Modge Podge of Events (or lack of events) and This and That

I apologize in advance for the length of this post.  I honestly, didn't think I'd be back so quickly with a post at all.

The home project list continues.  The master bath is not checked off the list just quite yet.  We have made progress, but the shower tile floor is dragging on.

My husband hired a brother of a friend to replace the tile floor to the shower.  First, good luck getting the guy to come on the day he says.  He canceled three times.  I was about to google YouTube and install the floor myself. 

He showed up (after canceling again, after coming out for a quote), and literally asked me if I had a trowel for the grout.  Literally!

Sigh.  He came and gave us a quote, and said he had the "tools" for the job, and he had experience.  My husband even told him that we know nothing about installing tile.  He also mentioned he didn't bring his tool to cut the tile.  Huh?  He knew full well what the job was - install a tile shower floor.

I am not one for someone to waste my time, so it's been aggravating on my end.  We have also discussed the events of this guy several times already, and won't be hiring him again.  Brother of a friend or not. 

Less than two hours after removing all the old tile, he asked of my husband left him any money.  Really?  He hadn't even finished the job, and barely started the job.  He said he was out of gas, and needed "gas" money.  Not our problem, as we hired him to do a job, and the job pays when it's done, not before.  

The guy is a "talker" too, so I busied myself in the kitchen, so he'd get the job done.  It literally should have been done the same day, but was not.  

I went out to the garden to pick green beans, and he literally followed me out there.  He followed me to the garden hose, where he had already turned it on and never turned it back off.  He wanted to ask me about which way we wanted the tile.  Seriously???  We hired him, because he had experience with tile.  While I was rinsing the mud off  my muck boots, he was getting his cell phone out to show me is rose bushes.  Do you see my aggravation in all of this?

So there I was, trying to message my husband while he was at work, and asking questions, so the job would be finished.  Tick, tick, tick, there went the clock.

Hiring a decent person who is going to get the assigned job done is almost impossible these days.  Anyway, he is to come back to finish the job another day (he told me one day, and told my husband a different day), but with his history of not showing up, we may be hiring someone else.  The tile has been broken in the flooring for years, and was put off for other expenses.  We just want this job done, and finished the right way.  

We shall see if the tile floor gets finished, and finished correctly, or if I will be googling Youtube/hiring someone else.  If he's really that "broke" he'd get the job done to get paid. Stay tuned. 

My husband had a family member bring heavy equipment one day, to move the new coop and finally move the ladies into it.  It never happened.  Poor planning.  The weather was very hot and humid too that day, but poor planning.  There are things that need done prior to moving it (moving it was not in the early plans either), and were not completed, so another full day of no progress.

My husband has had some crazy, long work hours this summer too, so that hasn't helped with any progress overall.

(one small potato that got washed up from a bad storm)

August 6th was the first time we got to enjoy eating our home grown green beans.  We should have been freezing boat loads by now, but with the rabbits eating them down twice, and replanting, it was a late start for us, and a lot less. We had a tornado warning one day, and the high winds leveled the plants.  We are happy to get what we do get at this point.

As of today, we have not even gotten a dozen zucchini.  Between the weather and the squash bugs, it's been a battle.  We've only enjoyed two cucumbers.  The pickling cucumber plants are not looking good.  Humidity = mildew.  There are tomatoes on some of the plants, but some plants are small, and so far the tomatoes are very small (about 1 1/2 inches small).

Have I canned anything?  Nope. It's kind of strange not to be canning anything right now.

I have frozen some hot peppers, and dehydrated a handful of hot peppers.

I did get some of the elephant garlic dehydrated and ground into garlic powder (bought at a Farmer's Market).  My husband asked me to save some to trial plant in the ground this fall.

I finally bought a chargeable scrub brush with adjustable handle.  It has changed my cleaning tasks in a big way.  I can't believe I waited so long.  Cleaning the shower and tub, and all the sinks, not to mention the tile bathroom floor is so much easier (not to mention faster).

I'm thinking of making my job of wiping down kichen cupboards, table and chairs, from once a week to two times a month.  

Thank you to whoever mentioned to take the frozen pumpkin puree out of the freezer bag before thawing, to get all of that goodness from the bag.  I can't even believe my brain never thought to do it that way.  A "duh" moment, so thank you do whoever mentioned that last summer.

Have we gone camping?  Nope.  Not once this year.  Yet.  We still hope to, but time will tell.  It's just been so humid and hot, and we missed the spring window with my broken foot.

Have I picked up a crochet hook?  Well, not until the last few days.  I took a long break.

Have I finished another book?  Nope. I haven't finished the one I started back in May.  Honestly, I think I picked it up for free at the library leftover book sale, and it's not that interesting.

New recipes tried?  Maybe one or two, but I have one on the try-it list.

Modge Podge of Events (or lack of events) and This and That © August 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Pushing Positivity Despite a Frustrating Garden Year

 

The weather is much to be desired this garden year.  We should have been picking weeks ago, canning and enjoying by now.  We literally just picked (yesterday) our first heirloom Shintokiwa cucumber (English variety).  One plant already died, the other two types of cucumbers are are not looking good.

I picked two pickling cucumbers, and have put them in my vegetable storage containers, that keep them fresh longer.  In hopes to get more, and possible just get some relish canned this year.

The humidity has been at it's worst, and with the lack of rain, the garden suffers.  The weather these next two days will be in the upper 90's, and the humidity at it's worst yet.  This morning the humidity is 92% already.  

We have only gotten green beans from two plants so far, as we had to replant twice (after we finally fenced them).

The tomatoes are at their worst ever.  They are very small, lack any production good enough to do any canning, and the beef style has yet to even ripen (due to the ground hogs and rabbits prior to fencing).  The plants are not as tall as they should be by now, and lack anything to harvest.

The hot peppers are so-so.  The cayenne plants never grew tall, and have zero peppers on them.  I am starting to get other ones of other varieties, but not sure I'll be canning anything just yet.

It's yet to be determined on the winter squash plants, and pototoes.  The acorn squash is just now starting to produce, but the plant itself looks iffy.  Again, the humidity, and the battle with squash bugs are a problem this year.  I don't see any of the delicata squash producing at all yet.

The radishes were a wash this year as well.  I planted too late.

The collards and kale never recovered from what ever was eating them, but the swiss chard is trying to hold on.

On the left zucchini and squash with onions and homemade cowboy butter, on the right camper potatoes.  We are getting a few zucchini and yellow squash, but not nearly as many as we did last year.

We are not getting many of the blackberries either.  I have to build a new bird cover, and keep an eye on them.  I have a feeling I have another ground hog or rabbit eating the low ones.  Again.

Our new blueberry bushes, planted in pots are doing well, but it will be a few years before we get many, so I purchased 10# and put them in the freezer.

We also froze 5 1/2 dozen ears of local sweet corn.  I may plant some in a few years, but this year we had raccoons.  It seems to be a rodent problem year here.  By the wayt, the tool on the left is specifically for corn hair removal, and the inexpensive bottle brush on the right works just as well.  The hack using the jar lifter to fill the freezer bags worked well for me too.

Well, it's the last day of July.  Hard to believe the entire month went by so fast.

We have however, made progress in the master bathroom.  The ceilings, all of the trim and walls are now painted.

I may be back with a garden update down the road.  Just when I tell my husband I am not growing a garden next year, I make us a salad with one stinkin' cucumber, do the happy dance after the first bite, and sigh.  Trust me however, when I say it's been the most frustrating garden year, I really do mean it.

Here's praying that August starts out with good vibes, a better garden harvest, more home progress, and fun filled adventures.

P.S. I have noticed that spam is trying to post on my blog since I have been here last.  

Pushing Positivity Despite Frustrating Garden Year © July 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Transitioning

 I may be popping in here now and again.  It's only been a few days, and I miss writing my blog.  You may get a post here or there in the near future.  

Although in that short time, I have purged about 40 books, and most were literally from home schooling days, and non-fiction books from when the kids were all in school.  I have also purged 2 boxes of craft supplies.  I kept a TON of crafting, recycling craft supplies and more, for when the kids were in school as well.

Cleaning the "spaces" has been gratifying, so we can eventully "enjoy" the newly organized spaces.  

I'm am working on transitioning from raising kids, and having the roll of "Mom" for so many years, to "empty" nesters.  It's not like I am out of "things" to keep me busy around here, especially during garden season.

You'd think I'd be busy with the role of "Grandma" but sadly that is not the case.  I'm trying not to dwell on the fact, there is a newly born grandchild out there this year, who we have never met.  We don't even know where they live.  Not all families are created equal.  When there is nothing you can do about something, you learn to move on in life.  We can't waste time on trying to make sense on what doesn't make sense.

Although we have made great strides with home repairs and updates, there is still very much more to do as well.  We have more work on upgrades, regarding our vegetable/fruit gardens (fencing, expanding, raised bed project).

Great words of advice.....

"Focus on you. For more than 18 years, the focus has been on your children. Permit yourself to be a little self-centered. Get up to date on all medical appointments you have put off. Reevaluate your diet and start an exercise routine that includes cardio, weights and stretching. Go through your closet and decide what to keep and what to update. Try out a new hair color or style to go with your new role."  Source:  Finding Purpose in an Empty Nest, by Pam Molnar, Oregon Family Magazine

Routines change, life changes, daily duties change, and even the homesteading path in life changes.  

When I pick some yarrow, the first thing that pops in my head, is "oh I need to blog about what I'm making with this" and I eventually get side tracked, ha ha!  Self sufficiency at it's best for sure.  Blogging was always a part of my writing passion.

Who knows what is in store for the future.  I'll leave it at that.  You may see some updates here and there.

Transitioning © July 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Finale

I started this blog way back in 2008.  It's hard to believe I've been writing this blog for 16 years.  It doesn't seem like it's been that long either.

In those years we raised kids, dairy goats, chickens, pets, and so forth. I've shared our going-on's and gardening ups and downs.  I've shared my home repairs, upgrades and renovations.  I've shared my dehydrator experiences, handicraft and other craft experiences. 

I learned a lot from fellow bloggers and followers.  

I've shared many foraging recipes, DIY salves, lotions, chapstick recipes and more.  My blog was a great place to both share and learn.  

I really enjoyed writing my blog, reading blogs and sometimes laughing out loud.  Our family also went through many losses in the past 16 years.

It has come to the point where screen time is less, and more person to person is more, and overall more free time.  It's time to put an end to Pioneer Woman at Heart blogspot.

Finale © July 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Homemade Garlic Jalapeno Seasoning

 I had a recipe (put on the internet in 2021) I made once last year, and could not find it.  I ended up finding it, but the recipe called for Weber's store brand Garlic Jalapeno Seasoning.  

You know me right?  I went on a mission.  First, I am not really a person to store a "mixed spice" in my pantry, other than my homemade "fire powder" for spicing up dishes when I want to.

However, they do come in handy for traveling, and especially when camping.  Mixed spices also come in handy for grilling out, grilling at a picnic etc.

To see the actual ingredients in the store brand, you can simply read the label next time shopping, or find it on the internet.  I have no idea what stores sell it, or if they even make it anymore, but sharing what my mission was pretaining to this seasoning.

The original seasoning contains sugar (more than the jalapeno), "spices" (no specifics on what this is), citric acid, gum arabic, rice concentrate, and "natural flavors" (huh?  why?).

Salt is listed first as an ingredient.  I salt and pepper myself, so I left this out, but you could add it.

Other ingredients listes are Garlic, Onion, Jalapeno Pepper, and Green Bell pepper.

I'm also sharing links to some of my older blog posts that may help if you have never dehydrated garden goods, or are interested in getting a dehydrator for this purpose.

How I dehydrate Garlic

How I make my dehydrated garlic into garlic powder

Making dehydrated onions and making onion powder etc

Dehydrating our hot peppers

How I grind dehydrated hot peppers

Deydrating and making green bell pepper powder

Here is what I mixed:

3 Tbsp. Garlic Powder, Homemade

2 Tbsp. Onion Powder, Homemade

1-2 Tbsp. Jalapeno Powder, Homemade (the more, the more heat)

1 to 1 1/2 tsp. Green Bell Pepper Powder to your taste, or leave out

Mix and store in an air tight container.

Note:  

2/3 cup dehydrated jalapenos = Approx. 2 Tbsp. Jalapeno powder

Our jalapenos are being harvested from the garden now.

If you do not grow a garden, or own a dehydrator, many Amish or bulk stores sell these ground powders, but be sure to read the label.  I have seen green bell pepper powder for sale, but it is expensive.

If you are wondering about the recipe that started this all, here it is:

I am not affilated with the cook on this video.  I found it by searching for new recipes to make with our home grown green beans - One Skillet Cheesy Ground Beef and Green Bean Casserole.

Note:  I first made this recipe with fresh minced garlic and jalapenos, so you don't always need a special seasoning

Another time I simply used homemade onion powder, homemade garlic powder, homemade fire powder, and homeamde green bell pepper powder.

Today's post title should be "Youtube made me do it" ha ha!

Homemade Garlic Jalapeno Seasoning  © July 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Protecting the Harvest ~ Raised Beds Project

 The tree baffles are up, but the second one will need some work.  The bottom branches are lower on the other tree.  Anyway, we'll see if we can save our apple tree harvest this year.

If you are interested in how we built our tree baffles (a device to keep raccoons/squirrels from climbing up the tree to eat the fruit), here is the source with the "how to" on how to build one with a 5 gallon bucket.

Source: Welcome Wildlife, Tree Baffles...

Update:   The tree baffles work!  I happen to look outside at just the right time and a raccoon was at one tree, looking up confused.  It ran off.  Our $4.00 buckets paid off.  You could possibly get them free if a restaurant could save buckets too.

(Source:  Menards)

Temporary fencing has been installed around the green/wax beans now.  We simply used inexpensive plastic fencing on a roll, zip ties and wooden tomato stakes.  It's high enough to keep the rabbits out, but low enough we can step over it.  Time will tell, if we'll get a harvest this year or not. 

We can take the fencing down at the end of the garden season, roll it back up and reuse it if needed.  For now, anyway.

I had saved some tin pie pans a year ago, and have put those on strings and on each side of the tomato garden.  The wind bangs them onto the fence, and the noise keeps the birds out, as well as the sun shining on the pan.

I have also ordered two solar devices to keep the rodents out of my herb garden.  They send off a sound, in which the rodents do not like, and is said to keep them away.  If this does not work, I'll be fencing my herb garden too.

(2019 photo)

Now I understand why I would always see our barn cats sitting in the herb garden.  They were after the rabbits.

Our greens are in a waist high raised bed this year, and they are much smaller due to the soil content.  I'll be putting them back in the fenced garden ground next year.  Something is eating them, and I'm guess it's grasshoppers.  Ants are also in the raised bed.

The radishes have been thinned out, but they are not doing that great this year.  It could be the lack of rain, and having to hand water this year.

Tree digging was finally done.  There was a black walnut and an ornamental apple tree growing in two flower beds, a mulberry tree (above) growing in my asparagus patch, and one large invasive honeysuckle growing in a very small flower bed that completely took out, and removed rocks etc.

My compost bin was being buried in wild grape vines, so we unburied it, but there is much more work to do around the barns and house yet.  It's crazy how the birds can plant so many obstacles for us.  Not to mention the squirrels.

Raised Beds Project

I am digging up my rhubarb to put in a temporary location, so we can dig up all of our 16 year old raised beds completely. We will need assistance with it all, so it may be an all summer project, with finishing up next year.

We want to lay something down in a large area in it's place, topped with taller raised beds, but something that will last a long time and deter grass/weeds etc. so we do not need to mow between the new beds.  I've seen thick black fabric on a roll, but we want to deter grass etc.  Any suggestions?  So many of my fellow, experienced homesteaders/bloggers, no longer blog, so we may be on our own with finding this information.

Part of the reason I blog, is learning from others gardening experiences (or homesteading overall).

When we were on the island one year, we saw that a restaurant has large sheets of something rubber or similar, with grow bags on top, to grow their own veggies/herbs.  I never asked what it was or where to buy it, but now I wish I had.  

If you have suggestions, please comment and where to buy it.  I'm thinking it'll be 4 to 6 beds or more depending on our space/area.  I'm thinking beds will be 8 x 4 x two feet feet tall.

Also, suggestions on what to put in the bottom to eliminate filling the entire bed(s) with soil.  Logs of wood and twigs?

Protecting the Harvest ~ Raised Beds Project  © July 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Crocheted Face Scrubbies

 My go-to porch project, and car trip project has been crocheting "face scrubbies."  Initially, these were made and sold at craft shows, but brought in very little cash.  They can be used to wash your face, used to help remove makeup with face soap, or used to apply facial toner.

They are environmentally friendly to use in place of cotton rounds for face toner.

I made a few with scrap cotton yarn for myself, and tucked them into our travel case for traveling and camping, but decided to make several for the master bath.

I was purchasing 100 count cotton rounds, which are not that expensive, but I do use 56 a month.  The cotton rounds are about $2.38/100 pack, which is slighty over a pack for every two months.  Not a huge savings, but a savings no less, and nothing goes in the trash.

I use my clothesline to save on electricity, and I also have a small clothesline indoors, as well as drying racks.

Years ago, I made these reusable face pads using scrap fabric on one side and re-purposed flannel sheets on the other side.

 I no longer have a stash of scrap fabrics, but I do have more cotton yarn.  I will be making more of the crocheted version, for the other bathroom.

They can easily be hand washed, or put into a delicates wash bag with zipper.  Patterns for the crochet rounds are all over the internet, and with different patterns.

I haven't worked on any other handiwork lately.  The garden has kept us very busy.  The heat also plays a part if if I'm working on anything handiwork related.

Something I learned:  I just learned that some restaurants mix pancake batter in scrambled eggs to make them go further, and make them fluffier.  I was floored when I heard this, but I'm guessing it's just iHop who does this.  Our locally owned places here do not.  I find it crazy, as some people who think they are getting just eggs, and may have allergies or health issues, do not know this.  We do not eat at iHop, but sharing.

Crocheted Face Scrubbies  © July 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart