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~

Friday, April 30, 2021

A Mother's Thoughts


Started out yesterday morning with a power outage.  I literally had nothing I could do, but use my neck light and crochet.  I guess I could have read a book too, but anyway it was back on quite soon.

 I was at the computer looking over my emails, and Daughter E came running in and said, "Mom!  Mom!  Come help me open my trunk, I wanna show you something!"

She was so excited about moving out that she had gone shopping and bought herself kitchen cookware, a coffee pot, toaster, silverware and more. 

 


I'm happy to see her so excited, and hope it really works out for her, but deep down this Mother is not ready to see her "leave the nest" to say.

I gifted the younger two girls pastry cloths, a pastry blender and other items last Christmas, in hopes to teach them how to make homemade biscuits, and biscuits and gravy.  So far, it hasn't happened. 

Daughter K is never home, and when she is, she has a friend here (and all that friend does is bring Taco Bell food with her).

Daughter E said, "I can't wait!  You can come to my new apartment and teach me to cook!"  Ha!  Not sure that'll happen, but I can hope it will. 

I know I want to teach her how to make hummus, which will require her to have a food processor.  She loves hummus.

She bought some cute kitchen towels with coffee cup patterns on them.  I told her don't buy too many, I had gifted her hand embroidered kitchen towels with a cat pattern on each one for each day of the week (to put in her Hope Chest).

She even bought a lunch bag and reusable bowls to pack her lunch for work vs. buying take out.


She picked out this yarn for her hot pads (she likes blue and green and it has both, plus white), and I almost have the last piece done to sew them together.

She will need a few end tables, lamps, and at least a small-ish sofa, but we have a kitchen table and chairs for her.  A friend is giving her a microwave (kids today! Just want things quick).  She has plenty of coffee mugs and of course the dishes I packed up for her.  I gave her a radio/clock, and some decor.  She'll be taking a desk that she uses for makeup, a desk for writing, her bed, and dresser.  Sigh, I am just not ready for this, but hope it all works out for her.

I will make her a magnetic clip board and pen for her fridge, but spray paint weather is not here right now.  It dipped down to the low 30's last night.  I may have one all ready to go.  I'll have to check my craft stash.

Speaking of crafting stash, I am still going thru my "stash" and purging it.  I am keeping all my jewelry making, and some other items, but stuff the kids used while in school are going.

I have a stack of large tablecloths that I'm debating over.  I haven't used them in years, but they would be nice to have for camping or for outdoor cookouts with family/friends over.  Hm.  I just don't know yet.

Anyway, we will know for sure after May 3rd, if and when and what apartment she'll move into.  She has an appointment for a walk-thru.

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Random Tidbits

I figured it out for those who write posts on your blog.  Look just above your last posted blog post for the word "All" and click on the down arrow next to it.  You can find you drafts that way, and just click on "drafts."  You are welcome.

Purged more and cleaned more, filling up 2 more boxes to donate.

Planted indoor thyme and basil.  Just have to get more soil and plant rosemary and parsley for indoors too.  I have killed my plants.  I'm terrible at watering them.

Boiled more eggs.  Yum!



Wednesday, April 28, 2021

April Warm Up

 


(sunrise)

We hit a high of 85°F yesterday.  It was a gorgeous day (but overly windy) for hanging laundry on the line, but too dry to weed flower beds. The rain arrives today and tomorrow, so weeding will be easy after that.


The world we live it is scary right now.  I'm told to be careful wearing anything to support the police.  Not sure I'll get very many of my blue thin line hats sold this coming fall.


I offered to take Mom to Amish for a Mother's Day gift, but she cannot go, but has plans to go another time with someone else.  Not sure what to do for Mother's day for her yet.


I literally got straight into the extreme clean mode, garbage bag in hand, box for donations, and the phone rang.  It was my husband.  He was taking the afternoon off to help Daughter T move a bed to her new apt.  Off went the cleaning mode, other than I boxed up some dishes for her and grabbed bed pillows for her new place.  Not only did we load the bed, but had to take it up 2 flights of stairs.  It's a cute apt. though.

So far, no rain yet this morning, but it's on the way.  I'm okay with that.  It'll put me back into extreme clean mode.

I am sad about our youngest moving out, but plan to help her as much as I can.  We were secretly hoping the Daughter K would be moving out this year, but it doesn't sound like it.  I hate to say it, but her housekeeping skills make you roll your eyes.  I don't feel guilty charging her rent. She dumped the dog food into the storage container, threw the bag over the half door that leads into my utility room (which is directly across the hall from the door to the driveway where the trash can is).  I went in to get cat food to feed the cats, and I threw it in front of the side door for her to take out when she left for work.  Where did I find it this morning???  Back over the half door.  She is 21 years old turning 22 in 2 months.  Urgh.  My husband (tee hee) said to throw it in the front seat of her car.  Why, why why does she live like this?  I did not teach her to be so dang nab-it lazy.

I'm thinking that Daughter K needs a nudge, so her birthday presents (tee hee) will involve items for living on her own.

Okay, off my soapbox on housekeeping.

Today is the birthday of our grandson that passed away at the age of 4 months.  Daughter T is needing some comforting.

I'm sort of looking forward to the rain, so I'll get deep into spring cleaning. I want a very tidy house come planting season.  Even though I started my seeds in Feb (early) this year, some look a bit smallish.  I have grow lights on them too.

My habanero seeds never came up.  I have never grown habanero myself from seed.  My husband says they need more heat on them, but it's too late now.  I'll have to buy a few plants if I can find any.  Last year it was slim pickin's.

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Chickens ~ Flower Gardens and what not.....

The ladies (chickens) are laying exhaustingly awesome right now.   I have 2 (not just 1) dozen in the fridge to boil in a week or so.  So excited to be blessed with so many eggs right now.

We are adding several perennials to the flower beds this spring.  I have had them in the garage until the snow and freeze was finished.  I know there may be a chance for frost, but with the 80°F days, and rain, I put them all outside.  




I don't have very many tulips, but they are blooming.  I'm planting more bulbs this fall. 



Look at the size of the dandelions!  I will be doing something before my husband mows again.



My husband was tickled pink to see I made strawberry crisp.  I need to rotate out some strawberries before strawberry season gets here.  The recipe is online with Belle of the Kitchen.  I use thawed frozen strawberries and adapted the recipe with organic ingredients.  I do have to bake it a bit longer using the thawed strawberries (more liquid from frozen).





Monday, April 26, 2021

Happy Homemaker Monday

My husband and I took off yet for another adventure and did a one night road trip.  

We visited some falls and dined on local food.  We actually found a tavern that has been open for 50 years, known for their large burgers.  We ate a slider, because the sliders were the size of a regular burger and their regular burgers were the size of a dinner plate.  We also found an old 57 diner that was still in business and had a delicious breakfast.  I was surprised to see so many drive-in's along the way and still in business.  

Our hotel was attached to a mall.  The mall was pretty much out of business other than the movie theater and there was a walkway (hallway) from the hotel to the mall.  




Our morning sunrise this morning.



I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.  I'll link up when my blog gets it's head together.  I can't read my blog lists right now.

The weather outside is . . .

67°F/54°F, mix of sun and clouds, Tue/Wed high of 83°


How I am feeling this morning . . .

Depressed to be back home again, but glad the weather will be good starting tomorrow.  It will get me outside to weed flower beds.  Looking forward to some good ol' sunshine.


On the breakfast plate . . .

Breakfast scramble.  While on our weekend getaway, we came across the most different bar/store. In the front was a full bar, and in the back a meat counter with many delicious meats for sale.  We came home with some Andouille sausage.  Homemade flour tortillas.


On my reading pile . . .

Nothing this week.  I want to get hot pads crocheted for the girls that are moving into an apartment.


On the TV . . .

Sweet Home Carolina


On the menu this week . . .

-sloppy joes, sweet potato fried
-baked chicken, crock pot sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli
-meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn or asparagus
-breakfast scramble, homemade flour tortillas
-strawberry crisp
-leftovers



Looking around the house . . .

I have old dishes to sort between two kids.  We just found out Daughter T is getting a divorce and already has an apt. and needs dishes.  I bought us a new set after several years, so the kids get the old ones.


To relax this week I will . . .

Most likely crochet.


Something I want to share . . .

Nothing today.


Devotional, inspirational, prayer list, Bible verse . . .



Saturday, April 24, 2021

Random Tidbits

Something I just realized - you can't click on "draft" any more on the blog.  You know, how you click on "posts" or other ones?  You have to go search for them.  Frustrating.  Anyway...

Daughter E is once again looking for an apt.  Sort of sad my baby is looking to get her own place, but I'm working on filling a laundry basket with goodies for her apt. warming gift.  This however, puts a halt to working on the cardigan and other projects.  

I am looking into a large vendor show in Sept.  It may be all outside. 

Speaking of projects I have tried two new crochet patterns and will be adding these to the fall sale.



Thin blue line beanies (to show support for our police officers, my younger brother is one of them) and pizza pan hot pads (or any large round dish).  I'll get a picture of the round hot pad soon.

I finally uncovered everything that I covered due to snow and a freeze.  Looks like we'll get up to the 80's next week.

I was out to buy chicken feed and almost (almost) came home with 6 new baby chicks.  Oh my!  Lavender Orpingtons.  So beautiful.  I talked myself out of it until the new coop is built.

I got some spring cleaning done in the kitchen, but more needs done.  Then I move back to the bedroom and reorganize what I can.  It's time to spruce up some things.


Friday, April 23, 2021

From Pile to File ~ New Recipes Tried

 



I made Cajun Angel Hair and Sausage.  New recipe tried!  I had some organic angel hair pasta and wanted to use it.  I finally found some non-gmo smoked chicken sausages too.  The recipe includes fresh green onion in the recipe and I used freshly snipped home grown green onion to top it with.  Oh my!  I'll tweek the sauce part (needs more), but the taste was fabulous.  I made homemade Cajun seasoning for it.

This recipe was a favorite.  Normally, you cook meat or brown it first, and this recipe is a toss it all in but the pasta.  Loved it.  I didn't expect it to taste so good on account of lack of ingredients.  I used 2 homemade beef bouillon cubes (because that is what I had). I just added the pasta last, cooked some peas and shredded some cheese.  The recipe is online as well - Slow Cooker Chicken Bolognese Pasta.  Does anyone have a dry homemade mix recipe for chicken bouillon?  Or one for freezing in cubes?

Speaking of all this baking and cooking, I have a container of organic non-gmo shortening, but it has coconut in it.  Do any of you have recipe ideas this would taste good in?  I basically use shortening for birthday cake frosting and that won't taste good in that.

Thursday, April 22, 2021

A "Getter' Done" Kind of Day ~ Homemade Neosporin ~ Lip Balm

 



I finally got a day to make a batch of homemade "neosporin" and some lemon balm lip balm.  The infused oil recipe for the "neosporin" is online.  The recipe for the lip balm is on Mountain Rose Herbs blog, but I make a lemon balm oil infusion vs. calendula.

Did some laundry, dishes, and did some tidying in the kitchen.

I finally finished making these ornaments.  The instructions are on my S.C.R.A.P. Blogspot.

Extreme clean update:  I finally found a person to pick up the scrap stained glass.  First person never showed up.  All of the craft glitter is leaving the house.  Daughter T is taking it all. One pair of sweatpants left the house too.



Took this photo the day before the snow arrived.  Dolly Carton was enjoying her dirt bath.  Just a happy photo to share with y'all.

 




Wednesday, April 21, 2021

This and That ~ Winter Weather Advisory (and it's April!)

The bad:

I heard that Hobby Lobby is closing all their stores for good, due to government mandate involving health insurance and their beliefs.  Has anyone else heard this?  Or is this just rumor?


The good:

My dehydrator replacement door was back in stock and has been ordered.  Woohoo to that.


Something I learned: 

I watched a show on Create TV (cooking), and found out it's healthy to add garlic powder to your chicken feed occasionally.  I caught the 1/4 cup part, but missed per what amount of feed.  I'm trying to find the show online to re-watch it.  I think I found the show, but the station is operating on reduced power, so I'll have to check back later.


Something I learned:

You can make jelly from the red buds on the red bud tree.  I most likely won't get to try it this spring (the freeze), but will try it next year. My Mom has a tree.  It's also medicinal.  Fun and good to know.


I had a request for the recipe for homemade lip balm.  The original recipe I tried uses calendula and is found on Mountain Rose Herbs blog.  I now make an infused oil with lemon balm and make it that way.

As far as making homemade "neosporin" Here is the recipe I use, but there are other recipes online as well using optional essential oils (different ones) to try.  I love this recipe. 


Whelp, sadly the best pizza up by my husband's work has closed both locations due to no one wanting to apply to work.  He tried getting it for us last week and they were closed.  They are hiring, but can't get anyone to work (thanks to you Gov extending unemployment until Sept of this year, which is ridiculous).  More local businesses have closed on certain days or have closed completely until people apply to work.


I decided to cut most of the lilacs in hopes they'll bloom inside, so I didn't have to cover it.  I can't cover my apple or peach trees, so most likely no fruit again this year.


Well, this happened.  We got 4 inches.  A record I believe.  Crazy.  Thank goodness I had enough old sheets to cover some things out there.  The freeze comes tonight.  Oh the fun...


Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Signs of Spring

 

Yarrow

Lilacs are on.


Comfrey


Feverfew.


Bleeding heart.



So many signs of spring, but I'll be digging out the old sheets to cover during these next few days.  The daffodils and hyacinths are about done for the season, but will need to cover the asparagus, rhubarb and everything pictured in this post too.  Oh, and my green onions.

I went out to pick asparagus for dinner (finally have enough for a meal), I saw that some Russian kale and some collards were up.  Yummy!






Monday, April 19, 2021

Happy Homemaker Monday

Garden work has started.  We had a busy weekend too.  We added another roost to the existing chicken coop.  Plans for the new one involve using barn wood from the knocked down barn.  

We replaced the bottom board in one kitchen cupboard and purged what was under it.

Installed the new wall towel rack in the smaller bathroom, installed new solar lights outside, and repaired a part on the dishwasher, and Hubby mowed all weekend.

We ended the evening by grilling burgers, and toasting the buns on the grill.  We mixed in chopped garden jalapenos, garlic and onion, and topped them with homemade thousand island dressing and blue cheese (we were too exhausted to fry bacon for them).  Oh so good and great way to end the day. 


On this week's to-do list:
-boil eggs
-laundry
-sweep/mop kitchen
-dishes
-start back at the craft purge 
-pick an extreme clean project
-make homemade lip balm
-make homemade "neosporin"
-write out a shopping list




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


The weather outside is . . .

67°F/38 today, but tomorrow?  44/31°F and then Wed? 42/23°F

1-3 inches possible Tues./Wed.


How I am feeling this morning . . .

Tired, although tickled pink we actually got some things done on Sunday.  


On the breakfast plate . . .



I'm going to make a breakfast bake, but use the very last bags of frozen zucchini and yellow squash vs. potatoes.  I tried a new way to bake the bacon - twist and bake on a foil like rimmed baking pan for 35 minutes.  Super crispy.  Recipe said 45 minutes, but my bacon was starting to burn, and 35 minutes at 425°F worked great!



On my reading pile . . .



On the TV . . .

Westerns on Amazon Prime


On the menu this week . . .

-two new recipes to try, roasted asparagus from the garden

-grilled cheese, home canned tomato soup

-baked chicken, sweet potatoes, green beans

-maybe an overnight casserole vs. a crock pot dish

-a new crock pot recipe


Looking around the house . . .

I feel so much better getting so much done.  I have a good to-do list, but the kitchen will be less cluttered after cupboard repairs.  I'm already making plans to get it all re-organized and purged under the kitchen sink.


To relax this week, I will . . .

If it warms up later in the week - play cards on the porch with my husband.  Otherwise, before he gets off work, most likely crochet.


From the camera . . .



This morning's sunrise.  The clouds sure scream weather change.


Something I want to share . . .


...because I'm an organizing nerd....how I whipped up a way to store my dish gloves.  It's a GM hook and a curtain rod clip that slides onto a curtain rod to clip on curtains (tea towels etc.).  I will be picking up some cheap placemats to put behind them on the door and under them to protect the wood.  It felt great "shopping" from the "junk drawer."



Something else to share - early birthday present from my husband.  I LOVE these!


Devotional, inspirational, prayer list or Bible verse . . .





Friday, April 16, 2021

Good Vibes ~ Pushing Positivity

 

I saw this at the store and thought, why not give it a try.  I mean it can't hurt to try.  Not sure if it will really elevate my mood and energy, but I could use it.  


Sweet Tangerine Positive Energy Cookies (found on Yogi online).

These are buttery and a hint of citrus flavor.  The tea itself smells amazing.  Great way to use up teabags if they are needing used up.




I also ordered a copy of this book.  I just gave up on the library for now.  I can always pass on one book to make room for this one.  Also giving it a try to lift my spirits.  I'll let you know if it's any good.



Bringing fresh cut flowers indoors helps boost my spirit. So glad I have an abundance to cut from.

Having something "good" to look forward to lifts my spirits.  Tending my seedlings give me something to look forward to - growing the garden.  My thyme has sprouted.

Taking affordable, spontaneous getaway trips has really helped boost our spirits.  We didn't get to go camping at all last year, and hope to this year.




Taking  beautiful photos (or of things that make me smile) boosts my spirits.  I love a good sunrise.



Baking makes me happy.

(chowder before the milk/cheese was added)

Crock pot dinners make me very happy.

Keeping a tidy house keeps me happy too.  It's been hard.  The hallway project is not finished yet and is driving me crazy.  I have now moved everything out from under the kitchen sink to replace the bottom piece in the cupboard.  Seeing all that stuff on the floor drives me nuts too.  I keep a list to try and stay on task, but getaways are needed too.  I'm trying to keep a balance and removing the chaotic feeling when the house needs tidying up.

It's been too much on us in our state, that depression has been taking over many of our friends and family.  I made the mistake of listening to the Governor's briefing yesterday.  He could not answer anything.  Won't change his mind on the "number" we need to be at in "cases" in order to lift restrictions.  He was speaking at Toledo University, and 3 local news people asked the same question about mask mandate because he didn't answer the question. He never did.  One asked if that number is even obtainable because his daughter has an health issue.  Never did answer anything completely.  Just went around them with blabbering. His only answer to any question was more need the vaccine and more mask wearing, and even though he put out numbers that 95% of people are wearing a mask, our state has been increasing in "cases" in a bad way.


 There are days I can barely get thru.  What do you do to stay positive under a lockdown, that feels like it's taken your right to live your life away from you?