It’s time to kick off the 2024 version of A Journal of My
Days! As you can see from the above
statement our hunkering down theme is carrying over into the dailyness of our
lives!
I don’t have a lot to share as I’m still working on getting my
strength back from being sick over the holidays, but we’ve got to start
somewhere so here we go ...
In the Garden: Our carrots are growing; the collards are
ready to harvest and we’re planning our early spring garden.
I’ll be starting cabbage, kale and leek seeds, hopefully this
week!
In the Pantry: We didn’t add anything to our pantry last week but did eat all our meals from it. Oh wait, we did add something to our pantry … read on down a little further to find out what it was!
What I’m Reading: I’m
listening to The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran on the Libby app via the
library.
Health/Fitness: I’m easing back into my exercise routine after having had to take a break while sick.
From my Sewing Nook: My sister and I are just a couple
of pieces away from completing all the blocks for our Christmas version of the
log cabin quilt we’re working on long-distance via technology.
Continuing Education and or Skill Building: I’ve been watching videos on seed starting
indoors. I’m going to start seeds in
phases this year and will start with 6 seeds of cabbage, 6 seeds of leeks and 6
seeds of kale. About every 2 weeks, I’ll
start increasing the amount and variety.
Since I’m starting with such a small amount, I want to try doing it
inside which means I needed a refresher on seed starting indoors.
Bible Study: I started writing the book of Genesis on January 1st with a group of other women in this Facebook group, Write on My Heart Every Word. I am learning so much just from simply writing out God's Word.
Ladies, don't forget that lesson 12 in our book of Esther study is available HERE. Lesson 13 will be posted on Thursday.
In addition:
we’re hunkering down for some severe weather tomorrow. They’ve already closed the schools as the
possibility of strong winds, tornadoes and 6 – 7 inches of rain is high. Some workplaces have already notified their
employees that offices will be closing around midday. I’m making sure everything
is charged, laundry done, cleaning done, and meals prepared ahead as power
outages are expected. If you are of
mind, please pray for the safety of everyone affected.
mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry
She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27
Sharing 44 years' experience of frugal, prudent living and pantry building
My second blog: From This Heart of Mine, where I share my love for God and His Word through my personal Bibe study. Physical preparedness is important, but not near as important as spiritual preparedness. Ladies, join me over at From This Heart of Mine and study God's Word with me.
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Prayers lifted up for all in the path of the storm headed your way, Patsy. And YES, you really ARE hunkering down. That's a great price on the potatoes! I'll also pray your indoor seed starting goes well.
ReplyDeleteThis is just a quick comment (there may be more later), but I wanted to ask you and any other quilters out there if you've ever used flannel from cut up shirts for your projects? It's been more than 35 years since I tried quilting, but thought some small projects could be doable with cloth on hand... like from shirts.
We had lots of snow yesterday. Enough to close roads for awhile. Streets were reopened in time for my dentist appointment today. Much less $$ than expected, and so will be the fillings on the 17th. Hurray for NO abscess.
--Elise
P.S. I'm intrigued about your writing the book of Genesis with your group.
Elise, Thank you for your prayers.
DeleteI use cut up flannel on a regular basis in my sewing and quilting! Go for it!
I'm glad you had a good dental appointment, that's the way we like them, isn't it!!!
In writing the book of Genesis, there is a suggested schedule of 3 - 4 verses per day. The schedule is in pdf format and can be printed out. I do mine in a composition notebook. It's really easy and makes you think as you slow down and write the verses out. The owner of the group, posts each days verses to write and then the some of the ladies in the group share their thoughts on the verses. If you are on FB, click on the link, ask to join the group and check it out. If you're not on FB, I'll be glad to share the pdf with you and answer any questions that will help you get started or just try it out.
Thank you, Patsy. I'll look into it (writing the book of Genesis). Thanks, too, for the advice on flannel shirts for quilting/craft fabric. It's 3 degrees outside today. Winter is here with a vengeance. Crafting is good for winter days. I've thought about quilt block & quilted hot pads, tote bags, throw pillow covers, etc.
DeleteDo you do gardening in pots? Although we have plenty of room for in ground planting, there's much work to be done for garden beds and fencing needs to go in to keep deer and rabbits out. As I start to plan, some veggies in pots sound appealing: we have many large, black plastic nursery pots. Doing lots of research right now. --Elise
Elise, I have an extensive container garden, close to a hundred 25-gallon mineral tubs. We find that as we age, container garden and raised bed gardening is much easier on our backs and bodies!
DeletePraying for you and many family members in the path of this big storm. Schools have closed here as well and we have been told to stay home.
ReplyDeleteOne thing we do in the winter that is lovely and free is eat in the dining room at supper time. We can dim the chandelier and just have a nice change of scenery. That room is rarely used.
Our grocery perishables last week used a $20 coupon I earned at Lidl for buying $100 in gift cards back in December so our out of pocket was $3.49. We have one more to use by the 21st.
I wonder how long it has been since I read Genesis. It has been eye opening already! This is going to be a great year of scripture writing!
Lana, I like the idea of changing the room and the atmosphere in our home for a special event or just because.
DeleteI'm enjoying writing the book of Genesis too, it really does hold all the answers as to where we came from, how the world was created, our purpose and so much more.
You're reaping the consequences of making a wise decision to buy those gift cards when they were running the special. Way to go!
I've just read your last several posts. You've inspired me to be intentional, make some plans and get making and saving!
ReplyDeleteBlessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,
Laura Lane
Laura, please do join us, the more we have to participate, the more we can encourage each other, and encouragement is such a big part of the battle.
DeleteWelcome to the "50lb Box of Potatoes Club"! Do you have a post on canning potatoes? I'm basing all of my meals off of the potatoes, but I know I'll need to put some up to keep from wasting them.
ReplyDeleteI pulled a tomato out of the garden yesterday, if you can believe it! The cold snaps we have had zapped my plants but I decided to leave them in the ground as cover. I noticed all the inner leaves of my plants were fine, so I wondered if they'd keep going. Sure enough! There's another tomato that needs to be picked today.
I am studying herbs and their growing habits and planning out my spring garden. I need to start some seeds, though mine are so old I'm not sure if they'll germinate. In keeping with the hunkering down theme, I need to use what I have before even thinking about buying more.
I've been reading "More Hours in my Day" by Emilie Barnes and "Frugal Luxuries" by Tracey McBride, which I think was recommended by one of your readers. I am enjoying both.
I'm praying that you stay safe in the bad weather you are having, Patsi. Texas is having some bad weather too, but I am just far enough south that it's not reaching me, thankfully.
Kelsey, I'm also interested in learning how to can potatoes for those great bulk deals. As for old seeds, sometimes they do sprout! Worth a try. Our area is covered with snow right now, but I, too am researching about planting herbs and veggies come spring. --Elise
DeleteKelsey, I thought of you immediately when my hubby told me what he had done!!!
DeleteYes, I do have a post on canning potatoes at this link ... https://aworkingpantry.blogspot.com/2015/02/q-how-do-you-can-potatoes.html
I've got some old seeds too and that's one reason I want to start them in the house where I can keep an eye on them. Like you, I intend to use what I have, regardless of how old they are before thinking about purchasing more. I'm going to be busy trying to germinate seeds, even if a small fraction of them germinates, I'll be that much ahead!
Patsy and Kelsey, seeds are good for at least three years after the sell by date on the package. After that if they've been kept at a constant cool or cold place like the fridge or freezer and wrapped really well they can germinate for a much longer period of time. For a new packet of seeds after you're finished planting place the packets in a freezer bag and keep them in a very cool or cold place until you're ready to plant again. If either of you need any butternut squash seeds or acorn squash seeds I'm happy to send some to you from seeds I saved from my own garden this fall. Cookie
DeleteThanks for the link, Patsi. I've been reading today of getting seeds to sprout on paper towels (placed in bags to retain moisture) before gently putting them in pots. I've cleared my kitchen counter off and in a little while I'll get my heat mats out and give it a try.
DeleteCookie, I would like to have a few of both, thank you. I'll be glad to pay the postage.
DeleteKelsey, I've done that before and will use that method for testing my old seeds this winter/spring again.
DeleteI harvested my first carrot yesterday. Caleb had me cut it into sticks for his supper. He didn't finish his sandwich but he ate all of his carrot, lol. We survived today's storms just fine but lost power for hours. No problem. I have plenty of candles and we have gas stove and a gas heater. We've been using the gas heat anyway, since our heat pump fan broke on Friday evening and they just received the new blade today.
ReplyDeleteI noted that four beets are struggling along in one my pots that I'd thought had died, so I may have beets before too much longer. Beets and carrots are a start on my 2024 garden!