Canning Pickled Beets

Dirty, Dirty Beets
Become
Pickled Beets

From a peck of beets, I got 5 quarts of pickled beets!  I had to cut off all of my fingernails because they became a vivid shade of purple.  The hands were too but they cleaned up.  I had a great deal of fun so it was worth it!

Jim's Pottery Studio/Man Cave

Jim and I have been so busy having fun!  This is his studio in the basement! He is already turning and cooking new pieces.  Yesterday he hung new lights and it made the biggest difference.  I get to share the  man cave for my painted furniture.   

Busy, Busy, Busy

Uh, Oh, Norena went to the produce auction again!  I got blackberries, blueberries, corn, onions, cabbage, squash, 4 loaves of Amish made quick breads, 4 little blackberry pies, most of which are already in my new freezer.  I wanted to get tomatoes but they bid too high.  Most of this I got for $1.00-1.25!  This morning I am doing the corn and beets. 

A Big Can of White Paint

Isn't it amazing what a white paint will do to a brown shelf and a flower pot?  This went in my guest room.  The picture is three generations of dynamic women.  Mama, me and daughter when we were about 18, 38 and 58.  My sister Patricia took this photo and it will always be cherished!

The Poopie Truck

The Poopie Truck arrived and sucked out the overflowing septic system.  Ahhhhh, life in the country.  We also found out that our well water is not drinkable even with multiple filters so on to the next adventure.  It has been so hot here we got in the car yesterday and drove just to stay cool.  We always spend too much money when we do that.  Thank God it rained yestrday and cooled thigs off.  I still am so greatful to be living here.  Life is GOOD!

My GW Pasta Machine

This is my first attempt at making egg noodles.  Ingredients:  4 large eggs, 3 1/2 C. sifted flour and 1 T water.  That's it!  The noodles are drying and I will seal them in quart jars unless we eat them first.

More Freezing Today!

We ordered a freezer which will be here the end of this month or before.  I the meantime, I am filling the freezer that I have.

I'm Happily Tired!

Who Builds a skylight right over the bed in a Master Bedroom?  Our builder did!  So...here is my solution!  Three tension rods and a length of soft green sheer fabric from GW and Voila! 

Mama and John

My Mama and My Big Brother John

The Math

Okay, here's the math.  Out of the $50 worth of produce I got:
12 qt shredded zucchini
6 qt Cinnamon applesauce
28 Jelly jars of preserves
6 qt frozen peaches
1 peck of apples to cook with or eat
1 doz peaches to eat. 

I spent $18 on jelly jars so I think the work was worth it.

Memories from Childhood

The last few days has been a whirlwind.  Jim and I decided to take a road less traveled and ended up at an Amish produce auction.  I have never bid at an auction before in my life.  They gave me a number and my hand just kept going up.  I knew that I remembered how to can and freeze so I went for it.  Little did I know that a "lot" meant each pint or quart.  I when I figured that out, I stopped and found that I had spent $50.00. 

I bought zucchini, peaches, apples, and plums.  When I was about 12 years old, I made a recipe for preserves for 4-H.  It turned out well and everyone loved it so, I decided that I would do that again. 

Oh Ye of little Faith!  I did it!  May be it's because I am not afraid to fail or because I believe that I won't, but I'll try anything.  If it didn't Jell, I'll pour it over ice cream.  It's a little runny but great on my morning toast.  The rest of the produce, I froze.  I still have a peck of apples left so I think I will just cut them in pieces and freeze.  The other peck I made cinnamon apple sauce and froze.  I think it's time to buy a freezer for the basement. I had so much fun!

Hot But Peaceful Morning

Last night we spent some time with our neighbors and had a good time.  I was just saying to Jim that I miss being with other couples.  We walked over to the neighbors and they were very gracious to spend time with us.  They just got home from vacation and I'm sure were very tired.  I hope we didn't stay too long.  We were just having a good time.  Today I am going to work on the Thrift Store coffee table.  After pics to follow.