can (new) that had wheels . After filling, turn the lid upside down and cover the lid with a very stiff piece of cardboard or thin wood cut to cover the shape of the lid. Cover that with a table clothe that goes to the floor. You can use this as a tall side table near the door.

It is wiser to have food storage sufficient for only a few weeks or months than to have no storage at all.

Week 3: 1 large box or ten envelopes of instant milk: Hint: Make sure you have, enough bedding to keep each person warm if there were no other heating supplies.

Week 4: 10 pounds Rice. Hint: Check that you have sufficient clothing (that fits) for one year (or fabric and necessities for sewing clothing).

Week 5: 4 pounds Sugar. Hint: S'mee's suggestion: It never hurt anyone to store their favorite goody. Battery operated video game, crossword puzzle, etc. Nice hard candy or m&ms, a good book, some colouring books and fresh crayons to keep little ones happy, you get the idea.

Week 6: 1 large jar of honey. Hint: Double check flashlight and battery supply.

Week 7: 8 ounces of Salt. Hint: Evaluate family preparedness, set goals for the coming year and seek to obtain them.

Week 8: One bottle of vegetable oil or one can of shortening. Hint: Double check emergency supplies for baby, are diapers and clothing going to fit? Formula? (even nursing moms should make sure there is formula available),

Week 9: 5 pounds legumes (beans & peas). Hint: Have backyard camp out to practice emergency skills. (good opportunity to check out warm bedding).

Week 10: Coal, wood, briquettes, propane, matches, candles for cooking and light. Hint: Make buddy burner. Cut strips of corrugated paper in 1 ½ in widths. Roll each strip tightly and fit in a tuna fish can. Pour melted paraffin wax in the can so that it soaks the paper and fills the remaining space. Each can will burn for 1 ½ to 2 hours!

Week 11: Dish Soap. Hint: Store extra prescription medication with the words "Emergency use only"

Week 12: 2 bars of body soap per person. Hint: If you have a fireplace double-check to make sure flue is clear and the fireplace is clean and can be used without danger. S'mee's suggestion: A fireplace is no use without fuel, store some wood.

Week 13: 1 gallon bleach. Hint: Learn how to "Protect your Home against Fire,".

Week 14: Bandages. Hint: Make sure you have emergency provisions for pets. Standard First Aid Supplies: adhesive tape, ammonia, antibiotic ointment, bicarbonate of soda, calamine lotion, diarrhea remedy, elastic bandages, gauze bandages, hot water bottle, hydrogen peroxide, ipecac syrup (induces vomiting), knife, matches, measuring cup, medicine dropper, needles, paper bags, razor blades, rubbing alcohol, safety pins, scissors, soap, thermometer, triangular bandages, tweezers, first aid book, prescription medications, consecrated oil. First aid kits and supplies should be checked and replenished regularly. All supplies should be labeled and organized for fast use.

Week 15: First aid cream and tape, cotton balls and ace bandage. Hint: An important emergency precaution is to have tetanus immunizations up to date - at least every 10 years.

Week 16: Year supply of garden seeds rich in Vitamin A&C appropriate for area (no hybrid). Hint: Every yard has space for a garden. Part of the lawn, play area, or flower garden may be converted to a garden. Vegetables may be grown in window boxes or pots. Plant the garden where it will receive at least 4 - 6 hours of direct sunshine each day. The soil should drain well, and an adequate source of water should be available.

Week 17: Hydrogen peroxide and alcohol. Hint: Learn First Aide and "Treating Bleeding".

Week 18: Obtain bag or duffel for 72 hour kit, Hint: Each family or individual should have portable container(s) with emergency supplies such as the following: water, food requiring no refrigeration or cooking (graham crackers, canned fruits, canned meats), medications and critical medical histories required by family members, change of clothing, including 2 pairs of stockings; sanitary supplies; first aid booklet and equipment; candles; matches; ax; shovel; can opener; and blanket. The container should be placed where it can be picked up at a moment's notice.

Week 19: Buy 3 cans tuna and 3 cans pork and beans for 72 hour kit. Hint: Put together a first aid kit for the car.

Week 20: 1 lb. Box of crackers sealed in plastic for 72 hour kit. Hint: Teach family how to treat shock victims.

Week 21: 1 lb. Dried fruit & beef jerky (apples, pineapple, apricots, bananas etc.) for 72 hour kit.

Hint: Try drying the fruit yourself and making jerky by slicing thin and placing-on low heated oven overnight.

Week 22: 48 oz., canned orange or tomato juice for 72 hour kit. Hint: Post emergency numbers at all phones in the house.

Week 23: 1 lb. Peanut butter for 72 hour kit. Hint: Try to cook for 3 days from your food storage. S'mee's suggestion: One way to insure you rotate you supply and keep it fresh is to make one day's meals each week from your storage.

