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, December 31, 2020
Random Tidbits ~ Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Chit Chat with Coffee
There might be some peppermint schnapps in my coffee this morning. Today is the last day to clean out Dad's place.
I got the last of Christmas decorations put away, drained an infused oil, got most of the kitchen back in order (whew! thankful for that), got more wood split after Hubby got home from work, and other cleaning caught up with. I put a fresh vintage tablecloth on one table, but I'm still working on the other table.
I still haven't found a box of Christmas cards I lost. However, I found my husband's missing truck keys.
The sun was out most of the morning yesterday. I was also thankful for that. Snow was predicted, so was rain. Woke up to a level 1 emergency, so I'm praying roads are okay later when we need to be out.
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
Tuesday Tidbits
Breakfast yesterday ended up a tossing of whatever I had - onion, green pepper, broccoli, eggs, leftover sour cream, bacon and herbs. Dinner was crock pot ham and bean soup using the last of the leftover ham.
Monday was a total madness day of cleaning, tidying up, putting Christmas stuff away (which wasn't much this year), laundry and more. I took down my bathroom Christmas shower curtain, and put the bathroom Christmas tree away. Took down all the outside Christmas lights (first year to ever do this before Jan 1st).
Tidying up may take all week, but it's getting done.
After everything that has happened in 2020, I am pulling out my journals and getting back at it, and writing (fiction) again.
I have no resolutions for the new year, but I do have one goal - see Chris Stapleton in concert with my husband. It may be next fall, but it's a goal anyway. Doubtful our country will be back to that sort of normal, but I can at least hope.
Monday, December 28, 2020
Happy Homemaker Monday
Thursday, December 24, 2020
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Birthday ~ Dad's Place and other ramblings
Our youngest daughter turned 19 today.
Sad news. My cousin's husband with covid passed away.
I went to my Dad's place to help siblings clean it out. Oh my, so many memories. My 21 year-old was with me and later after we got home realized she had found his dog whistle. He used to put dog biscuits in the cuff of his pants when he would take walks or visit us with our furry friends, and often took the dog whistle with him.
He had a sleeping bag we used as kids, but looks like it's in great shape. I brought it home to wash and laughed at the tag...
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Cookies and random tidbits
I decided to bake my Mom's sour cream cookie recipe for Christmas. Although I am lacking my Christmas zippity do-dah, I got it done.
Youngest slept the entire day. I know she got much needed rest. She went to Urgent care but was sent back home. No meds, no real diagnosis, so it's Mom's remedies for now. They also did a rapid virus test (came back negative).
Our sunshine yesterday was gone as fast as it came sadly. No sun makes a dreary lazy day for me.
Apparently there are thieves cruising the area, who are stealing flat bed trailers. We don't own one, but it does put one on more of an alert.
I got out my iron and worked on the homemade cards to finish up Mom's gift.
Sad news from afar. Cousin (she is my age) M's husband is in the hospital with covid. It doesn't sound like it's good. Please say a prayer for her husband.
Monday, December 21, 2020
Happy Homemaker Monday
We had a busy weekend. Got the younger daughter's car up and running, brakes changed on the truck and oil changed. Moved 2 loads of furniture out of Dad's place too. The tag stapled to the bottom of his sofa had the date 11-21-1960. There is still much to go through.
We had younger daughter switch back to her car, so we can then change the brakes on my car. Whew. After that I hope we are done with car repairs for a while.
We helped two local restaurants over the weekend. First, our favorite was closed due to Covid. The other was the first one we went to where they took your temperature when you entered and all employees were wearing gloves. The other we did take out with.
This week is a very exciting (happy) week for us. We have a birthday, Christmas and our anniversary coming up.
First today, I need to whip up some homemade ginger-ale for Youngest. She has cold like symptoms and has laryngitis. Oh, she tried to go to Urgent care. The line for covid testers was way out the door. They sent her home and said come back at 4pm today. So in the meantime, sage tea or tincture and homemade ginger-ale (already simmering now).
Then I need to finish making homemade cards to finish up Mom's Christmas present. Oye, Christmas really snuck up on us this year.
Guess who lost the only box of Christmas cards she had? Yep. I have not found them, and when I do it will be too late to mail them. Sigh.
These restrictions regarding covid are driving me nuts. The daughter who works retail, said her co-worker tested negative, but because his wife is sick and he answered two questions with a yes, he was sent home. These employees (including both daughters who work) do NOT get paid a dime when forced to stay home.
Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
The weather outside is . . .
41°F/32° possible sun later today
On the breakfast plate . . .
Toast, coffee.
As I look out my window . . .
Sun is shining.
As I look around the house . . .
Not worried about anything this week. There will be no entertaining other than us 4.
What I am wearing today . . .
Black joggers, sweater
Currently reading . . .
My devotional book.
On the TV for this week . . .
A CA Christmas on netflix
On the menu . . .
-bacon cauliflower chowder
-beef stew
-creamed peas and toast or grilled cheese and home canned tomato soup
-Christmas dinner (still writing that out)
Something fun to share . . .
Nothing.
Favorite photo from the camera . . .
Prayers, Inspiration quotes, Devotionals . . .
Youngest - she is not feeling well
No other personal requests right now.
Saturday, December 19, 2020
Stuck in a Rut
Being stuck in the house day after day has gotten me lazy. I'm off track with homemade gifts this year. Not to mention baking. I am writing out a list to get back on track. Oye. I need out of this rut.
Finished 4 of the Adli's quarter holder keychains. I think they are adorable.
Friday, December 18, 2020
Random Ramblings
Yesterday morning, right after I put up my blogpost, our internet service went out. I literally stayed in jammies until I got that back up and running. I had items in two carts to get ordered. I'm pretty much stuck in this house until the car / truck issues are completed.
We can't start on the bathroom remodel until winter is over. Our house would be freezing cold, not to mention I can't paint in there either, so that is frustrating.
I could however (after Christmas) unload the bookshelves in the hall, move the bookshelves and hire a friend to come re-floor the hallway. The carpet is old and worn and new flooring needs to go into about every room in the house. So....it's on the possibility list.
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Snow
Snow arrived early yesterday morning. It sort of made me feel like staying in jammies all day, sipping hot cocoa and watching America's Test Kitchen (love that show). However, I had to tend the hens, fetch a load of wood, get the mail and whatnot, which required getting dressed and putting on snow boots.
I was a bit motivated by wanting to try a new crochet pattern. Although my bedroom was/is a hot mess and needed tidied up. I have crafting supplies all over it. I'm not sure how my husband puts up with me, ha ha!
Well, everything is on hold here. Our one daughter who works retail, said one co-worker is off awaiting a test for the virus (his wife is sick). She (daughter) is in a panic and went to test as well, and results come in today or tomorrow. Praying she is fine, but all plans are on hold until then. It's pretty frustrating how anyone who is around anyone sick has to fear for their lives right now.
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Latest Crochet Creation ~ Weather and other ramblings
My first tic-tac-toe crochet game (not from China toy). I'm thrilled it turned out nice. I am trying to work on kids toys this year to have in stock for next year. I am tempted to gift this to my niece and nephew, and check in to see if they like it and use it. The game is on the side of a crocheted bag, and the pieces are stored inside it. I'm thinking of maybe making the bag with handles vs. drawstring, but I think drawstring would keep the pieces from getting lost (or fall out of the bag).
I also finished another panel for a hot pad set, finished a crocheted wine bag, sewed the inner rice bag for Mom's heat pack, and crocheted one dish scrubbie.
The weather. Oh my. It's cold. The kind of weather you just want to stay in your jammies all day kind. The weather that gets me into trouble in staying on task on housework.
It was so cold my wood, that I left in my garden cart, was frozen to it.
As for an update on the car repairs - it's all on hold. My husband worked first shift yesterday, came home for dinner, took a nap, and went back to work the midnight shift. Oh, and that's not all. He works first shift this morning too.
My first job today, is reload the porch with firewood. After that I'm not sure. I will probably do some deep cleaning, dinner prep and whatnot.
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Tuesday Tidbits
Our hired help showed up. Car is running good, but we need to buy a new radiator hose, some anti-freeze, and put one headlight back in. Then we pull the truck in and replace brakes on that next.
