End of April

                 

I've been spring cleaning so to speak.  Really, the entire house needs swept and mopped, so I'm tackling one room a day when I can.  I am moving furniture and washing any rugs.   I have also been washing bed covers/comforters.   The weather is up and down for using the clothesline.

I pampered myself with a home hair treatment.  It saved me  $$ from going to the salon.  Well water is not my hair's best friend.  We all deserve to pamper ourselves.

Another "finish" for April - set of cotton hot pads to donate.

                             

The deer have started to roam the homestead, and we are not happy.  We have not gotten the fencing up (deer jump fence if it's too short).  There has not been time to do it. Heck, we haven't even had time to buy the rest of the supplies to get the job done. 

In the meantime, my garden solar alarms are up.  They will annoy the heck out of them until we can install a garden fence (on the 2nd garden area).

I may just get my donkey yet.  I already have a name picked out too.  They are great protectors, in case you are wondering.  They have legs that can kill a coyote.

Last Sunday we went back to colder weather, with a frost warning.  The morning started with a brisk 35°F.  Not unusual for us.  Monday was 39°F in the early morning, but we warmed up to the lower 70's.

Thankfully, I have the asparagus patch buried with straw for added protection, and it continues to provide for our meals.   I am almost out of all of the pesto I made last summer and froze.  

(chicken with basil pesto, potatoes and garden asparagus)

The freezer has swallowed the Thai basil pesto however.  I shall find it yet, ha ha!  I had it in the door to located quickly, but someone here moved it on me.  Anyway, we are down to that and some red pepper pesto.

By the way, I used my homemade jalapeno salt (first year to make and try this) in this easy egg/sausage/spinach breakfast casserole.  Delicious too.

April did not pass by without adventures, despite my husband's very long work hours.  We found joy in each day, added some new "first time" events to our lives, did a lot of outdoor walking, more small-ish homestead updates, did some foraging, read more books than April of last year, and was so thankful for everything (April of 2024 was a bit of a bummer). 

End of April   ©  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

We Skipped Thanksgiving

 

Instead of the traditional frenzy and hustle of baking, cooking and washing a ton of dirty dishes (and house cleaning), we took off this past holiday, and enjoyed it on a larger scale of relaxation.

Our adult kids do not cook.  They rely (and expect me) to do all of the cleaning, hosting, cooking and baking.  One year one kiddo brought the ham, and one brought a fruit dip.  My fruits of my labor walk out the door at the end of the traditional big meal as well (pratically zero leftovers for us).  I get tired of the lack of help, and needed a break.  Cooking/baking from scratch is work, and does have it's limits.

Thankfully, my husband was on board with me, and we instead, relaxed in the midst of a cabin in the high wooded hills.  The best part?  A hot tub.  The snow arrived, and it was  a cozy retreat.

We have discovered new places to hike, and new adventures with nature in the future.  We did not miss the traditional holiday feasting one iota.  All of the kids had their own meals with other family, so they did not lack a large meal.

Reality is back in full swing on the homestead.   Coffee is brewing.  The sun is rising, and we are looking at finishing another home project, with another one moving up on the list.

The Christmas tree has yet to be put up, but it's on the list in the next week or so. Although our retreat put us behind on the chicken run build, the weather here was way too cold anyway.

Two solar chargeable light bulbs have arrived, and I will be testing them to make sure they work.  If these work out (for the new coop), we may invest in a few for power outage use as well.

December is here already, and it brings new adventures.  

We Skipped Thanksgiving  © December 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Smoked Bacon? Oh my! ~ Shopping and Hiking

 We have discovered bulk, smoked bacon.  It is a drive for us, but the packages are packed with 150 slices of smoked bacon.  We do not own a smoker, so this was a nice discovery.  Did you know that smoked bacon loses it's fat when smoked?  It greatly reduces the amount of time to cook it as well.  On a side note, it is even more cost saving to cure, smoke and slice your own bacon with pork, if you have a smoker (so many instructions online for this).

It costs a lot less to buy the bacon this way (bulk), and saves us so much money.  We will be stocking up on this, from now on.  We don't use bacon in every meal, but the savings are wonderful.  

We are finding more and more ways to locate supplies at lower prices, organic herbs and other items when we do take the drive for supplies. 

We are now incorporating the shopping trips with an outdoor hike/walk.  It's something new for us, but we are loving this new idea.  We are expanding our outdoor adventures, getting physical exercise, and enjoying nature.

I'm tickled to also find glass bottles for homemade tinctures, lotions, sprays and whatnot.  No more Mountain Rose Herbs, with their high prices, lack of supplies, and outrageous shipping costs.

Oh by the way, I had a conversation with a lady about Mountain Rose Herbs, and my frustrations.  She said they were recently purchased by someone else.  I don't have the information on that, but it all makes sense.

Having spent my entire life devoted to raising our kids, it is finally nice to get out of the house and enjoy ourselves again.  Are you discovering nature this year?  I'm actually writing a shopping list for long distance supplies, and logging what areas to hike/walk in those areas.  It's truly an inspiration, and something to look forward to, besides just shopping.  Finding cost saving, and/or needed supplies, are just a bonus on these wellness travel trips.

Smoked Bacon?  Oh my! ~ Shopping and Hiking © Mar 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Happy Homemaker Monday

Weekend weather was not too bad on Saturday, but boy it turned nasty on Sunday.  Wind, rain, and cold air moved in.  

I can't believe January 2024 is already coming to an end.  Where in the world did this month go?  I know I was/and still am consumed with painting, repairing drywall, and other winter work.

My husband insisted on getting out to put my books in the little free library for me.  It was pouring down rain and snow (sleet).

I spent one morning sorting garden seeds, making a plan, and sent out orders.  Shipping is free with Baker Creek in the USA, but High Mowing is a whopping $11.95 and Territorial is $8.95!  My plan is to save more seeds this season.

I spent one day running errands, and delivered 3 crocheted lap afghans and 3 jar openers to the senior center.  The folks that receive "meals on wheels" are offered a trivia contest, and one person/couple wins each month.  A basket of sorts is donated, and given to the winner(s).  Last year I donated one blanket, and this year I was able to get 3 finished.  It will provide for the trivia winners for 3 months.

I also took two bags of books to the thrift store.  

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

The weather . . .

High of 37° and low of 31°F, very little possibility of rain (thankful for that after several days of rain).

Right now I am . . .

Writing up this post, brewing more coffee

Thinking and pondering . . .

What color to paint the hallway.

How I am feeling . . .

Tired.  More like just can't wait to get this hallway done.

On the breakfast plate . . .

Not sure yet.

On the lunch plate . . .

Smoked pulled pork, baked beans 

On the dinner plate . . .

Chicken, side veggie 

On the menu . . .

-Healthy Casserole with Beef and Lentils

-Sheet pan pork loin, brussel sprouts and apples

-Leftovers

-Snack, no bake energy bites

-Breakfast: Einkorn Ricotta Pancakes, Sausage patties, Scrambled eggs

What I am wearing . . .

Still in jammies, running late this morning.

On the reading pile . . .

On the TV . . .

Youtube videos on how to repair/replace larger drywall areas. 

Movies on either Netflix or Amazon.

Looking around the house . . .

Everything is looking good.  Other than I need to wash and clean the kitchen blinds (adding it to the winter project list).

To-do list . . .

-laundry
-make a breakfast that will last a few days
-sweep and mop floors

-run dishwasher

-clean bathrooms, wash a rug in one

For the week:

-work on the upstairs flooring 

-continue priming/painting in the hallway (doors/windows)

-whittle away at blog drafts:  I apparently had grand intentions on some things that are not going to happen, ha ha!

From the camera . . .

Two ingredient waffle - 2 Tbsp. peanut butter and one egg.  Mix and pour into a mini waffle maker.  Pretty good, but not low in calories or fat.  I just made us one each to try.  These would be good for a camping trip with some hiking involved.

Devotional, prayers, Bible Verses . . . 

Happy Homemaker Monday © Jan 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Garden ~ Herb Garden

I've gotten, what I can, planted in the garden.  Not sure we'll get the raised beds built in time for the rest I wanted to plant.  My husband is working 16 hour days with little time in between to rest/sleep between shifts.  I need last few rows tilled, and can plant the last of what is actually getting planted in the larger garden.

I'm sort of worried about what has been planted in the way of a plant start right now.  Today we woke up to a chill factor of 42° (feels like), with an actual temperature of 44°F.  It's been pretty cool for nights in May this year.

I've finally added some dill seeds to the herb garden. Again worried I planted too early with the temps here lately. 

Speaking of herbs, I need to mix up a batch of "fire it up" mixture again.  The recipe is on my blog post HERE.

I'm getting more handiwork time in my evening, and not by choice.  Last night, however, I was so tired I did not want to work on the blanket.  I tried.  I really did, but out went the light.  I am banned to the living room right after dinner, so my husband can sleep.  Working 16 hours is too much for the both of us.

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

 It's been a bit rough at our homestead.  My husband has not been sleeping well.  The plant is shut down, and calls keep coming in.  Thank you for all your prayers for these two young men.  If I remember correctly, one brother was 32 and the other 34.  Both had children, both married, and the wife to the younger brother is pregnant and due in May of next year.  Now I am not sleeping well either, as my husband will be working there until retirement.

It's been raining, and more rain, wind and cold weather today.  We joked about me going out to work in the garden, but both retracted quickly when I reminded him of my boots getting stuck in the mud.  Putting the garden to bed has once again been halted.

Not enough jalapenos for cowboy candy and not enough of a mix of the other hot peppers for jelly.  Hm.  I know I will freeze some and some will be included in the menu this week.

Prayer request and other ramblings

The refinery my husband works at had an explosion last night and two (last I was updated) were badly burned.  Please send prayers, although I do not have names.

Update:  The two people died from their injuries.

I have been distraught since we heard about this.  My husband has been working a supervisor position with lots of over time lately.  If you haven't watched the movie Deepwater Horizon, you really should.  Then you would understand why I stay busy when he is at work, to keep the worry bugs away.  

Speaking of busy, I had a special request for a hair clip, so I'm working on that between everything else.  

Daughter K showed up late, but showed up.  Her stuff is out of the living room, and she also helped me out by taking a small table. She always has stories to share and gives us the giggles and shares interesting stories.

Her latest one was saving baby birds.  She literally had to hide them at her work place.  I guess some company came and knocked down all the bird nests, baby birds and all. She scooped them up and called a place to save them.  Knocking the nests down with eggs or birds in them is illegal.  Apparently the company that did this is in being looked into.

She once saved a baby duck at her last employment.  It was randomly running around the parking lot.  I remember her bringing it home in a box.

We got updates on how the dogs are doing.  King is still having seizures.  She said the giant long wiener dog toy I bought a long time ago was finally destroyed.  I guess it's time for us to buy more toys for the grandpups, ha ha!

Well, we got rain all night and will again today, so I won't get to work on pulling the garden stakes today.  Sheesh.  I'm okay with inside work, as it needs done ASAP.  If the rain gives for a while, I will check the bell pepper plants. 

Play Day!

 It's a no picture post today.  Saturday we took off on the motorcycle for a ride.  We first went out for breakfast, followed by scheduled hair cuts with Daughter E.  I also got a treatment and french braids.

Shortly after that however, rain arrived (when it wasn't supposed to until evening).

It changed our plans, so we hopped in the truck, took another load of donations and dropped them off, picked up a big bag of meal worms for the ladies (chickens), and I picked up some very cute wine glasses to go into a silent auction basket I am donating.  I'll get a photo hopefully to share.  

I can't say the entire day was "fun" but we were not working in the garden or the house either.  It was nice to have a day off, so it's back to work in the house today.

The rain is still falling, but a slow and steady kind.   The garden will love it, but the weeds will double.

First thing this morning - clean my kitchen.  It's a bit out of control again, plus I am bringing in paste tomatoes, so canning will resume this next week.  Hubby will take apart my kitchen faucet and see what's going on with it.  We still have almost no water pressure ever since the water was turned off to repair the bathroom.

Well, at least I can cross "hair cut" off the to-do list and get back to it.

Day off but not by choice

 

I've been running myself hard ever since my husband's crazy long hours/days started.  I should have known, that if I didn't be more careful, I would get sick.  I did.  I woke up sick today, hence the late post. 

Thankfully, rain is on the way, but tilling will not be done today.

When I went to the porch to get some fresh air, I found my husband had all of this delivered!  The best husband, and the best timing ever!

Make sure to take care of yourself!

Happy Homemaker Monday

It was about time we were blessed with an entire weekend rest, relax, and rejuvenate. 

My camper ornaments have been delivered and are for sale in a store on our favorite island.  I'm creating another new items she is interested in.  I'm praying I have time to work on them, and get the painting done, garden kept up, and so forth.

We are not the only ones dealing with a busy schedule.  Our friends on the island could not meet up with us due to a very busy work schedule.  We did stop and visit with another friend we have other there though.

My new smaller tiller finally arrived so garden work, while my husband is back to long hours, is much easier on me.

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

The weather . . .

85°F/66°F, scattered thunderstorms, windy

As I look outside my window . . . 

It's still dark out.

Right now I am . . .

Sipping coffee, trying to wake up.

Thinking and pondering . . .

Too early for that, ha ha!

How I am feeling . . .

Sad.  Sad we have to be back on the mainland with my husband back to long days, but I do have a lot to keep me busy, and the younger two girls come and go with visits.

On the breakfast plate . . .

Egg/sausage/cheese muffin, organic coffee

On my reading pile . . .

Picked up a new book.  I am pretty sure it will be a fast read, so I'm putting this first before I finish my current book.

On my TV this week . . .

Whatever looks good.

On the menu . . .

-chicken teriyaki, homemade teriyaki sauce

-Rueben's, but most likely will be next week

-grilled brats, side veggie

Looking around the house . . .

I have to make a trip upstairs and try and juggle working up there as well.  I need to (still have not) make room for the treadmill.  Next flooring project is the living room/kitchen bathroom.

On the to-do list . . .

-water and till in garden

-paint another drawer

-tidy up kitchen where I can

-water flower pots

-laundry

-vacuum

-dust

-water house plants

-check emails (getting so bad at this)

-start working on the back patio

From the camera . . .

Devotional/Prayers . . .

No special requests right now.

This and That

I had just finished a mountain of dishes, when I remembered I needed to find an un-finished project that needs done ASAP.  I spent about a half hour  finding the project, but no pattern.

Well, I need to organize my patterns on a day I have nothing important on the to-do list.  I could not, for the life of me, find the pattern anywhere.  Of course, the house is in chaotic order right now, but I am thankful it was still on the internet.  Whew!

Today's morning project - bagging garlic to fend of raccoons and deer.  Be sure not to put this near some vegetables that do not like garlic.  I am also hanging in the fruit trees.  Someone told us they do this and it works.  We'll find out if it works or not.  I bought some cheap garlic from the store to do this project.

I have spent some time searching for close, fun destinations for my husband and I.  He sometimes has a day off, some weeks not.  I am having fun finding about new things to do and visit on his day off, and still get a few things done here at the homestead.

Meanwhile, the herb garden and flower beds are weed fests.  I have to wait for the rain to stop, and the beds to dry up just a bit, and then I will tackle those.