While out fetching firewood I walked out to check on the garlic. All of the grow bags but one is doing great.
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, March 31, 2021
Garden ~ Daffodils ~ New Recipe Tried
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
This and That
I finally found a solar light for Dad's grave. They only had 2 left, and later wished I had bought the last one for my Uncle's too. I may go back and see if they restocked. My grandparents are in the same cemetery too.
Monday, March 29, 2021
Bathroom Remodel Thoughts and other rambling
Sunday, March 28, 2021
From Pile to File Recipe
Saturday, March 27, 2021
Random Tidbits
We have been getting rain here, and high winds. We are now in the time of year where it's anything can go weather - high, low, rain, you name it. I'm glad for the rain, as my garlic is getting watered and spring bulbs.
I did some quick research on growing figs in our state. It's difficult because of our winters. I could look for a small variety, which would be easier to cover over winter. I'm still contemplating re-planting the elderberry trees the deer ruined. Possibly some other trees. It all depends on what the nursery carries near me.
I've planned the Easter menu. Recipes are all checked and re-checked, and shopping list written out.
Friday, March 26, 2021
Seedlings ~ Newest Crochet Project
A good friend sent me tomato seeds and I started them this year vs. buying all my plants. Daughter K did a great job watering them while we were on vacation. A few didn't come up, but I replanted seeds and they are already up. I just thought it was much better to try and start as much as I could myself this year. As more and more people start to grow gardens, plants were hard to find last year (like some hot peppers I only plant a few of).
"Do not print another recipe to try! Do not do it! You have a bunch all over the kitchen already! Stop!.......too late." Prints two more.
Thursday, March 25, 2021
This and That
I sent an email to Ball canning supplies. It was pretty much a generic answer. It listed all the stores they sell them in, which I already checked, and no answer as to when they will have more. They did say they were having a "shortage" so there is that.
I've checked 9 Target store within 50 miles - out of stock. Same with Kroger, Walmart, and Meijer, Ace Hardware, Menard's, Lehman's Hardware, and other stores. I'll keep trying. I see they are selling some regular lids on Amazon, but a box of 12 for almost $14.00. The mentioned sending supplies to Michael's crafts, but they only sell jars with lids not just lids.
Talked with a friend and she tried to find some in TN while on vacation and an Amish store. Nada. Zero. I also checked while in FL. Nada.
My husband is working longer hours, so that means more crochet time before he gets home. Not sure why, but I started a new project (shaking my head). I still have a list of on-going projects and things that need restocked.
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Clothesline Weather ~ Adult Easter Egg Hunt and other tidbuts
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Breakfast ~ A Finish
I finished the rag rug for the shower. I'm not happy with the edges this time around. I think it's not exactly square due to the thinner material I used in the very center, but it'll work. The one I made for the bathtub was much more square on the edges.
Monday, March 22, 2021
Happy Homemaker Monday
The weather is warming up, so outside work comes first this week. Rain is arriving mid-week, so I'll save inside work for those days.
I have a long to-do list, but I have much time to do it. My husband is working 10 hour days this week....sigh...
Two stores and still no canning lids. I found an empty box where they, at one time, had wide lids but sold out (I need regular lids). If I can't can and can't freeze, there isn't a reason to grow a garden this year. I could dehydrate as much as possible, but it's starting to become depressing. I have seeds started for some, but I sure home things turn around on supplies we need.
My husband, for the first time ever, actually suggested we don't plant a garden at all this year. Well, like I said, some seeds have been started, but we'll see if stores get more canning lids. Much of my canning is tomato based foods.
Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.
The weather outside is . . .
70°/45 F, Sunny
How I am feeling this morning . . .
Almost feeling like I could use another vacation, ha ha! My husband said the same thing this morning.
On the breakfast plate . . .
Have no idea yet.
On my reading pile . . .
Nothing.
On my TV . . .
America's Test Kitchen
On the menu . . .
-salmon patties, steamed broccoli
-chicken/black bean and chili/cheese quesadillas
-smoked chicken sausages/mustard dip, roasted asparagus
-Baked chicken, peas, sweet potatoes
- Breakfast, crock pot steel cut oats
-Snacks, Kamut flake bars
Looking around the house . . .
It's a hot mess again. We took off on a motorcycle ride Sunday, so the dishes need done, laundry done....yikes!
Something I want to share . . .
I have nothing today.
Devotional, Inspirational, prayer list or Bible verse . . .
No prayers requests at this time.
Sunday, March 21, 2021
Chickens ~ Mailbox is up ~ Hobby Lobby Stops Offer ~ Porch Sign
Sadly, my oldest Araucana has passed away. I think she was about 6-8 years old (more so leaning towards 8 maybe). I also had to be careful letting the others out. There was either a hawk or eagle in the area, looking for a meal.
We went to one of the bigger cities to pick up chicken feed, and I found this! USA product. Did you know most meal worms are a product of China? My chickens love the chicken crack.
