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~

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Snap!

....and just like that (snap!) my tidy quiet house went to noisy, chaotic nerve ending mess.  Once the dogs wore each other out, it was finally quiet again.

Due to complicated events, and work schedule not all of our daughter's belongings have been moved.  What a mess. Sigh.

We need to find her an apt. like yesterday, for my peace of mind.  It'll be tough considering the pandemic, and the number of animals she has.  

Keep us in your prayers.  I'm so stressed with anxiety right now.  I found my 18 year-old in my closet doing homework, but when I walked in, she was sobbing.  Her peaceful space upstairs has been disrupted for now, and he's having trouble accepting it temporarily.  We all are, but to have our 20 year-old here is the only thing we can do to help her.  We are all trying our best to think positively about it all.  First, finding her a car....not sure how that's gonna happen.

On a good note....



Dinner last night.  Biscuits and sausage gravy, eggs, fried potatoes and "fried" apples (using a crock pot).  It was so good. Note:  the photo of my original post/recipe looks like I was a bad baker.  The post here shows what a better baker I've become making them.

Now, I need to find homemade masks today.  With the help of social media/daughter, we'll find 4 for us.  Two work.  One has a mask, one doesn't.  We have to shop inside stores for toiletries and disinfectant.  People are still hoarding, so it may require more than one store.  Last I heard, 39 dead in our state, but not one media is sharing how many are surviving.  

Our state Governor stated yesterday that they are working on modifications to the order to stay home.  I'm guessing more closings.  There are churches still holding services when they shouldn't be.  I hate watching the TV at 2pm anymore.  They are warning elderly to not leave their homes for anything over the next two weeks.  My Mom and Dad have been locked in for more than 5 weeks now.  My younger brother now is the only one left to seek their needs. 


Monday, March 30, 2020

Happy Homemaker Monday

Quarantine day 15.  Just like the rest of you, we are in this until April 30th now.

Daughter and I have been doing virtual zoo tours online with our favorite area zoo.  It's been a fun way to keep a bit of normalcy and keep our sanity time.

Okay, now I need a tried and true pizza crust recipe using all-purpose flour (now that I cannot make Einkorn flour pizza crusts).  I have yeast.



I spent Sunday mostly in the kitchen.  I was tickled pink to get organic zucchini, and spinach, so those went into the freezer. There is a lot I am not able to get in organics, but thankful for what I can get.  I also made us some hummus.



Today I'm joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.


The weather outside is . . .
Over the weekend we had to deal with flooding, heavy rain, thunderstorms and high damaging winds.  Today's weather is a high of 45°F, rain later again.


How I am feeling this morning . . .
Frustrated, worried, anxious....who isn't, but our world just turned.  One daughter moved in, so we have 2 more dogs, another cat and a rabbit.  I'm not going to go into details, other than it was not due to her not having an income.  I am not feeling very "happy" this morning, as we have more to "think" about right now.  Sorry if this post is a bit down and out.  Just so much slammed on us in the last 24 hours, and a lot to deal with.


On my mind . . .
How this devastation is affecting everyone.  I don't know if there will be craft shows at all this year here.  Churches are still holding services with groups of people (I got word it's still happening in our nearest "Big City" and it's very alarming). Pick up your Bible, go online for a online service....do not gather in groups!! 


On the breakfast plate . . .
I have no idea.


On my reading pile . . .


On my TV . . .
Re-runs of everything now that shows cannot operate live shows.  We are still watching Lonesome Dove off and on too.


On the menu . . .
Have no idea.  I may update this later.
-breakfast for dinner


From the camera . . .
I have nothing.  I haven't been out of the house other than to take the dog out or take care of the chickens.


If you didn't see my post a few days back....newbies.  Two barred rocks, one silver laced wyandotte, and three prairie bluebell eggers.


Looking around the house . . .
Who cares?  I'm just trying to remain sane. Our daughter's belongings are everywhere reminding me of her situation.  She has no car either and has a job.  Another pressing issue on our hands.  My car is still at another location, and not fixed due to all this stay-at-home order going on.  We have a plan to get it fixed, considering it's in a garage and safe distancing can still work.


Chore I'm not looking forward to this week . . .
Planting free organic lettuce seeds I received with a recent seed order.  Maybe...all depends on if I can do a pick up order for the soil.


To relax this week I will . . .
Pfht!  Adult drink.


Recipe I tried or want to try . . .
Stay tuned.



Prayers  . . .
Myself, our 20 year-old, my mother, the world, my husband and 20 year old who still work in this madness of what we call world, my Dad, our 18 year old (graduation is still in limbo), and any special requests. 

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Day 14 of Self Quarantine ~ Chicks!

Hubby made us omelets with veggies and leftover ham.  The muffins are organic from the store since I still cannot find wholewheat flour anywhere.



We did a grocery pick up (no toilet paper...again).  It's limited now, and we never know if we'll get what we need.  I try to get some sort of greens in each order we need to do.



Pan of veggies we had one night.

I got an email that stated one seed order was shipped.  The other order came back with "out of stock" on about 4 of my items.  Sadly, I had to go and reorder them from another source, crossing my fingers this all arrives timely.  We did not start any seeds indoors this year, so that means relying on our garden resource for a few other items, especially tomatoes.  

Hubby dropped a jar of 4 thieves vinegar and spilled the remaining goodness.  He looked like he was going to cry.  Literally.  I had another jar, so he was relieved, and I'm making more, but using the stove top vs. a  warm window (because it's still too cold here and we lack the sunshine to make it all happen).



Meet the new additions to the homestead.   I had to go in the store to get the feed (no delivery or pick up) so I left with these ladies - 2 Barred Rocks, 1 Silver Laced Wyandotte, and 3 Prairie Bluebell Eggers.  They guy helping me said they sold over 1500 chicks last week, and more and more were starting to raise their own, who never did.  I just hope they realize they won't get eggs for a while.  Mine are getting up in age, and with the loss of another recently, I thought it was best.  I had suggested I give 3 away to keep the brood manageable, but Hubby insisted we keep all 6.  




Saturday, March 28, 2020

Weather ~ Romeo ~ New Recipe

If it wasn't for this weather, we'd be popping up the camper and roasting weenies over a campfire.  Literally.


 Romeo has free range of the entire house now.  He is loving it.  He can see out all the doors and windows and is a wonderful watch dog.  He came and joined me during my 2pm crochet hour yesterday.  He just melts my heart with love.  And yes, those are Christmas socks on my feet.

Speaking of being a good watch dog, (sorry if I already told you this), a car pulled in, honked his horn and rolled down his window.  He wanted to know where the lady lives that repairs boat covers.  I had a word for this guy, and it wasn't nice.  Anyway, Romeo is always watching out for us.



He later stole my pillow.  He is just so full of love, and we need it right now.  So glad my Mom has her two cats, as she lives alone and has been locked up longer than we have.


Rebecca at Rebecca's Hearth and Home blogspot, shared this recipe.  I have it a try for mini ham sandwiches.




Here is a photo of how mine turned out.


Flavor?  Well, we all thought they were good.  they just don't look like the photo.


Feeling bad for our youngest right now, and seeing her so very depressed, I went online and ordered items to fill an Easter basket for her.  Praying it all arrives in time, and yes I wipe orders down and toss box/packaging.

Update: My Mom heard from our oldest daughter.  Her college of course closed, but she won't be graduating this year.  They canceled it, and I am told she is very depressed.  I now have her address, so I can send her a surprise in the mail too.  I sent Mom a long email yesterday, but will call today and just chat.  We all need to stay in touch right now.

Friday, March 27, 2020

Updates ~ New Recipe Tried/Honey Roasted Chickpeas ~ Freezing Ginger Root

Bigger stores have now put limits on things like toilet paper (which you can't even order on clicklist nor get unless you go early and into a store).  Dairy items are limited to 3, meat to 3 eggs to 3, which is smart considering the hoarding still going on, but I wish they'd limit flour etc.  

School continues to email updates and has postponed prom and graduation (not canceled like many have).

Mom and Dad are still isolated in their homes.  I have a brother and daughter making sure they have what they need, but my younger brother is a first responder in the police force.  That daughter also works in the public.

I finally got an email from one of my other daughters.  She has lost her job, no pay while off, and has not gotten another job.  I am trying my best to help via email with updated places hiring (her apt. complex is still charging rent during this pandemic). I have not heard from my oldest daughter yet.  I know our Governor has put a stop to evictions due to lack of funds to pay rent, but food would be another issue for them.  If you had adult kids, and they could not feed themselves or their dogs, would you let them move back in during a "shut down" right now?



I tried a new recipe to keep things as upbeat as I can here on the homestead.  It didn't require flour.  I saw it on the Doctors show the other day (running re-runs) and looked it up online.  It's called Honey Roasted Chick-peas.  

My crochet challenge from a friend.  The video to make it was in spanish, ha ha!  I found a somewhat written pattern that was in photos (not printable friendly really), and got her one made.  They are "feathers" that work for decor or a bookmark or applique. 

Immune boost tea.  I also looked this up online, minus one ingredient I did not have.  I had mullein, fennel and ginger.  Did you know you can freeze ginger root?  Wash it, dry it, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place in sealed container or freeze bag.  Take out and grate as needed.  Works great and ginger is on hand at all times.

I got some porch time yesterday.  It was in the low 60's and we got some sun, but mostly cloudy.  Oddly, traffic was still very busy (for everyone stuck at home).

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Knitting Socks Questions ~ It's a 2 post day today!

I'm looking for a knitted sock pattern online for beginners.  Do you of you recommend one?  There are so many online, and what needles will I need?  I have yarn.  I do not have any sock yarn knitting books.  Guess it may be time to order one.



I have this yarn.  Is it enough for size 11 socks?  Each ball has 247 yards.  I have no idea what size these knitting needles are nor the circular one.  I have a feeling they are too big anyway.  Why do they not label them?  I'll need to order whatever needles I need too. 

Thanks a bunch!

Update: Oh Lordy...my printer is now out of ink.  Sigh...ordering ink now if I can just in case one of you have an online pattern for me.



Another update:  I found the size 6 double pointed in my knitting stash.  Woohoo.  Do I still need a circular?  and is that the right size?

Random Tidbits

Morning coffee on the porch this morning.



Well folks.  I have nothing to update, but there is another case in our county.  A 71 year old man.

Thank you Debby for the black beans.  Can you tell me again what the proper name of them is?  Thanks again!

I wish I took pictures, but something is eating the tops of my garlic.  I spent some time gathering up bits of wire to cover the tops of the grow bags and will move them this weekend.  It could be the stray cat that hasn't left yet (the other 2 have left).

Today I am thankful for. . . 

-my treadmill so I can have daily exercise
-daughter home to have person to person conversation
-Hubby working, so we can pay the bills
-that Hubby's work is following instructions on keeping things sanitized (they even have doors open to not touch door knobs, someone is spraying minute by minute, chair removed from lunch room to make sure they sit 6 feet apart, even their trucks have been cleaned).
-the mail system is still in operation
-daughter washed all the dishes yesterday
-coffee
-not running out of things to do indoors
-awesome outside weather today




Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Keeping it "Normal" as can be. . .

Monday I literally was so busy in my kitchen I didn't have time to think about the virus shut in situation.  I am thankful for my lifestyle in those terms (self-sufficient as much as I can).  The odd thing is, is that more of us are home bound, and my number of views on my blog have plummeted to an all time low.  I'm still blogging despite.


I decided to change up my breakfast and make a batch of strawberry/blueberry pancakes.

