Joyfilled

Wow!! That sounds fun! Well, you know what I mean...

That's a lot of cows!! I'm not sure what we would do with all the milk!

Thanks for the tips, and encouragement! I'm not sure I can convince DH on goats, but maybe someday! We have 7 in our family (including a 1.5 year old!), plus my parents and DH's dad. DD and I also make butter (and it's buttermilk), yogurt, farmer's cheese, and have high hopes of making more variety of cheeses. I realize it's a lot of work, but that's actually kinda what we're going for. And...so much to learn! Hopefully work ethic being one of them. Kids are 20, 9, 8, almost 7 and 1.5. I'll keep you posted! Hopefully we will get one this spring. Thanks again!!

Anyone have one? We are hoping to get one soon.... Any tips or advice? Thanks!!

hi Becca Anne!! Time has flown, hasn't it? It's nice to "see" you again! (Happy Girl)

Hi Snowmom!! Remember me (Happy Girl)? It's so good to hear from you!

Oh, that would be lovely!! 🥰

Thanks, Jeepers.....it's one of my favorite spaces at our place. I'm hoping to add a picnic table outside for my Mom to be able to join me and help. Nothing is hooked up yet, and I'm afraid it won't be this season....but I'm so thankful that we can get it set up and ready for the next one! And, if stuff gets really bad, I have a place to cook and bake.....and of course, can!

So....the outdoor kitchen is almost done, but hubby had to put it aside and start the greenhouse before it freezes....here's hoping he gets it done in time! The kids have been helping, too! Here's what it looks like now:

Thank you ladies! It was for some cowboy candy I made (jalapeno jelly, kinda). It's yummy with cream cheese on crackers. But I made a ton! Prolific plants, I guess, praise God! I am thinking about pressure canning them, just to be sure they're safe.... I don't know about the percentage of acidity, so I'll be sure to look!!

Hi! Wondering if apple cider vinegar is okay to use instead of white vinegar when it comes to canning? Thanks!

So....I saw an article on CNN about the shortage.... because people were cooking a lot during quarantine. https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/07/us/mason-jars-canning-lids-shortage-trnd/index.html

Thanks!!

I also pressure canned green salsa, and made pickled jalapeños! I'm a happy girl!

How long would I need to PC the tomatoes with onions, etc? I have a bunch of blended sauce (tomatoes, onion, garlic and salt) that I froze, but would love to can and free up the space, because ice cream . I'm happy to pressure can it, I'm just not sure for how long.... Thanks for all the tips, ladies! I ended up freezing and eating (and giving) the spaghetti sauce. Tomorrow I'll try again, and pressure can it this time. Again, for how long?

This gives me hope! Can I repackage them and pressure can them?

Thanks, Jeepers! That's my Mom and oldest daughter. Both wanting to help for what is to come. I'm very blessed and thankful!! So....I water-bath canned them (followed a recipe). Are they safe to eat at all? That's a lot of work and effort to give to the pigs! They've sat on the counter overnight. I do have a pressure canner (double decker!), so next time I think I'll just do that. Normal time the recipe calls for? My husband suggested I did... I said no, this will be fine.....

Hello ladies!! I've been canning! 14 quarts of chicken stock, 28 quarts of black beans, pinto beans and red beans (28 quarts total) and 7 pints of spaghetti sauce. I'm tired! The thing is....I completely forgot to add the lemon juice to the spaghetti sauce. Is it okay or will it kill us??? Also....I have a tomato sauce that I use for several of my meals. I have a bunch of it frozen right now, but would love to can it and free up the freezer space. I usually eyeball it: tomatoes (greater percentage), onion, garlic and salt. I blend it. Could I can this sauce like 8 would spaghetti sauce? I appreciate your help, ladies!

Tin foil? For hats, or....😂 Just kidding.

I find that I'm getting used to the emptiness of the shelves. Some things are getting better, others are still missing. Cold cuts seem to always be in short supply. Also, other things missing, too. Like toys. We budget throughout the year, so we are starting to buy Christmas gifts now, just to be sure we have them available. Hubby and I have heard a LOT of internet chatter that things are going to get way worse. We keep our eyes on Jesus and trust Him, no matter what. ❤️

Hey ladies! Wondering what your shelves look like now. Are you pretty well back to normal? I'll see if I can share some pics, Walmart and Sam's club, within Aug. Be safe out there, especially those of you who live in the city! Crazy times we live in.

So....I thought I'd share an update. Hubby said no to his space from the garage, but yes to building me something. Keep in mind he's an engineer, not a carpenter, so I am thrilled with what he's made for me so far!! We hope to finish it soon. We benefited from others misfortune (restaurants closing😕}, and got a huge SS sink (two sinks and a counter, really), and a big commercial 6 burner stove. Let me see if I can add a picture of what it looks like so far....

Well....we survived. Haha! Thanks all!!

Thank you, everyone!! And welcome back to you who have been away as well!