Laundry Day ~ Just an ordinary day

So many people have asked me "do they really dry" and I have answered "yes they do."  If there is wind, they dry completely.  If there is a small amount of wind, they dry almost 90% and then it only takes about 5 minutes to dry them in front of the wood burning stove (on drying racks).  I have not yet used my dryer.  It's there if I need it, but I have not needed it yet. 

This is only one of my lines outside.  The other line was drying blankets that we keep in boxes for the barn cats.  I do put the laundry out early, so it has more time to dry.  It's all a matter of a little "hard work" and letting go of convenience and spending money for convenience.

I am truly a pioneer at heart, with a urge to learn surviving without.  Do you know how to dry your laundry if your power was eliminated?

When I wrote the above article (click on highlighted link in above paragraph) on drying laundry without a dryer, I wrote it from true experience.  We have 2 drying racks and one, 5-line retractable indoor clothes line.  The next step is to add lines in the garage, and a washing tub such as this one:

 

(photo borrowed from Lehman's)

We learned to survive without a dryer, but have you learned to survive without a washing machine?  We go through a lot of dirty clothes around here, especially in the summer with the garden work.  We have however, taught the kids to reuse bath towels to lower the amount of dirty clothes, and the amount of washing time.  Simply hang the bath towel to dry and reuse again.  Are you not clean when you get out of the shower?  Again, it's a matter of living without convenience and thinking frugal and smart.

Embroidery ~ Relaxing and Fun

I am reading the diaries from pioneer women who crossed the U.S. in the 1800's and it's been interesting and amazing.  Many women took extra needles and thread with them and traded with Indians for food.  Embroidery work, on hankies and other items were also given as gifts.  In my quest to embroider, learn more, and improve my skills, I have completed several projects.  Here are photos of my progress so far:

Here is my first embroidery sampler (posted before)

Books ~ Decluttering and Reducing

In the midst of cleaning through the house with flylady, I have discovered many books that can be donated to different organizations.  I am not only helping myself stay sane, but giving those extra books to others, who can benefit from them.

Here are several ideas on what to do with your unwanted books or books that can no longer be read, but can be put recycled into something new:  Ideas for Books

Sharing More Good Books ~ Wild Game and Goats

I found this book at the library.  It's amazing.  Full of recipes for many different types of wild game, including dove, duck, moose, elk, frog legs, cougar, coot, buffalo, quail and even raccoon.  Alligator is not left out of this book either.  It's been interesting reading the recipes for bear, grouse, porcupine, pigeon, pheasant, lynx, javelina, ground hog, goat, and so much more.  It's amazing how people survived by trapping these types of wild game for food.

I just received my guide to goats, from the library.  I'll be starting to research the caring for dairy goats.

Laundry Soap Making Day

I am making another 5 gallon bucket of laundry soap today.  It's been days since I have written anything, other than an e-mail (ha ha!) and my blog.   As long as I can buy zote soap, borox and washing soda, I'll never buy bottled or boxed store bought laundry soap again.  It's been a huge savings in our lives.

Writing Thank You Notes

I was astonished that a recent swagbucks survey showed that 60% of people (who entered the survey) said they do not send a written thank you note for Christmas/Hanukkah presents.  Really?!

Is this a long forgotten part of proper etiquette that people have forgotten?  In my opinion, I think that by teaching our children to write thank you notes, we are going well beyond helping them learn appreciation, and being thankful.  We are also teaching them writing habits, creative writing, and to acknowledge (and appreciate) the gift giver's extended hand.  It teaches kids to be caring and loving.  I'm amazed that so many people do not write thank you notes. 

Even a simple piece of construction paper can be created into the most amazing thank you note.  I have one on my S.C.R.A.P. blog that my sister made using an empty M & M wrapper.  Here is a photo of her most recent thank you note.  It is not only extremely creative, it is frugal and full of personality and love.

"Thanks a Million" is the theme for this thank you note:

It is a piece of construction paper, folded to create a money wallet, and stapled to hold the shape.  Inside the wallet is fake money, made from more construction paper.  Each "bill" contained a personal thank you note from each gift recipient.  How cool is that? 

Here are creative ideas for what to write in a thank you note.

"Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone."  ~G.B. Stern

"Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don't unravel."  ~Author Unknown

"Every time we remember to say “thank you”, we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.”
~Sarah Ban Breathnach

Taking Time for Myself ~ Good Books

I am absolutely loving this book.  I found out that this is volume 2 and there are many more to read.  If you want to read diaries of women who traveled across the U.S. in covered wagons you will enjoy this book.

 I ran out of dandelion root that I dug up over the summer, so the tea I made today was using a dandelion teabag.  I love a good cup of tea with a good book.