"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.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Tuesday Tidbits

Yesterday started with a beautiful sunrise.  We won't see many more as we crawl into winter.

I was a hot mess myself Monday morning.  It was madness I tell ya'.  First, I was so tired Sunday night we decided to leave the blanket and towels on the line and get them down in the morning. 

I was so tired I wasn't thinking that they'd be covered in dew and damp, and we hired our biker friend to come mow before it rained.  I ran out and took it all down after getting tomatoes cut and in the pot, only to find out the mower is not running.  All the hydro static oil leaked out and something is very wrong (adding to the to-do list).

I had to put away all the dishes Hubby washed before I could even start the tomatoes, and after that, had to wash dishes again and put them away so I had the counter free to can soup later.  

I opened the dishwasher and couldn't tell if Hubby unloaded just the bottom and forgot the top, so I re-ran it too.  Later in the morning I unnecessarily freaked out when I heard the water pump kick on, only to remember the dishwasher was running.  By 11am I seriously needed a good long nap, but that didn't happen.

Ground beef had to be prepped for the crock pot.  I had to get that done while the soup reduced or dinner wasn't going to happen.

5 pints of delicious Lemony-Tomato Basil Soup Canned.

Once everything was done in the kitchen, as far as canning and dinner prep, I had washed and dried dishes 4 times.


Something I've noticed - when I make homemade lip balm with calendula oil, it grow mold within 6 months.  When I make it with lemon balm oil, it last much longer.  What infused oil do you use?

Monday, October 21, 2019

Happy Homemaker Monday



I was so tired Thursday morning I just took the day off.  I literally did dishes and made dinner.  Oh and froze more jalapenos. 

Thursday evening it was predicted to reach close to freezing temps in the evening, so I went out to check the garden (because I've not had time to be outside right now with the condition of the inside of my house).  I saw a few green bell peppers and jalapenos, so those will be eaten with meals vs. frozen.



Small, but not wasted either.  Time needs to slow down so I can actually pull the garden and be done with that.


I've been promising biscuits and gravy for days now, so I baked biscuits and made it for dinner, along with scrambled eggs and fried potatoes with onion.


Friday I canned tomato sauce (happy dance).

The weekend was more of a "stay-cation" for us, and well worth doing too. 


(that wasn't even all of the bikes)

Saturday we joined up with a biker benefit/memorial ride with some friends.   The ride started out pretty cold, but for a good cause. The ride was local, but about 75 miles of riding.  Money goes to help with the funeral etc. for the student that was hit and died (still haven't found the driver).  Over 100 bikers rode and it was a great way to help someone.

Sunday we took the grand-kids to a pumpkin farm for the day.   We were exhausted by Sunday night, but in a good way.

Both Hubby and I have stuff that needs done, but we had planned this for a few weeks now.  




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

The weather outside is . . .
High of 67°F, rain 80% at 2pm today


On the breakfast plate . . .
Have no idea yet.  Here is what we had for breakfast Sunday morning.
Omelets with steak.  So good.  


As I look outside my window . . .
It's pitch dark.


Right now I am . . .
Still in pajamas, sucking down coffee, hoping for super powers.


As I look around the house . . .
It's still a hot mess.


On the to-do list . . .
-Can more of the tomatoes
-dishes
-laundry
-vacuum
-sweep and mop kitchen
-start putting away the front porch items, dead plants etc.
-dinner prep
This is my "weekly" list.  If you have canned with tomato, with a sauce or soup, you know how much time it takes.   I will have to do the laundry around the weather.  I did most of it Sunday before leaving, since it was 71°F and sunny.


On the menu. . .
In no particular order
Chicken enchiladas with homemade enchilada sauce, crock pot fried rice and beans
Hamburger Lentil Soup (crock pot)  Or Chili
Sloppy Joes and sweet potato fries
Bolognese Pasta Bake (a make ahead meal)

I'm probably not going to make all of these this week, as we have lots of leftovers typically.  I guess we'll see what gets made this week.


Currently reading . . .
Nothing


On the TV . . .
Goliath on Amazon Prime


What I am creating . . .
Another pot holder set in blueberry, and more dish scrubbies.

New recipe I tried or want to try . . .
Bolognese Pasta Bake (a make ahead meal)

From the camera. . .


Prayer list. . .
Myself (leg), our daughter and great niece who both lost babies, a friend's mother, and other personal requests