"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.

Sunday, January 10, 2021

Beautiful Sunshine!

After days and days of dark and dreary, the sun finally came out all day yesterday.  We took advantage of it, and got out to cut and split more wood.  We installed one nesting box inside the coop too.  We'll see today if they are using it, and will add at least one more for them.

I also had a nice visit with Mom. She sent me home with a folder and when I opened at home, it was full of family photos.  Many of her, her parents, my family, many baby photos of my kids etc.  I will be making a trip to the craft store for a scrapbook.  That will be either a project for the girls or a rainy day project.  It will be kept to pass on family history, so I'll be sure to write who is who and dates if possible.

We needed a few things from the store, and headed back home.  I totally forgot to pick up supplies to put new rungs on the chicken ramp.  

Speaking of the coop, we are already getting help from my Dad.  When he passed, my husband and I inherited his massive collection of nuts, bolts, screws, washers, nails etc.  He stored them in repurposed bottles from the pharmacy and numerous Jif bottles.  They are all labeled with size and item that are inside.  We used screws and nails from them to install the nesting box.  So thankful to have them.

I am up early for no reason at all.  It's about 22°F this morning. Sigh.  On a Sunday no less.  I already stoked the fire, brewed a pot of coffee, but everyone else seems to be able to sleep.  

Our barn cat is up though.  She is scratching at the door.  We may have another barn cat.  Remember the orange and white one I saw?  Well, when I went out to the barn to fetch straw (yesterday) for the coop, it scaled a pole in the barn up to the loft while I was out there.  Later I watched him leave and run out to the woods.  I am pretty sure he's staying in there at night.

I now have boxes to start removing books from the bookshelves starting next week.  Not sure if my husband will love me or hate me after getting motivated for remodel projects.  I know we won't have as much time over summer with the garden, but happy to be progressing on at least one project.  With the possibility of part sun today, we plan to cut and split more wood today.  I love getting out in the sunshine.

Saturday, January 9, 2021

Weekend Work and ramblings

I went right back to deep cleaning Friday.  I'm beginning to work on the hallway where I have two bookshelves (hallway is wide and was added on for a person in a wheel chair).  I am super excited to start on this.  I have to decide if I want to paint the hallway after I get it all cleared out though.  I need warmer weather to paint too.

First, I completely emptied my pantry shelving unit my husband built, cleaned it, moved it to another room and filled it back up.  I'll be moving one hallway bookshelf to take is place next.  

Question.  I am looking for a small (travel size) iron for making my crafting purposes.  Do any of you have suggestions?  I found one on Amazon about $4 cheaper than on one I saw at our local Meijer. 


Our random act of kindness.  While on our cabin trip we stopped at an art gallery where they did glass blowing.  We picked this cute pair if earrings up for my husband's co-worker's wife.  She loves anything octopus.  So adorable. We've gone on motorcycle rides with this couple.  I hope she likes them.