It's All in the Can

For the last few days I have been picking through a HEAP of Ball, Kerr and Kraft jars, filled with "mystery" ingredients. The purpose is to increase my stash of canning jars for some summertime fun.

What - you don't think this will be fun? My husband, HB (honey buns), thinks I should can everything we can to fill our pantry. Not! We found a free source for apricots last year. HB thinks I should can apricots. I hate canned apricots - and so does he. HB thinks we can trade them for canned fruit we like. Not even going there. I will just make jam - which we both like and I can give it away, because I want to.

However, I do have some items I would like to can this year - because I now have some canning jars. Here is my list:

• Bread and Butter Pickles 
• Hot Sauce
• Tomatoes
• Chunky Apple Butter
• Cherries
• Peaches
• and Jam

And when I am all through (this is the best part), I will have a pantry lined with beautiful jars just like this!

Summer Time and all the Implications

Who invented summer school? As a parent with LOTS of little children, summer school was a Godsend. It gave my kidlets something to do. At one time, summer school was free, and it consisted of "enrichment" classes. My children LOVED going to summer school - and I LOVED them going because that freed me up to tackle the jobs only a mother can do without multiple interruptions. You know, like wash diapers, toilets and eating bonbons.

Well, the children are gone, and I have gone and enrolled in my schools spring/summer terms. What am I thinking? Summer is supposed to be a time to relax and enjoy the grass growing between my toes and eating home-grown tomatoes. Also it is a time to CATCH-UP with life.

But then what am I thinking? Am I being selfish? I have had a long run where I have been able to do whatever I wanted during the summer months (let's imagine that is a true statement!) - while countless men and women each day, have to go to work - with no summer off to relax and enjoy green toes and rotten tomatoes.

OK - I admit it - I am whining because nine credits in seven weeks is more time consuming than I expected. I knew it and did it anyway - the reasoning was excellent. But doubts are finding a way into my mind and heart regarding this decision.

Why won't someone just give me a home-grown tomato and put me out of my misery? Heirloom preferably, please?