Good morning…

If it doesn’t stop raining soon we’re going to have to get some plans for building an ark. I have so much outside stuff I still need to get done. I’ve been doing lots of it between rainy days but still have to cut down the roses, peonies and raspberries. Get the last of the tomato cages out of the garden and clean the chicken coop and get all that goodness in the garden. I don’t think we’ll be getting it tilled this fall but it can just rest.

I looked at my summer kitchen drapes and figured I’d put up my winter ones but didn’t remember that the winter ones I had were from before we remolded in here so I got them up and they didn’t fit no matter what I did. I then remembered why so at 9:00 at night I made some new ones. My daddy came over yesterday and checked them out and we got to talking about the fabric and it’s the material he bought me at least 10 years ago. I remember the trip we made to St. Cloud for my birthday and we went to Northwestern Fabs and I picked it out and he got it for me. I never knew exactly what I was going to do with it but am so glad I used it the these. Every time I look at them now I remember our trip and daddy helping me pick it out. Anyways, here’s what they look like. The pictures aren’t the best because of the flash but you’ll get the idea.

                         

Now last night Jim brought home over 8 lbs of fresh cranberries so Mike and I spent 4 hours making them into 3 different things. We made 8 cups of cranberry sauce, 6 pints cranberry jelly, 8 pints and a bit extra winter jam ( it’s made with cranberries, apples and pineapple). Here’s the recipe for the winter jam, it is so excellent and easy.

WINTER JAM

3 c. cranberries
1 1/2 c. diced and peeled apples
3 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. water
1 1/2 c. crushed pineapple
2 tbsp. pineapple juice

Cook cranberries and apples in water until tender (I did not peel the apples, I just cut them off the core). Press through sieve (I used a food mill, it was fast and easy). Measure 3 cups pulp. Add pineapple, pineapple juice, and sugar. Mix and boil until thick and semi clear. Can anyway you want, I just put them in old jars and plastic containers for freezer jam. They are for Christmas gifts so won’t be in there too long.

It was so nice working with Mike and letting him be the boss and all. I took a few pictures to share with you.

So now it’s onward and upwards to the next thing. I think it’ll be sewing mama a plastic bag tube. She wants one for Christmas so think I’ll make a couple for gifts too. Something easy, not time consuming but needed.

I hope all is well with you all. Now take care and have a great day. God Bless!!