Apples!

Loads and loads and loads of apples. So many, I’m not sure what to do with them all. What a blessing!

We harvested two huge laundry baskets full of apples from my mom’s house a few weeks ago. My goal: learn how to can. Boy, did I ever! I’ve made (with my sister in law’s and daughters’ help) apple butter, apple preserves, apple cider, applesauce, apple pie filling, apple cake, and apple cookies. Guess what? I still have apples! The chickens, rabbits, goats, and skunk have all had apples (not on purpose for that little stinker). At times through this process, I’ve felt a little overwhelmed. But, I’ve reminded myself this is truly a blessing.

What have I learned?

Canning is a group ‘sport’. It is a huge undertaking and I can understand why people do it in together.
It is fulfilling to preserve food that would otherwise go to waste and have a pantry full of home-made goodies.
Our ancestors, who gathered, prepared, canned, preserved ALL their food, really worked hard. I have a new respect for them.
The hard work is worth it.