kidding around

I suppose you could say this is a “girls night out”, but since I’m not much of a party animal, meeting with a few ladies to can seasonal fruits and herbs is just my speed. Boy, I’ve made myself to be such a dork…I mean I DO like to have fun, but partying it up at bars and shopping at the mall is really not me, you know? (Not that this is at all bad!)

ANYWAY, a few of us were wishing we would take advantage of the season’s goodness and can it for later during the dark winter months. I am a huge fan of the “Little House” books and would dream of having a cellar of peaches, green beans, and peas…especially like Almanzo’s family in “Farmer Boy”
(Did anyone get hungry while reading this book?!).

A few in our group have had experience with canning, but the majority had never experienced the bubbling pots of blueberries, sanitizing jars, pectin and the headache of multiplying a recipe. It seems like our generation has not been taught to can because our mother’s were presented with jars of jam at the market and tomato sauce…why should we bother?!

Of course, we are not stockpiling for our families like women did generations ago. It’s an adventure and fun to learn a new skill. AND most of all, chatting with friends and getting to know new ones, all while keeping busy with our hands…mixing, pitting, measuring and keeping a watchful eye on the various pots.

Women nowadays seem to be so isolated from one another and never really experience “community” with other females. It may seem old fashion, but this sort of gathering is better than any kind of shopping spree or massage!

So- what did we make? Blueberry jam, Sour Cherry jam, an herbal salt with Rosemary and Orange zest, and a bunch of syrups (Cherry Basil, Lemon Verbena, Lemon Thyme).

We are planning to meet once a month and hope to make 2-3 recipes. August’s plan is canned Peaches, Corn Relish, and Pickles!

The problem now? Which jam to eat?

Since I like to avoid favorites and like to remain neutral, I see no problem with cutting my toast in half and having a little of both!

This past Wednesday, Nathan and I celebrated 14 years of marriage. We started our date off right by going to Ballydoyle for a celebratory beer and then we were off on our picnic!

The weather was perfect, unlike our actual wedding day (suffocating heat, humid- you get the picture) and the food was delectable. We decided to go with what we did a lot while dating…go on a picnic with lots of cheese and pate. Perfect. A few salads were thrown in from Moveable Feast…even better and a bit healthier than just the cheese!

Here’s a shot of my sweet guy- I still think he’s the best after 18 years…
I am a fortunate gal.

Guess who loves having her picture taken? Not me.

After we were sufficiently full, a bike ride was in order. I was happily surprised that the forest preserve we chose (Herrick Lake for you locals) had wonderful trails. As the sun was setting the birds were out (so many varieties) and I literally felt like I was pedaling through the English countryside! I am positive we will return for a cheap date or perhaps the kids will be included too!

Oh-the bike I have to ride (one of many-it’s a sickness, I mean hobby Nathan has!) is a Schwinn Breeze. The exact model my grandparents had for us when we would visit them for 3 weeks in the summer. I love it and hope to get a fun basket that will definitely top the “cute bike look”. Any suggestions as to where I can find one?

So, yes- we celebrated! I am proud of Nathan and I…marriage is not easy, but we both strive to make our partnership strong, full of love and forgiveness.

Wow- today my family and I took a nice walk in the woods and we were happy to find ourselves with some sweet photos and memories of our day together.

We are without our two oldest kids for nearly 2 weeks. I suspect there will be all sorts of fun with our youngest…

…and me reminding myself that this separation from my sweet kids is good, they WANTED to go and it makes me let go (just a little).

Oh, a summer afternoon for a girl… wiggling a front tooth.

Determined to join the ranks of the other kids and their funky teeth.
(too bad her 4th grade class have lost most and are wearing braces!)

A morning walk is always good when one wants to deny the inevitable…

the sea of laundry. I guess this is what happens when one spends the weekend working…you play catch up.

Good thing this little one likes to draw *suns*. They keep me going.

The merits of going about the day without your “sippy cup” explained by Ellie.

I swear this was not staged.

I know I live in the suburbs when graffiti looks like this…not that I am complaining, especially since my 2 older kids can read!

Who would have guessed that my “family values” were fed to me on a recent walk along the river.

P.S. My family actually does eat together on a regular basis, quite an accomplishment in today’s world.