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~

Showing posts with label Family History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family History. Show all posts

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Chit Chat ~ Lost Mojo ~ Christmas Eve Tradition ~ Non Traditional Thanksgiving Meal Dish

 I've been spending a lot of time tidying up, putting stuff away, preserving and stocking up, and just regular ol' housework. I've had to deliver some homemade ginger-ale to one of my daughters.  By the way, her cyst is draining thankfully.  However, her antibiotics are making her sick.  Thank you for all of your prayers.


More greens are being blanched and frozen for the winter months.  Spinach and dandelion greens.  I have to remind myself to focus on one at a time, and not bring home different ones.  It's time consuming to switch water out and ice bath water.  I'm still looking for swiss chard in stores.  I have not found any yet.


I've been searching for my holiday mojo.  It's been lost.  Poof!  Disappeared.  Not one iota of it lingering this year.

I used to be the one that insisted on a tree in every room of the house, including the master bathroom.  I had lights everywhere, in rooms, on the trees, in the hallways.  I used to have a binder dedicated to all things Christmas - gifts, food, etc.  I used to work on a new handmade Christmas ornament every Jan/Feb, so it would be all done for the upcoming Christmas.  Everyone in the family was gifted one.

When the kids were little, I would practically run to the sign up sheet for their Christmas class party.  I handmade an ornament for every single kids in the class (did this every year), and hand wrapped the gifts.  I came up with games, and prizes and took treats.  I was pretty creative with some of them.  


Check out this one (on my S.C.R.A.P. blogspot as well).  It was a treat container and the head was an ornament.  I was pretty proud to make them for 25 students.  The bottom "treat container" was a cardboard tube from toilet paper.  I typically also bought small trinkets like something to put on their pencil tops.  Can you imagine how many parties I volunteered for?  

I'm still looking for my mojo.  I've had one kiddo volunteer to come decorate here, but we are not.  It's a simple tree, with just lights, and that's it so far.

I have been asked to bring back our pajama tradition.  My Mom always looked forward to our family photo of each Christmas Eve.  I'd buy new pajamas for all of the family, and wrap them up.  Christmas Eve we'd all open them, put them on, and wear them all day Christmas Day. 

Here I am talking about Christmas, and we haven't even gotten to Thanksgiving.  

What is something a family member would make for the Thanksgiving meal that was not a "traditional" dish?   My grandmother on my Mom's side of the family would make fried chicken. If I remember right, it was coated chicken, then baked in the oven.  So technically not "fried" but it tasted that way.  My grandfather would make the dessert, which was usually a boxed cake of some sort, and frosted.  We never had turkey when we had a Thanksgiving meal at their house, which was different.






Monday, January 31, 2022

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

The last time I journaled (long time passion of mine), was Feb. of 2020.  I'm not kidding.  I guess I am not sure if that is good or bad, but I would have just repeated over and over about the pandemic, and doing that is depressing as it is.  Seeing our government ban a treatment for covid patients (one that my husband should have had), is unbelievable.  We have had friends receive the treatment and were better the next day.  

Anyway, the journal is back out, and the pen is going again.  It's my "main" journal.  I have many, many other ones, including a journaling Bible that I plan to get out this week.  I have lots of questions right now.

The weather continues to be cold, my tabs are still up on the computer awaiting to place a yarn order (waiting for a good deal on shipping, because it's needed but not an emergency for any personal order either).

While out and about yesterday, we made a quick stop at a large grocery store.  Sheesh.  People have panic bought for sure.  Although the bread aisle was full (wasn't worried because I can bake my own bread), other aisles were almost empty.  Our favorite coffee was sold out, and the other "organic" brand was almost $12 for the same size.  Nope.  I'll have to check at another store.  The news is flashing updates constantly about the winter storm, so yeah, people will panic buy.  We just had a few items on our list, so I could make the breakfast casserole today (hopefully will last for the next 3-4 days for us).


Today, I am once again joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.  

I'll link up when she posts this morning.


The weather . . .
12°F out.  A storm is said to be headed into our area starting this Wednesday.  Friday, roads are said to be treacherous.  They are saying 10-16 inches of snow in our area, my hometown where Mom and my younger brother live....Daughter K and my husband may not make it out of the driveway if this really happens.  We own one hand shovel right now. 

How I am feeling this morning . . .

Tired.  We went and bought a load of split wood yesterday (gave up on our splitter) and I'm exhausted.  We also visited Mom, who at the time had a full house.  My younger brother was there with his 2 kids, we showed up, then Daughter K, and meanwhile the internet guy was busy upgrading Mom's network.  She was happy for the full house.  

I still have laryngitis.  Do any of you have any suggestions?  Herbal?  Over the counter?  Anything?  I've been sipping hot sage tea, but being out and about yesterday, I did not sip tea, and today feel rotten.


On the breakfast plate . . .

Cheddar and Chili  Egg Casserole (I'll be back with a photo), organic coffee



On the reading pile . . .


First, I have been reading letters we collected at my Dad's apartment, after he passed back in 2020.  There are many letters he saved.  Some have a Navy post mark and some have a $.03 stamp.  I would love to find a way to copy them all, print a booklet etc. for myself at least.  I know once I pass these on to the next sibling, I will probably never see them again.  I would have to copy the envelope to match each letter.  Not sure the easiest/cheapest way to do this yet, or if I really want to do it, but for now reading the letters.

What would you do?  Read them and pass them on? 



Second, I have been reading a series by one of my favorite authors.  Some libraries are removing it from their shelves and into book sales.  I've been reading the first of the series (dust cover missing)....

On my TV . . .
Football!!  The Bengals are going to the Super Bowl!!  My husband is elated about this.   I'm also watching CSI and other shows like that.  I will be checking Amazon later today for a show called Reaper.  I don't know yet if it's free on Prime or if they charge for this show.


On the menu this week . . .
-Homemade vegetable soup, bread of some kind
-Meatloaf, mashed tades, corn
-leftovers


From the camera . . .
I'm on the last row of pink, and then a small section of blue, then ends need sewn in and edging done.  I think I started this as a gift over 5 years (or more) ago, and realized it was more work than I expected.  Either way, it's getting finished this winter.  Each row of color is 7 rows, and it's the width of a crib blanket.


Looking around the house . . .
We as parents, are secretly hoping Daughter K's move is soon, and goes swiftly.  We have so many home repairs that would be much easier with no animals and less "stuff" around the house.  No word yet on that move.  We love her, but we are ready to have the house to ourselves.


To-do list . . .
-make breakfast
-make crock pot vegetable soup (or dutch oven)
-decided on a bread side or not (depends on energy level)
-get mail, put trash out and water/feed the hens
-unload dishwasher, load dishwasher
-wash any dishes if needed
-empty ash pail
-bake cookies 
(this is the list for the week for me, lol!)



Prayers . . .
For those dealing with covid and for quick recovery (when we all 3 got covid, only two people in our lives checked in on us - family friend and our Daughter E.  I am trying to make sure we check in on anyone that may need help.

Mom, she is back home, and needs assistance most days.  She also mentioned she wanted someone to stay with her (as in live with her).  She may very well end up living with my sister.  


Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Repairs ~ Travel Journals

The ladder project(s) are put off for a few days.  It's too cold anyway, but Hubby had to take the truck in for a look-see.  Let's just say he was sweating it out while waiting for the phone call. 

The damage?

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Coming Down ~ Blast from the Past


Anyone out there with Christmas lights still up outside?  Not on, but up?  Come one, you can admit it.

With the snow finally melted, and the wind and rain and rotten weather finally giving us a break, our lights are coming down.  Today's the day.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Finished! ~ Randomness ~ Weather Woes

A few sunflower cup/mug coasters.  Small accomplishment, but finished.  I just may have to make more later if I have time.  Still crocheting the Bavarian stitch baby blanket and knitted dishcloths (depending on my mood).

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Awesome Auntie Mail


My Aunt sent me a box full of fun and family history.  The blanket was crocheted by my Great Aunt, the wooden spools are all from my own mother's sewing supplies (that were given to my Aunt, and now to me), and the other items are from my Aunt's friend and from an antique store.  The doilies are already underneath my wooden candle stands.   The blue embroidered placemats and napkins will be used for "date night" with Hubby, the pillow case will be used on our bed, and the blanket will definitely be used.  I have a plan for the spools too, but want to put good use to the thread on each one too.

My family history project has begun as well.  All the letters, stories, and photos will be organized over the next few years....more on that later.