Welcome to the To Grandma's House We Go link party. This blogger party is all about you sharing your posts about homemade, homemaking, DIY, recycling, upcycling, before and afters (of rooms, furniture, whatever), build projects, vintage, any kind of creative, frugal, time saving, money saving or green advice, canning and old fashioned recipes. This link party is all about going back to simpler times, simpler days where we used all that we had and never bought new until there was absolutely no choice.

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #334)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #334. Lodi and I had a totally chill weekend here because sometimes its just really important to become a part of the couch. It was wonderful lol. We didn’t even watch anything specific though I am hankering to get back to the show called His Dark Materials. In fact we binge watched Impractical Jokers! Sorry, not sorry lol. The weather is taking another lovely turn into the unseasonably warm temps and I’m tentatively optimistic that this might truly be a mild winter. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #333)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #333. Well we finally got hit by the deep cold. It was -20 degrees when I went to work this morning YEESH. Cant really complain though as the majority of January we saw wonderfully unseasonably warm weather and once we make it to February it really does feel like we’re well passed halfway done with winter. Lodi’s birthday was over this weekend and after chores we really just took the time to chill out and be together. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #332)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #332. Well the deep freeze is finally coming after we saw such incredibly warm weather for the majority of January. Can’t say I’m really complaining though as we are past the half way mark and winter has not been all that bad so far! With the holidays behind us and returning to something resembling normalcy after suffering the loss of a family member, Lodi and I are both anticipating quieter days and time to finally get some things done on the house. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #331)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #331. Hey guys – PHEW – returning to “real life” after our family experienced such a loss has been both strange but also very relieving. January for us saw some of the most beautiful weather I can ever remember in northern Minnesota. I’ve heard so many people say, “How is this January!?” With us hitting temps in the upper 30s and staying in the 20s so far with the same temps in the forecast. Its certainly going to help us get through this winter! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #330)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #330. Hey guys I apologize for not being able to get features chosen this week. We’ve recently had an unexpected family emergency. I will choose extra features from the last party next week! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #329)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #329. Both of our families are very flexible when it comes to the holidays which is wonderful because it means we never have to “pick” anyone to enjoy Christmas with but it also means we end up with the endless holiday lol. Four weekends of Christmas with one more to go and Lodi and I agreed that after this we’re not going anywhere for at least a month. We didn’t quite make it to midnight this year but we did have a good weekend, I hope you all had a wonderful New Year! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #328)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #328. Well, despite truly horrible driving conditions, we survived (and had a good) Christmas weekend. We didn’t have far to go but with the deterioration of the weather 200 miles round trip felt like a long way… We went all out on the food for Thanksgiving this year but with my still feeling the COVID fatigue, I was silently dreading doing it again. My mom must have sensed it because she asked if it would be OK if she just made homemade pizza for all of us. I just love that woman SO much, it was wonderful! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #327)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #327. My goodness you guys I know its the holidays but the FOOD in this week’s party looks absolutely incredible! I just had to give all my features over to it! Usually I only feature one food post but when you take a look at these I think you’ll understand lol. I did finally manage to get “over” COVID though I am still just eternally fatigued. I got back to the real world again and it feels pretty good to rejoin the public. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #326)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #326. Well guys it finally happened, I’ve got COVID. Its been almost a week now and I’m going to live lol but this has been one slow going trudge of feeling like absolute crap. After the initially scary high fever mostly now I’m just fighting an ugly cough and the desire to sleep 24 hours a day. I am getting better though I just need to have patience with myself. As you guys might imagine I am going absolutely stir crazy, now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #325)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #325. I cant wait to show you this Sunday’s blog post! We were given a set of LED string lights to review a little while ago and Lodi surprised me one morning with what he did with them! He ran them along the ceiling throughout our entire main floor. Our whole house glows lol he tied them right into our new tree too so they all come on together with the click of a button. Its so festive and warm! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #324)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #324. Cant believe it but we had a lovely warm up in the weather over Thanksgiving and our four day weekend. We lost a bunch of our snow and wow did 30 degrees feel wonderful! Going a bit chillier now but nothing extreme, is it possible we could have a mild December too? Wow how that would be an awesome gift! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #323)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #323. Well it looks wonderfully mild over the holiday for us this year. We might even lose most of the snow we’ve all been glaring at! We are as prepared as we can be officially for winter though that doesn’t mean I’m happy about it. Though after such a big summer with us getting married and all there is a certain relief that winter brings. So many projects I CAN’T tackle because they’re outside projects and that’s honestly kind of nice. Less to do! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday – on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #322)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #322. Well I guess merry xmas everyone as we have five inches of snow on the ground… and its still snowing. Really hoping this isn’t the end of being able to see dirt for six months. Is it too much to ask for a little warm up before we take the plunge into total winter? *looks at forecast* Its not looking good! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #321)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #321. Well the “bur” is settling in but not without some lovely sunny days so I can’t say that I’m complaining. Still no white stuff on the ground! I got out the heated bird bath and we put the tank heater in our horse’s water tank. I purchased the heated water bowl for the birds and still am just amazed (though I shouldn’t be) at how much the birds and little critters appreciate it throughout the winter. I think we all unconsciously just assume that they have plenty of snow so water isn’t a big deal when, in fact, open water is a HUGE deal! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #320)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #320. Well we’ve been enormously enjoying our long fall weather after a big chill for a couple of days. Its been a long time since I remember it being this lovely into November. Perhaps we’ll get lucky and see some more of it! Every now and again (generally around the holidays) you guys share such gorgeous food that I just have to pick recipes for all five of my features. This is one of those times! YUM! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #319)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #319. My gosh we had an absolutely gorgeous weekend! It was 72 degrees on Sunday! What a wonderful bit of warmth before things really cool down for good for us. Though we had a couple of really cold days about a week ago the forecast is surprisingly mild. And considering snow storms on Halloween are not at all unheard of around here that is certainly nice to see. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #318)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #318. HEY GUYS SORRY IF YOU GOT HERE THROUGH OUR NEWSLETTER. TOTALLY MY OOPSIE NOT UPDATING THE LINK TO THE NEW PARTY. CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE NEW PARTY #319! Phew it sure got cold up here in northern MN. I know low 20s isn’t terrible (for us anyway) but it hit us hard and fast and none of us had a chance to acclimate! Sure did slow me down on motivation too. This chill makes me want to curl up with a bowl of chili and some Netflix and that’s about it! My sights are starting to turn to our basement though as the kitchen down there needs some serious attention… Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #317)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #317. Its starting to really cool off here in north country but the fall colors we’re getting to enjoy this year are absolutely amazing. We’re still scrambling to get as much done before the snow flies as we can but I’m pretty thrilled at our progress. I cleaned out one of our old sheds a couple of weeks ago. So we officially have a place for all of our outdoor furniture instead of in the garage in the way! I just can’t believe how this year just flew by. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #316)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #316. I am so excited to announce that I am now a cohost to the To Grandma’s house we go link party! Please welcome Nicolle from Our Tiny Nest! This last weekend was a really gorgeous one for us here in north country. It may be our last “hurrah” sadly so I took the opportunity to put away summer from our home. All the outdoor furniture, hummingbird feeders, rain gauges etc. is now all tucked away in storage. Its kind of sad lol but we are prepared for winter and I’m relieved to get that done now and not when its miserable outside. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #315)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #315. With Lodi out on a trip with a buddy this last weekend I was strangely solo for a couple of days. Of course I spent most of it working lol I helped my dad install a new pressure tank in his house and he helped me cut out an access door between our new garage addition and our existing garage. Otherwise, in the chance of a power outage, we would have lost the ability to get into it all. Relieved to get that done! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #314)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #314. We’ve had such lovely weather so far this fall I hate to even mention it because I know how fast it can turn on us here in northern MN. Kind of like not looking a gift horse in the mouth lol. With all we did this last summer I am ready though to return my attention to the inside but am forcing myself to not do that yet! I absolutely must take advantage of this beautiful weather and finish some outdoor projects while it lasts. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #313)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #313. Well clearly the first weekend of September is behind us because now: Pumpkin everything lol. I will admit though I am a summer gal through and through when this time of the year rolls around I am looking forward to it. Quieter days. Less plans. More cozy couch time and a lot more time to spend at home too. I never even left the house last weekend and just spent it puttering about and catching up on chores. It was wonderful to not be in any rush. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #312)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #312. PHEW – well guys, we survived our wedding reception party at our place this weekend! Total count was nearly ninety people all together and one absolute certainty: BOUNCY CASTLES ARE WORTH THEIR WEIGHT IN GOLD! We had a wonderful time and several folks who stayed in campers etc. It was just awesome to see all of our hard work (the new lower deck and fire pit and our garage) put to good use and appreciated. The weather was also beyond perfect – I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend too! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #311)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #311. We’ve been on a war path tackling our farm over the past few days in preparation for our big reception party out here. Currently we’re expecting about 70 people plus kids and are getting plenty excited! Lodi did an incredible job with mowing and weed whipping – he’s really made our little farm look better than it has in many many years. He even cleaned up the inside of the barn some and swept her aisles as we’re expecting some folks who remember how it used to be out here to will want to visit her a little. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #310)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #310. We’re still seeing just lovely weather here in northern MN. So hoping we get a nice long fall after having such a cold and awful spring. Lodi and I are planning our reception party out here in a couple of weeks which will be outside in our yard so begging for nice weather for that! Still quite relieved we separated the reception from the actual wedding day. It took so much stress off and now we’re both looking forward to our shindig! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #309)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #309. We hit our yard hard last weekend. I’m literally sitting here yawning at my day job lol. It was awesome though and a long time coming. We emptied our three car garage, threw away, organized, rearranged and even scrubbed the floor. The difference is remarkable – total adulting joy right here! I even finally got rid of the old florescent lights and installed new LEDs throughout. I’m going to have to devote a post to the whole thing as we’re so excited! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #308)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #308. Well August is fully well and here and I’m about to order hay and wood pellets for our stove for this year’s winter. Kinda hate it lol July always goes by in a blink and then boom, here we are, already prepping for winter! Summer isn’t over yet though and I try to keep that in mind even though we can already feel it in the cooling down in the wind. There are still plenty of bright and hot days in our future. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #307)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #307. Wow, pretty sure this happens every year but, I can’t believe its already August! Where does the summer time go? We’ve had some pretty glorious weather all through July and are now getting down to planning the details of our reception out here in early September. And, of course, just beginning to think about preparing for winter (eek!) Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #306)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #306. Well we sure have seen some lovely weather so far this summer and our garden is just coming into its own and starting to produce beautifully! We had a fun weekend of visiting family and a festival so I’m very glad I took Monday off from my day job so I could get some things done around here. Including finally getting all of our invites sent our for our reception in September! Did I tell you guys yet that Lodi rented a bouncy castle for all the kiddos for the event? Pretty excited lol I’m definitely going to have to climb in there at some point. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #305)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #305. We’ve had some pretty glorious weather recently and are coming into my favorite part of the summer. Out of the garden we’ve enjoyed fresh salad for weeks now and already enjoyed our first harvest of radishes. And we just harvested our first beats, carrots and sweet peas! Our cucumbers and pepper plants sadly didn’t do great this year but I still have hope for them and just have to keep reminding myself that due to such a cold spring I planted three weeks later than usual. How is your summer going? Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #304)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #304. Wow we’ve been having some serious storms this summer so far! Lost a couple trees that meant poor Lodi has basically been spending all his extra time on yard clean up. We’ll be having one heck of a bonfire with the downed branches this coming weekend. Meanwhile I’ve been finally starting to work on house projects again. Finding my motivation has not been easy but I’m relieved to finally get back in the swing of things! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #303)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #303. Hmmm I’m trying to decide if my lack of motivation is due to the gorgeous weather or that I simply just have not entirely recovered yet from our wedding and honeymoon yet. I mentioned it to my day job boss and she said, “Tarah you just went through one of the biggest, most stressful days of your life, give yourself a break!” LOL But its been three weeks and I need to get back to work on the house! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday – you certainly brought some incredible food this hop all of my features ended up being recipes! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #302)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #302. So I’ve lived here for nearly 7 years now and the enormous trees we have all over our farm and close to our home have always been a source of happy for me. That is until this year anyway! We’ve already lost three trees! So far we’ve been incredibly lucky though. The pine that fell on our garage did minimal damage despite literally landing over the entire roof. And this weekend we lost a huge oak that fell down in what can only be described as miraculously away from the house and between two other oaks without causing any damage… Now I’m looking at our trees with a certain amount of dread… lol hopefully our weather will calm down a bit! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #301)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #301. Wowser anyone have any advice on how to return to the real world after getting married, going on a honeymoon and being gone for a week!? Everything went absolutely wonderful! I cant wait to show you guys all of the pictures and tell you all about it! Meanwhile I feel like I need to sleep for a week lol but no rest for the wicked it is, in fact, good to be home and back at it. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #300)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #300. Guys I can’t believe it but I am on my first EVER vacation in several years and the longest I have ever taken off of work in ten years! Lodi and I are on our honeymoon! We got married June 11th and I am so so excited to share all the details and pictures with you guys soon! (No, lol, I am not working on my honeymoon, I set this post up before I left I promise!) Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #299)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #299. OMG you guys Lodi and I are getting married on Saturday!! EEEEK!!! Are we ready for this?! Lol so ready for the stress of the event to be gone – we have so many lists and its a REALLY small wedding. I’m starting to understand why wedding planners are worth their weight in gold. Send good vibes our way as its an outside wedding – so far the weather looks beautiful but I can’t help but worry. Oh I am so excited!! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #298)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #298. Phew have we had some serious crazy storms over the past couple of days. Unfortunately we even ended up with a tree blowing down on our garage! We were lucky (though there was a ton of clean up) the garage actually did not get damaged more than a bit of bent siding etc. The wedding is June 11th and I’m trying not to think about the weather because, obviously, there’s nothing I can do about it whether it rains or snows lol. But is it too much to ask for some sunshine and a few nice hours for when we’re out on the boat!? Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #297)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #297. Well we had a busy busy weekend here for us. After many months of training Lodi ran a half marathon! I am so proud of him… I’m not a runner lol. He did 13 miles is just over 2 hours and finished about 600 in a pack of over 1,700 people. I am so impressed with his persistence and discipline to keep on training for so long! The weather is finally beginning to feel like summer and YES I did finally manage to get all of our gardens planted! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #296)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #296. Well, dare I say it, but I do believe spring is finally actually here. Still haven’t planted the garden yet but it will happen tomorrow come hell or high water lol. Our weekends are slammed from here until the wedding on June 11th but that’s ok. Knowing we get a full ten days off for the wedding and honeymoon is making me all kinds of excited. I am so proud of Lodi – he’s running in a half marathon this Saturday! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #295)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #295. Well after a seriously nasty spring / winter our weather is finally looking up! A high of 85 on Thursday and we are all rejoicing! Oh and now I’m panicking because its totally time to get to planting the garden. Its nearly two weeks later than an average year but I learned a lot last year with our 2021 garden so I’m very excited to get started this year too. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #294)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #294. Well even though I woke up to it snowing a little on Monday morning this week is finally starting to look like spring! Sunshine, over 40 degrees and a day or two in the 50s is finally happening. One huge thing we struggled with this year was mud but our yard is drying up now and the air has definitely made a turn for the better. Is it feeling like spring where you’re at? I feel like we’re a month behind most of the united states but, better late than never. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #293)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #293. OMG Can we just get spring already?! It was amazing to hear thunder this past weekend and actually see 60 degrees. Unfortunately though, we have a high of 30 today and, of course, its snowing… I fear everyone in this state is about to go postal lol. I know we’ll get there eventually but this has absolutely been the slowest, most panful, spring I can remember. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #292)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #292. My gosh our weather will just not improve no matter how deep we get into April. Another couple of inches of snow and it really is just getting so terribly depressing. This time last year it was nearly 80 degrees outside! Lodi often calls me in the morning before I head to work to warn me if the roads are bad. I told him he doesn’t need to do that anymore, I already know, they’re ALWAYS bad at this point LOL. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #291)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #291. My gosh will winter just leave already?! I read a tweet this morning: “Its like winter and spring are fighting over custody of April!” SO TRUE. In the past few days we’ve got nearly a foot of snow and its just warm enough that that means everything is a total muddy mess and its just cold enough that none of it will go away completely. I got my car stuck in our driveway… twice *facepalm* In light of the upcoming holiday (and that I’m hungry apparently) I’m featuring all recipes this week! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #290)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #290. Well the old saying of March coming in like a lamb and leaving like a lion proved very true for us this year. We had a lovely glimpse of spring, lost a bunch of snow and have now woken up three times to everything covered in snow again. We lost a ALOT of snow though and are looking at hitting 50 degrees this coming weekend. I just keep reminding myself, “Just a few more days!” Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #289)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #289. Well March certainly came in like a lamb and is working on going out like a lion lol Rumors of a major snow storm are on the horizon unfortunately. I can’t say I’m upset about it though – temps in the upper 30s and spring on the horizon means that a little more winter actually doesn’t bother me much at all. Some actual spring weather for a month or two would be very welcome after last year going from -30s to upper 90s in all of a few weeks! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #288)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #288. Gloriously spring has arrived for us here in northern MN. We had a wonderful weekend helping spring along, getting our deck and garage apron cleaned off of all snow and ice. Its incredible just how claustrophobic it got this year! We still have a TON of snow but we actually needed it after last year’s drought. Now that its melting I can almost appreciate it lol… Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #287)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #287. Guys, OMG, our weather finally broke! So, last Friday we hit COLD RECORDS for March – it was seriously -25 degrees! And now, while I’m typing this on Tuesday, its almost 40 degrees! There may be no better example of Minnesota weather then this last week LOL. And now, in another good example, everyone is freaking out, because we have so much snow, complaining that its all going to melt at once and flood us out. To be fair though we’re not technically complaining 😉 It is genuinely remarkable how good it feels outside after so much cold! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #286)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #286. I seem to be on a purging rampage here at Grandma’s house. Fortunately Lodi knows to just not get in my way and sweetly offers his help whenever he can. I already posted here about purging out the workshop. Now I’ve tackled our master bedroom big storage closet and pretty much every closet in our house at this point. I am trying real hard not to nag Lodi to go through his own clothes and stuff… lol… god help the man. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #285)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #285. FINALLY you guys we saw day time temperature above 20 degrees! Now can we just not get anymore snow lol PELASE?! Lodi had to snow blow out a path for our horse to get to his water tank again this year. We’ve got to have over four feet of snow at this point and have had very few melting days to get rid of any of it. To say we’re all getting a bit claustrophobic may be an understatement! March is here though and that gives us all hope. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #284)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #284. Well its another blizzard warning… again. What was that hope about a brutal but also SHORT winter? No, not so much here I guess. I’ve never in my life seen so many roads shut down so often – this has been just ridiculous. My boss text me, “Don’t even worry about it – don’t even try to get in today.” I’m starting to feel like Frodo at the end of the Lord of the Rings series, “No Sam, I can’t even remember the smell of strawberries.” LOL it will end and its always rough this time of the year but I’m not sure if I’ve ever been this ready for spring just for our sanities! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #283)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #283. Well I think its safe to say that Lodi and I are beginning to feel a bit of cabin fever. Winter really has been a tough one for us this year, usually we don’t see such an enormous amount of snow on top of severe cold, usually its more one or the other lol. But this year we’ve seen it all and there isn’t much hope of it changing anytime soon. We are on our way though and just it being light out for longer is helping our mental health considerably and March really is just a couple of weeks away! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #282)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #282. Well I think (hope) we are finally by the majorly cold weather here in Minnesota. Usually we don’t see negative temps in February like we can in January but, of course, that is just wishful thinking lol. We’re going to see temps over 30 this week though so that’s going to feel like Heaven after what we’ve seen so far this winter. The farmer’s almanac predicted a short but brutal winter… still waiting for the short part! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #281)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #281. Phew well the weather has improved a little bit. I just love living in a place where ten degrees ABOVE zero feels warm lol. We are officially half way through winter and I always wonder when we get here how we got here so fast. Half way?! I only just got through the holidays and have not done nearly enough inside house work yet! Aw well, there is still plenty of time to go before its time to plant the garden at least. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #280)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #280. Hey guys! So, how is your January going? As for us its pretty typical. Its dark out, its very cold, we’re very tired of it and the snow. I am trying to stay focused on the chance of being able to work inside but, admittedly, there is a true claustrophobia in January in northern MN. Vacation anyone? Yes please! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #279)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #279. We’ve had a pretty quiet January here at the farm. We finally saw some not so brutal temps which felt real nice after -35! I’m getting some house work done that I’m very pleased to finally tackle. We finally have a new master bedroom chandelier after being without for a couple of weeks. Loving it! I’m not real fond of winter but I do appreciate the excuse to work inside for a couple of months. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #278)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #278. Wowser have we had some incredibly cold weather lately. I took a screen shot of a -35 degree morning last week when I left for work. I felt so bad for my poor little car lol I plug her in and she’s snug in the garage but that is SERIOUS cold! Our bird feeders are packed with every little critter around including bunnies and there is no fighting, no chasing anybody off of the feeders or anything, just little creatures trying to stay alive. Wonderfully though we have highs in the 20s this week and wow how that is gonna feel good! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #277)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #277. Like usual after the holidays I am equally (totally) relieved that they’re over and also sad that they’re over lol. So great to get the house back, to pack up all the decorations and step in to the new year. This last weekend was BRUTAL here in northern Minnesota. Saturday we had a high of -10 and wind chill lows hitting nearly -50. We did not leave the house and were suddenly glad for the two feet of snow acting as insulation for the whole farm. Happy New Year everyone, I hope you had a wonderful holiday! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #276)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #276. Reporting in from northern MN where we just got a WOPPING 15 inches of snow over 24 hours and am currently looking outside where it just started snowing again… *facepalm* We’re looking at getting another 5 inches by tonight and we’ve already crushed the snow totals we got ALL of last winter lol. I admit it, I got a little claustrophobic getting up Monday morning and being entirely snowed in. From just a few inches to adding over a foot over night is pretty dramatic! I was fortunate to not be one of many who had to travel in those nightmare conditions. Hope everyone is safe and sound after the holiday! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #275)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #275. Well we’re certainly going to have a white Christmas as it is officially winter here according to our weather. (Not exactly surprising we do live in northern MN!) We finally got all of our wrapping done, decorations are complete and I just have one more trip to the grocery store before I plan / hope to not have to leave the house this weekend! I took Thursday off so I’m quite excited for a four day weekend gift to myself this holiday. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #274)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #274. Wowser guys how is that Xmas is almost here already!? We got Christmas lights up on the house this weekend but other projects took precedence over getting our tree up. All the shopping is done, thank goodness, though nothing is wrapped yet. Hopefully sometime this week after work we get into the festive mood to get entirely ready for the holiday. How are you guys doing with your holiday preparations? Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #273)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #273. Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas in blog land! And, just in time apparently, it is also looking like winter here! This weekend we got hit by over 6 inches of snow and had a high of only -5 on Monday lol I think we all know its coming and all feel prepared every year but that was a crazy temp drop and I think everyone grumbled about it at least a little bit. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #272)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #272. I hope you all had a wonderful Turkey Day! We went out to my extended family’s place on the day of and then had our own smaller holiday right here on the farm on Saturday. It was wonderful to see some of my family though, with covid, about half of us were missing due to positive test results in their own families. Everyone is OK though and that’s really what’s important. Our weather is holding at dry and not terribly cold and we all just wish that we could keep this mild weather all winter! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #271)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #271. Well I don’t know about you guys but November is just FLYING by for me. I have two four day weekends this month from my day job so, of course, I’m trying to get some projects done so I can relax a bit more over December. Its been pretty chilly but we have some high 30s on the way which is actually not too bad, this is northern MN after all! I hope you all have a wonderful upcoming turkey day! Make sure and check out the features this week – one of them is something I have NEVER seen before which is an entire Xmas tree made out of brown paper! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #270)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #270. Well snow has finally arrived up here in north country. That, with daylight savings, sure does put a damper on wanting to do anything. Once its dark and cold out when I get home from my day job it just feels like its all over lol time for bed. Gotta get used to winter time again so I can get my motivation back when I get home! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #269)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #269. Well we sure did appreciate the milder temps we were seeing all through October and right up until now when its finally starting to fall with temps dipping down into the 20s at night. Horrifyingly we still have a couple things we still need to do outside and though I don’t mind the cold I sure am annoyed with us that we didn’t get our butts in gear and do it all before it started really getting chilly outside. Still no snow and I’m crossing my fingers that that at least will hold off a little bit longer! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #268)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #268. We’ve had some really lovely weather all through October right up until a cold, sunny and beautiful Halloween day. We had a few people over for dinner on Sunday and were chilling in the kitchen when suddenly: SNOW STORM. Total giant flaked blizzard almost completely obscuring our yard! It quit within half an hour, the sun came out again, everything melted and we all just laughed about it. Currently it is chilly (down in the 20s at night) but still no snow and sunny days ahead of us. Pretty great actually! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #267)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #267. Well it may be because I hadn’t eaten lunch yet today OR it could be because fall is here and that means Thanksgiving is on my brain. Regardless of why though I couldn’t help but choose five recipes this week for my features. You guys really out did yourselves! I can’t wait to try some of these beautiful dishes at home! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #266)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #266. Well we’ve had a truly lovely October so far but the mild temps are moving toward freezing at night here shortly. Monday was 75 degrees though and everyone soaked it up! Fall is winding down and I’m relieved to say our fall check list is about complete. This weekend we went out of town for the day and enjoyed playing hooky and just taking a little time off from house chores. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #265)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #265. Well our weather is slowly winding down and, I’m glad to say, we’re about finished with all we wanted to complete by winter. I still have some siding to fix on the South side of the house and to build a little awning over our garage side door – but we’ll have the garage addition complete with new garage door and everything by this weekend! Even siding and all of the trim! Woop woop! As usual I am not excited to see winter coming our way but I am glad to be ready for it. How are you guys coming along with your fall check lists? Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #264)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #264. We had a lovely time this last weekend going to see Eric Church a few hours away and then enjoying bumming around and playing hooky for the majority of the rest of the weekend. As urgently as we feel we need to get our fall chores done I’m just going to admit it: The weather has been SO gorgeous its almost impossible to do anything but just enjoy it while it lasts! Its looking like we won’t be seeing even freezing temps until late October which, at least for us northern Minnesotan’s, is totally something to celebrate! I hope you guys too have been seeing a lovely fall. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #263)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #263. We were so fortunate to have such gorgeous weather this weekend. Besides just about completing our garage addition we were also able to meet up with some friends of ours to go ATVing together on Sunday. It got to be too late of a night simply because it was just so so beautiful outside none of us wanted it to end! Of course we all dragged ourselves to work blurry eyed Monday morning but no regrets! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #262)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #262. Well fall is just so entirely here. I am both upset about it and relieved lol which is typical of this time of the year for me. We did (and are still completing) several big projects on the house this year that I am just SO over with. I’m just not as strong or as tough as I used to be I guess. I told Lodi the other day, “I just want a little project… maybe paint something…” But we’ll be very glad to have all that we completed this year for all of the years to follow. Next year we have promised ourselves that we’ll stop adding and just work on what we already have. Promised ourselves a less trying year which I am so relived about! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #261)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #261. Well I have officially reached that time of the year where I’m secretly hoping our garden would just die already LOL! Of course I don’t really mean that but this year seems particularly worse than other years. After having to water the pour thing for practically three months it just seemed like a bigger chore this year than its ever been before. How are you guys all fairing, did you have a garden this year? Are you currently drowning in cucumbers like we are? Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #260)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #260. How was your holiday weekend? I had a different kind of weekend than I’ve had in a long time. Lodi was helping a friend by flying down to Florida and driving a moving truck back so it was just me and the dog on the couch this weekend lol I had every intention of working on a project but, besides three quarts of bread and butter pickles, I just took it easy. Hope you had a good weekend, the weather was beautiful here! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #259)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #259. Well we actually managed to eek out one weekend where we didn’t do anything lol. It felt almost strange to not have somewhere to go or something planned or a project we needed to be working on. To be fair we couldn’t work on our outdoor projects because it started raining a few days before that and just would not stop. All of us locals were like, “Not to complain or anything because we need the rain so bad but do we need to get it ALL at once?” And just like that BOOM, the heat is gone, summer feels over and its getting down into the 40s at night. Must our weather always be so extreme?! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #258)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #258. Hey all I had to put this party together Friday of last week because, I am so excited to say, Lodi bought us tickets to see Green Day! One of my all time favorite bands that I have never seen live. They play Monday night in Minneapolis at Target field and we won’t get back until late Tuesday. So, I put the party together earlier than usual as I didn’t want to be scrambling Tuesday night. I’m not just excited to see Green Day though as a native Minnesotan I am also REALLY excited to see Target Field! Hope you’re all having a great August! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #257)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #257. We visited with family this last weekend and took in a reenactment event at a historic campground. It was a wonderful time but wow I am beat! I’m looking forward to next weekend where we actually don’t have any plans. The weather has turned for us here. Yes it’s still hot but fall is absolutely in the air now with much cooler nights and that wonderful northern breeze. Hope you all are having a wonderful August! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #256)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #256. We had a fun week last week with Lodi’s teenage daughter staying with us for a few days! I took the opportunity not to really work on anything but tried to just relax and chill out even though it does feel like summer is FLYING by. We still have our garage addition to finish up and are hoping to at least cover it with plywood and house wrap this week on the *crosses fingers* hope to get the roof and siding done before September! It feels doable but wow how these dog days do seem to run by us… Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #255)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #255. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #254)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #254. Well we have been entirely fortunate to finally get a little bit of rain here though it is far too little and WAY too late. With so many places burning close to us right now we are still SO SO fortunate to have gotten even half an inch of rain. The heat is still just beyond crazy for us this far north in Minnesota. I try to remind myself that it won’t be long until we’ll be buried in snow again but dang its been so hot out for SO long! I hope you’re all keeping cool and having a good summer! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #253)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #253. Well we kind of took the last two weekends off. The first one, after the craziness of fourth of July, we did absolutely NOTHING. And it was awesome! This last weekend we went to a couple of fairs and hung out with our family a little bit but we really took it easy and simply went home whenever the heck we felt like it. It was great but its time to get serious on projects again. The garage addition is waiting to be built so I’ll be renting a concrete nailer and framing nailer on Friday so we can get to it! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #252)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #252. Well after the last crazy 3 day weekend over the 4th I put my foot down this weekend and did absolutely NOTHING. I didn’t leave the house. I didn’t even need to get out of my pajamas, though I did. IT WAS WONDEROUS. Apparently I really needed it to because Friday night I slept for 16 hours and then I slept another 12 hours Saturday night. Wow I feel so much better! Besides that I laid out on our deck in the sun. I think I’m ready to return to summer activities lol Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #251)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #251. PHEW! We had a big weekend here at Grandma’s house. Friday night we saw a concert, Saturday night we saw another concert, Sunday we had a full house with a big party with our friends and family and then Monday night more family. It was wonderful to see everyone but I tell you what: “I am beat!” I can’t wait to do nothing next weekend lol. I hope you all had a wonderful and safe 4th of July! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #250)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #250. Well we hit it hard in June and got the bulk of the BIG projects done here on the farm. We’re tentatively looking at each other like, “Is it OK if we relax a little now?” Three separate concrete pours and getting our entire pea gravel deck done in less than four weeeks… dangit I think we earned a little break! I can’t help it though my brain is starting to panic that its almost July and BOOM its going to be snowing before we know it lol Hope you all have a wonderful, safe and relaxing 4th of July weekend! OMG, YOU GUYS, WE GOT INTERVIEWED THIS MONTH TOO! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #249)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #249. Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #249. Wow it finally happened guys – IT RAINED HERE! The temperature plummeted and with a high only in the 60s it rained ALL day Sunday. It was absolutely glorious I swear I could hear everything outside singing lol. Looking like more normal temps now and more normal rain fall. Maybe we’ll actually have a yard to mow this year! We got our first little harvest of radishes out of the garden, can’t wait for more. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #248)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #248. Wow guys I’ve never seen this kind of weather in June before. It just won’t rain – we’re going on several weeks now. This is the first time I can remember looking at our 100 year old oak trees and they’re literally WILTING. Our yard literally just died and my poor horse is so sick of hay – first time I can remember having to feed hay ever this time of the year! Its crazy! At least the record breaking heat wave is over we’re at 50s at night and 80s during the day like it should be finally. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #247)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #247. You guys the last party made it IMPOSIBLE for me to choose only five features – I had to pick six! WOW what amazing content you all share, you are so incredible and inspiring! Ok so, a week ago, Thursday and Friday night we had to cover all of our plants because of hard freezing temperatures. One week later, it was literally 100 degrees. Even for northern MN that’s pretty crazy. Our luck is so great that we rented a skid steer a month ago and had no choice but to work in the yard all weekend lol. We said we’d get it done come hell or high water unfortunately it was basically hell! Wow was that a struggle in the heat OMG! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #246)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #246. Wow, seriously Minnesota? So, we were so excited to get our garden planted a couple of weeks early. The traditional time to plant would have been this last weekend but our weather was absolutely gorgeous and gave no inkling that it would change. Yeah well, it froze HARD last Thursday and Friday night. Fortunately we don’t have a huge garden so we were able to cover it up and save it and we were able to bring our other plants indoors as well. But, good grief! Now we have a forecast in the 90s and no rain in sight lol! On to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #245)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #245. Lodi and I tackled our yard and put up 18 panels of new privacy fence this weekend. (We entirely collapsed on Sunday lol) I am so thrilled to see our garden is already coming in! I don’t know about you guys but when our seeds sprout it always kind of feels like a little miracle to me. I’m so excited about our deck planters this year I filled them with herb seeds instead of flowers and they’re all starting to come up too. We’re working on getting as many “small” things off of our list as we can before its time to tackle the building of our garage addition. I hope you guys had a lovely weekend too! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #244)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #244. Summer has finally arrived and I don’t regret getting a little sun burned this weekend one bit! We tackled the yard and wallowed in finally being outside in some really gorgeous sunshine. We even got the vegetable garden planted which, by my calculations, is about two weeks earlier than usual. When living this far up north two more weeks of growing time is a big deal! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #243)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #243. Well we’re still fighting to get to some warmer weather here where we actually really WANT to be outside. Its like not bad if you’re out of the wind etc. but we are really just not there yet dang it! I think we’re all getting very restless and ready from some heat! This last weekend Lodi and I got all of our seating out and all of our outdoor spaces set up and ready for summer. So, now we just wait lol. On to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #242)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #242. OMG we had an absolutely gorgeous weekend here in the high seventies and sunny I even managed to get a little bit of a tan! Sitting out on our deck sun bathing felt just like Heaven. We put up our screens and opened all the doors and windows to really get some fresh air into the house. I love this moment when it finally gets nice enough out to air the house out after such a long winter! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #241)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #241. Well our rainy cold spring seems to be finally leaving us. I know we were all so hopeful after such a nice short winter but our cool weather would just not give it up. It even snowed last weekend! But maybe, finally, we might actually want to spend some time outside this weekend and get some much needed yard work done. I don’t know about anyone else but I Have been restless! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #240)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #240. Last week was a whiplash for us on our little farm here. Wonderfully, Lodi and I got engaged! And then, not just two days later, we lost one of our horses 🙁 Losing horses is always so difficult and I’m not just talking about emotionally. I don’t think I can do another animal this big – its just such a huge undertaking to take care of them. We buried her in the back pasture – her favorite place for napping and sun bathing. My gelding is looking lonesome but is actually doing ok considering. Our little Jazzy died of old age, she’d been with us over fifteen years. Phew. Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #239)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #239. Well we’re experiencing a very real spring. Its kinda cold and very rainy. We needed the rain so bad though and I’m not totally unhappy that our outdoor chores haven’t begun yet, I still haven’t gotten through my winter / indoor to do list lol! Our plans are still in the works to plant some trees this spring and I’m still very excited about that! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #238)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #238. Wow this weather has just spoiled and spoiled us. We’ve finally got some rain coming which is a very good thing. I swear only in Minnesota when we still have piles of snow on the ground can we also be in a severe fire warning! Lodi and I are looking into finally getting a trailer here pretty soon something that has been on the list for this little farm basically forever. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #236)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #236. Wow guys I think spring might actually be here for good and that’s gotta be at least a month early for us in Minnesota. Its really been beautiful and now I’m trying not to panic because usually I have at least another month of planning when it comes to what I want to start working on outside this spring and summer. Deep breaths lol We are though, at least, going to go buy or veggie seeds ASAP. A girl can at least hope that maybe this means we can plant early! We’ll see! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #235)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #235. Wow, I almost hate to say it out loud and jinx us but I think spring is officially here… in mid March. Of course we all know that can change in a blink but my gosh our forecast looks just beautiful. I’m starting to get a little hope in me that maybe I can plant our garden early! Here in MN every single extra week of growing season can make a HUGE difference! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #234)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #234. Wow you guys northern MN here and we’ve almost lost all of our snow! Holy crap, we’ve seen highs in the 50s! What the heck is going on? lol we love it! I’m starting to dream about my gardens very seriously now. But I’m also holding myself back because, one year, we go over 50 inches of snow in April! So, we’ll see if this is the real end of winter or not, in the meantime though we are totally basking in this beautiful weather. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #233)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #233. Wow our weather did a complete turn around and is nearly 50 degrees warmer this week than it was last week. Crazy! Now we’re practically on the cusp of breaking records for how warm it is lol so bizarre. No complaining though this 40 degree weather is gorgeous and really feels incredible. I’m finally getting my butt in gear and getting back to finishing our basement. For the first time ever we have a working bathroom! Woopwoop! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #232)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #232. Well today is my 35th birthday and wow how the time does go by in a blink – even this past year with covid etc. Fortunately our weather took a literal 60 degree turn into much warmer then we usually are. Generally February is the worst month to live here lol today its nearly 30 and boy does it feel wonderful! Sorry about forgetting to include the party code last week and thank you all who came back and shared once I fixed it. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #231)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #231. BRRRRRRR. We just had over a week of constant negative temps and hitting at least -20 every night. My gosh I don’t know if I’ve ever been so excited to see ABOVE ZERO before! Even if its only 3 above lol Wow that was a long one! I feel so bad for all the little critters and deer etc. that are outside in this. My horses act like its no big deal but its a big deal. Finally though the temperatures are improving – we’re seeing above zero every day from now on! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #230)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #230. WHEW did winter come to Minnesota! Our highs this entire week are in the minus! Even with my car in the garage she really didn’t want to start Monday morning after it hit -25 night before. I’m going to be plugging my poor little Honda in for several more days. Let’s hope this is the one and only serious cold snap. March isn’t far away thank goodness! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #229)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #229. Lodi and I took a little getaway this last weekend to a resort not too far from us. It was great to have a break from just the daily grind. This is SO SO SO the off season for anywhere in Minnesota right now. So, it was quiet, which I liked a lot. A lot of resorts just close down here in the winter time which is fair. Glad we found one that remains open all year! Hope you all had a great weekend, I don’t know about you but I’m starting to day dream about this spring and my garden! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #228)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #228. Well our days of very mild weather are behind us. Though a high of ten still isn’t bad at all for this time of year, we’ve been spoiled. I’m cold lol. We have a special weekend planned for Lodi’s 39th bday coming up. I got us a little room with a balcony and hot tub to dissolve in for a couple of days. We’re really looking forward to some real time together and a break from our regular routine. Hope you guys have a great weekend as well! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #227)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #227. Lodi and I had a wonderful “no plans” weekend which, in my opinion, as far as weekends go, doesn’t get any better than that. I even had the bonus of it being a three day weekend for me so I was able to really “putter” and take my time knowing I had three days. I had two blog projects I wanted to take pictures of and I spent all day Sunday making eight quarts of turkey stock. Lodi spent much of the weekend playing his guitar and I made homemade turkey and dumplings for our Sunday night dinner. Those quiet, easy weekends are really where its at! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #226)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #226. OMG this weather though is just unbelievable. You guys, in northern Minnesota today we have a high of nearly 40 degrees! I’m not complaining but I’m terrified winter is winding up to hit is unbelievably hard because this is just crazy. We’ve broken every record and it feels amazing. This seriously doesn’t even feel like winter, I’m having trouble focusing on inside work like I should be doing right now! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #225)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #225. Well Lodi and I managed to make it midnight lol how about you guys? What a weird, quiet new year! Did you guys happen to tune in to the ball drop in times square? I don’t know about you but I found it kind of depressing and even a little horrifying. I wish they had just skipped it and had celebrities do zoom performances or something – just the entire thing online. Seeing times square almost totally empty on new years eve like that was a bit too apocalyptic for me! Regardless, 2020 is finally behind us, cheers to a far better year for everyone! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #224)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #224. I have to admit, though I missed seeing our extended family, being forced to stick close to home and have a quiet Xmas this year was not a bad thing. In fact, this is probably my favorite Xmas I have ever had. We really just took it easy and actually FELT like we got a vacation! None of the crazy anxiety and endless traveling of past holidays! Not such a bad thing! I hope you all had a good holiday as well, happy new year! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #223)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #223. Well we are going to officially have a white Xmas! We got a couple of inches of snow Monday night and an ALL OUT COMPLETE AND SCARY BAD BLIZZARD GOING ON RIGHT NOW – so fitting as yesterday was the first day of winter. I would not have minded not having a white Xmas but it really was just a matter of time – this is northern MN after all! Tomorrow (Xmas eve) we have a high of -2 and I am so glad I don’t have to leave the house that day. I hope you all have a lovely and safe holiday! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #222)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #222. We’ve been hit by a little bit of a cold snap that is actually more like “normal” temps this week. The last few weeks we’ve really seen some strangely dry and warm weather for this time of the year. They’re saying southern MN might not even have a white Xmas! One thing I’ve noticed above all else is that our horses and all of the little critters that visit our bird feeders are drinking more water than they have all year. I’m so glad we purchased a heated water dish for our birds and squirrels – they seem to appreciate it even more than the food we put out! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #221)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #221. How is your December going so far? As for us its been pretty quiet which has been pretty darned awesome. My day job slowed down a little and has left all of its employees a little bit of breathing room. Currently we went back to a more stringent lock down here in Minnesota due to Covid-19. Bars and restaurants had to close back down to just take out only. Lodi joked he could pick me up for a “date night” and drive around the block so we can tell people we “went out” lol. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #220)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #220. We still have practically NO snow which is just crazy for this time of the year but that 40 degrees we saw last Saturday felt just wonderful. Not to brag but I officially have all of my Xmas shopping done. Have I mentioned I don’t like deadlines? lol I just can’t stand the anxiety of an important gift not showing up until the last minute! We had a quiet holiday weekend. Lodi spent a whole day hauling wood for our bon fires next summer and two days hunting with his best friend. I, of course, got a bunch done on house projects. All in, even with how crazy this year has been, we had a good Thanksgiving. I hope you did too! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #219)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #219. We’re still seeing some pretty warm weather for November and absolutely no one around here is complaining. Got a dusting of snow this last weekend that is almost gone – we might see a brown Thanksgiving for a change! We got the wall and door in, officially making our back hall/closet into its own small room! So excited to have that project done. Next up for me over my four day weekend is sheetrock tape, mud, paint and trim – oh, and eating way too much of course 😉 Hope you all have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #218)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #218. Well we finally got a dusting of snow on Monday but, amazingly enough, its on its way to being melted and gone! Strange for us this time of year but no one is complaining. (We were missed by a huge snow storm that hit most of the state last week.) We got a heated water bowl for our birds and little critters and I can’t believe how much they appreciate it! We’re filling it up almost daily and totally regret not getting one sooner! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #217)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #217. Well the weather reprieve was absolutely glorious. I can’t remember if I’ve EVER seen 70 degrees in November lol. I couldn’t sleep at all Sunday night and finally realized it was because of the sound of the rain pounding on our roof. It sounded amazing and sad in a way. I knew by Monday night the rain would turn to snow and it would likely be the last time we had rain in a very LONG time. It was nice though, it filled up the stock tank so that’s a worry I won’t have to think about in a long while! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #216)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #216. OMG You guys I am SO excited – its going to hit 60 degrees today. We have one last truly beautiful week and weekend before it looks like winter will fully arrive. What a gift! I had my first weekend alone here in over a year and I took the opportunity to tackle some projects and just be incredibly boring. A little bit of gaming, a little bit of wine, I never left the house except to feed the animals. I ate pizza and didn’t even bother putting on a bra lol it was pretty great though incredibly quiet! I missed Lodi terribly but I will say a some time alone I think is good for all of us. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #215)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #215. Well, fortunately for us, after record lows and a record snow fall, we have highs in the 40s on the way! Woop Woop! Winter is not quite here permanently YET lol But with it being only in the single digits yesterday morning I finally broke down and got out my winter jacket, boots and a pair of gloves. All this cold and snow made me crave comfort food and you guys shared so many wonderful recipes last week that all my features ended being food! Now, on to the party. Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #214)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #214. Well it happened hard and fast: winter is here. Snow is on the ground and we’re staring down maybe getting up to a foot this weekend! WTH! Hopefully *crosses fingers* this is not the end of our fall weather and may still see some highs in the upper 30s and 40s once this cold front and winter storm moves through. We tackled some pretty hard core projects this weekend right in the nick of time and actually managed to get a new door in! How are you guys fairing? Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #213)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #213. We got the majority of our “before winter” work done though it does seem like an endless list… Probably because we keep adding to it! I want to replace the door on the south side of our house and move it into my workshop. This will accomplish a couple of things. Firstly: It’ll be awesome to have an exterior door in the workshop and secondly the current door is total crap and was letting out a lot of heat last winter. The workshop can be the coldest room in the house, so this will work out perfect. Now we just need to get it done lol On to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #212)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #212. So far October has been chilly but quite lovely for us with few rainy days and many shiny sunny fall days that are just glorious. I’m going to try to take some time off from my day job this week to get a couple of photo projects done. I want so bad to get some decent fall photos of the farm but also, coming out in November, I want to share all the updates we did to our deck before it snows! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #211)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #211. I fear I may have already missed our last “nice” fall day to get some decent fall pictures for my blog post next month. *Loud Sigh* To be fair, I think I only had all of two days when the tree color was good and it was actually nice outside before all the leaves hit the ground. Nice (and warm) weather is surely coming so whether or not our trees have leaves I’m just gonna have to make due! Strangely most of our leaf trees are in full color and dropping their leaves right now but not ALL of them. None of our maples are showing much (if any color) maybe they’re just a bit tougher then the rest? Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #210)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #210. WOW is the weather crazy this year or what!? Below freezing temps totally annihilated my garden and then yesterday it was 80 degrees – WTH!? I’m not complaining, the heat is always welcome this time of year because, lets be honest, it could totally be snowing. A long hot fall I think we all deserve especially this year! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #209)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #209. Its that time of the year again and I just HAD to make chili. Fortunately Lodi loved my Minnesota chili 🙂 I call it that because I’ve spent enough time in southern states to know that its basically unrecognizable to their own form of chili! Here’s the recipe: 1lb ground beef, 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped bell pepper, 1 can hot chili beans, 1 can navy beans (rinsed), 1 can tomato sauce and 1 can chopped tomatoes. I always brown and caramelize the first three ingredients first together before adding the tomato sauce and chopped tomatoes. Then I simmer that for a good half hour before adding the beans so they don’t get mushy. Its perfect with grilled cheese and for a cold fall day! I add garlic salt, black pepper, chili powder, paprika, cumin and red pepper to give it more of a kick too! What are your staple fall recipes? Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #208)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #208. Well… It happened… Summer went from 90 to 50 like it saw a state trooper lol. So bummed, we got hit by freezing temps two nights in a row. Wow how that happened fast! Of course, this is not the end – projected highs will be returning to normal but wow how NOBODY was happy to have to turn their heat on! My garden is absolutely done and oh how I am going to miss the fresh produce! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #207)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #207. I got my Mom home from Rochester on Monday afternoon, I am so totally beat but we’re all OK. She has a long road of recovery ahead of her but she’s getting a little bit better very day. I’m taking care of her in any way that I can. Lodi held down our fort while I was gone – only five baseball bat sized cucumbers to be fed to the horses from the garden lol Otherwise we got to try our first watermelon! Not very big but wonderfully tasty. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #206)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #206. Many of you know my Mom has been going through cancer treatments since January. Four months of chemotherapy, five weeks of radiation and now, the last step: surgery. I brought her down to the Mayo clinic in Rochester yesterday morning and tomorrow she will be having surgery. Its just the two of us and its a long procedure and, of course, I’m worried sick. All surgery is a risk though this is, fortunately, not considered a very high risk surgery. If you guys could keep us in your thoughts tomorrow I would so appreciate it! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #205)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #205. Well August is dwindling down – I saw the funniest post on Facebook the other day, “I can’t believe its already August! March feels like only 17 years ago!” What a year 2020 has been, wowser. It also feels like March was yesterday. This is absolutely the longest shortest year I’ve ever lived. Funny fact: I never get carded now that I’m wearing a mask all the time – I guess my eyes look old and tired lol Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #204)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #204. Oh how I love August. I am such a summer person and seeing August is both my fav and the worst all at once. August is really our last dependable month when it comes to summer. In northern MN September is a crap shoot – could be gorgeous summer weather or it might snow! Or, more likely, it may do both off and on lol We’re finally making some real progress on our summer to do list and good thing because we are totally running out of time! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #203)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #203. I love this moment with the garden (I would totally garden anyway regardless of this moment) but the fact that by August of every year its already paid for itself is pretty darned cool! Just a few cucumbers so far but we’ve had several meals of green beans, peas and beats! Kohlrabi is on the way and so are the melons. The herbs just make me silly happy though and our oregano, basil, thyme and dill just did amazing this year. I love stuffing chicken breasts with Parmesan and that whole combo of herbs – MAJOR YUM. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #202)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #202. Our garden has begun to produce in earnest and its just so wonderful to have the organic fresh produce. We’ve had several meals of fresh peas, green beans and beats now. Cucumbers are coming soon and the melons and kohlrabi are on their way. Our fresh basil, dill and sage are doing incredible and I’m basically throwing them in every meal I can! Unfortunately, for the second year in a row, peppers just don’t do well in our garden and I can’t figure that out at all. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #201)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #201. Hey all, well I am officially freaking out because it feels like summer is almost over and I haven’t even put a DENT in our “must get done before winter” to do list! This feels incredibly familiar because, of course, I do this every year. There’s something about hitting July that just makes me panic lol We finally did get some real rain though and the garden is beginning to really produce – love the fresh veggies every day! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #200)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #200. OMG you guys I’ve been doing this link party for 200 weeks in a row! WOW! Thank all of you for joining us every week, sharing the party and getting on board! Well, Lodi and I put the air conditioner in one of our windows…. with absolutely no hope for rain and after being missed by storm after storm and suffocating trying to sleep in a 90 degree bedroom for WEEKS. I broke. First time in all the years I lived here that my stubborn butt was beat by the heat! Of course this is 2020 after all and not six hours later we finally got hit by a thunderstorm that appeared out of nowhere and broke our drought and heat streak… *facepalm* Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #199)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #199. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend! With all that’s going on in this crazy world anymore we tried hard to have a chill weekend and some serious R&R. Of course I still did some work on the house but that’s nothing new lol. Around here we need rain DESPERATELY and have seen some serious heat. Our whole yard has become crunchy – getting everything watered is starting to feel like a full time job! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #198)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #198. Wow, as weird as this year has been I didn’t think I’d say this but where did June go? I can’t believe this weekend is the fourth of July already OMG we haven’t got near enough done on the yard lol time to crack the whip on MYSELF. I love this time of the year and I also hate it because we just stored the hay for the horses for this winter and Lodi and I just talked about ordering pellets for the pellet stove also for this winter… Can’t we pretend summer isn’t going to end for even ONE minute!? Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #197)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #197. Wow did we swelter for a couple of days here! Whew! Back to regular temps now after a couple of INSANE thunderstorms. Not sure what I expect… This is 2020 after all and asking for anything normal (even the weather) does seem like asking a lot… Somehow, even with covid, we inadvertently entertained family and friends for the last FIVE weekends in a row. I’ve been counting the days to next weekend that we finally get to ourselves! Even my very-extroverted-people-loving Lodi said last night, “I love them all so much… Let’s never do that again.” Isn’t family great?! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #196)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #196. Well I don’t know what’s going on with the crazy amount of wind that we have anymore but we have at least been able to enjoy some hot summery weather! I’m very excited that our vegetable garden is filling in great and everything we planted came up and is doing well. I am so ready for some fresh veggies. My Mom only has a week left of radiation – so excited for her to get a break and be home for good! I hope everyone’s spring has been going smoothly so far. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #195)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #195. MMMMMMMM I really need to not check out this link party when I’m hungry lol I was absolutely starving by the time I finished choosing my features last week! You guys are some amazing chefs! We’ve had some glorious weather lately and its just about killed me to have to go inside every night. My body is like: “But its light out and beautiful outside… it can’t possibly be time for bed!” We really all should be able to put our jobs on hold the first month of summer every year… Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #194)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #194. Lodi and I accomplished quite a bit this last weekend. We got our little bathroom finally painted out and complete. Our garden is sprouting – so exciting! My Grandma’s peonies, tiger lilies and lily of the valley are all up and looking so darned pretty. Isn’t spring wonderful!? We knocked one planting bucket list item off of my list too by planting an asparagus bed as well. I hope you all had a great weekend! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #193)

Link party #193. To Grandma’s House We Go! Its been an odd, hazy, gloomy, not-sunny-at-all, we-need-rain-so-bad, couple of weeks. Not complaining, its still been over 70 every day, but it is a bit odd. Its starting to feel like I’m just going to have a permanent fire danger warning on my phone forever… Lodi and I are getting a lot done now that spring is here. It feels sensational to be outside again and to enjoy our big deck and to plant something and get dirty! Hope you’ve all had some warm weather to enjoy as well! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #192)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #192. We finally reached the point of no return when it comes to the weather… hopefully lol it is MN after all! We planted flowers this last weekend and yesterday we planted out the garden! I’m kicking myself for not getting the garden planted a week sooner but life is just like that sometimes. We do the best we can! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #191)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #191. Well, in true Minnesota fashion, it snowed! A week ago I was really thinking we were going to get to plant this last weekend lol not so much. I got all of my peonies and other perennials covered that were popping up so everyone was safe and sound. This looks like its really finally it though and we won’t be seeing freezing again until… *crosses fingers* … maybe this fall!? This next weekend we’ll hopefully get all of our gardens planted – I totally miss the smell of dirt! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #190)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #190. All of our green houses opened up unseasonably early and everyone was SO excited even though its still not safe to plant quite yet. We’re all still hunkered down in quarantine here in MN so just getting to go look at plants and go somewhere different was a treat! Lodi and I are getting adjusted now that we’ve moved in together here at Grandma’s house. Under such awful circumstances in the world I’m really relieved to have him here with me. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #189)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #189. Thank goodness for an early spring! Our weather has simply been gorgeous. Considering the current quarantine situation I know everyone is so relieved to be able to get outside to walk, run, bike, or just sit in the sun etc. Lodi and I are planning our gardens and working on our summer to do list. Still haven’t really got my feet back under me motivation-wise with everything that’s going on, but I’m working on it! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #188)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #188. WOW these are some very weird times we’re living in. Poor Lodi isn’t “essential” so he’s stuck at home losing his mind meanwhile I really think us essential employees should get some time off when all of this over lol. He’s the extrovert, I’m the introvert, so the fact that our places aren’t swapped is both horrifying and hilarious. I’ll be the first to admit though his OCD is giving us the cleanest house EVER and that’s not a terrible thing! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #187)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #187. I hope you guys had a good weekend! With the quarantine going on the only reason I remembered it was Easter was because I had several family members send out texts to everyone wishing them a Happy Easter lol. Lodi and I spent it on the couch watching Sherlock and eating way too much pizza… What a strange reality/world we’re living in. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #186)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #186. My poor Lodi I fear is going to go absolutely stir crazy. He and Annie (the doggo) both went from a big city and going out daily to stores, gyms, malls etc. to BOOM: a very small town ten miles away and the four walls of my grandma’s house. Lodi the extrovert, laid off and sheltering in place while meanwhile I’m the introvert that never goes out and would love to be trapped at home for a couple of weeks and I’m the essential one *facepalm* Daily life is so surreal anymore! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #185)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #185. Wow we sure are living in some strange times these days. Anyone else watch the tiger documentary yet? Apparently it is a must see lol. I’m “essential” and I have never before scrambled so hard and been so stressed beyond recognition at my day job. I saw a Meme on Facebook the other day: “When all of this is over can us essential employees take a month off and you guys run things for awhile?” SO tired and I noticed today that EVERYONE I see working now looks exactly how I feel. We’re all in this together. I hope you are all safe and sound. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #184)

SORRY GUYS! I accidentally linked to this older party in my April 19th newsletter. Click here to go to the correct link party!
Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #184. Well, one bit of good news is that we seem to be seeing an unprecedented early spring! It’s lovely. Forty degrees and fifties in the forecast is just amazing. This time last year we were getting dumped on – getting over three feet of snow in just a couple of weeks. With what’s going on right now at least being able to get out of the house and take a walk etc. sure helps a little bit! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #183)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #183. Well as of right now all public schools here in MN have been closed along with just about everything else yesterday by 5pm. How are you guys all doing? As most of you know my Mom is currently going through chemotherapy treatments which puts her in the most vulnerable group. To say I’m a bit concerned for her is a major understatement. She is practicing hard social distancing… which, to be fair, isn’t that different than regular life here in northern MN. For people like my mom though I am doing what I can to follow the CDC guidelines and literally not going anywhere I don’t have to. I hope you all are safe and getting through this ok. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #182)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #182. Well, its official, we’re seeing a VERY early spring. We hit nearly fifty degrees this weekend, it was crazy and it felt SO GOOD! Suddenly I’m trying to switch gears from my winter to do list to my summer to do list… Which means I need to MAKE my summer to do list lol no complaints though, we certainly deserve a long summer and early spring after the last two years! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #181)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #181. It seems to be officially spring time basically here in northern MN… pretty much unprecedented! But if there was ever a people that deserved an early spring I think all of us midwesterners can agree that after the last two VERY short summers, we deserve this! Hope you’re all seeing some sunshine and melting like we are! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #180)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #180. Well, I’m not sure what we did to deserve it but we seem to be seeing an early spring here in Minnesota *crosses fingers* let’s hope I didn’t just jinx the midwest! This last weekend it hit 42 on Saturday! I don’t remember an end of February with weather this nice ever in my life. It feels amazing! Hope your winter/spring is going well. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #179)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #179. Well we saw some -20s here for a couple of days and some wind chills down into the negative 40s. That was brisk! Everyone weathered it fine though and so far *crosses fingers* it really looks like that is the last of our cold spells and spring is seriously on the way. I don’t think I’ve ever said that in February before! My birthday is on the 24th and I know I have NEVER seen a forecast of 30s for my birthday EVER OMG we’re all so excited! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #178)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #178. Lodi and I took this last weekend to go on a mini “vacation” for both of our birthday parties. The view was still of the frozen tundra that is Minnesota right now but the hot tub and the wine certainly helped us both feel like it was a vacation! We had a lovely time and both regretted having to leave our little getaway. But the break certainly helped get my own butt back in gear and back to work. Winter still going on by this time of the year can be such a downer! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #177)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #177. Well it sure feels good to put January behind us finally. I swear every year January stretches out even longer somehow. We had a bit of a heat wave here that felt absolutely amazing and even took out some of the insane amount of snow that we have already this winter. Crossing all of our fingers that maybe, just maybe, the worst of the cold snaps are behind us and spring is on its way! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #176)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #176. We’ve had ourselves a lovely “heat wave” throughout north country these past few days and into our forecast. 30s feel like HEAVEN this time of the year and it really has been such a relief. Crossing our fingers maybe we’ll see a mild winter from here on out after seeing negatives temps in November! Hope you all are having a great winter! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #175)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #175. WOW did winter just hammer us! OMG I am SO SO SO ready for spring – Remember to check out our first Sunday of every month DIY blog hop (more info below) Chas and I are really excited about it! For those of you who experienced this last winter horror storm I hope you found a warm spot to be safe and sound until it passed. Next up I’ll be hiring a guy very soon to get all that snow off my roof – current totals here are over 3 feet now. On to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #174)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go link party #174! CALLING ALL BLOGGERS!! Chas and I are teaming up the first Sunday of every month with a themed project and we would love to have you join us! Each month’s posts is a different theme – currently we are doing it by room to really let us be versatile and creative. We have opened it up to all other bloggers using Inlinkz to make it easy for us to all share together. To get the party codes, the dates and the themes click here! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #173)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #173. PHEW! I don’t know about you guys but I am SO ready to see a normal week again lol Can we start a petition that all holidays have to be moved to either Mondays or Fridays or even Thursday?! I have officially spent half of a month with absolutely no idea what day it is, certain that I’m forgetting something and feeling like I’m getting behind somehow. Happy New Year! Cheers to getting back to normal! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #172)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #172. I saw this posted on Facebook over Christmas and wanted to share it with you guys: “I hope you find some time this week to get really, really quiet. To curl up in a big cozy chair and watch a movie you’ve seen a million times before. To hug the people you love. To wrap up in a warm blanket and read a good book. To drink hot cocoa from a Christmas mug. To stand outside in the crisp night air and marvel at the stars. I hope you find time this week to sit silently in front of your life and contemplate how magical it really is, before we turn the page and greet a New Year.” Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #171)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #171. Happy almost Xmas everybody! I’m thrilled to be “ready” and also both bummed and excited to be having a very unique actual holiday this year. My mom, aunt and I will all be without our guys for Xmas so it’s just going to be us girls. How it happened is a long story but schedules, lives, responsibilities etc. mean us girls might just have a margarita Xmas complete with girly movies and pajamas! Definitely going to be watching Mama Mia after opening presents lol. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #170)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #170. OMG did we see some cold weather! My phone had a permanent weather warning on it for three days with wind chills of -35! Crossing my fingers this somehow means we’re getting the really bad cold out of the way early this year and get an early spring! Stay warm out there guys, I am thrilled to say I got all my shopping and wrapping done at least. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #169)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #169. Well we are officially wintry now with about a foot of snow on the ground and a high today of -5 ugh. To be fair it is mid December and I do live in northern MN so I guess I can’t really complain about our inevitable winter weather. Lodi has been hinting at taking us somewhere warm in February and that’s sounding better and better by the minute. We put up our first tree together this last weekend and though I am not really a very festive person it was a special moment and who doesn’t love Xmas lights? Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #168)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #168. I do hope that you all partied and ate far too much and allowed yourself to forget about calorie intake for at least one day. I myself ate WAY too much over two Thanksgivings. Lodi and I were literally wattling home to hit the couch and unbutton our pants and remove our belts. I have been on a “diet” for almost a year now. I have lost nearly 25 pounds. I’m pretty sure I ate as much food on the first Thanksgiving as I would normally eat spread out over several days. I also have VERY delicate stomach issues that I ignored and totally regretted later. Still though… there was pie and it was REALLY good pie. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #167)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #167. I feel like Thanksgiving being so late this year made November come and go in like two or three days lol. I panicked last week when I heard on the radio Xmas was less than 4 weeks from Thanksgiving. OMG I need to get my Xmas shopping done good grief! I usually wait until after Thanksgiving but that feels too close for me even buying everything on Amazon Prime. Obviously deadlines stress me out lol. How about you guys? Anyone started Xmas shopping yet? Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #166)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #166. Fortunately for us that awful cold snap left and was followed by some really not bad highs in the 30s and 40s! I’ll take it. It felt great after seeing negatives temps this early in the year. I took the weather as a sign to fill my horses’ stock tank and do a few more chores outside that are particularly more crappy to do in cold weather. Lovely for us most of the forecast looks average in the 20s and 30s, YAY!! Crossing my fingers we won’t be seeing negative temps again for a while! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #165)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #165. OMG I feel so bad for all of us lol this cold front that hit the United States has just been CRAZY! I got up to a temp of -3 Monday morning… Like SERIOUSLY?! Its not even Thanksgiving yet. Fortunately it does look like we’ll be returning to more “normal” temps here pretty soon. We really need to get some snow if we’re gonna see this kind of cold though! Time to go pick myself up some apple cider and settle into some blankets on my couch for sure. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #164)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #164. Well I woke up to a white world this morning though we still have enough heat in the ground that I don’t think its gonna totally stick *crosses fingers* I hope you all had a great Halloween! I spent it staying in lol but it still remains one of my favorite holidays of the year! So, with November here, I guess I have some serious food goodness on my mind, ALL of my features this week are some truly incredible looking recipes. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #163)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #163. Well somehow the stars aligned and we really did get one last nice day of fall. It was the only day we needed as it was also the LAST day we could go to the pumpkin party until next year! I hadn’t gone in ages but its always just been a little favorite thing of mine. A local farm right by me puts it on every year complete with wagon rides, corn mazes and apple cider. Its just a great time to hang out outside and enjoy some of our last fall sunshine so I’m so glad the weather cooperated! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #162)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #162. Hey guys well as far as northern MN weather goes we still seem to somehow be putting off the inevitable. No snow that has stuck YET! Currently I’m looking at an almost unbelievable weekend of sunshine and 60 degrees. That sure would be wonderful but I’ll believe it when I see it lol. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #161)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #161. Well we did see some snow this weekend but only a few hours from me they got over 2 feet in North Dakota! As for us we only saw a couple of inches that are already long gone so *crosses fingers* its looking like we’re gonna get some more fall weather before winter settles in! Make sure and check out the Rain Chain giveaway I’ve got going on right now, its open until next Monday so there’s time to enter. If you have trouble entering your email just mention it in a comment and I’ll make sure you’re on the giveaway list. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #160)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #160. I keep seeing this post on Facebook that I think is hilarious: “This time of the year my family and I play a fun game of how long can we freeze before we finally turn the heat on!” I wish I could share it but us Minnesotans have had our heat on for weeks now lol. We had our first major freeze awhile ago and its been dipping down into the 40s for a couple weeks. We also have our first major chance of snow this weekend. Fortunately though, its looking like we’re not plowing into winter quite yet and still have some decent fall days on the way! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #159)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #159. Fortunately for us Minnesotans we did not see the snow that just hammered Montana. We did see the cold though over the last couple of days. My garden is officially totally and completely done and I turned my heat on in the house. My horses are looking fuzzier by the day and I am not enjoying the fire of my little pellet stove. A couple more outdoor chores and then I’ll be moving totally inside the house with my focus and project list. I am looking forward to it as is always the truth this time of the year! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #158)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #158. Well I finally hit my wall: OMG I am so sick of making pickles lol! I know I need to get back out to my garden and harvest the last of my cucumbers and everything before the weather really turns but after making 44 quarts of pickles and dilly beans over this summer I am so ready to be done. Totally learned a ton about my garden and me this year and what I can’t wait to do next year. I’m definitely going to plant more variety (I’ve eaten SO MANY beats this year) and less cucumbers! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #157)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #157. Amazingly we got some gorgeous HOT weather this week and everyone in my neck of the woods is literally rejoicing. It was looking pretty grim last week when our forecast was high 50s and raining. So, this week, after my day job, I’m taking full advantage and tackling the last of my outdoor work before I lose the weather again! Also I was so totally excited to be featured as one of the best DIY blogs at the DIY Center! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #156)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #156. OMG pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere! To be fair fall doesn’t technically start for a couple more weeks lol but it seems everyone is in the mood for it. Our own summer here in northern MN was tragically short but no less busy then all the others behind us. As usual, I am kinda weary and ready for fall, I still have a couple of things to finish on my list before the snow flies but I am looking forward for things to quiet down a little. I’m also looking forward to not having anymore pickles to make lol! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #155)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #155. Well, like every three day weekend I crawl my butt back to work on Tuesday and spend the majority of the day wondering what day it is. I actually took off Thursday and Friday of last week too so after those five days I’m totally discombobulated! It was great to take some real time off though and just play hooky with no real plans. Hope you all had a great holiday weekend now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #154)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #154. For those of you that follow either my Instagram or Facebook page you may know I finally tackled ripping the stucco off my house last weekend. I am thrilled to report I actually got it done! Of course it was not without blood, sweat, tears and several blisters but finally getting the flashing and house wrap up was such a wonderful moment. Still a long way to go before I’ll have anything complete enough to post about it here but, regardless, I am so relieved to get this far! Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #153)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #153. I was so excited for this last weekend, I haven’t had a TON of time to really work on my house and with the weather already turning I took this last Monday off so I could have three days to really get some things done before winter. And then Saturday morning rolled around and I had a bonfire in my throat, I couldn’t swallow, I hurt everywhere and all I wanted to do was cry but it hurt too much to cry. It hit me so hard and so fast it was just crazy! My high tempt that afternoon hit 102.9. My best friend was seconds from throwing me in a cold shower or rushing me to the ER. Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #152)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #152. This last weekend I made another six quarts of refrigerator dill pickles and four quarts of a refrigerator bread and butter recipe that I’ve never tried before! I’m very excited to see how they turn out. Besides that I’ve officially procrastinated on every single thing I could possibly do outside besides ripping the stucco off the house lol. (Is it really procrastinating as long as you’re getting other stuff done?) So now I have no choice but to get that done too… It is so not a job I’m looking forward to. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #151)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #151. Finally this weekend I didn’t have to leave the house! Summer weekends are always so crazy I’m to the point now where I have to schedule weekends in where I can just STAY HOME no matter what lol. My mom came over and we picked cucumbers and made ten quarts of refrigerator pickles and, of course, totally stuffed ourselves on fresh cucumbers while we were at it. My garden has just begun really producing for me, its just amazing to have fresh vegetables every day for dinner. I also finally added two beams and four posts to underneath my deck, I also cemented them in. Its been on my to do list since this spring when I noticed a little bit of sag and bounce that was driving me crazy! Even with all the activities I could be doing, honestly, just being home has really become my very favorite thing. I hope you’re all having a wonderful summer, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »

To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #150)

Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #150. Well, its basically August and my garden has started producing cucumbers like crazy. I purchased all my canning supplies and am ready to go. I haven’t yet worked up the courage to can “for real” but my refrigerator pickles from a couple years ago lasted until I ate the last jar nearly a year later. So that’s the plan this year, lots of refrigerator pickles and green beans too. My pepper plants have basically done nothing… not sure what happened there. It may have been the weather though because I’ve heard I’m not the only one whose pepper plants stayed babies lol On to the Party! Read the rest of the post »