"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.

Monday, June 23, 2025

Heat Wave ~ Record Breaking Day

 

The heat index was 105°F yesterday.  Today it is said to be a record breaking day.  I have yet to hear what they actually do expect today.  Yes, we did outdoor work yesterday, but very early.  AC is on, but one system has to be worked on before we can turn it back on.  The sunrises are still smoke hazy sunrises. 



A heat wave means it's officially salad season again. We were gifted some garden romaine.  I made us a big salad (apples added later) - chicken, apple pecan salad.



Something new (a first for us) this year - growing a Meyer lemon plant.  I have wanted to do this for several years.  One blogger I used to follow was going to mail me seeds.  When that didn't happen, I bought some on Etsy, and not one seed sprouted.  Years later I found a plant and wa-la!  We have some lemons on it this year.  

I have a lack of photos, partly because I have lost my blogging mojo (numbers show a lack of interest anyway), and partly due to the heat wearing us out.

The chickens have been treated with some chipped ice, and will be until this heat is over with.  They are being treated with some sprouted peas, and maybe later some frozen veggies.

Of course, there is nothing ready to harvest from the actual garden but I have harvested lots of oregano from the herb garden.  I am waiting for the heat wave to end, before I continue to cut more.  God provided us with a lot of oregano this year, so I have more plans to utilize it soon.

The dehydrator is off during this heat wave, but we have lots of herbs to dry for the season this year.

We located more local strawberries and peaches, but there will not be jam made (so far anyway).  It's been nice not to have to can/bake/cook for more than us two. I also located a lemon balm plant (I dug ours out of the garden a few years ago, and the new location is not doing well).  I may have a new way to enjoy lemon balm this year.



I finished a few baby washcloths, and completely used up this crochet yarn (discontinued).



Miscellaneous blog thoughts:

- I miss reading an actual newspaper in my hands.

-we attempted to donate to a free little pantry, but the door was missing and the items inside were old.

-I'm looking into new tinctures to make

-making lists for new home projects, home repairs, new "try-its"

-I really miss the bloggers I used to follow (no longer blog), as there was a connection to homesteading, preserving, home remedies, eating real food and the like.  In fact, we have zero family/friends that are like-minded and I have been having acquaintances tell me to stop gardening, saying it's too much work.  Funny thing is, is that once the garden produces, I suddenly get text messages asking for "free" produce from our garden.  I love to share, but I'm done with people who are negative and who offer nothing but negative vibes (or help in the garden).

-still looking for lemon verbena seeds or a plant

Heat Wave ~ Record Breaking Day  ©  June 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

10 comments:

Katie C. said...

I read your blog all the time 👍

🌻 Debby 🌻 said...

I miss getting a morning newspaper too. That morning routine, of going outside to get the paper, and sitting down with a cup of coffee was what I did for decades.
That’s sad that such a long honored tradition such as homesteading, and getting back to nature is diminishing but they’re out there, Kristina. By the way that salad looks delicious.

Betsy said...

I'm sorry you're a bit dscouraged with blogging. I've been there and understand. I do read everyday but for awhile I couldn't comment because I didn't have my laptop. It's out of the shop and working better now.
I do miss having my garden. They have spots that we can "rent" here at the condo, but since I can't be in the extreme heat because of my medication, I've given it up. Maybe someday when we aren't traveling any longer I may try to grow a few things on our balcony.
We had well over 100 heat index from Wed. through Sunday. We left yesterday and spent the night in Mitchell, SD at the KOA. A huge storm came through during the night and cooled things off nicely. I hope you have a great day my friend.
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Good to hear that Katie C.

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Debby @ My Shasta Home, thanks for that vote of confidence. I needed to hear that I guess. Thanks on the salad. We typically share often with my husband's co-workers, as they are mostly the people we know who grow gardens anymore. They share with us often as well.

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Betsy, thanks for the positive vibes. It is a very hot day here again too. I'm okay with it, as he garden is popping up like crazy. Not sure my baby collard plants will make it, but most of our garden is thriving despite the heat. Glad to hear you got another adventure and a good cooling off too. Blessings to you too.

Kara Kwilts said...

I'm sorry you are having blogging mojo problems. I am having quilting mojo problems too. I just don't seem to want to go in and sew right now. I think this is going to be a long hot summer. OH JOY!!! Try to stay cool tomorrow. Hugs, Kara

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Kara, sorry to hear that. I lost interest in reading books for several years, and I am finally back to reading. I guess sometimes we need a break from activities. Hopefully the heat leaves and we get a break from it soon.

Far Side of Fifty said...

Stay cool!

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Far Side of Fifty, thanks.