Pioneer Woman at Heart

One Flourishing, Frugal and Fun Family!

One family learning to live off the land, cut back on expenses, and to live a simpler and a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Adopted Motto

"Eat it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or go without."
~A Pioneer Sampler, by Barbara Greenwood~

Friday, August 25, 2017

Welcome to the Jungle! Homemaking at it's Best ~ Fox and the Chickens ~ Garden Provides

I feel like I need to add music to this post, ha ha ha!

I decided to take photos after all.  A little humor for you today. I was outside taking photos of Youngest on her 2nd day of school, and just started to laugh.

You have to have humor to see this, and deal with this (all things considered).

This doesn't even include the jungle of a vegetable garden we have either.

Grab a cup of java/tea or your favorite beverage.  Things just got interesting....

Thursday, August 24, 2017

No Rain ~ The Jungle ~ Our Lamancha Goats passing hands again

We were to get rain all day the other day, and got  a 1 second sprinkle.  The garden really needs it too.

In the meantime, I wrapped up my leg really good (I didn't want dirt in it) and went out to weed the jungle of my herb garden.  I needed to get in it to start dehydrating for winter.

One hour later, my left eye started to itch and burn.  Sure enough when I came inside, it was red and swollen.  Allergies.  I am almost out of nettle, so I whipped up a cup of nettle, ginger and peppermint tea.

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

First day of School ~ Ketchup/dirty apron day ~ Quinoa

First off today, it's the first day of school and this Mom didn't wake up until 9am.  I feel so awful.  I had a busy day yesterday, but Grad Daughter was up and took my traditional bus leaving the house photos.  Her bus picks up at 7:04am this year, and normally I am up.

I woke up to an almost empty coffee pot and then realized I missed her getting on the bus.  I feel terrible.  Oye.  Oh so terrible.  At least Hubby already had coffee made, and I already had breakfast made.  That should have helped ease her morning.

Yesterday, my day started with chopping up and coring 10-11 pounds of tomatoes.  Our tomato year is poor this year. they are much smaller and we have very little compared to last year.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Beets, Housework, Preparing for Winter, and Handiwork


While beets boiled in their skins, I read a short story in a magazine to get an idea of what is expected of submissions.  


And laundry was washed and put out on the line.  

Bathrooms were scrubbed by help from the kids, and floors cleaned.  By the way, my Grad Daughter has now been taught to boil potatoes and eggs both.  I hope she keeps up on her learning skills.

Monday, August 21, 2017

First Ride in a Few Weeks

Hubby came home from working midnight, and went straight to repairing my back brakes on the car.  In the meantime, I pulled and pulled and got my motorcycle boots on.  My feet are still swollen from the meds, but are getting better.  I got the boots on, and Hubby had the bike out and washed up.  I sat on the porch with my feet up, hoping to take more swelling down.  His only wish that day was for me to go on a ride with him. 

We did.  And we came home with sore rumps.  Ha ha ha!   Our Sunday went very quickly.  I did a bit of handiwork on the porch, but it was pretty hot and humid.

Today, I'm back in the kitchen, so I'm up early.  My spider bites are starting to itch, although the larger has a ways to heal. 

Sunday, August 20, 2017

Goals ~ Chickens ~ Doctor Update

While I had 4 days to rest up even more, I decided to get out my mother's sewing machine and learn how to chance the thread.  I have used it many times for sewing goat coats for the new born kids, but used the same thread.  I know, I know.

I have sewing project on my mind.  One that will save us money, and one that will possibly be an item to sell.  Etsy just may see me soon.  We'll see.

On top of that, there are still 3 more possibilities of handicraft sales - one Hubby and I both agree on, the other two are good ideas too.

Saturday, August 19, 2017

Garden Bounty ~ King


More beets were picked, and washed outside.  They get brought in for me to scrub, and remove greens to blanch and freeze. 


The beets are boiled with skins on, then peeled, sliced and frozen.  I am thrilled to get more in the freezer.  The greens were all bug eaten this time around.  There are more out there, so the next rain should plump them up.

Carrots are looking very good.

Flower beds were tackled.  Or should I say "attempted." And quickly abandoned.  Very quickly.  Things have overgrown and it will just have to wait.