From the Homesteading Journal . . .

...canned two batches of Holiday CranberryJam. I was quite pleased with it.  Thank you Candy at Lazy J Bar C Farm for your post on this.


...mixed up more dry, homemade taco mix.

Grandma ~ Her Creative and Frugal Living

Both of my grandmothers had their own talents and special ways, in which they enjoyed living life.  I am lucky to have one container of crafting supplies that belonged to one of them.  She made jewelry from beads, crafted with empty styrofoam egg cartons, and made so many usable things from other people's trash.

During the Great Depression, my grandfather, repaired vehicles for extra cash.  My grandmother (both on my Dad's side of the family), made everything and anything.  She grew everything, canned everything, sewed everything she wore, and was very resourceful.

My Dad used to tell me stories on how Grandma would get lamp poles from people's garbage and re-build them into useable lamps.  She would then sell these.  She was good with carpentry also.

In memory of her frugality, perseverance and love for creativeness, I posted a re-creation of her Egg Carton Jewelry on my S.C.R.A.P. Blogspot.  Enjoy! 

 

Frugal and Healthy Soup/Stew

It's the still-needing-a-name-soup/stew.

It turned out more of a stew than a soup.

I did not use any broth or stock either.  

A Peek At My Key Chain Collection

Keep in mind, that I have over 400 of them (the last time I counted)....also, some of these were gifted to me by family when they traveled, others are from my own traveling days.  And of course, some just caught my eye and I bought them. I started this collection when I was a young teenager.

Collections....Pens and Keychains

I can't say I really "collect" antiques, because I use all the antiques I do buy.  Except for my coffee pot collection.  I do use two of them when we go camping, so I am still considering options for the remainder of them (maybe turning them into plant pots).

Here is another pen in my "collection" of pens.  They kids bought me this one year.  It is a bit challenging to write with, and I tend to play with it more than write, but it's definitely different.  

I remember playing the game "Trouble" many times as a child.

P.S. I know a few followers asked to see more of my keychain collection, so I hope to get that posted soon. 

It's pouring down rain this morning, and the weather is to be up to the 60's tomorrow.

Downsizing Our Vehicles ~ Smaller Paychecks

"Old Faithful" is finally repaired.   She needed a new water pump and heater core, among other small repairs.  

My son's car is at it's end.  His plan is to junk the entire car for cash.  He can put that cash towards a new one when he gets a job and can purchase one.

But in the meantime, he needs a way to get to work.  We are in the boonies, and a bicycle is in no way, an option.

So, he and and plan to share old "Eunice" until he can do that.

As we put our truck "Old Faithful" up for sale, we are sending the van back over for more repairs (again).  It's not been driven for a year now, and still needs a new battery (the plan is to keep the battery from my son's junked car).

Once those repairs are completed, it will be up for sale too.  We both agreed.

The sale of the truck and van, and eventually the Buick my son and will share, will buy us one new vehicle that I can drive, and be used for all the farm hauling - a truck.  

Or, we sell the van and car, and keep the truck for farm hauling - plan B.

Those are the plans anyway.   I still have another 16 year-old in training, and will need a car, but that will have to be put on the "wish" list for now.  

First things first....

Ordinary Day and Fun Mail

My day was an ordinary day - feed/water animals, can jelly,  housework, laundry etc.  Until the mail arrived.

Carolyn at Krazo Acres surprised me with a jar of home canned Cider Jelly.  Thank you Carolyn!  That was a sweet surprise!