Last few days

Well here are the last tomatoes that I will be canning this year.After a crazy hectic pace I have finally reach the end of the line. It's hard to believe that summer is over but, being the eternal optimist I now look forward to Indian Summer. I don't know if this happens in all parts of the country ,but, here in N.E. just about the time you put all your summer clothes away we get a week of very warm weather. Well high 70's low 80's which for us really seems like a heat wave. I hope it comes this year as we are still prepping to install our pellet stove.

These tomatoes have been turned into a soup-base as I have had an opportunity to start a soup business. I have just enough customers to help me put a few dollars aside to have a chicken coop of my own. I found the cutest chicken coop.
http://oakdene-coops.co.uk/index.htm

Of course it's in the U.K. but, with the help of a local carpenter I hope to have it in the spring.
I didn't have a chance to plant any flowers this year but, a little birdie left this for me. It was a pleasant surprise when I looked out my window.Now that the canning is done I have to get down to business with the Christmas list. We usually trade tree decorations so I better get to it........said the hobbit

Flying through September

Just popped in to say hi to all my friends and let you know I'm still busy in the kitchen. Cook, cook, can, can, seems to be the order of the month. I did want to introduce you to my brother.This is the bagpiper,he's the one to the left of the flags.(I think) Every time I tried to post this picture ,it seemed to vanish into blog-land.I believe this could be considered hazardous duty.We don't get to see each other too often so if you read this Paul I really got a kick out of this

This weekend is the beginning of the baby shower brigade so I must be off to knit a few supplies for the cherubs. I'll be thinking of you all and hope to get back soon......said the hobbit

End of Summer

Seems hard to believe that summer is at an end. I've been busy canning and knitting. All my canning was done with extra produce from the field so it was not a major financial investment ,but,oh my God the time. I loved every minute of it if only there were more hours in the day. I have yet to find a day that wasn't too short. I thought when I canceled my direct tv I would have all the time in the world.It just made me more aware of the many projects I had put aside.I would have liked to fill all my shelves however I'll have to be satisfied with this harvest at the time .I was able to make salsa,basil tomato sauce ,mushroom tomato sauce stewed tomatoes,bread&butter pickles,peaches,strawberry rhubarb jam.spiced blueberry jam and a vinegar of blueberries basil and lemon zest. My goal is to stay out of the supermarkets for the month of Feb. Of course as you all know I have 16 chickens,2 turkeys 14lb ham and about 60 lbs of beef in the freezer along with lots of corn and squash puree. I'm hoping to get to the bread making as soon as we freeze the last of the fruits and corn. Apple picking is already here ,but ,I think I might have to do that in the middle of the night.

I've tried not to neglect my knitting and this is my latest creation.It's a baby rattle about 5 inches long that has one of those little ball with bell cat toys in the mushroom top.We have lots of babies coming up this year. Hopefully I can get the 101 knitting projects done in time for all of these babies. Aside from family I have agreed to knit for several other clients and I hope I haven't taken on too much. What am I saying I ALWAYS TAKE ON TOO MUCH!!Oh well I love a good challenge..............said the Hobbit

What do you mean it's September

Yikes I can't believe summer is over!!!!!!!Does that mean the holidays are right around the corner?????Are you ready,naw neither am I .There were so many things I wanted to show you that happened this summer and the time just got away from me. Soooooo I m taking you on a little trip in time[don't worry not too far] to show you some of the things I neglected to tell you
I was doing.These little acorns are crocheted using but a single stitch. Aren't they adorable! You can use them to hold small prezzies. I think they make the perfect container for a ball of yarn and a quick pattern for someone who is just starting to knit or crochet.
The yarn that I tucked in there was a find from the sheep and wool festival.It's hand dyed bamboo and I can't wait to get more. The colors are so vibrant. They say it's a fiber that breathes I plan on giving it the test when I knit up a few pair of socks. I guess I'll have to finish up tomorrow as I must be off to pick up the rest of my chicken order. I learnt alot this year about purchasing my locally grown chickens. 1]They are much larger then the supermarket variety and 2]my family cannot consume 24 chickens over the summer months. What was I thinking???? Lesson learnt and thank God for freezers.Now lets see if I can squeeze another 12 in.................................said the Hobbit

It isn't summer till you have your lobsta

One of the blessings of being a New Englander is feasting on fresh lobster. It just isn't summer unless you partake in this ritual. Lucky for us we have a wonderful place called Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier at Kittery Point in Me. It's a short ride from our home and we try to get there at least once a year. Although it might be hard to find it has managed to survive since 1948. One it's most endearing assets is a BYOW policy.
For those of you not familiar with this term it means bring your own whatever if we don't carry it you can bring it in. Therefore many families come in with coolers filled with beer & wine or mixed drinks .Little Johnnies favorite mac& cheese ,salads fois gras whatever they don't have on there menu. The menu consist of lobster corn 2 chowders great Malpeque oysters and cherrystone clams from Prince Edward Island and pie. Needless to say that leaves the door open for lots of bring your own. There is no ocean view as the pier sits on a very quiet part of the tidal river .The thick spruce trees block out any connection with the outside world and one can just sit back and enjoy for as long as you wish. I had my fun at Chauncey this year.A nice quiet evening with just me and the hubby and with a bit of sadness I bid them adieu till our paths cross again next year.........said the hobbit