I made a quick stop at Hobby Lobby, but did you know they did away with their 40% coupon? I asked about it and was told they have to stop offering it until business picks up again. However, she said when items are on sale now, they are 50% vs. the regular 40%. Anyway, I'll go back when the item I need to restock is on "sale" in order to get a better price. The whole idea to get more business by taking away a coupon (good on one item) makes no sense to me.
The weather was finally good enough to install our new mailbox. The wind had died down and the sun was out. Still on the chilly side, but sunny.
We also put up my new porch sign I found last year.
We ended up playing cards on the porch until dinner time. Porch time was so worth it, as the weather was pretty nice.
Saturday, March 20, 2021
Question ~ From Pile to File Recipe
Has anyone purchased this book?
Friday, March 19, 2021
Day Out ~ Purge Continues and other ramblings
Daughter K had a day off so we decided to go shopping. Local store shopping in a quaint little town. I picked up some interesting items for the girls for "Easter baskets." I found locally made honey lollipops, and some old fashioned candies made in the USA (sold at locally owned businesses).
The weather was miserable outside - rain, high winds, gloomy. It was a perfect reason to get out and enjoy ourselves for once. Some would do the opposite, but out of the house it was.
My purge/extreme clean is back in action. I've filled 3 boxes of books, two more of misc. items, and now donating a travel case. We had one for camping and one for traveling anywhere else (when we drive). The bike is different for overnight stuff. Anyway, I decided the one we use more often holds more in the top tray, and I have one less case to store in my closet.
Oh, and because we both started purging clothing, I was much better at shopping on vacation. I literally came home with one Harley Davidson top and love it (from St. Augustine, FL). I have to say, I felt much better about my self control on buying clothing there.
Much has been on my mind lately, including getting raised beds built. We hope to be back to finishing the hallway this weekend and other jobs too.
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Fog ~ Rosemary's Famous Face Cream ~ Signs of Spring
Yesterday started out with a lot of fog. The weather warmed up to the 60's and felt so great. Today it's dropping down again with wind and rain. We are now in the mixed up time of year where we can get snow, rain, fog, nice days, ugly days....just typical for us.
I had high hopes to hang laundry on the line, but the wind was pretty nasty out.
I needed more wood on the porch, but someone left the garden cart out by the coop (full of dirty straw that needed dumped). Wasn't me.
I finally got my homemade face lotion made. I use the recipe in Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs book (A beginner's guide). I will need to make more oil this summer for the next batch. I store the extra lotion in the refrigerator until I need it.
Signs of spring are showing up in the flower beds now. Some areas are a bit over crowded, so I may be digging and splitting them up after they are done blooming.
Update on the general store and consignment - no response via email. Although I had to clear up about 1,000 emails, there was zero back from the store. If I don't get one today, I'll just call and check back in.
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Handiwork from on the road and other ramblings
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Back at the Helm at Home
The day started with firing up the wood stove, much laundry, housework, putting travel stuff away and baking.
Did a quick check on the mailbox, chickens and such. I'll probably hire someone to chicken sit if I am gone for a week anytime this year. It was too much for Daughter K, as she worked almost every single day.
Breakfast was thrown together with zucchini and dandelion greens. I need to go shopping for some sweet potatoes.
I took yarn for the drive for our recent vacation. I hope to share updates on what I got made soon.
I wrote up a to-do list for when we returned from vacation, but low and behold, I can't remember where I put it. I'm sure I won't run out of things to do, but found it funny.
Monday, March 15, 2021
Happy Homemaker Monday
My husband and I, along with Daughter E, took a week long vacation. It was much needed. We are sick of feeling like prisoners in our own state.
Six states have lifted restrictions now, including mask mandates. It should be that way across the states. Anyway, we vacationed mask free!! Best feeling in the world. Our first stop in TN to gas trucks up, was the best feeling too - no mask required to enter the gas station.
When we ate out, we ate local and shopped local (other than a visit to a Harley store in St. Augustine, Florida). Even coffee shop stops were local.
While I was gone, I left my seedlings in the hands of Daughter K. How did it go?
Pretty good I'd say. I'll be getting the heat lamps on some of them today.
I can say it wasn't the best overall bike week vacation for us.
Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
(will link when she posts)
The weather outside is . . .
42/36°F, right now feels like 17°F
How I am feeling this morning . . .
Happy to be home, other than not happy the Governor hasn't lifted restrictions here. I do have a messy house to tidy up, but overall glad to be back in our own home. I got a good nights sleep despite two days of driving (about 16 hours).
On my breakfast plate . . .
Have no idea
On my reading pile . . .
Nothing right now.
On my TV . . .
To be honest, nothing much. Hit the hay early last night. I will have to find something new to watch.
On the menu this week . . .
-Spaghetti, green beans
....have no idea until I check my freezer/pantry stock today
From the camera . . .