It's a Bittyful Friday

Oh my! What have we here.Is this why I'm not allowed in the room? Have a great day.Mine is looking up already.

Comfort Canning

Did you get any canning done this year?I thought I was done but, my friend Chris called and said "We still have tomatoes in the garden" Her husband cans the tomatoes and he had filled his last jar.So now that I have all this free time I thought why not.After all,keeping busy is the cure for idle hands.Right?So off to the farm I went and filled a box with about 25lbs of tomatoes.

We picked straight from the garden so first chore was to wash them,followed by blanching then peeling. I know the blanching makes this a little easier but, I swear this took almost 2 hours.

Then dicing cooking down and a little last minute basil addition saved those tomatoes from death on the vine.

And here it is ! This took a whole day of work. I have 8 quarts and 2 pints of stewed tomatoes/with basil. Last year I did 22 qts and used every last one before canning season had started.Now where to store them.

Top shelf filled with 8 different jams and jellies and butters. Look out buttermilk biscuits.Yummy.

Sauces,smoked salsa,peaches and more. The little squatty jars contain my very own tomato paste. I love just looking at it. So this space is chock full,maybe there's room in the cellar for this last batch. Freezing tomatoes was also done this year.This is a first for me,despite the fact that I have read about this for many years. What convinced me was a new tomato bread recipe that calls for fresh tomatoes. I found this recipe in a little pamphlet on how to use your tomatoes.I think I ate the whole bread.It was that good, really......................................said the hobbit

New beginnings

I know I've been missing in action lately.So much has been going on around here. I always try to give change a little time to settle in before I go public with the trauma of my everyday life.

It is with much sadness that I left my beloved Tuttles Red Barn The farm is being sold and the shop has been unable to keep up with stocking of the products that so many customers have come to expect. Everyday had become a little harder to go in and see it limping along. Its future is totally out of my hands and I came to the decision to concentrate on my "little pond". That being said I am off on a new chapter of my life. Of course change is always difficult ,but,I feel up to the task.

The road ahead may not always be clear but I'm aiming toward a brighter more peaceful setting.

I work best when my surroundings are a little calmer.I have many avenues that I can pursue but at my age I have learnt not to rush into things. Hubby is getting a knee replacement in December so I need to be here for him at that time. That should give me ample time to mull over whatever comes along.

In the meantime I have the loving support of my family,who seem convinced that I can handle anything. You can't beat that!! So off we go on a new adventure. We'll see what life has in store for me this time...........................said the hobbit

It's a Bittyful Friday

All is well,Hobbit was thinking of sending me off to kitty camp but,I promised to be good.So much happening.You'll hear all about it soon. Just needed a little time to get it together.

It's a Bittyful day

Just hanging here waiting for Hurricane Earl. Not sure what that is. Hobbit says it's a little like me only bigger.