In a Pickle

I made a batch of dill pickles today but didn't have enough cukes to do a batch (drat all that spring rain), so I used zucchini spears instead. I'll let you know how they turn out in a month or two (when we pop open a battle and try them.

I also harvested most of my broccoli today. De-worming them is a chore (I farm organically). Some have suggested salt water soaks, but the silly things attach themselves to the broccoli with fine silk. The trick I use is to pour hot tap water over the whole bunch and shake vigorously. Then I slice off pieces and put them under hot tap water while finely inspecting and separating branches. Then I blanch and freeze. Works great.

I finally decided on a solid black background for my daughter's hope chest quilt. I eyed the blue batiks that were on sale (buy one get two meters free) but I passed on it. The colors on the cathedral window quilt will stand out so much better on black.

I also found some old fashioned map fabric for my map loving youngest son. He needs a new quilt as well.

We helped my mom pick all her latest cukes and veggies from the garden. She kept one and gave me the rest, so guess what I'm doing tomorrow? Pickles! Mustard pickles. I should be able to make 2 batches (about 52 jars!!) I'm getting the kids to help, though!

August 29

Today, I put away the last of the peaches: another 12 bottles of sliced peaches. peach jam, and peach-n-blueberry jam. Turned out yummy.

My feet are so sore, though. I think my arches are falling again. A good soak in the tub helped.

I have curtains to sew for my sister and baby crib sheets for a friend whose expecting. Might work on that tonight, since I can sit for that.

The hurricane winds finally slowed down to a regular breeze tonight. It feels much more peaceful outside now.

I might make a trip to Fabricville tomorrow. I hope to get started on a new quilt for my daughter's hope chest (due in a year). I plan to make a cathedral windows quilt. I found this tutorial that was quite helpful and plan to use it.

Results of the fair

Just back from picking up our items, ribbons, and prize money from the fair.

Here's how it all looked:

My daughter won 15.00$ worth of prizes (her bread won 2'nds and 3'rds-pretty good for an 11 year old competing against adults!)

My son won 9$ in prizes (his handmade pottery candle holder won first place in his age division)

I won 62$ in prizes. I received 5 first place ribbons (for a ring, my dried garden herbs, a crazy quilt I had made for my eldest son, a turnip from my garden, and broccoli I grew.) I also won 8 second place ribbons and 8 third place ribbons.

Quite a haul, quite a haul. :)

To the Fair we go!

My kids and I are getting geared up for the St. Marie Expo which is the local fair here. Featured are the agricultural/crafts/home economics/animals. And lets not forget the rides!

So excited! I'm entering 3 pages of items to be judged. Hopefully I'll win a few ribbons (and some cash prizes as well.)

My daughter has brown bread and whole wheat bread and rolls in the oven as we speak. Should be quite something else if she wins (being 11) against all those grammies ;)

I have a quilt, knitted items, and lots of garden produce. I may even raid my mother's flowers for some bouquets!

We are looking forward to petting the lambs, seeing the HUGE horses, and looking at everything. (and of course, the rides for the boys).

Blueberries

I picked 16 pounds of blueberries on Saturday. It took me from 10:00 to 3:00, but it was worth it. Looking forward to eating these :)

The key to picking without a sore back was to take a low stool. Worked great. A straw hat prevented a heat stroke in the sun.

A trick my family and I use in cleaning them is to roll them along a tilted window screen that is placed in a tray. The good ones roll down and the debris stays on the screen. Works great and saves a lot of time.

Yum! Blueberry pies, muffins, jam, oatmeal....

Even the rejects look pretty!

Drying herbs

The kitchen en-wreathed with drying herbs.

Drying herbs in the kitchen.

In my garden

Purple Liatris

Nasturtiums are edible (leaves, seeds, and flowers) and taste a bit like a radish. Great in salads!

Poppies grown for the seed to put in bread and soap.

Before opening-I love the crisscross basket weave look.

Romaine Lettuce

Sunflower at Large :)

Baby butternut squash..or pumpkin. Hard to tell yet.

Baby broccoli just starting up.

My beets are HUGE this year!

Scarlet runner Beans. Good for baked beans and for attracting hummingbirds.

My daughter's radishes she's saving for seed.

The goldenrod is in bloom. The blossoms make good dye for natural fibers.

Calendula harvested for their petals for my soap. The olny petals that keep their color, plus good for dry skin.

Fruits of our Labors

Peaches from the local store (on sale)-the before shot.

After-15 bottles of peaches-all canned and ready to go!

Yummy Blueberries for the winter months.

Fresh Raspberries!

String Beans from our garden this year all bottled up for the winter.

My daughter's Homemade bread

Herbs and blueberries

I'm going raspberry and blueberry picking today! So excited to stock up on these for the winter :)

I also am happy to announce that my new shop, Acadian Homestead is now open. Currently I have handmade soaps, and dried herbs available. I also plan to put up sewn items, and knitted items.

www.acadianhomestead.blogspot.com

Home again Home again...Jiggety Jig

I'm so excited to be back home again after a week of being away doing music for the VBS at our church (good way to get in shape, by the way).

The week before, I was away at my in laws cottage with the family on vacation and visiting with extended family who were visiting. It was also my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary and we celebrated it by putting on a family concert for friends and family (many of my husband's family are musically inclined).It was a lot of fun and a lot of work. Looking forward to rest and being at home.

These 2 weeks made me realize two things, that a homemaker's job extends beyond the house...but it sure is nice to be back home! Home is my domain.