The only downside to this pandemic for us right now, is finding organic flour and Einkorn flour.  I found some online, but at horribly high prices.  I hope they restock by the weekend.

I told Hubby, enjoy your cookies.  You may not get them again, nor homemade pizza crust, and pancakes (rather anything I use it for).  I'm rationing it.  

Day 10 of self quarantine:
Tiger wanted fed at 4:30am.  Anyone else have a cat like that?  Then he curled up with me in bed.

Yesterday.  County workers showed up to mulch the tree stumps.  Essential?  Apparently, they didn't hear about the 6 foot social distance rule.  I guess everyone needs an income right now, but this is not essential work.

I was again so busy in the kitchen, that I actually missed the live press conference our governor does every day at 2pm.  I didn't hear anything new, other than numbers are reducing, but so many are still working too.  However, I just read numbers for Ohio.  Cases increased, and two more deaths.

I was so busy that I only got a 1 mile walk in vs. 2.

Another Amazon order arrived.  Thankfully, wild organic rice arrived.  Once again, I sprayed down the package, emptied it, sprayed again, and discarded the packaging.

We've been jokingly discussing where we'd contain ourselves "if" one would get sick.  We called which room we'd have etc.  Funny, yet not funny.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

....from the Gratitude Journal

Today I am thankful for . . .

-eggs from the chickens
-greens to blanch and freeze
-yarn
-having 6 acres and plenty of space to get fresh air
-wood to cut
-Romeo, he's become a wonderful guard dog
-coffee
-books
-the internet
-pen and paper
-music
-my family
-my dehydrator
-my blog friends
-wild, medicinal weeds



Monday, March 23, 2020

Happy Homemaker Monday

I posted earlier this morning, and then realized it was Monday today.  To be honest, with Hubby home off and on, I forget what day it is, and what time it is too often.

As I said earlier today, we have a state order to stay in our homes - non-essential is all closed.  We have 2 cases of the virus in our county now and another in a larger city we shop in off and on.  The 2 in our county are 60 year-old's that recently traveled to Europe, and are self quarantined in their home with no hospitalization.

All day cares that remain open, are ordered to reduce to 6 kids now and must have a "Pandemic Permit."  It puts essential workers in a predicament.

The order was issued to stay at home starting tonight at midnight, but we self quarantined and are on day 8 now, so now another 2 weeks.  It's not new to us, but frustrating that people are not staying home so we can get back to normal.

I need to change my header intro to "surviving today's pandemic" now.




I'm thankful for still being able to locate fresh organic greens.



I've already made a double batch of Rosemary Gladstar's Basil medicinal pesto.  It's in the freezer.  I saved cilantro stems for broth/stock making and they are in the freezer. 



Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom


The weather . . . 


Foggy and cloudy.  Snow turning to rain, currently 36°F, high of 47° today.  I'm so looking forward to the warmer days now. I will be tackling anything I can outside, but seriously wish my husband wasn't on his 2 weeks on this week.  We could be cutting wood.  I will finally get porch time and clean it up for spring.  I doubt I'll weed any beds, considering I need to keep plants protected for a while before cleaning out dead leaves etc.  Our weather is unpredictable, but it will be tempting a few days this week.



How I am feeling this morning . . . 
Out of shape.  I'm hittin'  the treadmill and weights today for an in-home workout.  Also a bit paranoid.  Keeping doors locked and staying alert during this time.  I had a guy pull in our driveway, roll down his window and honk the horn.  I opened the door a crack and he wanted to know where the "boat cover repair" lady lived.  Seriously?  When we are told to stay home?  Just watch our homes right now people.



On my mind . . .
How long is this lockdown going to last?  That's what's on my mind.  How many businesses will be forced to close their doors?  Will my seed orders still get here?  Will the garden centers still have supplies and will they be open in time to plant?  Will the county I live in waive mortgage/rent?  Will our county give utility credits?  I have kids living in apartments, and can't afford to pay double if they simply "defer" rent.  They need to waive it.


On the breakfast plate . . .
Breakfast burrito with beans, egg, sausage topped with Cowboy Candy.

On my reading pile . . .


On the TV . . .
Lonesome Dove


On the to-do list . . .
exercise
dishes
blanch greens and broccoli
make hummus
refill ice trays
make condensed mushroom soup
dehydrate remaining mushrooms
put flag out
put trash out
dinner prep


On the menu . . .
-cabbage/sausage and potatoes
-soup beans, cornbread
-ham and pea pasta, beets
-snacks - some sort of low sugar cookie
-leftovers


What I am creating . . .
Cross bookmarks, a set of pot holders, and a new bookmark pattern (hoping to start on that today for a friend).



From the camera . .  .
3-17-2020

Chore I am not looking forward to . . . 
Really nothing.  I'm thankful to be busy.


To relax this week I will . . .
Binge watch cooking shows while crocheting/knitting or read a book.  As for fun?  I'll turn up the music and dance in the kitchen with my daughter while we do dishes.


On my prayer list . . .
Our country, Mom and Dad, my kids, a friend's mother who may be going back into a hospital from rehab, Truck drivers (my son is one, a cousin is one, a friend's husband is one), all essential workers, special requests.

Snow!

We have snow again.  It actually started coming down last night.  I didn't want to see that right now.  I'm ready for spring.

If you didn't hear it.  Our state is on "lockdown" but they are just calling it an "order to stay-at-home" until April 6th (at which time I'm sure they'll extend it).  All non-essential businesses are ordered closed by midnight tonight.

Nothing really new to post, but have a full normal day of chores today, so I'm not at all bored.  I'm used to being home anyway, I just wish I could get some porch time is all.

Short post, but I'm trying to keep to my regular routine.  Hopefully, I'll have some handiwork to share soon.

Update:  I just realized it's Monday, so I will post a Happy Homemaker post later too.

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Checking In ~ What's your Update?

What are some things you find yourselves doing more now that you were not before this self quarantine?  

I for one, miss the library.  I had to put in an order with Thrift books to calm myself down.  I'll spray the packages when they arrive.  It'll be the last until this is over, as I have a few other books to read too. 

To be honest, I'm doing more cleaning right now, but it's tapering off.  I haven't increased my crochet time, but that will happen soon.





I have been putting more food in the freezer from the last grocery run - blanching and freezing greens, freezing bell peppers, dehydrating mushrooms and onions, freezing more broccoli and cauliflower etc.  I could not find organic zucchini anywhere.  Hopefully, next trip I can find some.  Most people are not buying fresh fruit and veggies so I try and pick some up when we need any essential (pick up service now since delivery is not possible and we don't want to go in stores right now).

I also started a plantain tincture as preventative measures.

Hubby wanted to help a local restaurant and go get take out.  I said, "you know, I'd rather cook considering what's going on in the world and germs can attach to those take out containers and you don't know who the cooks have been around."  He quickly agreed.


Steamed broccoli, quinoa topped with homemade meatballs (with oats), and a sauce that used some of my home canned grape jelly.  

Updates:  Senior centers and adult day cares are closing.  I heard 60 days of no interest on student loans (thankful for that, as we are still paying on one daughter's stint to Kent State, and will never do that again since she's changed her career choice more than twice now).

Anyway, other than the governor stressing the importance of social distancing and staying home and not going to the store for anything but essentials (food, animal food, toiletries etc.).

As of yesterday our state has had 3 deaths from the virus.  It seems we huddle around to watch the TV everyday for updates, but the all seem pretty much the same.  "we don't know" etc etc.  

Our 18 year-old is going bonkers.  She has homework, but wants to take the dog to the park for a walk.  All parks are now closed.  I told her to make the best of our isolated (thankful for that) 6 acres.  I'll keep her busy with maybe some cooking lessons of some sort.  

A friend has challenged me with a small crochet project.  If it works out, I'll post an update.