34 Weeks Until Christmas

 

I tried a new recipe this month already - a spin on the traditional green bean casserole, but I left out the "fried onions" it called for.  I used homemade mushroom soup as well.

Recipe is from Mennonite Girls Can Cook.  I adapted with organic ingredients, and of course, homemade condensed mushroom soup (it really is the best).

Results:  We love this casserole!!  Of course we had the delight of trying it with freshly picked, homegrown asparagus, so it will be on the meal rotation, as well as a welcome substitute casserole for the traditional green bean casserole at the holidays.

Note:  We both felt that 2 cups of asparagus were not enough.  I will be using more asparagus when we make this recipe again.  

If you saw my last Christmas countdown post, you read that I was making something handmade for the advent gifts next.

Here it is. . . 

I made a hand crocheted item to add to the advent gifts this Christmas - Dust cloths.  Yep.  I know they will be over joyed when they open them (not!), but they are useful, and the blanket yarn makes a very nice duster cloth.

I used Bernat Blanket Yarn, in the color Silver Steel.  The label suggests US 11 crochet hook or L.  I did not have either one, and did not want to buy a new hook, so I used an N crochet hook (I think it's a 10mm hook).

Yes, you can use the same yarn to crochet those duster cloths for the mop heads, and even the dust wands, but I kept it simple.

Here is how I crocheted mine (you can make then any size you want):

CH 15

SC in 2nd CH from hook, and SC in remaining (14)  I crochet into the back bump, so when I go to do the edging, it's more even, and looks better.  

Rows 2-15:  Turn CH 1, SC in each 

Do not cut yarn.  CH1, 3 SC in corner, and SC all around edging evenly, SL into last, cut yarn and sew in ends.  Mine were about 9 x 9 inches or so.

(you can do your corners how ever you like, I used 3 SC to round out the corners)

If you have scraps of different colored blanket yarns, you could make the edging a different color (to use up those scraps, or just make the duster cloth a different color).

I do not have Word on my computer any longer, and have yet to figure out Google Docs (on the plan to check that out, just haven't needed it).

I had some labels leftover from craft show days, so I printed off some Avery labels, cut some card stock to wrap around the folded dust cloths, added the labels, and taped them on the back side.

                

All ready to be wrapped up.  Maybe it will entice them to clean house before the holidays, ha ha!  Either way, they are getting something handmade and useful.

The dust cloths are not just for gifting.  They are an inexpensive way to make your own (if you have the yarn).  If you crochet, and want to make some, the blanket yarn is about $3 less expensive at your Wal-mart.  Unless you can find it online for less than that, or get it free from a friend who just wants to get rid of some.

34 Weeks Until Christmas  ©  May 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Mashed Potato Squash ~ Does it Freeze Well?

Last fall, I roasted the last of the mashed potato squash we grew in the garden, and froze them.  I thawed a container for a dinner, and it thawed very nicely.  Hardly any water in it, and I just gave it a good stir before reheating.

Reheated with some salt and butter, and it tasted as good as freshly roasted mashed potato squash.  Yum!  I'm happy to report it worked out very nicely to roast, freeze, thaw and reheat.  

We will be growing mashed potato squash again this year.  I'm so glad we discovered this squash.

Mashed Potato Squash ~ Does it Freeze Well?  ©  May 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

May Begins

May is an exciting month.  The calendar is filling up.  At least for me anyway.  

Our redbud trees are blooming.  I planted 24 gladiolus bulbs, 2 rosemary plants, and dug up and moved a few hostas to a new area that has a ton of shade.

I used my homemade jalapeno salt to flavor some scrambled eggs this time around.  So good!  I believe it will be a daily staple in our pantry now.

The garden plans are up in the air to be honest, but some things are slowly progressing.  My husband had one day off work  (had an appt), and of course it rained.  It was the only day we had together to till the garden(s). Go figure.

 May is the month we start planting the vegetables and fruits. We always wait until after Mother's Day (as a weather rule around here).  However, one year, we planted the entire garden, and went on a weekend trip, only for a late frost to swoop in and kill most of our plants.  

(new shoots coming up, planted two years ago)

The rhubarb is looking great, as well as our fall planted garlic.  The asparagus continues to provide (woohoo to that).  The herb garden is looking grand, and it will need cleaned up this month.  I'm looking forward to outdoor time once again.

May Begins  ©  May 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

End of April

                 

I've been spring cleaning so to speak.  Really, the entire house needs swept and mopped, so I'm tackling one room a day when I can.  I am moving furniture and washing any rugs.   I have also been washing bed covers/comforters.   The weather is up and down for using the clothesline.

I pampered myself with a home hair treatment.  It saved me  $$ from going to the salon.  Well water is not my hair's best friend.  We all deserve to pamper ourselves.

Another "finish" for April - set of cotton hot pads to donate.

                             

The deer have started to roam the homestead, and we are not happy.  We have not gotten the fencing up (deer jump fence if it's too short).  There has not been time to do it. Heck, we haven't even had time to buy the rest of the supplies to get the job done. 

In the meantime, my garden solar alarms are up.  They will annoy the heck out of them until we can install a garden fence (on the 2nd garden area).

I may just get my donkey yet.  I already have a name picked out too.  They are great protectors, in case you are wondering.  They have legs that can kill a coyote.

Last Sunday we went back to colder weather, with a frost warning.  The morning started with a brisk 35°F.  Not unusual for us.  Monday was 39°F in the early morning, but we warmed up to the lower 70's.

Thankfully, I have the asparagus patch buried with straw for added protection, and it continues to provide for our meals.   I am almost out of all of the pesto I made last summer and froze.  

(chicken with basil pesto, potatoes and garden asparagus)

The freezer has swallowed the Thai basil pesto however.  I shall find it yet, ha ha!  I had it in the door to located quickly, but someone here moved it on me.  Anyway, we are down to that and some red pepper pesto.

By the way, I used my homemade jalapeno salt (first year to make and try this) in this easy egg/sausage/spinach breakfast casserole.  Delicious too.

April did not pass by without adventures, despite my husband's very long work hours.  We found joy in each day, added some new "first time" events to our lives, did a lot of outdoor walking, more small-ish homestead updates, did some foraging, read more books than April of last year, and was so thankful for everything (April of 2024 was a bit of a bummer). 

End of April   ©  April 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

If you give me scrap crochet thread

I have him-hawed over this scrap (leftover from another project) #3 cotton crochet thread.  I almost donated it to an area store that actually sells scrap balls of yarns.  I did not.  I let it sit around for almost 6 months, ha ha!

I tackled one of the leftover threads.  I have no idea how it even solidified in my brain, but a series of events made it happen.  

First, I was scrolling on my phone while out and about, and the husband was driving  (not a usual event for me to scroll facebook).  I wasn't looking at anything in particular, but a crochet pattern popped up, I screen shot it, and weeks later, it all came together.

I found free bookmark printables in black and white, and printed a sheet of them to tuck and package the hand crocheted bookmark.

I had this much left.  This thread made 3 more flowers for 3 more bookmarks.

 I used the last bit to tie a bow onto the finished, packaged surprise gift. Nothing wasted.

I gave a bunch of books (12 books and 1 puzzle) to one of our daughters (my finished load off my home bookshelf), and gifted her the bookmark to go with them.  I absolutely love the finished bookmark, and loved the end packaging result too.  The free printable was a bonus bookmark.  I will be looking to see if I have more scrap thread to make a few more for surprise gifts to make someone's day (just because).  If you crochet, it literally takes less than 10 minutes to make one.

note:  original pattern uses worsted weight yarn and an H hook.

Free Pattern can be found online:  Daisy Cottage Designs

Free bookmark printables are also online:  Printabulls.com

If you give me scrap crochet thread  ©  April 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

A Year of First Times ~ Surprise Weekend Visit

 I got the chance to go on a new outing, and with a surprise outing with one of the kids.   I was over joyed to get out of the house and do something fun.  It really has been a year for "first" times for so many things, and it is bringing me (us) pure joy, adventures, and fulfillment.  Big or small.

First, I received gifts!  A bag, new Spring bathrobe, garden gloves and a coffee mug.

The garden gloves are touch screen, so I can keep them on to use my cell phone if needed.  They work too!  Fit great! Love them!

Oh, and here is the "first time" part of the special day. . .we went to a coffee shop that we have never been too (first visit).  It's been open for many a year or so.  It's small, quaint, and oh boy, sells used and new books (gulp!).  They also sell locally made crafted items as well.

I got to try hot and iced coffee flights for the first time ever!!  Oh my gosh, these were delightful.

My first ever blind date with a book.  I will have an update on this, when I read it.  How cool is this get up?

My new pen!

These were the teabags on each of our blind date books.  I got the mint and rose tea.

As long as the coffee shop continues to stay open, it will be a special place to enjoy in the future.  The coffee was spot on good.  The used books will definitely get me into trouble, as I have enough to read right now, ha ha!

We had so much fun, that we may plan another coffee adventure in the near future, and yes it will be another "first time" adventures.

A Year of First Times ~ Surprise Weekend Visit  ©  April 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

A Few WIP (Work in Progress) Finished

I finished the lap afghan in the green yarns.  It will be the last blanket to be crocheted until fall/winter time.  I prefer small projects during hot weather here.

Finished the current knitted dishcloth.  I had forgotten about it, as it got tucked in the midst of my projects.  There isn't much yarn left on the yarn cone, so I'm not sure what I'll use the remaining yarn for yet (this color was discontinued).

I finished another book, hence another book blanket granny square.  I don't know how people can read 200 plus books a year.  I do not have the time to sit, and sit to read that much, but there has been progress this year (much more than last year).  

A few of you have given me a few ideas for audio books too.  Like combining an outdoor walk/hike with such books, or while cleaning house.  It's a year of new things and "first times" this year, so it may happen.  This is the first year to read an ebook and could be the first year to borrow audio books.

Finished Lap Afghan and a Book Blanket Granny Square  ©  April 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart