Last Sunday we took the two older kids canoeing for the first time. Randy and I have canoed several times before, and the kids are old enought to let them see what an adventure it can be.
It was perfect weather. Hot, sunny and breezy! I wasn't sure how the kids would take to the water, mud, bugs, you know....nature, but they loved it! I got several questions beforehand, like "are there leeches?" "will the fish bite at my legs?" and my favorite "what about the crocodiles?" Makes me chuckle, these kids or ours!
We trekked down the Turkey from Spillville to near Fort, about a 3 hour jaunt, which was perfect. The kids took turns rowing, and as long as we stopped a couple of times to let them swim, get a handful of potato chips and another root beer from the cooler, they were happy campers! I've learned as a parent to always have tricks up your sleeve, and with our kids snacks and treats work like a charm!
Despite one near tip-over that resulted in a head dunking, there were no canoes tipped! They have been asking to go every night this week, thanks to the HOT and HUMID weather. On a sidenote, I am not complaining, I will take this weather any day over cold and snow, hands down!!
We might be brave enought to let Derek venture on our next trip, with lifejacket in tow of course! He didn't mind staying back and spending some time with Grandma and Grandpa, visiting the firestation and eating popcorn!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Canning Do's and Don'ts
I have learned alot about canning from my family. I helped my grandparents can everything when I was a young'en. From tomatoes to corn, I hated sitting in the hot kitchen, cutting hot corn off the cob, or skinning tomatoes. Well, of course now I am older and see the wonderful memories that were created by doing so. I also learned alot about cooking in that hot kitchen that I hope to someday pass on to my kids!
So, all the talk about canning. I always wonder what is the best way to can? Use a homemade recipe, or a pre-made mix? I have tried things both ways, and really it depends on how you like your product. For instance Randy loves the Mrs. Wages pizza sauce, but I don't. Mrs. Wages is great for dill pickles and applesauce as I am finding out this year. I have already stocked up on the pizza sauce and salsa mixes as I know they will go fast in the grocery store and become hard to find. For just a little under $2 per package, I think it's a good deal. DO get out there and get some!
I have also gotten to the point that I am needing to purchase new jars. I was fortunate enough to get some hand me down old jars from my dear grandmother. I think I am just canning more so therefore am needing more jars. Those too I think are quite reasonable in price. For about $10 you can get a 12 pack of quart jars, lids and all. DO purchase new jars from time to time.
This year we did something different with our corn, and I think it will turn out quite yummy. It's not healthy by any means, but I think it will be a good side dish to the turkey and dressing come Thanksgiving! We put 25-30 cups of corn with half and half and a whole pound of butter! Yes, a pound. Mixing it up I thought, man what am I doing??? This corn is totally not going to be heathly!! But we tried it anyway, as I am pretty sure this first batch will be one of many we do over the next weeks. With the strange weather we have had this summer, some corn is ready early, but I think most of it will be ready in the next few weeks.
That said, we had to taste test some of the corn and I do have to say it tastes pretty darn good! So DO try this recipe! Randy said it could use some salt, but then again he says that about almost any food!
I would say DON'T can in a small kitchen such as my own, but who am I kidding? I have learned that I just need to refrain from multitasking when I am in the kitchen and stick to one project at a time and I can get by with the limited counter space that I have....until that next remodel, that is:)
DO have helpers! Of course kids can get in the way with some of these projects, but you can have them help out with some of the prepping, like husking the corn, it will help! My kids wonder how I can shuck so fast. All those years of helping Grandma and Grandpa are certainly paying off! The hubby is always a good help as well! He likes doing those jobs I don't (like cutting the corn from the cob).
There you have it! My opinions on canning thus far. As I mentioned we are far from being done for the season so stay tuned for more Do's and Don'ts!
So, all the talk about canning. I always wonder what is the best way to can? Use a homemade recipe, or a pre-made mix? I have tried things both ways, and really it depends on how you like your product. For instance Randy loves the Mrs. Wages pizza sauce, but I don't. Mrs. Wages is great for dill pickles and applesauce as I am finding out this year. I have already stocked up on the pizza sauce and salsa mixes as I know they will go fast in the grocery store and become hard to find. For just a little under $2 per package, I think it's a good deal. DO get out there and get some!
I have also gotten to the point that I am needing to purchase new jars. I was fortunate enough to get some hand me down old jars from my dear grandmother. I think I am just canning more so therefore am needing more jars. Those too I think are quite reasonable in price. For about $10 you can get a 12 pack of quart jars, lids and all. DO purchase new jars from time to time.
This year we did something different with our corn, and I think it will turn out quite yummy. It's not healthy by any means, but I think it will be a good side dish to the turkey and dressing come Thanksgiving! We put 25-30 cups of corn with half and half and a whole pound of butter! Yes, a pound. Mixing it up I thought, man what am I doing??? This corn is totally not going to be heathly!! But we tried it anyway, as I am pretty sure this first batch will be one of many we do over the next weeks. With the strange weather we have had this summer, some corn is ready early, but I think most of it will be ready in the next few weeks.
That said, we had to taste test some of the corn and I do have to say it tastes pretty darn good! So DO try this recipe! Randy said it could use some salt, but then again he says that about almost any food!
I would say DON'T can in a small kitchen such as my own, but who am I kidding? I have learned that I just need to refrain from multitasking when I am in the kitchen and stick to one project at a time and I can get by with the limited counter space that I have....until that next remodel, that is:)
DO have helpers! Of course kids can get in the way with some of these projects, but you can have them help out with some of the prepping, like husking the corn, it will help! My kids wonder how I can shuck so fast. All those years of helping Grandma and Grandpa are certainly paying off! The hubby is always a good help as well! He likes doing those jobs I don't (like cutting the corn from the cob).
There you have it! My opinions on canning thus far. As I mentioned we are far from being done for the season so stay tuned for more Do's and Don'ts!
Playing Catch Up!
Life has gotten a little bit busy these last few weeks, so here's my attempt to get things up to speed!
We were trying to enjoy every last bit of summer we could prior to school starting. That last week we were to the park for a picnic, the movies, sleepovers and bonfires trying to soak in every last bit of fun we could! We had a planned trip to a waterpark, but Mother Nature had different plans. So, we will get that in a different time, probably indoors!
School started on the 20th and the kids were more than ready! It was good for all of us to get back in a routine. The kids set their alarms and have been up and at 'em on time each day so far! So has mom:). I think Derek is enjoying his one on one time at the babysitter!
Randy and I took a day trip get away earlier in the month to Iowa Speedway. It was a beautiful day and a great time!
We have been working diligently with our landscaping, and after a full weekend of blood, sweat and tears (no there weren't any tears) we are almost finished. Thanks to great friends, we were able to get alot of the work done for little cost. We are so blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives!
My niece Cara was baptized last weekend so it was great to get together with family from near and far and catch up on all the happenings.
My sister and brother in law and I did a Color Run 5K in New Hampton this past weekend. It was a first for me, and it was a lot of fun! There was no time kept either so no pressure to finish fast!
This time of year is always busy, but a good busy! The garden continues to bustle with goodness as well. I have cut and shred so many zuchhini! We have also made applesauce, froze corn, and plenty of dill pickles! The sauerkraut is probably ready to go as well! Next up will be the tomatoes, but I am glad for a little bit of a lull in the produce!
The other reason I am lagging with the blogging lately is that I am needing to go a different direction with this blog, but not quite sure how I want to go about it. With all that is going on I haven't had much time to think about or research how I want to do it. Stay tuned for some changes!!
We were trying to enjoy every last bit of summer we could prior to school starting. That last week we were to the park for a picnic, the movies, sleepovers and bonfires trying to soak in every last bit of fun we could! We had a planned trip to a waterpark, but Mother Nature had different plans. So, we will get that in a different time, probably indoors!
School started on the 20th and the kids were more than ready! It was good for all of us to get back in a routine. The kids set their alarms and have been up and at 'em on time each day so far! So has mom:). I think Derek is enjoying his one on one time at the babysitter!
Randy and I took a day trip get away earlier in the month to Iowa Speedway. It was a beautiful day and a great time!
We have been working diligently with our landscaping, and after a full weekend of blood, sweat and tears (no there weren't any tears) we are almost finished. Thanks to great friends, we were able to get alot of the work done for little cost. We are so blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives!
My niece Cara was baptized last weekend so it was great to get together with family from near and far and catch up on all the happenings.
My sister and brother in law and I did a Color Run 5K in New Hampton this past weekend. It was a first for me, and it was a lot of fun! There was no time kept either so no pressure to finish fast!
This time of year is always busy, but a good busy! The garden continues to bustle with goodness as well. I have cut and shred so many zuchhini! We have also made applesauce, froze corn, and plenty of dill pickles! The sauerkraut is probably ready to go as well! Next up will be the tomatoes, but I am glad for a little bit of a lull in the produce!
The other reason I am lagging with the blogging lately is that I am needing to go a different direction with this blog, but not quite sure how I want to go about it. With all that is going on I haven't had much time to think about or research how I want to do it. Stay tuned for some changes!!
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