Caught in the Middle

I was just driving by and thought I'd stop in for a quick visit.

Despite all appearances, I've not fallen off the edge of the earth.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend.

We extended our weekend to 4 days.

That was the most consecutive days we've taken off since autumn 2018.

We went to the Salmon River with some friends who have a cabin

where the only access is by plane, boat, or a 15 mile hike.

It was wonderful, but very active

so by the time we returned Sunday evening, I needed another vacation.

We woke up early Monday morning and went back to work.

Hubby worked over 14 hours and I over 10.

The past two days, he has worked just over 12 and I have worked about 10.

I'm the one who has been getting laundry done,

mowed the yard, cooked the meals, etc.

If I didn't leave a little earlier, we would be walking around

starved, 'neked', and filthy (no mental images please.)

I've been sleeping like a rock the past couple nights!

In addition, I've been tending the garden and pulled our garlic.

I love home.

Those of you who have been around here a while already know that.

I feel torn at times wanting to be home and take care of things

and having to go to work and take care of things.

And here I am - right in the middle.

I can't help but think that there must be others out there 

in similar situations.

I have to have a day at home now and then or I just don't function.

Hubby is the opposite and loves to be on the go.

We know this about each other and 

both try to compromise and be mindful of each other's needs.

We are each capable of getting stuck in our own thoughts

and it only takes a reminder of

"I need a day at home," or "I need to go fishing."

The thing is, 

we need to feed our souls ~ all of us.

I'm working on a few things that do just that,

feed my soul.

And this week hasn't allowed me those little morsels of time

that I usually capture for my own pleasure.

That's when I start getting all wonky inside.

I will get to stay home Saturday and not sure about Sunday.

I am focusing on that while I work on quarterly taxes

and other things work related.

I think we all need that balance.

Believe it or not, this blog is a release for me.

I enjoy it so when I don't get to post for a while,

I guess I miss y'all. 😊

I have 2 posts nearly complete.

One of my goals for this weekend is to get those two posts

rounded out and ready to go.

And hopefully a third post to let you know just what I have up my sleeve~

So until next week,

many happy smiles.

PS~ I drive by this old rig somewhat often.

It looks so content just taking a break under the shade of a locust tree.

To me, it's a peaceful scene.

~An Update and A Sale You Should Know About~

First, I would just like you to know a couple things here on the home front.

I am having issues with the privacy settings on my phone

so I have commented on several blogs

and the comments don't go through.

At least I've figured out that it's something in "privacy."

I suppose that is a step in the right direction.

Also, I've not forgotten you.

I know there has been a bit of a lapse in my post.

My dad ended up in the hospital which 

threw a monkey wrench in things.

He is home and recovering, but if you are the praying sort

and would like to add his continued recovery to your prayers

this here little blogger would be ever grateful.

*~*~Thank you~*~*

Had to let you know those things.

Now, onward:

Tatler reusable canning lids are on sale through the end of the month

so there is still time to get in on the deal.

Thank you Kathleen for the heads-up.

One thing I was uncertain of was if they could be used for vacuum sealing.

Yes!!! They can.

I was thrilled.

In trying to be stocked up on things before inflation really hits,

canning lids were a concern of mine.

I am planning on placing another order tomorrow.

I have had to break it up so it will work from a budget perspective ;-)

They arrived quickly and with a page of instructions for use.

I can hardly wait to use them for real canning.

My folks purchase the buckets of ice cream when they buy it

so have given me these great tubs for storing them in.

 

More and more, my question to myself is

"How can I never have to buy this again."

I'm not sure these will last the rest of my life,

but they should last a very long time.

I would also like to show you a little cheat sheet I made.

I keep a copy taped inside my cupboard door for quick reference.

Feel free to use it, but know it is for my elevation

so be sure to double check for your area.

You should be able to copy and paste into a word doc.

Change to narrow margins and it fits on 1 page. 

 

Food	Pack Method	Process Time Pints	Process Time Quarts	Water Bath	Blanching Time	Freeze or Dehydrate
Apple	Hot	20	20	X
Apricot	Raw	25	30	X
Asparagus	Raw	30	40		2-4	F/D
Bean	Raw	20	25		3	F
Beet	Hot	30	35		5	D
Berry	Raw	15	20	X
Broccoli					2	F/D
Brussels Sprout					3-5	F/D
Cabbage					1 1/2	D
Carrot	Raw	25	30		2	D
Cauliflower					3	F
Cherry	Raw	25	30	X
Corn	Raw	55	85		NA or	F/D
Eggplant					NA	D
Fava (lg. bean)	Raw	40	50
Grape	Raw	15	20	X
Mushroom	Hot	45
Onion					NA	F/D
Parsnip					2	D
Pea	Raw	40	40		1 1/2	F
Peach	Raw	25	30	X
Pear	Raw	25	30	X
Pepper	Hot	35			2	F/D
Plum	Raw	20	20	X
Potato	Hot	35	40		3-5	D
Pumpkin	Hot	55	90			D
Rhubarb	Hot	15	15	X
Spinach/greens	Hot	70	90		1-2	F/D
Squash- summer					3	F
Squash- winter	Hot	55	90
Tomato Diced/Sliced	Raw	35	45	X	NA	F/D
Tomato Sauce	Hot			X
Turnip		30	35		2	F/D