Week 24: 1 gallon of water for 72 hour kit. Hint: Learn"Water Safety".

Week 25: ½ lb. Nonfat dry milk. Hint: Obtain container for first aid kit for 72 hour kit. S'mee's suggestion: Depending on how large your kit needs to be this can be as small as a #10 can or as large as a 33 gallon trash can with wheels. When we had all 5 kids at home we used the trashcan. We filled it, sealed it with the lid, then placed it near the garage door for easy removal if needed.

Week 26: Obtain change of clothing that fits for 72-hour kit. Hint: Decide how you will“Cope with Blackouts”. S'mee's suggestion: Get a sweat shirt and sweat pants for each member of the family along with socks, unders, etc. The extra layer will help.

Week 27: Buy peaches & berries from store or U-pick farms. Hint: Bottle (or learn to bottle) peaches and berries.

Week 28: Matches, candle, battery operated light for 72 hour kit. Hint: Store cash in $1 bills in various pockets in 72 hour kit for emergencies.

Week 29: Obtain blanket (wool is preferred) for 72 hour kit. Hint: Make sure you have emergency provisions and plans for pets.

Week 30: Buy corn or other vegetables at U-pick farm or store. Hint: Bottle or freeze veggies.

Week 31: Can opener, dishpan, dishes, utensils, ax, shovel, bucket, battery-powered radio, paper and pencil for 72 hour kit. Hint: Locate gas meter and water meter shut offs and attach a wrench near them. children who are old enough should be show how to turn the gas and water off. Along with an explanation of when and why we should have to do this. Review your family's “Earthquake Preparedness" plan. S'mee's suggestion: copy the instructions onto card stock and add them to your 72 hour kit, so that you have a review card, 'just in case'.

Week 32: Personal toiletries for 72 hour kit. (toothbrush, tooth paste, shampoo, washcloth, towel, brush, feminine hygiene) Hint: Copies of personal documents: scriptures, genealogy records, patriarchal blessing, passport, driver's license, social security card, immunizations & legal documents (wills, insurance policies, birth certificates, etc.) for 72 hour kit. S'mee's suggestion: copy these onto a c.d.

Week 33: Plastic knives, forks, spoons, cups for storage. Hint: Place first aid kits, personal items and medication in various places--car, home, shed, etc.

Week 34: 1 box baking soda and baking powder. Hint:"Mouth to Mouth Resuscitation & Treating Choking."

Week 35: 4 cans of cream of chicken soup, 4 cans of chicken noodle soup. Hint: Install or test your smoke detector.

Week 36: Buy chicken to bottle. Hint: Bottle or learn to bottle chicken or other foods in pressure cooker.

Week 37: 3 cans beef chunks, Hint: Have fire drill.

Week 38: 4 cans vegetable soup. Hint: Establish an out of state contact to call in case of emergency.

Week 39: 2lbs. Macaroni and 1 lb. Spaghetti. Hint: Place a pair of shoes under your bed so they are handy. Encourage children to store shoes under bed at night. You may want to have flashlights under children's beds also.

Week 40: 4 cans vegetables. Hint: Send copies of favorite photos to friends or family, out of state for safe keeping. S'mee's suggestion: Copy all important documents and photos onto c.d. and store in a easy to find container.

Week 41: Large box of instant mashed potatoes. Hint: Inventory all your sources of light - paper logs, hurricane lamps, candles etc. and make sure matches are nearby.

Week 42: 8 cans of canned fruit (peaches, pears, apples etc.) Hint: Store a roll of quarters and dimes for emergency calls.

Week 43: Aluminum foil, plastic garbage bags, ziploc bags. Hint: Go on a hunt as a family to find the closest pay phone, or make survival kit.

Week 44: 4 boxes macaroni & cheese. Hint: .Take a first aid or CPR course.

Week 45: Plant fruit trees and grapevines. Hint: Make a plan to check on a ward member or neighbor who may need help in an emergency.

Week 46: Buy large garbage can and make home compost pile. (check in community for other sources) Hint: Prepare to plant garden.

Week 47: 1 Large jar of jam or jelly, buy apples to bottle. Hint: Use apples to bottle, dehydrate, and make into sauce or butter.

Week 48: Buy pears from farm or store. Hint: Bottle pears.

Week 49: 7 gallons of water. Hint: Make inventory of all available water.

Week 50: 1 large container of syrup. Hint: Find out what the ward emergency plans are.

Week 51: Buy ingredients for families favorite recipes. Hint: Make a list of 14 recipes your family likes and acquire all the needed ingredients. Make copies of them and put them in storage sealed in ziploc bags.

Feel confident and START OVER AGAIN