Pioneer Woman at Heart

  Wow, the time has really flown by, and it would take a very long post to update every single thing.  Goodness. Thank you all for your advice on recent post question.  

  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....

  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   ...

  The weather has been bringing us some of the most enjoyable Spring weather days lately.  The weather is also bringing coyotes thru the area (we heard them the other morning).  Today it's starting at 39°F with possible snow (yes, I said snow, ha ha!), but tomorrow it is to start out as low as 26°F.  It's hard to believe I sat on the porch and read a book for a bit in almost 70 degree weather yesterday.    It's typical Spring weather here, and even with the up's and down's.  We had rain showers last night, with thunderstorms.  It will be fun to see what Mother Nature brings the rest of the day today.  If it's cold enough, I may be seasoning my new pan. I'm finally putting the edge on the the current baby blanket.  The mother is due about May, so I'm happy to be finishing it up. I feel like this blanket took a long time to work on.  However, as the weather is changing, it's hard to find time to read or to crochet.  We are taking...

Grab a cup of java.  I apologize, this post ended up too long.   October was a busy month for us.  We had so many plans, our plans had plans.  Whew!   Three weddings - one in another state up on a hill (they drove us up with a tractor and wagon) over looking a river, the other on a hill at a castle, and the third we didn't make it to. There were car shows, trunk or treats for the littles, a long distance trip to re-stock baking/cooking supplies (it's hard to find organic non-gmo in our area), garden work,  yard work and more.   One thing that did not happen, was our last camping trip, and it's probably a good thing considering.  The state put a burn ban on the campground, and the nights were down to the 40's.  The whole point to go camping (for us anyway) is to go off grid, enjoy nature, campfire cook, and enjoy an evening campire.  No being allowed to have a campfire, was the ticker that crossed the last camping trip off the c...

The "has been in the closet for years" project is now finished!  I love the border.  You chose yellow for the last round.  It has been washed and is drying to pack up for the next grand child.  It was a fun pattern to do, but a long project.  I am just glad it's done and off the "unfinished" list. Daughter K picked this yarn out for a house warming gift (full size blanket).  I'm not sure her boyfriend will like it, but ha!  I will need to go back to the store for more, but first need to calculate how much will be needed. I think I will also buy them a wine rack and some wine.  I have some time to think about it, but the blanket must get started now, as we are heading into the garden season next. I have a lot to knock off the to-do list, but first outside stuff.  Rain is on the way, and in a bad way.  We  need to cut more wood and get it split, and I promised to cook dinner tonight.  There is literally so much going on in our mi...

  Making things easier, I decided on a steel cut oats breakfast (crock pot) recipe.  I had apples and raisins and all the other ingredients needed.   I also made a pan of kamut flake bars for snacking (recipe is online with the Kamut brand).  Once that was checked off the list, housework resumed. We had a full day of beautiful sunshine.  It felt great to be out in it.  I however, forgot to take my camera.  I did snap a photo of the early sunrise. I lied about the baby blanket border.  After finishing round 1, I looked at the pattern and saw that it has 4 rounds.  It's been the longest baby blanket project, but will be able to soon say I finished it.  I'm on round 3 right now.   I'm trying to decide what color of baby blanket to gift our grand-niece.  I have a baby green one done, and a light purple one.  I'll check on what color booties I already have, but I think I depleted the supply (lots of babies this year)...

Although very prosperous on January 1st, I woke up the 2nd with no ambition whatsoever.  Quite possibly from not being a normally physical, while crafting.  We contemplated cutting wood, but never got off our bums to do that. I sent an email to Pampered Chef.  I had a consultant tell me she had a ring replacement for me years ago, and never ever emailed me back.  I have a very old pastry model, and so far have not heard back from the company either.  It is no use to me without the ring. I also emailed a nursing home in the "Big City" requesting a list of what they take for donations.  If you are purging be sure to ask nursing homes.  They will even take flower vases.  One time we brought flowers but forgot the vase when "P" was in there.  They had vases that had been donated for residents.  I may have mentioned this before. I spent over an hour in the garage.  Filled the trunk for the thrift store, filled the trash,...