Cold Spell ~ Stocking Up Stats ~ Vegetarian Caesar Dressing

After discovering we were to have another possible frost last night, we did not plant the last two flats of vegetable plants.  Instead the mowing was finished, the goats got to enjoy their grazing time (without sun and heat), and I got the joy of cleaning the toilet. We actually had to put jackets on outside.

I had to dig out old sheets and cover the flowers.

Regarding stocking up stats...

Excerpts from a Journal Junkie

from the Homesteading Journal. . .

We stocked up another truck load of hay for the goats. Speaking of goats, my 15 year-old said she could feel Peanut's baby kick.  She is due to kid in about May. 

(sorry for the bad photo - bad lighting)

I am trying my first batch of "budget" baking mix and we made Monster cookies.  They were pretty good too.

I've found another way to add kale to our meals - mix it in with garlic mashed potatoes. Note to self - plant more Kale in the garden this year.

I've also been looking for ways to utilize our stocked up blueberries and ricotta cheese.  Both are future goals for us - produce enough home grown, chemical free blueberries to stock up, and make homemade ricotta cheese from our own raw milk.  I've been adding both ingredients to pancakes and topping with a homemade honey syrup.  Every time I bought a bottle of pancake syrup (when real Maple syrup was too expensive), I would cringe.  To my surprise, the homemade honey syrup is delicious, healthy, affordable, and utilizes our raw honey we purchase locally.  Raising our own honey bees is on our future goal list also.


The kids cleaned their room, and one decided she did not want this pink vintage suitcase anymore.

I claimed it as mine.  It's too small to really pack clothes for a trip, but I could use it to store books or games for camping trips.  Possibly use it to store craft supplies.  Not sure yet.

My son invested in a charger to charge AA rechargeable batteries. Although electric, it should save us money on batteries when we need them.


We recently found out that we can dump our wood stove ashes directly to our garden.  We've been adding some to the compost, so it makes sense, and easier too.




from the craft journal. . .
  

(before framing)

I finished the shadow box that I was framing my Grandmother's 1924 Valentine in.  I quilled the top two corners and added a few quilled hearts around her photo.

I finished 3 pairs of dice earrings for my 10 year-old (who has been begging for a pair).  She saw them at Claire's (6 pairs for over $8.00).  I told her I could make them, and did for a lot less.  I purchased dice beads for $2.99 plus 30% off, and have more to make for all the girls.

I finished  three pairs of pink dice earrings I made from pieces of a broken, elastic kids hair band.

I also finished a few more bottle cap magnets.  The kids have been asking for more, to use in their school lockers. 

I also finished two other projects that can be read on my S.C.R.A.P. Blog:

 http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-can-i-do-with-vintage-wooden.html

http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/2012/01/pin-cushions-using-kitchen-and-art.html

 from the family journal. . .

I surprised the kids with another "Punch Bowl" Friday punch and cookies.  I am working on more new family traditions.




from the gratitude journal. . .

Today I am thankful for:

1.Cartoons - they make me laugh.

2. my stove

3. Music

4. the extra drying racks that Mom gave me, I've been using them a lot this season

5. God's Promises
 


 

  

Hunter's Moon

In case you missed the Hunter's Moon Wednesday, here you go.  We woke up to 33°F yesterday morning.

Here is the moon this morning.  We woke up to a chilly 28°F.  I got up at 5:30am to take the dogs out and stoke the fire.  Typically, I put Mia on a leash and let Jesse go do his business within sight of our pole light.  However, after I called for him, a group of coyotes moved through, and they were close.  Loud too.  I had to yell "treaty" to get him running inside.  I will be taking him on a leash now when it's dark.  They were across the street somewhere, and the corn is still up there.  My hands were literally shaking, they were that close.  Coyotes were always an issue when we had kid goats.  Thankfully, they are not around our area as much as other areas.  This is the second time we've heard them this year.

I only worked outdoors yesterday for about 30 minutes yesterday - too cold.  I can't function pulling weeds etc with too many layers on.  This week is going to be interesting.  Rain is in the forecast, so I'm yanking weeds and dead plants as fast as I can.  I'm not sure when I'll be out there today.  It'll have to warm up first.