Got the house work started yesterday until the sweeper stopped working. One daughter and I got it back to working. I can't wait to get rid of the carpet and replace flooring in this house. One thing at a time.
The Mexican Crockpot casserole was a hit. It's online with Well plated by Erin. I used home grown tomatoes (I have frozen jalapenos to make those "fired up" too) that I froze (and thawed), and made homemade enchilada sauce (no sugar like store bought has), and only added some hand shredded sharp cheddar cheese upon serving it. So delicious and it has quinoa in it.
Breakfast was a hit too. I've made many breakfast dishes with broccoli, but changed it up a bit by adding zucchini. Broccoli is a power house of goodness, and a great way to start the day healthy.
I ordered an item from Annie's Crafts back in November for the girls for Christmas. I just thought they would enjoy something fun. Well, the items never arrived. I sent an email. No email back. I'll be calling today and asking questions or getting a refund.
It's pretty cold here this week, but the wood stove was still going when I got up. So thankful for that. Today will be a much easier day with all the housework done yesterday.
Speaking of yesterday, I let the chickens out for a bit and moved some things to one of the barns. Thankfully I was outside too. I literally walked out of the barn, and saw two hawks flying directly towards the chicken coop. I put my ladies back inside.
I will finish up my latest crochet project and get that posted tomorrow.
Monday, December 14, 2020
Happy Homemaker Monday
Bought myself some fun mini cutters for Christmas pies. I already had the star, but look at all that fun! I could even cut cheese slices for a festive cheese/cracker snack too.
Considering making this for Christmas dinner (not breakfast). We tried mimosas at breakfast one year and it just made us tired, ha ha!
Sunday, December 13, 2020
Weekend Work
The car saga continues. When one biker friend never responded to our plea for assistance (paid assistance), we hired another. He didn't show up until 3pm.
The car is still not completely repaired. We both feel he won't return today either. So....we plan to hit the wood splitter early this morning, then start on the car ourselves (yes, I said I'd help).
I have a to-do list a mile long too, but those two need checked off first. However, I got crochet time and kitchen time in yesterday.
I hope to have photos to share of both tomorrow. While the men worked on the car, Tiger curled up with me while I crocheted and got some cooking channel time in (PBS/Create).
Hubby has started to feel much better since I started to cut out potatoes again (and rice and whatnot). We made omelets for breakfast without the potatoes and they were still good. I'm working on new ways to create breakfast that will eliminate the stuff he shouldn't be eating (and I have been terrible at doing that).
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Clean Coop ~ Car
Friday I had one thing I wanted to accomplish, even if it was the only thing I got done - clean the coop. Oh boy. It was not easy. I do believe with all we have to deal with, we will all be on board to building an appropriate coop.
Considering I have to hunch over to get into the coop, it took some maneuvering and several tools to get the job done. I can't just pull my wheel barrow to the door either. I have a fence with a temporary gate, and it's not wide enough. Oh, and my straw is out in one of the barns, so that had to be loaded up and taken to the coop. Two trips. Job done. I only hit my head 3 times ha ha!
Today we have to pull Youngest's car into the garage. Praying it gets fixed and up and running. The rain is already here.
Friday, December 11, 2020
This and That
Now that shotgun week is over with, coyotes have started on the move (again). Lovely.
I had a person wanting to buy 4 scrubbies, and luck would have it, one daughter was home. We went to town and delivered them (new customer who was sad there were no craft shows to shop from), and went birthday present shopping.
I have to say, the day went much better than the last shopping trip, and we completed our birthday present shopping. I even found disinfectant spray. I haven't been able to find that since March. We attempted to take Mom to lunch at a local restaurant, but she was babysitting.
Back home, one daughter started working on her homemade Christmas presents (so proud of her). She is gifting all homemade gifts. Right now she is painting a wooden jewelry box she purchased at Hobby Lobby with her 40% off coupon.
We have lots of "plans" for the weekend. The weather is to be very nice tomorrow, but rain comes with it. Not sure what all we'll get done, but the car repairs are pretty important.
I will be revamping the menu. I have gotten off track of avoiding foods my husband cannot have (potatoes, rice, bread etc). I'll need to watch that much better.
Thursday, December 10, 2020
Thursday Thoughts
Menu so far:
Southern Ground Turkey Casserole
Salmon Romanoff, green beans
Creamed peas and toast ( my Mom's recipe)
Leftovers
Miss Thelma continues to lay eggs in the feeder. I looked around and found something to temporarily cover it. Crazy chicken.
Woke up to 25°F this morning, but we should be up to 50°F later today. I was so looking forward to the weekend. It is to be a high of 56°F, but now they say rain. Darn it all. We have to split wood, work on a car, and help remove large furniture from my Dad's place.
Speaking of sweet potatoes in the breakfast, my supply of homegrown continues to supply us. Although we didn't grow as much, my garlic is also supplying us (thankful for that).
We've been making up coming travel plans to get some R & R. I'm praying those happen. They are without the kids, but we'll be planning family travel for next summer soon. The kids need to get out too.
I really miss having a large craft store close to home. I am trying to find specific crochet books, and searching online has become a headache. I'll try to check stores on the next trip to town. I guess I can search Thrift books too. You never know, and if one daughter stops at the thrift store, I'll have her check there too.
We have another stray cat. It's a male. Again. Orange and white. Oddly, one daughter caught our barn cat loving on him. Strange. She never likes un-invited cats. We'll see if it continues to hang around. The dogs won't like it for sure.
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Day Out!
I was a very lucky gal yesterday. Very lucky. My daughter (21 year-old) had the day off. I was so stinkin' happy. We both got out of the house for some shopping.
I wrote out my shopping lists and we headed out. Oh boy, oh boy.
Picked up some netting for scrubbie making. I still cannot locate lavender netting. Anyway, we stood in line forever. No clerk. There was an older lady waiting in front of me with fabric. I rang the bell. The lady turned around and said, "I did that too." We chatted and chatted. No clerk. I literally got my cell phone out and called the store. No clerk ever came. My daughter caught up with me and we told her what was going on. She said, "okay this is not cool, I'm finding someone." She did. Clerk showed up with a very mean face on. Got the netting and left. Shopping is a total headache. Lack of employees and long lines.
We stopped at two more stores, one in which I always found jeans for myself (which I need). None to be had. Went to the CD section for a CD for my husband. Heck, they reduced the CD section to like almost nothing and had a huge display of vinyl records and record players. What? Ugh. Guess I'm looking online for that today.
Looked around at two stores for items for Youngest's birthday this month. Geeze, that was work. Came home only with dress boots for her to wear to work. It was definitely hit or miss, with lack of options available. Mind you, these were all big box stores (packed with people on a weekday).
We even drove to a different city in hopes for more options. I'm not sure if shopping in stores or online is worse.
On a good note, our youngest daughter was working, and I stopped in and got my hair cut - first time in 9 months.
I still didn't find salt for the water tank. We are on the hunt today (well hubby said he'd stop on his way home).
I'm back to being at home today. I need to make a breakfast and a dinner today, and plan the menu. Of course finish my Monday cleaning I put off to go shopping yesterday too.
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Tuesday Tidbits
Monday, December 7, 2020
Sunday Retreat
Sunday, my wonderful husband took me out to our favorite Italian restaurant. The photo is the current bruschetta. When I say "current" it's the new way they are making it. Third time for them to change the way they make it. We told them it was good, but the original was the best.
We dressed up for the outing, and had a bit of fun too. Visited a few smaller towns, but really didn't find items great for Christmas gifting. Nor did I find the coffee I was searching for, but was glad to get out of the house.
Chicken food - restocked,
Cat and dog food - restocked.
Fresh fruit - restocked
I need to restock fresh greens and veggies, but we really had a good time.
Sunday, December 6, 2020
Losing my Mind ~
Saturday was a complete disappointment. I had plans. I had been making plans for over a week. Lists written out. You know, like chicken feed....didn't happen.
My husband came home late Friday, and said he was working Saturday. Not only that, but a 12 hour day. Both girls gone. No way to get chicken food.
All week he's told me that Youngest can't drive her own car. Told me he has no way to take care of her if she breaks down and she's at work (before looking at the car one last time).
Proceeds to tell me, "take her car."
"Um, what happens if I break down?"
"Someone will get you." Right. I'm starting to feel like I'm losing my mind stuck at home. Seriously.