Winter Lingering. . .

 

I just wanted to make a quick post to say I'm still here, and our winter is lingering, with teasers days in between.  I took this photo on a nicer day.

I'm working on the writing project, with the deadline at the end of the month.  I forgot how much time was involved with such a project, so time is zipping by much too quickly in that sense.

We've discovered two new-to-us health stores, and it's refreshing to know we can obtain some items I either cannot make or just don't have time to make (or make in large amounts for our use).

A big thank you to Anne in the Kitchen (Cooking and All that Jazz), for sharing her list of spring "aims" that motivated us with a list of our own (already checking things off).  It's kept us focusing on new adventures, all-things-positive, and uplifting lifetime events.

As "empty nesters" it's been a transition from kids around all the time to absolutely no kids.  The hardest part of the transition is to let them grow up, build their own lives, and not need you.  I tend to compare how often I visited my own Mom an Dad, to how often our kids visit us.  We have moved on from this transition, and are focusing on our blessings (and what we are thankful for).  

I've declared cell phones (and social media) completely annoying.  I never realized how annoying the beeps are, until I sat down to write for a few hours.  I miss the landline only days, where people actually called you to really talk.  Texting is convenient, but boy is it annoying (learning to turn it off more often).  I think it really hit me, when a friend told me she spent 2 hours on fb within one group, and then invited me to the same page (nope, not happening). Time is one thing you can't get back.  I also feel that the convenience of cell phones (texting, social media) has caused families to disassociate. It's easier to go online and see what people are doing instead of actually talking to them.

Okay, moving on . . .

Life is good.  Garden plans are moving forward.   Organizing the home continues.  Adventures continue, as well as physical fitness.  I didn't realize how much around here got so disorganized during the time of surgery, and surgery recovery, (I only had one day of help from one person) so it's been invigorating to get the homestead back in order, clean, and spic n' span restored.  I'm definitely not done yet either.  Catching up with restoring the home, has brought some purging to my attention in the midst of it all.  

With that last part said (about help), I'm more inclined to pay attention to those who need help, could use help, need a pick-me-up, or someone to talk to.  In other words, the lack of action of others, has motivated me to be the "action" and help others more often. 

I'll work on getting another post up soon.  I started my morning with a 200 blueberry pick up, and before my coffee (ha ha!).  The container fell out of the fridge and blueberries went flying across the kitchen floor.  Sigh.  Off to enjoy some coffee....by the way, my husband thought it was very funny.

Winter Lingering . . .   ©  March 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Transitioning

 I may be popping in here now and again.  It's only been a few days, and I miss writing my blog.  You may get a post here or there in the near future.  

Although in that short time, I have purged about 40 books, and most were literally from home schooling days, and non-fiction books from when the kids were all in school.  I have also purged 2 boxes of craft supplies.  I kept a TON of crafting, recycling craft supplies and more, for when the kids were in school as well.

Cleaning the "spaces" has been gratifying, so we can eventully "enjoy" the newly organized spaces.  

I'm am working on transitioning from raising kids, and having the roll of "Mom" for so many years, to "empty" nesters.  It's not like I am out of "things" to keep me busy around here, especially during garden season.

You'd think I'd be busy with the role of "Grandma" but sadly that is not the case.  I'm trying not to dwell on the fact, there is a newly born grandchild out there this year, who we have never met.  We don't even know where they live.  Not all families are created equal.  When there is nothing you can do about something, you learn to move on in life.  We can't waste time on trying to make sense on what doesn't make sense.

Although we have made great strides with home repairs and updates, there is still very much more to do as well.  We have more work on upgrades, regarding our vegetable/fruit gardens (fencing, expanding, raised bed project).

Great words of advice.....

"Focus on you. For more than 18 years, the focus has been on your children. Permit yourself to be a little self-centered. Get up to date on all medical appointments you have put off. Reevaluate your diet and start an exercise routine that includes cardio, weights and stretching. Go through your closet and decide what to keep and what to update. Try out a new hair color or style to go with your new role."  Source:  Finding Purpose in an Empty Nest, by Pam Molnar, Oregon Family Magazine

Routines change, life changes, daily duties change, and even the homesteading path in life changes.  

When I pick some yarrow, the first thing that pops in my head, is "oh I need to blog about what I'm making with this" and I eventually get side tracked, ha ha!  Self sufficiency at it's best for sure.  Blogging was always a part of my writing passion.

Who knows what is in store for the future.  I'll leave it at that.  You may see some updates here and there.

Transitioning © July 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart