A Bunch of Stuff

Things have been super busy around here.  It seems like everything in the garden ripened at the same time and needed to be canned.  I have been wanting to learn how to string onions since last year and this year I planted onions with that in mind.  This is my first attempt at stringing.  Not too bad! Once I got the hang of it  (no pun intended) it was really fun.  Next year I'd like to try braiding garlic.

These are some of the ones that were too small for stringing.

Still quite tasty though!

As you may remember, this is my first official year of canning.

I was very intimidated by the tomatoes.  But in the end I did it!

Ta Da! Canned tomatoes.

Harriet the Hen helping herself to a drink of water from the dogs bowl.

A head of cauliflower is enough to bring  them all together.

Yikes!  Wipe your feet!

 

I have really loved using my new/old stove.  It's awesome.

I have decided if we move it is going with me.

Last year I wanted to can Apple Pie filling but was too worried about the Clear Jel vs. Corn Starch dilema.  I finally found Clear Jel for sale at a Cash & Carry store not too far away.  When I got there I found out they only carry it in 25 pound bags for $47.00.  I passed.  Actually I almost passed out!  If the USDA says that Clear Jel is the only safe way to can pie filling  then it should be for sale at Wal Mart and everywhere else that sells canning supplies.  I am opposed to being forced to order the stuff online in a baggie.  So, I did what any red blooded woman would do - I used the corn starch and canned my pie filling.  Guess what?  It turned out awesome.  AND, we tested one jar and it cooked up wonderful.  So what is all the fuss about?

Pears and applesauce. Yum.

Green beans. More important than air.

Just a nice shot of the back yard looking toward the garden, orchard, and hen house.

That crazy Border Collie face.

Last weekend Tim went deer hunting with the neighbors. In two different locations they were bombarded with these giant HEAVY pinecones.  The squirrels were actually dropping  them on the hunters.  Two of the guys were so freaked out they got back to the truck in a hurry!  LOL.  Evidently they make a huge bang when they hit the ground.

And finally, the painted bathroom.  Yes the sinks are 1950's Aqua.  So is the tub which is around the corner on the right. The toilet is white, so it has been replaced.  Someday they will all match.  Maybe even in my lifetime. :)  Let's hope. . .