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

Small Harvest and Other Fun

I harvested a handful of green onions and chives before the very cold weather moved in (more so than before).  The chickens are not happy.  I'm not happy, but trying to find the joy in the days either way.

My kitchen has been in full force the last few days.  My goodness, I have never felt overwhelmed with baking and cooking, but it has taken over in whirlwind lately.  These photos were not even everything that was getting baked/cooked or mixed up.

Despite the need to get meals made around here, I managed to squeeze in a trip to the library book sale.  I only brought home three books, but snagged some free magazines too.  

I used to read magazines when Mom was with us.  She'd pass her magazines onto me to read.  When she passed, I no longer read magazines.  I never thought to borrow some from our library.  

In light of garden season moving in slowly (thanks to this colder weather), we've been enjoying our empty nest life.  Yes, we have repairs, a coop to finish building and so on, but some times we need a little fun too.

Johnny Cash/June Carter Tribute band

Righteous Brothers Concert

Over the last three months, we've been enjoying outdoor walks, hikes, hiking trails in other towns/cities, and we even hiked a not-so-easy waterfall (so proud of our healthy lifestyle, and progress in staying fit).

We have also been to a few concerts too.  We have not been to concerts during all of our long, busy years (and years) of raising all the kids and working jobs, so it's been a huge enjoyment.

One concert was a Johnny Cash Tribute band (very good, the guy was from Nashville), and we had the priviledge to see the Farewell tour concert of the Righteous Brothers.  Bill Medley is 84 years old, and he put on a fantastic concert.

Bill Medley also wrote a book, and you know I bought a copy.  It's on my list to read after a few more books.  In fact, I have had fun window shopping on our outings too, and that is how I have found advent gifts for Christmas.

My newest suncatcher I purchased recently.  Just ignore my dirty winter window.  It's not been conducive weather to clean the outside of the windows just yet.

Nothing earth shattering news for blogland today, and I bought myself some fun pens. One of my daughter's bought me a pen set for my birthday/Mother's Day(?) and I am down to one pen now.

The one on the top in gold says "Good Days Start with Coffee" the next says "Drink Coffee.  Be Nice" (ha ha!), and the last says "Caffeinated and Motivated."

Small Harvest and Other Fun ©  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

January 2025 Comes to an End

January 2025 comes to an end, and I am thrilled to have met my own goals of staying off social media (less scrolling time), being more consistent with reading, exercise, time better well spent overall.  Although there is more wiggle room to become better at avoiding morning procrastination (winter cold weather can do that to a person).

Winter time gives us zero harvest from the outside world.   We lack a greenhouse.  However, I purchased a cilantro plant for indoor growing.  We are praying we have the funds to fence the other garden, and have been working on a garden plan.  I have toyed with the idea of not growing one, but that thought quickly dissipated.  Our health is important, and I'd miss all that garden goodness.

There is nothing better than to take a red sharpie, and cross off to-do's that have lingered on the list for almost a year.

Do you ever finish a job, and then go back and look at it over and over and smile?  Ha ha!  I finally got the under-sink mats cut and installed in our master bathroom.  It came up on my list over and over, and days would fly by, and it remained on the list. Hence, cutting down the to-do list in January.  The less I had on the list, the easier it was to get them done.   

The job took me about 45 minutes to an hour.  It required taking everything out of the cabinets, sorting and tossing any expired items, washing the cupboards, and finally cutting the "under sink" mats (which are waterproof) and installing them.  A bottle of shampoo or something soap related had spilled under a storage drawer unit, and we didn't even know until I took everything out.  That took the most time to clean up. 

I have to admit, it looks so much better, and I feel better to have crossed that (along with other jobs) off of the list for January.

There has been a lot of joy this month.  Oh, we had glitches, but we plowed thru them.   We have a lot to be thankful for.  I am much better at looking for/finding the joy in every day (even in mundane chores/to-do's), and January did not go buy without noticing.  In the past, days were just about getting thru them.

My hamstring injury is almost completely healed.  I am thrilled to say I am back to wearing my own insulated muck boots again.  Back story on that - when I went to take the right boot off, it would cause excruciating pain up my entire leg (hamstring).  No more sailing over an open dishwasher door. 

Thank you for the prayers in regards to my hamstring healing, and also for our January doctor appointments.  We both have follow appointments in early February now.  I had to stop taking the medication they gave me for my leg (anti-inflammatory medication), as it was causing bad side effects.  I resorted to an anti-inflammatory diet and stretching.  By the way Youtube videos, and stretching moves from a daughter worked better than the one stretch my family doctor gave me.

As for our follow-ups, it's routine, but I am praying for good blood work results, good results overall, and that we just keep doing the best we can with real food, exercise, a good night's sleep, and the like.

In light of my recent hamstring incident, I have decided to keep my floor stretch exercises included in my exercise routine.  The older we get the more flexibility we need I guess.  

Betsy at The Simple Life of a Queen, reminded me to slow down, and I am forever thankful for that.  I have more crossed off the to-do list this month than I did in the last two months, and it was from not being in a frenzy every single day (in a hurry to get it ALL done in a day).

Tomorrow starts a new month, a new plan, new goals, continued plans, and living life to the fullest.  There may be another puzzle involved too, ha ha! 

Here's to new adventures, new exciting discoveries, goals met, and more.  

"Whenever my busy thoughts were out of control, the soothing comfort of your presence calmed me down and overwhelmed me with delight."  Psalm 94:19 TPT (from 180 Devotions for Your Best Day, Encouragement and Inspiration for Woman).

January 2025 Comes to an End  © January 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Happy Homemaker Monday {January 27, 2025}

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 away the stain, so I tried hairspray.  Not sure if anything else will work, but I gave it a try, and it worked.

Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

I will link up when she posts.

The weather in our neck of the woods . . .

17°F with a windchill of 5°F.

Things that make me happy. . .

Books that make me laugh out loud.  The main character in one of my books kept talking about her pet, so I assumed a dog.  About 80 pages into the book, she mentions carrying it in a fanny pack, and it is none other than a recuperating (hit by a car) opossum.  Ha ha ha ha!  Living in the country, this made me laugh, straight up, out loud.

Book I am reading . . .

Yes, I have two books I am reading (in addition to my other morning three small readings).  One for the treadmill for slower days, and one for other times.  Might as well take advantage of winter days.  The "treadmill" book may be the last one, as my hamstring is healing now, and thankfully recovering from my injury.

On my TV . . .

We ordered some movies from the library, so those are on the way soon.  These are movies that charge a fee on all streaming sites, but cost us zero to borrow from our local library.

On my breakfast plate . . .

Sweet potato and black bean frittata (with added greens from the freezer/thawed)

On my lunch plate . . .

Not sure yet.

On my dinner plate . . .

Roast, and vegetables.

On the menu . . .

-Roast and vegetables (crock pot)

-Stuffed bell peppers (frozen with home grown bell peppers from the garden last year)

-Creamy chicken/rice soup

-Leftovers

On the to-do list . . .

Picking 3 things on my written home update/repair list (for the week)

-bake breakfast frittata
-dishes
-any laundry
-sweep and mop floors

New recipe I tried or want to try . . .

We tried the crock pot herbed flounder (a fix-it-and-forget it recipe).  We did not really like it.  It may have been the fish itself in this case, but the flounder did not taste that good.

We also tried a creamy parmesan sausage ditalini soup (several options online), and we love it.  I added extra seasoning. 

We tried an artichoke/mushroom egg casserole for one of our breakfast meals.  Most likely will not make it again.  We both didn't like the artichoke flavor in this.  Healthy, but not tasty enough to keep the recipe.  Do you have any good artichoke recipes?  Other than for breakfast?

We also tried (yes another) new recipe for an appetizer.  To keep this post shorter, I'll post it in a Christmas countdown post (it's a keeper recipe too).

What I am creating . . .

Finished the current lap afghan.  I named it "I love you a Latte" which gave us a chuckle (looks like coffee).

You can read about my "book" blanket HERE.

A community member is seeking crocheted prayer shawls, so I am now searching for patterns.  If you have one, please share in the comments (shawls approx. 30 x 50 inches)

No words needed (favorite photo). . .

Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses . . .

Prayers for my husband's cousin Carol.  Christmas Eve she took a fall, fracturing her right elbow and left wrist, injuring her face, and was in a rehab/nursing home for 3 weeks (we just found out).  She has limitations of upper extremity movements. She is the main care taker for her sister and her sister's husband who live in an assisted living facility, but Carol takes them to appointments etc.

Prayers for those who have doctor appointments this week. Praying for good results, and praying for the hands and minds of the doctors and nurses involved.

 My husband has a regular check up this week, with routine blood work.  I do too, but mine is a combined appt with some more examinations that may be indirectly related to my fall back in December (at least fracture was ruled out). Please pray for good results for the both of us (I'm still on a "no lift restriction).  My appointment is the one that is taking me 6 weeks to get in for (God has a plan). I asked for prayers to get in earlier, but it did not happen.  Apparently, some people are having to wait 3 months to get into a specialist or even a doctor now-a-days.  It's crazy.

Happy Homemaker Monday {January 27, 2025} © January 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Snow ~ Side Story ~ Try It Recipe Update

 

The photo pretty much depicts the recent snow storm.  We did get a slight bit of sunshine yesterday.  I think we got about 3 inches.  My husband finally got to use his drivable mini snowplow (he bought it from an auction a few years ago and never needed it).  He walked in the door that day giggling that he was happy to finally try it out on snow.  Ha!  I have to say it worked perfectly.  All those years I joked he was a collector of such do-hickies, but it sure came in handy for us.

However, I did hand shovel the side patio to get out to tend the hens (there is a side story to this) and get the mail that particular day.  There was 2 foot drifts to get to the coop, and I slipped slightly on the underlying ice (which I didn't see until I shoveled).  Anyway, when I put my right foot down to catch myself, it shot pain right up that already beat up leg.  

I put in a call to our main doctor, and the nurse called me back.  I, and I have no idea how, missed her call.  I think ice packs will ease the agitated leg, but we'll get better advice when the nurse calls me back.  FYI - spikes are back on my boots for the winter.

A big fat squirrel out digging for whatever he/she can find.  An odd sight for winter time.  

I cannot wait for the garden this year.  The cucumbers in the stores are not so good lately.  We have been making very good at keeping the grocery list to fresh fruits and vegetables, and focusing meals on what's in the freezer and pantry.

The temperature remains in the teens, and this is what the egg stand looks like today.  I am thankful they are laying again, but it is very slim pickin's.

Side story about the slip and not falling, and going out to tend the hens.  I get an email almost daily from an old friend (been friends for years).  I mentioned my slip, and shoveling and ice, and her response (no kidding), was to butcher all of my hens, and start over in the spring!!!!!  Just to avoid a slip on the ice!?

It was like she thinks I am a hermit and never needs to leave the house, because I do not "work" outside the home.

I could not believe a good friend would come up with that solution.  Not one bit.  I need new friends, but most winter activities here are in the evenings when my husband comes home from work.  I don't have the equipment for zoom to do  online type meetings (book clubs, Bible study etc) either. 

 Anyway, I was absolutely shocked that all the years I've known her, and that was the only response?  I was just keeping up with recent news, and felt she could have cracked a joke about bubble wrapping me or some other response, but I'm still shocked. 

Okay, off my soapbox.  Thanks for listening to my winter time banter.

I worked a teensy bit on my new project and hope to share soon.  My husband is even happy about it.  I think anyway.

We tried the slow cooker ground turkey stroganoff and it was delicious!  Oh my!  No cream cheese in it.  I used arrowroot powder to thicken it, and made it a comfort food meal with homemade mashed potatoes and extra wide Amish noodles.  I roasted garden green beans from the garden to go with it.  I know it's a sugar spike (potatoes and pasta) for the hub's, but it is about once a year that I make mashed potatoes vs. sweet potatoes.  The recipe is online with Kroll's Korner called Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Stroganoff (use that homemade condensed cream of mushroom for a healthy version).

I never thought about it until I just mentioned mashed potatoes, but those mashed potato squash we grew last year would be absolutely delicious with this too.  Note to self for next year's garden.  Insert happy face.  I have a few small squash left (totally forgot about them). 

Have a fantastic Wednesday.  Find the sunshine in your winter day, and prayers for the people in CA (fires) right now.

Snow ~ Side Story ~ Try It Recipe Update © January 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

We have been blessed with free calendars from our very small local library every year. The top one is last year's with January of this year included, and the second one is this year's new calendar.

I do have some goals for this month, but I do not make resolutions per say.  

Goals for this year so far:

• Re-create a few photos.
• Get a photo shot day for just us with hired photographer.  This may not happen until fall for better outdoor scenery.
• Read more.
• Reduce hours on social media (I only have facebook)
• Travel more.
• Have the entire downstairs repaired, renovated, updated, purged and completely organized (will need help from the husband to complete this goal).
• Stay on task with regular exercise (this was interrupted so many times last year).  Including staying on task while traveling of any sort as well.
• Hike more.
• Take evening walks with my husband more.
• Go camping more.
• Talk with friends more often.  

I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom today.

The weather in my neck of the woods . . .

This past Saturday we woke up to a chilly 9°F windchill and more snow.  It was the kind of beautiful, slow falling snow.

It's 12°F this morning and the snow is coming down.  There is enough coming down, there are school delays and closings.  My husband may get to use his gizmo he bought a few years ago to "plow" the driveway this year.  Traffic is moving very slowly, and I have yet to see a plow pass by our homestead.

Things that make me happy . . .

-my first cup of coffee in the morning

-looking forward to making travel plans

Book I am reading . . .

I started reading this last year, but forgot all about it.  I am keeping up with the daily quotes, but I have to say that not all of them are really that good or positive.

I bought both of these two last year as well, and started back with reading them each day.  One is 180 days, the other is 365 days.  I am enjoying both and have plans to pass them on to one of the kids when I am done reading them.  The last two are perfect travel size too.

I finished this one last week, and loved it.  I thought it was going to be just stories about the donkey, but it was more than that.  It was more like a book of devotions that came to the author with her experience with the stray donkey.  The story basically is her life lessons, relationship with God, but taught to her by the taking in of a the stray donkey that showed up out of no where.  I also learned about donkeys.  I had no idea they lived 40 years, and that if you want a protector donkey, the females do a better job.  Overall a very good book.

I started reading this book next.  It was a gift from my husband for Christmas.  He said it was on the best selling list.  Looks like a murder mystery. 

What's on my TV today . . .

Sea Patrol

Landman (Sunday night)

On my breakfast plate . . .

See to-do list.

On my lunch plate . . .

Probably tuna salad and cucumber slices with hummus.  Fresh fruit.

On my dinner plate . . .

See menu plan below.

On the menu . . .

-Crockpot turkey stroganoff, mashed potatoes, and roasted garlic green beans

-Crockpot black eyed peas, ham and collards

-Crockpot Sausage and Ditalini soup

-leftovers

On the to-do list . . .

-bake a breakfast casserole of some sort, or pancakes for the next few days (have not decided yet)

-clean bathtub and master bath shower, put cleaning supplies away

-dust master bedroom, master bathroom

-pay a few bills

-do laundry

-make homemade hair detangler

-put the Christmas stuff away (yes most of it's still out, as we had errands this past weekend, and just didn't have the ambition at the end of each day)

-make and freeze homemade condensed mushroom soup (goal is to get this done by the end of the week), I make it this way, because we do not use it very often (1),  it is healthier than organic from the store (2), and it tastes so much better (3)

-start a new shopping list, as I need more quart canning jars to organize more of our dried herbs, herbal tea ingredients etc.  Some new ones I just got, do not come with re-sealable bags.

Month of January Deep Clean/Purge/Re-organize List:

-start removing tape and adhesive from stairway walls.  It is a bigger job than I anticipated.  I took a closer look when I went upstairs the other day.  The kids really did a number on the walls all over the upstairs (grr!).

-fix shelf in freezer than fell into the next shelf.  I will have to remove everything and fix shelf and re-organize while meal planning based on what's on that shelf.

-continue purging utility room (a lot is stored in that room, and I have all winter to work on it).

-install under sink shelf liners in the master bath

-check dates on all of our dried herbals for tea infusions, tea making and other medicinal makings, and re-organize.

-clean one corner upper cupboard in the kitchen, install new shelf liner, check dates on all spices/herbs/homemade mixes, and re-organize

New recipe I tried or want to try . . .

All three recipes on the menu plan are "try-it" recipes.  Homemade "Velveeta" was successful, other than the cheese flavor using the mild.  I do have plans to make it again, but with medium cheddar for a trial #2.

What I am creating . . .

New project for 2025 (possibly longer ha ha ha!)  I detest (well I detest the final stage of sewing them all together) granny square projects, so I have no idea what is going on with my brain right now!  I'll be back soon to share a post about this new 2025 project. The goal is a combination of two ideas, with two successful goals by the end of the year.  I guess you could also say it's a self-motivational goal.

No words needed (favorite photo or picture) . . .

We have loved the recent slow falling, big snowflakes lately.  However, this is much more out there as of this morning. 

Devotional, Prayers, or Bible Verses . . .

Prayers request from one of our kids - house shopping, and for them to acquire a house they can afford.

Prayers for my own health, and for an earlier opening for my doctor appointment.  I am thankful for Arnica cream for sore muscles.  We want this off the calendar (best answers would be simply physical therapy, or better yet the current exercises at home) before we start making any travel plans this year. 

"A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired." Proverbs 17:22 MSG 

If you are still reading (sorry this is a long post for a Monday, ha ha!), if you drink purple passion flower tea, what is a good organic brand to buy and resource?  I see Frontier Co-Op has it with our sister online grocery store, and see that Amazon has a few brands.  We would like to try it for our evening tea or add it to the current tea we drink (for better sleep, stress reducer, un-wind in the evening tea).

Happy Homemaker Monday  © January 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Happy New Year!

 

Happy New Year!  

I'm excited about a new crochet project, and it is a sort of a motivation tool for something else.  I'll be posting later about it.  Overall, it will reduce my time wasting internet scrolling, pointless social media scrolling (looking for recipes, patterns, exercises are all good scrolling minutes, he he!), procrastination station, and endless him-hawing.  Not to change the subject, but I mean some scrolling is needed to avoid endless days of shopping in stores looking for something my husband suggested we buy.

I found one close to what he feels we need at Harbor Freight, but it's wall mounted, and runs on batteries.

Does it even exist?  I'll be searching for it, but we may have to buy battery charged or a rechargeable light.  He wants a solar chargeable, motion sensor, small table light (sort of the brightness of a nightlight) for the bathrooms.  We lack outlets by the toilet, and do not want to put in a floor strip light, or wall mount solar lights.  Most motion sensor lights for indoors run on batteries or or rechargeable.  We want the motion sensor, so the light only comes on at night if needed.  I'll update later on this, after we have located and made a decision.

Okay, back to the post....

(sunrise 12-26-2024)

Sunday it rained all day long.  Last year we had warm enough weather the same time in December, that I was washing bedding and putting it on the clothesline.  We are pretty much flooded this year.

We decided together, that it was a good weekend to take down our Christmas tree.  Normally, we would leave it up for New Year's Eve.  The holidays this year hit mid-week, and I would much rather have help with it, than wait for an entire week to take it down and put it all back in storage.  

Well, the tree is still up, ha ha!  We had a few returns to take care of, some grocery shopping for fresh vegetables and fruit, and other errands.  I forgot to look for a plant for my planter, but we are also very limited with selections in the winter time.  I may be planting an herb for indoor winter cooking. 

Before decorations get packed back up, I decided it was time to toss out some very very old Christmas decorations, and donate others.  I added one book to the newest donation box, as my husband gifted me a new book too.

My husband gifted me a new bathrobe, so the old one was literally tossed out (not even worth donating ha ha!).  Sort of feels good to go into a new year with so many completed home projects, and a more organized homestead.

It's been a year since we have baked cookie cut-outs, so when I dug out the container, I purged those before returning them to storage. Good gravy!  I had cutters from when the kids had birthday parties in elementary school.  Whew!  Someone will be enjoying those, as they are being donated.

 

January is my month to focus on my health even more than ever.  It will be a long wait to see the doctor, but I thought about that too. It gives me a month to do specific exercises.  I really did a number on myself when I tripped twice later, after my stairway fall back in April of this year.  Anyway, every day I work on myself, is one day closer to back to normal or even better than normal.  Per a conversation on the phone with the doc's nurse, I am to avoid "heavy lifting" and have been the last two weeks.  It's a tough one, as a bag of chicken feed is not light weight.  I have learned how to lift more properly, so there is that.

I am already feeling signs of muscle improvement, less pain, and more flexibility, so doing these stretches may be a permanent addition to my daily/weekly fitness routine.

I need this body in good working condition, as I have ordered a tool to help start the next home repair project.  The kids left tape, those 3M sticky tapes, and other adhesives on the walls upstairs, and some in the higher to reach walls in the stairway.

It'll be a project for sure, but needs to happen before it's painted. After seeking advice, we need to buy some drywall mud, as the kids (and past hired help) put large gouges in the plaster walls.  It would be great to get this job knocked off the list by the end of January, so we can start working on the stair project (stair project is an entirely new project of it's own).

Speaking of health . . .

Hummus people, I have a quick question.  Do you ever add turmeric to your hummus for added health benefits?  I'm wondering if it tastes good in it, and how much to add?  We love the garlic in ours, so I'm not sure about adding it to our hummus just yet.

I'm already planning some new ideas for next Christmas, as we were so delayed by home repairs/renovations that had to happen.  I follow Betsy on Simple Lift of a Queen blogspot and, she mentioned exchanging advent gifts with her grand daughter.  Betsy, if you are reading this, I would love to know how to prepare the advent gifts.  Do you just wrap each one and place them all in a bag or box with numbers for the day of the month?  Or do you prepare them another way.  My brain is already chugging away at creating new traditions next year.

Also, Betsy where can I find the "Every which way filet" baby blanket pattern?  Thanks!

Sorry for the long boring post to start out this new week.  My kitchen is once again a hot mess from lack of being home, but it'll be spic and span clean this week.

I hope your weekend was good.  I may not be back to post, until the New Year, so Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! © December 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart