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

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.

Friday, October 28, 2011

The Missing Cow

Do you remember Jasper, the cat who loves to play under my rag rug?


Well, a few days after I deep cleaned one entire wall area in my bedroom, I noticed small items behind my book shelve again.  I asked who was in my room and why there were items knocked down behind it.  No one knew.

A few days ago, I figured it out.   I saw Jasper, the sneaky cat, running through the house with my cow!  My oldest daughter brought this home for me after an FFA trip for school (after two daughters have made trips, I have a 3 cow collection of different types).

Do you see the discolored face on the cow?  It's all dirty compared to the rest of the cow?

That is how Jasper is carrying my cow around the house.  I put it back, and he got it out again yesterday morning.  I actually had to hide it in a dresser drawer so he would find another toy to play with.  For some reason, Jasper loves to carry around small stuffed animals.  

I wish I had a photo so share, of him carrying that cow around the house.  It sure gave us a chuckle.  I guess my poor cow needs a bath now.  I had planned to blog about it yesterday, and had the cow on the counter in front of my computer screen, but that little stinker kept jumping up on the computer are to get at it.  Hilarious!  

I think I know what to sew or make for him for Christmas - ha ha ha!

Another pet that gave me a chuckle yesterday was Jesse.  He's my 15 year-old's dog.  The kids have really been bogged down with either work outside the home, or with homework, or both.  

I told them yesterday that the animals really needed some lovin' and to not forgot.  

Not much later, I was sitting in my favorite reading chair knitting, and there was a huge bang from the other side of the room.  We all started cracking up laughing. 

We have a basket for the dogs.  We keep it in the same place, and it's filled with their toys.  Jesse, getting tired of waiting for his attention, took a hold of the toy basket with his mouth, and tossed it off the shelf.  BANG!  He then dug his nose in it, pushing toys around.  Finally, after he got what he wanted, he started barreling around the front room begging for someone to play with him. 

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.