From a Journal Junkie . . .

From the Homesteading Journal . . .

. . . ordered organic seeds - Valerian, Chickweed, and Holy Basil (medicinal herb garden newbies).

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.

Cleaning for Camping ~ Painting ~ Timmy (again)

I'm still deep cleaning.  I came across cloth napkins, that at one time, I had planned to embroider for gifting.  Not sure what I had intentionally planned, but I did tackle this unfinished project.

Now, at this point, I could have just given them away or even donated them, but I tossed them all into the washing machine instead.

Goat Round Up

I didn't have to worry about where I'd get my 10,000 steps yesterday (I have a fitbit).

I gained just shy of 8,000 steps by noon.

A Few New Things ~ Possibilities Journal

I've already tried my hand at tatting, shooting a gun, and so forth, so this list will be more difficult to write and update.  Hmm...what haven't I learned to do yet?  And what do I still want to do? And which ones will I have time for this year?

Almanac Update ~ Goats ~ Writing Updates

The Farmer's Almanac was right on target yesterday.  It snowed most of the day, but melted away by dinner time.

It's a good thing I was home too.  I went outside for something and heard Misty (another lamancha goat) crying out in the goat fence.  I was confused, because the barn door had not been opened for them to be out yet.

Elderberry Bushes (trees) ~ Fun Mail

The ground is very wet here yet, so we can't work in any of the garden beds.  I did however, put more coffee grounds and egg shells in them.

142 Recycled Post Marked Postage Stamps ~ Saturday Rambles

In the midst of a mad-woman cleaning day, I ran across a box of printed cardstock that was storing an unfinished project.

We had Twins Today

One boy.

 One girl.

Sorry for the bad photos.  Both had trouble latching on, and would not nurse.  After about 1 1/2-2 hours they were bottle fed, which daughter had to milk from their Mom.  They weren't too excited about that method either.

Sadie, my oldest daughter's dog, was protecting, and mothering the babies when we brought them inside. Can you see her long tongue giving the girl a good cleaning?  That is just her.  She mothers all babies here.

They are back out with Mom, and more eager to nurse on their own (thankfully). 

In the midst of it all, the power went out for 2 hours.  I'm thankful it's back on and the sun is shining bright right now.  

No Babies Yet ~ Homesteading Tidbits

I started my day out with some homemade hot ginger tea.  The stress here has been at it's highest.  And it's not Hubby.

Self Sufficiency

I broke down and purchased us a current Farmer's Almanac.  Other than watching the nightly news, I am reading this to see how accurate it will be. 

Sunday Sunset ~ Tidbits

I watched a beautiful sunset Sunday evening.

Steep Sacks ~ Tidbits

The last time Hubby and I made a trip to restock our organic items (the ones we cannot find around here nor can order online), I purchased Steep Sacks made by The Republic of Tea.

It's Back (in my best sing-song voice)

We went from this on Tuesday.....

 . . . to this on Wednesday.  This is a photo from this morning.   The wind blew the entire day and even blew drifts inside the animal barn.  This part of the horseshoe drive, had 5 foot drifts across by 5:00pm.  Not only did we go from melted snow to piles of snow, we went from 50°F on Tuesday to -10°F wind chill today.   And yes, some water pipes are frozen, but thankfully not my shower (woo hooooo to that!). 

Snow Storm ~ Allergies

Well, the weatherman was correct.  We woke up to snowing and blowing, but that was after the rain came.  School was closed.  It is to snow all day today also.

Sunrise ~ Back to the Vet ~ The Melt

The start of this morning's sunrise was beautiful.  After taking this photo it clouded over and was completely gray outside.  I was thankful to capture the moment to share.

Hay Restocked ~ Spiced Nuts

Friday, the temperatures got up into the 40's and my chickens were so happy to be outside again.

Homesteading Tidbits ~ Ramble of Sorts

Started working on the family history project, and questions were sent out to Aunts and Uncles and parents (like I need another project, right?).    

You may need to grab of cup of coffee or tea to read this.  I didn't intend for it to be so long, but I may not be online this weekend.

Ginger Bars ~ National Craft Month ~ Leftover Ham

From Pile.....

. . .to File - Extreme Clean.

I pulled another magazine page from my hoarded pile of recipes, and made Woman's Day magazine's Ginger Bars (Sept. 2010, just Google the recipe and you'll find the site). I'll admit, I had my doubts about this recipe.

We are still experiencing cold temperatures, so baking in the kitchen just helps heat this place up a bit.  Speaking of heat, Hubby installed the new auger on the pellet stove last night and we fired it up.  It is so nice to have heat again.  

Discombobulated

Have you ever felt discombobulated when your routine is abruptly changed?  I do.  It throws off my thinking, activities or chores, for the entire day.  It forces me to be a different "me" for the day.  It forces me to be more creative.

Another Recipe from Pile to File ~ Saucy Salmon ~ Winter Woes

I tried yet another recipe from my hoarded pile.  I did adjust it a teensy bit, and although green onion gives a dish color, I opted for shallots.

It's not really called "Saucy" but it did make a lot of sauce, so I think I could cut back on the sour cream next time.  I am lucky to be able to find organic butter, sour cream and cottage cheese at our local grocer.  I also had organic whole wheat rotini noodles on hand for this recipe.  The family fought over leftovers, they liked it that much.

Pretend Snow Day ~ Homesteading Tidbits

The snow did not arrive as the forecast predicted.  The wind came with a small bit of it, and that was it.  I had Saturday night and Sunday to do whatever I felt like - no demands, no errands, no schedule, pretending I had a few snow days. This morning we have a -9° wind chill.  The bitter cold has moved back in on us.

Grab of cup of coffee or tea.  It's a long Monday morning ramble. . .

From Pile to File ~ Spring Prep

Do you have pickles in your pantry?   Do you grow green onions or chives in your herb garden?

If you do, you may enjoy using them for this new recipe we tried.  I've been talking about increasing our salmon, and clearing out my hoarded pile of recipes, so here is another adapted recipe that we are keeping.