Beautiful Weekend...

Oldest and Youngest

 

What a perfect fall weekend I had! It began with a visit with my youngest sister. I always enjoy time with her, and this visit was no exception. We had a great time, and of course, memorialized the day with a picture together.

 

Drum Room Painting

Handsome and I also put the final coat of paint on the inside of his ground-level storage room. Now for him to choose carpet and shelving. This room will be climate controlled (and comfortable) for storing and setting up his drums. He'll be setting one kit up to play, and I think he needs a chair or two in case anyone (me! me!) wants to sit and listen while he rehearses.

 

Farmhouse Lavender Jelly

After putting the final coat of paint on the new room, Handsome and I each hopped on one of our yard tractors and mowed our yard. It usually takes one person about three hours, so when we both tackle the task it takes (somehow) less than half the time! It was done in no time flat!

On the way back inside, I noticed that my lavender was full of blossoms (and bees, enjoying them), so I thought there may be enough to share. I worked without disturbing the bees and left plenty for them to enjoy. I quickly had enough blossoms for a "short" recipe for Lavender Jelly, so I went inside.

Within an hour, I lifted the finished jars out of their water bath to cool. I now have five small jars of jelly to enjoy or share over the winter. I may be able to make one more small batch after the bees are ready to rest for the winter, but it's okay if I don't. I'll be preparing my garden to sleep under the snow in a few weeks, so the bees still have time to feast among the flowers.

Sunset over Lake Winnebago

 

I took this photograph on my way home from my sister's on Saturday evening. I pulled over to safely take it. It was a perfect day weekend, and I'm happy to have these pictures to remember it.

Dreamstime.com

I hope you had as wonderful a weekend as we did, and that you have a great week ahead, too.

 

How Does My Garden Grow?...

Hickory Hill Farm Hollyhocks

The grass is getting "crunchy" here at the farm, because we really need rain. I've be watering the gardens so the tomatoes can mature, and the heat doesn't kill the herbs and flowers that are growing near the house. 

I love the color of the hollyhocks! Any shade of pink is perfect in my estimation. This is the color I always looked for and wanted for my gardens. Aren't they pretty? I'll harvest seeds once they set, so I can start more plants for next summer.

Hickory Hill Farm Lavender

 

My lavender is doing well, too. I'll preserve my first batch of jelly next week. Until then, I'll enjoy their color and fragrance where they grow.  

 

I've added more mulch to the garden to help retain moisture, and I'll continue to watch all my plants so they don't get heat stressed. The tomatoes and peppers like the hot weather, and their fruit hangs heavily on the plants. I just have to make sure they get enough water so they don't drop without ripening. I should be able to start making salsa very soon! I can "taste summer" already!

 

Let The Games Begin...

Hickory Hill Farm Hickory Nuts

The squirrels have started foraging in the yard. That means one thing. The hickory nuts have begun falling, and I'd better put on my sensible shoes if I want to harvest any of them for cookies and cakes this winter.

We had storms last night, so many of them were on the ground in front of the farmhouse. Andy was on his hands and knees picking them up in the treeline between our properties...that's where the squirrels are right now, and he already filled a five gallon bucket! Those old trees are really producing this year, so I may have a little grace period before the squirrels move down the hill to the trees I pick.

So, game on, squirrels! I'll be out there every morning to see whether or not I can beat them to those precious nuts. (Don't worry. There are always lots of nuts I can't reach in the trees - or find in the grass - so they'll have plenty to carry them through the winter.)

 

Hickory Hill Farm Lavender Jelly

 

I also harvested more lavender from my garden yesterday morning, and made another small batch of jelly.

 

I told my sister, Di, that I wasn't happy with the color of the last batch (yes. I added food coloring). She told me that the McCormick "Neon" set has a purple, so she got some for me. I used it in this batch, and love the resulting color.

 

In case you're wondering about the green "thingy" in the bowl with the lavender flowers, it's an herb stripper. My same sister is a Pampered Chef consultant, and she sells these. (I'm not being compensated in any way for this endorsement - nor is this a solicitation asking you to make a purchase. I only posted this in the event you wondered what the tool is, and/or you wanted one for yourself. I know you guys. Someone would have asked.) 

 

There's a whole selection devoted to herbs and preserving tools. This tool easily pulls the leaves, buds or flowers from the stem of any herb. (If you're interested in checking out any of these tools, HERE'S the link to Di's business page for them.) 

 

I won't be doing any more canning until I purchase apples. I want to make applesauce - and maybe pie filling. That won't be before Sunday, and probably next week. I want to make my apron - and I  already need a few for orders - first. Oh, yes. I have to get out into the yard for my daily contest with the squirrels, too!

Jellies and Jams...

Hickory Hill Farm Lavender

Yesterday was a "make Lavender Jelly" day. I harvested lavender flowers before the sunlight was directly over these perfect, little flowers.

Friday's Harvest

I didn't need many, and when I brought them into the house, they filled the kitchen with a wonderful aroma.

Lavender Flowers Detail

 Perfect, tiny flowers.

Lavender Jelly On Toast

By 10:30 am, all the jars were in the canner, processing. I scraped the last of the jelly from the pot, and sat down for a late breakfast...Lavender Jelly on toast, of course!

Lavender Jelly

Before I could finish my tasty breakfast, the timer went off and I pulled the jars of Lavender Jelly out of the bubbling water. I tried to combine food coloring to get the jelly to be more lavender, but even though blue and red make purple, it didn't turn out as I planned. I'll try again next time. Thankfully, color had no effect on the taste of this jelly. It's heavenly!

Strawberry Jam

I also made six half-pints of Strawberry Jam...

Sweet Basil Jelly

and four half-pints, plus three "smalls" of Sweet Basil Jelly. I think this will be if for canning basil this season. I'm going to let the rest of the plant go to seed now.

Pantry Shelves

 

My pantry is filling nicely. Top Shelf: Regular Dill Pickles; and canned Sweet Banana Peppers. Second Shelf: Bread & Butter Pickles, Salsa, and Chopped Tomatoes. Bottom Row: Sweet Basil Jelly, Strawberry Jam, Lavender Jelly, Strawberry-Rhubarb and Pears in Light Syrup.

I'm going to the Farmer's Market with Aunty Margaret and Uncle Dick today. If I find Roma tomatoes, I'll be bringing them home to can this weekend. Otherwise, I'm going to be making aprons in the studio! 

 

Enjoy your weekend, my friend. I sure will.