Pioneer Woman at Heart

  We have been blessed with sunshine the last few days, and I am so thankful for that (after several days of zero sunshine). I emailed our local library, and proposed a puzzle exchange program.  They may not have the space for such a thing, but I have suggested it. We got a call that an extended family member on my husband's side of the family, had passed away. Joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. The weather . . . 25 degrees at night, but we had some pretty nice, almost 60 degree weather over the weekend. Right now I am . . . Making a list of of things that need moved to the top of my to-do's for the day. Thinking and pondering . . . Thinking about adding another crockpot to our home.  I've been doing research on the best one on the market these days.  Boy have they changed too (digital buttons etc. on some). When the last kiddo moved out, she took one of our crockpots with her, so we do need another replacement. I'm thinking about getting us a puzzle boar...

  I hope your July 4th was an enjoyable holiday.  We spent it by ourselves.   One weekend night we were able to watch fireworks from our front porch at night, and there were about 5-6 different towns or people setting them off (one was spectacular).   The break in rain finally gave us (I mean "me") a chance to weed the garden, re-tie up the tomatoes (they grew another foot), hill potatoes, harvest some Red Russian Kale and more radishes.  Boy it's still hot here. Sunday it was 94°F with a heat index of (feels like) 97°F (not as hot as it has been). My homemade bug spray is working great other than it does not work to deter the teeny tiny gnat type bugs flying around.  They seem to be attracted to the body sweat while working in the hot sun (so annoying). There is not enough work being done in the gardens, in one day, due to the heat, the humidity, the rain, or a combination of these issues. Overwhelmed.  Frustrated.  Those are few words ...

Could Spring finally be here to stay?  The heat has been shut off.  The first mowing has happened, and the grass is a beautiful and bright green again.  The flower beds look really nice again, and I have dug up and moved some flower bulbs.  New fruit trees were planted, and porch furniture covers removed. I've not been online much at all (hence the long post today, so grab a cup of java), and even hand wrote a letter this past week.  I've done a lot of cooking, but mostly the prep work for fresh salads to go with meals.  Soak, chop, slice and dice, mix....lots of good food, but a lot of dirty dishes too. Third Year Asparagus. First planted asparagus Our first asparagus is sprouting, the asparagus beds have been cleaned up and ready for a Spring harvest.  We planted more more new asparagus roots, and we are preparing a new area to expand the asparagus patch again (we never have enough to freeze). I planted rosemary seeds prior to a good rain. I have mor...

  Welcome April!  First Monday of the month.  Spring time!  I love Spring flowers too.  The bad storms we had last week, brought so much rain, that flooding was an issue.  Even a park we were walking at, had closed a portion of it due to flooding. On the health front, we are still looking for a tried and true kale/blueberry salad with homemade dressing.  I hate to waste ingredients, so I'm still asking around.  I plan to ask one of the local librarians soon (one who eats healthy and exercises etc.). I am joining Sandra with Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.   I will link up when she posts later. The weather in my neck of the woods . . . Woke up to 24°F with a frost.  Mid week the forecast is saying we may get more rain and possibly snow.  Our state is flooding everywhere, and we could definitely use a break from rain.  So many roads, and areas closed due to high water.  Our property is very saturated. Our colder Spring wea...

  I inquired about rental space in a store that sells locally make crafts (about a 35 minute drive or more).  There is a wait list, the rental space charge is a whopping $6 per square foot, and a 20% payment to the owners on any of your sales.  Sigh.  I have given up on that route.  Unless I be-friend an owner and strike a deal, it is impossible to continue to make and sell in rented store spaces anymore.  At least in our area anyway. Does anyone else get tired of businesses having only online bookings?  We have been trying to get new tires on one of our vehicles, and one place won't take appointments, another is online only (very frustrating system according to my husband). Not to mention, that once you book anything online, they message you a ton of reminder messages (very annoying). We had a very busy weekend, so it's back to home updates, and regular work around here.  Oh, and we visited the other nearest JoAnn Fabrics store.  They had mu...

The recent cold snap caused some businesses to deal with burst water pipes.  Some busted water lines flooded streets, and some flooded University dorm basements. The puzzle has been an addiction.   It is 24 x 30 inches.  Huge! Meanwhile, I'm patiently waiting for the doctors hands on diagnosis (vs. a phone call diagnosis).  I am patiently waiting for a clear-all, so I can get back to doing regular work around here, and possibly volunteer where needed (and helping my husband's cousin, read below in prayer requests).  A community member is also in need of help, and I can't commit to anything until I am cleared of all/any restrictions.  If you know how active I am, you know it's taking a great amount of patience. **see prayer request at the bottom of the post Homemaking tip:  how to remove a sticky note stain from a kitchen counter.  Hair spray.  My husband got a sticky note wet, and it stained my kitchen counter.  Nothing was wiping a...