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Happy Homemaker Monday

 



It's a happy month for me.   Don't get me wrong, as things can go haywire on any given moment, but good things are happening.

Back in 2015, I posted about some writing adventures.   At that time, it was 11 years ago. You can read about them (it's a short post) HERE.  It feels like I put writing to the pasture long before that year, but....

I used to freelance many years prior to that, but put it all aside to raise the kids, and run the household (one was in about 4-5 school sports and activities  - softball, basketball, you name it!).  They were all active in something - school plays, band, sports, etc.  In other words, we were a very active family, so I put my writing on hold.  It wasn't on purpose.  It just happened.

Well, back when I had surgery last December, I decided to enter a poetry contest that was local.  I did not win the top prize, but my poem is printed in a book (have yet to pick it up).  Not long after that, another writing contest plopped into my lap, and guess what?  I won the adult short story.  It will also be printed into a book.  I have obtained that book yet either.  I was given a certificate and a gift card.

I'm very excited about this happening again, and hope to keep moving forward.  It'll be interesting, with squeezing in writing time, with putting in a garden and so forth.


Today I am joining Sandra with Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.  I'll link up later when she posts.


The weather . . .

Our temperatures are rising to the upper 80's during the daytime.  Perfect to dry up the vegetable garden and start planting soon.

Flowers are getting planted, with more upkeep being done with the flower beds.

Possible thunderstorms in the next few days.  Sigh.  It may or may not delay planting.


Right now I am . . .

Drinking coffee and posting this. Actually listening to the news to check on the weather.


Thinking and pondering . . .

How many canning jars do I need for two people?


How I am feeling . . .

Sluggish.  It's hot here, and there is a lot of outdoor work to do this month.


On the breakfast plate . . .

Scramble.  Butternut squash is going in the next breakfast meal.


On the dinner plate . . .

Have not decided yet.  It may be "too hot" to grill burgers later.


On the menu . . .

Trying to making up a plan, but it may not happen until tomorrow.  Asparagus is on the list, as we are getting more from the garden.


On my reading pile . . .



On the TV this week . . .

-watched Gina Carano/Rhonda Rousey fight (MMA), was a very short fight, and can't believe I stayed up late to watch it.

-honestly, whatever looks good, but most evenings we have very little TV time (now that the weather is not bitter cold).  I do have some DVD's to borrow from the library.


To-do list . . .(for the week and in no particular order)

-daily exercise
-put dishes away (too tired last night)
-laundry
-weed flower beds/plant
-pay bills
-brew herbal iced tea
-breakfast prep for next meal
-vegetable prep for dinners
-library returns (whoops! Totally forgot)
-sweep/mop
-make calls
-write

What I am creating . . .

I just started a crochet project for someone (last order I'm taking).  It's with black yarn, so it's been a "porch" project with good light.


From the camera . . .

Chive blossom update.  I dehydrated some chive blossoms, and ground them into a "chive powder" for a seasoning.  I did this last year, and it was fantastic on many dishes.  


Smaller chive blossoms dry faster than larger ones.  You can remove the flowers first, but my smaller dehydrator has larger holes.

Once dry, I pull the flowers and put them into a coffee grinder I use solely for this type of kitchen work.



I grind the dried flowers into a powder. and then carefully put it into an empty spice jar.

I use it to season eggs, casseroles, roasted vegetables, etc. It has a taste that is sort of a combination of onion and garlic both.  I lighter taste.  The color will diminish over time, but it doesn't last long around here.

Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses . . .

Lots of people needing prayers in our area.  Brad (old school friend) is grieving as his father passed away.  Shelly (another friend) is grieving as one of her brother's passed away.  An old classmate was found dead in his home.  

Happy Homemaker Monday ©  May 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart



Comments

Luludou said…
wow! being published is a great accomplishment. I wish you the best in your writing endeavors. I just saw on FB about using the chive flowers but having them powdered - great idea. Have a great week
That's awesome about your freelancing as a writer. Have you entered any of the writing prompts on Reedsy? I haven't yet but they look fun and some good prize money!

https://reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/
Luludou, thank you so much. I am not sure where I learned about dehydrating the chive blossoms, but we started doing it last year maybe. I love it as a seasoning. The fresh blossoms are good too, but do not last long. It is great way to preserve the harvest of them.
Debby/My Shasta Home, thank you so much for that information. And thank you. I have been looking for my next opportunity, as it keeps my brain in full gear. I really had fun writing the short story too. I will be looking at that today.
So happy for you! I love it when I read happy, positive turns of events!
Anne in the kitchen, thank you so much!
Hello my Friend! How awesome that you have had writings printed. That is truly an accomplishment and you should be proud! I get the putting aside of things due to busy family life. I think as Mom's we put ourselves last often. But I also believe God has timing in all things too. And maybe this is the season to begin again and dive in and spend more of the time on yourself and your passion. Love reading about the chives too! I love trying to use natural elements. I have never tried drying my herbs from the summer but I may try that this year. Blessings on the rest of your week. 💗

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