Pioneer Woman at Heart

  I just wanted to make a quick post to say I'm still here, and our winter is lingering, with teasers days in between.  I took this photo on a nicer day. I'm working on the writing project, with the deadline at the end of the month.  I forgot how much time was involved with such a project, so time is zipping by much too quickly in that sense. We've discovered two new-to-us health stores, and it's refreshing to know we can obtain some items I either cannot make or just don't have time to make (or make in large amounts for our use). A big thank you to Anne in the Kitchen ( Cooking and All that Jazz ), for sharing her list of spring "aims" that motivated us with a list of our own (already checking things off).  It's kept us focusing on new adventures, all-things-positive, and uplifting lifetime events. As "empty nesters" it's been a transition from kids around all the time to absolutely no kids.  The hardest part of the transition is to let ...

  After a long, but productive day in the garden, I retreated to the front porch for some "rest" time and to enjoy a few minutes of reading a book.  I was being harassed by a very small bird.  I am not sure what it is, but maybe a wren.  It was squawking and carrying on at me like I was in her territory.  I kept looking at her and, of course, talking to her.  She flew off, and I had peace on the porch again.   The next morning, I went to watering all of the hanging flower plants around the front porch.  Guess who has a nest (again) in one of our hanging pots?  Ha!  It's built interestingly safe from my watering too.  The top is covered and the entrance is low and on the side.  I used my phone to capture a photo of what's inside.   Hopefully, Mrs. Bird will be copasetic and share the porch with me, without squawking on and on in the evenings.  The strangest part, it's the flower basket that is closest to the ...

The recent cold snap caused some businesses to deal with burst water pipes.  Some busted water lines flooded streets, and some flooded University dorm basements. The puzzle has been an addiction.   It is 24 x 30 inches.  Huge! Meanwhile, I'm patiently waiting for the doctors hands on diagnosis (vs. a phone call diagnosis).  I am patiently waiting for a clear-all, so I can get back to doing regular work around here, and possibly volunteer where needed (and helping my husband's cousin, read below in prayer requests).  A community member is also in need of help, and I can't commit to anything until I am cleared of all/any restrictions.  If you know how active I am, you know it's taking a great amount of patience. **see prayer request at the bottom of the post Homemaking tip:  how to remove a sticky note stain from a kitchen counter.  Hair spray.  My husband got a sticky note wet, and it stained my kitchen counter.  Nothing was wiping a...