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

Happy Homemaker Monday {January 20, 2025}

 

Last week's egg salad sandwich on the homemade avocado bread was fantastic.  I can't wait to try chicken salad, southwest chicken salad or even tuna salad on this "bread" it is that good.  I may play around with other seasonings, other than homemade everything but the bagel seasoning.

Update on the Chicken Breakfast "Sausage" Patties - I used the same seasonings, but made them with  ground turkey. They were delicious!  I used turkey patties and made breakfast sandwiches with egg, cheese, turkey "sausage" and a slice of the homemade avocado bread.  So good!      

Next, I will experiment using the two different meats, with the same seasoning, and cooking it as I would for breakfast burritos, casseroles, frittata's, and quiches.  

                                                                                                                       

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

The weather in our neck of the woods . . .

Our version of the extreme cold, that  is unusual for our area.  It does happen, but just not that often.  The wind can make it very brutal here.  This morning it is a brisk -13°F.  A very thin layer of snow.

Things that make me happy . . .

Enlarging this photo, because they had a room where they sold donated yarn, sewing supplies, craft supplies, craft books and the like.

(Books and magazines were half price while we were there.)

Taking road trips to see something new to us.  Small or big.  We found a hidden treasure, and it filled my adventure tank (minus the hiking ha ha!).  What a treasure to find.  A non-profit foundation that has a used book store, that sells all sorts of books, magazines, puzzles, new local artist work, new local author books, locally made crafts/art, a room full of donated yarn for sale, crafting books, and much more.  We were both shocked at what we found inside, because the outside made it appear small.  I'm so glad we ventured out to find this, and yes (gulp), I bought some books, but held off on the yarn (for now anyway).  

Another good thing about this discovery, if we venture there again, I can donate books, craft books, craft supplies, kids books, and even small balls of yarn (yes they sell those too).  What a happy place.  There are a few chairs to relax in, so my husband had no problem waiting on me to check it all out.  Heck, we can donate our puzzles, and buy a new one there.


Book I am reading  . . .

Another book I started, tucked away in a drawer for some reason, and totally forgot about it.  

What's on my TV . . .

The Day you Found Me (movie), any comedy for some healthy laughing.

What's on my breakfast plate . . .

Not sure just yet.  

What's on my lunch plate . . .

Not sure.

What's on my dinner plate . . .

Not sure.

On the menu . . .

Breakfast:  Breakfast Quesadillas, fresh fruit (maybe)

Dinners:

-Sausage and Ditalini Soup (never got this made)

-Herbed Crockpot Flounder, roasted brussels sprouts

-leftovers

On the to-do list . . .

-make a new breakfast for the next few days 

-tend the hens ( a given "to-do" daily)

-dinner prep

-pick 3 things on my written to-do list

New recipe I tried or want to try . . .

A date bread recipe that was handed down to me from one of my Aunt's, which previously was a friend of my Grandmother (her Mother).  Will it happen?  I am not sure.

What I am creating . . .

I am mostly focusing on the crochet lap afghan.  I made another granny square too, and jus need to sew in the ends.  I'll be sharing that project this week (granny square project).

No words needed (favorite photo) . . .

All of these were taken in the morning, but on different mornings.

Taken last Thursday at around noon.  I think they knew a cold spell was coming.   I have not seen deer at noon before.  Not that I remember.

Devotionals, Prayers, and Bible Verses . . .
"I will shout for joy as I sing Your praises; my soul will celebrate because You have rescued me."  Psalm 71:23 (Voice)

Happy Homemaker Monday {January 20, 2025}  © January 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

 

The rain has brought on the garden.  More rain is coming, and the bell peppers look great.

My husband and I took a short weekend getaway to a nearby Amish country.  We checked out their new flea market, but wasn't impressed.  We did however, bring home some items for the newly repaired/remodeling bathroom.  It's now all put together and looking nice.

We stayed one night in a historic hotel we stayed at years ago.  I was so disappointed with the new owners.  They completely took the "nostalgic" away from the hotel.  The parlor was completely remodeled into a quilt room.  It was one of the reasons I loved that hotel.  No more.  Our room we stayed at years ago, now has no refrigerator nor microwave. We brought food with us, and could not keep it cold, nor heat it up, and the other rooms also had no refrigerator.  I was blown away at this....

Literally in front of the toilet. See the toilet paper?  We checked out and got coffee at the flea market.  The bed was comfortable, but the whole "nostalgic" part is the reason we liked to stay there.  The new owners just destroyed the original, "real" historic part of the hotel.

We came home, and unloaded, and searched every bag we brought home.  My husband lost our keys.  Not kidding.  Somewhere walking into or out of the hotel, while reaching into his pocket, lost our keys.  No one turned them in either.  Thank goodness I had the spare truck keys, and luckily, I had the only spare house key in my purse.  We never found the lost keys, and like I said, no one turned them in, and thankfully the truck was still there when we checked out.  You just can't trust anyone anymore.....anyway, as of this morning, still no keys.   

We were on the porch thinking the hotel would call, but we just got a visit from a butterfly.

We invited 3 people to dinner, but not one came over.  We grilled chicken with apple bourbon BBQ sauce, corn and camper potatoes.  It was truly humid, but we did get rain during our grill out dinner.

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

I will link up when she posts.

The weather . . . 

Hot, humid and rain.  It's been awfully humid and hot, up in the 100's and I think we will finally get a break this week.

As I look outside my window . . .

It's cloudy, and we may get more rain this morning.

