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~
Sunday, November 29, 2020
Resourcefulness Tidbits ~ Wood Splitting
Saturday, November 28, 2020
Depression Era Hanging Lamp and Dad
I found this when we cleaned the garage last. My Dad made it for me many years ago when I had my first house. It shows his humor as well as resourcefulness. Best I can figure, it was a key to our shed at the time, and I am sure I lost the key once or twice, so hence he recycled wooden piece in large form, sanded and polished it too.
Friday, November 27, 2020
Random Tidbits ~ The Car Saga
Thanksgiving yesterday was spent much differently, but so much more less stressed and way less dirty dishes.
We started off the day with ordering 7 meals online from Bob Evans. We went to the "Big City" and delivered 2, then headed out of town to our daughter who is in quarantine with a total of 5 people. We placed a box (5 meals) and bag of extra food in the driveway, and then called her. She was ever so thankful, but still can't really taste food.
By the time we returned home, our 21 year-old was off work and we broke out our take out meal. I was literally back in my PJ's by then and we just hung out in the kitchen until we were all done eating.
Porch weather returned for a short bit, so we spent some time chatting on the porch too.
We had to stop at the grocery store for an extra pie, the day before Thanksgiving. Our 21 year-old daughter is constantly buying Christmas decor (which I told her "save your money")
Guess what she bought for me?
Camper ornaments. They are so cute and she insisted the tree needed them, as we are not putting up our bigger tree this year. We are using her tree that she put up (a bit smaller). I love them, but still told her she better be saving her money.
On Tuesday, the day before my Dad's funeral service, 3 of us went to town to take care of all of the last title/plates (deadline due to pandemic was Dec. 1st.).
We were at the title office, and I watched my daughter and husband walk back to the truck. I said, "uh, she has to go next door and get plates."
My husband looked at me and said, "your daughter is broke down on the highway (our 2 lane country highway). It was raining and we drove all the way back to her. Her car wasn't going anywhere. My husband and I pushed her car off the road, drove her home, gave her the keys to my car and she went to work.
We drove back to town (this is about a 25 minute drive), got the plates for the other daughter's car, went back home to get help to tow the car back home. When we got home, we saw transmission fluid all over the driveway. Ugh. We have yet to look at the issues and I'm praying the transmission isn't blown.
So, guess who is back to having no car again. I never even got to drive it again. Sigh.
Our family needs a break from all things bad.
Thursday, November 26, 2020
This and That
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Egg Souffle (aka Christmas Morning Casserole)
(note: you could use ham or bacon or any mix of meats really, but we've always used breakfast sausage)
The original recipe was given to me by a co-worker many, many years ago. She had brought the dish in for a potluck, and it was amazing. We've been baking this for Christmas morning every year since then, because you can make it the night before and bake it in the morning.
Brown one pound of organic (or homemade) breakfast sausage. Drain. Set aside.
Monday, November 23, 2020
Happy Homemaker Monday
The weather outside is . . .
Cold, sunny, 40's, lows tonight 30's
On the breakfast plate this morning . . .
As I look outside my window . . .
It's sunny.
As I look around the house . . .
Not really looking. Things can wait for now.
What I am wearing today . . .
PJs.
To do today or this week . . .
-pick out an outfit for Dad's graveside service
-try and get a hair cut
-get through the week
Currently reading . . .
Nothing this week.
On the TV . . .
Operation Christmas Drop
On the menu this week . . .
So far it's been take out. Chicken noodle soup is in the crockpot and after that most likely take out. To mental stressed to even want to cook/bake.
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Random Tidbits
I placed another book order. I also ordered a few western movies for my husband for Christmas. We are not really exchanging gifts this year, but it gives us something to watch Christmas day too. We still plan to buy for two younger ones. We've just had too many car repairs expenses, and one daughter we co-signed for and moved out of state, stiffed us with 3 months of car payments then blocked us on social media. I can't make this stuff up.
I just don't go to the library anymore. First, without the car, had a horrible time getting help getting them picked up and dropped off. Second, you can't just go and browse. You have to make an appt, ring a doorbell and they come let you in. I just caved and bought the book I need.
I heard back on the dehydrator part. It's not in stock right now, but they suggested another door - $30.00 and no answer yet if it will work for my model. So frustrating, considering this is not a cheap dehydrator. I'm now told that my part will not be in until 2021. For now, duct tape it is. At least unless my husband can do anything else for me to rig it.