Farmington West Provident Living

It is still Winter, January... Cold, windy and frozen... who is thinking about a GARDEN??? Yes, seriously, believe it or not, it is a great time to BEGIN your garden.  Remember, a garden can be a plot of land or a few pots on the patio.  One year, for me, it was ONE small pot of Basil in my kitchen window.   Now is a great time to do some research and planning.  If you are a yearly gardener, plan this years layout and prepare to plant starts indoors.  If you want to start your first garden adventure, plan, research and start gathering supplies now!  Spring will be here before we know it! Here  are some links to great gardening tips. Check out the GARDENING 101 and   Month by Month  link from USU to learn what you could be doing to prepare for your garden now.

 Whether you have already started, just beginning or on your way to Pro, there are always things to change-up, improve, re-new or rotate.   We all have something, even if only a wish and an idea.  This month we want to focus on the beginning.  BEGINNING to collect food storage items, BEGINNING to gather emergency supplies, BEGINNING to rotate and replace items previously stored. BEGIN to set goals toward living providently.  HERE is some helpful information to help you understand more of what living providently means. On this Stake Provident Living Blog there is a "shopping list" over there on the right side... see it?  Each month we will update the suggestions there in an effort to help you build your supplies a little bit at a time. Each week, try and add the suggested item to your shopping list.  If you already have that item in your storage, check the expiration date and rotate the newer one in, moving the older to your regular pantry for soo...

 From simple to extreme, the gift of preparedness is multi-fold.  Giving physical items to family members and/or friends not only helps them on their journey to provident living, but also gives them the feeling of being loved and cared about.   Grown children come to realize the importance of being prepared as they move out and start their own households.  Young children always love a flashlight or a small battery powered lantern.  Having the knowledge you have even a small collection of preparedness items tucked away can bring great peace to ones self being.   Consider giving such items to those you love (including YOURSELF!)  Have a great Christmas week and a Joyous new year!   We are excited for renewed goals and plans to help you in your endeavors of living providently.  Watch for your monthly newsletters and let's make 2021 a fabulously PROVIDENT year!

 Cold weather is well upon us.  We know from history that the snow is coming and also the inevitable East canyon winds that find us several times a year.  Hopefully we have all prepared for the upcoming elements and have learned from past experience.  However if not, or you are new to the area, there are a few things to keep in mind. Check your windows and door seals for a tight fit to avoid drafts and whistles, especially during strong winds. Secure outdoor items that could become airborne in strong winds.  If you have pipes that run through outdoor walls, consider leaving taps on a slow drip overnight when temperatures drop well below freezing. Make sure you have heat sources in your emergency preparedness supplies.  Heaters (electric and/or alternate fuel), Hand warmers, blankets etc.  Further information on Heat Sources can be found HERE . If you do not already have a generator , consider purchasing one for your essential emergency supplies, you m...

 

 Christmas time can be so wonderful and hectic and exhausting and overwhelming.  Try and take some time this week to organize and plan out the remaining tasks that you want to accomplish before Christmas. Work toward completing those items early so that you will have time and energy to create memories with your family and focus on our Savior Jesus Christ and all the wonderful blessings that we have as we celebrate his birth and life. I received this reminder this morning... thought I would share it with you.

 Do you have family pets?  Plan ahead and have some extra food, water,  medication and supplies stored that your pet may need in the event of a time that you are not able to go to the store or need to evacuate your home for a time.  Think about travel food bowls, bedding, sanitation, transportation etc. in addition to just food.

This week, our suggestion is to compile a medication kit including 7 days worth of daily prescription medications as well as a smaller container of over the counter medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen).  Fill your medications on the first day possible to get a little bit ahead and put the extras in your medication kit. If your family includes children, don't forget to include medications appropriate for their age.   Other over the counter items such as antacids, cough drops, anti-diarrheal, laxative, allergy medication and ointments etc. should also be included. (If not already in your first aid kit, or keep in BOTH!) Look for trial sizes or create small containers from your regular use size bottles. Be sure to clearly label containers with the drug name and dosage instructions.  Print out and fill in one of these Personal Medical Card s for each family member. Include these cards in your medication kit along with a copy of your medical in...