Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix (Question) ~ Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

We are getting just a wee bit of snow this weekend.  We literally did not get a lick of work done Saturday (if you read our winter project list I posted recently).  We did a lot of "window" shopping to check prices on supplies for the winter project list.  Only one hardware store had an attachable ladder shelf, which required a half hour drive.  I can now paint with lot more ease.  The ladder we are using to paint and do work, does not have a shelf, nor the smaller ladder.  We also needed the odor killing primer, which only one store had in stock, and only on can left on the shelf.

The prices for anything right now are so over the top, it is mind boggling.  How can anyone afford to even buy groceries right now?  Due to the cost of paint, we will do a re-check on what paint is leftover from other rooms, re-calculate, and see if we can use any for the hallway.  We priced light fixtures, mirrors, and other items, and could not believe the price of mirrors for the bathroom.  We came home to look at ours, and we cannot take off the hardware and frame them either.  They were installed used, and the mirrors are scratching off the edges.  Anyway.  The cost of anything is crazy high right now.

On a good note:  one large box of donations and one huge bag of random baskets were all donated on our day road tripping for supplies.

Although it is so convenient to buy the ranch packet dip at the store, the ingredients are not healthy.  If you google the top two ingredients, they are basically of a form of some sort of sugar/flavoring.  The packet also contains bioengineered (gmo) ingredients.  They also just say "spices" so what is that?

 Back in the day, I found a recipe for homemade Ranch Dressing (Simply Scratch, online) making our own dry mix and using that for making the homemade dressing.

The post to the recipe link is HERE.  The recipe is very extensive, and I have to buy my dried chives, because the last time I tried to dehydrate my own from the herb garden, they blew all over in the dehydrator.  If you have a tip for this, please share.  

My question is, do any of you have a tried and true dry ranch mix (homemade) for using as a dip?  One that perhaps has less ingredients, but tastes good?  We like to add it to a container of blended cottage cheese to dip fresh vegetables in.

Living up to our motto, I had four opened bags of different (non-gmo) pretzels.  I wanted to try a new recipe, but I should have made a half batch of these, and used the other half for whiskey stix.  Anyway, I mixed them all up and tried Cinnamon sugar pretzels.  They are good, but I made too much lol.  I will need to gift some to the kids perhaps.  It's an easy recipe for a make and take food for gatherings (recipe is from The Southern Lady Cooks online).  Did you know that Snyder's now makes non-gmo pretzels?

Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix (Question) ~ Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels © Jan 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Grocery/Toiletries Prices Soaring

 We are contemplating membership with Costco.  Sam's Club is just too far of a drive, and Costco is as well, but a shorter drive.

Prices are just so high, it is ridiculous.  I have to literally go online, and price compare, and then write out 2-3 different store lists.  It's time consuming, but I have started to price compare online before going to the stores.  Big Lots is great for some items, but not for others.  The same goes for Aldi, Wal-mart, Meijer etc.  

The bottle takes two hands to pour, but still the least expensive we've found.

I can tell you, that I found white vinegar by the gallon to be the least expensive at Menard's.  We were heading that way anyway, and had rebates to use.  $2.66/gallon with rebate.  I also found their cotton balls, toilet paper, and paper towels to be less than the grocery or Wal-mart.  My research paid off, as I also found the next least expensive place for white vinegar - Big Lots.  I use this mostly for cleaning.  I buy organic during canning season.

I spent time to load digital coupons for the grocery store, and other stores.  It's crazy about what we have to do to shop for necessities anymore.

We re-stock our organic oats, when we visit Amish country, as we cannot buy any in our area (which is crazy as well).  Do you have a back-up if flour was not available?  

Trash bags are so high in price right now, so I did more research on that.  

I also have to place an order online every now and then, for items they do not sell in the store (healthy items of course). Our major grocery store, has a "sister" store online, and they recently had a 20% off all food items thankfully.

I bulk buy some of my items to save money, what is one way you save money?

Grocery/Toiletries Prices Soaring © Nov 2023 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Weather and Update ~ Online Ordering Saga ~ In Store Shopping Frustrations

Warning.  Grab a Java.  I did not mean for this to be long and winded, ha ha!  I also didn't realize it has no photos, so you may find that boring today.

We are having another 87°F degree day today, and tomorrow.  We have been watching the weather closely, and so far, our area will not dip below 40°F this coming weekend.  It looks like possible rain for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, so if the two of us are feeling better, there will still be a delay on the chicken coop (my frustrated face here).

Update on us:  my husband called our doctor yesterday, and there was no answer.  The answering machine said our doctor would be out today as well.  He was out last Friday.  So, my husband drove into town and went to one of the Urgent Care Clinics.  

First, he asked once again for someone to look in his ear that has been bothering him for weeks. Low and behold (after me pestering him to go get it checked), they found a tiny ear bud that fell off inside his ear from the headphones he wears when he mows.  Finally, his ear is better, and he has drops too.  Whew!  No more ear buds.  The nurse said it happens more often than you think.

As for the sickness, he asked for them to do a covid test.  She told him the results would take 48-72 hours.  Okay, this is where I'm confused.  When we got it two years ago, the test results were immediate.  What is he supposed to do about work?  We are hoping for an answer before his 3 days allowed off for illness are over with.  If it is positive, obviously, there is someone at his work going to work with it, and spreading it.  If he has it, then I have it (or had it).  I'll update when we know results.

 

Okay, here is the online ordering saga . . .

This takes care of an old blog draft too, ha ha!

One large item was literally dropped off by UPS in an empty box.  Please forgive me if I shared this already.  It was large box, and the UPS driver had to realize it was empty.

The box was opened, and taped back up with a new UPS label, so my inkling is, that someone at UPS stole the item.  It took weeks to get that item replaced.

Another time, I ordered two crochet hooks (ergonomic), because two stores have been out of stock for months.  They were delivered by UPS from Amazon, and the package sealed.  However, inside there was only one hook, and it had been opened, and the other missing (shipping said both were delivered).  It took some work to get it replaced.

Another time, I ordered a pack of yarn from Wal-mart (this was a while back).  It was a specific number of skeins with a solid color not available in stores.  When it arrived, it was a pack half the size I ordered, and get this.....a completely different color (and variegated).  

I had to go through hoops to get that returned, and stated that they shipped the wrong color and wrong amount.  It was returned, but they were to "replace" it with the correct color and number.  I am still dealing with that, but may just get the refund and look in more stores for something doable for a winter blanket project.  It was a really good price, but maybe too good of a deal.  Who is packing these orders??

I have also had Amazon email me saying they canceled my order once.  Not sure why, but I went online and it was still in stock and had to re-order it.

It took a month to get the bed sheets I ordered as well.  It has arrived, now we have two sets finally.

Most recently, I could not find what I needed for homemade granola bars, so I just placed an online order.  It was to arrive last Friday.  It has yet to show up.

On a sad note for me.... the Meijer store that is the closest to us (North), has stopped selling any crochet/knitting hooks/needles completely.  The last time I shopped there, the yarn was almost completely gone.  I have a feeling they are not going to sell yarn there anymore.  Sad news for us in the area.

Is it me, or is it hard to find items in stores lately?  I could not find unsweetened coconut, nor a few other ingredients.  It is very hard to find raw nuts around here as well.  If I can get one trip in to Amish this month, I will be seeking out supplies for us.

The grocery store that is the closest to us, has downsized their section for dishwasher soap pods.  I used to make homemade, but I may have to start doing it again.  They literally sell one type now, where as they used to have a good size section of chemical free dishwasher pods.  Unless I can stock up from another store for winter, I will be digging out my recipe for homemade again.

At one point, I realized I am my Dad.  I am buying my canning supplies for next season already, and writing the cost and date on them.  Are you buying supplies now, to avoid higher prices next year?  Or to just be prepared for, once again shortages or lack up items in stores?

Weather ~ Yarn Prices ~ Painting Update

 The weather is moving colder again, and the entire week has been nothing but gloomy days.  It's been dark, cloudy, rainy, and now snow showers.

Unfortunately, all the resources for yarn online, have once again raised their prices.  I'm holding off for a sale, but geeze, this is getting ridiculous.

Windows are now painted, other than the very tippy top.  Those will be finished today.

I checked in at the Museum gift shop (where some of my handiwork is sold), and they are pretty well stocked.  I found out they are closing at the end of December for a month.  I will have plenty of winter time to restock items.

We also picked up grave pillows I had someone make. We did a barter for that, which was nice.  Not sure when we can deliver those yet.  The weather is an issue as well, and we are on a time line to get the rest of the painting done.  

Oh, and as far as the flooring goes for the living room, we found out (should have checked sooner), that our hardware store does not carry the transition piece to match the flooring.  So now we are delayed even longer.  The flooring can go in, but seriously, why carry flooring with no matching transition piece?  She even checked a sister store.  Nope.

December is a pretty busy month for us - our baby girl turns 21 this year, we are approaching our wedding anniversary, then there is Christmas, followed by New Year's Eve party.  Goodness, life needs to slow down right now.  

This and That

 I haven't lost my mind with this living room project just yet.  Getting to town is hit or miss.  The truck is needed to haul wood and blocks etc.  

Also, I get so excited to add a new recipe to my "Christmas" binder and then realize it is buried in the office.   I got excited about a free ornament pattern to make for a daughter, then realize the yarn I need is upstairs.   Patience....patience.....

Another thing about shopping is, for some reason, prices at our Kroger are much higher for some items that are sold online with their sister store - vita-cost.

Literally.  I just ordered items, free shipping, and right to my door.  I needed almond flour and other items, and I also noticed that Monkfruit sweetener is much cheaper at our nearest Big Lots.  I have to do hurdles, but will be really watching where to buy things we need.

My husband had to stop at Home Depot for more flooring supplies and brought me home these.  I won't have to worry about my feet freezing this weekend. Cute too!

Once again, I forgot to take a photo, but I made a mac n' cheese using a quinoa pasta, no flour rue, and made with sour cream, cottage cheese and two types of cheddar.  Although I added onion and garlic powder, it was not that cheesy or flavorful.  The main question for us, is did the quinoa pasta affect my husband's sugar?  Nope.  In fact, it went down.

Update on the floor - we are a day behind due to a supply run day that went hilter skilter.  We were short on boards and needed other supplies.  Menard's said they had, but found out their computer was wrong.  Had long waits, and had to go to two stores for supplies.  You just can't find certain things right now.

I finally found a craft show in December, but soon did the math.  There is no way the living room will be done in time.  Another year without a show, but I guess that gives me winter to re-stock items I am out of.  At least when the subfloor goes down, I will be able to access my yarn and put some items up for sale possible.  I do ship.

Question:  Do you have to blanch butternut squash to freeze it?

I just realized I posted two blog posts today.  Whoops.  Happy Reading ha ha!

First Snow

 I finally got to the grocery store.  I noticed that they now only sell one type of tahini now.  They used to carry about 6 different brands.  I also noticed the peanut butter selection is much smaller.  

In the midst of trying to find the tahini, we had a conversation with a woman who was shocked at the price of eggs right now.  Then we were talking about hummus and found out she could not eat chickpeas, so I told her she could make hummus with pumpkin, black beans, beets etc.  She was so happy to find that out and said she grew pumpkins this year.  Anyway, nice lady and I was glad I could share with her.

We had our first snowfall.  It's officially winter.  It snowed all day, but melted away.  Nice big snowflakes too.  They kind that make you want to hunker in and crochet.  I did that too, only due to the fact I can't really do anything, other than tidy up the boot area in the hallway (I may do that today).

I was thankful to have the yarn for this blanket, already downstairs.  I started it last winter, but if you crochet, you know it's hard to crochet large blankets in warmer weather.  She picked out the bright yarn.  Crazy kid.  Anyway, I crocheted while my husband went to work on a niece's car.

Car lights were fixed.  Apparently, it was simply a blown fuse, but since he stayed there gallivanting, there were things here that did not get done (off his honey-do list).

And there is nothing more frustrating, than to get home and realize you forgot something that was actually written on the shopping list - salt for the softener.  Sigh.

I mentioned a new recipe I wanted to try, and have yet to try it.  I am hoping to do that today or tomorrow.  It's a breakfast dish.

 

I also forgot to send some things home with Daughter K, so I am hoping to get another visit from her.  This time, I have used my "notes" on my phone to remind me of what to send with her, ha ha!  

They say more snow is to arrive today, but it tends to make a person stay inside vs. go out.  We'll see what happens today.

Display arrived and other tidbits

 

The display finally arrived.  It's perfect for the small area our daughter has at the salon.  I'm donating one for a raffle the salon is doing as well.

It rained last night, and we had pretty bad wind.  There were a few fires in the area, and one being a field fire.  Crazy weather for sure.

I managed to box up for donations.  Just things we've had for years and never use.  Drop off days have changed though.  I guess it will give me more days to find more to donate, ha ha!

The weekend will involve us trying to get my husband into the eye doctor.  He thinks he got soap in one of his eyes, and the drops we have are not working.  It really looks bad, and he's in a lot of pain today.

I re-stocked our fresh fruits and vegetables, and will be making a meal plan based on what else we have on hand.  Prices are crazy high.  I had a short conversation with a person at the grocery store.  He was picking up pie filling and the can was almost $5!

Good Weather Day

 

There are a few zinnias that I missed and survived the cold nights.  I'll have to make sure I have those too.  Today may be the last best weather day we'll have.  They say it'll get up to around 77°F today.

I am still moving furniture from here to there, cleaning up and getting ideas for hiring help for the living room project.  In order to move some furniture, I have to clear out space in another room.  I decided to let go of my 37 book collection of Janette Oke books.  I put them up for sale, but like I told my husband, everyone is selling and no one has the money to buy.

I just found out that Daughter E's booth rent is not just a whopping $500.00/month, but she has to pay another $100.00/month for the booth to do nails as well.  Horrible rent, so I hope it all works out for her.

Canning Continues and other ramblings

I got 5 more pints of tomato soup canned.  It takes most of my day, but that is 5 more meals for two, and so good.

                                           

In between watching and stirring the pot, I have been catching up with laundry, restocking camper ornaments (making the pieces, just have to put them together later), and creating more hair clips.  I'm also creating more embellished paper clips.  I have not booked a fall craft show just yet.  I keep seeing them for October, but I cannot commit with the canning still going on.  I do better in Nov. and Dec.

Rosemary made it out of the dehydrator.  I need to check my pantry to see what else I need dried.

I'm now writing out a winter prep to-do list, but I have to get cracking on the living room.  I have boxes now, so I am ready as soon as the tomatoes are all put up.

What's on the list?  Splitting wood, ordering propane (this time I will make sure it's delivered before the cut off date), pulling the garden,  drying herbs before the weather gets too cold, and a few other to-do's.

It's another foggy morning here, and the last few days we are hearing fox and coyote.  We also saw an eagle fly over the house.  

Disturbing news in our state - the death of 3 million chickens at another egg producing farm died due to bird flu.  I guess I better get that new coop built, so we can focus on a meat bird coop as well.  

Crazy Busy Puttin' Up Time

 It was finally time to start freezing tomatoes.  I cleared off the kitchen table.

I also put rosemary in the dehydrator and snipped green onion for freezing. Our green onions have superb flavor this year. It's  a race against the clock this time of the season.  I'm trying to get the tomatoes in before it's too late.  I baked a breakfast for us, for the next few days too.

I heard some restaurants are not offering green onions on their menu due to shortage of supplies.

We woke up to a very foggy morning.  The air is very cool, but they say we'll heat up again.  

Bruschetta in a Jar and chit chat

 I decided to try another recipe from Ball.  Hopefully it will taste as good as it sounds.  I'll be doing a taste testing before making it again (if I do make it again).  Has anyone canned this?  (that is pizza sauce in the back)

The recipe is in this book:

You can also get it online here.

Bell peppers are also getting flash froze, but golly I have to keep my brain in order to remember to get them bagged before I forget they are in there.  I doubt I will be getting enough to freeze stuffed peppers this year.  Due to the weather they are small and we are not getting as many as a typical year.

Not sure if you all heard, but the BP oil company was sold to a Canadian company.  I believe the actual switch will be this coming December, and our two younger girls will lose their health insurance with us.  Not sure this is going to be good for us or not, but it's happening.  The girls have been told, so they are working on getting health insurance (so sad this is happening to them with inflation right now).  Also, the cost for our health insurance goes up for us.  I may be needing to go back to work, which would take a toll on growing a garden.  Time will tell.

Hot Peppers ~ Sweet Chili Sauce ~ Hot Pepper Jelly ~ Lemon Seed Fail

 

It's been crazy busy around here.  I cooked a meal and delivered it to a family friend who had foot surgery, and we had to drive 3 hours to go pick up our truck keys.  Just strange all around, but we have the keys.  I just don't have the truck ha ha!

It is still in the body shop getting fixed from the deer hitting it.  I however, have not run out things to do.

Our hot peppers are doing exceptionally well this year.  The bell peppers however are still small and a small harvest.

I canned some sweet chili sauce - new recipe.  I cannot wait to taste it.

Canned hot pepper jelly. 

Taco sauce got canned.

I purchased Meyer lemon seeds from someone on Etsy.  I tried to sprout one all summer.  Every single seed was a dud.  Guess I'm spending a fortune next year on a plant.

It's getting difficult to not only budget other food we need, but to even find what we need.  Daughter E cannot find her cat's cat food anywhere.  I could not either.  She had to try a different brand and mix it with his usual.  Hope he's okay with it.  He's older. 

I needed some shout for the laundry.  I could not find that either.  I had to search around and found a different brand.

Some how, I misplaced my bulk bag of bay leaves.  I think they got lost when we tore out half the kitchen.  Anyway, I asked my husband to bring home a small jar for now.

He paid $12.49 for this!!!

The tomatoes are rolling in daily, so I apologize for blurps in blog posting right now.

Fried Green Tomatoes in Breakfast Burritos

 

I decided to add some fried green tomatoes to our breakfast burritos this week.  You know me - waste nothing.  I trimmed some of the tomato plant, but have more to trim.  Hopefully, the tomatoes will start to get bigger.

We got a lot of rain last night, and they predict rain for the next 4 days.   We needed it.  We could use more.  It will make weeding much easier.  I've been keeping up with the vegetable garden, but one tomato patch will need it again after this rain.

I will be back to painting bathroom trim.  I had to halt on the painting yesterday, due to the handyman needing one of my saw horses, but that was okay.  I got a hot minute to crochet, but it's a new project for a fall craft show, and I barely got it started before needing to make dinner.

I didn't get a photo, but I made us potatoes, garden green beans and bacon for dinner.  Oh so good, and one recipe that I grew up on, and Mom used to make.

If the rain stops by Monday or Tuesday, the bathroom shower, and flooring will be going in (crossing my fingers).

Our handyman initially quoted us $10/hr. for the bathroom job (he has worked 2 weeks/ 8 hr or less days so far), but after we ran into so many more repairs, he changed his tune.  We know him, but now he wants much more, so the living room will be repaired by us and us alone (which will take a LOT longer).  He's asking way more than we expected, but he did do a lot and it's way less than any professional business would have.  Sigh....

We may ask the boys (nephews) for assistance, and I know they will refuse to be paid.  If we are lucky to get their help in any way, I'll be whipping up a lot of food to feed them and their families.  It's what we do.

Vacuum Packing ~ Dehydrated Onions ~ Onion Powder and other random-ness

 

Update on the 8# of dehydrated onions - I refilled our homemade onion powder (I store this in the freezer in an air tight container and it has worked great for years), and I learned something new this year.  I learned how to vacuum pack for longer shelf life.

I do not have a food saver, however, I used parts from food saver for part of it, and used a hand pump and it worked perfectly.  Thanks to watching numerous Youtube videos, I have now added more knowledge to my preparedness skills.  I showed my husband what I used, and he just shook his head and laughed.  Well, I got the job done, ha ha!

I think I shared this stuff before, but now I am be-bopping from painting the last door/trim in the kitchen.  Our handyman takes weekends off so I am tackling the trim to the bathroom door this weekend.  I'm also cleaning upstairs, and back to the tile floor in the master bathroom.  It works great, and I only have a small area left to do, and it's stayed clean from the last time I worked on it.

While out last week, on errand day, I picked up a new towel to use in the camper. Hopefully, after start up is over, we can actually go camping for the first time this year.  So over due, so over due....

Just lots of work in a day . . .

 I was out of the garden by 8am.  It's mostly tilled, but today I need to weed and till.  Grass is up around some plants, but other than that, I'm keeping up with it.  I had to run to "the big" city" again.  I needed a new rack for my canner pot.  I searched for hours online, and only found them on ebay for $20.00.  I ended up going to Wal-mart and getting the pot and rack for $24.00.   

I moseyed over to the meat to pick up something to grill, and wasn't shocked to see there was nearly nothing in the way of chicken.  Two packages literally (should have taken a photo), and thankfully all organic was available.  Same with the ground beef as well.

I went to the hardware store and picked up paint for the living room and bathroom door and bathroom cabinet.

Not the greatest photo, but I finally painted the beam in the kitchen ceiling.  It was truly a balancing act on the ladder, to avoid using a ton of paint tape.  My husband is tall enough to do it without a ladder, but he is overly, completely, and utterly exhausted from work.  He was thankful I did it, but I did have our handy-man working in the bathroom, so using a ladder was okay.

I still have half of the ceiling to paint, and the trim around the bathroom door, but once the bathroom is done, we can (gulp) take a look-see at the damage of the living room floor.

As for the bathroom, the entire floor was removed yesterday.  I'm frustrated, as the people who put the last floor and drywall in, just left debris under the house.  It's been a lot of work, but our handy-man is still at it.

Again, sorry for the bad photo, but I realized yesterday, that the paint on the beam matches the praying hands from Mom.  I'm still cleaning the cubbies and adding new items to them.

I thought I had bought seeds to plant tarragon, and could not find them.  I had searched the stores for a plant or even seeds and found zero.  Frustrated, I came back home and went thru my seeds again, and found them.  Those got planted, although late.

Errand Day ~ Bathroom Project Starts!

 

This was my fitbit at 7pm  last night.  It was errand day, and not by choice.  I had to go to the "big city" for an estimate on the truck.  We may be getting a second estimate, because the first will not fix paint chips on the hood from the deer encounter.  

Anyway, I took all my lists with me and landed at 5 stores!  I loaded online digital coupons before leaving the house.  Meijer had 20% off all ball canning supplies (you can check, but not sure how many days it's good for).  I picked up more canning lids for a great price, as things are not going well in this country, and wanted to be prepared.  Also, our Wal-mart had higher prices on canning lids than Meijer.  The 20% off was a great deal considering the times we are dealing with.

At Home Depot (my last stop), I had to wait forever at the paint counter due to lack of employees.  It was a very long day.

Meanwhile, our handy-man was gutting the entire smaller bathroom.  We ran into many unhappy surprises.  First, after the shower was removed on the other side in this photo, we discovered there was a leak in the back of the shower that disintegrated about 2 feet of drywall.  AND!  They did not use the proper drywall for behind a shower. 

The toilet was removed, only to discover that the metal fixture under the seal had completely rotted, and the flooring around the toilet was rotted.  So.....half the floor was removed, only to discover we'll need to replace the entire bathroom floor.  Oh joy for us. 

However, while the floor is out, we are having our handy-man (adding more costly dollars, but worth it), add heat tape to all the pipes under there.

This and That

In conversation with a professional in the financial business, I was told we are already in a recession regardless of what the news is saying or not saying.  I'll be honest, I am wondering if people will even have money to spend on craft shows this coming Christmas time.  

Last night I made this sheet pan dinner, and it was very good.  The only thing I would add is a dressing for the chicken once it comes out of the oven. I'm thinking cherry-bourbon BBQ sauce or something.  Other than that the bacon grease made this dish very tasty.  A good recipe for bad times as well.  You can raise your meat birds, grow your own sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts, and raise the pig to render the lard for the cooking process.  I do have cast iron pans in case of a black out, and can cook over a campfire.

I'm ready to start gutting the smaller bathroom, but our handyman told us, "I don't do weekends."  I guess if it works out, I'll get doing that on my own.  I've been watching Youtube videos of how to take a corner shower out.  The problem is I am not allowed to operate a saw by myself.

Hot Days ~ Sore Muscles ~ New Books and other ramblings

Woke up to 77°F at 6am.  It will be another hot one, but not in the 100's thankfully.  It will be in the 90's though.

I didn't check the heat index yesterday.  I was too busy weeding the last of the tomatoes.  Our mower/handy man was mowing, and the mower broke down.  He spent the hottest part of the day fixing it.  I took him about 3 bottles of ice water and two popsicles to keep him cool.  Not a good time for the mower to stop working.

I actually cooked dinner in the heat.  I had a brain moment, and normally cook chicken fajitas over the grill or stove top.  This time I baked it in the oven as a sheet pan dinner.  So much easier and tasted great!  We treated our handyman to some too.

I feel like I have read the Self-reliance book before, but I double and triple checked my shelf.  I did not have it.  I have not had time to read either yet (other than flipping thru it to take a look-see).  I ordered the one on chickens, because it has instructions on dehydrating eggs (and other ways to stock up eggs), and canning chicken, recipes and more good information.  During this time of increasing inflation, I wanted to make sure we were prepared.

Boy oh boy, my body aches from the garden work yesterday.  I'm not sure I'll get out there today in this heat.  I completely forgot about preparing for a dinner tonight, so that is on the list first.

Happy Homemaker Monday

The smaller tiller (runs on a battery) broke down after the 4th use.  It's going back.  We spent the entire Father's Day searching for a better one.  We finally found one, and it runs on "gulp" gas.  It was the last one they had and it was 1 hour from home.

We finally bought a new tire for my wheelbarrow ($32.00!!!).  It's in the back of the truck, and guess who took the truck to work this morning.  Yeah...not sure yet why he didn't take his car, but the wheelbarrow will have to wait.  Again.

We took Mom, Dad and my Uncle flowers.  Mom's cemetery is very close to Dad's, and surprisingly, the last flowers I took were still there (we had a bad storm recently). We stopped to buy more flowers for Grandma and Grandpa, but we could not find any in the stores.  

Bluebell flew the coop yesterday.  I guess I'll be clipping her wing.  I cannot wait to build a better coop, but we have so much on our plate right now.

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

The weather . . . 

Well, I woke up to rain, so I am not sure I'll be getting the weeding done today.  The heat returns as well.

As I look outside my window . . .

It's raining.

Right now I am  . . .

Getting ready to post this blog post.

Thinking and pondering . . .

What my day will be today due to unexpected rain.

How I am feeling . . .

Exhausted of this work schedule.  My husband said it may be coming to an end in 3-4 weeks.

On the breakfast plate . . .

Not sure yet.  Will figure that out after a power shower.

On my reading pile . . .

Haven't had time to read.

On my TV this week . . .

Netflix.  Whatever looks interesting.

On the menu . . .

-Chicken fajitas, grilled
-not sure for the rest....will work on that later today.

Looking around the house . . .

The kitchen painting is winding down, but I still have the ceiling to paint, and then it's time to gut the bathroom.  I may be doing it by myself.

To do list . . .

-weed gardens
-laundry
-paint
-bake a breakfast
-marinade chicken
-floors

From the camera . . .

Nothing.  Oddly.

Devotional . . .

Haven't picked up a book in days.  I need to be better at that.

My Flowers ~ Haymaker's Punch ~ Inflation is out of control!!

My flowers still look beautiful!

The heat returns, and I am prepared this time.   I was out and back in by 8:30am, with a heat index of 89°F.  The tomatoes look better than the day before, but still way to wet to get in there to tie up plants.

I will monitor my gardening time out in the sun, but have what's called "Nature's Gatorade."

The recipe is from the Farmer's Almanac, but also online with Mother Earth News.  

I cut the recipe down for a 1/2 gallon, and used molasses, and did not add extra brown sugar.

On the handmade home front, I am so frustrated with this inflation.  Walmart raised their cotton cone yarn from $7.99 to $12.95, and never have the colors I need.  JoAnn's raised their price to $15.99.  I went online to check Michael's and they have them on clearance, and all are out of stock.  I ended up finding one color on Amazon for $10.95, but the only option for the other colors in stock were $14.99 and that was "on sale" as they have raised their price to $16.99 for a cone of cotton yarn!!  Hobby Lobby has limited stock and I do not like Premier yarn at all.