Valentine day

Next Tuesday is Valentines day. My sweetie made me some barb wire hearts for the Valentine Sweetheart Ball. The barb wire hearts are for decorations on some of the tables. I'll take a picture of the hearts and post it. Cute!!

Taxes and Canning

It is that of year to get the taxes done. If you get your taxes in early then you don't have to stress about them for the rest of the year.
You can then concentrate on getting your garden ready so you will have good vegetables to
eat this year and hopefully enough to put up in canning jars, dry or freeze. Canning may seem like an overwhelming job but once you start doing it you will find out it can be so rewarding. I like knowing what is in the food I eat and who has had their hands on it. We'll talk in detail this year on how to can, hot freeze and how to dry some of those vegetables and fruit you will either grow or purchase from the local farmers.

Tomato Seed Planting

Planting Tomato Seeds

It is almost the end of January; the first tomato seeds went in today. I planted 24 mortgage lifter tomato seeds, 24 celebrity tomato seeds and 24 beefsteak seeds.

I used the small pod planters and planted one per pod. It makes it so much easier when they need to be transplanted to a larger pot or the ground outside. Separating them is a pain otherwise. I will plant more this week.
I planted the mortgage lifter, celebrity and beefsteak last year. If you haven't tried the mortgage lifter I would recommend it. I bought it from Gurney's when they had one of their sales. Sign up and they will send you the specials. I was short last year on a few of the seeds and called them. They promptly send me new seeds to replace them. I like to deal with companies that back up there product.

We have snow on the ground now, but spring is not all that far away. This year I will plant the watermelon directly in the ground, they did so much better last year planted that way.

New Year

The Holidays are winding down, the Christmas rush is over. 2012 begins this weekend. What are your New Year resolutions?
Mine is more time with family, enjoy life more.

Spring seed planting

As Spring is around the corner I put my seeds in this week. As I was preparing for the big day last week I went to Wal Mart to buy some peat pots to plant them in. Much to my dismay I noticed all of the pots I had previously used had shrunk in quantity and gone up in price.

When I was planting my seeds I ran out of brand name jiffy small jiffy strips. I searched my stash at home and found some I had bought last year. I noticed the peat pots Jiffy strips by Jiffy I purchased last year came in a package of 5 with 10 small plant pots each. A total of 50 seeds could be planted. The ones I bought this year only had 4 with 10 plant pots each, a total of only 40 could be planted and the price had gone up!

I don't know about you but I had not been fooled by the smaller quantity. I would rather they keep the larger quantity and charge if need be more money then reduce quantity. I suppose they thought I wouldn't notice????

I used popcicle sticks to mark the variety of my seeds as I have more than one kind of plant in each type. I planted a variety of tomatoes, cabbage, cucumbers, winter squash, summer squash and peppers.

The Reunion "Girls Night Out"

More than 40 years have passed since we walked the halls of our old High School. The reunion was coming up and I was anxious, wondering if I should attend. I missed the last two years of High School with them and in a way I didn't feel like I really belonged to the group. As I read the correspondence back and forth with the various "kids" on the Internet yahoo group I still wasn't sure if I would go to the reunion.

I decided to drive the five hours to attend the "Girls Night Out" the night before the reunion. I was more anxious to go to that than the actual reunion. As I left my husband at my mother's home with the parting words "I'll probably be back in an hour or so", I went out the door hesitantly with much anticipation and some dread. What if they didn't remember me, what if I was the only one who didn't fit in?

As I arrived at the home of Linda a girl I grew up with who had lived just a few blocks away I noticed the balloons in the back of a very lovely brown brick home. I was greeted by Linda whom I would not have recognized had I seen her on the street. She had grown into a beautiful woman no longer the young girl I remembered. There were a couple of other "girls" there who told me their names and we said our polite hellos. The others arrived shortly after, an assortment of sizes and faces, a total of fifteen women. I searched each face looking for that little thread of recognition from so long ago.

Valerie arrived, dear cheerleader Valerie whom I had gone through grade school and Junior High associating with. She still had the pretty long blond hair and cute figure. I recognized her immediately, still the sweet and popular Valerie.

We sat at two separate tables and visited while we ate. I sat at the smaller table with some of the girls I remembered. We started talking about grade school, Valerie commenting about a play we had been in and I started singing a song I remembered from one of our plays. As I started singing the other girls joined in with huge smiles and sung with me a song I have sung so many times since while remembering us up on the stage in our cute outfits dancing and singing for our parents.
We spoke of climbing the ropes in gym class and of other experiences that we had shared together. I started of feel that even though I might have missed out on the very last of the school experience with them that our time shared together had bonded us in some way. I felt at ease and was happy that I had made the journey to meet with them once again.
We went inside Linda's beautiful home to the comfortable living room where we sat in a circle facing each other. We talked for a brief time when Linda suggested we tell of what we have been doing with our lives. One by one the woman shared their experiences in life since they left the confines of High School life.

I listened in amazement to the experiences I heard. Some told of bad marriages, deceased husbands and parents. Others of financial problems, three of them had suffered the effects of cancer. Some were still married to their early sweethearts. Each had a story to tell, some or triumph and others of hardship and failure. Through all of this I could see what amazing women they had become. One a writer, one a brilliant computer programmer, others successful in business, a principle and happy mothers with wonderful husbands. I can't tell all the stores as they were private yet shared with girls they had shared so much within the past. Adding up all of our posterity thus far we counted over a hundred and fifty descendants.

It as truly amazing to have been able to see and share a brief but I should say healing time with these women. Growing up I thought I was the only one who had problems or should I say what a child and young woman would consider problems. After listening to these women I realized I wasn't the only one who struggled at times, that we didn't all live the perfect life but we have lived a life where we have become stronger because of our experiences and trials.

I feel truly blessed to have had the experience of once again associating with the wonderful people I shared my early life with. They helped to shape me into the woman I have finally become.

I went to the reunion the next night for the entire class and was greeted by the girls I had seen the night before. I would look at my former classmate's faces to see if I recognized them and then the name tab but after a short time I started looking at the name tab first and then the face. We had changed, but hopefully most if us for the better.

When I have the opportunity to go to another class reunion I won't hesitate but will look forward to again seeing and sharing with the friends I grew up with.

Child wood rolling pin set

This is a favorite rolling pin for children. They love using this, it is perfect for little hands to work in the kitchen while Mom or Grandma are baking. The small handles are just right so they can grip the wood rolling pin easily. You may find this set at http://www.stitchthrutime.com/

Venison Stew and Cherry or Blueberry muffins

Whole Wheat Cherry Muffins or Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup white flour

1/8 to 1/4 sugar (or you can use honey)

4 teaspoons baking powder

About 2 Tablespoons canola or vegtable oil

2 eggs

About 1 cup milk. If you use white flour only use less milk

Combine ingredients (don't mix too much).

Put cherries or blueberries into muffin cups. I use frozen cherries as I don't usually have fresh cherries around.

If you want to put blueberries in put in as many as you want into the batter before putting into the muffin pans.

Put into well greased muffin pans, should make about 12 muffins.

Bake 450 degrees for 15 minutes.

Venison Stew or Beef Stew

Brown Venison (or beef) in large pan, add garlic and cook until brown

Add

1 quart tomatoes

A few carrots chopped

A few potatoes chopped

Celery

More garlic chopped

Fresh sage (or dried if you don't have fresh)

Parsley

1/4 teaspoon cayanne pepper (you may use more or less according to taste

Water, fill up to about 2/3 of pan after putting everything in. Water is important as you need to cook the vegtables. I let my stew cook for several hours on low simmer with lid on or until done.

If you want salt you may put it in but I don't salt my food when cooking as usually people will put salt in even before tasting and I don't like a lot of salt in my food. I would rather use herbs.

Throw in any other vegtables you want, it's your stew. If you do put in peas wait until right before serving and pot in briefly so they don't overcook.

If you have any leftover gravy or drippings from a roast also include it in also.

Planting Peas

Planting Peas

Just planted the peas. Hopefully enough to put in the freezer for the long winter.

I like to plant my peas about 3 inches apart and cover with three times as much dirt as my pea is in size. It is best to plant when it is cooler, not too cold or they won't germinate. Peas prefer the cold rather than the warm.
I know this doesn't look like Martha Stewart planting her peas but I don't have the gardeners she has sigh.. Even one would be nice..

All dressed up to feed the bees.

I may not look my best, but I would rather not look so lovely and get the job done. This outfit is one that helps so the bees don't get inside my clothes and sting me while I attend to the hives.

I just gave them medicine and fed them sugar water.

Bee sugar water

I use two cups sugar to one cup water.

I bring to boil 8 cups of water

Pour in 16 cups granulated sugar and stir until dissolved. Do not bring to boil again. You are not making candy and you just want to dissolve the sugar into the water.

Let cool and put into clean container.

Spring Bee Feeding

It is time to feed the bees and give them their medicine. Two new hives this year.

Tomatoes waiting for Spring

These tomatoes were planted in January from seed. It will be May when they are able to be planted outside.

Some of the tomato plants are heritage while others are not. I try to do early tomatoes although some are so good you just take a chance with them. These tomatoes are ready to transplant into bigger containers. I plant two tomato seeds per about 4 inch peat pot.

The trees are starting to blossom in the West and soon it will be time for apricot jam. If you want a good apricot and jam recipe just go to http://www.stitchthrutime.com/ for great canning recipes.

Long Hard Winter

It has been a long hard winter, the snow just melted last week (finally). Looking forward to spring with visions of a good garden this year!

Cookie Cutter Display

Cookie Cutter Display

     An old cupboard from the 1800's I use to display my cookie cutters and other fun things. I like using old candy jars for my cookie and pie cutters. If you don't have old jars just go buy one and they work just as well.  Candy jars look nice and keep the cookie cutters available and easy to see.  The two mixers at the top one from my Grandmother and another a find at an antique store.

     Many years ago I heard if you have a memory of something and don't have that particular object from your family, you can always get that object even though it isn't the original and it will bring back the same memories.

Apricot Jam Recipe

Putting Wax on raspberry jam.

Apricot Jam
I like my apricots ripe, you get a sweeter creamier jam. Wash your apricots and pit. Cut out any bad or spoiled spots and give to your chickens if you have them. Grind apricots slightly in your grinder, I prefer having small chunks of apricot in my jam so don't puree.
Wash your jars and lids, put the jars into a water bath on the stove to sterilize In a separate pan put your screw on jar rings and bands, simmer on low heat to sterilize them also. If you want to put wax on the top of your jam, I put paraffin in a double boiler, be very careful with the wax and never put hot wax directly on the stove to heat as it will get hot and start on fire. Read the instructions on the wax label before using. Caution: Wax will ignite if overheated or exposed to open flame. To avoid danger and to preserve the quality of the wax, always melt over water - preferably in a double boiler. Also if you put hot wax in water it will explode. Make sure you read all the caution labels on the wax before heating. Put your apricots in a large pan with 1/4 cup of lemon juice and I use 1 package of Ball fruit Jell Pectin per 5 cups of apricot. You can buy this at any grocery store, Wal-Mart or K-mart.
Bring your apricots to a boil (the instructions are inside of the ball pectin). Bring your jam to a boil that can't be stirred down. When jam comes to a boil add your sugar. Have your sugar ready so you can pour and stir sugar in. The recipe calls for 7 cups of sugar which is too sweet for me, I put in about 5 cups of sugar, which is enough to make a sweet jam, but not too much. I also like my jam a little runny, I don't like it set up like cement. I use my apricot jam in many of my recipes, and on toast muffins and apricot syrup on pancakes. I also think a softer apricot jam tastes better. You can do what you want as this is your jam. Just make sure you get it hot enough to kill the bacteria before putting in your jars.After it comes to a boil, stir it on medium heat (while it is boiling) until when you hold up your wooden spoon it slowly drips off, I think it resembles a bad case of cellulite (that is the best description I can give you), until it thickens to the consistency you want. Remember that when it cools it will thicken more.
The recipe in the ball pectin says stir for one minute after you bring it to a boil that can't be stirred down, but since I don't put in as much sugar I stir it longer on a medium heat until I feel it is the consistency I like.
When our jam is done turn off and ladle into hot jars. Buy yourself a canning funnel, it is worth the couple of dollars you'll spend on it and saves precious jam and easy clean up spills. Remove funnel before putting on wax.I put about 3 tablespoons of wax on top and then wipe with a clean wet cloth around the rim to make sure it seals well. Make sure your lids and rings have been sterilized. I use a small pan of boiling water with a lid on it and let it boil on low while I am making my jam.. Put lid and rim on your jar and tighten. I use ball or kerr canning lids only, they are a good quality lid. Cover jars with a clean towel.
Let set for 24 hours before you wash and label them. I like to label the lid instead of the jar, it is much easier to throw away a lid then scrub off a canning jar label when you get ready to use it next year. When you reuse your bottles you don't have to wash off the labels. Always label what your jam is and the year so you can rotate your fruit. You can put your name on it if you like to give as gifts.
I recommend you check with your ball canning book or your local extension agency for times on all your canning recipes, also be sure and use a steam-pressure canner for your vegetables, this is a must for safety!
Always check your ball canning book for times and safety tips. Time may vary with your location so you should also check with your state extension agency for exact times. They also have canning books available for not very much, at least they do in our state.

Caution: Wax will ignite if overheated or exposed to open flame. To avoid danger and to preserve the quality of the wax, always check instructions on the wax you buy. Never put wax in pan directly over heat, preferably use a double boiler.

Never throw hot or burning wax in water, it will explode! I repeat,

NEVER THROW HOT OR BURNING WAX IN WATER, IT WILL EXPLODE!!!


I always wear aprons when canning, be careful when canning, it can be a fun experience, but you don't want to get burnt.
Never throw hot or burning wax in water, it will explode! I repeat,
NEVER THROW HOT OR BURNING WAX IN WATER, IT WILL EXPLODE!!!

Pint Jars ready for Jam
I like to sterilize my pints in water. You have to be careful not to burn yourself, always use safety when canning.Some people use a dishwasher, but I like to sterilize my pint jars in water before putting the jam in.

Garden Table

Country girl with her garden table. The salad table is in addition to a large garden, it is perfect for lettuce, spinach and other leafy greens.
Below are directions for building the planting table.

The garden table is 33 inches wide by 58 inches long, you will need the following tools and materials:
Untreated framing lumber: two 10-foot-long two-by-fours and two 12-foot-long two-by-fours
2 1/2-inch galvanized deck screws
3/8-inch staples
1 pound of 1-inch roofing nails
3-by-5-foot roll of aluminum window screening
3-by-5-foot roll of 1/2-inch mesh hardware cloth (galvanized wire mesh; comes in a roll)
Handsaw
Hammer
Tape measure
Square
Tin snips
Staple gun
Drill

Garden Table How-To Make It:

1. Make the frame by taking two 58-inch two-by-fours and attaching them to two 30-inch two-by-fours with galvanized screws. The two interior cross pieces are attached 18 3/4-inches from each end of the long piece, making three equal sections.
2. Staple window screen on the outside bottom of the frame.
3. Center the hardware cloth over the window screen; pull it taught and staple to the frame bottom.
4. Nail roofing nails around the frame for added support.

5. If you want the additional braces at the bottom and sides you will need extra 2 x 4's to brace it like in the picture.

Soil: The best growing medium is 50 percent soilless mix and 50 percent high-quality compost. The commercial soilless mix usually contains peat, perlite, and vermiculite, but new organic soilless mixes contain coir (shredded coconut fibers) and rice hulls. Work water into the soilless mixes to get them moistened. Then, combine the soilless mix evenly with the compost and fill the frame to the top -- it will settle some, and that's fine.

You may find this cute apron at www.stitchthrutime.com

Country Apron girl in her yellow salt & pepper apron enjoying the flowers of summer. You can find this and many other old fashioned aprons at www.stitchthrutime.com

Country Apron Girl

Just a little note for country and city girls who love aprons, you know you are not alone!

We'll start with just a fun apron and expand them as we go along.

One of my favorite is the 1940 apron from http://www.stitchthrutime.com/ It comes in many different materials, but one of my favorite is the 1940 in red polka dot. Retro aprons are back, this one has the red polka dot and red gingham together in a fun apron that I like to wear in the kitchen.