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 Scenery Photos (please do not copy photos). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scenery Photos (please do not copy photos). Show all posts

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Dead Mouse and other Homestead Happenings

Oh dear, I have had practically nothing to share lately.  No new recipes, no new concoctions of herbs, or even anything remotely exciting.

Unless you count the night that King proudly brought in a dead, flattened mouse.  Two girls went ballistic and screamed for me (or their Dad who conveniently ignored them) to come rescue them.   

I found one daughter holding one puppy, and one holding the other and both screaming and pointing to the dead mouse.  I removed it of course, even while they were screaming at me while doing it.  I had gloves on, but they still couldn't watch.  I told them when they grow up and have kids, they'll be able to do almost anything without gagging. 

Puppy nap time - Zuri with her head on top of King.  They both are growing so fast already.  King still thinks he's a lap dog, so this will be interesting.  King has learned "speak" already.  He's been easy to train in that department.  He's very vocal.  Zuri is such a doll.  I just hope she can hold up to her end if protection is needed.  She is so calm for me.  

They are partners in crime.  This weeks casualties?  One church youth group flyer that they kept pulling off the fridge, along with the clip magnet.  I had to go in search of their toys to get them to stop.  Oh, and one chewed our 19 year-old's computer charge cord in half. Not their fault.  Daughter just forgot to put it up.  I told the kids to put stuff up as if they were baby goats in the house.

Hubby and I have gotten the tree limbs split and stacked, so we are ready to tackle that one tree when school is out for Christmas.  This Saturday however, he'll be putting Duaghter's car back together. 

I have finally made myself something

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

De-Stressing in the Rain & Gettin' a "Do"


I snapped this photo a day before the rain arrived.  Color is blooming all around the home this summer.

I took my book, and this time a highlighter and notebook, to the front porch.  Oh, and do you see what else I took out there?  A gourmet lollipop!  Butterscotch.  Yum!

I've made it to "Part 2" in this book now, but I've already checked off several "tests" and feel these questions have been repeated so many times in other books.  So far, I have only been reminded that I have too much stress in my life, and most of it is "Chronic."  I guess I have a lot of work to do.  And many more family meetings.

However, I did realize that I do have a habit of waiting until a time of "crisis" before praying (I bought this book at a Christian bookstore).  So, I took my Bible, dusted off the cover (tsk, tsk), and headed back to the porch.  When I opened it, I found an article I had clipped and tucked inside it.  Here's what it said:


Funny how I needed to read that article, and at that same time.  There will be no more dust on my Bible.

As for knocking out more stress, I think I will be teaching each kid to cook their favorite meals.  Last night I made broiled, mustard crusted cod with spinach/green onion.  They practically lick their plates (all but one daughter who won't eat fish) when I make it.  After my 13 year-old said, "Man I love this fish!" for the third time, I told her "Good, it's time for you to learn how to cook it."

The prep I do for the Farmer's Market is also a stress factor - kids fight, kids want to buy things, they argue during set-up and tear down etc. etc.  Then there is the making of all the items.  I wanted to bring in a new item this week, but after breaking down the cost of sugar, organic apple cider and butter, I could not come up with a price that will still give me back profit, and sell it at a reasonable price (Vinegar Candy).  So, I'm learning to eliminate by breaking down the cost to make things.  I may be cutting out my jams and jellies too, in which I have to buy the fruit for.  I may keep my pear, wild black raspberry, but cut out (and only stock up for home) the others.  Hubby and I are talking about getting a permit, to sell from the roadside instead.  That would eliminate the packing up, fighting, unloading, fighting, and loading again (and fighting) stress.  

In the book Breaking Clean, by Judy Blunt, she talks about how at age 8 (she grew up on a ranch), her fingers hurt so bad she couldn't hold onto a fork at dinner.  She even passed out while working in a potato field.  Now-a-days, most kids complain about having to wash a few dishes or even fold clothes.  I do insist my kids all take on housework, even if it means hearing their mouths jabber on and complain.  I was told by Hubby, that at work, most parents tell him they just do all the work because all the fighting is not worth it.  I beg to differ.  Kids need to learn how to get along, not complain, and not fight, and not argue.  And most of all, take on responsibility in a peaceful manner.  That alone, will reduce my stress in half.

A Mom can dream can't she? 

Oh, and guess what else I found inside my Bible?  He he!  Hand written coupons from my youngest daughter.  Two are for hair-do's from her.  Guess who's gettin' a "do" tonight?  Or maybe two? 







Monday, May 13, 2013

From My Porch to Your Porch

I thought I would share the beauty that surrounds my front porch early in the spring.








Monday, March 25, 2013

Weekend Road Trip ~ More Snow?!

Now this is how you get your laundry dried!  Wowzers!  Check out that clothesline!  Hubby and I laughed!  I need one that big

Hubby and I took another road trip, but this one was for heirloom seeds, seed potatoes, and onion sets.   

We decided to do some relaxing, scenic driving before we returned home.



Speaking of home.  This is what we woke to this Monday morning.  

There is about a three foot drift in the center of our horseshoe drive.  I am so glad we got the goats moved out of the big barn.  I never expected more snow.  Snow is expected all day today, and school is closed. 
 

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Nostalgic Barn and Silo

I took this photo when I was lucky enough to be with hubby, and he was driving.  I had my camera too.  There have been so many barns that have been torn down, when I wished I would have stopped to photograph them.  I hope to take more photos.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Following the Moon

I just have had some interesting views of the moon recently.  While taking one of the dogs out, I snapped these shots this morning.



 These were taken about 9:28am today.  Here is another shot I took on 11-11-2011.

 

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Newest Chickens Get Freedom

At first they just stayed next to the barn, just like last time.  However, after the day passed, we found them wandering all over the area.  They will need to be trained to go back in at night, as we had a fun time chasing and catching them. The one if the very front may very well be a rooster.  Notice the colors are lighter?

 
The red hens did not bother them either.  They kind of stuck together in their own little clan with Mazda (rooster) and went their own way.  I love this photo, but I can see how having a tripod would help me keep the camera still. 

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Photography Updates ~ Planting Day


Once again, I have been lucky to find antique dish towels at low prices.  The one below is now being used in the kitchen, along with 7 flour sack towels I have embroidered.







I have one more barn series to embroider, and then it’s off to finish a few pillows.  Speaking of pillows, I found 2 nice ones at a thrift store for $.20 each.  One will be the head for our female scarecrow, and the other will be made into an apron or possibly something else.

During our recent disconnect to reconnect weekend, we stopped at a thrift store on the way home.  I had more fun in that store than in a downtown Amish store.  I found tons of fabric scraps sold at very low prices, embroidery threads, embroidery hoops, yarn, and even Amish handmade aprons ($1.00).  I was able to buy a pair of bib overalls half prices ($1.75), a red and white gingham shirt ($1.00) and a hat for our scarecrow also.

Today, however, it’s not raining.  We have to take advantage of this weather and plant more in the garden, till up more area, mow, and so many other unfinished projects.  I am adding two new herbs to my herb garden as well.  It’s a good thing I must be at home today, 
because our gas prices have jumped to $4.15/gallon.  Getting a horse a buggy is still not out of the realm of our homestead possibilities.  Prices will however, put a damper on my drives to the big city to get pictures developed.

I have been practicing my photography, and it’s been a bit harder than I thought.  Although I love it, it takes patience to get the right picture taken. 



 This was the only bird photo that turned out somewhat good.  They are so difficult to get a good shot of.  They zip in and out so fast.  There were so many of them flying around.  The males are a bright red.  This cardinal is a female.  I took this photo from the cabin's front porch.  The slightest noise sends the birds off.  I hope to return and get a good photo of a male and female together.

Link for a pillowcase apron:  craftster, vintage pillowcase apron