Pioneer Woman at Heart

  We had a beautiful sunrise the other day, and I could not help myself, but to take some photos.  There is still snow on our porch. I had plans to take our outside Christmas lights down today, but that is not happening.  I have come down with a sickness, and of course all of our covid tests at home have expired. I'm doing all I can do from home - mullein tea, eucalyptus/oil rub, 4 thieves, humidifier, diffuser, etc etc.  I really want some homemade ginger ale, but I have zero energy to make it.  I feel like someone beat me up, and the cough is horrible.  So far, no fever. Not sure if I picked it up while out shopping, or have been over doing things here at the house.  I'll be taking a blog break to heal up and get over this, whatever it is.  The weather isn't helping either.  The frigid temps that we just had are now changing to the 50's with rain.

  Not that I need another project right now, but I returned the coat for a smaller size and ended up with a green colored coat.  The above yarn matches it the best, so I stopped at JoAnn Fabrics and picked up some faux fur pom poms.  The smallest I could get was medium, but they were on sale 40% off.   The pom pom is a tad too big for my liking, but it will work.  Regular price for one medium was $2.99.  I paid $1.79.  I feel it would less expensive to buy 12 or 24 for selling hats less expensive.  I am looking at some on Amazon that would make a 24 lot about $.70/each. Question:  If you crochet/knit and use these faux fur pom's, where is the best place to purchase a set of them online?   I looked up the one I purchased at JoAnn's , and it says Medium, 4 x 4 inch.  I think I would like smaller ones. I won't start a new hat right now, but put it all in a bag, for working on when we have longer car trips, like to the cemete...

  It doesn't look like much, but I only make it once a year.  I got the recipe from a co-worker many years ago, when I was a Certified Travel Agent.  It's called Egg Soufflé , but we also call it "Christmas morning casserole."  Once our youngest found out I baked it, she was over with her boyfriend to get some.  I made it the day after Christmas this year. Thankfully, while they were here.... They helped move the couch to the living room.  We are so happy to finally have it back where it belongs.  There is so much more work to do, to get everything back in it's home, and we are still waiting on the flooring transition piece to finish that and the rest of the trim. The storm is over, and we are predicted to be up in the upper 40's or low 50's by later this week, but rain moves in. I don't like to go out a lot during winter, so I attempted to purchase a desk top file holder for my office area.  Well, it was delivered and returned.  It had mold ...

  Storm/winter prep is not new to us.  I made sure all the dishes were washed, and laundry done, chickens got fresh straw, and salt tank filled. Gas heaters were finally up and running last night, and wow!  I cannot tell you what a difference with heat these are.  We will be putting a stove board under it next week.  We just needed it "on" for this storm. It is currently a windchill of -27°F as I type this post.  The interstate highway near my hometown has shut down due to so many accidents.  The in town route is so bad, we are told you cannot tell what side of the highway you are on.  We have turned on porch lights, as we live on a country highway and it will be a beacon for those needing to get to work (which is crazy unless you are medical). We could definitely lose power with the wind.  It is horrible.  The snow has arrived as predicted, but the 60mph winds are here.

  My afternoon delight most days now - homemade hot chocolate and mini marshmallows we picked up in Amish country. You may see blips in posts now.  Meaning, more chances of power outages, loss of internet (like this morning), etc. This morning there was a car accident nearby, which took out power, and I am sure I heard life flight fly over.  Praying for all involved. No, the heaters are not on yet. and the temps will drop to 0°F tonight (so frustrated with getting this done).  Experts have been called in at this point.  Delivery on our flooring transition piece is a month from now.  We will fire up the woodstove, but I sure hope we saved our fireproof rug from the pellet stove.  I went to the farm store to buy a new one, and they told me they never got any shipped in this year. I made an attempt to have the sofa moved back to the living room, but we could not get anyone in the family to help move them.  We literally have about an hour of daylight ...

  To our surprise, guess who showed up?  Yep. Our handyman showed up, took all of the flooring out and started to put it back in.  It is looking so much better though. Two kiddos came out for a visit.  I made a batch of hummus, and it did not last long.  I'm glad they showed up, as one was needed for some work on the computer.  I had to link up late, as it was doing many updates (see yesterday's post for an update on the living room). Bad weather is heading our way, and we are down to one vehicle due to broken down parts.  Lovely.  I think I can hitch a ride with one of the kids for groceries this week (so I don't have to do it after dinner). Just to be sure we are stocked up good for a few days. They are predicting snow, 50 mph winds, possible power outages and more.  I stocked up on extra oil for the oil lamps and wicking as well, so that is off the list.  I do need to fill water jugs for the chickens (just in case).  If the ...

Busy weekend....we met up with Daughter E (hair stylist) and she gave us hair cuts on her day off at the salon.  It was nice to be there without other people, and we re-stocked her groceries.  She was very happy about that. Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. Will link up later when she posts. The weather . . . 31/23°F today, and we dip down to 5°F by the weekend.  Snow moves in just before Christmas. As I look outside my window . . . It's cloudy and dreary. Right now I am . . . Getting ready to make a breakfast, brewing more coffee, as Daughter E is coming over to do laundry. Thinking and pondering . . . An antique store we often visit has those shade for oil lamps.  They suggested I bring my glass piece in to be properly fitted for one.  I guess I thought they were all standard size.  I'm thinking of doing that for the one on the kitchen table. How I am feeling . . . Frustrated - see "from the camera" Listening to. . . Rock station o...

  Homemade lip balm has been made.  I originally made it with calendula infused oil, but now make it with lemon balm infused oil, plus essential oils. Instead of buying the holder to hold up the tubes, I just wrap a few with rubber bands, and it works great.  I save the rubber bands from any mail delivery.  I also use a can, washed and dried (from chickpeas/beans etc.).  I bend a "spout" for easy pouring. I did not write down the source for my recipe, but there is one on Mountain Rose Herbs online, and many other recipes to use online.  Trust me, it took some work to get the binder out of my office, ha ha!  I'm just glad this is done.  I use the lip balm all the time. I try to keep notes on my recipes.  I had written this makes 10, but I got 9 tubes.  I guess it will depend on tube size.  Anyway, the benefits of growing medicinal herbs.  

  I caught a short glimpse of another beautiful sunrise. I spent most of my morning making a breakfast casserole with dandelion greens, but guess what while it was baking? The new flooring did not work with our floor.  As well as a new level floor was, this flooring was not working (thin, and locking side would not stay locked). It was all taken out, and our handy man went home.  New flooring was picked up, so we will find out this weekend if it will work better.  It's thicker, and actually less expensive. The rain arrived last night as expected, and it's is to rain all day long.  The weatherman says, "do not let this rain fool you."  A winter storm is on the way. My few outdoor tasks today are halted, but I have plenty to do inside today.  It's still not feeling like Christmas at all.  I can say though, I'm glad I'm not running around crazy busy baking and cooking this year.  

  I ended up cooking eggs for breakfast, using my English muffin rings.  I cooked bacon as well for sandwiches. Although upside down, the order has been started, and the one color I needed I found online with Michaels store.  I found a great deal, considering prices - buy 2 get one free, made the skeins $2.99/each (7 oz).  Free shipping.  I had to order yarn for me, so it got me the free shipping, but what a deal.  It's been shipped, so as soon as it arrives, I will continue making it. Flooring started to go in, but our handyman has a few doctor appts. this week, so it has been slow going.  My house is still a hot mess.  I can't put anything where it needs to go, so I keep telling myself to be patient. We are being told there is a winter storm coming our way.  It is to arrive before Christmas.  Lovely.  I'm checking freezer supply/pantry supply, paper product supply etc. and making lists.  Just in case. Our truck gets a new win...

  The weekend was a long work weekend.  The walls in the living room are completely painted, the trim is almost done (we literally ran out of steam and time on Sunday), and the gas heater line goes in this week. The walls are a light gray, and the floor trim is not getting painted to match the windows. We put grave pillows on Mom and Dad's graves.  We picked up salt for the water softener, and I could not believe how high the price is right now. My husband was called away for several hours, so that put us behind in painting the floor trim.  A nephew is having electrical issues, and he went to help.  However, for the family's safety, he plans to go back and re-wire their house. It doesn't even feel like Christmas here.  We've already told our broke kids to not buy us anything for Christmas. Once the house is in order (could be late January at this rate), we will have them over for a meal. Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. The weather....

  I saw this ornament for sale the other day.  I thought it was so cute, but look at how small that is.  You'd almost have to knit with toothpicks to create one, ha ha!  Just thought I'd share. One window and office door trim is completely done.  In the spring, I will take that door off and paint it.  It's just not on the to-do list right now.  Anyway, I later removed all the paint tape and started on the next window.  I'm so glad we decided last minute to paint the trim.  No better time than now with the flooring not in yet.  It really brightened up the room. I can tell you, that is has not been fun.  I never knew how many muscles were used for painting.  I have to climb the tall ladder to paint the top of the windows, and literally lay down on the floor to paint the bottoms of the windows. The only reason I have not painted the trim around the stairway, is that our handyman ran staples into the trim to hold plastic up, so I'm...

  These finally arrived, but I have very little time to make them right now.  I have to put this on the to-do list, as I have one tube left and winter is here (lip balm tubes). The living room is moving along, but it feels like it's taking forever.  We did pick up the gas heater for our alternative heat source for the living room.  It was nice to be out at dark and see so many beautiful Christmas lights.  I don't think we have been out at dark in a long time recently. I have been pretty good at making sure I stop working, so that I can take time to decompress/rest.  I am rotating my crocheted blanket with re-stocking baby booties. It was a tough moment when I dug out the pattern for these.  Mom was my inspiration for just about every thing I made. She was so positive and motivational when it came to making new things, and she always gave me ideas that were great sellers at craft shows.  She would also bring me the best customers. As I read over my...

  I wasn't even going to paint the trim in the living room, but after we talked about it, we decided it would brighten up the room.  I have started to prime the trim, which is slow going.  I decided to use a tool to paint edges vs. using expensive paint tape.  It is slower, but works for the job.  You can see the room is already brighter with the trim white vs. dark wood. Good news!  I got an email and a text.  The flooring will be in this week, and the gas heater is ready to be picked up.  I guess that means I better get these windows done, so we can get the walls painted next.  I never expected to do that either, but since we had to replace the entire floor, and it hasn't been painted in 14 years, we decided to do it. I have been a bit depressed, and not feeling like it's even Christmas time right now, but glad this project is keeping my mind busy.  I'm just used to baking, and making homemade gifts this time of year, and I am not....

  I took these photos of the sunrise yesterday.  There won't be many left to view as winter is rolling in.  So beautiful. This is what the view from the porch looks like this morning.  Foggy and raining today.  No sunny sky today. I got so side tracked on my to-do list.  I started in the living room, but realized I need a taller ladder, so that was brought in.  I took more yarn back upstairs, but brought more down, and completely got off track with the living room.  I did however, put a roast in the crock pot, so tonight it's easy leftovers. We are so frustrated with ordering supplies for the living room.  The delivery date on our heater (fireplace) was Nov. 30th.  We've called two times, and each time they say they'll send an email to get more information on why it's not been shipped yet (and they never followed up/called us back).  I have brought in our small electric heaters we used to use in the pop-up camper.  It's taking ...

  Here is an update on the new blanket for us.  It's been a long time since I have made anything for ourselves.  The weather is miserable today.  Very windy and a cold front on the way.  It's a full blown work weekend for us.  We plan to make some progress in the living room. I looked into selling my handiwork at a location one hour away.  They have a waiting list, but want $90 to 225.00/month and a 3 month commitment.  I will now look into another location.

  Winter has things slowing down around here, other than our living room repair/remodel project.  I, however, finally got the hot cocoa mix made. A few parts arrived to install the gas heaters, but the fireplace has yet to be delivered.  It was supposed to be in November 30th.  It's been a frustrating time getting what we need to finish the living room. The cost of paint is horrible right now as well. Sheesh.  My husband and I were flabbergasted at the price of one gallon to paint the trim.

  I can now get up the stairs, but the office is so jam packed with stuff, there is no way to access my recipes in there.  It will be a while before it's emptied. The white door is my office, and the black plastic to the right of that is covering the stairway. I'm glad I can get back upstairs, due to a yarn order I recently placed.  It was a great deal during the week of Thanksgiving, and even lower in price that Wal-mart. The ceiling fan is now taken off, so I resume the removal of the popcorn ceiling.  Lots of work done, but there is a lot more to do.  We have no heat until the room is completely done.  We'll be bringing in a propane heater to be able to work in there. I can't recall if I updated on my Kitchenaid mixer, so I'm sorry if this is a repeat.  My husband took it apart and fixed it.  I am so happy that is off the "replace it" list now.  The new ones are not built like the old ones, and are pretty expensive. Not wanting to pay for ...

  ....new ripple blanket for the living room sofa.  I'm considering 3 colors maybe.  I had to make a trip to the store for this yarn. ....current scarf being crocheted.  I had the yarn downstairs.  I'm not quite halfway done. . . .daughter E requested these.  She feels they will sell well at the salon.  I luckily had the yarn downstairs, and will possibly make 2-3 more colors depending on what is accessible right now.  These cute nail polish Christmas ornaments will get hangers attached as well.

  Not wanting to pay anyone else, nor add more pay to the current handy man, we did a trial on the removal of the popcorn ceiling.  We did the 50/50 fabric softener/water spray first, then realized we didn't even need the spray.  The popcorn ceiling was coming off lickity split with just the scraper.  About 1/4th of the ceiling is down and cleaned up.  We are waiting on the rest of the subfloor to be installed to remove the rest.   Now my husband understands why I wanted the ceiling done.  The spider webs were dangling at the edges of where he was removing the texture.  He understands my frustration with having to "sweep" the ceiling every year.  It was ugly as well.   Still needing done? -remove remaining popcorn ceiling, remove current ceiling fan -paint ceiling and install new ceiling fan/light -wash down all trim/walls -paint trim -paint walls, re-install floor trim -install new flooring and move furniture back Meanwhile, w...

  The gutters have been cleaned!  Woohoo to that!  His timing was perfect as well.  He helped carry in the subflooring for us after he was done with the gutters. Actually, it was my husband and him that carried it in.  As soon as he was in the house (he's family), all the sudden our handy man's tune changed to "oh I can't carry that at all, blah blah blah"  so who did he think would carry it in?  Just a head shaking moment, or eye rolling.  Also, Handy man told my husband he was "on break" when it was time to move more subflooring in.  My husband is now also frustrated.  It was just a fluke that my husband was off work for the holidays. Subfloor is going in now!  However, it may not be done until week 4 of this project.  I can't say that even half is in right now.  He doesn't work weekends either, and remember he took Wed. off, and Thursday was a holiday. We are going to do a test run on the removal of the popcorn ceiling ...