Alas, not sure how my blueberry syrup turned out.  The first time around it was more like blueberry juice so I had to start all over from scratch.  After simmering the liquid for a longer length of time I ended up with less juice.  I finally decided to add some pectin to thicken it up.  Now I may have jelly.  I have a jar reserved for a friend, so she will let me know how it tastes.  #fingerscrossed.

Now, on with the pickles.......#fingersstillcrossed

Well I did it.  I have finally retired, and loving every minute of it.  The only thing I miss about my job is I used to have somewhere to go rest. (work)  It took some getting used to, not HAVING to go somewhere and clock in.  I have been busy, busy, busy.  My garden is flourishing, but I have got to learn to stop planting so much of one thing.  I'm overwhelmed with cucumbers.  Getting ready to try my hand at making pickles.

I am currently making blueberry syrup using an old strainer that belonged to my grandmother.  This strainer is at least 80 years old.  My daddy remembers using is as a small boy to drain juice off of canned tomatoes.  So blessed to have these "memories".

Wish me luck with my first endeavor of making pickles.....#scaredycat  I am opem to any and all tips or suggestions for successful canning.

Growing?

Look! You really can take celery from the grocery store to the garden.  Just let the ends soak in water for a few days, then put it in the garden or a pot if you don't have a garden.  They have to have lots of water once they are planted in dirt.  I've read that it is hard even for seasoned farmers to get celery to grow, so don't give up if at first you don't succeed.

I posted on my facebook page that I sounded like a commercial when I posted this.  I now have 4 celery plants growing.  You have to tie them together when they start getting tall so they will grow in a bunch and not sprawled.  I am so excited to be learning new stuffs.

Well, I'm back

I am back from my long self imposed hiatus.  Have had a lot going on with fall gardens, and had some of the most amazing cabbage and sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner.






My hens have grown and are producing an egg every day so we always have fresh eggs on hand.


I've learned how to use my canner I got from Santa and will post more pics later.  Until next time....

Gardening and stuff

Okay so I just posted on my facebook page that I don't know much about gardening, but I know this leaf is HUGE.  This came from one of my squash plants, and to say I am amazed is putting it mildly.

The squash are starting to come in and I find myself wondering if they are going to be huge as well.  I also have tons of flowers on my cucumbers, and was told that it was going to produce that many cucumbers...I better get busy learning how to can and pickle stuff!

Flowers on the cucumber plants.  Awesomeness!

So until next time....I better be reading the directions from pressure canner Santa gave me at Christmas!

Loving my new girls

I am in love.  That's right, my heart has been captured by my girls.  I got them on Saturday and they are already getting adjusted and being spoiled.  Only 4 of them are mine.  So far we have named 2 of them, Rosie and Petunia.  The other 2 will get their names when I see more of their personalities.  I am glad that we got them at a young age.  It helps falling in love with them a little easier when they are little.  I didn't want to start with a whole bunch of chickens.  I need to learn how to care for them properly, and I hope it will be easier with only 4.  I am open to any and all suggestions for the caring for, and well being of my little girls.  Until next time.....

Rosie is at the top of the picture.  She's white with a few black feathers on her back, and Petunia is the solid black one at the bottom of the picture.  Loving them already.

 



The Sunshine State

This is just one of the many reasons I live on the Gulf Coast. 

Also in the last few days we have had some awesome weather.  Low humidity, mild temperatures, breezes blowing......I have had my windows open at home and have a fabulous cross breeze coming through. I like to call it free air conditioning.....