Magical Broom??

"Uh, Mom? Look out at the barn and tell me if you see a broom handle sticking up and moving around," my son said this morning.

Sure enough the broom handle was sticking out the barn door and moving around. Ha ha ha ha!

The culprit? 

I thought for sure it was Rue.

But it wasn't.  That brown fur I saw moving about, at the other end of the broom, was Peanut.

According to my son, who went out to take care of things, said the goats had a "hay day" in the hay.  I guess one daughter will be cleaning up a mess after school.  Maybe she'll double check the gate latches better - ha ha ha!

Now that the goats are taken care of, I need to figure out how to get better.  

We need to finish the goat shed, move all the porch furniture to the barn, and stock the porch with fire wood......I am out of breath just thinking of the work that needs done and the fact I am still coughing.  If fact, three of us are coughing badly.  

Thank goodness it's Friday.  I hope to have extra help from the kids this weekend.   However, my son is now feeling the sickness too.   I am afraid it will be the sick helping the sick.

Thankfulness and Weird Dreams

Today I am thankful for:

~ the sharing of old time recipes for remedies and food.

~ hot teas.

~ rain and wind, and not snow yet.

~ books.

~ our pets who comfort me when I am sick.

~ sunshine today.

~ the friends and family that have check in on me.

~ God's promises.

~ a bed to sleep on.

~ Vick's Vap-o-rub.

 

Okay, I am definitely not good with drugs.  Ugh.  They make me sick and now they make me have very strange dreams. 

The kids laughed this morning when I told them I had a dream that our dog Sadie (black lab mix) saved us from a black bear.  How funny is that?  I had to give Sadie a big fat hug this morning.

I did mix up the molasses drink yesterday, but only sipped about 1/2 of the mixture before taking a 2 hour nap.  When I woke up however, I was blowing my nose for for the next 3-4 hours.  I haven't been able to do that for days.  

I also took homegrown and dried sage, and made a tea with it.  It was very refreshing.  I have already used all my dried sage, and have noted in the homesteading journal, that we need to dry more next year for tea.  It also calmed my cough and throat and helped my stomach.  Everything I eat makes me sick too.

My 17 year-old daughter is bouncing back to health quickly.  She is in much better shape than me, from riding her horse.  Surely, that makes a difference.  My 9 year-old however, is coughing and coughing.  I hope she bounces back quickly as well.

I had a rough night sleeping as it was.  One of the kids got off work at midnight, and the other at 11pm.  I worried all night until I heard them pull in.  The wind was whipping hard, it was raining, it was cold and there were wet leaves on the roads.  I could only pray they drove safely.  Once they were home and the I heard the door lock, I fell asleep.  Only to have the weirdest dreams of all. 

I used to journal my dreams. Maybe I should.  I haven't written on my novel this month since last Friday.  It would make an interesting book for sure.

Well, I'm having a coughing spell, so I better heat up water for some hot tea.   I just wish my family would pitch in and clean.  There are dishes all over my kitchen, stuff on the floors (not swept either), bathrooms that need cleaned and more.  Anxiety and worry does not help heal me.

Bed Rest and a Bigger Box

Yesterday was the first day I actually go dressed and left the house.  My son, thankfully, drove us both to go vote.  After that I went back to bed.  The congestion caused me to develop a very bad headache.  I've tried just about everything but the pioneer recipe shared by bluestockingredneck.  Thank you also Denise for the tip with garlic.  And Candy, I have not yet tried a neti pot. Thanks for that tip too.

While spending hours resting, I think I will need a bigger box for my donation to the homeless this winter.

 This project not only provided me with the opportunity to try new patterns, but to reflect on what I am thankful/grateful for.  Although I am sick and feel miserable, my reflections of my gratitude, kept my thoughts more positive.  I am grateful that I have extra yarn to provide warmth for people who have nothing.

 One Warm Coat Crocheted Scarf

 Simple Scarf and Hat

 Scalloped Edged Scarf

 

Doctor updates

I have bronchitis and a sinus infection.  Despite medications since Friday night, I am not up to posting anything exciting.  I can't remember the last time I stayed in bed so long, other than giving birth to my kids. 

I will post in a few days, when I hope to be feeling better.  I can't breath too well, and despite cough syrup from the pharmacy, I am still coughing. 

Also, I don't do well with drugs.  They make me sick.  So....on top of being sick, the drugs make me sick.  In this case, I didn't have a choice.  I got to the doctor before pneumonia set in.  I keep taking my temperature also.  It's been about 98.8.  I can't remember a day when I did have fever.  I've never been this sick.

Take care.

Preparing

Although wood splitting took a halt, until we repair the chainsaw blade, I have been busy preparing crafts for winter projects.

 I have started cutting circles from leftover scrap material.  These are mostly from old sheets and pillow cases.  These will be later sewn into yo-yo's for other gifts or for my home.

I also volunteered to help crochet and knit scarves for this winter's homeless.  I am getting a box ready, but need to fill it with a few more.  I may need help from the girls to fill the box.

Our garden is finished.  The Swiss chard is being consumed by something.  I have no idea, but whatever it is, it sure likes my Swiss chard.  I have failed to bring in my rosemary.  I may try to even though we've had a few frosts here already.

The wood burning stove has been cleaned and we have brought wood in.  Today is a good day to start it up, as the temperature in my house is very cold.

I haven't felt like doing much baking lately.  I've been sick for over 3 weeks now.  I finally booked myself a dreaded doctor appointment today.  I sure hope it's worth the time and money spent.  I'm just tired of not getting better.  Last night my ear hurt.  I haven't had an ear infection in years,  and it sure felt like it.  

My Reading Room

My son worked 3rd shift, so while he was sleeping, my house was very peaceful.  I decided to take the dogs outside with me, and enjoyed the autumn smells of crisp fall leaves.  It was nice to enjoy time to read a good book, relax and enjoy the outdoors.  Soon, these leaves will be quickly covered in snow.

Quotes to Keep ~ New Additions to my Inspiration/Quote Journal

"Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere." 

~ Glenn Turner

 "Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day." 

~ Author Unknown

Excerpts From a Journal Junkie

From the Homesteading Journal . . .

While hanging laundry on my clothesline, I kept hearing a woodpecker nearby.  My clotheslines are run off of 3 large, older trees.  They were there from the previous owners.  

I stopped what I was doing, and walked in the direction of the middle tree.  

 

In the top portion of where a tree limb was broken off, I found this. The last few tornado seasons, brought in bad winds and tore down many thick branches.  Birds now make a home in this portion.  I sure hope the barn cats don't see it.

We are drying Peanut (our goat in milk) off for breeding.  We are down to 1 pint of milk a day.   I will sure miss it over the winter, but will be blessed with more milk next year.

Wood splitting came to a halt.  Our chainsaw blade went bad.  Now, it's just a matter of hubby getting the time to put the new one on.   

From the Family Journal . . .

This past weekend was full of surprises, deep house cleaning and pumpkin carving.  On the one day I thought I would have hours to catch up on unfinished projects, my 17 year-old daughter had an idea of her own.

While sitting at my sewing machine, sewing rag rug strips together, she pops her head in and says, "Oh good, your sewing.  Can you make this top look like . . .?"

I dug through the sewing machine drawers and found a small amount of red thread.  We ran out, and used some cheap thread.  I adjusted the tension and said a prayer.  The thread held up.  I used some old seam binding that my Mom left in the sewing machine drawer.  It still had the original price tag on it - $.19!!!  Can you believe that?  I sewed that on for the front design and used silver thick string to create the criss-cross pattern on the front.  I have to give her credit for only spending $3.00 on the original top.  However, I lost out on my day to catch up on projects.  

My 15 year-old daughter asked me to buy her a pumpkin to carve.  I guess she will get extra credit for Spanish class.  Why a pumpkin?  I can only guess "Dia de los Muertes."

I hope she gets all her extra credit too.  I had a hard time finding pumpkins so close to Halloween.  I found 2 for $2.99/each. 

She spent almost the entire day carving this pumpkin.  I sure hope she gets her extra credit.

From the Crafting Journal . . .

It was a good day for a celebration on Saturday.

I finally finished my 12 year-old's crocheted blanket.  Just in time for winter also.

While out looking for other items at a local thrift store, I found myself a used sewing chair.

 
It's not in that bad of shape and it only cost me $7.00.  It works perfectly with my sewing machine.  The chair I was using was too tall.

I also managed to finish up two more flour sack towels for my 9 year-old daughter.   One more left to embroider. 

I also managed to fill my basket again with rag roll balls.  I am going to need another basket.  I will have plenty of projects this winter.

From the Writing Journal . . .

National Novel Writing Month starts tomorrow.  Am I ready?  Nope.  This sinus pressure is not helping my brain think.

From the Gratitude Journal . . .

Today I am thankful for:


1. my camera
2. the scarf that is keeping me warm inside today
3. hot tea
4. kleenex
5. Vick's Vap-o-rub 
6. my kids who keep me on track
7. my mother
8. peace and quiet today
9. God's Mercy
10. trees

The Missing Cow

Do you remember Jasper, the cat who loves to play under my rag rug?

Well, a few days after I deep cleaned one entire wall area in my bedroom, I noticed small items behind my book shelve again.  I asked who was in my room and why there were items knocked down behind it.  No one knew.

A few days ago, I figured it out.   I saw Jasper, the sneaky cat, running through the house with my cow!  My oldest daughter brought this home for me after an FFA trip for school (after two daughters have made trips, I have a 3 cow collection of different types).

Do you see the discolored face on the cow?  It's all dirty compared to the rest of the cow?

That is how Jasper is carrying my cow around the house.  I put it back, and he got it out again yesterday morning.  I actually had to hide it in a dresser drawer so he would find another toy to play with.  For some reason, Jasper loves to carry around small stuffed animals.  

I wish I had a photo so share, of him carrying that cow around the house.  It sure gave us a chuckle.  I guess my poor cow needs a bath now.  I had planned to blog about it yesterday, and had the cow on the counter in front of my computer screen, but that little stinker kept jumping up on the computer are to get at it.  Hilarious!  

I think I know what to sew or make for him for Christmas - ha ha ha!

Another pet that gave me a chuckle yesterday was Jesse.  He's my 15 year-old's dog.  The kids have really been bogged down with either work outside the home, or with homework, or both.  

I told them yesterday that the animals really needed some lovin' and to not forgot.  

Not much later, I was sitting in my favorite reading chair knitting, and there was a huge bang from the other side of the room.  We all started cracking up laughing. 

We have a basket for the dogs.  We keep it in the same place, and it's filled with their toys.  Jesse, getting tired of waiting for his attention, took a hold of the toy basket with his mouth, and tossed it off the shelf.  BANG!  He then dug his nose in it, pushing toys around.  Finally, after he got what he wanted, he started barreling around the front room begging for someone to play with him. 

Bunny Yoga, Allergy Updates, and Escapees

The one reason we don't raise rabbits for meat is Milo.  He's our indoor pet bunny and he's as pampered as the rest of the gang.
In the photo, Milo is having bunny yoga on one of my daughter's legs.  He's so relaxed in this position, he simply takes a nap.  He so funny. 

As for me.....ugh....

I have been keeping our meals very healthy, I have increased my liquids, swept up the allergy causing dust and dander, and went to bed early.

I woke up feeling worse than yesterday.   It has been raining here, during the day, and at night it's not too cool.  The moisture is so bad inside, that my bathroom rugs are still wet after 3 days.  

I woke up very tired (even though I got more sleep), congested, watery eyes, a continued cough, and a runny nose.  Over the counter allergy medication just doesn't cut it.  I even mixed my raw honey/organic apple cider vinegar mix yesterday.    

I love the country, but the country doesn't love me.  

I even started to spend at least 20 minutes outside doing nothing, but soaking up whatever light I can get (getting my vitamin D3).  I even walked for 20 minutes hoping to get more energy replaced.  It's just so frustrating.

A few days ago, our billy got loose, and ripped more of the fencing out.  My 15 year-old daughter worked hard to get him retained again, but got his breeding scent all over her in the process.  She showered promptly, but got sick anyway. 

The fence was mended, but yesterday, while I was at the store, the two younger goats got out of their fence.  We have plans to expand that portion anyway, but getting enough people home at the same time to do it, is nearly impossible anymore.  Hubby works full time, and the two older kids work every day after school, but one.  And on that one day, one daughter cares for her horse, and mucks stalls.  I am beginning to wonder if I need to hire a "farm hand" to help me.

In need of writer's motivation, I spent time on the Internet ordering many books from the library.  I need pumped with masses of motivation.  Especially now that I have this allergy season dragging me down to the lowest of lows.  I even started reading a book off of my book shelf.  I need to draw out the renegade writer in me, and it's like pulling teeth lately.  I need my mojo back, so I can kick this "funk" to the side.

Just a Mom?

I just read this on another site, and had to share. 

JUST A MOM?


A woman, renewing her driver's license ,
was asked by the woman to state her occupation.
She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
'What I mean is, ' explained the woman at Registry,
'do you have a job or are you just a ...?'
'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman.
'I'm a Mom.'
'We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation,

'housewife' covers it,'
Said the recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself

in the same situation..
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
'Official Interrogator' or 'City Registrar..'
'What is your occupation?' she probed.
What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
'I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations.'
The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
looked up as though she had not heard right....
I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,
'just what you do in your field?'
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
'I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers

and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more
distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.'

Motherhood!
What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.



Does this make grandmothers
'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations'
And great grandmothers
'Executive Senior Research Associates?
I think so!
I also think it makes Aunts

Associate Research Assistants.'
Please send this to another Mom,
Grandmother,
Aunt,

And other friends you know.

Dehydrating Celery Leaves

My mother gave me the celery leaves she cut from her celery over the weekend.  I dehydrated them for several uses.

I will use them to add flavor and color to soups, saute them in with onions for many recipes, and they can be added to salads also.

I did some quick research after dehydrating my celery leaves, and this is one vegetable I will want to continue to buy organic from now on.  It is in the top two of the "Dirty Dozen" list.

My dehydrated, garden grown jalapeno peppers came in handy over the weekend also.

I cooked up a pot of cabbage and bean soup, and added about 4 crushed rings of these peppers.  I didn't have a recipe really, I simply used broth, water, cooked dry beans (whatever I had at the time, which was navy and pinto), cooked up some fresh picked Swiss chard, added chopped cabbage, and even about 3 Tbsp. of our canned Zucchini Salsa.  I used garlic and dehydrated jalapeno's for flavor.  It turned out to be delicious and healthy.

Blog Award ~ Passing it on

I am very late at passing this award on.  I received this award from The Fearless Farmgirl.

"Liebster" is a German word meaning dear, sweet, kind, nice, good, beloved, lovely, kindly, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.  The Liebster is awarded to spotlight up to coming bloggers who currently have less than 200 followers.

Now that I have won this award, I not only want to pass it on, but need to do the following: 

1. Thank the giver and link to the blogger who gave it to you - Check

2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving them a comment on their blog - Check

3.Copy and paste the award on your blog - Check

4. Have faith that your followers will spread the love to other bloggers - CHECK

5. And most of all - have fun!  Check!


Here is who I awarded (these reasons are not limited to the few I posted, they all have exceeded in earning this award):

The 3 Foragers, for their unending help in foraging, their kindness, quick responses to questions, and for sharing delicious recipes.

Lazy J Bar C Farm, for Candy's kindness and friendly blog comments, for her extended hand in sharing homemade recipes, her love for life, and her passion for homesteading.  Also for her drive to run her own business by selling her own baked goods.

 

Little Homestead in Boise, for Nancy's willingness to share her experiences, tips on frugal living, delicious recipes, kindness in blog commenting and sharing friendship, and for her love for homesteading and self-sufficiency.

CJ's Creations, for open hand to friendship, for caring for others in friendship and prayer, her love for life, and God-given ability to create such beautiful aprons.

Corn in My Coffee Pot, for her value to sharing with the world her experiences and useful tips of homesteading, her love for family, God's Word, and her passion for homemaking and creating beautiful handiwork.
 


Congratulations to you all, and please pass the award on to 5 blogs.

Edible Foxtail Grass ~ Osage Orange (Hedge Apple)

My family already thinks I'm nuts, but thanks to The 3 Foragers, I have collected foxtail grass seeds to dry and eat (see disclaimer on blog, always get expert advice when foraging).

Hedge Apple Tree ~ Keeping the spiders away

This is what a hedge apple tree looks like.  My mother brought me 3 more bags of hedge apples today.  I will spread them out tomorrow.  I had a garden spider, a little bigger than a quarter, in my shower this morning.  So far, other the finding one in my shower, the hedge apples are working at keeping the spiders out.  I will also use chestnuts in our drawers, as suggested by another follower. 

Zucchini Pumpkin Bread & Pumpkin Apple Butter

I love a bread recipe that makes 2 loaves.  With our family size, it's the best way for me to make the most of a recipe.  I love this recipe, as it contains two items from my garden, is another use for our eggs, and uses butter.


Our long term goal is to have a jersey cow and make our own butter.

Zucchini Pumpkin Bread

1 cup butter (or stick margarine)

2 cups sugar

3 eggs, beaten (or 3/4 cup egg substitute)

1 Tbsp. vanilla

1 cup grated zucchini

1 cup canned pumpkin (I used pie pumpkin puree)

3 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. cloves (ground)

1 cup chopped nuts

Cream together butter and sugar.  Add eggs, vanilla, zucchini, and pumpkin, and mix well.  Combine other ingredients and then add to creamed mixture.  Blend well and pour into 2 greased 8 x 4 inch loaf pans.  Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Makes 2 loaves

(Source:  The Zucchini Houdini, by Brenda Stanley)

Pumpkin-Apple Butter

2 cans (15 oz) canned pumpkin
2 cups peeled, cored, and shredded granny smith apples
2 cups, no sugar organic apple juice
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. salt

Combine in a slow cooker (4 qt) and cook on high for 5 hours, stirring every 2 hours.  Store in a covered jar for up to 2 months.  

(Source:  unknown)

Pokeberries

In all the strange places pokeberries can be growing, I found them in the loft of one of our barns.  We don't use this part, as it needs major repairs.  


I was walking around the property last week and saw these and thought they would make a nice color to dye yarn with.  After doing my research on the wildflowers on our property, I found out that pokeberry juice can be used to write with also.  In fact, I was told the Declaration of Independence was possibly written with it.  I'm not sure if that's completely true, but found it interesting.  Pokeberry is poisonous and I removed a few that had grown near or in my garden this year.

Last week I got out the ladder and had one of the kids help me pick a bag full of these berries.  Did you know you can actually freeze these and dye with them later?  

I could not locate a local farmer who spins their own wool, so I purchased wool yarn.

I chose to use a safe mordant for my yarn.  I mixed a 50/50 solution of white distilled vinegar and water.  I heated my designated cook pot to a temperature that was just before boiling.  I did not boil, as this is wool.  I let the pot simmer for about one hour, then let it sit overnight.  I did not dry my yarn, and I saved the solution for the dye.

 Wool yarn after it sat overnight.

 Wool yarn drying after rinsing it.

I mashed the pokeberries with a potato masher, then ran that through a fine metal strainer, smashing out every bit of pokeberry juice.  I then discarded my stems, and poured my leftover 50/50 vinegar/water solution into the juice.  I heated that with the wool yarn and solution to the point where I saw the solution bubbling.  I did not boil it.  From what I have read, the temperature of the pot will be what decides the color you end up with.

I let the pot sit overnight again, and rinsed it out the next day.  I placed the yarn on an old towel to dry.  I have read that you should not place this out in the sun to dry, so it dried inside.  That particular day it was extremely windy and raining.

I plan to crochet or knit with it, but have not decided on my project yet.  I am very excited about the color and cannot wait to try other natural dyes. 

I think this farm could use a few sheep to spin wool with. 

Pumpkin Fudge Recipe

Pumpkin Fudge

2 cups sugar

3 Tablespoons cooked mashed pumpkin or canned pumpkin puree

1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1/4 tsp. cornstarch

1/2 cup milk, evaporated milk, or cream

1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.

2. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and milk.  Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils.  Still stirring, continue to cook until the mixture reaches 236°F on a candy thermometer (a small piece of fudge will form a soft ball if dropped in a glass of water).

3. Immediately remove from heat.  Add the vanilla and beat with an electric mixture until smooth.  Scrape into the prepared pan and let cool.

4. When the mixture is completely cooled and hardened, cut into squares.  Fudge is best eaten fresh, but it can be wrapped well and kept in the refrigerator for several weeks.

Makes 1 pound.

Many followers said they could not view the recipe, so I re-posted it for you all.  (source:  ?)

Dehydrating, Spiders, Using Dyes, and More Cleaning

I am continuing to dehydrate Swiss chard, along with the stalks.  

The recent rains brought up some nice green onions.  I am dehydrating some of them today also.

We are now at war with spiders.  I clean the webs down, and they rebuild the next day.   We have also seen wolf spiders in the garage about 3 inches in diameter.  


My mother has armed us with 3 bags of hedge apples. They do have a funny smell, so I hope they work.  I'll be placing these bad boys around the house, garage and barns today.

I am starting to experiment with natural dyes.  We have many outside animals, as well as inside animals, so I am trying to work with dyes that I can easily dispose of without harming them, or our septic tank.


I crocheted this flower vase doily with 100% 2 ply cotton yarn.  I then boiled red onion skins in a designated pot for dye purposes.  I discarded the skins, and heated the water with the doily.  I turned the heat off, and let it sit overnight. 


For this, I did not use a mordant, however an alum mordant would hold the color longer.  To experiment in how long the color will last, I purposely did not use a mordant.

It turned out to be a beautiful golden color.  The dye water actually appears red, but the color of the cotton is golden.  


I'll be delegating cleaning to the kids later today.  I've been sick and have developed a bad cough.  I am grateful for the sunshine and wind today, so my laundry will dry quickly.