Right now I am . . .

Drinking coffee to get my bearings straight this morning.

Thinking and pondering . . .

While on our weekend getaway, I talked to someone who just removed wallpaper from their house.  I will be looking into renting a steamer to remove the wallpaper from the upstairs room.

I only have trash to remove up there as well, and then we start on that room, but now we are discussing building the new coop next.

We have friends/family in the demolition derby tonight, but the heat and humidity will keep us home.  Not to mention it will rain again tonight.

I've been asked to make up and donate a basket for a silent auction for our family members raising money for an adoption.  I have not decided on my theme for it yet.  I have the basket, but have nothing in it just yet.

How I am feeling . . .

Exhausted, ha ha!  I think the heat and humidity just did us in last night.

On the breakfast plate . . .

Have no idea just yet.

What I am wearing . . .

Sweatpants and a tank top.  

On the reading pile . . .

More of Mom's recipes.

On my TV this week . . . 

Whatever looks interesting

On the menu . . .

-leftovers for starters since no one joined us for dinner

-have no idea yet

Looking around the house . . .

Well, my kitchen floor is still piled with donations.  The people that were coming to take it never showed up.  It may be going in the barn after the rain quits.

The to-do list . . .

-can hot pepper mustard sauce

-laundry

-plan meals

-unpack suit case

-make a new recipe

-plant another honeysuckle the birds gifted us

-check garden

-plan a camping trip

-freeze green/wax beans

From the camera . . .

The new small item I am making for the holiday craft show.  Daughter E has been wearing a few for her recent Hippie Fest, and suggested I give her business cards.  I do have them, but they need updated.

Devotional/Prayers . . .

Our small town pets.  Someone found their cat cut "perfectly" cut in half and now we are worried someone is out killing people's pets.  What a cruel world we live in right now.

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.

Happy Homemaker Monday

 I hope your Easter was a nice day with friends and family, or just a nice weekend.   I was whisked away last minute, by my husband.  We went to our favorite Amish area almost 3 hours away.  I wasn't really looking for anything while we perused the antique stores, but I found a chicken cookie jar for $8.00!  What a find.  I have that wrapped up safe until the half bath and living room work is done.  I will share a photo when it's out of it's packaging.

I'm glad we did.  We were recharged, and arriving home on Easter Sunday, we got right back to work and hooked the kitchen heater back up, cleaned more floor glue (urgh) off the floor, moved the hutch, kitchen table and most of the chairs back into the kitchen.

My husband pre-ordered a take out meal (smart thinking), and we went to pick that up.  Daughter E was the only kiddo that could come over and we met her new boyfriend (very nice kid, has a nice truck and works and went to the same school with her).

While chatting out in the driveway, I mentioned the truck bed cover that has been sitting there for 2 years.  I talked my husband into giving it to daughter's boyfriend.  Wha-la!  One more thing out of the house we are not using.

They left, and we went into the "big city" to pick up supplies to change the oil in the truck, see if the feed store was open (was closed), and to pick up supplies at Home Depot.

It will be a real treat to cook in my own kitchen again, but we are considering sanding down and staining our table, and painting parts of it, and the chairs white.  We actually got information for a guy in the Amish area that does it, but I'm sure the cost will be high going that route.  We were very impressed with his work however.

Today I am back to joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.  I guess now you could call me a Homemaker.

The Weather . . .

Snow!  Can you believe that?  1 inch or less, and then they are predicting 82°F next Sunday.  Crazy!

As I look out my window . . .

Spring flowers are blooming, birds are singing despite snow in the forecast.

Right now I am . . .

Getting ready to make a breakfast casserole.

Thinking and pondering . . .

I have a few boxes to donate yet, but thankful that Daughter E took those two orange/brown afghans.  I have much to do, but it's a bit too chilly yet to do any painting, so I haven't gotten a plan for the day/week yet.  We will start tearing out living room carpet this week (after I figure a way to get the treadmill moved upstairs).

-I need to get to town to get paint swatches for the living room 

-considering painting the kitchen hutch as well as the table

-considering adding valances to living room windows after the floor issues are repaired and re-floored

-emptying the pie safe to downsize/purge and selling the pie safe

How I am feeling . . .

Rejuvenated from a weekend away from our "hot mess."  I'm also happy that Daughter K will be here again to load up more of her stuff.  She still has boxes in my living room.  We are happy to also have someone willing to help gut the bathroom, but he will be having a hernia surgery later this week, so it may be me doing it, or delayed (or finding other help).

On the breakfast plate . . .

I need to make a casserole.

On my reading pile . . .

I actually got some of this read on the drive to our weekend getaway.

On my TV this week . . .

CSI

On the menu . . .

-leftovers

-roast, and veggies

-lasagna stuffed chicken (new recipe to try)

On the to do list . . .

-purge cookbooks

-laundry

-purge cake decorating books/supplies

-clean out pie safe

-clean TV armoire and put it up for sale

-purge tablecloths

Looking around the house . . .

It's still a hot mess, but the kitchen is looking much better, as we put it back together.

From the camera . . .

Had to take a photo of this and chuckle!  My husband said we need to do this at our house ha ha!  Feed the chickens via a vending machine for a quarter!.  Cute set up for the chickens at a handmade leather goods store.

After so many trips to Amish country, we finally toured the Victorian home in one town.

Prayers . . .

Us - to find someone reasonable to do the most difficult joist/sub floor/under layment work for the living room.  It's still in the works.