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~

Thursday, October 14, 2021

Baking Donuts and Tidbits

 




I dug out the donut pan and baked some pumpkin/cardamom donuts.   

The results?  Well, they were good and dense.  However, I felt the recipe I tried, lacked in flavor.  I'd add more cinnamon and nutmeg to it.  They were very easy to make, and I'd consider trying other recipes, just for kicks  This recipe used a small amount of butter, and I used half whole wheat flour.

It's something "fun" for a gathering, or when you need individual servings and don't want to bake bread and slice it.

(Recipe is online with Kitchen Addiction)

I sat down yesterday and wrote a letter to my only living Aunt.  I realized I have not been in touch with her.  I am glad I kept stationary now.  Although it's much quicker to type a letter, I do love the ol' pen and paper.

The weather is beautiful, but it appears rain is possible towards the weekend.  I don't have much to pull from the garden.  The rest is in grow bags.

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Mom and Patty

 A big thank you to Vicki at Mom's Scribbles.  Your help was much needed.  We are in the works getting meals delivered from the local hospital (specifically designed for Mom's health), and she'll be getting a home health aide to come help with her legs and do blood draws in her own home.  

Mom's memory is not that great, so the extra "eyes" on her and medical help will be great! 

Update on my husband's sister.  Not good.  She has covid pneumonia as of yesterday.

Sorry for the short post.  I baked English Muffins yesterday to distract my brain, but they didn't turn out that great.  I should have been cleaning and prepping again for the floor project instead.  Anyway, I'm working on perfecting those buggers the next baking day.  I'll update on that when it happens.

I didn't want to deal with yet another strainer full of hot peppers either.  I sent them with my husband and he gave them to a co-worker.  We saved a small amount of fresh jalapenos though.  We've been chopping them and adding them to the beans I cooked up.

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Some things I learned and other ramblings . . .

 I was watching a foraging video on making dandelion pesto, and the person mentioned using "soaked and dried" nuts (unroasted) or seeds for the recipe.

I had to google it, and yes there are video's on doing this process.  Apparently, it helps you digest them, brings out their flavor and nutrition.




I did not even know that re-usable freezer bags, that use a handheld tool, existed.  The tool removes the air from the bag.  They re-seal and are washable.  I bought one (not the one I wanted, as I don't think it is being made anymore), but trying it out to see if the bags keep the air out after months of being in the fridge.  I hope it works out well.  I just put hot peppers in the freezer.  I can take out a bit, re-seal and put back in the freezer.  I love the fact that it will cut back what I spend on ziploc bags.

Monday, October 11, 2021

Happy Homemaker Monday

 


Beautiful sunrise this morning.

I had to frog the second cardigan sleeve.  Not sure what is wrong with my brain, because I know how to crochet.   I will put it off for another day and get back to it.  

An odd sighting on Sunday - a man jogging down the country highway with a USA flag.  A car was behind him with hazard lights on, but I couldn't read what was on the side of the car.  I'll admit, I lifted my spirits to see him doing that.  I would have had a photo if I had my phone in my hand, but I had a cup of coffee in my hand instead.

Daughter E came out for a visit.  That was a blessing, considering my husband and Daughter K were both working.  She took more of her belongings, and we chatted for a while.

I called the General Store, where I may be selling one of my items.  They have not yet emailed or called me back.  I know they are busy with fell festival stuff, so I may need to call again this week.  Or I may stop in with the items.



Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. 
I'll link up after she posts this morning.


The weather . . .
86°/65° F, sunny

How I am feeling this morning . . .
Exhausted, but mostly because my husband worked all weekend, so I worked at the house.  Not having a weekend to sleep in is exhausting.

On the breakfast plate . . .
Frittata, coffee.   Lots of coffee.

On my reading pile . . .
Nothing, again oddly

On today's to-do list . . .
-laundry
-boil pinto beans for bean dip and freeze most of it
-pick peppers from the garden
-freeze more hot peppers


On my tv . . .
Whatever we find interesting on Netflix


On the menu this week . . .
-Leftover Chicken Spaghetti
-Baked walleye, veggie
-honestly, have no idea yet, ha ha!


From the camera . . .

The rain gave us more hot peppers.  Maybe fire powder for Christmas gifting?  I really don't want to can, but I may be canning hot pepper mustard sauce.  I guess canning first.  There won't be any family holiday gatherings again this year.


Looking around the house . . .
My kitchen, for once, is beautifully cleaned, tidy and a fresh breath of air.

To relax I will . . .
Crochet


Something I want to share . . .



Look what I made!  Oatmeal/vanilla soap.  I can add soap making to my craft show days next year.  I'm so excited I tried a kit first.  I think the smaller bars will be great for people who rent out homes for Airbnb or similar.  Question.  What is the best source to buy a goat's milk soap base?  I found some on Amazon, but wondered if there is a lower priced base elsewhere?  


New Recipe I tried or one I want to try. . .


I've printed this out for the next time I need it. Thought I would share.




I also tried a homemade "fritos" recipe.  I adapted organic ingredients.
I want to try a smashed brussel sprout recipe soon too.


Devotional, Inspirational, prayer list or Bible verse . . .
Husband's sister Patty (covid), Mom (she's getting a bit better)

Sunday, October 10, 2021

Updates

My husband surprised me by getting off work early.  We took the hot rod out and visited Mom and took her dinner. My younger brother was there too.  Mom is doing better, and walking more.  It'll be a while before she is completely back to herself.

We visited Patty too.  We went around her house and waved in the window.  I guess we are allowed to go in with a mask, but we did not want to with her having covid.  She was happy to see us, especially her brother.  We didn't stay long.  The excitement of seeing us gave her a coughing fit.  She is doing okay though, so thank you all for your prayers.  I believe my husband said she is 74 years old.

Oh, and Michael?  He is doing very well now.  He had to get those antibody injections, but is recovering very well, so thank you for all of your prayers.  Their baby is doing well too.  Unfortunately, he was not paid while home sick.  So sad to hear this when they are a newly married couple with a baby to care for.

Saturday, October 9, 2021

Fall Blooms ~ Sunrise

 



The recent rain has brought us some beautiful fall blooms.

A beautiful sunrise.

I've been washing a lot of dishes.  Our dishwasher is on the fritz.  My husband will look at it when he can.  Not this weekend.  He is working all weekend.


Egg production is low.  They are molting.



I'm still putting hot peppers away.  I have not pulled the plants due to the daily rain we have gotten.




Friday, October 8, 2021

Parsley ~ Kitchen Purge ~ Sad News

 

I finally got parsley put into the dehydrator (sorry for the bad photo).  I love the aroma of freshly cut parsley.  Our weather is changing too quickly.  Rain is still in the forecast, which makes putting the garden to bed difficult.


Even after dehydrating the aroma was still strong and smelled delicious.

We got rain almost all day yesterday, so the refrigerator is completely cleaned and re-organized.

I also spent the day working on boxing up my computer area in the kitchen (aside from the computer itself).  We are prepping to move things to the living room to rip up the kitchen floor later this month.  I didn't realize how much stuff I had that needed thrown out, donated or things I just don't use anymore.  My computer area involves a kitchen counter with 6 desk drawers.  I will tackle the drawers, then start on the cupboards that will be taken out.  What a job!!  And this is just the prep work.

In a way I'm glad it's happening, because when things are in drawers and out of sight, it's not the first thing on my mind to clean/purge.

However, once we are completely ready to do the floor, I will lose use of my stove.  How do you grill breakfast?  I guess I'll be googling it or using a crock pot.  I could use my cast iron pan on the grill too.  Just thought of that.

In bad news.....my husband's sister and our niece both tested positive for covid yesterday.  Every worse....my husband's sister was moved to hospice care by dinner time the same day.  Please pray for Patty.