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~
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Seasons Changing and other Ramblings
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Rain
We got rain as predicted and I was happy. I hopefully will have an easier time doing some digging in the garden. I doubt I'll have much, but it must be done.
Yesterday's dinner was beef stew. I whipped up some homemade biscuits too.
I still don't have a vehicle, and everyone working here is working long hours. I had no milk. I had to make these using powdered milk. They were still good.
As for a vehicle, my car is supposed to get towed this week or next to get the new engine. Cross you fingers. It's been so long since I had the freedom to go out when I want or need to. Living in the country I have no options but to rely on others as well.
I am back to my to-do list, but first I'll see if we got any good sized beets out there. Then I'll make up a list of what I need and send it out to everyone with a vehicle in this house. Just maybe, just maybe someone can bring it home for me.
I hope all is well with everyone. With the garden slowing down, and my days not so long, it feels strange so I'm trying to allow myself to have handiwork time without guilt.
Monday, September 28, 2020
Happy Homemaker Monday
I had a very relaxing island getaway weekend with my husband.
We came back fully recharged mentally and physically. I've got my to-do list written out and ready to take on the day.
Grab a cup of your favorite java. Sorry, but this post is a bit of a long one. Taking a few days off gives me some things to talk about today.
Today I'm joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.
The weather outside is . . .
The rain has now shifted from Tue/Wed to today. So....with help of a daughter, and my husband, we picked all my black beans and we fall planted 52 cloves of garlic. Although, I do need to plant more, but will need to buy it if I can find it so I have enough for next year's homemade garlic powder, minced garlic and so forth. I use a lot of it with my canning recipes. I also picked 3 more green bell peppers and one lonely cucumber.Anyway, back to the weather, rain is 90% today, 78°F/48°F.
How I am feeling this morning . . .
Well, ready to take on the day, but a certain cat thought I needed to start my day at 3:30am. He's not even my cat. Sigh.
On my mind . . .
My to-do list. I already checked off two for today that we did yesterday, so that makes my mind rest a bit. I'm not looking forward to the shift my husband is working, as that puts all the garden work on me alone this week (one day at a time).
On the breakfast plate . . .
Bacon, Egg and Potato Casserole, Coffee
On my reading pile . . .
Seed catalogs.
On my TV . . .
We signed up for beast TV, so now with a box we can get all sorts of channels. Hubby watched his favorite football team play last night and he's a happy man.
On the menu . . .
-beef stew, homemade biscuits
-homemade biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs and fried potatoes
-roast, potatoes, onions and carrots
-possibly a cake or sweet item on the menu this week.
On the camera. . .
Picture of the moon I took last Friday night. Strangest shape I have ever seen, but neat to see.
Looking around the house . . .
Well, the tomatoes are dwindling down, but at least the dishes were washed before I got home after our weekend away. Romeo needs his toys restocked so one of these day I'll get that done. He's acting up lately.
New recipe I tried last week or one I want to try . . .
Kahlua Krisipe Treats using homemade Kahlua. I'll be test tasting these at dinner.
To relax this week I will . . .
Crochet. Maybe work on Christmas tree ornaments.
Something to share . . .
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Canning Ketchup
I spent the day yesterday reducing ketchup and it was canned. So happy for this to happen twice this year.
The weather here has been amazing. I'm already writing out my to-do list for next week. There is much to yank from the garden yet, but I'm thrilled for more tomatoes. I will be taking a peek at what's left on the plants (tomatoes) and yank a few more today.
While the ketchup reduced, I got online and ordered some Christmas pajamas. I can't lie, it sort of got me excited for the holidays, although it may just be us.
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
More Canning ~ Tomatoes

Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Still Canning and other tidbits
Monday, September 21, 2020
Happy Homemaker Monday
Woke up Saturday to 42° (feels like 39°F). I knew it was coming, but man I was not ready. I do know that it's just for a short time though. It'll warm up again. However, we canceled the one and only last camping trip we had booked. Way to cold to be camping in a pop up (even with a few small heaters in there).
Instead we went on 2 motorcycle rides. I gifted a hand crocheted blanket to our friend's daughter who had a baby shower over the weekend.
Keeping my to-do list here to stay on top of things today:
-can hot pepper jelly
-dinner in the crocky (turkey meatballs, chili sauce)
-label more canned jars and put in pantry
-write up grocery list
-laundry
-refill paprika
-vacuum
-check emails
-get a crochet set up for sale
-there's more but can't think of it until I walk by it or remember
This is probably the most boring homemaker post you'll see. Just a lot going on here emotionally and physically.
The weather . . .
73°F/43°F
How I am feeling . . .
Tired.
On my mind . . .
My youngest daughter.
On the breakfast plate . . .
Coffee.
On my reading pile . . .
Nothing.
On my TV . . .
Heart of Dixie
On the menu this week . . .
Have no idea.
From the camera . . .
I got nothing. Sadly.
Looking around the house . . .
I still have tomatoes in my kitchen.
New recipe I tried last week . . .
We tried a new baked green bell pepper "fry" recipe and it was delicious.
To relax I will . . .
Crochet
Something I want to share . . .
Nothing.
On my prayer list . . .
Our youngest daughter, for this Covid to go away so life can resume to normal.
Friday, September 18, 2020
The Start of the End ~ Garden Season
While another batch of tomato soup reduced, I got some cherry and other tomatoes put in the dehydrator.
Thursday, September 17, 2020
Jalapenos and other tidbits (new recipe tried)
The jalapenos are coming to an end. I made a 4th batch of cowboy candy and I'm selling it. We will not eat that much, but so thankful for having it for all my canning recipes, to put up in the freezer and use for meals. I put more in the freezer for winter chili, baking, and other recipes (I use them a lot in my homemade breakfast meals).
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Carrots, or lack there of....
We've harvested 95 bell peppers so far this year. The season for them is winding down.
We've harvested 19.47# of jalapenos so far this year. They have done amazing this year.