Pioneer Woman at Heart

As you know, I am a very low-tech, or no-tech person.  I do not read books on electroni c de vices, nor read them on-line on my computer.  I like to hold the rea l thing in my hands, and enjoy it without batteries.  T hat's jus t me. (note:  In no way, I am writing this to be hurtful to those who do use electronic reading devices.) 

We had a Salsa Party, to taste all four of the salsa recipes I canned this year.  The Peach Salsa recipe used a small amount of honey. 

Where can you find someone willing to sell you a truck load of wood for $25.00? It's rare indeed.  Thankfully, my son can lift these heavy pieces and put them on the wood splitter for me to split.  He unloaded the truck too.  Most of the wood was in stump pieces about 3 feet wide, the kind that no person really wants to mess with.  We, on the other hand, were very thankful to God for this wood.  Regardless of size.  We spent the afternoon splitting about half of it, until we needed to go inside and thaw out our finger tips. Now, if we could just find wood pellets.  Clerks were giving my husband a weird look when he asked if they had any.  So far, we are not finding them.   One store even told us they are not ordering any more this season.   This morning, we are off on a venture, to locate a store that has some.  Thankfully, we can call ahead, but even that isn't always accurate.  One time we called, they said ye...

 Cat, Tat and Note I went into my bedroom to find Tiger with a note gently attached to him.  My 9 year-old daughter used a small section of my first tatting I ever did, and gently but Tiger on my bed to deliver the "noter." She wrote "Enjoy your made bed, and cat, as a wonderful bonus.  Oh what a joy he is (he likes it when you scratch his tummy).  If you come to the kitchen for a spa treatment you can choose manicure, pedicure or both.  It will only cost you one all nighter.  Then you can enjoy yourself to any treatment. Oh and there's also a hair-do." Well, she never did stay up late.  She fell asleep before I did.  It's just having the idea that she can stay up that makes her happy.  I never did cash in on that spa treatment either.  Maybe she'll be in "business" today. 

I am not sure on the details of this quilt, and have sent e-mails to extended family for help.  I do know that my Mom, and two Aunt's used it on their bed as girls.  And yes they shared one bed.   Backside I'm waiting to find out if my grandmother or my great grandmother made this.  I think I was told it was made from old clothes and rags.  Back then, nothing was thrown out, so you know this is very old.  I was worried about taking it out and putting it on the line for the photos, but wanted to e-mail the historical society.  Which brings me to the "road trip" part.  Because of the quilts history and fragile state, I am attempting to donate it to a historical society in my grandparents county.  Their original house burned down several years ago, and is not even standing.  Gosh that brings back memories.  Grandma's house smell, is still in the blanket.  I have not washed it, because the material would just fall apart....

I find that surprising someone each month, with "fun" mail, is rewarding in many ways. Today is a new day, a new month, and a perfect time to let someone know you love them.   Dig out your stationary or recycled paper, and make someone’s day this month.

Helium Ideas for a winter picnic in the snow

The other night, when we were all seated at the dinner table, a discussion came up.  Typically, our tradition is to go around the table and say one “high” and one “low” of the day.   (Borrowed from torqueperformancenutrition.info) This time, the topic of a half glass of water came up.  Our 11 year-old asked what it meant by saying “half empty” or “half full.”  When we finished explaining the meaning to her, our 9 year-old daughter asked a question. “So, Mom? Am I a glass half empty or half full?” she asked smiling up at me. We both busted out laughing.   She always has the funniest and unexpected things to ask or say.  One day she came to me and told me she “was in a pickle” and couldn’t remember when pajama day was at school.  School had a snow day anyway.  However, the school planned a “wish winter away” pajama party, and on that very same day, they had another snow day. Today, she was tickled to be able to wear her pajamas and h...

We were all surprised to see how this fruit tasted.  It is in season in February, and the kids loved it.  We plan to eat more of this fruit. This fruit, after it's peeled, pulls away in sections from the center. 

There's nothing better than sitting around in my pajamas, doing nothing but whatever I feel like, and enjoying leftovers from New Year's Eve. We make our "chex mix" a bit different, and use Crispix cereal.  I was so lucky to have coupons for the cereal this year.  The cereal is not cheap.  This is a tradition for our family that I carried over from childhood.  We are fighting over the leftovers so I hid it earlier in the day. He he he!  They are already asking where I put it.  Ha ha ha! Around here you have to hide it if you want it later.