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, October 19, 2017

Random Tidbits

First off, I just want to say that I don't write my blog to brag, boast, nor compete with any person.  I simply share my experiences we go through in maintaining a self-sufficient life, processed food free, healthy, using natural remedies, and sometimes funny homesteading life.  I consider myself unique, one-of-a-kind, and love to learn from others. I am inspired by others, and I hope I myself, create inspiration to others.  


This morning's sunrise.  Another beautiful start to my day.

The weather is cold.  Brr.  Not cold enough to turn on the heat, burn wood or get out the carhartts, but it's cold.  

Garden work resumed, but with less hours, and no digging.  Hubby promised he'd help after work a few nights to ease the strain on my back.  He is always so tired when he gets home. I am trying to get it pulled for a few hours every day this week.



Meatballs were restocked.  They'll last a lot longer now that we are down to 3 meat eating folks living here.   I now have 72 meatballs for future meals.   I just need to be reminded to do this when my freezer isn't so full (ha ha ha!). Whew!  Getting things done this week is reminding to slow down in the afternoons.



Sauerkraut was started. Hubby and I eat this more than the kids, but I'm putting more effort on getting fermented foods in my body.  First thing he said yesterday was, "how long until it's done?"



. . . the start of a nettle tea infusion.  I haven't made one in a few weeks.  I drink this as an iced tea, so I can still enjoy a hot cup of whatever tea I like in the afternoon.


I enjoyed a late, but cool, afternoon tea on the porch.  Ginger-mullein was my choice.  I had a sore throat (slight), runny nose, and I coughed a few times.  Hm. Gotta nip this "bug" in the bum and shoo it away.

Last night we encountered sickness with one kiddo.  She is still not feeling well today. I'm using my thieves oil spray to keep the germs away, and praying she recovers quickly.

My treadmill has died.  Literally.  The parts to repair it will cost more than to buy a new one and we can't afford a new one.  I am looking at used ones, but for now it will be early mornings at the gym I think.  So sad and frustrated about this, but things like this don't last forever, and I have put many miles on it.  This morning I am really missing my workout.  I will have to convince Hubby to join me, or I may be driving to the gym myself.  It's just that we'll have to get up much earlier to do this now.

 

13 comments:

Susan said...

Keep your eye on craigslist - and if you have freecycle in your area, there are often free treadmills offered. It is more convenient to have a way of exercising without leaving the house and schlepping to the gym. Sounds like you are really getting ready for winter! (P.S. You are MY inspiration!)

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Aw, shucks, thanks Susan. I get a lot of my inspiration from you too! Funny you mentioned craigslist. I checked it today and found two possibilities. I will have to look on freecycle next. That would be awesome if I could find one in good condition.

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

What is that contraption you are using for the sauerkraut? I love sauerkraut!
I think you need to knock a few things off your list....you have way too high expectations of yourself and I can see why you get sick. You may need to turn on the heat too....it seems like you are all getting sick again. I think you get enough exercise with all the work you do but pushing yourself to go to the gym and getting up earlier than you already do is asking for it, IMHO. You need to learn how to relax...get your garden in and then when that's done you can go to the gym....I don't want to see you getting sick again....you're wasting all that healthy other stuff you do! LOL!

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Sam I Am, thank you for the vote to take a day off. The jar is from Gardener's supply, a small batch fermenter kit. You can go here to buy one: https://www.gardeners.com/buy/small-batch-fermentation-kit/8589398.html#q=fermenter&simplesearch=submit&start=2

Saundra said...

Kristina, I was surprised by your opening sentence. I guess someone is either stupid or jealous to think you're bragging. I figure you are a high energy lady who cares about her family and her environment. Keep it up--I love your blog. But take care of yourself so you don't keep getting sick. Sandy

mamasmercantile said...

The meatballs look good but the freezers are full as is the pantry, all ready for the Winter months.

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Right on Saundra, I do keep the blog real. The good, the bad, the ugly and the fun. I am taking all of our advice today. Thank you!

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

mamasmercantile, they are very good and made with oats vs. bread crumbs. I think the recipe is somewhere on my blog too. They are frozen on trays then put into containers or bags and back to the freezer. I had a horrible time finding space to just put the trays to pre-freeze, ha ha!

Mama Pea said...

I have never, ever, once read anything on your blog that sounded the least bit like bragging! You're always an inspiration to me to keep making the extra effort that good homemaking requires . . . in all respects.

I know what you mean when at this time of year it's hard to find room in a freezer to set a tray of goodies. A couple of times I've been unable to shut the lid and smooshed what was on the trays!

Susan had such a good idea about finding a free treadmill or one inexpensively. I sure wouldn't want to go to the gym every morning. And having to get up extra early to do so? No thanks!

I don't think I'm going to make any sauerkraut this year. Hopefully, the jars of kimchi I have squirreled away will last and give us our probiotics well into winter. And if we run out, I'll just make more.

P.S. I may try to sneak into your freezer and steal some of those meat balls. Just sayin'.

Yarrow said...

I love your blog and it does inspire me towards my end goal (whatever that is, it changes a lot). I may try the pumpkin pasta, it sounds delicious :D

Yarrow said...

I've nominated your blog to share and pass it on. It's just a fun way to meet new bloggers and is totally optional. Details on my blog.x

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Thanks Yarrow, I'll hop on over and check it out. The pasta was very good reheated too.

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Mama Pea, I have yet to even make kimchi. I need to as well. Thanks.