"Eat it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or go without."
~A Pioneer Sampler, by Barbara Greenwood~

Pioneer Woman at Heart

One Flourishing, Frugal and Fun Family!

One family learning to live off the land, cut back on expenses, and to live a simpler and a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Showing posts with label Green Lentil Recipes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Green Lentil Recipes. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Donating Baby Blankets and Random Tidbits

 

We went from sub zero straight to a week of up to 64°F, and a sloppy, slushy, muddy mess.  I was very tempted, and almost twice, used the clothesline.    


However, with the warmest weather days brought us rain and thunder storms (yes thunder storms in February).  Add that rain to the already mushy mess, and you have slosh yards.



The house was refreshed with several days of open windows, and we are very thankful for that. Nothing better than fresh air circulating indoors.  


Of course, as it is still our winter season, the weather cooled right back down to the 30's and brought a small but of snow.  We got outside anyway, and did our very first "snow" walking trail.


It's been a mish-mash of a February.  Lots of re-organizing, purging, and home repairs.  It seems like the hardware store shopping list is maintaining it's weekly to-do list.

We have not cleaned out clothing in more than two years, so it's been this month's focus, and boy it takes some time.  I'm trying to squeeze in a few minutes in between everything else.

Winter time can become monotonous, so I've changed up some décor (rotated what I have), but found some new bath linens for a great deal.  A new color is like a breath of fresh air, and it balances the mood.

Most days this month have been ending exhausted, but productive. 


It has been very satisfying to cross off long over due home repairs/updates.  However, in the meantime, there are those repairs that get thrown at us, like the tile soap dish falling off the tile shower wall, after 20 years or more.  Replacing the tub drain that just stopped working after 20 years or more.  You know, the wear and tear projects that sneak up on you.  You know, you can't get these jobs completed with one trip to the hardware store.  It takes numerous, because the clerk gives you the wrong tools, so you have to return and get the right ones.


New recipe tried.  It was a result of "use it up" in the pantry.  I had some green lentils that needed used soon, so we tried Lentil Salad and loved it.  Recipe is online from Cooking Classy, and we did not "roast" the red bell pepper.  It contains cooked and cooled green lentils, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, feta, fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, and a homemade dressing with freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, minced garden grown garlic and mustard. 


Finally, a observation by my husband and I both - many people (friends, family, acquaintances) we know have detached themselves from us.  Not sure if it's a result of 2020, where everyone was nervous to be around anyone, or if people are choosing to be so busy they would rather keep their "circle" small or what.  Relationships are a thing of the past for so many people we know.  The best advice from an acquaintance for this concern/unsettled thinking?  Count your blessings and build from that.  Thankful for the few who want to stay connected.  Life is something to celebrate, not bury ourselves in being so busy we forget to really live our lives.  


Please pray for a friend of mine.  Marilyn.  It may be nothing, but it could be serious.  It is a heart concern, but testing is not for a week or so.

Experienced my very first professional pedicure (a gift to me).  What a treat!  


Current Crochet Charity Updates:  Baby blankets

I have been crocheting this pattern for using some of the 27 skeins of Aran colorway yarn I was gifted.  I am using scrap balls to edge them, to add color, and offer options with donated baby blankets.  It's been a very easy pattern to take "on-the-road" for any traveling. I've used this pattern before, but for headbands for winter.  


I think the baby blankets are turning out very nice for the Mom-to-Be resource facility.  I have more yarn stashed, so I am considering adding more "baby" items to this cause.  It all depends on free time.  It has been my on-the-go project, and works very well with the very easy, one-color pattern.

What is left from the two skeins of yarn it took to crochet the center part of the blanket.  It's the closest I have come to using up project yarn for one "project" and it thrills me.  I do not need more scrap balls of yarn, ha ha!  (amount above is leftover per each skein {2} of yarn in Aran colorway)

A friend who works at the pregnancy facility, and is in charge of assisting those in need, reached out to me, so it's on the hook for now, but I will resume lap afghans for senior centers/assisted facilities/single elderly living alone, after that.

I'm still looking for my pattern for one last committed crochet project in the mean time.


February has been a very cold month, with a splash of a summer teaser.  I think we are all ready to see the weather warm up for good.

Donating Baby Blankets and Random Tidbits  ©  February 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart


 

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