Canning Cherry Tomatoes

I did that thing I do...again... Where I have an idea of what I want to do, but there aren't any pre-specified instructions for it because no sane person has ever attempted it before. By golly, I may not be sane, but I am frugal, dangit! I had about 40 cherry tomatoes the size of … Continue reading Canning Cherry Tomatoes

Sewing Project: Essential Oil Travel Holder

I'm always overwhelmed by the sheer volume of oils I think I need to take with me when I travel. Honestly, do I really need a dozen bottles of oil? Truthfully, probably not, so long as I take the big 4 (Tea Tree, Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint). But let's face it, I like to be … Continue reading Sewing Project: Essential Oil Travel Holder

Budgets, Babies, and Back seats

I hate budgeting. I'm good at formulating budgets. I'm even diligent in saving and tithing each month. But I'm not good at change, unexpected expenses, or STAYING WITHIN my budget. Now, that said, I've taken Dave Ramsey's financial Peace class and I've tried the cash  envelope method. All that does to me is say, "oh, … Continue reading Budgets, Babies, and Back seats

Changes Coming

Now is as good a time as any... We're expecting again!  Baby #3 was completely a surprise to us. Our other two children weren't necessarily planned either, but my husband and I were able to at least vaguely pinpoint their conceptions. We are both befuddled as to how and when this little bean was conceived, … Continue reading Changes Coming

In the Fullness of Time

Our hens have begun to lay! We actually were surprised this morning when we went outside to muck out the coop and found 7 little eggs in a corner of the coop! We assume by the color of the eggs and the standard rate of maturity, they came from the black Australorp (brown) and either … Continue reading In the Fullness of Time

Terrace Garden Update

My in-laws came down to visit for Independence Day weekend. While they were visiting, we had a great time playing with the kids and being outdoors. We reflected on our freedom and Independence living here in America, and we celebrated with good food, good conversation, and some yard work! Why not, right? My husband and … Continue reading Terrace Garden Update

The Long Awaited Lawn Tractor

It's here! It's finally here!! Back a while, we decided it was time to make the investment into a riding lawn mower. It was more money than I care to spend on tools, but I finally hit my limit of mowing 3 cleared acres of land with a walk behind model. That said, after 5 … Continue reading The Long Awaited Lawn Tractor

Thunder and Lighting Recipe

I referenced this in my pickle post and realized some may have no idea what I was talking about. So, for your culinary benefit, here's a thunder and lightning recipe. There's really no wrong way to do this one and it's always delicious. *Can be made a few days in advance and keeps well in the fridge … Continue reading Thunder and Lighting Recipe

Pickle Time!

It's Pickling Day! I say that, but I'm only processing 3 quarts. I'm pickling none the less! We've been getting about 3-4 cukes per week from our two space master bush type cucumber plants. I chose that variety partially on a whim and impulse buy from Walmart, and partially because I didn't want to mess … Continue reading Pickle Time!