Last night I made breakfast for dinner - homemade sausage in sausage gravy, over homemade biscuits, scrambled eggs and fried potatoes.  By the way, I made the eggs first, cooking them almost done.  I then put them in a crock pot on low while I cooked everything else.  It worked great and freed up my stove top.

Mia literally put her bone in my lap yesterday, while crocheting, ha ha ha!  Funny dog.  However, she goes after cats.  Urgh.

Pets, Goats and Vets

A trip to the "island" is so overdue for Hubby and I.   In fact, I think we are planning one soon.  

Last night he worked until 11:30pm, and didn't get home until 12:30am.   The only time I got to see him, was when Alias (pitbull mix) got super scared of the surprise thunderstorm we got, and practically smothered us during the night.

Neither of us got much sleep.  I plan on buying that poor guy a thunder jacket.  I'm guessing his previous owner left him outside during storms.

Participation Plummet and Random Thoughts

 

March rolled in quicker than I expected.  I had some goals for the end of February, and here we are at March.

There seems to be a blogger participation plummet for whatever reasons.  So many blogs I used to follow, with such interesting and useful homesteading content (sometimes humorous), have left the blogging scene.  I get it for the most part.   It can be time consuming, and in winter the writing content can be very limited.  Things change for some as well.

I mean, we used to raise dairy goats (Lamancha), and we stopped doing that years ago, so I do understand change.  Life changes constantly.

I'm experiencing the humdrum of blogging.  I know spring is around the corner, but maybe like all the other blogs I used to read (and now don't post anymore),  I'm sort of falling off the blogging "thing" lately as well.  

Maybe I am the one who needs a new change.  Although we are still undergoing home repairs, and staying busy, sometimes change is a good thing.  

The rain held off, and we had a few very nice 70 degree days here.  It may stay in the upper 60's today, but thunderstorms may actually roll in later.  The weather causes that itch to clean up gardens, but I know I need to refrain for now.  It's still too early.

For the first time this year, I was able to wash and dry the bedding and quilts outside on the clothesline.

We also blew the dust off our motorcycle, and got our first ride of the year in.  The weather has been that nice. 

Here is an update on "what I am crocheting" for the time being.  I have to admit though, as the warmer days stay, I'm on hold for this blanket.  If we cool back down, I'll be back to work on it some more, and in hopes to finish before the cooler days disappear for the year.  The photo doesn't really show the colors very well.  

That is a burgundy yarn, leftover from crocheting a cardigan, and the others are heather gray, teal, and soft white.  The gray and white are also leftover project yarns.  The colors remind me of a cabin.  I wanted to use the other pattern, but his one has less ends to sew in.  

Blogger is once again having hiccups with posting.  I am having trouble with photos loading, and for the font to stay the way I type it.  I have to constantly go back and fix the post.  

I may also remove the "popular post" widget.  I am getting some outrageous view counts on some very old posts, that is not normal.  Most of my posts barely get 100 views within a few years, and some showing up in the "popular" post widget are well over that.

I am using the stats and google analytics to watch those this week.  Another reason I am contemplating continuing to blog - a lot of work to maintain for all reasons. 

By the way blogger "stats" is not working properly.  It was working the other day, but now it is not.  Anyone else having blogger issues?  Also, I tried adding a jump break on a post, and it would not work either.   I may try an entirely new blog theme.

Participation Plummet and Random Thoughts  © Mar 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

First Day of School

It was a happy/sad day today.  The kids were up very early and pretty excited about going back to school.  Me on the other hand, was a bit down.  


I did have a lot to keep me busy.  If fact, my first canned tomato sauce is still reducing.  In between cutting up all those roma tomatoes and onions, I pulled 2 watermelons from the garden and cut them up.  I also pulled about 5 more zucchini.  I think I will put the relish canning and tomato freezing jobs off until tomorrow.  Five loads of laundry wore me out, on top of all the other work around here.  


I never got my "porch time" as my Dad surprised us with a visit.  The kids were very excited and can't wait to show him the goats.

April Already?!

Heavy winter coats are finally going into storage.

 

Yesterday was absolutely wonderful outside. I filled my clothesline. 

Nothin' Much....

That sums it up - nothin' much goin' on here that's too exciting.  Other than we are crossing a few jobs off the list.  The irises are in full bloom right now, but I may have to thin them out next spring.

Fall is Still Lingering

The kids are out of school today and tomorrow.  We are all guilty of having the "sleepy head" syndrome.  All, but Hubby of course, who groggily went to work.  I, for the first time (other than when sick), slept in until almost 10am.  Yikes!  My 14 year-old actually thought something was wrong with me, ha ha!  Gracious, I am so far behind now.  But you know what?  It felt kind of nice to just take it easy.  Besides, we got a lot done over the weekend. 

142 Recycled Post Marked Postage Stamps ~ Saturday Rambles

In the midst of a mad-woman cleaning day, I ran across a box of printed cardstock that was storing an unfinished project.

Drinking Kale? Bitter Cold Returns

The most recent issue of Country Woman magazine contained an article about ginger.  

They included a recipe for a Kale and Ginger Smoothie, and Youngest wanted to try it.  I was skeptical, as I have never put raw greens into a smoothie. But....

Friday Finish ~ A Molasses Cookie Experiment ~ Goat Treats

I took the advice of so many thoughtful folks, and took the day off from the garden Thursday.  Totally felt guilty after seeing the weather forecast too.  Winter will roll in quick and I am far from ready.  I still took the day off.  I donned the apron instead.  And I did a little handiwork. And downed a tincture while I baked (for my swollen glands, slight sore throat).  I had my tea afterwards.

I finished a project and I never thought I would.  Especially this time of season.

I started this back before the 4th of July, and well, it's done!
I'll link up with Jill for "Friday Finish" once she has posted.

As for the cookie experiment. . .

Calling all of those who love a crispy, crunchy molasses cookies!  Do you have a tried and true recipe?

I do not.   

So I tried one (Sally's Baking Addition online - Crisp Molasses Cookies).  Only I used 1 cup Einkorn flour, and 1 cup regular (organic) all-purpose, and local sorghum molasses. The dough is refrigerated for 1 hour before you roll it.

The dough can be frozen ahead of time, or refrigerated for 2-3 days prior to making them.  You can also freeze the baked cookie of course.  These are all bonuses as we approach the holiday baking season too.

The first cookie taste test?  Crunchy on the outside, chewy in the middle, however delicious.  I wanted a fully crispy cookie for another recipe.

So I baked the last sheet of cookies one minute longer.   I cooled them exactly as the recipe called for as well.

Now for a cookie story.  Back when we had our dairy goats, we treated them each one gingersnap after milking was over.  We didn't put their heads in those contraptions they have on milking stands.  We simply used a long coffee table we re-purposed, put a cement block on one end and attached a feed dish.  We had them jump up on the table, hooked a thick animal leash to their collar and hand milked.  

Each goat was different.  One goat you could lean in on, the other didn't like that.  Anyway, after milking, and a full bucket, they'd get a treat - gingersnap cookie.  Often times we ran out of cookies, which we bought at the store.  I now wish I had found this recipe so many years back.  I'm not sure we could train the goats to do this in the future, but this recipe is a keeper.  Oh, and when the wethers were here, they knew where the cookies were kept, and they would jump the stall and eat them all (until we built up the stall, ha ha!)

I bet some ice cream in between two would be absolutely naughty.  Yum.  It's hard to eat just one.  Next batch, I'll use the full 2 cups of Einkorn flour and see how that compares. 

There will be a "next" batch, so I can get them in the freezer for Christmas.  I'm totally excited to find this recipe, but please share if you have one that is good and crispy.  Once I put these cookies into an airtight container they softened up again (although the family still loved them).  I guess if you need to use the crunchy type in another recipe, do it the same day.  If there are any left today, I'll freeze some for a few weeks to see how they do.

Zucchini-Banana Squares ~ Goat on the Loose

While I was out getting a few groceries, my 17 year-old daughter made Zucchini-Banana Squares.  I had quite a bit of zucchini that I harvested yesterday morning, and had a few soft bananas.  Luckily, I had one bag of mini-chocolate chips too.  These bars are made with flaxseed or wheat germ, and are fairly healthy.  The recipe comes from Heart Healthy Living, and is linked below.  We do buy organic/non-gmo canola oil as well.  I have not made these with applesauce yet, but may try it before the summer is over.  I do plan to freeze some shredded zucchini this year.

I also picked some green peppers for dinner, and made 3 batches of homemade mushroom soup (to make a chicken spaghetti favorite of ours), using our goat's milk.  

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

I cut the entire 10 yards of green netting I bought, but now have a blister on my thumb from cutting so much netting.  I will need to raise my prices next year on handmade items.  My supplies have all gone up in price.

My husband was not able to leave work early yesterday, so I have much to do today on my own.  It's going to be much nicer out today, so that will help.

I worked a bit more on my Christmas ornaments.  I'll take them to the craft show this weekend.  I would love to keep one for our tree, but we'll see.  I will be sure to post a photo when they are all done.

Bottle Cap Earrings I made.

I'm making more for the craft show, but I still need to balance outside work with inside work.  Instructions on the ornaments can be found on my S.C.R.A.P. Blogspot.

I went out to find something dug up the yard looking for grubs I assume.  I'm thinking either skunk or raccoon.  I guess we don't have to worry about army worms, but the rodents left the grass a total mess.  In all the 13 years living here, this is the first time to see this.

I have been putting my homemade comfrey salve on a bruise, and it's been working great!  I'm so glad I made it this year.  Do you make a comfrey salve?

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

I'll link up when she posts.  I need to get the outdoor stuff done before I can start playing with handiwork.

The weather . . . 

68°F/ 43°F

How I am feeling this morning . . .

Ready to tackle the days work.

On my mind . . .

Homemade Christmas presents. I have a few to gift, and a few ideas.  I would like to make some things to surprise gift my Aunt M.  

On the breakfast plate . . .

I'm leaning towards a crock pot steel cut oats recipe with apples and raisins.

Right now I am . . .

Getting ready to post this, and get this day going.

What I am wearing today. . .

Outdoor work clothes, muck boots, then changing clothes.

On my reading pile . . .

Letters written to my Dad, so I can start passing them onto the next sibling.

On today's to-do list . . .

-put dishes away

-bake a breakfast casserole, maybe steel cut oats breakfast

-muck the chicken coop

-put tomato stakes back in storage

-dump flower pots

-pull glady bulbs

-check greens in the garden

-work on crocheting more dish scrubbies, finish a set of boot cuffs, and work on the ornaments and earrings

On the TV . . .

Comanche Moon, Lonesome Dove, Return to Lonesome Dove

On the menu this week . . .

-chicken chili

-turkey, steamed broccoli

-roast, potatoes, carrots and onions

-leftovers

From the camera . . .

Old photo of when we had the last goats (he was a wether).  He was always finding a way to jump out of his stall or over the fence.  

Looking around the house . . .

I have the larger kitchen table cleaned off to cut one more color of netting. 

Something fun to share . . .

Recipes to try.  The brazil nut one has me intrigued.

To relax this week I will . . .

Read letters and crochet, call Mom.

On the prayer list . . .

Mom.  Her memory is getting worse.  She also canceled her meals on wheels and now relies on friends and family.  Winter is coming and I think she'll need to get those meals delivered again.  I get snowed in, and most everyone works.

Fun Day ~ Tidbits

The younger two were begging to do another "fun" thing while they were on spring break, so Hubby agreed to take them to the zoo.  The aquarium was shut down for a large remodel job, and it just re-opened last week.  

Humidity ~ Wine Cork Herb Markers ~ Goat Capers Continue ~ Dog

Anyone else on a diet of cold fruit, light salads and yogurt?  Oh, and healthy popsicles?  And iced tea?

The humidity has been so thick, and it really makes gardening uncomfortable.  I literally woke up without an appetite.  Yesterday's brunch was watermelon.  

Today however, it is only going to be in the 60's - camping weather if you ask me.  Just gorgeous.  I told Hubby we should back up the camper and play hookie.  It was tempting for a short few seconds.

Well, that's not happening.  Garden duty calls today, and I'll admit, I'd rather work in cool 60°F weather than 80°F and 86% humidity.
 

 

 
I spent a few more rainy days making

Hand Therapy

In desperation to give my hands some relief, I bought a paraffin wax hand therapy machine.  My 16 year-old is also battling sore hands from hand milking goats, so I felt it was a good investment.

We immediately opened the box, read the directions, and heated the wax.  The other girls were so enthused, that they too joined in with dipping a hand.  

I had to laugh, as we all wanted to take photos, but we all had one wax covered hand in a plastic bag.  

Little of This ~ Little of That

 

Mondays are always hard, as it's back to the grind, and no sleeping in.  I, however, took advantage of the day and the 60-some degree weather.  Laundry went on the line, I worked a bit in one of the vegetable gardens, and I did some indoor painting.  I also got some porch reading time in, and boy the weather was fantastic.

I've learned in our area, that you need to just drop whatever you indoor plans are on good spring days, and get outside.  The weather has quickly turned to rain, thunderstorms, and high wind warnings.

Breakfasts were finally decided on, and I pulled more frozen garden pumpkin puree from the freezer, along with some holiday diced ham we froze, and frozen garden grown bell peppers.

Freezer meal planning progress . . .

Meaning using the freezer items as a meal prep start.

(Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole:  The Real Food Dietitians online.  I had to put foil on top and bake longer, because the center was not cooked all the way).

I made us some Einkorn flour pumpkin pancakes and a ham and egg breakfast casserole.  I have more frozen garden pumpkin puree, so I'll be looking for more new recipes to try. 

The ham and egg casserole was a new recipe to try.  It was similar to the egg cups with ham, but in a 9 x 9 pan instead.  

The bottom layer of it requires flour, so the next time I will try Einkorn flour and reduce the milk.  Any advice for swapping all purpose flour with Einkorn all-purpose flour when baking?

Has anyone made their own date syrup?  I bought organic dates, but I need a small batch recipe, not one with a pound of dates.  I did not get medjool either, they simply say "organic" on the label.  I'm thinking of making some for pancakes/waffles, but would need a recipe for 1 cup of dates.  Just not sure on the amount of water to use.

We've located a resource for "lightly" pasteurized goat milk.  It's a bit of a drive, but we will stock up soon.  We have yet to locate "raw" goat milk.  Does anyone know if I can make cheese with this type of milk?  I used to make all sorts of cheese when we had raw milk from our own Lamancha goats, and I do miss it.

Garden notes for the end of March:

-any and all plastic/stakes were removed from the garden for tilling

-chives and green onions have recovered from the recent snow

-garlic looks a bit dry, but there is rain falling now

-more egg shells were added to another area of the vegetable garden

-potato starts have been purchased, and I'll be placing them in a cardboard box to grow sprouts for planting

-rhubarb is up and look good, it's too early for asparagus just yet, and we need a new raised bed, as we plan to move the rhubarb plants this spring, asparagus bed needs weeded, but I will wait for the shoots to come up first

-I will not be putting out my mole-chasing windmill until these high winds stop, but it will be going up after that.

Little of This ~ Little of That  © Mar 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

It's a Boy!

I was just getting ready to start making jam and my 15 year-old daughter said, "Mom, Misty is ready.  It could be 1-2 hours."

I grabbed my camera and we waited.  She took forever, but it's her first kidding.

She gave birth to a healthy baby boy.  He's the spittin' image of a true blue white mountain goat.  What a cutie.  Of course, real mountain goats have larger ears than a lamancha, and are much larger, but he still has to the color.

I'm not sure what he'll be named, so watch my daughter's blog for goat updates and more photos. 

Life as a Teen Farmgirl

Jam making can wait for this cutie pa-tootie!

Fall Blooms ~ Extreme Clean Continues

Despite lack of weeding, the front flower beds are full of color.