Happy Homemaker Monday {February 24, 2025}

 Success this past week. I installed shelf liners on 3 shelves in one of the bathroom cabinets.  I also completely cleaned out two large corner kitchen cupboards, purged any expired seasonings, vinegars, oils etc. Cleaned them, washed every lazy susan/turntable, lined the shelves, and re-organized.

I made a trip to town to buy liner to finish the remaining shelves.  I also invested in two more turntables to make life more organized.

However, between putting the roll of shelf liner on the check out, and then paying for it, apparently it never made it home.  The drive back is not short.  The remaining shelves will be waiting until we retrieve the roll.  We are stumped at how we never got that long roll back into the cart.  

Anyway, I have also done inventory to see what I need for this year's canning season.  I, apparently, have enough celery seed to can items for the next two years (ha ha! Whoops!).  The kids moved in and out, but left behind their huge supply of spices and seasonings (which of most were the ones expired).

We also replaced our paper shredder, so thanks for all your suggestions.  

A question for anyone who pickles eggs - do you have a fantastic recipe, or do you just re-use juice from your canned beets?  Which vinegar is better if you make your own pickling liquid?  I have only pickled eggs with one recipe, using a jalapeno, and other spices.

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

I will link up when she posts.  Today's post is a doozy of a long one.  Sorry for that.

The  weather in our neck of the woods . . .

We are finally warming up, and we may even reach 50°F!  It's going to melt all of this snow and ice, so it will also be a muddy mess, but a happy temperature.

As I look outside my window . . .

It's still dark out, but last night during dinner we watched two woodpeckers enjoying our bird feeder on a tree.

Right now I am . . . 

Making our daily snack plans.  Sipping hot coffee.

Something fun to share (blog, video or tip). . .

Tip:  Use a mandolin to shred cabbage on the thinnest setting vs. using a food processor for either slaw or other meals.  It creates a much thinner cabbage, which makes a better slaw or cook faster for a meal.  

Thinking and pondering . . .

Possibilities I'm considering for this next garden season -

1. Dehydrating dandelion greens

2. Planting a new squash

3. Putting my shell pea/snow pea fence back up

4. Planting more fruit options

5. Looking for a new resource to buy tomato plants

6. I can't locate Jerusalem artichokes to try this year.  Anyone have suggestions?  I would like to see if they will grow here well.  I tried Baker Creek and I think I looked at High Mowing, but can't remember ha ha!  Not Amazon or Etsy please.  I saw on Territorial they want $24.95 for one plant.  Are they that expensive for organic/heirloom?

We have lacked in the way of sowing seeds in the house this past year, and I am way behind this year.  I may go ahead and start beets, but it's pretty late for the rest I typically start early.  We do not have a green house, and we lack space in the sunlight, so I have to use grow lights when we do start seeds inside.  The lights have timers, but it does increase our very expensive electric bill.

On my bedside table . . .

-a few crochet hooks, notepad and pen

Listening to . . .

Nothing now, but maybe the radio during the day.  The type depends on what I wish to listen to at the moment.  Music anyway.

On the menu . . .

Focusing on the freezer and garden stash/pantry ingredients.

-pork chops with home canned BBQ sauce, quinoa and roasted beets

-cabbage wraps with Italian sausage (my own recipe, but uses meat from the freezer)

-stuffed bell peppers (made last summer with garden bell peppers), will side these with other smaller meals too

-summer vegetable spaghetti (uses frozen diced zucchini, yellow squash, and green beans from the garden, and a jar of home canned tomato sauce), with frozen homemade meatballs (made with oats and no bread crumbs)

-chickpea crust pizzas using home canned pizza sauce, and frozen bell peppers from the garden

Book I am reading. . .

A much different book, but reading no less.

On my TV . . .

Nurse Jackie Series 3, 4 and 5, DVD's borrowed from the library. However, if it doesn't get much better, we are abandoning the series and finding something new to watch.

On my to-do list . . .

-make a breakfast frittata, and turkey breakfast "sausages"

-make a jar of pickled red onions

-start more sprouts for the chickens
-dishes, empty dishwasher
-laundry
-sweep and mop downstairs room

(my "possibility list" in other words)

Happening this week . . .

Ha!  It all depends on the weather.  I am hoping to get into town to retrieve the roll of shelf liner we paid for and somehow didn't get.

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating . . .

Another granny finished book means another finished granny square for my "book" blanket.  I am not stressing about if the colors match "exactly" but close enough is enough for me.  The new project is to use up scrap balls of yarn, and crochet a beautiful blanket for us.  More granny squares to make.

Post about my "book" blanket - HERE

My simple pleasure . . .

Reading.

Lessons learned the past week . . .

1. buy honey in glass jars, not plastic

2. keep tinctures in canning jars and not bottle droppers (two of my bottle droppers broke from the residue or whatever)

From the camera . . .

Prayers, Bible Verse, Devotional . . . 

No current prayer requests.  

Happy Homemaker Monday {February 24, 2025} © February 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Happy Homemaker Monday

 I am constantly forgetting what day it is, with this miserable work schedule my husband has.  

I'm definitely not running out of things to get done around here either.  I finally got some cabbage fermenting.

By the way, have any of you canned sauerkraut? I just looked up one recipe in one canning book that requires 25# of cabbage.  I would cut that down, but would like anyone's feedback on how it tasted after canning it.  Any other small batch recipes too.

I'm joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. I will link up later when she posts.

The weather . . . 

-hot, humid and no rain in sight

As I look outside my window. . .

-grass is dying and the yards look terrible, but garden has been watered consistently.  I have another maple tree to plant, but have it in a bucket of water until we see we'll get some rain.

Right now I am . . .

Drinking coffee, trying to get enough energy to get my power shower.

Thinking and pondering . . .

I want to plan a camping trip or something when this work week schedule is over, but there is no end in sight just yet.  I need to start boxing up stuff in the living room to prepare for that project, but have to make room somewhere to put it.

How I am feeling . . .

Tired, exhausted, run down, the whole sha-bang.  I'm up super early today due to help arriving to gut the bathroom.

On the breakfast plate. . . 

A veggie dump with dandelion greens and bacon.

What I am wearing . . .

Depends on the time of day. Early am - gardening clothes (jeans, tank top, muck boots), out of the garden clothes (sweat pants, t-shirt).  By 4pm?  Pajamas and I'm not kidding.  Have to go to town clothes?  That would be jeans, and a nice top or t-shirt.

On my reading pile . . .

-no time to read right now, did some tilling in the garden yesterday

On my TV this week . . .

Mystery channel

On the menu . . .

-turkey, veggie

-Reuben's

-Philly, either in a bell pepper or on a bun

-leftovers

Looking around the house . . .

-as I told my husband, "Rome wasn't built in a day" 

I still have some painting to do in the kitchen, then the bathroom gets painted, then we move to the living room.....

To-do list . . .

-wash bedding

-paint bathroom door

-put away dishes, wash crock pots

-water grow bags

-get estimate on truck damage

-mail in rebate

From the camera. . . 

Damage done from the deer.

Prayers . . .

...for workers to get the machines repaired and back up and running so my husband can go back to normal work hours and we can finally have time with each other.

Back to the Grind ~ Lilac Jelly

 

This was my "note to self" upon awakening.  I had two days off in the kitchen.  I technically had a complete two days off, so it was back to the grind, kitchen, laundry.....you name it.

I got more flowers on my birthday and many more gifts.  The day was truly special, and I did not do a lick of work.  

First, a breakfast needed to be made (made a scramble)

A two meat potato, onion, green bell pepper, garlic, farm fresh eggs and dandelion greens.

...and this crazy lady did this

I picked lilacs to try lilac jelly for the first time ever.  The infusion first turned a blue-ish, then purple color.

Once the jelly was made it turned into a beautiful pink color. I was expecting a yellow color (someone showed me their jelly they canned), but of course this color is pink.  Any thoughts?  My blooms were a brighter purple, so maybe that is why?  I will be tasting this in a day or so and let you all know if it's good.

I apologize for no printable version.  I tried one way I googled and could not figure it out.  It was written Feb. of 2021, but what pops up with the directions does not look like what her photos show. One of these days....

Lilac Jelly

2 cups packed lilac flowers

2 1/2 cups boiling water

I use a quart canning jar.  I add the flowers to the jar and pour the boiling water over.  I put a lid and rim on and let it sit overnight, but you should let it infuse at least 8 hours.

Strain infusion.  I use a coffee filter in a strainer over a glass bowl.

In a large pot, add:

2 cups of the lilac infusion

4 Tbsp. organic lemon juice

1 box sure-jell powdered pectin

Bring to a boil.

Add 4 cups sugar and bring to a rolling boil, constantly stirring. Boil one minute. Remove from heat and skim.

Pour into sterilized jars (1/4 inch head space), wipe jars, and add heated new lids and add the rim.   Boil in canner for 10 minutes.  Cool untouched for 24 hours.

Yield:  8 - 4 oz. jars or 4 - 8 oz. jars.

Happy Homemaker Monday

I'm up again before my husband gets home, but the worst part is that today he works a double.  Meaning he won't be home this morning, it'll be after he works another shift (1st).  It'll be a long day for sure.

Woke up to 9°F and frozen water pipes in the kitchen area.  Thankfully, I was prepared and filled large jugs.  The rest of the house has water.

Oh, and he is sick now too.  He works outside in this frigid weather, and working midnight runs you down.  He's getting medicinal teas, essential oils, Four Thieves and dandelions in his egg scramble.

Forgot to post 5 of these yesterday.

Ideas for revitalizing and energizing yourself (cont.):

36. Dress the way that feels right.

37. Practice good posture.

38. Utilize medical checkups.

39. Seek out good friends

40. Share yourself with significant

I'll admit purging my crafting supplies has been hard.  I'm finding fun items that make me sit down to figure out if I can or want to make gifts with them (or for sale at craft shows).  I've already opened one box for our daughter (with the grandkids) and taken out one bag.  Yikes.

I have however, completely cleaned out a 4 drawer cabinet.  It's going to Youngest for her apartment.

We've gotten just a wee bit more snow here, and the colder temps continue.  It's snowing this morning.  

Today's post is a little long.  Sorry for that.  

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

I'll link up when she posts.  I need to get going, as the hours of the day go by way too fast anymore.

The weather outside is . . .

20°F/15°F, snowing

How I am feeling this morning . . .

Cold!  I am really not liking these temperatures lately.  We were lucky last winter I guess.

On my mind . . .

Trying to find a good day to get to the city for items I need.  Also trying to figure out which city, as one has a Hobby Lobby and the other direction does not.  Tough decisions.

Also on my mind, I miss family gatherings, going dancing (a lot), going to the library just for fun and browsing, and having the freedom to go out in public without a mask.  There were so many babies born in our family in 2020 that we didn't get to see or hold once yet.

I have many items I need to re-stock for a possible craft show this coming next fall.  I need to fill one order for scrubbies first, but have so much to re-stock.  

I'm already a worry-wart over Youngest moving out.  She hasn't learned to cook much, and I am already worried about her eating healthy.  I have a few months to work on that with her.

"If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours!" -Dolly Parton

The sad part of this quote is that the younger generation won't know what a smile looks like and we can't see each other's smiles with the masks.  

On the breakfast plate . . .

Egg, dandelion greens, sausage and bean burrito, organic coffee

On my reading pile . . .

As the Earth Turns, 1933 copy

On my TV . . .

Dead to Me when my husband is at work.  Otherwise what ever we find interesting.

On the menu this week . . .

-Soup beans, fried cabbage

-Baked chicken parmesan, veggie

-Stuffed Bell Peppers

-Either cod or salmon, two veggies sides

-leftovers

From the camera . . .

A recent sunrise we enjoyed.

Am I the only one who has a husband that comes home from work and does a donut in the front yard?  Ha ha ha!  Letting off some steam perhaps?

Looking around the house . . .

Oh boy, it's in worse condition than last week. I really need to take stuff to donate and free up tables.  The more I purge the worse it looks.  Although I know the final results will be amazing.

New recipe I tried last week, or one that we really enjoyed . . .

I haven't had time to be honest.  I've stuck with favorite recipes and continue to purge the house.

To relax this week I will. . .

Work on the clothespin crafts (so I can finish up and put remaining supplies back in the donate box), possibly cut netting and crochet scrubbies.  Maybe even read.  

Something I want to share . . .

"Little Acts of Kindness" (5 of 35)

1. Say "Good Morning" to a person standing next to you in the elevator.

2. Pay the toll for the driver behind you.

3. Take a minute to direct someone who is lost, even though you're rushing.

4. Write a letter to a child who could use some extra attention .  Kids love getting mail.

5. Offer to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor, especially in extreme weather.

Devotional, Inspirational, prayer list or Bible verse . . .

Mom, she was given the green light for the vaccine, but can't find a place to get it.  My husband...he's sick.  Youngest as she ventures into her own apartment in a few months (and me, because I will miss her and Tiger her cat). For our kitchen water pipes to thaw.

Happy Homemaker Monday

Over the weekend we got in a motorcycle ride.  We had to put all of our leather on, as it was chilly, but may be the last ride we get this year.

I put together this patriotic set and it sold the same day.  The person who purchased it paid well more than asking, including shipping.  I was overwhelmed with her generosity.  I sent a separate thank you card (homemade), with a personal receipt and note and a granny square patriotic keyfob and chain.  I'm now working on another set as well as other stuff to restock. 

I now have a list of restocking to do.  That was my last homemade card of that kind and granny keyfob's which are great to tuck in as an extra.

We went to town to stock up other supplies, like chicken food.  We don't know what is going to happen, and if no shutdowns happen, at least we have more than enough for winter.  Don't forget to stock up on your oil for your oil lamps.  We now have large containers/totes to stock up cat food/dog food/etc.  I have storage bins to hold 6 bags of chicken feed as well.

Outside Christmas lights are up.  I finally got them up early prior to cold nasty weather arriving.  I'm working on the master bath Christmas decor now.  I'm trying to decide if I want to purchase a new taller tree or use the shorter one I already have.  I'm leaning more on keeping the one I have, because we don't know what will happen to the economy in the next few weeks or even months in our State.

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

The weather . . .

49°/46° Windy, Rain, Cloudy.

How I am feeling this morning. . .

Good.  I actually overslept until 6:30am, but my husband had no breakfast to pack and packed his own lunch.  

On my mind . . .

Oh man.  A lot of stuff right now.  Just trying to plow through one day at a time.  My car is not done yet either.

On the breakfast plate. . .

Sweet potato/egg scramble with dandelion greens, coffee.

Right now I am . . .

Drinking a hot cup of organic coffee, finishing this up and posting.  Looking around the kitchen to decide what will go in the breakfast scramble.

On my reading pile . . .

On today's to-do list . . .

-dehydrate diced onions (stocking up)

-make a breakfast scramble for the week

-dishes

-clean master bath

-laundry

-vacuum

-not sure what else since I slept in so late (6:30am is late for me lately)

On my tv . . .

Good Witch

On the menu this week . . .

-sheet pan dinner

-breakfast for dinner, a new recipe to try

-chicken teriyaki over homemade vegetable fried rice or chicken tetrazzini

-soup beans, fried cabbage and buttermilk cornbread

(not in an particular order, and I may even change it as the week goes)

From the camera . . .

Sunrise Sunday morning before the clouds moved in and rain arrived.  

Looking around the house . . .

One kitchen table went from having tomatoes all over it to sweet potatoes.  I'll get them in the bin in a few days.

New recipe I tried last week or want to try . . .

Kamut granola bars.  Remember when I asked if you had recipes using kamut flakes?  Well I found one online.  We also want to try a new recipe for Chicken Tetrazzini.  I think I made something similar to another recipe but used cashews, but I made Rosemary walnuts.  It was on a cooking show, recommending recipes for gifting.  I won't be gifting this year, but want to try it out and put the recipe in my "Christmas" binder.  Be sure to visit my blog to see if we tried them and what we think.

To relax I will . . .

Crochet.  Maybe write (but I get sick of writing about the pandemic already and whatnot).  Maybe read for something different.

Something I want to share . . .

Nothing today.

On my prayer list . . .

My dad (he's scheduled for surgery Nov.11th),  Our state (our Governor is doing everything in is over used power to disrupt the election and to kill our economy).  His mandates and restrictions are out of control and make zero sense.  My family.  If the Governor shuts us down again, I know one that will be out of a job (again), and they are all at risk to get sick with a mask mandate, forcing healthy people to wear them all day at work, then shopping if they need to shop.  The only person I knew recently with the virus wore a mask at work full time. They all look so utterly exhausted, and one moves furniture and another climbs ladders. Our country. 

Happy Homemaker Monday

We were so thankful to see the rain arrive.  The garden and flower beds were so dry, not to mention the herb garden (I now call the "weed" garden).  The beets and carrots are very small right now.  I hope we have a good fall season to fatten them up.

We had a family breakfast Sunday morning. On our way there we had a major storm, taking out our power for 3 hours.  It was 86°F but a heat index of 97.  

We came home and Hubby worked on one daughter's car (in the heat no less.  I was watching out the window and saw him running.  Wasps had made a nest in her side mirror and one stung him.  Funny thing is, is that I had just picked plantain, and had fresh to grind up and put a poultice on his bite.  Anyway, car is finally fixed and delivered.  One more "to-do" checked off the list.

Hubby has been pretty good on his to-do list lately.  He even installed a new dead bolt on one door, and has more to go.  His priority now is fixing the old truck.  He plans to pick up a new drawer bracket for me today too.  Another job hopefully checked off this week.

Somehow, over our recent camping trip (best I figure because I woke up Sunday with a red spot on my ankle that was sort of feeling like a burn).  Not sure what it was but most likely in the spider family.  Plantain poultice to the rescue (and homemade neosporin).  Guess I'm going to start wearing tall socks under my jeans next camping trip.  I had shoes on with short socks.  Lesson learned.  We will also check under the camper mattresses each time we pop up the camper.

I finally ordered my instant read thermometer.  It's been a long time waiting on doing this.  I have one, but it's not an instant read.  I was watching America's test kitchen and they recommended it.  Once it arrives I'll share a picture of it.

Today I'm joining Sandra at Dairy of a Stay at Home Mom.  I already have a lot crossed off my to-do list.  I'm up early every day.



On the breakfast plate . . .
Breakfast burrito with scramble made with dandelion greens, and a homemade cinnamon roll.  Cup of organic coffee.


The weather outside is . . .
High of 86°F, Sunny with a chance of thunderstorms again tonight. Possible rain again today too.


Right now I am . . .
Trying to get my daughter to get out of bed.  It's almost 11am.


On my reading pile . . . 
Sorting mail and filing recipes if that counts for reading, ha ha!


On my TV this week . . .
Eat My Dust  and Urban Cowboy- movies on Amazon

On the menu . . .
Cabbage/potatoes and sausage
Tacos
Cheesy pasta broccoli bake
Blueberry pancakes and sausage

Leftovers


On the to do list . . .
Master bath
Laundry
Fold towels in laundry basket
Dishes/kitchen clean up
Run dishwasher
Floors
Water porch pots
Take clothes off drying racks and put them away
Make a bucket of homemade laundry detergent
Pay school fee 
Make a trip to the store for wasp spray
Place order for drawer brackets
Place order window switch for one daughter's car
Order a new spray nozzle for homemade bug spray
Take recycling
Call for Septic (might actually and finally get done)
A few things need canned this week
Clean up computer area


What I am creating . . .

Finished these two sets of pot holders and started another one.  I hope to have time to start another bracelet - got two more orders.


Looking forward to . . .
Our next motorcycle ride, camping trip - just anything relaxing.


Looking around the house . . .
I'm getting some ideas for different storage items in the kitchen.  Already ordered some containers for my canning rims


From the camera . . .

A picture that daughter took when Romeo had a sleepover weekend with the kids at their apt.  Zuri is warming up to him.  What a happy sight for sure.  King is too, Romeo just curled up with Zuri.


Thinking about . . .
Building a bat house.  We really need to get the bats out of the barn.


Prayers . . .
The world in general, private requests, super quick healing of my darn spider bite.

. . . from the gratitude journal ~ Internet Issues

I'm thankful for all the recipes I haven't tried yet.  The anticipation keeps me fired up, looking forward to something.

I'm thankful for having Jesse with us.  He's been a blessing and he's getting much needed exercise on the homestead.  And of course he's a great watch dog.

I'm thankful for anti-ill oil spray.  It's been killing off germs for us.

I'm thankful for coffee.  Without it, I would be a bear to deal with, ha ha!

I'm thankful for one daughter who has stepped up to the plate with helping out at get togethers.  She's bringing pie, cookies and other items to the meals, and I am so happy for that.  Woohoo to her helping out.

Here's what's been going on at the homestead.  First off, our internet provider has caused us problems.   We cannot access the internet on the desktop computer, due to a problem they created, and most likely to force us to use their DNS server to track and sell our browsing history.  I have already called another provider and we cannot get them (dish, and no clear path to a tower).  It's day 2 and they are telling me the same ol' story.  

I am using an old laptop, so all of my photos are not on here.  Another frustration. 

I had the pleasure of an all-day visit from our oldest daughter the other day - fed her breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Even the wifi cut out about dinner time, while she was doing her homework (college).

Here is what's been going on in the kitchen -  a large pan of overnight Mexican breakfast casserole, more einkorn peanut butter cookies, and a large batch of breakfast burrito filler (sausage, bacon, egg, potato, pepper, onion and dandelion).

...so what's going on in the living room?  

This job was completed, and I'm onto the next now.  I completely emptied my pie safe, dusted everything, purged, moved it from the wall, cleaned the wall, wall trim, and carpet.  What a job that was.  It has screens, so everything needed dusted.  I have to store my mixer, food processor, and as you can see many other kitchen items due to space in my kitchen.

I'm dusting off the emergency candles (literally) too.  Oye, the dust bunnies are everywhere, so I am thankful to stop and get a few breaks.

It's been cold here, and too early for November.  Hopefully, our internet issue will be resolved soon.  It's happening to other people, so I'm not the only one.