Posted in Miscellaneous Matters

I love making jams and jellies.  There's something very satisfying about taking something you get for free (in the case of the above photo, raspberries picked in our backyard) and making something delicious out of it.  My husband loves to eat jams and jellies, so it's a win-win relationship.  I know it seems like a simple thing, and some people might find it silly, but I really do find great delight in seeing all those lovely rows of jewel-colored canning jars filled with the fruit (pardon the pun) of my labors.  There they are, lined up so neatly on my kitchen shelves.  It's a pretty sight.

I taught myself to can from reading (that's how I teach myself to do most things I want to learn) a book on canning and just diving in.  I vaguely remember my mother canning vegetables from our garden when I was growing up, but I never helped her with it, so I learned on my own several years ago.  It has become one of my favorite hobbies.  (It's also very useful and almost necessary for an avid gardener.)

I've often asked myself what it is about canning (and making jellies in particular) that I like so much.  I'm not sure of the answer, I just know I find it relaxing and enjoyable.  I know, I know, I'm a little bit strange.

So, that's my completely useless, not-so-very-interesting post for this week.  Incidentally, much of my creative energy has gone into making jelly and jam lately, so I don't have much left for this blog.  Sorry.  I'm also preparing for a much-needed and highly anticipated family vacation which is coming up next week, and since packing for seven people to go away for a week is hard work, time is at a premium these days. 

I shall return in a couple of days with something slightly more worth your while (I hope).