Enjoying the Last Days of February

 

It's hard to believe that we are approaching the last day of February 2025 this coming Friday.  The weather was definitely much more "winter" this year, but February is the month we tend to get the most snow.  

There has been some beautiful sunrises this month.  I'm blessed be able to capture a few.  We even squeezed an adventure in this month.  

We have also driven around, and located some new hiking/walking trails to enjoy nature and get exercise (maybe even a few picnics).  

Although we had much of the month in freezing and subzero temperatures, this week it warmed up to a wonderful 53°F.

Seen during the day recently.  Even the deer are enjoying the warmer weather this week.

I had the chance to read a new book on the porch this week, before the month ends.  Oh my gosh, the sun felt so good.

The ground is a very mushy mess this week, so there is no work progressing on the new chicken coop, but we have not forgotten about it either.  However, I did ask my husband where the new wire cutters were for this project.  We both have no idea, but I surely hope we find them.

I did however, take a walk out to the fall planted garlic, and all but a few are up already.   I did not walk on the garden, due to the thawing out here, but will check it again soon. 

Our bunching onions look pretty good for being February too.  I may be harvesting some to go in tonight's dinner.

I finally got all of my medical appointments off the calendar too.  I had to change one twice due to icy roads.  I've been bringing a book along with any travel friendly crochet/knit projects to any appointments or any longer drives, and have finished another book.  More granny squares for the book blanket are in progress (insert happy face).

I rescued our lost roll of shelf liner.  The clerk indeed must of put it down behind the counter, because they had it at the customer service counter.  I had to sign to get it back.  Literally.  Anyway, I took advantage of the store visit, and purchased a few zipper storage bags to help organize the current closet.

Only about 950 pieces to go on this puzzle, ha ha!  It's been too nice outside to work on it.

Here is the newly tried frittata recipe (29.4 grams of protein, cut in 4 servings).  It called for sun dried tomatoes and fresh spinach.  I think feta cheese and cottage too, but we finish it off today. We loved it, but  I felt the fresh spinach added too much moisture to the frittata, so I will wilt it and squeeze it dry next time we make it.   I may be topping mine with home canned cowboy candy too.  Oh, I did add a pinch of homemade "fire powder" to it.  

Recipe:  Cottage Cheese Egg Bake (Frittata in a pie dish)

From:  Sweet as honey online

I also made the homemade chicken breakfast "sausage" patties, but used organic ground turkey.  I left half of the brown sugar out this time, and may even leave it all out next time.  It's basically to carnalize it while making them.

I'll be posting the red lentil hummus recipe and an update on handiwork soon.  I plan to enjoy every minute of the last days of February.

Enjoying the Last Days of February  © February 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Happy Homemaker Monday

 Happy New Year!  I do not write out resolutions for the upcoming year.  I started working myself  (physically, and there may be an update this new year, we'll see).  I'm just glad the holidays are done with this year.

On to other news . . .

A little homemaking tip:  I fill a small spray bottle with vodka (sanitizer) and add a few drops of lavender essential oil.  I spray our mattress when the bedding is being washed.  It cleans the mattress and leaves a lovely scent.

Self Care:  my self care this week was to buy myself a new set of casual dress boots (tossing out a very old, and very worn pair too).  I never find anything in the size I wear, so this is a pamper me moment.  A big bonus, was that the price tag said $55.00 and they were on sale for $14.99!  What did you do for yourself last week?  Or do you plan some self care next week?

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

The weather . . .

It rained all weekend, and we are so stinkin' tired of it.  We did not get any work done on the coop either.  Woke up to more rain, and a slight possibility of a snow shower today.  Temps are in the high 30's/low 40's here right now.

Right now I am . . .

Making coffee, and will be putting the Christmas tree in storage for the year.

Thinking and pondering . . .

I'm considering hiring someone to paint one ceiling, and possibly more.  It all depends on my energy level this winter, ha ha!  Also, the cost.  

I'm also thinking about changing my blog background/theme on blogger too.  There is much on the side bars that can be removed too.

How I am feeling . . .

Honestly?  Pretty good, and I feel on task too.  I got all of the Christmas decorations put away, other than the tree, and life in general is pretty good.

On the breakfast plate . . . 

Leftovers.

On the lunch plate . . .

Not sure.  Maybe homemade cauliflower crust pizza with home canned sauce.

On the dinner plate . . .

Chicken Spaghetti using garden spaghetti squash for the pasta.  Garden green beans.

On the menu . . .

-One pan Pork Loin with Brussel Sprouts and Apples (new recipe to try - The Real Food Dieticians)

-Chicken Spaghetti using Spaghetti Squash (new recipe to try), roasted vegetables

-Crockpot Sweet Garlic Chicken, Green Beans baked with garlic powder

-grilled ham/cheese sandwiches, home canned tomato-basil soup

Snacks

-Greek Hummus Dip (new recipe to try, for a summer dip when the garden is in full swing)

On my reading pile . . .

Top two books are borrowed from the library.

On my TV this week . . .

Anything but Christmas movies ha ha!

Looking around the house . . .

I know some people get upset when people paint wood, but these dark wood doors need to get a new look.  I'm back to priming and painting some interior doors.  One door is completely done and back up where it belongs, and another down on the saw horses for a new, and brighter look.

I got the drill out, removed an old curtain rod (missing a part since last summer), installed the new one and put the curtain back up.  Some days, it's the "little" unfinished, now finished jobs that make my day complete.

I've also filled two boxes of purged/no longer needed items to donate soon.  I have a small stack of books to donate to a free little library soon as well.  If not, the books will be donated to the library book sale.  

To-do list . . .

-wash a kitchen rug (I can only do one at a time, as they have to dry flat, and I only own one drying unit for doing that).

-laundry

-dust

-put Christmas tree away, and other decor

-wash oven mitts (I try to do this once a month, but if I use them daily, then once a week - Homemaking Tip)

Use a clothes hanger with these hooks to hang dry your oven mitts.

Deep Clean for the week

-Clean oven and oven racks

From the camera . . .

In case you didn't see the recent post, my bunching onions are doing great!  I harvested some the other day.  they are larger than normal green onions, but seem to be hardy for this time of year.  Of course, all of this rain is helping, so I am harvesting more and enjoying them.

Devotional, Quote, Prayers. . .

No specific prayer requests at this time.

Happy Homemaker Monday © Jan 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart