I have to admit, I’m nuts about my Fran. I could, seriously, have a zillion of her and just love it. She is the funniest, coolest dog I know. Please don’t tell Hoss, though….he’s a great boy, too, I just kinda wish that he were the size of Fran sometimes, lol.
Now, here’s that apple pie I wrote about last time:
I hand cut the little apple motif from some leftover dough. It was fun!
Now, here’s some pics of my pantry that I remodeled, yet again. This once was the laundry room, but space was so limited, it just didn’t make a good laundry area at all. Plus, there is virtually NO kitchen cabinet space for all of my food. I have no idea where I would have put all of this food and stuff if we hadn’t converted this room to the pantry!
I don’t know why I have a thing for vintage wall calendars, but I just love them! So I dedicated the back wall of the pantry just to them. I may eventually cover all of the walls with them, who knows? The pantry still needs some tweaking (hanging up the onion basket, etc) but oh well. I already had the 2 white plastic racks and then I bought the large metal rack from Lowe’s on sale. Also, I got the clip strip that holds my popcorn for free from a convenience store. Never hurts to ask!!! I love my pantry…
Lastly, here is a little chalk wall hanging I snapped up at Goodwill yesterday for 99 cents. I mean…how could you NOT smile at a singing pickle? Honestly….
“Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without.”
My mom and I were talking the other day about all her stuff that she has. It depresses her to know that she has a huge house full of stuff, a storage building packed to the gills with stuff, and a huge barn full of stuff. What constitutes “stuff”? I would classify it as nonessentials that are taking up space. Essentials being food, some household goods, and some clothes. I made the comment that I LOVE the ‘simple’ look for my home. In other words, lots of uncluttered clean lines. I also made the comment that the act of simplification is HARD! For example, when I decorated my kitchen counters, I had to decide what I use on a daily basis. For the most part, aside from my dry goods such as sugar and flours, if I did not use it on a daily basis, it did not deserve to take up space on my kitchen counter. The most difficult decision was deciding not to leave out my kitchen utensils (ladle, spatulas, etc) which, even though they were tastefully arranged in a vintage crock, were just too much eye clutter for me. It sounds silly, but I do believe that my stress levels go down when I see ‘clean lines’, that is, not a lot of STUFF laying around! I also believe in the power of a CLEAN KITCHEN SINK. I swear, it’s better than anti-anxiety medication!
Anyway, I think this is why I have embraced the vintage country look so tightly. I have also embraced the saying, “If you don’t love it, lose it.” If it is an item of considerable worth, I will sell it. If I can ‘recycle’ it into something new, I will do that. If I just can’t figure out what to do with it, I run it to Goodwill. I think this is an extremely valuable lesson for all of us to learn. Why surround yourself with things that you don’t absolutely love? This is just simplification of your Life. Are you, too, drowning in a vast sea of stuff?
I came upon a website that I fell in love with: The Farm Chicks blog. I am going to direct you to her Laundry Room blog. I saw that blog and it so inspired me that the next day, I took an hour to re-do my own laundry ‘room’. She totally decorates with the same style that I love. I also spent the rest of that same day re-doing my pantry. Three hours later, I love it! I will post pics soon.
In farm news, I would like to brag to you all for a minute. I had this shirt that I got at Goodwill the other day. Truthfully, I did not love it. I will have to admit to you that it was an impulsive, dumb buy for 4.99. But I did love the fabric. Well the other day, I decided to do something with it. I ripped out the side seam of that shirt, and I made each of my girls a prairie skirt/maxidress (why not get 2 uses out of one item of clothing, right???). Oh, they really turned out so cute. And, to top it off, the elastic I used to make the skirts’ waistband was an elastic band I had removed from one of my own skirts that I am re-doing! Oh, please pat me on the back, lol! See, I’m really getting into this whole ‘repurposing’ thing. Like, I took some sundresses that I had, where I really LOVED the fabric, but frankly, as sundresses, they made me look like a beached whale. I whacked off the straps and VOILA! they became a full-length skirt. I have gotten many compliments on them, surprisingly not as dresses, but as the new skirts. So, when I go to Goodwill, yard sales, etc. I don’t always look at something as it’s original intended purpose. God bless my mom for buying me a sewing machine 10 years ago!
Yesterday, I made my first batch of refrigerator pickles. I planted some pickling cukes back in September and they are now ripening. Boy, are they good! Here is another reason to hang onto used glass jars!!! I was wondering what I would do with all of these glass jars that I can’t use for canning. I can’t bear to toss a good glass jar! Here is the recipe for those pickles. I scaled down the recipe to make just one quart jar. I did this by tasting the vinegar solution after boiling (Hint: Do NOT inhale when bringing the tasting spoon to your mouth. Bad, bad idea) I didn’t have enough liquid the first time by simply cutting the recipe down, so I just made some more up, flavoring with sugar and pickling spices. You can substitute pickling spices instead of all of those spices they use, by the way. I believe one reviewer used 2 teaspoons of pickling spice for the full recipe, but do add to suit your taste.
I also made a homemade apple pie! I picked up an apple slicer, peeler, corer at the flea market the other day for four dollars. They are usually about 25 brand new. I had bought one previously for 2 dollars, but I found out it was missing an integral part, so I will have to come up with something to fix it. Anyway, to peel, slice and core and apple with this doodad takes about 20 seconds. It is so awesome! Well, the pie turned out delicious. Here is the recipe. You know it’s good when it gets almost 4,000 5 star ratings! But, I would only suggest this: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a tiny (!!!) pinch of nutmeg. Also, after you made the syrup, combine it with the apples, THEN pour it into the bottom crust. That is all!
Well, I ordered 13 books for my birthday from Amazon. As you can probably guess, most, if not all, are on self-sufficiency. Well, I did also get some on how to make rag rugs and vintage kitchen linens. How I love books! Right now I am reading through the complete Tightwad Gazette. It is like my own personal bible. I love it!
Until next time, learn to simplify!
The whole thrill of junking is that you just know the next table will have what you’ve been looking for all your life. –Mary Randolph Carter
Last Saturday, as an early birthday present, my husband took me to Canton, TX, to go shopping. Canton’s First Monday flea market is HUGE. You could be there for a week and still not see everything. I am completely addicted to anything that resembles a cheap garage sale, so of course I had to go.
I always drag Jason through the so-called “Dog Alley’, which is where they permit animal sales, and it totally separate from the main flea market. I have to tell you that if you have never been, and if you enjoy people watching, this is by far the place for you to go. You’ll never come out disappointed, or unscathed, for that matter. You see things that make you want to cry out with laughter, and things that just want to make you cry. For example, this time around, we saw the typical ‘redneckerie’ surrounding the animal sales tents. One vendor I was listening to managed to completely convince a woman that she would be able to take a goat home in her compact car by simply putting down a trash bag in the floorboard .(obviously the buyer has never had a goat, who will probably immediately jump onto the dashboard or back glass as soon as the car starts, as well as eat various parts of the upholstery. Not to mention the diarrhea and urine that are sure to come flowing out of the goat when it realizes it is in a moving vehicle, but anyway…) And, one vendor was savagely and cruelly snatching chickens up by one wing, yes, one wing, all the while the poor chickens were screaming as though they thought they were dying because they thought that they were, and it was obvious that she didn’t consider that the chickens actually do have brains and nerve endings and painfully obvious that she just considered them as ‘things’. I am not a supporter of animal rights, but I do support animal welfare, and there was just NO sense in the way she was doing that. For whatever reason, people hold chickens by their feet/wings/etc, when it is nothing but humane to grab them by their bodies, with wings held in place. It is not that difficult, even my three year old can do it.
So, we walked on (while I was contemplating snatching that woman up by her arm and twisting it behind her head), and I saw lots of people who paid WAAAAAAAY too much for puppies walking with their new purchases, which I knew likely were infested with worms and had coccidiosis, if not even some fatal genetic disease. The worst part is that these are people who appear to not have two nickels to their names, and have just seriously overpaid for a sickly animal.
Anyway, we drove to our favorite side of Canton, which is the unreserved section. It is essentially a huge, super-cheap, conglomeration of JUNK. Or, junque, as I prefer to call it. I managed to find a pair of 300-500 dollar, handmade python boots for $32, dishcloth calendars for $1, and a leather rug for ten bucks. Because rain was forecast, we were even given FREE junk! I got an old metal Coca-Cola tray, and Jason got some kind of tools and a John Deere hubcap. We fully believe in repurposing, so, his junk will likely adorn his shop, and I am going to use my tray as a magnetic message center.
Jason was talking to one of the ‘vendors in a van’ (people who are nomadic junk haulers and probably hit every flea market in the South), when a young, pretty and preppy girl walked by. She was wearing a tight shirt with the number 3 on the back. If you live in the South, you know that the #3 is only seen as one thing: dearly departed Dale Earnhardt, who has achieved the highest status of those other Southern icons, such as Colonel Sanders and Robert E. Lee. Anyway, the Vendor in a Van called out to her several times, “Hey! Heeeeeeeey!”. She finally whirled around and said, “Are you talking to me?” V in a V said, “Yeah, I was wondering if that’s a Dale Earnhardt shirt you have on. ” She said (after a long pause), “Uh, no, it’s Ralph Lauren.”
I’m pretty sure that V in a V had no idea who Ralph Lauren is or what he does, but as the girl walked off, he said to Jason, “Well, I was going to buy that shirt off of her so she’d take it off right here!” Jason kept his head down, possibly to keep from laughing, but more likely from sheer embarrassment. Then V in a V immediately went into a story, saying: “Well, back when I was in prison…”. Clearly, it was time to walk away. Judging sheerly by looks alone, it was not surprising that he had once ‘worked for the State’, if you will, nor would it be surprising that he would one day return. Fortunately, I was busy trying on my python boots at the Boot Vendor in a Van, and didn’t hear that part of their conversation.
Well, that’s Canton in a bag for you!
Today, we had to make a trip to Tyler (about 30 minutes to our north) in the morning, so we decided to head on over to the IHOP for some breakfast. I had already decided I wanted nothing with eggs, since there is absolutely no flavor in store bought eggs when compared to those we have here on the farm, so then I cracked open the menu and nearly passed out. I solemnly swear I remember the 2 egg breakfast (used to be the cheapest thing) being between 3-4 dollars. It was almost 7 bucks!!! NOTHING was under 6.99, with one exception being 3 pancakes for 5.50! My God! It’s no wonder people go broke when they eat out all of the time. I can go to my local cafe of choice and get coffee and an egg, toast, and meat for about 3 bucks. I immediately lost my appetite and Jason didn’t want to order anything at all, so I decided to split a Rooty Tooty Fresh N’ Fruity breakfast with him for 6.99. Our bill came to 14 bucks!!!! FOURTEEN DOLLARS FOR BREAKFAST….ACK!!! Well, I did not realize that the coffee was TWO WHOLE DOLLARS a cup, either. Geez! While this may not sound like much to some, being the Frugal McDougals that we have become, it was rather astronomical for a meal that I think should probably not be any more than ten bucks at the MOST. I was looking around me, and the place was busy. In the booth next to us, there was a woman and a young boy and I can guarantee you that they didn’t get out of there for any less than 25 dollars, judging by the items on their plate. Jason was just commenting to me how IHOP’s breakfast is absolutely no comparison to what we cook here.
If you do not cook your own meals, there’s never a better time to start than now, may I add. Even if you aren’t a great cook, the Good Lord did provide us with Crock Pots, which could turn ordinary shoe leather into tenderloin, I am fairly certain. I have been doing a LOT of baking/cooking lately, since I read about a cooking method called once a month cooking. Essentially, you set a date, and cook/prepare a month’s worth of food. I did start small, making only breakfasts for the moment, because that is the meal that we are usually in a rush with. I made muffins, pancakes, and breakfast burritos, all of which were frozen and can be ready to eat after a minute in the microwave. I have been lurking on this site: Once A Month Moms, which I find to be informative and FREE, and they have monthly menus in spreadsheet format. Anyway, it’s something to think about! I can tell you that this month, we spent about 80 dollars on eating out, which is more than I should have spent. I hope to cut that way back with my prepared meals.
On my anti-debt kick, I would just like to say that it is not the easiest thing to try and stick to a budget, BY ANY MEANS. I totaled up this month and found that I had spent WAAAAAY too much on Halloween crap that I don’t really need and WAAAAAY too much on clothes (I only buy at Goodwill, but still….) and miscellaneous crap. It is a little heartwrenching to see that I overspent my month by about 75 bucks with money that I didn’t HAVE to spend. I think the best thing/punishment is to tighten up my belt for next month (and the next, and the next) and make a vow to myself to not buy junk I do not need. Christmas is coming up soon, too, and we have already decided that the grandparents can do the toy gifts. My kids have too much, as do most kids, and in fact, I will be paring down their toy department really soon. I either read or heard something the other day talking about children, and I can only paraphrase, but it was something about how it is not about the things that we give to them, but rather the time that we share with them that is the most important thing. Kids are only kids for so long, after all. We don’t have very much time to spend with them when they are small! So, rather than go out and buy 500 dollars worth of junk for Christmas, I am looking forward to spending time with my family. As a side note, I simply don’t have the funds for all of that useless stuff anyway! May I also say that since we have become the Frugal family, I do shop at Goodwill for my clothes (happily, they have GREAT music in there!), I do not choose whole dinners @ restaurants (almost always eat a la carte), and I avoid WalMart like the plague, or, H1N1, if you will. I knew I had won over Jason with my frugalness when: he hid a Chicken Express receipt from me because he figured I’d gripe at him about the price, and, one day when we went to Chili’s he refused to order anything because he said it was all too expensive. I was a nice wife, though, and gave him my salad! Needless to say, we have not been back to Chili’s, and if he’s been back to Chicken Express, he must’ve figured out a better way to rid himself of the receipt!
So, we are coming into a new month tomorrow, my budget slate is clean, and I promise to do better! I try to envision myself in two or three years when I will have the majority of my debts paid….that is always a great stimulus for me to stick with my plan. NO MORE PAYMENTS!!! There is never a better time to start paying off debts than today!
In farm life, we did stop by a feed store today to get some winter veggies (cabbages/onions/cauliflower), and the guy at the counter had the personality of a potted plant, I swear. I am Chatty Cathy, just trying to strike up conversation about my chickens and my garden and I got shot down like three times. He kind of acknowledged my presence and that was about it. Very irritating to a Libran woman. He must’ve been a Virgo. (sorry to Matt) I dunno. I guess I was too intimidating!
And, nothing much else. I am trying to come up with a good farm name so I can begin to think about marketing my jelly/produce/eggs. I want to start designing labels, too. Or, at least give it some preliminary thought.
Well, off to bed for me!
Last Friday, we took the girls to the East Texas State Fair. I have to admit I have not been there in more than 10 years or more, and I have never been during the day. At night, the fair gets a lot ‘seedier’, if you will, in terms of the population, and since we don’t ride the rides anyway, we went in the morning. We got to see a baby chicken hatch, quilts and handmade items, mostly bad art (lol), and lots of canned goods. They also had a fruit and vegetable show and I am fairly sure I could have won in the okra division, had I entered. Anyway, I had to have a fair corny dog, which was pretty good. We also had some homemade root beer. We went through the exhibitor’s booths and surprisingly, I didn’t pick up much of anything (I did get a free gun lock and a pen), because there were so few people that I would have had to They had a children’s show called the Ag Magic Show, which was funny and informative. Naturally, even though my oldest was called upon twice as a volunteer (there were only about 7 kids in the crowd since it was early), she buried her head in the carpet and pretty much remained in a fetal position until she was sure no one was looking at her any more.
Anyway, then we made our way to the Ag Barn, where the cattle show was taking place, and so we went up and down, down and up, and up and down again, the rows and rows of heifers and steers. I was carrying my youngest and did not see a huge bucket of water on the walkway and somehow, by the grace of God, managed not to fall butt over teacups on the sidewalk. I had about 5 little teenagers ask if I was OK, which in fact, I was NOT, because I fairly well bruised both shins in the accident, but fortunately did not do a face plant on the concrete, or better yet, a pile of cow poo. But, you just can’t put such things past me. So as we were traversing through the Treacherous Land of the Cows while juggling two weary and cranky children, I did notice that times sure have changed! The girls (all high school) all wore the tightest and flashiest clothes I think I’ve ever seen. It’s not that they didn’t look good, but they just looked so….suggestive! Skin tight layered shirts and skin tight pants with rhinestone cocho belts! Back in the day, at worst, we broke out with a ‘keyhole’ brushpopper type affair (now only to be found in only the most dedicated barflies) and our Rocky Mountain jeans, which, looking back, were the most hideously designed pants EVER. Ok, maybe the exception would be the pleated-front, acid washed, TAPERED pants (shudder). Anyway, with all of the evil in the world, I sure wouldn’t want to be advertising, if you will, to the wrong person.
So, all in all, we did have a really good time, even with the girls getting cranky towards the end.
Well, in keeping with true fall weather, we are drizzly/rainy and SIXTY degrees here at 10pm! So, probably gonna drop in the mid-fifties tonight. Yippee! Soon as I’m done here, I’m off to brew up some hot cocoa (possibly) I should have already been in bed by now…
Well, we had a chicken loss today, apparently. Our neighbor called to tell us that one of our new hens wandered into their yard, and their dogs killed it. Of course, that’s my own fault for letting them free-range today, so I am not really upset over it…plus, she was not laying yet, so at least I didn’t lose a layer. In good news, I got 2 new white Silkies (LOVE them!), one barred rock and 4 new Rhode Island Red hens! I need some serious laying birds..I can’t keep eggs in stock.
In other farm news….getting ready to plant some lettuce and broccoli. Also time for cabbage and some other stuff! We really need to finish up the beds here in the next few weeks, too. We are putting a brick pathway in from each door through the garden; YEA!!! I have no idea why there were no pathways to the house’s front doors; you had to walk through grass and sand and dew, etc. and then all of that promptly ends up in the house. Beats me. Oh well, that is being solved as we speak.
I’m not really in a chatty mood tonight. It’s probably because I’m tired and I know I have to get up early tomorrow. (I dread getting out of bed) I’m also not in a very humorous mood, either, so I’m sorry that my last few posts are drags. Well, off to bed for me now. I will try to cheer up and think of something for next time!
Wow, and to think last time I wrote to y’all, days were in the 100 degree mark and HUMID. Today, it’s misty and 72 degrees! So, now we know fall is just around the corner. This is my other favorite time of year, other than spring. I always love the transitional times of the year the most. The leaves are now beginning to turn; the sassafras is putting on its flame red foliage. We should have a beautiful autumn this year for two reasons; we have received over a week of rain, and the fall’s first cool front is due next week, which is atypically early for us. I’m excited! Well, I may not be so excited when we are experiencing an extremely cold winter, but for now…
We have had a LOT going on in the past month, mainly illnesses in my little farm family. Our youngest developed mesenteric lymphadenitis after a bout with gastroenteritis, and I have been on and off ill with a cold (flu? allergies?) for over a week now. I do have much more energy now, but I think that with all of this rain, I am reacting to the mold levels. In other news, we adopted 2 kittens, a brother and a sister, about 3 weeks ago. They are brother and sister, named Mr. Bobo and Ashley. Aren’t kittens just about the cutest thing to watch? Fran loves to chase them down and chew on their heads, but it’s all in good jest.
We also bought 2 white Plymouth Rock hens and we were graciously given 4 18 month old Leghorn hens, who are still laying big, white eggs. I am planning on buying some MORE chickens very soon. I also want to get some more Cayuga ducks. The duck eggs are WONDERFUL. I know most people balk at the mention of eating duck eggs, but I am telling you that the flavor and richness are unsurpassed by chicken eggs. They do not taste “eggy”; it is a very complex and delicious taste. Of course, our chicken eggs are also delicious. There is NO comparison between ‘grocery store’ eggs and eggs from hens that are allowed a more natural diet. I have the pictures to prove it! Unfortunately, my camera is angry with my computer and refuses to share pictures with it, but I will get them on here ASAP.
The newest additions are 4 guineas that I picked up at the feed store (and one that was hand-delivered…thanks, Rachel!). They are so funny to watch when they see a bug. I told Jason it was like watching a pit bull in a chick suit. They are extremely focused on movement and I have the feeling when I let them in my garden in a few weeks that they will do a great job of snapping up my pests.
Well, Jason finally finished a log splitter that he built out of spare parts at his shop. We already have about a 3/4 of a cord of wood from a fallen hickory in our woods. It sure makes short work of chopping wood! I can’t wait for more of our fireplace cookin’!
I can’t believe we have already been here almost a year. I can’t imagine being anywhere else! Still a LOT to do here…but we’re whipping things into shape slowly. The kitchen garden is ever-expanding and Jason finished several of the raised beds. Now I just need to fill them with compost. It’s also time for me to plant my winter garden. I did plant some winter squash, beans, and cucumbers. I am still harvesting lots of okra, tomatoes (Brandywines from spring), and tons of cherry tomatoes. Oh, and I do finally have peppers, lol. I didn’t do so great with my peppers this year. I’m not sure what happened there, but with the cooler temps and tons of rain, they are finally ‘makin'”.
I have also been putting up LOTS of muscadine and scuppernong grape jelly. We picked 32 pounds of muscadines at a farm, and I am slowly working on turning them into delicious jelly! I hope that soon myself and my MIL will get together (with our new food processors….NO MORE CHOPPING) and put up some more tomatoes/tomato products. You just can’t beat homegrown flavor…no doubt about it! I also got a lot of figs last month, and I’m planning on doing a strawberry-fig jam. I do have to wonder how many people in my age group can things? Hmmmm….I’m willing to bet not many. What a shame. Here’s a great LINK for making muscadine jelly, juice, or jam.
Today’s favorite thing:
Well, I am still on a budgeting kick! I had to update my ‘cash flow’ form last night and wanted to share this form with you. The idea is that NO dollar is unaccounted for. It is fairly self-explanatory, but it is also great to have the book, Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover, which is currently on sale for under 10 dollars. Download this FORM. It is in PDF format. I use this form every month, and I also use 2 envelopes. One holds my receipts for anything that comes out of my checking account, and one holds receipts for anything that I pay cash for (that is NOT deducted out of my checking account). So, at the end of the month, I have a paper trail, and also keep up with where my cash goes. I NEVER have to ask myself, “Where did my money go?” because I KNOW. It is so liberating, trust me. This is a system that works wonders for me. I have been doing this since May 18th of this year. If you are in debt, I URGE (and beg and plead for) you to try this system and find freedom for yourself!!!!
Well, that is all that I have for today, plus my entire right arm is aching for some reason! :0)
I want to know something. When did the word “housewife” become a dirty word? Why are we made to feel inferior if we are ‘just a housewife’? First of all, being a housewife, or, as it is now called; SAHM (stay at home mom), is nothing short of one of the most difficult jobs out there. I don’t know what kind of delusional people imagine that it, in any way, ISN’T hard work, but they need to stay at home with their own brood for about two weeks and get a clue. I am really happy to be able to stay at home with my kids. Yes, it can be maddening. No, the work is never, EVER done. But, I get to see them grow up a little bit every day. There is no way to ever get that precious time back.
I have learned:
Housework is never done. Period. The laundry, dishes, and dusting will never, ever be completely done, at least not for more than 3 minutes. Also, floors will never stay clean. Ever.
You have to let some of it go. Some of the best advice my mom gave me a long time ago. I still struggle with it on a daily basis, but you have to come to the realization that dust/dirt never stops accumulating, nor do kid’s messes. I usually do my ‘deep’ cleaning when the kids are gone, so that I at least get to admire my work for a (very) little while.
If you have an unexpected guest, your house will inevitably look terrible. I had some family drop by one day and although I was really happy they stopped by, I was really ashamed that the laundry was everywhere, dirty dishes were in the sink, beds weren’t made,and I looked like absolute crap. After that, I joined Flylady.net and took some of her pointers to heart.
Housekeeping IS a job, without the paycheck. You’re a maid, a cook, a nurse, an economist, a valet, a mom, a wife, a friend, etc. all rolled into one being. Don’t let anyone ever make you feel ‘bad’ or guilty that you aren’t out working outside of the home. If we learn to live within our means, you’d be surprised at how little you really need, moneywise, to stay afloat.
Well, that’s all for now…I am off to assume my role as chef and prepare lunch!
Last night, the kids were gone (THANKS, MOM!!!), so Jason and I worked on upgrading the garden. He took cedar planks, cut the to our 4’x8′ bed length, stacked em 3 high and nailed them together with stakes. They look so cool! The old way was just making a 4’x8′ rectangle one high and stacking them on top of each other. This is so much faster! I’ll post a pic when we get them up.
I sat out and worked on my microdripper system. I LOVE my microdrippers/sprayers! It’s the only way to fly when you have a garden. I upgraded my minisprayers to those with a valve built in, so if that bed is not in use, I can shut off the water to it. Then I added a couple of new ones to a grape vine and to an ornamental bed I have on the sideyard. We covered our yard in hay, so I buried all the lines under the hay. These systems are so easy to install, I think everyone should have them!
Anyway, we’re waiting for a chimney sweep to come this morning. I’m interested to hear what he says about our chimney. I am sure it’s pretty disgusting looking.
Lastly for today, I’ll share a website with you:
We watch this show on RFDtv. Bill’s moustache must be 4 feet across, seriously! They do chuck wagon cooking, using our favorite pot; the Dutch oven. We can’t wait until fall when we can once again make fireplace beans and soup!
The blogging challenge keep you motivated and start the new year on the "write" track!
A Southern Lifestyle Blog
Life, Llamas, and Everything
Recipes so Good no-one will know you're Cheap!
where we journey to wholesomeness...
The Quest for Healthy Savings and a Healthy Lifestyle
how to make life work with very little
The Beauty of my Simple Life
A LOT OF P'S WITH A BIT OF QUIRKINESS THROWN IN FOR GOOD MEASURE.
RMB Homestead
A small look at our life on the farm & some of our creations
Writing From The Ranch
A Joyful Creative Life
Bringing Yesterday's Headlines to Today's Readers
A place to relax and reflect.
My Little Country 