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~

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Gettin' Cold Again ~ Random Tidbits

I had the most amazing day on Tuesday.  I was able to spend several minutes on the front porch.   The weather was awesome.  I cleaned almost everything on Monday, so I felt much less guilty partaking in the porch on Tuesday.


I took out several books and decided on one that I purchased on a recent getaway by James Patterson.

I am also reading (or skimming) through library books.  Currently, I am skimming through one titled "Tonics"  but actually has meal recipes in it.  I can't say yet that I would buy it, but I'm finding a few I may want to try (ha!  Here I go again!).  I ordered this book from the library because I thought it would have tea recipes.


My journal edition NIV bible arrived, and so did my pens.  It felt great to sit and have gal time with God, and draw myself pep talks and reminders.  It was a fun time on the porch.  Of course it was in between puppy naps, laundry and bathroom cleaning.  

I made another batch of the herb and cheese bread to go with soup.  It's so easy to mix up and bake.   What I really should be doing is baking tortillas and other breads to freeze.  However, with my large family, it's difficult to freeze bread and keep up on it.  It's gone so quickly.

Wednesday, it was cloudy all day, and a bit chilly now and then.  I actually made my way over to the first flower bed to get cleaned up for summer.  It's a small start, but a start.  It felt awesome.  

Today I am thankful that my older brother and his wife gifted our 19 year-old a AAA membership last Christmas.  She got a flat tire up at college, and she hasn't been taught to change one (yet).  They came right out and helped her out.  However, it wasn't her tire.  The rim was cracked, and pretty good too.  She must have hit a pot hole or something that did it it. With her membership, they put her donut on and she made it home.  As of today (Thursday), we have yet to find a rim for her car.

I had to laugh yesterday.  I think our 19 year-old is one of many few kids who would rather be shopping at the "goat store" versus the candy store. She was bee-bopping around, cleaning the goat stalls, repairing the gate latch, washing out cat carrier totes, cleaning the "goat tote" and getting feed bowls and water buckets out.  More on that later.

My my new hens are growing so quickly too. I'll try to get an updated photo.  Their tail feathers are growing out, and they are looking pretty dapper.




  

11 comments:

Mama Pea said...

Even your "quiet" days are full! Or at least the days around them are . . . but with an active family as you have, I'm betting there is always something going on.

We've had some sunshine on and off lately which would make it possible to put a chair out on our south-facing deck and be comfortable. But somehow looking out upon all the snow still in the yard keeps me from doing that! ;o]

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Mama Pea, you are right. We typically have "something" going on around here. If the rain stops, I may venture out to a flower bed. Only two small ones look full of grass. No snow here, but we'll have a freeze before or by May I bet. I need to get the pea fence moved and ready for planting. We could be planting now, but it's too wet yet.

Susan said...

My next (and last) house will definitely have a porch. I love them. A deck is just not the same. I am getting excited for you on the goat front! I have AAA and wouldn't drive without it. Although I do know how to change a flat tire, most of my flat tires are on busy roads - I gladly hand off that job to a professional. Hope you can find a replacement rim at a reasonable price!

Sam I Am...... said...

I've never read James Patterson but I know he's pretty popular. It stormed last night and now it's cold and cloudy with a frost for tonight. i did get out and do some weeding and mulching the other day and some seeds I planted are coming up but that's about all. The grass needs mowing!

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Susan, Hubby has contemplated closing in our front or back porch, but I'd rather screen in the back. So far Hubby hasn't even had time to find a rim, but hopefully today. Thanks.

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Sam I Am, it stormed overnight here too. Looks cloudy today, but the rain has stopped.

RB said...

I have some kind of a cold or virus. My throat is so scratchy I sound just like Joan Rivers, well at least in my head I do. LOL Still, cat blankets need washed, feed and water bowls need filled, and my pet sitting customer's dog needs walked.
Brother Tom brought home a 1/2 case of mushrooms that they were getting ready to toss out at the store due to overstocking, so I got those all cleaned and ready to dry in the oven. I also made a luscious Mushroom Cream with the stems, to serve on toasted French or Italian bread. It's yummy.
You start with a tablespoon of butter and a chopped leek. Sautee until the leaks begin to turn golden. Then add the chopped mushroom stems (or mushrooms), salt and pepper, and sautee until most of the mushroom liquid is gone. Then add a tablespoon of all purpose flour, stir in and sautee for at least 2-5 minutes. Then add about a half cup of cream (1/2&1/2 is ok) and stir until thickened. Taste and correct seasoning. Serve warm over toast, pasta, polenta or grits. Optional: You can also add a bit of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, but it really doesn't need it. Yum!!!
Prayers everyone has a safe happy weekend.
God bless.
RB
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Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

RB, that sounds wonderful. I got to taste my first grits when Hubby took me to KY. I bet that would be great on polenta.

RB said...

I was born in NW PA. Moved down south after leaving the military in 1972. I quickly came to love grits. They're a very economical potato substitute and are wonderful with cheddar in them.
When my ex-Grandfather-in-law found out we didn't eat grits up north, he said, "Wa'll how d'ya'll keep yer aigs on yer fork?"
I still laugh at that memory.
God bless.
RB
<><

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

RB, thanks for that funny story. I think Hubby and I were the only ones that tried the grits at the B & B. The guy put chipotle in it.

RB said...

I don't think I'd care for it with chipotle. Grits are a neutral carb, taking on the flavor of whatever is added to them or served over them.
Give me good old butter, salt and pepper. LOL
God bless.
RB
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