This and That

I haven't posted anything due to a combination of busy and lazy.  I wanted to update y'all on the progress of the front yard but  it's been in a bit of a stall. My soul sister needed housing so Robert spent several weeks getting his motor home running and

appliances working, so she could live in it for the next couple of years.  It's about 30 years old and in need of lots of work.  It's now parked in it's semi-permanent  home in the hills providing a place for her. 

While he was working on that not much got done on the yard.  

I managed to make some strawberry jam.  I used Pomona's Pectin for the gelling agent.  It needs less sugar  than the other pectin.  The thought of 5-6 cups of sugar just didn't give me the warm cozy thoughts that I get with strawberries.  I love the taste of strawberries and even as a kid, putting sugar on strawberries was horrifying.  

 I have made and canned apple sauce before but this was my first time making jam and canning it.  I watched a couple of videos an consulted some books I have.  Turned out fine but after attending a UCD University Extension Master Canners demonstration, I see there are a few things I could change.

My grandmother used to do all of this as a farm wife, but my mother never learned and by the time I came along Gram just stopped doing it.  So I have to learn from others.  Thank goodness there is a renewed interest in canning and old food ways.

Robert has been painting the picket fence.  The silly man often works in the hottest part of the day.  

I keep telling him to go out earlier in the day. But you know how it is with old dogs and new tricks??

Lastly I wanted to share our garage sale finds.  We don't get to go treasure hunting too often but last weekend we found the opportunity to do so.  

Gave my old one to my daughter.

Bread book and pie book.

Old style blender, and bean pot.

We scored all this for $6.00!  Must shop more!!😉