"Eat it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or go without."
~A Pioneer Sampler, by Barbara Greenwood~

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.

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Chit Chat

 

In May of 2024, I ordered a brand new, USA made stainless steel tomato strainer.  In the fall of 2024, I called to check on the order, because it did not arrive in 6 months as I was told.

I was then told, the new sauce maker would arrive in May of 2025.  Keep in mind, you have to remember this over all this time too.  Well, May of 2025 has passed. 

It's now June and I called again.  I'm told (and before she even asks for my order number) the production won't produce any until "May of 2026" (seriously). 

I asked for a refund.  I'll let you know what happens, as I do expect that refund one way or another.  Once that is back in my bank account, I need to find a better source for a stainless steel tomato strainer.  I thought I would share, if case anyone has thought about ordering from them.  I'm not "bad" mouthing the company.  I'm just sharing my experience in attempting to order a tomato strainer.

Who knows what I'll be doing in a year from now?  My instincts told me that next year would arrive, and this company would tell me the same story  - not ready for another year, blah, blah, blah.

I may have a secret summer home by next year, sold the house, and started traveling the world in an RV by next year.  I could be sailing the oceans too.  You never know.

Either way, I was not going to wait another entire year to find out if the tomato strainer would be shipped or not.  So....if you have suggestions, I'd love to hear them (for a stainless steel one).



I have been taking advantage of the hot water the garden hose has in the first use in this heat wave.  I can clean chicken feed pans, my lounge chair, and the chicken watering units, not wasting that hot water.


No rain yet, and the heat continues, but very slightly lower than the 100's.  Rain was due last night, but nothing.  



We have been very thankful to once again get garlic scapes from our garlic.  These can sometimes be found at Farmer's Markets as well.  Garlic scapes form on mature garlic plants, and you need to cut them off before they bloom. 

I have once again made our favorite spread - radish garlic scape spread. The spread is cream cheese, garlic scape, radishes, fresh spinach and a bit of real lemon juice.  It's delicious!  The only thing missing is freshly made cream cheese from goat's milk (we really miss that).  I also use 2 garlic scapes in this recipe.  I do cut off the flower end.  It really has a good flavor, and the cut scapes are not wasted.  I plan to freeze the remainder for future recipes.  I may even freeze some garlic scape pesto.


We were gifted a lot of fresh dill from a co-worker of my husband's.  I put much of it in the dehydrator, but saved some for salads and other recipes.  It got me thinking.  Has anyone ever made a dill tincture?  I'm looking into it, only because of the large amount of dill we were given.  


It's a small start this year, but this is my husband's attempt to start back at the new chicken coop project.  The ladies deserve a chicken castle picnic table, ha ha ha!  We have much to do on the coop, and are now looking into solar exhaust fans for the new coop.  I can say, I am thrilled we picked the location for it now.  They will have more shade when their new run is built and installed.


Homemade peach crumble.  The only thing I've done with peaches this year.  So far anyway.  Georgia peaches from a local produce stand (we planted another peach tree this year).


Back in May, I visited a locally owned coffee shop/book store.  I walked by this book enough, and finally opened it. 



I did a check at Goodreads to see what the rating on it was.  I am still reading a book, so it is now on the list to read.  We shall see if it's any good.  My first "blind" date with a book.

Chit Chat  ©  June 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

9 comments:

Anne in the kitchen said...

I would demand a refund also. I hope you get it quickly.

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Anne in the kitchen, I can understand the time to make something local, but more than 6 months is crazy, and I am sure next year I'd get the same story. We too hope the refund is quick. I would like to find another source.

Katie C. said...

The 5 Acres & A Dream blog just added a solar chicken coop fan!

Katie C. said...

The 5 Acres & A Dream blog folks just added a solar powered chicken coop fan too!

Betsy said...

Hope that refund comes quickly for you. I would have been using that hose to pour water on myself in that heat. We've had a bit of a break while in the Black Hills, but driving home on Saturday I'm sure it will again be HOT!
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy
http://betsy-thesimplelifeofaqueen.blogspot.com

R's Rue said...

Refund ASAP. I pre peach crumble

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Thank you Katie C. I will go check that post out. We were talking about installing an exhaust fan in our house, and then I started thinking about the coop and how I have to clean their vent all the time. I am so excited to give them more comfort over summer. The heat wave really made me think about things.

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Betsy, I need to go catch up on your blog. I love seeing where you are traveling to. Yes, it's been very hot here.

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

R's Rue, yes, we are watching for that refund. Finding Georgia peaches here is a blessing.