Pioneer Woman at Heart

One Flourishing, Frugal and Fun Family!

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

Adopted Motto

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

Showing posts with label Pioneer Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pioneer Life. Show all posts

Sunday, November 15, 2020

Splittin' Wood


Although totally exhausted (from different means), my husband and I headed out early Saturday to get a good load of wood cut and split.  

Today, rain returns with high wind warnings.  A good day to do rainy day indoor repairs and what not.  Not to mention, cuddle up with a good book, crochet or other relaxing activities. 






I've seen deer on the move for the last 4 days around our place.  

Remember the stray cat that showed up?  I found it's owner via using a group on social media.  It's crazy.  They live 30 minute drive north of us.  He even responded when they called his name.  I'm just glad he's back home where he belongs.


Thursday, October 27, 2011

Bunny Yoga, Allergy Updates, and Escapees

The one reason we don't raise rabbits for meat is Milo.  He's our indoor pet bunny and he's as pampered as the rest of the gang.
In the photo, Milo is having bunny yoga on one of my daughter's legs.  He's so relaxed in this position, he simply takes a nap.  He so funny. 

As for me.....ugh....

I have been keeping our meals very healthy, I have increased my liquids, swept up the allergy causing dust and dander, and went to bed early.

I woke up feeling worse than yesterday.   It has been raining here, during the day, and at night it's not too cool.  The moisture is so bad inside, that my bathroom rugs are still wet after 3 days.  

I woke up very tired (even though I got more sleep), congested, watery eyes, a continued cough, and a runny nose.  Over the counter allergy medication just doesn't cut it.  I even mixed my raw honey/organic apple cider vinegar mix yesterday.    

I love the country, but the country doesn't love me.  

I even started to spend at least 20 minutes outside doing nothing, but soaking up whatever light I can get (getting my vitamin D3).  I even walked for 20 minutes hoping to get more energy replaced.  It's just so frustrating.

A few days ago, our billy got loose, and ripped more of the fencing out.  My 15 year-old daughter worked hard to get him retained again, but got his breeding scent all over her in the process.  She showered promptly, but got sick anyway. 

The fence was mended, but yesterday, while I was at the store, the two younger goats got out of their fence.  We have plans to expand that portion anyway, but getting enough people home at the same time to do it, is nearly impossible anymore.  Hubby works full time, and the two older kids work every day after school, but one.  And on that one day, one daughter cares for her horse, and mucks stalls.  I am beginning to wonder if I need to hire a "farm hand" to help me.


In need of writer's motivation, I spent time on the Internet ordering many books from the library.  I need pumped with masses of motivation.  Especially now that I have this allergy season dragging me down to the lowest of lows.  I even started reading a book off of my book shelf.  I need to draw out the renegade writer in me, and it's like pulling teeth lately.  I need my mojo back, so I can kick this "funk" to the side.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Tomato and Other Garden Updates

I had to turn my to-do list into two lists - one for today and one for tomorrow.


My today list, just became today and tomorrow lists:

Friday:

Today's list:
-can tomato sauce - Reducing on the stove

 
-wash and dry dishes and put them away - Done
-pick, blanch and freeze Swiss chard - Done
-cut fresh basil to dry - Done
-cut fresh oregano to dry - Done
-freeze green peppers- Done
-make fridge salsa - Done
-wash, dry and put away more dishes - Done
-pick tomatoes - Done
-put laundry on the line - Done
-write
-write farmgirl penpal
-create template for sales receipts - Done
-some where in there, make dinner

Saturday:

-ship craft store order (my first order - YAY!)
-library returns and pickups
-can pear jam 
-can zucchini relish - if there is time

Without a list today, I would have forgotten to put the last load of towels on the clothesline.  Phew!  Normally, I don't use a list.  I just go with the garden flow - what's ripe gets processed, canned, picked, frozen.

It's about 86 degrees in the kitchen right now.  I had hoped to get as much of the canning done early, but it's the reducing of the sauce that takes more time.

I better get back to work.  I have a lot more to get done today, and it's almost time for school to be out.

It's hard work, but worth it.  The way I see it, why grow a garden and not utilize it?  I don't want to waste anything. Not after going through all the work to grow it.  Four trips to the compost and to the goats today also - Orion loves those leftovers (green pepper tops, tomatoes, Swiss chard stems etc.)

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Bartering is not forgotten

Bartering is still being done today.  In fact, our families have been bartering services good and other items, without even realizing it.  I made my first crocheted throw to barter with another farmgirl.  I'm amazed at the talents of this woman.  I sew, but don't really enjoy it, and have not mastered the art of it.  I am thrilled to be able to barter with her for our homemade aprons, which I'll post pictures of later.  Here is the first item I made for her.





We all have talents.  I think most of us are afraid to commit to it, take time for it, or lack confidence in our work.  I challenge you all to barter one homemade or handmade item this month.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Seeds Arriving ~ Heirloom


These are the first of our seed orders to arrive.  One contains heirloom redbud seeds, and the other a runner bean that will have beautiful blossoms.  I can't wait to receive the remainder of this years heirloom vegetable seeds.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Embroidery ~ Relaxing and Fun

I am reading the diaries from pioneer women who crossed the U.S. in the 1800's and it's been interesting and amazing.  Many women took extra needles and thread with them and traded with Indians for food.  Embroidery work, on hankies and other items were also given as gifts.  In my quest to embroider, learn more, and improve my skills, I have completed several projects.  Here are photos of my progress so far:

Here is my first embroidery sampler (posted before)

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Sharing More Good Books ~ Wild Game and Goats

I found this book at the library.  It's amazing.  Full of recipes for many different types of wild game, including dove, duck, moose, elk, frog legs, cougar, coot, buffalo, quail and even raccoon.  Alligator is not left out of this book either.  It's been interesting reading the recipes for bear, grouse, porcupine, pigeon, pheasant, lynx, javelina, ground hog, goat, and so much more.  It's amazing how people survived by trapping these types of wild game for food.



I just received my guide to goats, from the library.  I'll be starting to research the caring for dairy goats.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Happiest Moments from 2010

I asked my kids to write me a letter with their happiest moments, so I thought I might share a few of my own.

1. Camping with hubby and cooking all of our food over the campfire.


2.  Canning for the first time.


3.  Cooking meals entirely from the garden.


4.Writing my first novel during NaNoWriMo in November.


5.  Cutting my first cord of wood by hand (and all of my farmgirl accomplishments).



6.  My outdoor reading room.



7.  All of the beautiful butterflies I took pictures of.




8.  Watching the sun rise.



9.   Hiking.


10.  My flower gardens.

Of course this is not a complete list, but it's a small start of sharing my happiest memories.  What are yours?

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Men's Hat and Scarf Set - Christmas Handmade

Here is another finished crocheted Christmas gift.  This is a men's hat and scarf.  I used up leftover yarn from a blanket, yarn from a friend and leftover yarn from crocheting wrist warmers last winter.  Here's the pattern I used:

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Mixing Up Homemade Mayonnaise

Dinner tonight involved preparing a batch of homemade mayonnaise.  It was easy to make with our farm fresh eggs, oil and a bit of lemon.
We are making "Potunas" which is a recipe I found on-line.  This is an easy recipe if you have potatoes in you cellar from you summer garden, and you have chopped and frozen green onions from your herb garden.  We can't wait to taste the final "Potunas."
(I am baking my potatoes with olive oil and sea salt)

Don't forget you can freeze your leftover egg whites!  Mine went right into the freezer for omelets in the future.  Waste nothing.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Canning Apple Pie Filling

I am starting with a 1/2 bushel Fuji apples.  My wonderful mother brought me these from the orchard.  I have never canned apple pie filling, so I hope the lady at the orchard picked out a nice apple for canning (as she said they would be).


We peeled and sliced and filled the 7 quart canning jars.  My 18 year old son, who was home, and didn't have to leave for work real soon, helped me.


I took the extra sliced apples, and leftover syrup, and made 2 pies for dinner.  Yes, those are frozen pie crusts.  You caught me. I have cheated a bit today.  They were in the freezer, and the needed to be baked anyway.  I added a crumb topping with flour, brown sugar, butter, and oats.  They are still baking.

And I have these many apples left.  I may can 7 more quarts if I have enough jars.  Probably tomorrow, not today.


Here the the jars after the boiling bath.


And the final jars cooling!  Phew!  I did it!  Now we just have to make some more pies and give this recipe a taste.  Of course, the two baking, have the same syrup too.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Pumpkin-Apple Butter

I managed to make my very first batch of Pumpkin-Apple Butter, and we all love it.  I had been buying Apple butter from the orchard, but have now taken the time to make it myself.  I like the pumpkin in it too.  Who knows, maybe my family will be getting a small jar for Christmas too.
I made 4 1/2 pints to give this recipe a try.  I will definitely be making this recipe again.

The recipe is a crock pot recipe, and is in the book Creating the Happiest of Holidays, book 2, by Leisure Arts.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Camping Weekend

I can't believe the weather this November.  This weekend is perfect for camping.  Now if I can just convince my husband we don't need to split wood, and to go camping spontaneously, life would be even better.   Maybe I can convince him of camping just one night.  Either way,  I would love to enjoy some campfire cooking and time alone.  A hike in the woods would be wonderful too!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Farm Fresh Eggs ~ So Good!

Due to a surplus of our chicken eggs, I am using whites to make homemade angel food cake and the yokes to make homemade noodles.   This will be the first time making either of these.

Here is the final results of the cake!  Unfortunately my children refuse to allow me to share my family age old recipe, but Citrus Angel Cake is similar.  This is my start at avoiding cake mixes in a box and making them from scratch in a self-sufficient, healthier way.  One more benefit of raising chickens for eggs.

With the weather being a bit nicer, other than today's rainfall, we are able to let the chickens free range from early morning to night.  However, they sometimes will lay eggs outside in the grass so we keep their roost open too.

We are pretty sure we will raise meat chickens and turkeys next season.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Wood splitting progress

I measured my stack of cut wood today.  I'm not quite halfway to one cord of wood.  My wood pile measures 7 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 1 1/2 feet.  I'm done for today.  Phew!

Monday, September 13, 2010

Spicy Sorghum Molasses Cookies

Despite working hard with splitting wood today, I made the family Spicy Sorghum Molasses Cookies.  They are in the Bear Wallow cookies for using honey, sorghum etc.  If you are lucky to still find real sorghum, these cookies are delicious.

Bear Wallow Books 

Information about Sorghum Syrup

Splitting my first cord of wood

I have already split wood before today (by hand), but am making a goal to split one cord by myself.  For every woman out there who has ever split a cord of wood by hand, I give you a great big hug.  My fingers, thumbs, and wrists are so sore after today.  We had many stump pieces about 3 feet wide by about 1 1/2 feet tall, that needed split.  I definitely won't be splitting a full cord today.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

New Muffin Recipe ~ Carrots from the garden

Even though today holds much more activity than I'd like, I am still baking an after school snack for the kids.  It is also a lunch packing for some, including my husband.  I'm baking Morning Glory Muffins I, using carrots from the garden, whole wheat flour from a local stone mill (preservative free), organic apple, apple butter from a local orchard (until I learn to make it myself), and of course our farm fresh eggs!  I can't wait to taste them.  They are packed with nutrition, so I hope the family likes them too.  These might be something to take along on camping trips and trail hikes. 

I'm also using the last of our garden carrots to may a "skinny" scalloped potato recipe from the Clean Eating Magazine.  I'd be using garden potatoes for this, but we have depleted our supply for this year.  We are definitely adding more to the garden next year.

I'm back with an update on the muffin recipe.  I could just go to allrecipes and rate it also, but wanted to share with my followers.  These are perfect for breakfast, and a great way to start the day writing!

To cut back on expenses and paper waste, I use muffin pans sprayed with organic olive oil non-stick stray.  They are delicious!  If you don't mind grating carrots and chopping apples, these are very good and good for you.

The chickens are happy too!  They are nibbling on peelings from baking these.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

More Freezing for Winter and Spring

Today, I shredded and froze 12 cups of zucchini, and left 2 cups on the side for 2 loaves of zucchini bread.  I also froze 1 qt. of tomatoes.  After that I took the green beans I picked and boiled them with potatoes and added crumbled bacon.  I also took our last Kohlrabi, and made a terrific Frittata.  I even added swiss chard to it.