This and That

 We have had three days of rain (again).  I for once, was happy for it, as I had planted flowers, and had a new tree and bush to plant.  I have not gotten to the point of dragging out all of my garden hoses, so it was a relief for the sake of everything being "watered" (including the garlic and asparagus).

The herb garden was ready for some rain too.  I have everything planted, other than buying a new parsley plant (cannot find my seeds).  

I have a bit more weeding to do, but for the most part, all is doing nicely.  

Oh, and it's been a terrible tick year here for us.  Although I make my own tick oil, and use it, I often forget.  I have come inside with a tick on me twice now.  Very unusual too.  I have a post it sticky note to remind me now (to apply the tick oil).  The wind can carry those buggers just about everywhere.

The keeper of the herb garden.  He was sitting in the chives, and there are stray oregano plants growing in them now.  I do need to dig those out soon.  I left him be, as I was working in another garden, yanking a fence to prep for tilling.

This is a truly "this and that" post today.

Speaking of asparagus....

We are continuing to harvest asparagus, thanks to the recent and current rain.  I, for sure, thought we were at the end of harvest, but the good Lord is still providing us some.

One of our meals made from the crockpot turkey breast - turkey a la king.  I made this is a crockpot as well, and it was fantastic.  I used homemade condensed mushroom soup, and other goodness.  I have to write down exactly how I made this, so we can make it again.  I topped it over a wild rice mix, that was cooked in leftover chicken broth I had to use up.

I have had to make some changes in my "intentional" exercise.  By intentional, I mean the exercises I do on purpose vs. the garden/yard/housework exercise.  I've been consistent with some stretching exercises for the last 6 months, and I'm glad I've stuck with it.  I have even taken my yoga mat while traveling too, along with exercise bands (no excuses).  I have found that the older we get, the more flexibility is a blessing in all day activities.  Plus you feel better all over at the end of the day. 

Garden work is easier and less physically stressful, climbing stairs is a piece of cake now, walking and hiking a longer lengths, and so forth.  Planting 3 flats of marigolds will give you the best glute work out of your life (you'll feel it the next morning, ha ha!).

Speaking of garden work. . . .

I was out and about, looking for something.  I can't recall, but it may have been my watering can.  Anyway, I saw something move up in the rafter and I swore it was a raccoon.  I slowly moved out of the barn, and looked back.  Ha ha ha ha ha!  It was our resident barn cat that adopted us.

Back story to this cat, is that I saw it a year ago, and the year before that, but only a few times.  One day it was pouncing in the taller grass in a nearby field chasing and eating mice.  I laughed and laughed.  

Next thing I know, there is a "gift" left at my front door (this was about a month ago).  I laughed and laughed.  If you have ever had a barn cat, this is a gift (sorry, but by gift, I mean remains, or part of remains, of their latest kill) to show their love and your dedication to feeding them.  I had left food out whenever I saw this cat.  We all got a laugh.  The cat is a very good hunter, lets just say that.  

I have yet to find out if the cat is a female or male, and to properly give it a name now.  My husband said we should call it "Spooky" for scaring the heck out of me (thinking it was a daytime meandering raccoon).

We have used free loose rocks from the homestead, to border the flower beds for almost 17-18 years now.  I'm now watching marketplace and other sites to look for actual landscaping stones to make flower bed prep much easier.  I'm down to two areas that need them (a form fitting, taller landscaping stone that holds the dirt and mulch inside).  Otherwise, every spring, I have to pull the rocks, push the dirt back, re-align the rocks, and tidy up the borders.  It still looks nice, we do plan to upgrade the borders.  Until then, the free rock border works.  Both areas are not an issue for the mower, so it's last to upgrade and make much less work.

We are eliminating our mailbox flower bed.  I have already removed all the rocks but a few, and we will be digging out the extra dirt to level it.  In the past we had a rose bush, but it brought too many bees to the mailbox. We tried annuals, but the care for it was way too close to the roadside, so we are just taking it out.  One less thing to take care of.

We have already seen our resident hummingbird, and I have actually seen a new one this year.  I have also seen two Boston orioles (very rare sight), and they have the prettiest song ever.  I just wish I could get a photo for you all.  They are both quick to fly here and there.

I recently finished this book.  It's a newer book, and much different than most that I read.  I really liked it. I still need to check my yarn scraps/stash and see if I have any matching yarn to crochet a book blanket granny square.  I am still behind on attaching some squares to the blanket.

This and That ©  May 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

Waterfall/hiking Trip that turned Shopping

First Feb 2025 blog post.

We took a spontaneous few days away, and the funny part is, that it was to go to see a waterfall area, and do some hiking.  We were looking forward to some time with nature.  Mother Nature did not cooperate however.  

The weather on the day before we visited the falls, was 55°F, but raining.  The day we drove to the falls, the weather dipped to 25°F and the water was frozen, so we never left the vehicle, never hiked, and I did not even take a photo, ha ha!  We plan to go back when the water is flowing, and actually do some hiking.

The getaway was not a loss.  We had no idea we'd visit two different apothecaries, and we also found two health stores.  I was able to restock vitamin E oil, and castor oil.

First apothecary we visited (newly opened last fall).  Loved this store, but because it is new, the selections were meh. Nothing sold in bulk (like herbs).

The second apothecary we visited (maybe a 30 minute drive from the other one).  The store setting is pretty neat, but prices are a bit high, and to access the store, you go down two short stairways, so the store is more of a basement, and lighting is dark.  The store did have a lot more salves, medicinal oils, etc. for healing and such.  I probably won't go back, to this one, as we can buy bulk herbs (when needed and now grown) at another store in an Amish community area, at much better prices.

I purchased a "first aid" kit they sold (they make everything they sell in the way of salves, infused oils etc.), so I can try a few of the salves in it, and determine if we could use them in our medicinal arsenal (or if some would make nice gifts).  I have most of the ingredients listed on each salve, so it shouldn't be too hard to make them myself either.

Both stores would get more business if they invested in selling fresh growing herb plants, or even medicinal plant seeds.  We visited a store with live plants a few years ago, but they lacked everything else.

There were so many unique shops to peruse, and that we did.  It was fun to window shop, but we did make a purchase at one of the shops.  There was a section in the store where they sold blind date books for all ages.  The books are wrapped up so you do not know the book until you you are home and open it.  They do give you a few clues on the front.  They also sold "blind date" puzzles.  Of course we had to purchase one.  We'll be opening it soon.

We saw handmade items in many of the shops as well, and both of us were happy to see a leather store still in business, with affordable prices.

 (Leather stores in the Amish area are so highly priced it's unbelievable.)   

The gentleman working there, who crafted everything in his store, still made hair pieces that you cannot find anywhere anymore.  I had to bring a few home.

My husband purchased a new belt.  I didn't get many photos of the store, but he made everything from holsters to horse saddles, Christmas ornaments, bracelets, and more. 

By the way, one gift shop had so many unique handmade items, and I did see hand crocheted dishcloths (I am always intrigued on their prices and quality), and thin dish scrubbies made from "scrubby" yarn.  They were being sold for $5.99 (dishcloths), and $4.99 (thin dish scrubbies).  With the rise in yarn costs, I'm thinking I should have raised my own prices back in 2022, but then again, it did not look like there were many being sold in the store either.

Not to get off the subject, but I did reach out to sell my knitted dishcloths at a local area store, and was told they did not sell well (actually two places told me that).

Our hotel room had a poolside balcony, which was not in the description when we booked our room.  A fun benefit, but we did not even use it.  The air in the pool room was hot and humid.  To be honest, I'm not sure what the purpose of it was for, but very different for a hotel room.

Let's talk road trip snacks.  He he, I tend to go way overboard in regards to this part of road trips.  We were spontaneous with this trip, so I was unable to pre-plan the snacks.  My husband was delighted, as I often bring way too many with us.  Of course you need fresh fruit right?  Not this trip, ha ha.  I had meant to grab a few clementine's, but forgot.

We left with some mixed nuts, and light cheese sticks.  However, the hotel offered free breakfast, and they had boiled eggs for us to enjoy.  I put a few in a coffee cup and added that to our road trip snacking on our way home.  They even had individual salt packets.

Are you an extreme, road trip snack packer?

I also pack a yarn project and a book.  The book got some reading time miles, but I picked a yarn project involving #10 cotton thread, and a tiny crochet hook.  The roads were up and down and full of curves, so next time, I will plan a better on-the-road project, ha ha!

Something funny to share.  During our trip, we were taken on many back roads to get here and there.  The gas station we stopped at to re-fuel, did not have a public restroom (and this was not on a country road either).  We got back on the road and stopped at a Dollar General and this was the key to the restroom.  I laughed all the way to the restroom, and laughed as I took the key back.  I told the clerk "Thanks, ha ha ha ha!  That made my day!!"  What a chuckle to see a cat pooper scooper keychain. Ha ha ha ha ha ha!  

The weather went to rain and slush on our drive home, and one of the windshield wipers broke not long after we were on our way home.  We were on country roads, so GPS took us 16 miles off of our route, just to find an auto parts store (that was also open).  Guess how much it cost to replace just one wiper? 

It cost us $40.00 for one new wiper.  Ridiculous, but we were back in business to get home safely.

We are are re-fueled, as travel reduces any stress, and gives us renewed energy, giving us more motivation to achieve goals, and tackle "life."

The suitcase is unpacked, and it's back to life at home and work.  More garden planning is underway, list making for home repair supplies continues to grow, and the weather is all over the map again.

The start of February begins, and I do not plan on wasting away any of the days.  Clinking our coffee cups, in a toast to end morning procrastination (for me anyway). 

Do you do any day or weekend trips involving nature during winter?  It's a bit iffy in our parts, as weather is unpredictable.  We are now heading into freezing rain weather, and a "weather alert" day as they all it.  Spikes remain on my outdoor boots for now.

Waterfall/hiking Trip that turned Shopping  © February 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Mid Week Medley ~ Question for Condiment Canning Aficionados

 The rain is slowly bringing the outdoors back to life, and we see more green again.  We have had snow flurries, which deterred me from harvesting any of those baby green onions coming up, but everything is brighter outside for spring.

The Daffodils were blooming like crazy, and I would love to cut some to bring inside, but the snow just keeps on coming.  Not a lot, but enough to remind us that winter is still not over with.

The rain is also giving us gifts from the Earth.  We have three wild growing mullein plants in the flower beds.  I need to dig them up to move them, so we can utilize them this year.  If I leave them in the flower beds, they will continue to replant in there, and the wild plants grow very tall.  We dehydrate this medicinal weed for tea.

We took a drive to do some hiking.  I have to admit, that outdoor hiking uses more muscles than what you may use on a treadmill.  Good gravy we were happy sore, and have plans to get more hiking in this year.

Although it is too late to start more seeds for the garden this spring, we attempted to visit a new non-gmo seed store (new to visit for us, but in business for a while). We should have called to double check their business hours.  What stated on their online website, for a closing hour, was incorrect.  We arrived just after they had closed for the day.  We do plan to go back. and take a look at what they have to offer folks.

What's been purged/donated?

The last four mugs I had, that I crocheted mug "hugs" and matching coasters for, were donated to another local senior center.  I also donated two smaller items to the local library, for prizes within the children's area.

One local (non-chain) thrift store, has put a stop on taking any Christmas donations until September of this year.  We still need to do a complete garage clean out this year, so we'll need to find more donation locations.  The kids left their Christmas decorations behind, and many other items we need to get rid of (left behind because they don't want them) .

A box of books is awaiting it's donation destination.  I'm still filling it up with books I am finishing reading, so I'm not in a big hurry on that.

Canning Question:  Do you have a tried and true way to can caramelized onions (boil seal method), without using a crock pot?   I just don't want to can after dinner time, and I do not want to run my crock pot all night.  It is the only recipe I have used once (trusted recipe source), and it was successful, but now I want to can them again. 

Or....have you frozen homemade caramelized onions?  I have read they only last 2 months in the freezer, and what is the texture when they thaw?

Mid Week Medley ~ Question for Condiment Canning Aficionados © Mar 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

This and That

We were out pricing a new AC, so we stopped at JoAnn's to check on a crochet hook price.  Wow!  Their prices were much higher than Wal-mart (who was sold out of what I was looking for).  I found that our area Meijer had them, and less expensive than Wal-mart.  No big news, but I was shocked at the high prices at JoAnn's (also much higher than on Amazon).

I am always saying I wish they would put a store back in our hometown, but I'm not sure.  Hobby Lobby was built at one point, putting JoAnn's out of business, then later the Hobby Lobby closed.

Cute bags at store!  I didn't check the price.  We had plans to actually eat breakfast out at a diner, but found them closed for the holiday.  Apparently, many places are closed this weekend to celebrate the holiday.

We are getting lots of rain right now.  If it's dry enough this morning, I'll head out to tie up more tomato plants.  My husband is already asking about zucchini meals ha ha!  Soon, I told him.  Soon.  We have a Mediterranean salad we'd like to try, as well as just enjoy the garden goodies. 

Speaking of Mediterranean style dining, I found it odd, that our Meijer had zero cookbooks on their shelves.  I decided to order books from the library instead.  I just need some fresh ideas.  My husband's doctor told him to think "Mediterranean dishes" when he eats.  He also wants him to work out with intentional cardio and weight lifting.  We have the home gym in motion, but could use an exercise bike, and of course gym flooring.

We are not in a hurry for the spare bedroom to be done, but the floor is first.  The gym is more important right now.  He climbs ladders at work, and I push a wheelbarrow and tiller, but we both need intentional exercise.  We are both looking forward to it, to be honest.

We didn't do anything special for the 4th this weekend.  We can literally see all sorts of fireworks from our front porch.  Despite the rain, there were still many last night.

On a very sad note, and this is why I do not like to be on roads during the holidays, a person was killed yesterday in my hometown.

A drunk driver (day time), somehow created an accident in the roadway downtown,  putting his truck up on a sidewalk and into a tree.  He ran over a person on a bicycle, killing the person.

I am up a bit later than usual, but letting my husband sleep in.  He doesn't know it yet, but I have a honey-do list for today, ha ha!  I'm hoping to get even a few items checked off.  There is much to be painted yet, and I think we decided on a color for the remaining doors, 6 downstairs for now, not including exterior painting for other doors.  He is just now getting used to being home on the weekends, and tends to want to stay home. I'm going to take advantage of that ha ha!

Losing my Mind. . . Holiday Prep ~ Paranoid Prep

My brain has gone plain insane.  I feel like I'm caught up in a whirlwind and I'm trying to reach out to stop and get a job done, and I'm sucked back in again heading another direction. 

The barn....

Oh lets not talk about that job.  It's getting on my nerves, although I've wanted that job done for several years.  So. Much. Work. The barn siding was delivered.  Then rain arrived, so garden work halted, and I was back indoors.  Deep cleaning, cooking, putting up. . .


The hens are molting.  Egg supply is at it's all time lowest.  I made a crock pot of pumpkin oats.  We are not tired of pumpkin just yet, ha ha!  I picked a handful of red raspberries for topping the oats too.

I baked my first flourless pumpkin bread.  I have always baked it with flour, so this was a new recipe.  I only tired it out of curiosity, and the fact it saves me on ingredients.  Einkorn flour isn't cheap. It was so-so.  Not awesome, yet not bad either. 

Flourless Pumpkin Bread

Taste Test: Pickled Asparagus ~ Early Birthday Presents

Hubby and I played hookie yesterday, and almost forgot to open a jar of our pickled asparagus.  At 9pm, we were tasting it.  Yum!  Crunchy and a delicious side dish or snack.  More of a snack for me, ha ha! 

It rained, and it was cold yesterday.  Too cold to get the Harley out.  So....

Exercise ~ Water Glassing Eggs ~ Lilacs

I'm feeling much better, and back to my 60 minute walks.  I am picking up the pace some days, so I can get somewhere between 3 and 3 1/2 miles in now.  That's not all, I still lift weights, do 1/2 push-ups (getting back on track), and of course my yoga stretches.  It takes time in my morning, but like Hubby said, it's worth it.   

I just have to get up earlier, and in hopes to return to the 4:30am gym visits.  I finally put my new speed bag up, so it's time to start moving stuff out of the garage and purging in there too.  And this is all before I do my chores. And the weight loss number has not changed (frustrated, but I may be building muscle now).

Rain was not arriving until evening on Friday, so I headed outside to work there. I picked up tree debris racking up over 16,000 steps on my fitbit (by 7pm).

Me, Turtleman and a Treadmill

Thursday was a normal inside chore day.  I am having a bit of difficulty coming up with an interesting post that doesn't have to do with sweating through 3 pairs of underwear, or chasing chickens. Or scrubbing a toilet or two.


I did make a batch of homemade ricotta that will be used for a few dinners this coming weekend, but the highlight to share is our trip to the gym.

Scrap Yarn Fun and Other Tidbits

It rained, and two kiddos left for the day (and night), and when that happens.....

I tend to be lazy.  I did get some dishes done, but I opted for porch time.  The rain cooled the weather so nicely, I could not resist.

Rhubarb BBQ Sauce

Once again Eating Well magazine provided a recipe that begged me to try.  My rhubarb is not ready to harvest this year, and I finally found some to buy.


I made pork tenderloin (organic), but decided to make it in a pulled pork version vs. baked (as the recipe instructed).  The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for future meals. 

Goat Round Up

I didn't have to worry about where I'd get my 10,000 steps yesterday (I have a fitbit).

I gained just shy of 8,000 steps by noon.

Homestead Tidbits ~ Baby Booties

Saturday it rained heavily the entire day.  It was a very gloomy, get-in-your-jammies-early day.  We still made a trip to the gym for a must needed workout.  According to my fitbit (tracks my steps etc) I am short about 3,000 steps per day this winter.  Yikes!

Back to the weather. . . .

Gotcha!

"Yikes! She caught me!"

Jasper has been more skittish than before, ever since the propane "boom" we had.  He walks around looking startled by any little movement or noise.  I have such a hard time getting a photo of him.

The other day, before the school bus arrived, I was able to snap this photograph.  He was actually playing until he saw me get down to his level and snap a few shots. Ha ha!

As for today's weather here. . . . .

My Healthy Lifestyle Changes

A little "support" can go a long way.

If you have been following my progress in the sidebar of my blog, I am making healthy lifestyle changes this year, and my 11 year-old daughter has joined me.  We do not use the word "dieting."  We are making permanent changes to keep our bodies at a healthy "size" and in the best health we can be - spiritually and physically.

We were all getting to the gym on a regular basis, but as life goes, life got in the way.  By life, I mean Hubby having to work overtime, kids going here and there, emergency repairs, and suddenly "boom" we are not going to the gym.  We slouch it off, walk away and say what my kids say - "whatever."

How I am Doing It - Getting in shape and Exercise

I've had a few people ask me what I am doing to lose weight and get in shape. My goal is to completely shed 50 pounds(or more).  I am down 14.  At our ages, it doesn't come off as fast, and if it took me 6 years to put it all on, I would rather it came slow to ensure it stays off (vs. fast).  I do not do weight watcher's or any program that requires buying frozen meals. 

Here is what I am doing:

~Eating as many real foods (homegrown without chemicals or organic) vs. processed foods (even Subway is very high in sodium so don't let them fool you).  We cut out shortening, eat less bread, and now can jam with honey vs. sugar.  Last year we planted a boat load of green pepper plants, I am just now finishing up the last in the freezer.  It lasted all winter long. Peppers, along with apples, are high in pesticides in stores.  Even at some orchards.  We are trying to eliminate all foods that would have chemicals.


*For example: eating fresh farm eggs with veggies, or oatmeal with garden pumpkin, or steel cut oats vs. store boxed cereal.  We utilize our goat's milk in everything we can also.

~Exercise, on top of our regular physical outdoor and indoor work.  We regularly go to the gym for a good hour or more.  We lift weights followed by cardio (treadmill or elliptical etc.).  Some times we ride our bikes there or bike ride instead.  Hubby and I love to box also.  He entered a boxing contest back in the day.  Years ago we bought a heavy bag and a speed bag.  They are both in the garage.    The gym we go to, is set up in our old high school, and out in the country.  The fees for families with children in the school system there are $25.00/month per family - affordable and in a good location.  I bench press just like hubby etc.

~Rest.  To be fit mentally, I am really working on taking "rest" days.  They help us stay emotionally fit.  With a blended family of 8, there can be a lot of stress in this house.  

~Eliminate or Limit Alcohol.  This is a huge must if you want to stay in shape and be healthy.  Hubby still enjoys a beer after a long day at work and having mowed the grass, but it's limited.   I plan to order us some organic wine for special occasions (dates alone, Christmas, etc.).

~Insurance Reasons:  Our health insurance requires not just my hubby, but myself also, to participate in an on-line exercise/health program.  We participate in various things and earn points.  By a certain date we must have 1000 points in order to keep our insurance as it is, and at the same price.  If not, we lose benefits, and pay a higher price.  Some programs are logging exercise hours, losing extra weight, learning to cook (which I already do anyway), calling a nurse, watching on-line movies about health and taking a quiz etc.  It's a pain in the rear and time consuming, but we can't afford to have bad health or pay higher prices. 


Misc:  I am also buying local honey and drinking a mix of 1 tsp. honey/1 tsp. Bragg's apple cider vinegar and 8 oz. of water each day (many benefits).

I'm not selling any product, nor am I a doctor.  I'm just sharing what we are doing.  Hubby had lowered all of his numbers for cholesterol and I'll be getting mine checked soon. 

More Misc:  Limit computer and TV.  This is more important to me than the kids.  They could care less, but I am mentally fit when I spend less time on the Internet and computer.  If I spend too much time, I am groggy and not in a pleasant mood.  It zaps my energy.

Excerpts from a Journal Junkie

from the homesteading journal . . .

 I picked our first garden bounty - radishes and sugar snap peas.  Started to keep track of produce on the blog too.  I baked a red potato/kohlrabi/garlic scape dish I found on-line, and for the peas, we made a stove-top mix of sugar snap peas and asparagus.  Yum!  My husband paid a commercial fisherman to catch us some local perch.  It's not cheap either.  We may be renting a boat (or borrowing one) to take a trip up to catch our own.  Delicious fish.

Cheddar and Tim are spending a lot of time with me outside.  I'm pretty sure they love their new home.  One day I picked berries and Cheddar was all around my legs, rubbing back and forth.  I bent over to pick some low berries and he jumped on my back - OW!

We discovered bats in the goat barn.  Babies were falling from the ceiling and we didn't know what to do.  We contacted professionals and found out that we had what's called a Maternity Colony - they have babies in June and begin to leave the barn in July.  Very interesting stuff.

I spent the week washing up the wall tent linens, getting caught up with housework (bathroom cleaning etc.) and making more jams - some jams for us and some for the Farmer's Market.

While picking berries, I discovered purple thistle growing nearby - one more wild flower to add to my wild flower journal.


The vet came out for a house call and was able to cut down both of Orion's horns.  He's less dangerous now, and we hope that will help stud him out this fall.  The one horn we have trouble with, will continue to grow, but the vet was able to cut it down enough, so that it wasn't touching his head (the horn that grew in and downward).  Right now, we are able to put surgery off the list.  Thankfully.

Canned 9 more 1/2 pints of strawberry-Honey Jam, and 5 - 1/2 pints of Wild Black Raspberry-Honey Jam.  However, one of my burners quit working.  I'll need to replace one now.

from the personal journal . . .

I actually took time for myself last Sunday. I was feeling a bit under the weather from a very long Saturday (did laundry at 5pm and took it down a few hours later etc.).  

I didn't feel up to anything, and took a library book to the front porch.  There I sat and read the entire book.  I really did.  I haven't done that in years.  

 I needed more places to store my canned goods, and my 15 year-old daughter reminded me about a bookshelf in the living room that had books on it.  I pulled some off and decided to barter many that I had already read.  I found one book that I had read and marked pages on.

 One chapter I marked, was titled "Make sure you get enough rest."  I think I will read this book one more time.

 I found a book I have not read yet, and have already started to read it - Hope and Humor for Pooped Out Parents, by Pam Vredevelt. 

from the family journal . . .

The two younger girls baked their dad a cake for Father's Day.

My brother, his girlfriend and her boys, stopped over for a surprise visit.  They got to see the buckling, the chickens, the bats, and the garden.  They tasted the goat's milk, and they tasted kohlrabi and sugar snap peas from the garden.  I gifted them a jar of homemade Strawberry-Honey jam, a dozen eggs, and a bag full of garden lettuce.

The power went out one morning for 2 hours.  We could not do anything - dishes, laundry, jam making etc.  The kids got out the board games, one painted, one did some drawing, and I had the change to gain a few more rows on my shawl.

from the  gratitude journal . . .

Today I am thankful for:

~having taken a full day of rest without work (not even cooking)

~my son and 15 year-old daughter for helping me pick wild black raspberries.  This is a tedious job.  Especially when it's in the 90's.

~rain, the garden really needed it

~snail mail, I love getting letters from my Aunt
 

from the crafting journal . . . 

I've been working on a knitted shawl for myself.  Still knitting away on a block blanket and a crocheted Christmas lap afghan.

from the exercise journal . . .

I am down 14 pounds now, with several more to lose.

Note:  I apologize for such a long post.  Summer work can be tedious and time consuming.