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, November 30, 2022

Making progress. . .


 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 another helper, we will be finishing the living room ourselves.  Once I have the ceiling painted and the ceiling fan/light installed I will post an update.

I'm trying a new crockpot recipe today.  I'll post an update if we like it or not.  

I'm feeling a lack of holiday spirit.  Not sure if it's because my house is a hot mess, we don't have a tree up in plain sight, or if it's the fact I can't decorate if I wanted to right now.  Or because Mom is not here this Christmas, and I am usually making a handmade gift for her.  I know the fact I cannot do a craft show has made me feel somewhat depressed as well.

The weather is not very inviting today - windy and raining.

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

....from the handiwork journal

 

....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.

Monday, November 28, 2022

Happy Homemaker Monday

 We had our last Thanksgiving gathering, and we all laughed and joked about why I didn't have homemade rolls.  I took deviled eggs and cheesy potatoes, and there was not a drop left when we went home.





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

The weather . . .

42/36°F, and rain mid week.


As I look outside my window . . .

It's cloudy, and looks like rain possibly.


Right now I am . . .

Filling the sink to wash the dishes from yesterday's gathering, loading the washing machine and looking up a recipe for using up the spaghetti squash.


Thinking and pondering. . .

Considering a getaway for our upcoming anniversary. It all depends on the progress of the living room.


How I am feeling . . .

Feeling a bit groggy from the holiday festivity adult drinks from yesterday.


Listening to . . .

The radio.


On the breakfast plate . . .

-leftover sausage/egg/cheese breakfast sandwich with Ezekiel bread.


What I am wearing . . .

T-shirt, pull over sweatshirt, and sweatpants.


On the reading pile . . .

Crochet patterns, and new recipes.


On the TV . . .

Yellowstone.


On the menu . . .

-Sloppy joes/Ezekiel bread, a spaghetti squash side
-Cajun sausage and beans (new crock pot recipe)
-leftovers


Looking around the house . . .

It's the same hot mess.


To-do list . . .

-laundry, wash bedding
-dishes
-make a breakfast
-clean out chicken roosts, and put clean straw in them
-order my husband new joggers
-check emails
-put dinner in the crock pot

From the camera . . .

I have nothing today, but plan to get pictures of current handiwork for tomorrow's post.

Sunday, November 27, 2022

Living room updates.....

 

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, we wait for work to resume on Monday.  No other interesting news, other than I saw a stray cat the other day.  I set food out, but have not seen it again yet.

The weather is high of 56°F today, but it's raining and very windy.  Looks like it will be that way all day today.  I'll try and get a photo of the current handiwork (nothing really exciting ha ha). As soon as the rest of the floor is in, I will be able to get upstairs for yarn and other supplies.

Saturday, November 26, 2022

This and That

 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 this weekend.  If if comes off as easily as they say it will, we will do it ourselves, but we will have to wait for the rest of the subfloor to be installed to get it all off (and painted).

I'll be honest, we have a gathering this weekend, and I am not feeling up to it.  I think it's because it is the first holiday season without my Mom.  I think my kids are feeling this way too.  I can't really explain it, other than I just don't have the energy to cook a lot (entertain) nor be around a lot of people.

We did head out to the grocery store, for a few things, and we stopped at the local area Dollar General.  I was looking for a cuticle tool (wooden) and they had one left, but I could not believe how bare the walls/shelves were in that store.  It has always been completely stocked.  

Oh, on a good note, my wonderful husband fixed my 22 year-old kitchenaid mixer!  He took it apart, cleaned it up, tightened a few screws and wa-la!  That really made me happy.  I do not like the new updated versions they have now, and the same one I have is anywhere from $250-400.00.  I am so happy about that.

Anyway, I'm still waiting on my lip balm tubes to arrive, as well as the essential oils for making the travel soaps.  I would like to get a few more nail polish ornaments made, but I'm also waiting on one more skein of yarn for that.  I still cannot get upstairs.

It's starting to get colder again, hence the urgency to get the floor done.  I want to fire up the wood stove keep the house warm.

I will try and get some photos of the scarf in progress, the ornaments and possibly the living room.

Friday, November 25, 2022

Homemade Seasoned Salt and other ramblings

 

Thanksgiving morning was a beautiful morning.  They day was a perfect porch day as well.  Rain slowly crept in as the evening fell.  I can't say we really did much.  Daughter K came over for a visit.

I was given a pass on all that holiday cooking, but I did restock my homemade seasoned salt.

Our guy to clean gutters called and was to come Wed. morning.  I then got a message Wed. morning that he said the weather may be better on Thursday.  It was too.  Anyway, he never called, messaged or arrived after that.

I finally got around to setting up an account to register any new tools (and register any we purchased this year), for the lifetime warranty.  So get this?  I was reading over receipts from the living room supply runs.  I have been giving the handy man our credit card vs. cash (easier to keep track of and we trusted him).  It may sound petty, but he purchased two energy drinks with our card.  We haven't said anything, but any and all purchases will be made by us from now on.  We are taking note of it.

The truck is still full of sub flooring, so if he doesn't arrive today to install it, we will unload it.

I think this Thanksgiving was a bit hard on us, as Mom was not with us.  I know it was really bothering one of the kids.  They say it gets better, but this holiday was definitely difficult.  I set the Christmas porch lights on now.  I am hoping it lifts my spirits.


Thursday, November 24, 2022

Happy Thanksgiving!

 








We are having beautiful weather in the 60's. The deer are very active in the early evening time.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

About to lose my mind....

 I got to thinking yesterday.  Yep.  I thought I would gather supplies and finally get around to making my lip balm.  Then I got to thinking about where I put them, and went to look.  I completely forgot I used all my tubes with the last batch.  

I just ordered the lip balm tubes, and then realized that I can't even make them until I can get into the office (where the recipe is at on a buried bookshelf).

I took photos of the living room, for insurance purposes, since there is no crawl space.  Then I realized my thumb drives are all in the office.  I need to load the photos, get them printed and put into our Home Owner's Journal.

Same issue making homemade face lotion - recipe book buried in the daggum office.

I really need to make a day out for myself, just because, even after getting to town the other day (it was late and no time to do anything but get wood).

Now the truck is loaded with wood.  Again.  I could just drag it around with me, but then that will be when the Handy Man needs it.  I'm not sure why it's not unloaded really.  

I plan to put all important recipes on the computer and on a thumb drive when I do have access to them again.  I will then have them when I need them, just in case for future purposes.

Is the subfloor down yet?  Nope!  And I didn't find out until last night he won't be back for a few days now.  So...no rolls for the Thanksgiving gathering this weekend.  A monkey couldn't get that recipe binder out of the office right now.


Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Spaghetti Squash ~ Flooring

 


I finally got around to baking a spaghetti squash.  I am planning to make patties (new recipe) out of them.  A new recipe that uses quinoa and parmesan cheese in them.

We finally went into town to pick up the subflooring.  We also took a container of chili and dropped it off for Daughter E.  She's doing so-so with her work income, and needed dinner.

Gas lines are being installed, but there is still more to do before the flooring goes in, and with the holiday coming up, I'm not sure we'll make a whole lot of progress this week.

Monday, November 21, 2022

Happy Homemaker Monday

 I have been working up a list, in case I finish the crochet blanket before I can get back upstairs for more yarn.  I am putting off any canning due to the dust in this house (which will end soon I hope).

-journal
-read
-tidy closet (a bit difficult, as boxes of stuff from living room are stacked in there right now)
-finish a crocheted scarf I started (have the yarn for that)
-make nail polish bottle ornaments
-start a new scrap lap afghan

Lumber prices have come down a bit thankfully.  However, we have to return to the hardware store for more supplies.  It's just never ending.



Today I will join Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.



The weather . . .

45/24°F, we may possibly hit the mid 50's this week.


As I look outside my window . . .

The wind tapered off.  


Right now I am . . .

Brewing another pot of coffee.


Thinking and pondering . . .

Not sure if the two of us are making anything special for a Thanksgiving meal yet.  The kids will not be around, and well, no other plans.


How I am feeling . . .

Cold.  I cannot wait to fire up the wood stove.  I am losing my patience with this living room job.


Listening to . . .

The radio, rock, some country


On the breakfast plate . . .

Leftover butternut squash breakfast casserole.


What I am wearing . . .

Jammies, robe, slippers


On my reading pile . . .

Most of my books are buried on a shelf in my office, so today I plan to seek out any stray books I may have elsewhere.


On my TV . . .

Mystery Channel


On the menu . . .

-crockpot pork chops, crockpot sweet potatoes
-not sure on the rest just yet

Looking around the house . . .

It's the same ol' mess of everything shoved in all places.  I literally run into stuff, bump into it, or trip on it.  Sigh....


To-Do list . . .

-mail in rebate
-wash dishes
-catch up any laundry
-make chapstick (still on the list, sigh)
-make travel soaps (still on the list)
-write out shopping list
-make homemade hot cocoa mix
-have no idea....it's so frustrating with the floor repair going on


From the camera . . .

I have nothing right now.


Devotional . . .

Still buried in the office..,..

Sunday, November 20, 2022

Chilly Weekend

 

I made us a crock pot of chili for the weekend. Brr.  Woke up to snow on the vehicles, but that's about it.  I'll be freezing half of this for a future meal.

We have decided to install a gas heater in the kitchen and living room.  It will be more cost efficient for us, and most likely heat better than our wall (floor) electric heat.  The gas lines are going in before the subfloor goes down.

Speaking of heat, I cannot wait to fire up the wood stove.  Thankfully, the weather will be a bit warmer next week.


I'm down to the last skein to complete Daughter K's blanket.  I should be better prepared myself with yarn, before I was cut off of access to the upstairs.  I guess we both didn't think the living room would take so long.  

Anyway, I guess if I run out of projects with what I have downstairs, I will make a run to a craft store.  I do have some cleaning I can also do in our bedroom closet, but spring/summer is the best time to work on that (due to no heat in there, which we plan to do some renovations to add a vent next year).

I am narrowing down my list of what I can do, get done, and what I can do, to not lose my mind.  I do miss having dogs to take out (believe it or not), I miss taking care of goats.  I guess you start to miss these things when you are literally stuck in one room of the house (minus the kitchen/utility room). 

Saturday, November 19, 2022

Butternut Squash Breakfast Casserole ~ Stocking Up ~ No Shows and more delays


First time making a breakfast with butternut squash, but it was rather easy, and simple ingredients.  I pre-cut the squash the day before though.  I used the homemade turkey sausage I pre-cooked and froze as well.   I do need to freeze more spinach.  I better put that on my grocery list right now. 

I would like to do a breakfast with ham, but it's hard to find.  The last "organic" ham we bought tasted terrible.

I blanched and froze the other butternut squash I bought.

The guy who was to come quote us for gutter cleaning 9 days a go, has not messaged, or even come out.  The guy to come give a free quote for the removal of the popcorn ceiling has also been a no-show, and not even a text message.  I guess we are going to do that ourselves now.  You just can't count on anyone anymore.

Our handy-man's supply run was another long part of the day again.  The hardware stores, in either direction, are between 25 to 30 minute drives.  

 

Friday, November 18, 2022

Ramblings

 

I got a bit more cauliflower blanched and froze.  It's hit or miss at the store, so I grab it when I see it.  We did not grow any over the summer.  I asked my husband to bring home sweet potatoes, and he said they did not have any.  It's a growing concern.  I will watch for them, and mash and freeze when I do see them.

Getting to the store during the week is about hit or miss as well.  Guess who has to go get more wood for the floor?  So, yeah, my truck is borrowed way too much for my liking.  I have already had the discussion with my husband, that if we hire someone we know, they must have their own vehicle, and we'll get supplies over a weekend.  I'm just (whining I know) tired of not being able to just go when I please, get my hair cut, etc.

I didn't get any answer yesterday on to blanch or not to blanch butternut squash, so I guess I will try and do more research.  I am unable to get to any of my homesteading books right now.

My husband said the floor would be ready to add subfloor in two days.  He said that last Monday, and here we are Friday and no subfloor.  

I'm trying a new breakfast today.  It has butternut squash in it.  So far, everything I've changed (this one has zero cheese, watching those fats as well), my husband's sugar continues to go down.  So thankful for that, and he now knows better to now take any sweet treat offers while at work.


Thursday, November 17, 2022

This and That

 I haven't lost my mind with this living room project just yet.  Getting to town is hit or miss.  The truck is needed to haul wood and blocks etc.  

Also, I get so excited to add a new recipe to my "Christmas" binder and then realize it is buried in the office.   I got excited about a free ornament pattern to make for a daughter, then realize the yarn I need is upstairs.   Patience....patience.....

Another thing about shopping is, for some reason, prices at our Kroger are much higher for some items that are sold online with their sister store - vita-cost.

Literally.  I just ordered items, free shipping, and right to my door.  I needed almond flour and other items, and I also noticed that Monkfruit sweetener is much cheaper at our nearest Big Lots.  I have to do hurdles, but will be really watching where to buy things we need.




My husband had to stop at Home Depot for more flooring supplies and brought me home these.  I won't have to worry about my feet freezing this weekend. Cute too!

Once again, I forgot to take a photo, but I made a mac n' cheese using a quinoa pasta, no flour rue, and made with sour cream, cottage cheese and two types of cheddar.  Although I added onion and garlic powder, it was not that cheesy or flavorful.  The main question for us, is did the quinoa pasta affect my husband's sugar?  Nope.  In fact, it went down.

Update on the floor - we are a day behind due to a supply run day that went hilter skilter.  We were short on boards and needed other supplies.  Menard's said they had, but found out their computer was wrong.  Had long waits, and had to go to two stores for supplies.  You just can't find certain things right now.

I finally found a craft show in December, but soon did the math.  There is no way the living room will be done in time.  Another year without a show, but I guess that gives me winter to re-stock items I am out of.  At least when the subfloor goes down, I will be able to access my yarn and put some items up for sale possible.  I do ship.

Question:  Do you have to blanch butternut squash to freeze it?

I just realized I posted two blog posts today.  Whoops.  Happy Reading ha ha!





The Safety Cone Story

 

I had to order the yarn to make this for our youngest daughter.  It's a bit larger than I thought for a Christmas tree ornament, but it turned out super cute.  

There is a story behind the safety cone.  If you have been following my blog, you know that her high school boyfriend and his bed friend died in a car accident, the night before her graduation party.

Prior to that happening, she hosted a surprise birthday party for him at our house.  They never woke us up in the night, surprisingly.  

The next morning, it was awfully quiet.  I came into the kitchen to brew coffee, and lifted my eyebrows when I saw a giant safety cone on my kitchen table.  I kid you not.  I just chuckled and went back to my bedroom sipping my hot coffee.

The boys, apparently had a history with taking these cones from various places and returning them later.

Hence the safety cone Christmas ornament to lift her spirits and always make her chuckle when she sees it.

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Healthy Banana Cookies ~ New Dinner Recipe and Tidbits

I baked us some healthy banana cookies.  It takes organic oats, bananas, oil and I used diced apples in place of the dates.  I have no access to my  home canned applesauce to cut the oil, but anyway....



They tasted great.  Good enough to eat more than one, but I will add more cinnamon and nutmeg next time.   Recipe is from Allrecipes, called something like Healthy banana cookies?  Anyway, my husband loved them and the oats did not make his sugar go up thankfully.  They say oats can affect people differently.

I also make a new dinner recipe called chicken bruschetta casserole.  You dice the chicken and cook it first, layer it in a 8 x 8 baking dish, and top with goodies.  I simple used a 1/2 pint of "Bruschetta in a Jar" I canned, then added some mozzarella cheese.  It was good, but I think it would be more beneficial to simply can canned tomatoes and add the garlic, fresh basil etc. to the dish.  I forgot to take a photo, but will can tomatoes by the pint vs. half pint.  We needed more tomatoes, and I cannot get to them until the floor is in, in the living room.

I have two people now in line to quote us for the removal of our old popcorn ceiling.  We are praying it will not be expensive, as they don't have to worry about furniture or curtains in the process.

Another day has gone by and no word from the person to clean our gutters.  Getting frustrated as the weather is changing.

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Homemade Lean Turkey Sausage ~ New Breakfast Recipe and other tidbits

 


To make the new breakfast casserole, I needed sausage.  The recipe called for Italian, but I simply used my homemade sausage recipe, by swapping out the pork with lean ground turkey.  I put the extra into the freeze for other meals.



I made a new breakfast casserole, but after putting it together it is basically like a bake I make, only the potatoes are swapped out with cauliflower.  It's very good, but I will season it up next time with either jalapenos, garlic or fire powder.  I topped it with dandelion greens as well.  

Today, I am on the hunt for someone to at least remove the popcorn ceiling.  Wish we luck.  Nothing is cheap anymore.  We can do the painting, but I have never removed the popcorn ceiling.  The floor work is slow going right now, which is driving me crazy.  

I signed up to make rolls for one Thanksgiving, and yesterday realized, I cannot get to my recipes.  They are buried in my office, where the door is in the living room.  It's packed with stuff from the living room, and of course the floor is not in yet.  I guess I'm off the hook for that this year ha ha!

I may take a mashed cauliflower dish.  I mean, I need something my husband can eat.  That's the bad thing of a get together - all the options are not healthy, other than maybe deviled eggs.  When I think about it, almost all but the meat is bad - cheesy potatoes, corn casserole, sweet potato bakes have brown sugar toppings, stuffing, rolls, mashed potatoes, corn, any side salads with pasta in it....heck even my BBQ crock pot green beans have brown sugar in it.  I guess I'm on the hunt for some other healthy sides, besides sweet potatoes with garlic, butter and thyme.

Well, we are to get rain and snow today.  And it's another day waiting on a quote to get the gutters cleaned before the weather gets too bad.  

Monday, November 14, 2022

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

I made a batch of refried beans. We eat a lot of beans and greens, especially during the winter.  I use a box of organic dry pinto beans (soak the night before, and drain and rinse), add onion and garlic, cook all day in the crock pot.  I then let it cool, strain off any extra water, and blend in the blender (adding any extra flavorings like "fire powder" to it.  You can freeze extra for another day.  We eat beans with breakfast, lunch, dinner and for a snack.  Much healthier and less expensive than canned refried beans.  

Speaking of freezing food, I need to get more containers.  Someone has not been bringing his breakfast and lunch containers (hmpf).



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

The weather . . .

43/33°F today, and we dip down to the teens at night by the weekend.


As I look outside my window . . .

It's cloudy.


Right now I am . . .

Starting a load of laundry and getting ready to make homemade turkey sausage.  Then I will bake a breakfast casserole.


Thinking and pondering . . .

We are still talking about possible gas fireplaces, but we are also looking at the cost of propane and a propane tank for them.  The costs for the tanks alone have skyrocketed.  The best time to put in your gas lines, is when the floor is open (for us anyway, without an actually crawl space per say).


How I am feeling . . .

Worried the living room subfloor won't be in before the weather dips this coming weekend.


On the breakfast plate . . .

New recipe I've been wanting to try.  Will update later.


What I am wearing  . . .

Long sleeved shirt, sweatshirt, sweatpants and slippers.


On my reading pile . . .

Nothing right now sadly.


On my TV this week . . .

Out for Justice.


On the menu . . .

-Air fryer salmon, air fryer cauliflower (new recipe)
-Chicken bruschetta casserole (new recipe)
-leftovers

Looking around the house . . .

Welcome to week 2 of putting the living room floor back in.  Now our handy man says he's not sure about taking our old popcorn ceiling off, so it's either we do it ourselves, or get a quote from someone else.


On the to-do list . . .

-make breakfast casserole
-make homemade turkey "sausage"
-put stuff back in camper
-clean up boot pile
-vacuum and sweep where I can lol
-make hummus
-purge one dresser drawer, re-organize it
-copy down a recipe from my cousin
-pay some bills
-laundry
-clean both bathrooms



From the camera . . .
I finished another "blessing blanket" to donate.  It will be donated to the same senior center, that we borrowed a transit chair and other supplies from for Mom.  They do a trivia contest with seniors they help, and the winner gets a donated basket of goodies.  This blanket will be in their next "basket" of goodies.

Devotional . . .
All of my books are buried into the office, so I may be looking to buy a new devotional.  

Prayers for me finding more new recipes to cut my husband's sugar/carbs the best I can.  His last report was not good (he was sneaking donuts at work of all things), so I am doing my best to find simple lean meat and veggie recipes.  So far so good.

Sunday, November 13, 2022

First Snow

 I finally got to the grocery store.  I noticed that they now only sell one type of tahini now.  They used to carry about 6 different brands.  I also noticed the peanut butter selection is much smaller.  

In the midst of trying to find the tahini, we had a conversation with a woman who was shocked at the price of eggs right now.  Then we were talking about hummus and found out she could not eat chickpeas, so I told her she could make hummus with pumpkin, black beans, beets etc.  She was so happy to find that out and said she grew pumpkins this year.  Anyway, nice lady and I was glad I could share with her.

We had our first snowfall.  It's officially winter.  It snowed all day, but melted away.  Nice big snowflakes too.  They kind that make you want to hunker in and crochet.  I did that too, only due to the fact I can't really do anything, other than tidy up the boot area in the hallway (I may do that today).


I was thankful to have the yarn for this blanket, already downstairs.  I started it last winter, but if you crochet, you know it's hard to crochet large blankets in warmer weather.  She picked out the bright yarn.  Crazy kid.  Anyway, I crocheted while my husband went to work on a niece's car.

Car lights were fixed.  Apparently, it was simply a blown fuse, but since he stayed there gallivanting, there were things here that did not get done (off his honey-do list).

And there is nothing more frustrating, than to get home and realize you forgot something that was actually written on the shopping list - salt for the softener.  Sigh.

I mentioned a new recipe I wanted to try, and have yet to try it.  I am hoping to do that today or tomorrow.  It's a breakfast dish.
 
I also forgot to send some things home with Daughter K, so I am hoping to get another visit from her.  This time, I have used my "notes" on my phone to remind me of what to send with her, ha ha!  

They say more snow is to arrive today, but it tends to make a person stay inside vs. go out.  We'll see what happens today.




Saturday, November 12, 2022

This and That

 Daughter K came for a visit.  I completely forgot to have her go thru the Christmas stuff in the garage.  I guess that will be next visit.

The living room floor is ready for it to go back in, but not until starting Monday.  He "doesn't work weekends."  Also, he said his back is hurting.  Not what we wanted to hear.

In the meantime, I have a family member coming out to give us a quote on cleaning the gutters.  The leaves are all down, and it needs to be done.

Daughter E's cat Tiger finally got the vet and got his shot. He's is feeling much better and eating again.  I found his special food online and he's a happy cat (can't find it in any store anymore).

Not sure what the weekend will entail, but I do know we need to get all the porch furniture put into storage for the winter.  Right now the porch is literally the only place to sit, other than in our bedroom.  Yes, it's part of my stir-craziness.  I'm trying to be patient, but....

Friday, November 11, 2022

Cold weather moves in . . .

 

Not the best photo, but one half of the living room is getting new joists.  One broke while our handy man walked on the floor after the under layment was removed.  Anyway, the progress is moving along.  We have more supplies we need.  Some blocks need tuck work, but we got 90% of the wood purchased.

We had trouble locating some of the supplies, such as cement anchors, screws, washers, and other items.  At least we have a Menard's and Lowe's in one town, and a Home Depot in another.  We have Ace as well, although they are the last choice due to prices being high.

Thankfully, our handy man has a trailer, making it easy to get the larger supplies to the house.  Of course we pay him gas money as well.  However, the weather was nice, and the last thing (during this big of a project) is "I'm tapping out early today."  He did.  He wanted to get a motorcycle ride in while the weather was beautiful.  I don't blame him, but we are another day behind now.

We now move into 40°F days and 20°F nights.

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Bailey's in my Coffee kind of day . . .

 

We had another beautiful sunrise, and weather in the 70's.  Crazy that it will get so cold at night this weekend.

I dried a bit more sage, but had to use my large dehydrator.  My smaller one is buried until the living room is done.

Speaking of the living room, day 3 of floor removal went well.  Nails had to be pulled etc. However, (the part where I needed Baileys in my coffee), our handy man's vehicle has bad wheel bearings.  Now,  if we were doing this ourselves we would still be using our own truck to haul the old flooring out.  The guy we hired is a friend.  He asked to borrow my truck the other day to buy mold spray and and a new blade.  I agreed.  It was for supplies we needed.  I get it.

But....but...he hauled flooring out to the burn pile and then just left yesterday.  Literally, he just left without asking permission.  I mean I want the floor done, but I was not expecting him to use my truck daily for all his needs.  He went for lunch and bought pop somewhere (a case of it) using our gas and truck.  

Anyway, I am, not going to be sitting in this house for the next month without use of my truck.  We live in the boonies.  I had a discussion about this with my husband already.  I am not one to go out for errands at the end of the day, considering the drive and now it gets darker faster.  Note....he has a truck and trailer of his own.

Okay, I just thought it was very rude, not to mention, wrong.

Off my soapbox.  Onto another day of chaos. 


Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Moon and other ramblings....,

 

Not the best photo, as I should have been up at 5am for a better photo.

Half the living room floor remains to be removed.  Sigh.  I though it would go much faster and it's driving me nutso.




We believe the original part of the house was built in the 30's.  Apparently this is what was typical to support the center of the floor in each room.  In the living room it's a random stack of wood.  There may be a rock or two as well.  Just one more of those "what in the heck" moments of doing repairs and remodeling.

I ordered a crochet hook from Amazon, and the carrier lost the package.  It was one I did not have either, and I need to keep my sanity during all of this chaos in the house right now. 

I typically find myself baking, but even with the plastic sheeting up to block dust out of the kitchen, that's not going to happen. 

 I have to be super strict with my husband's diet anyway.  His last doctor appt. was not good.  He admitted to eating donuts at work of all things.  He has since promised not to eat them, and today....



...he's getting homemade hummus and celery sticks.  He is well supplied with healthy snacking.  I know work has been stressful, so I have to stay on task with having healthy snacks and his meals packed now.

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Living room repairs underway. . .

 All the living room carpet has been ripped out, and about 1/4th of the floor as well.  We have it opened enough to access the situation, and well, we have a lot of work on our hands.  Old farm house problems, or should I say the last people cut corners causing us problems.....

Not the best photo, but we knew that there was an issue around the hearth where the woodstove is.  First discovery - they didn't use concrete anchors (or whatever you call them, can't remember what he called them).  Anyway, they did exactly what we thought.  Well, on one side anyway.  On one side they put in blocks with random stacks of wood that sank over the years, and on the other, there was literally nothing holding the floor up between last joist and hearth.

Our handy man got the underlayment boards removed, only to discover they literally put it on top of the houses original floor, and that was it.  Instead of removing the original floor, and replacing it with new, they covered it with thin underlayment boards and carpet.  Shaking my head.  The original flooring rotted, and our handy man almost fell thru in one area.  So we are removing the entire floor, fixing joists, removing broken joists, etc etc.  He's also using my truck to haul it all out of the house, so I am limited to a day to town for errands.

I'm running upstairs early this morning, just to make sure I have enough yarn for the week (or two).  I may not be able to access the stairway, and I cannot get into my office for anything (where the smaller pantry is as well).  Frustrating, but I know we will have peace of mind when it's finished.

We also discovered a huge random copper pipe under the floor.  The last source of heat was a boiler, and the pipes where just left under the floor.  I'm wondering how the pipes were left and no flooring was lifted out....anyway...

We also discovered there was one patch work done on the floor, letting us know they already had an issue but didn't take care of it properly.  

I'm shocked the floor never caved in when we hosted Christmas and had over 50 people in our house.

Half the living room is crammed into our kitchen, office and bedroom for the time being.  Pray we don't lose sanity and don't go broke getting the floor replaced.   I'm told some lumber prices have gone down.  Also pray that we get the old floor all out and at least subfloor all in by the weekend.  It is going to dip to the 20's by the weekend.