Banana Peppers
When I went to the farmer's market last time I picked up a 12 qt basket of banana peppers.  There was a mixture of red, green and yellow.  I canned them up with some vinagar and sugar and salt.  They have to sit another week before the guys can dig in.  Super easy and I think they are so pretty!  Next year's garden will definitely include banana peppers.
Tina

Spiced Pear Butter, who knew?

Saturday I got tired of tripping over the bag of pears I picked up last week and dug out my ball blue book (bible) and made up some Spiced Pear Butter. OHHHH MY HECK! Incredibly good. I had a little more pears than called for so I added a bit more of this and that and the other and it turned out so dang good. I canned it up and now we will have it to enjoy for awhile. Hopefully there will still be pears when I go to the farmers mkt this week and I will make up more. I had no idea this would taste THAT good.
Tina

Boo!

Jamie and I are going to go to a grown up Halloween Party tonight. We are going as Shrek and Fiona!! Oh the costumes are sooooo funny. We are like a couple of silly kids giggling with excitement and anticipation. Things were a bit rough for us for a few months and this feels really really good to be able to share this fun and anticipation as a couple. I can't wait to share pictures with everyone!

Tomorrow we are going to my sister's house and going to see Mom and Harry too. Going to take the boys to a pumpkin patch near Angel's and have some fun carving them.

My weekend is promising to be loads of fun and I hope yours will be as well!

Take care,
Tina

Finally!

I have tried for the last couple of years to become a "runner". I have never really felt comfortable actually saying that I am a runner, more along the lines of I run or I'm trying to become a runner or I like to run sometimes and even I ran " x-amount". Finally, with my efforts over the last few months I am comfortable saying "I am a runner". My inner definition is that I am capable and comfortable of running for a minimum of 15 minutes and a minimum of a mile. And I enjoy the actual run itself. I am starting to run less in the shape of a "C" all hunched over, eyes on the ground and more of a shuffle than a run. I find I am standing taller, head up, butt tucked and able to actually look around at the passing view. Shoulders squared. I think this is partly my voice in my head telling me to stand straight but, also, my confidence is growing in my running. I no longer feel like I am a "fake runner" but can say with confidence, I AM A RUNNER!

Farmer's Market Love

Spent a wonderful hour at the Farmer's Mkt this morning. Came home with a wonderful haul again. Apples, pears, banana peppers, red & yellow peppers, garlic and some onions. I will be canning apple sauce and apple butter, pear butter and hot banana peppers. The red & yellow bell peppers will be sliced and frozen. I am so loving how much local produce I am putting up for the winter :)

Happy Weekend!
Tina

READY...SET.....GO!!!

It's Socktober once again! Kristin Kapur has her Mystery Knit Along starting today on Ravalry as well as her blog ThroughTheLoops. I have my yarn ready, needles ready and the first clue printed out. Now to just find a bit of time and some peace and quiet and I am good to go :).

Happy Knitting!
Tina

9/28/2010
BUZZZZZ...

I have been reading Novella Carpenter's Farm City The education of an Urban Farmer and my mind has been racing since I started it. I can't stop thinking about all the possibilities in my own little area of land. I actually floated the idea of beekeeping to the family and have placed a call for more information. This year's garden was a succes and definate plans are in the works to enlarge and expand for next year. I feel like my mind is just buzzing with ideas lately.

On the knitting front, I have both sides of the front as well as the back of my Slouchy Cardigan done and am working on the sleeves now. I also have a pair of socks on the needles and my needles and yarn ready to go for Kristin Kapur's mystery sock knit a long starting on Friday.

I love feeling so creative :)

Take care and Happy Fall!
Tina