My husband has a thing about efficiency and energy conservation Above is pressure canned Brunswick Stew (also found here).
tomato sauce
the best kind of kitchen island, in my opinion
I think I've got this Tattler thing down! My seal rate is close to 100% now. I love them.
I am generally not a fan of change. Unless it's planned change. As in, change that *I* planned. I look back on a summer I didn't expect but one I wouldn't trade for anything. We've grown and stretched and we've survived- even thrived. Thanks be to God. And just when everything seems predictable and running smoothly, change comes again. And now we'll grow and stretch some more.
On Monday (the day you'll likely read this) our fall schedule begins. We'll start another year of school at home (K, 3rd and 7th) which includes activities outside the home (co-op, PE, choir, and sewing). Even though I have 7 years of this behind me, there is trepidation (both good and bad) at the start of every year. And lots of praying. I love having my kids at home with me and can't imagine it any other way. But. I also know that homeschooling (just like parenting) does a wonderful job of highlighting my weaknesses and areas in need of growth. It highlights my kids' too. Thankfully, the good outweighs the bad but it's still something I prepare myself for.
Even anticipated change can be a bugger. Until it becomes the new normal. Then it's okay and I'm usually better for it. I just wish I wasn't so leery of it. I wish I did a better job of trusting God when it looms before me. It's one of those things I know I may forever struggle with- thinking that I face change alone. It's a lie, you know. I'm never alone and neither are you. I'm not an Israelite facing my enemy, but I take courage in Moses' words to God's people...
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
What changes are you facing this fall?
Please take heart that whatever it is, you are not alone.
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I totally feel what you're saying about change! I am not a fan unless *I* have planned the change, and even then . . . But it all usually turns out well, and when it doesn't, I can look on it as a learning experience. Sometimes learning things I would rather not have learned, but learning nonetheless! :) Good luck with the upcoming school year!
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers today!
ReplyDeleteHey, I thought that was my kitchen for a minute:) It all looks so good. I love your bench, though we are out of watermellon to put under it. Wishing you and your children every blessing for the new school year.
ReplyDeleteOh yea, just bought some Tatler's yesterday. Thought I would give them a whirl.
Smiles,
JoeyLea
Do you pressure can on smooth top stove?
ReplyDeleteSince the pressure canner's bottom is completely flat (like my regular canner), we do. It's the safest way to do so and we've never had any problems. I know others who do the same, but always double check your flat stove top's owner's manual to be sure:-).
DeleteI'm fairly new to canning...I have a glass top stove as well & have been canning on mine (regular canner, not pressure canner). I assume as long as the pot stays at a nice rolling boil it's fine, right? This comment just made me stop and think!
Deletechange for me...job searching again! I was taking care of my grandson and he is now with other kiddos. guess a 23 month old needs to be around kids for his socialization... anyway, time to find something new, exciting and fun! and by the way, I think you do a fantastic job with kids, home and everything else you do!!!! have a great fall Jane!
ReplyDeleteMy change is one that you can relate to - I've decided to adopt a child through the foster care system. So my fall will be full of classes and inspections and paperwork and prayer as I walk this path towards my daughter (!).
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you on your journey to foster to adopt!
DeleteLike you we're at the start of a new school year at home, for us it's year 12. That means that we're looking at lots of changes in the year ahead, looking at colleges, applying, figuring out where my daughter wants to go, and making plans for that and all the disruption in the "regular" school routine all this college stuff will bring. At least I have all year to adjust to the really big changes that will be coming next fall.
ReplyDeleteYour foods all look so beautiful. Tell me the secret for the tomatoes not separating. thanks
ReplyDeleteSometimes they separate, sometimes they don't and I have no idea why:-). One reader commented recently that when hers separate she just shakes them up (after they've cooled) and they stay combined and don't re-separate. It may be worth a try:-).
DeleteMy sister gave me a box of Tatler lids and seals for my birthday. I am looking forward to trying them out. I always make applesauce in the fall.
ReplyDeleteWhy is your pressure canner wrapped? I've never seen that before.
My husband thinks it holds the heat in better/makes it more efficient. I've never seen it before either but since he's been doing the actual pressure-canning this summer (I get things ready), I'm not going to complain! ;-)
DeleteWow, he's so brilliant. I think you should bake him a wacky--I mean, his favorite cake, whatever type of cake that may be, tonight.
DeleteLove, anonymous
Oh my changes, changes. I wish I could even explain/verbalize them all. Just trusting God and His grace.
ReplyDeletewe seem to have a problem with tattler lids always sealing well. could you give me a hint for getting them to seal better?
ReplyDeletesteve
I think I was over-thinking/making it harder than it actually is at first. Now, I heat the lids and rubber rings, make sure the jar rim is clean and tighten the metal ring just finger-tip tight. After processing, I pull out only two jars at a time and with a towel tighten the rings down firmly. Then I leave the jars be for 24 hours before checking to see if they sealed. For further advice, go to the Tattler website- they have helpful videos there. Or, just give them a call (see website). They really want their clients to succeed and will talk you through any questions you may have. In my opinion, it's worth the trouble to keep trying because once you get it, they are so great:-).
DeleteI can relate to you not being good with change. My daughter & I aren't either. Our washing machine bit the dust and she cried when the new one was delivered. How could they take her machine! Cracks me up to think about it now but gosh when she was bawling it was tough to watch!
ReplyDelete