Rather, should I say, I'm trying to be like my parents. My dad has an AMAZING Green Thumb--I did NOT get that gene from him. Just ask my tomato plants last year (aren't they easy to grow?). My mom--did a LOT of canning when we were growing up. I'm still amazed how she canned fruit, vegetables, made juice and jam all with 4 kids running amuck. Sheesh! She IS Wonder Woman.
Well, about 2 months ago, I was pulling weeds in my dirt area and she said I should plant something so I was pulling weeds for a reason, so we planted some squash, zucchini, pumpkin and swiss chard (it's like spinach). I was worried about them, because I just planted them in the topsoil dirt that hadn't been tilled, or anything. But wow!! they are HUGE plants! I am so impressed! (of course all I did was water them every day). I have already pulled a zucchini and yellow squash and made baby food out of it for Kyle and pulled a 2nd zucchini today and have 4 more growing. I have 9 more yellow squash and 2 pumpkins! I need the easy foods!
I also picked apricots 2 weeks ago with my neighbor and made 8 batches of apricot jam. My sis-in-law, Aimee, showed me her method of turning the jars over to seal themselves. The jamming process was easy. The peaches, pears and plums are almost ready to can and make baby food out of as well. Who can complain against FREE baby food? Kyle will have all kinds of foods to choose from when he starts to eat solids. It's nice to have Kevin help me out with the process as well and his enthusiasm over food storage. I just feel the need to learn to do all of this, especially in today's world. I have lived off of food storage once---and am building it back up in case we have to do it again. I even made brownies last night with powdered eggs. Who knew! Anyone can be taught to be domestic!!
My jam! and food!!
13 August 2008
Trying to be Green
Posted by Potter Family at 1:40 PM
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6 comments:
Great job betha...maybe one day ill catch on!!
WAY cool to see the next generation "taking" to canning or "bottling" food as another generation might call it. Oh, and thanks for the compliment : ) Love, Mom
don't get me started. I LOVE this stuff, but for some reason I feel a little deflated this year, I guess I realize the work involved so I'm not exactly excited for when my tomatoes are ready. I hope to do some peaches again. And yeah, the turning over the bottles to seal is the only way to go! High five to you :o)
Beth,
I know the feeling - I just made 40 jars of strawberry jam and plan on canning apples, peaches and peach jam.
Right now we are totally re-doing the yard - ripping out bushes, putting down weed barrier, bark, etc. It feels good to work in the yard - but a bit crazy with four kids running around - ok, three and one who tries to put everything in her mouth.
I have just set up my garden boxes for fall plants. I'm so excited for my fall garden.
I too remember bottling peaches and doing applesauce with my mom. I swore I'd never 'can' as long as I live. Yeah, that one worked...
Your yard growing up was always so green - your dad really is talented!
I'm so glad Kyle is easy!
Love,
Maureen
Awesome job Beth. Who knew!!! i always figured you'd be a domestic diva. It's actually very fulfilling to do things yourself rather then relying on the stores especially in these times. What part of Spokane is your friend moving too. maybe we'll be close and I'll have to introduce myself because a friend of yours is a friend of mine. You rock girl.
you go, girl!! :) if you need to dump some of your excess produce from your garden on someone, i'd be HAPPY to receive! :)
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