Pioneer Woman at Heart

One Flourishing, Frugal and Fun Family!

One family learning to live off the land, cut back on expenses, and to live a simpler and a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Adopted Motto

"Eat it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or go without."
~A Pioneer Sampler, by Barbara Greenwood~

Friday, June 26, 2015

Apron Kind of Day


I've been having what I call "apron days" here lately.  Starting my day in the "garden" apron, then the "canning" apron, then my "housework" apron, and ending it in my "cooking" apron. 

Today's my day starts with draining more cheese.  Mmm!  Tonight we'll enjoy some with either hot pepper jelly, or port wine jelly, on crackers.
 

What we will get more of:


First batch of this year's reduced sugar wild black raspberry jam is made.  



What we need more of:

Used our last jar of home canned tomato sauce.  I'm pleased that we made it to June with last year's harvest.




What we need less of:

Rain.  I'm trying my hardest not to borrow worry from tomorrow. 



Last night's dinner - pasta with home canned tomato sauce and garden kale, garden peas with garlic, onion and lots of garden herbs (rosemary, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, etc), and home canned spiced beets.


 My wonderful Uncle gave me these dishes and they get used all the time here.  I now use two at a time to make dinner - one for the vegetarian dish and one with meat.  I just love them.  No foil to recycle too. and I can put the dish in the fridge with leftovers.  No extra containers needed.  

My flower beds are happy now, and the rain is welcomed by them.  I'm so glad we got them mulched, so I can focus on the herb garden and the vegetable garden now.

I had a long and prosperous day, despite rain.  I tackled some indoor deep cleaning, and have more on the list, saved for rainy days.  I started more Christmas handiwork too.

A funny to share.  I sent the younger two up to clean their room, after having seen it.  My 18 year-old was already cleaning her room.  She came downstairs laughing and swinging her head side to side.  I grabbed my camera (tee hee) and slowly crept up the stairs.  The girls were supposed to be cleaning, but what I captured on film?  Ha ha ha!  They will ever be reminded what not to do while cleaning.  I caught one in a bathing suit, and they were dancing to music.  I filmed until they saw me, but I'm pretty sure they'll focus on the job next time.  Then again, they are kids. 

12 comments:

Mama Pea said...

Oh, my gosh! Your wild berry jam looks wonderful! If only I could grow enough ripe tomatoes to have a supply that would last me until June! Not until we get a hoop house, that's for sure. Back in Illinois (where the summers were hot, hot, hot) I made the bulk of my tomatoes into stewed tomatoes because I use so many of those in soups/stews/spaghetti sauces I make. Someday . . .

I've been getting a little more done inside, too, because of our rain. Although they're again forecasting chance of thunderstorms today, it's gorgeous right now. Just came in from thinning my pickling cukes.

Sandra said...

Ooohhh all those yummy jams and canning. After finding the pear tree, I'm sure I'll be canning lots of that too.

I love all your aprons, I have a few too and always put one one before doing housework, I don't know why but it just sets the mood for me and it means business.

So funny about your kids, mine always get distracted when it comes to their rooms too.

Have a great Friday :)

Susan said...

I love how you have your aprons hung! Mine are sort of draped everywhere. I think that aprons are the handiest piece of clothing ever invented. We are having a very wet start to the summer, too. Cool as well. I don't like to complain, given the drought in other parts of the country, but, well, it could let up for a while.

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Mama Pea, I picked more berries today, so I may just get 4 more jars this season. The birds are starting to get at them.

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Sandra, my kids can be so entertaining some days, ha ha!

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Thanks Susan, I have aprons on those hooks for all the girls too, and one for Hubby when he is grilling. We have a dry day today, but rain (sigh) is coming again tonight.

Anonymous said...

Hi Susan,
Love all the jams & canning.
My husband & I have a small little farm, we grow our own berries & veggies to can. I love following your blog... Thank you!

Come check out my website, I make the old style aprons,

http://home.earthlink.net/~daveandgrace/gifts/

Thank you, Grace

RB said...

We're getting lots of rain now, but I do remember saying God could keep the lightning and hail. LOL
His will will be done. Praise and Thank God!!!

God bless.

RB
<><

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Country Grace, some of my aprons hanging on those hooks were made by you. It's one of my favorite patterns, Thanks, Kristina

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

RB, well we didn't get lightning or thunder all day yesterday, but we got a ton of rain.

Anonymous said...

Hi Kristina,
Love all the jams & canning.
My husband & I have a small little farm, we grow our own berries & veggies to can. I love following your blog... Thank you!

Come check out my website, I make the old style aprons,

http://davengracegifts.wix.com/heritage-aprons

Thank you, Grace

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Thanks Grace, I'll pop on over and take a look-see.