Cranapple Butter and tidbits

 One more "first" for me this year (something new to try/experience). . . 

Cranapple Butter ( A Ball Canning Recipe).  I read this is good to top your turkey at the holidays, but we plan to try it on toast too.  Why did I try it?  Well, we had more apples from our trees.  Yes, I could can apple pie filling, but it may still happen too.

No Shortage of Boredom

 We finally got rain, after 20 plus days of 90 degree plus weather.  Despite watering the garden, it was looking fried by the heat, humidity and sun.  The zucchini plants are starting to die off with little harvest already.

. . . from the handiwork journal

Finished this baby blanket.

 

These bookmarks are not a new project, but a "found" project I found tucked inside a container.  I have no idea how I made the flower part (I assume printed on cardstock and sealed using the library resources).  I simply crocheted the "string" part of them.  I honestly do not know why I made them, but they are stored in a bag to donate to the little library service program.  

I finished these 3 crocheted flower bookmarks (had them in parts for a while now).  I have added them to the service donations for the little libraries as well.

For those who crochet -  Something fun to share!  

Go to the National Park Service (on your computer or phone), and put in "crochet" in the search bar.  They have free crochet patterns for a Beaver, Lighthouse, Walleye, Saguaro Cactus, and a few more. Who knew? 

. . . from the handiwork journal  ©  July 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Rainy Day

 We had another rainy day, so I was able to have a much slower indoor day (sort of).  It was also so humid outside after the rain stopped, so it was not even enjoyable.  There was also a smoke haze in the air, compromising the air quality.  I did not get any Swiss chard cut as it heavily downpoured most of the day yesterday. 

Our garden is about 2-3 weeks behind, compared to last year.  I think it was due to a very cold May, and we planted much later.  I am getting kale, Swiss chard, and radishes.  The zucchini is on, but only about 1 inch long right now.

I do need to dig the fall planted garlic up soon.  I dug one up already, and we are very happy with the size of it this year.

I'm trying out my "vegetable" keeper container to see how long it keeps our freshly cut kale fresh.  I bought the containers on clearance a few years ago, specifically to keep pickling cucumbers in, to collect and keep fresh, until I had enough to can with.  I may be looking for more similar containers, if these keep the greens fresh too (first good harvest in many years).

I used some of the Red Russian Kale in our dinner the other night.  I was worried we would have needed another side vegetable, but this was perfectly enough.  I cooked the turkey cutlets in the crockpot with barbeque sauce, and later in the evening made the "One Pot Beans, Greens, and Grains" recipe that I found in the New York Times newspaper.  By the way, I found the recipe online, and I linked it.  It is the first recipe I have found where it does not require you to have a membership of some sort.

It is very similar to how I make my quinoa, but I used leftover broth instead of water.  I used great northern beans, but you can use any beans of your choice.  I will double the amount of kale in it the next time.  

Not the best photo, but I'm on the last round of the pink and white baby blanket.  I'll get a better photo once it's finally finished, and ends sewn in.  Once this is finished, I really need to get caught up with my crochet book blanket.  I now have several finished granny squares, but need to attach them.  I finished another book last night, so I will be crocheting yet another square soon.

Rainy Day ©  July 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

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

This and That

 

Thankful for the rain that arrived right after I finished planting the garden last week.  I have new garden goodies to try this year, and I have ordered a new item to start in pots (more on that later).

Our AC units are not installed yet.  We have not had anyone to help do that, and one person we reached out to, has not responded.

It's been nice to get back on track again.  It's been nice to "catch my breath" so to speak.

  The house needed a tidy up, I returned my library books, ran errands, and most of all cleaned up clutter.  The refrigerator got a good cleaning (needs a bit more cleaned).   The chicken coop mucked.

I updated the garden journal, made notes, and have made notes for next year as well.  We bought some of our garden plants this year, so I'm saving all the containers and trays.  I plan to use them for seed starting for next year (unless plans change by then).

Harvested:

-chickweed 

-fresh chive blossoms  

-green onions 

-garlic scapes  (have more to cut in a few days)

-wild growing wood sorrel 

Planted:

-onions

-shallots

-more rosemary

-borage

-more dill

-marjoram

-bunching onions

Apparently, we will be putting up some game cameras to see who, or what dog has been coming onto our property.  It's not a coyote and not a fox.  The deer are coming around more often too, so I will need to take measures to deter that as well.  There may be dogs, and maybe even a donkey added to the homestead yet.

