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~
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
New Project ~ Little House Inspired Shawl ~ Tidbits
Monday, January 25, 2021
Happy Homemaker Monday
Woke up to a stone cold wood stove. Hurumph! We both worked so hard Sunday, we woke up feeling like we just spent the first day in the garden kind of feeling. I feel like I'm feeding an army of animals too. Thankfully our daughter K has a flight home today.
I sent an email to the one place in the "Big City" I sell my soap saver bags at. I'm inquiring on selling another item there, and crossing my fingers. I miss having craft shows, and the cash it brings in. I received a check this past week for items sold on consignment there (happy for that).
I have another project for us to do. More on that tomorrow.
Sunday, January 24, 2021
Cold Weather
It's been cold here lately. Like waking up to 16°F cold. Brr. Saturday was a wash as far as working on the hallway. We finally had a Christmas with the grandkids. There have been so many close calls with the virus at my husband's work, we haven't been going around too many people.
While out looking at new trim, I picked up new toys for the dogs. I laughed so hard upon walking in the door. King literally jumped up and grabbed a long stuff dog toy I had in a shopping bag. He is so happy.
Saturday morning, my husband and I had breakfast at a local restaurant that has been open for 75 years. Good food, homemade and delicious. We thought we wouldn't get a table, as it is small and a dinner type setting, but we did. So good! The best part? I didn't have to cook nor do any dishes.
I got rid of 3 of the boxes of books I purged as well, while we were in that particular city. Woohoo to that.
We picked up a blade to grind down any uneven cement areas, and some new LED lights for the garage. Now we are in business to cut flooring and other wood in the garage. We may need to do a propane exchange for the heater, but otherwise ready to work. I will need to do something for a long window by the door. I may also put sheers up over the blinds, but excited to do the upgrades. I'm already thinking of some changes to do in the kitchen too.
Saturday, January 23, 2021
Random Tidbits
I decided to take a break from purging Friday. I did a few tidy up areas, but focused on a day without dust (ha ha!). I can't believe how many books I really had. Oye.
I cleaned up part of the other kitchen table. We have two tables, because I use them a lot during tomato season. One way or another I want a Christmas gathering here too. They are saying with the vaccine now, we should be back to almost "normal" this year.
Anyway, I made room to cut more netting. I've had a few requests for scrubbies and needed netting cut first.
I'm thinking about doing a give-away soon. I think I can part with some things I found that I've just decided I don't want, need or will make. Maybe that will boost my spirits by making someone else happy? I just ordered some shipping boxes from the usps store, so when they arrive I will post pictures of the give-away.
Friday, January 22, 2021
. . .from the handiwork journal
(old photo, but you can see I'm working from bottom to top)
.. . . Up to row 81 (out of 84) on the crocheted cardigan, with the sleeves getting started after that. Just a basic pattern, but my first clothing for adults to even crochet.
. . .started new Christmas tree ornaments for the 2021 Christmas (using up wine corks in my stash).
. . .got one "scrap" Christmas ornament crocheted.
. . .finished a set of hot pads
. . .started another set of hot pads
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Random Tidbits ~ Journal Junkie Purged
I am taking this dog watching as a test to see if I really do want one of my own then the girls (if they ever) move out. One morning it was 20-something, but felt like 13°F. Of course the two dogs of hers woke up at different times - two trips out in the dark early morning cold and snow.
Two blank journals went to each of the girls. I found them on my other bookshelves. One was a holiday journal I haven't used since 2007. It basically had a few comments, lists of foods, guests and a few photos - it went to the trash. I don't keep up with it. Photos go in albums now and journal in one main journal. Two or three were empty, and one was short stories
I've donated 2 boxes of books and now filled 10 more. I had so many handed down, some I still had from homeschooling, and other topics that needed to go to a new home. I parted with a few series that I bought from library book sales too. I just have to find places to donate to other than our Goodwill. The charity place has strange donation hours and a long walk in and out. I'm too old for that, ha ha! I need a drop off at the door kind of place.
Many were from a Humane Society book sale. During the last hour they had a big sale and I guess I went nuts. Another time a library book sale and the same after that.
A few were my husband's old books and he said get rid of them. These I may put up to sell. Not sure. I did a search on some other books, but found several copies for sale (low prices) and no bids on ebay. These however, are oldies and goodies. They are not in great shape though. He read them a lot and have been stored in a closed book case.
I took an inventory on canning supplies. I am set on jars and rims, just not the lids. I will be on the look out each trip to town. The last pectin I bought was expired (didn't see it until I got home).
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Snow Mustache and other random ramblings
I had to laugh at this. I took the photos, because of the odd snow formation. As Youngest's car sits to be looked at, the car grew a mustache! Ha ha ha! I just thought it was pretty cool (and funny).