Life is busy. . .

Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 09:59

Here on our little acreage.  We are still taking time out for the small things though.  Caught a few tadpoles two weeks ago, and have been watching them grow.  When I went out to get fresh water for them from our itty-bitty pond in the pasture, I noticed what appeared to be small fish swimming around.  Now, there is no possible way fish could get in our pond.  It's too small and too isolated.  I caught a couple, and up close they looked more like long skinny tadpoles, but they had a feathery mane behind their heads.  I called the local conservation office, and the man there said they were probably tiger salamanders.  He is mailing us a booklet on salamanders so we can make a positive i.d., and learn more about them.  It is making a great science lesson for us- school is never over when you're home-schooled!

We have a tornado watch tonight, and dh is working, so I'm home alone with the kids.  It always worries me; having to get four littles to the basement in the middle of the night when we have to go outside to reach the basement.  I have to try to get everyone in one trip, or the ones I take first are panicking and screaming in the basement while I get the others.  The only thing I can do is put it in God's hands and pray that the storm passes us by, or that He gives me the wisdom to make the right decision in time and the strength to accomplish the task.

I have been busy with my flower jellies.  So far, I have made violet jelly, dandelion jelly, lilac jelly, and dianthus jelly.  I have peony petals steeping right now for peony jelly.  It has been fun finding out what each of the flowers tastes like, and seeing the colors of the jellies.  My dh is not anxious to taste any of them, but the kids have loved them.  Dh did finally taste the dandelion jelly, and liked it.  There are several more flowers that I want to try making jelly with, but I have enough now to start making gift packs to try and sell at the farmers' market.  We're going to take other jellies and produce as well, but I thought these would definitely be unique.

That's been our life for the past few weeks.  Nothing too impressive, but lots of running around.  Ball practice, ball games, family picnics, graduations, etc.

Take care, all!

Sara

Untitled Comment

Posted by gabbie427 on Friday, May 30, 2008 at 12:12 - Link

I only just heard about dandelion jelly not too long ago, and never thought of making jelly with the rest of the flowers you listed. I would love to see a picture of the different colored jellies!

God's Blessings,
Amy Jo

Wow

Posted by imspecl on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 06:23 - Link

Interesting jelly - I'd love to try the violet. My niece and I were down in their pond the other day catching tadpoles - what fun we had. My SIL just shook her head LOL.

I'm getting ready for canning. I've moved and now have a room dedicated to being my "canned food storage". I've rearranged like 3 times LOL but it's coming. I look longingly at the canner and empty jars and sigh. I can't wait. I love to can and can everything and anything!!

Take care - Michele

Edited by imspecl on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 05:24