Finished these crocheted water balloons in May.

They were gifted.

(another book blanket granny square)

Finished this book in May, and I was certain, I had read it before, but I don't have it listed in my book journal.  I am still sure I borrowed it from the library years ago.  The back of the book contains recipes and craft instructions.  

It was the most difficult (boring) book to finish, because we have already experienced raising chickens, and raising dairy goats.  We experienced hand milking LaMancha goats, making soap and cheeses etc.  We have never had sheep or a milk cow, but it was one of those books you read before you do all these things.  I had picked it up somewhere, and is a used library book, but it's read, and off the shelf (woot!).  It's being passed on, and out of the house.

. . . and another book finished (this month) and another granny square for the book blanket.  Very interesting book, the end was quite a surprise.

. . .finished this ebook from the library.  It was a random pick.  I liked it. It's hard to see the yarn colors, due to having to make a collage photo with the ebook photo and my granny square, but I think it matches very well.  There were recipes at the end of this book, and no, I will not be trying any of them.

. . . another baby blanket in the making. I have a person in line for this one too.

Food for thought. . .

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Hebrews 13:2

This and That  ©  June 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Crazy Weather and Other Tidbits

 

What a whirlwind of weather here.  We got more rain (yes, more) yesterday, and a lot of wind.  It's a really brisk 33°F this morning here, and now they are saying we may just get up to 60°F. I had high hopes the 72°F forecast for today would be correct.  Brr!  We need dry days to dry up the garden to till, plant and get on with this garden season.  My word.

We are still enjoying stuffed bell peppers I froze last fall.  When you eat your garden goodies, it's hard to not want to grow a garden (although it was on the possible list to not grow one this year).

Thanks to the massive amounts of rain, I picked more asparagus (in the rain, ha ha!).  I do see a few more coming up to enjoy.  I also see new baby shoots from seeds randomly dropping last year.  Yay to that.

Let's talk herbs. . .

My husband bought me a tea mix months ago, and I have been enjoying it, but the flavor is not very strong.  I plan to start dehydrating this Spring, and mixing my own.  However, I have lemon balm and not lemon verbena.  

I do not know the medicinal differences of these.  I'll be doing some reading, to see if I need to plant a new herb, but in a pot, which means shopping for a new plant and pot.  To be honest, I don't even know that I have seen lemon verbena in the green houses. 

Despite rainy days, I have not had a lot of time to read nor do handiwork.  I finished a stack of hand crocheted dust cloths, one jar opener/gripper, one book, and one book blanket granny square.  The book was a random pick from a used book store.  One more off the home shelf. I am behind on the book blanket oddly.  Did I mention I was busy with all sorts of things going on?

Anyway, I hope to catch up with the book blanket and get the recent granny squares attached.  Meanwhile, I'm babying the indoor garden plants and having conversations about bountiful harvests.

I think the biggest part of my busyness is cooking and preparing meals here.  We eat all meals at home, zero out.  Some days I feel like I am in the kitchen all day long.

Eee-ghads!  I have found another book I want to read.  Sigh.  I currently have another started (off my shelf), and another ebook going at the same time.  To buy it?  To borrow it?  To check around with friends first?  Maybe I will make it a reward for finishing a few more shelf books, ha ha!

I have no current handiwork going.  I'm lacking the "sit" time, which is normal for Spring time here. I have a lot of garden work needing done soon too.

Crazy Weather and Other Tidbits  ©  May 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

34 Weeks Until Christmas

 

I tried a new recipe this month already - a spin on the traditional green bean casserole, but I left out the "fried onions" it called for.  I used homemade mushroom soup as well.

Recipe is from Mennonite Girls Can Cook.  I adapted with organic ingredients, and of course, homemade condensed mushroom soup (it really is the best).

Results:  We love this casserole!!  Of course we had the delight of trying it with freshly picked, homegrown asparagus, so it will be on the meal rotation, as well as a welcome substitute casserole for the traditional green bean casserole at the holidays.

Note:  We both felt that 2 cups of asparagus were not enough.  I will be using more asparagus when we make this recipe again.  

If you saw my last Christmas countdown post, you read that I was making something handmade for the advent gifts next.

Here it is. . . 

I made a hand crocheted item to add to the advent gifts this Christmas - Dust cloths.  Yep.  I know they will be over joyed when they open them (not!), but they are useful, and the blanket yarn makes a very nice duster cloth.

I used Bernat Blanket Yarn, in the color Silver Steel.  The label suggests US 11 crochet hook or L.  I did not have either one, and did not want to buy a new hook, so I used an N crochet hook (I think it's a 10mm hook).

Yes, you can use the same yarn to crochet those duster cloths for the mop heads, and even the dust wands, but I kept it simple.

Here is how I crocheted mine (you can make then any size you want):

CH 15

SC in 2nd CH from hook, and SC in remaining (14)  I crochet into the back bump, so when I go to do the edging, it's more even, and looks better.  

Rows 2-15:  Turn CH 1, SC in each 

Do not cut yarn.  CH1, 3 SC in corner, and SC all around edging evenly, SL into last, cut yarn and sew in ends.  Mine were about 9 x 9 inches or so.

(you can do your corners how ever you like, I used 3 SC to round out the corners)

If you have scraps of different colored blanket yarns, you could make the edging a different color (to use up those scraps, or just make the duster cloth a different color).

I do not have Word on my computer any longer, and have yet to figure out Google Docs (on the plan to check that out, just haven't needed it).

I had some labels leftover from craft show days, so I printed off some Avery labels, cut some card stock to wrap around the folded dust cloths, added the labels, and taped them on the back side.

                

All ready to be wrapped up.  Maybe it will entice them to clean house before the holidays, ha ha!  Either way, they are getting something handmade and useful.

The dust cloths are not just for gifting.  They are an inexpensive way to make your own (if you have the yarn).  If you crochet, and want to make some, the blanket yarn is about $3 less expensive at your Wal-mart.  Unless you can find it online for less than that, or get it free from a friend who just wants to get rid of some.

34 Weeks Until Christmas  ©  May 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

If you give me scrap crochet thread

I have him-hawed over this scrap (leftover from another project) #3 cotton crochet thread.  I almost donated it to an area store that actually sells scrap balls of yarns.  I did not.  I let it sit around for almost 6 months, ha ha!

I tackled one of the leftover threads.  I have no idea how it even solidified in my brain, but a series of events made it happen.  

First, I was scrolling on my phone while out and about, and the husband was driving  (not a usual event for me to scroll facebook).  I wasn't looking at anything in particular, but a crochet pattern popped up, I screen shot it, and weeks later, it all came together.

I found free bookmark printables in black and white, and printed a sheet of them to tuck and package the hand crocheted bookmark.

I had this much left.  This thread made 3 more flowers for 3 more bookmarks.

 I used the last bit to tie a bow onto the finished, packaged surprise gift. Nothing wasted.

I gave a bunch of books (12 books and 1 puzzle) to one of our daughters (my finished load off my home bookshelf), and gifted her the bookmark to go with them.  I absolutely love the finished bookmark, and loved the end packaging result too.  The free printable was a bonus bookmark.  I will be looking to see if I have more scrap thread to make a few more for surprise gifts to make someone's day (just because).  If you crochet, it literally takes less than 10 minutes to make one.

note:  original pattern uses worsted weight yarn and an H hook.

Free Pattern can be found online:  Daisy Cottage Designs

Free bookmark printables are also online:  Printabulls.com

If you give me scrap crochet thread  ©  April 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

A Few WIP (Work in Progress) Finished

I finished the lap afghan in the green yarns.  It will be the last blanket to be crocheted until fall/winter time.  I prefer small projects during hot weather here.

Finished the current knitted dishcloth.  I had forgotten about it, as it got tucked in the midst of my projects.  There isn't much yarn left on the yarn cone, so I'm not sure what I'll use the remaining yarn for yet (this color was discontinued).

I finished another book, hence another book blanket granny square.  I don't know how people can read 200 plus books a year.  I do not have the time to sit, and sit to read that much, but there has been progress this year (much more than last year).  

A few of you have given me a few ideas for audio books too.  Like combining an outdoor walk/hike with such books, or while cleaning house.  It's a year of new things and "first times" this year, so it may happen.  This is the first year to read an ebook and could be the first year to borrow audio books.

Finished Lap Afghan and a Book Blanket Granny Square  ©  April 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart