Pickeling in Peace

That's right. I am pickeling in peace today.

I had decided that this year I would make my own bread and butter pickels out of our garden.

Yesterday, it became apparent that it was time to get on the ball. I had already asked Scott's dad for advice. He seemed tickled pink that I was starting up this tradition at our house because he loves to can.

He insisted on giving me the bread and butter mix that he likes and letting me borrow his cold packer . . . although I offered to go buy all of it myself.

Saturday morning I went and bought jars and some alum. He said that it would keep the pickles crunchy.

Saturday night we picked them . . . and a lot of green beans.

So, now I am pickeling them. Thank goodness I had the thought to buy some extra jars when I went to Wal-Mart (and some extra mix) to buy the vinegar.

The first box of jars is already filled with cucumbers and I'm waiting for the mix to boil.

Scott took Wyatt over to take some deer meat and some of the green beans to Rick and Lisa's.

So, I have the kitchen to myself and I'm having a ball learning this.

I may even learn to make jelly. I also need to learn how to make Scott's dad's salsa (it's fantastic) and his chili starter (again, the best I've ever had).

It's hard work . . .but it's so much fun. I love being able to putter around in the kitchen and try something new.

I'm also thankful today for our wonderful families and friends. We've had such a great weekend.

Although Wyatt was horrible at Wal-Mart yesterday when I took him (I actually told him I was going to leave him at the lost and found), we did get out a bit for Lisa and Rick's birthday party. Their family and friends are great. They've taken us right in and made us feel like part of their family. I can't imagine life without them.

BB took care of Wyatt so that we could go. Of course, I had my OCD list of things I wanted to accomplish yesterday. I had some of it done. She picked it up and went thru the rest of it and did it for me. I felt horribly guilty. And, we missed Wyatt's bedtime which always makes me sad. I did go in and check on him before I flopped down in bed though.

This morning, I made the boys breakfast and then I took a nap. I had a horrible sinus headache.

Then, off to Wal-Mart for the vinegar. I had to call my mom to find out where the vinegar was in the store. She's so great. She didn't even ask me why I wanted it, she just told me. And, of course, it was right where she said it would be. I love having a mom like that. She's the best.

So, now I'm pickeling in peace.