A Saga of Tomatoes

This past weekend was a total tomato blitz.  We started out with 180 pounds of tomatoes, 20 pounds of peppers, 20 pounds of onions, 10 pounds of jalapeno peppers, and 6 garlic bunches on Friday, and at the end of the day of Sunday, we had processed them all.  The big draw?   SALSA.  It started out innocently enough when David and I we made salsa last year and comments were made as to how "tame" the salsa was.  My response was "next year you get to help."  By the end of the day on Friday we had nine people here at Edgar's Acres willing and ready for the tomato processing production. 

On Friday Jim, Susan and I canned tomatoes under my able supervision.  Saturday was set aside for the Salsa.  The weather was perfect.  Sunny and dry so we were able to clean and cut everything outside, leaving the kitchen available for the actual processing. 

Starting out at 8:00 a.m. sharp on Saturday Susan made sure everyone was wearing sunscreen.  We wanted red tomatoes, not red food processors.

See the pretty tomatoes on the counter?  We did 48 pints. 

Pat got all of the knives sharpened for the chopping. 

Frank and John were given the assignment of chopping the jalapenos, some with the seeds left in, and some without.  Of course they put on the gloves to keep from burning their hands. 

We had a table of workers chopping tomatoes (about 60 pounds of them), and a table for the lovely Ms. Pat chopping onions.  (I did do the garlic.)

In about 90 minutes everything had been chopped and I started putting together the vegetables for individual batches of Salsa.

This first batch is mild.  We made mild, medium, chipolte, hot and x-medium.

Judi was the official Salsa cooker before we put them in the jars for processing. 

John and Frank grilled a batch of jalapenos for the chipolte Salsa.  Steve is supervising.

The house smelled heavenly of Salsa.  We were done by 4:00 and geared up for David's Retirement BBQ, and what a feast it was.  David grilled his famous shrimp, Jim did baby back ribs, and we had Mom's potato salad, baked beans, garlic bread, berry pie and brownies.  We were hungry and ready to celebrate after a day of good hard work.

Sunday morning around 7:00 a.m. I came tripping out to the kitchen for a cup of coffee to be greeted by Jim and Steve looking to get started on tomato sauce.  The real draw was using the Squeezo.  To be honest they weren't making a lot of points with me, but they were so ready to get started, and started they did. 

I told them to clean and quarter the tomatoes thinking I would get to finish my cup of coffee.  By 7:30, they were done and ready to run the Squeezo.  Fortunately for them, I had finished my cup of coffee.

I got them set up with the Squeezo and went for a second cup of coffee.

Edgar was with me on this early morning production. 

After a wonderful breakfast prepared by Judi and Pat, Steve and Frank set to filling jars of sauce for processing. 

Louie spent the weekend sleeping. 

Special thanks go to Susan and Steve for washing and washing dishes.  David was able to give them a break once in a while as was Pat, but it was primarily those two who spent three days doing dishes.

In total we put up 144 pints of tomatoes, salsa and sauce in three days, and we were all friends and talking to each other when the job was done.  Suffice it to say we have now started another tradition. 

It was a wonderful weekend, and it would have been perfect if Rachel had been able to join us.  Rachel, plan on it for next year for Labor Day weekend. 

Good friends, good weather, good food and lots of tomatoes make for good times.

TTFN

Sue

Bow Wow Blankies

My charity knitting this year is knitting blankets for the dogs staying in shelters.  They need a little touch of love, and for me that means a blankie.  So far I've knit 25.  As you can see from the photo above, the blankies are dog tested and dog approved.  The are knit in the "dishrag" pattern, using two strands of worsted weight yarn (or four strands of the lighter weight yarn), in any bits and pieces that need to be used for something.  They are coming out about 3' x 3' and are so nice and soft after they have been washed and dried. 

They are very colorful and have different textures too.  Again, Edgar approves. 

Bow Wow Blankies.

Cast on three stitches.

K2, YO, K1

K2, YO, K to end

continue this until you have 100 stitches on the needle.

K1, K2tog, YO, K2tog, K

continue until you have five stitches.

K1, K2tog twice, K1
Cast off. 

I've been using any type of yarn that can be tossed in a washer and dryer since that is how they will be cleaned at the shelter. 

The first batch was delivered to the Clallum County Humane Society and they have reported back to me that the dogs LOVE them. 

I also delivered about 25 crocheted blankets to Peninsula Friends of Animals for the kitties.  The kitties love them too.  These were done by the Crochet Guild in Bellevue.

In the meantime, we are harvesting garlic and onions.  I am having to be creative as to where I can cure them this year.  Right now I have the garlic curing on the woodstove, and a crate of onions on Edgar's crate.  This time of year my house is given over to produce.

Today is another beautiful day and I have gardening I want to do. 

Happy knitting (and gardening).

TTFN

Sue





Where have all the soldiers gone ...

gone to war zones everyone.  That's where our soldiers are, and the morale is low.  I've been receiving letters from various military personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait asking if we can include them this year.  My answer of course is yes.  So far we are committed to sending out 975 stockings, and this is just August.  The theme in each request has been how low the morale is because the soldiers want to be home, especially for the holidays.  They are feeling more forgotten the more years we have troops in these areas.  I know all of you are committed to remembering our troops and so for the 8th year, we are sending our stockings. 

I am confident we will have enough stockings and items for the stockings.  We have knitters, crocheters and sewers working away on stockings, so that will be covered.  I am concerned, however, about the money for postage.  We currently have $100 and will probably need about $1300 this year.  The dollar is tighter this year so each donation of $1.00 is more precious.  Again, I am relying on faith that the funds will come in.  Please let everyone know that any amount will be very much appreciated.  We are getting closer to getting the 501(c)(3) status, but the IRS seems to need "just one more piece of information."  It's been almost a year working on this.  We will keep you posted on this status.  We also have a new address for Operation Holiday Stockings:

Operation Holiday Stockings
P.O. Box 3186
Sequim, WA 98382

The past couple of weeks I have received boxes of stockings and as usual, they are beautiful.

These are from Hyla in Los Altos, California.

Paula in Columbia, Missouri knit these for us.

Finally, Mary from Green Bay, Wisconsin knit these for us.

If I could I would share some of the emails I have received, but the information is confidential.  Please pray for the safety of our troops, and remember that any contribution you or a friend, relative or co-worker can make for postage will go a long way to let our troops know we haven't forgotten them.

Sleep tight tonight in your warm beds, and say a prayer of thanks for those who serve for us.

TTFN

Sue



I'm Having Too Much Fun

Lupine at Hurricane Ridge

August is starting out to be a month of good times with family and friends.  The first weekend my brother Steve, and his wife Judi, came up to visit for a couple of days.  We had a blast.  Now that children have been raised, and we all are basically "on our own" we can finally get together and relax and have fun.  The weather was amazing, clear blue skies for both days they were here.  On Monday night we got together with Mary Lou and Laurie, Mom's cousin and her daughter from Port Angeles, and Leslie & Steve, and Jim.  David grilled up his usual feast of shrimp so everyone was happy. 

The next day we took a tour around the Dungeness area and marveled in the beautiful beaches and the clear skies.

This is taken in the area called Dungeness.  We also went to Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, and just took our time, relaxed, visited and soaked in the scenery.  Unfortunately, I left my camera in the car for that portion of the day trip.  All of the beaches we visited are within 15 minutes from Edgar's Acres.  We also stopped by Nash's but they were closed.  I wanted to get something for my cousin Pat.  Maybe next time.  In the meantime Pat, this photo will have to do.

That evening we went up to Steve & Leslie's for dinner so my brother could spend an evening with Steve's koi. Judi even managed to get her toes kisssed by the koi, because they liked her.   We had such a wonderful time.  We even managed to get a great group picture of the four of us.

In order to get all of us laughing at the same time I made a comment that I won't repeat, but let's just say it had something to do with Steve's beard.  It's a nice one, isn't it? On our way home we spotted a herd of Elk in a field.  Not sure if this picture will be clear enough for you.  The bull was just standing there watching us, making sure we left the cows alone.  This bull was big, very big.







Yesterday Lindsey, Andrew and Jim came up and we spent the day at Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Forest.  I've included a lot of pictures here, which is just a small portion of what I took.  It was overcast at sea level, but WOW, incredible at 5300 feet.





These pictures really don't do justice to the true beauty.  The wild flowers were out, and it was warm.  There is still plenty of snow in the area so one short hiking trail was closed. 

Andrew and Lindsey.  This isn't as warm as Florida, but beautiful.

This isn't a bad picture of us, but a stunning picture of the mountains.

And yes, Lindsey did get to touch the snow.

On the way back to Edgar's Acres we stopped at Olympic Cellars Winery in Sequim to check out the Working Woman Wines.  Another fun moment. 

Jim, Lindsey and Andrew left this morning to see Mt. Helens.  The best part of their visit was having a chance to get to know Andrew.  What a wonderful guy.  Lindsey, you are a lucky woman (and Andrew, you already know you are a lucky man). 

Today finished out with having dinner with our neighbors De & Walt, and their friends.  What fun people and good food.  I had lamb for the first time in 40 years and it was delicious.   

I've been busy and will be making another post soon to bring you up today on Operation Holiday Stockings. 

Gotta love this sabbatical idea!

TTFN

Sue





Neil and Garlic

It was warm yesterday, by Sequim standards anyway.  The high was 76 degrees even though the thermometer on the wall said otherwise (we need to move Pruetts to another spot).  When the sun is out, it is glaring and hot.  The air is so clear here that the rays come right through.  When that type of weather hits, you find projects to do under shade until it starts to cool off. 

Yesterday I opted to clean the garlic that we have harvested, and had drying out in the shed.  I poured a big glass of ice water, turned on Neil Diamond, and got to work.

Doesn't quite look like the garlic at the grocery store, does it?  We planted five varieties, but I am hard pressed to tell you which one is which right now. 

The stalks have been cut off, and now the roots need to be trimmed.  Regular scissors is needed for this.  It's like cutting the beards off.

Now to let them cure for a while until the tops are dry and closed up.  Yum. 











Meanwhile, we are getting stockings for Operation Holiday Stockings.  The ladies at the Eastside Knitting Guild in Bellevue continue to amaze me. 

Betty used up a bunch of yarn scraps to make these.  I love the colors. 

More from the Guild.  More fun colors.



Susan B. has been busy as well.  Love the trim at the top.

Well, today is supposed to be another warm one so I'm on my out to the garden to do some planting. 

If you're interested, I did knit four rows yesterday.  I seem to be so busy playing in the yard that knitting is a little hard to get to right now. 

TTFN

Sue

Changes

I was just rereading my last post and the final statement that I hoped it wouldn't be another long silence before posting.  Well, it looks like my hope on that went out the door.  I know it's been a while, but I have been busy.  We've made the BIG MOVE to Sequim.

I started my sabbatical on July 1st, and on July 2nd at 6:30 a.m. we packed up the dogs and cat and drove over to Sequim in both vehicles.  Louie slept in the front seat of my car, and Abby rode in the back seat in her crate.  She meowed once, and decided that since we weren't headed to the vet's office she would just lay down and relax and see where this was going to.  

The first week here Abby slept under the comforter on our bed, Louie chilled on the couch, Edgar scouted for something to bark about, and Johnny wagged his tail.  Me, I napped.  Seriously, I couldn't stay awake.  I'd sit on the couch and snooze.  I'd get on the computer and snooze.  I'd go to bed and sleep 12 hours.  Apparently the stress of the last few months got the best of me.  By the time Friday came around I was upright and feeling good. 

A a prelude to what was coming (the moving van), Jim and Pat came over for the weekend and we went to the Olympic Music Festival in Quilcene to hear the Mosaic Brass Quintet.  Wow.  They were wonderful, the venue amazing, and of course, the company was the best. 

The next Friday the van came, and with it 23 years of living in Bellevue.  Stuff was delivered to our storage unit, dropped in the house, and shoved into the garage.



David and I spent the weekend unpacking the kitchen, which if you have moved, you will know is the biggest project when it comes to unpacking.  My feet ache recalling this project.  As we were unpacking I was sorting out what I would be donating to the Sequim Elks Garage Sale.  I did sort out a LOT of stuff in the past six months, but once we got here there was still more to do.  Who needs six sets of dishes and four sets of cultery? 

Monday morning David left with a kiss and I hit the rest of the boxes with rested feet and bewilderment.  Where was all of this stuff going to.  I had a housefull of company coming for the Lavender Festival and had to at least have beds ready for everyone.  Fortunately, as Jim said, it was an easy group. 

First things first.  I found this in my kitchen that morning. 



A bear taking a bubble bath in my sink.  Welcome to Sequim and insanity.  Pretty crazy.  He is now on the deck in the back feeling better about this whole move. 

So the second week of my sabbatical went like this ... work in the yard while it wasn't (a) raining, (b) cold, (c) windy, or (d) all of the above.  In other words, most of my time was spent in the house working the biggest jigsaw puzzle of my life.  The last time I moved was 23 years ago and I was 37 years old.  It goes a bit differently when you're 60 and have feet who are bad sports for the most part.  In the evening in helped being able to take a break with my friend Merlot. 

Of course, Abby and Johnny had to help, primarly with putting the yarn where they thought it should go.  (Notice Merlot and his friends Cab on the left.)  Of course, Abby did an exit stage left when the camera came out. 

One night I was unpacking boxes and suddenly noticed Edgar wasn't around.  I figured he had gone outside or was on our bed, then when I started picking up paper I found him. 

Love his take on life.  Mellow.   Louie in the meantime was on a couch staying out of the way.  Abby?  Well, once the big bed from Bellevue came in she came up for air.  (More on the killer cat later.)

It wasn't all work.  I went into Port Angeles and had lunch with Mary Lou and Laurie, followed by the best massage I have ever had.  My cousin Laurie is a massage therapist, and OMG, is amazing.  Also met up with Leslie for lunch and caught up on our lives.  



When David showed up on Thursday night I threatened his life if he dared to unpack one more box.  I was sick of the packing paper, and sick of trying to find a place for anything.  I poured him a drink and told him to sit and listen to me lament. 

On Friday, in a matter of three hours, we had the beds made, shopping done, and the house as ready as it was going to be.  Susan B., John, Jim and Pat, and Lindsey came over to a composed Sue and a house in some type of order.  We grilled a ham and corn on the front porch because of rain, but were able to meet around the campfire later on. 

The next day was the Lavender Festival.  Poor John couldn't get us moving fast enough.  He had lavender to check out, and Lindsey had wedding venues to see.  We went to Purple Haze first, which is a beautiful farm.  We took advantage of the scenery for photo opportunities.

John and Lindsey.  I remember when they were both 5.  Lindsey makes John look tall.

Real Men Love Lavender.

After Purple Haze we visited Port Williams Farm and the Washington Lavender Farm.  Too bad the weather wasn't a bit better but we had a blast anyway.  Later that evening Leslie and Steve, and Susan and Linda from the Eastside Knitting Guild joined us for another grill fest.  The guys cooked three chickens and corn on the cob.  The skies cleared enough for another night about the camp fire.

The next morning everyone headed on out, but not before this ... Johnny has won Pat's heart and her lap. 

Susan, being the good sport that she is, stayed until Monday so she could help weed, and David brought out his Mikeda and started hanging up stuff for me.  It was a wonderful weekend with wonderful friends and family.  Love you all.

This week the dogs, cat and I have been able to come up with a routine of some sort.  We sleep in, have coffee, look at the weather, and think about how hard we want to work. 

Wednesday I went over to De's and made spring rolls with her and Tammy.  Yum.  Of course, we had to have a glass of wine with the finished product.  A lot of the veggies we put in the spring rolls were from De's garden.  So good.  Later that evening I went to the Bag Auction with Leslie and Pat at the Elks. 

Yesterday I woke up to Abby chortling at me.  I went to pet her and the Killer Cat grabbed my wrist and bit me.  She apparently was hungry and wanted food.  I told the little B that all she had to do was ask and I would get myself out of bed and feed her.  I got up scrubbed scratches and fed the cat.  This morning around 2:30 I heard this horrible screech and woke up and immediately totally covered myself with the bedspread.  I wasn't going to let Killer Cat go after my face.  While I'm burrowing under the covers she's off of the bed, slammed into the dresser and then went over at the window growling.  I got up, had a glass of water and climbed into bed again burrowing totally under the covers.  At 3:35 she's sounding like a lion ready to attack and at the window.  This time I looked and saw eyes looking in at me. Abby's growling and screeming, and now the dogs are barking.  I got out of bed and damn if there isn't a raccoon looking in at me.  I got up and let the dogs out and that was that.  We all slept in until 7:30 this morning. 

Today we had SUN!!!!!!!  I spend the entire day in the garden, finishing up with harvesting the last of the peas.  I'll be freezing peas in the morning, and from the look of the raspberry canes, making raspberry jam. 

Next week my brother Steve and his wife, Judi are coming up.  I am so excited to see them again and to have them come visit.  I hope the weather is nice. 

All in all, I am now rested, and in a good frame of mind.  I am very grateful to have three months off to rest and relax.  A sabbatical is a wonderful gift, especially for a paralegal.  There are very few firms that provide that benefit and I am very grateful.

Well, it looks like a nice sunset so the dogs, cat and I are headed out to the deck to watch the sun go down. 

TTFN.

Sue