Rainy Day

 We had another rainy day, so I was able to have a much slower indoor day (sort of).  It was also so humid outside after the rain stopped, so it was not even enjoyable.  There was also a smoke haze in the air, compromising the air quality.  I did not get any Swiss chard cut as it heavily downpoured most of the day yesterday. 

Our garden is about 2-3 weeks behind, compared to last year.  I think it was due to a very cold May, and we planted much later.  I am getting kale, Swiss chard, and radishes.  The zucchini is on, but only about 1 inch long right now.

I do need to dig the fall planted garlic up soon.  I dug one up already, and we are very happy with the size of it this year.

I'm trying out my "vegetable" keeper container to see how long it keeps our freshly cut kale fresh.  I bought the containers on clearance a few years ago, specifically to keep pickling cucumbers in, to collect and keep fresh, until I had enough to can with.  I may be looking for more similar containers, if these keep the greens fresh too (first good harvest in many years).

I used some of the Red Russian Kale in our dinner the other night.  I was worried we would have needed another side vegetable, but this was perfectly enough.  I cooked the turkey cutlets in the crockpot with barbeque sauce, and later in the evening made the "One Pot Beans, Greens, and Grains" recipe that I found in the New York Times newspaper.  By the way, I found the recipe online, and I linked it.  It is the first recipe I have found where it does not require you to have a membership of some sort.

It is very similar to how I make my quinoa, but I used leftover broth instead of water.  I used great northern beans, but you can use any beans of your choice.  I will double the amount of kale in it the next time.  

Not the best photo, but I'm on the last round of the pink and white baby blanket.  I'll get a better photo once it's finally finished, and ends sewn in.  Once this is finished, I really need to get caught up with my crochet book blanket.  I now have several finished granny squares, but need to attach them.  I finished another book last night, so I will be crocheting yet another square soon.

Rainy Day ©  July 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Whirlwind

 Like most garden summers, it's been a whirlwind of activity.  Weeding is hit or miss with the recent downpours and storms here lately.  I can't complain for not having to water anything.  Somehow, in between storms, the mowing and trimming got done.

(leaves are bigger than my hand this year- woohoo to a great crop)

The Red Russian Kale I planted, did very well this year.  I harvested a pretty good lot already.  The kale we grow has a less bitter taste, and more favorable for fresh salads or topping a sandwich.  The frozen kale will be used for smoothies, soups, stews, casseroles, breakfast casseroles and anything I can add greens to add more nutrition.

However, pint freezer bags are very hard to find in our area.  Just a few places sell them.  One year, I was lucky to snag a "bulk" box of them at a nearby Menards (not available this year).

I am still getting a few more radishes, and the Swiss chard is doing great this year.  Everything else in the garden is about 2 weeks or more behind compared to last year.

I got my refund on the stainless steel tomato strainer.  I have not had any thoughts on new resources.

I mended a few pairs of pants, and ran necessary errands, and booked appointments with a new optometrist (based on recommendations).  Our current optometrist wants 6 month visits for contacts and will only write 1 year on prescriptions for glasses (my husband's work will reimburse every 2 years, like most prescriptions for glasses are generally written).  Our family physician retired, so we are having to find a new one there too.  Appointments for "new" patients have a long waitlist too. 

I exchanged 3 books for one (not a bad deal on reducing my bookshelf).  

I went to a local area Dollar Tree for some scrub brushes, and while I was there, I thought I would pick up some more tin pans for the chicken's treats.  The store raised the prices on the tin pans to $1.75 now.  I'll be buying inexpensive bowls and just washing them out over summer instead.  Besides, the ladies tend to smash up the tin after about 3 or 4 treat days.

Meanwhile. . .

Someone is going to all of the free little libraries in one nearby town, and taking out all of the books (or most of them), and replacing them with a bunch of Bibles.  I don't care what belief you have, but seriously???  It always takes one person to ruin a community project that is fun and free.  There has been a volunteer to check those free libraries now.  I have donated more books to those little libraries than to other places lately.

On a side note about little libraries . . .I found an out reach program that puts books, journals, pens, bookmarks etc inside the little libraries every once in a while at part of "service day" with their churches.  Guess who found some bookmarks in a box of misc. stuff?  Yep.  I'll be going thru all of my crafted items leftover, and sending those bookmarks into their new homes soon.  I may even have a few unfinished crocheted bookmarks too.  It's on my charity list, as well as getting back to crocheting more lap afghans this next fall.

Rain is back again this week, but the mornings are in the low 70's, making outdoor work much more comfortable.

I'm on the lookout for seeds to plant yellow cone flowers in the flower beds next year.  The type that grows 3-5 feet.  We used to have them growing here, and we do miss them.

I tried a new pumpkin pancake recipe and loved it.  It used organic Greek yogurt, pumpkin from the freezer (last year's garden), a very small bit of flour (I swapped it for Einkorn flour), and we loved them.  It was a small batch recipe too, which is a win-win for us. Oh, it used some old fashioned oats too in the recipe.

Until next time. . .

Whirlwind  ©  July 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart