Jam-ventory

Once I got start canning, it was though I was possessed. I didn't take very many pictures, but here's one of our new favorite - spicy tomato jam. Ketchup for grown-ups!

I also did peach ginger and blackberry lemon, and overcame my anxiety about canning whole things to put up some pickles and peaches. On next year's to-do list: tomato sauce. Am somewhat daunted by having to skin the tomatoes, which seems like a gigantic pain in the butt.

More Berries

Post-picking weigh-in

Ohio Encore

We spent a whole week up in Ohio this year, which was lots of fun. The trip getting there, not so much. It wasn't until we were fruitlessly searching for a hotel room in WV at 9:30 that we realized the Ohio Valley had been hit by a huge storm and most of the region was out of power . . .  and gas. It all felt faintly post-apocalyptic. Thankfully we survived without having to resort to cannibalism.

Safely in OH, and enjoying Great-grandma & grandpa's pool

Celebrating the 4th at Uncle Tim & Aunt Colleen's

 

At the North Market in Columbus with the UC Davis Food Science crew

Blueberry-Blackberry-Birthday Bonanza, Take 2

I had such a great birthday out at the farm last year, I decided for a repeat. It was hotter than blazes, but we had a great time picking (and eating) berries. I've only made freezer jam the last few years, but have resolved to try "real" jam this year - maybe the extra year of wisdom will help?

Last Day of School

The year flew by . . . but it's amazing how much has changed. He can read, is down 1 tooth and so much taller!

Babies, Babies Everywhere

. . . "and not a drop to drink" doesn't really work here. But there are babies everywhere - which means I've turned into a one-woman baby hat knitting factory. Today, we were off to Richmond for Paula's baby shower. We gave her - you guessed it - a hat, along with some of our boys' favorite books.

Memorial Day

Chris & Shana came down to visit for Memorial Day, which we celebrated with some slip-n-sliding and a baseball game. All we needed was a Jello salad for pure Americana.

 















Charlie running the bases after the game (sanctioned activity)

Visit from Aunt Moni

My Aunt Moni, who lives in Germany, came stateside for a visit this summer. Since our opportunities to get together are few and far between, we were so excited to see her - and Omi and Opu, too.

On the grounds of the NC Museum of Art

 

Boys in tow, and we're off to Pullen Park

 

 Charlie dyes a silk scarf at Fiber Fest


Owen on the sidelines, looking glamorous

Finished product, which he then gave to Aunt Moni

Checking out the tractors

At the pig races

Quiet time back at the ranch

Toothless