Canning 2026 continues......

This time of the year I spend so much time in the kitchen I like to start my day with a quick walk, one lap around the cemetery and head for home.  It's been my track for over 40 years and is exactly 1 mile per lap; a good warm up.  If I'm feeling especially ambitious, I finish the day with a second lap.... and a knee brace.  LOL!   

A sure sign Fall is here.  The asters and golden rod are blooming.  The geese are flocking in much bigger groups and move daily and the light is something to behold in the early morning hours.  

This morning we had that amazing autumn glow in the early morning hours.  The zinnias looked to be on fire and so worth getting my boots wet to run into the back garden. 

The lettuce is beyond ready to pick too..... later.

The thyme needs to be harvested and dried too.  Making copious notes of tasks that needed to be done yesterday, so I quicken my step and feel the urgency of Fall in full swing. 

Beans are yelling to be picked! 

Raspberries too..... 

Squash needs to be picked and cured for winter storage.  

There is also honey nut and acorn squash waiting patiently. 

I feed the chickens, linger a bit too long with the girls and quickly resume my chilly walk around the gardens and back to todays tasks.  

Fruit Cocktail a winter time favorite!   Peaches, Pears, Grapes, no maraschino cherries.  

A late Spring freeze decimated our NE Ohio peach crop and there was not a peach to be had for miles around.  During our garden tour several gardeners reported a variety of peach; Contender, blooms later and the freeze missed them.  They reported bumper crops of peaches this year.  I guess I need to add that to the back orchard as soon as possible! 

 The fruit cocktail shelf is completely bare so I bit the bullet and bought peaches from the store 😞.  This will be a first for me so not sure what to expect, pears too.  Well fingers crossed and hope it's worth the time and effort. I gotta say this just about killed me.  And as I loaded them in my cart I think we are entering the time of: "I know you want that but you can't have it."  Pick something else.  In this uncertain climate there are going to be years some crops just fail and peaches are my first lesson.  Stay tuned.....

Yesterday was fairly productive and the shelf for split pea soup and caponata are full again.  I can make split pea soup anytime of the year but I was completely out and since all the equipment was out it just made sense to get this done.  

Caponata served with a tin of sardines, a bit of feta cheese and I'm sitting in a bistro somewhere on the Mediterranean.  One of my favorite lunches! 

But is there anything better than chickens in the early morning light of Autumn?  

I have an abundance of eggs I need to deal with too!  I have been freezing many of those for mid winter baking but at last count there were 5 dozen eggs waiting to be spun into something....  

Busy weekends and Fall has officially arrived

 Wow, today is the Fall Equinox!  

The leaves are not turning yet but the garden is definitely in transition.  The final tomatoes are hanging by a thread and the beans just look tired.  Digging the last of the potatoes for winter storage today.  Potatoes were bumped back due to rain.  Raspberries are on!  I am picking a large bowl everyday now.  Breakfast is raspberries with a bit of yogurt and drizzle of maple syrup.  Accompanied by a warm cup of lemon and ginger tea.  The warm felt good on my hands this morning.

Butch had a sailing race this weekend, so I made a few snacks for the voyage; cinnamon buns for breakfast and mini corn muffins with little hot dogs tucked inside, honey mustard on the side for dipping.  Not exactly my idea of gourmet cuisine, but apparently hungry sailors will eat just about anything.  

This gave me a weekend of uninterrupted kitchen time!  As it rained every day it was time well spent. 

Peppers are really coming in from the garden right now.

from left to right:  red pepper spread, pickled peppers and candied jalepeno peppers. 

Red pepper spread is a favorite every year.  It's great on everything from a crackers and cheese to pizza sauce. 

Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper Spread

That same day it was time to make ginger beer.  A Fall favorite! 

Time to rotate the vanilla extract.  I keep a five year running supply. 

The end of the first day..... 

Sunday is always a bit of a slow down and it was again. 

Canned 12 jars of marinated mushrooms, another favorite! 

Recipe:  marinated mushrooms

Cabbage is coming in too, so time for sauerkraut! 

The last of the tomatoes are coming in and I really don't have room in the freezer or space on the shelf for one more jar of tomatoes.  Time to dehydrate!  I cook my tomatoes down, run through a food mill and spread them on a dehydrator tray.  They are done when I can snap the sheets into small pieces and store the pieces in a vacuum sealed jar.  I turn them into a fine powder with a coffee mill. Add a little water to the powder you have a delicious tomato paste that can thicken pasta sauce or be turned into pizza sauce.  It's great to have a jar on hand. 

Also time to put dinner size portions of pork loin and cod in the freezer. 

I paid $14.68 for the pork loin and made 10 meals out it.   That's $1.47 per meal! 

the cod was bit more pricey but I can a manhattan based chowder.  I keep 6 jars on the shelf.  I add clams and fish after the jar is opened.  The cod was $23.48,  I broke it down to 6 packages costing $3.91 a meal.   

Canning recipe for Manhattan Clam Chowder base: page 3

And finally put the years laundry detergent together! 

I have been using this for quite a few years now and it works great! 

The cost savings is fantastic too!  

Monday morning I had a chance to run into Cleveland and breakfast with a dear friend I had not seen in two years.  It is so wonderful to make time for friends and just sit for an hour or two and share time together.  Then since I was in the city I had time to do a bit of hunting and gathering. 

My bounty was squirreled away in the basement and freezers.  Everything labeled and dated.  Stock rotated in the basement.  After a day of running up and down the basement stairs I realize I need to build new shelving in the basement.  BUT...... after canning season!  I am almost done with the big push of canning and then it's time to put a few gardens to bed and concentrate on inside projects long overdue but for a few minutes it's time for a rest. 

Canning recipe for Manhattan Clam Chowder base: 

Where are we and how did we get in this handbasket?

I have tried to sit down and continue with this blog so many times I've lost count.  I wish I could say, life just happens but it's so much more than that.  A country under siege happens.  A constant daily attack on the environment, the institutions I've depended on for my entire life.  The National Parks, the CDC website, every branch of the government and state. Climate Change is real and the only people who think it isn't real; work and live in air conditioning.  I watched ICE vans roll through my town.  The educational system is in a horrible state, then talk of defunding PBS and libraries.  No one has held accountable for any thing, a bought and paid for corrupt Supreme Court. Enter Super El Nino and nobody know what will happen to the food system and water systems by the time we get through that. What happened to science?

 And then they attacked food security and something we all took for granted.  That was my line in the sand.  Then Taylor Farms and explosive diarrhea hit the country and then I found all the companies owned by Taylor Farms.  "Organic" Companies bought and sold and field workers provided with no bathroom facilities or hand washing facility so I put 2 and 2 together and decided no more store bought produce and time to know my local farms and farmers.  But not to worry because now there is a tariff on toilet paper from Canada. We import $328 million dollars of the stuff.  I have utter contempt for the billionaires and what they have done to this place we call home.  

Sooooo I stayed on the compound, watched the news occasionally and knew we were headed for a pretty rough road ahead.  Especially when the agricultural reports started coming in and then the wheat reports and cattle reports and and and...... 

Better start planting as much as I can possibly plant on this little plot and the studio was turned into the grand central seed starting station.  Then I dropped down the hydroponic tunnel.  I bought another system and I love it! 

The fourth summer of high humidity, high heat and bolting lettuce.  We like lettuce a lot, so indoor gardening during the summer months is now a thing.  

Then the American Farm Bureau Federation released a report on April 13, 2026; stating farm bankruptcies have surged 46% in 2025 - 315 filings.  Half of all farmers now hold jobs off the farm.  The report does not provide information on farms that ceased to operate or been consolidated by a corporate AG farm.  AND YET the USDA reports that farmers are experiencing "THE GOLDEN AGE" of farming.  Can I interest you in some beef from Argentina that China rejected?  Ya, if you eat food and are not a breathairian, and even if you are, have you looked at the air quality reports?  Ya, we are fucked.  

Then I read Chapter 10 of Project 2025 and watched as it unfolded for farmers, federal farm subsidies and crop insurance, Biotechnology and Regulations on food with little to no regulations, nutrition assistance, school lunch programs, farmers, food banks, dietary guidelines.  Chapter 10 of Project 2025 was written by Daren Bakst (senior Research Fellow in Agricultural Policy at the Heritage Foundation), focuses on the USDA and critques the current direction of the agricultural policy, particularly it's emphasis on climate change and environmental issues. 

In February of this year I gave my first presentation on Urban Homesteading, Home Canning and Food Preservation.  It was a busy weekend and I was so happy to see other people are concerned about this stuff too!  Not just me in my little bubble on the compound.  I had hopes there would so much more that would continue on after the "Homesteaders Conference" hosted by Lake Metro Parks.  There is clearly an interest and a need for this information.  It was hoped we would be able to keep in contact with other people interested gardening and food preservation and how we get through this.  It is valuable information to hear which crops failed or if one tomato made it through the heat and humidity of this summer before succumbing to the dreaded blight.  Hybrids vs Heirlooms maybe a little of both.  Seed saving and sharing with neighbors.  It felt like a missed opportunity.  

We ventured off the compound to attend "No Kings" protests,  "No Data Center" protests and realized the residents could not even show up to a "No Data Center" protest and the majority of us holding signs were from neighboring communities.  My time was better spent planting more seeds and saving them.  

This month I opened my garden and home to a tour for Ohio Ecological Food and Farming Asso.  I am a member and support their mission for the state of Ohio.  Anything that connects farmers and consumers is a win in my book.  Keep your dollar in the community and don't give it to a huge corporation dictating the price of crops to your local farmer.  Shouldn't the farmer have a say in how much he earns, not some corporate monopoly?  Again, 30 people show up and no word of getting together to compare notes on the year in review.  But then it's still early and we have time to still get this together.  

Henderson Library called and asked if I could present a canning workshop. I already had the power point so why not?  On June 11th we had 30 people register, the library was surprised and so was I!  We decided to hold monthly meetings on food preservation and gardening.  I drive 45 minutes out to a rural library and talk about food preservation in the middle of a farming community.  I love it and I love all the people who attend and support this library. 

 

Yesterday I filled my van up and the cost of gas in NE Ohio is now $4.59 a gallon.  I'm on social security and decided I would be driving, only when absolutely necessary,  Plus I am a believer in public transportation and I can walk to the bus if I need too.  I can also walk to my local library but not Henderson.  I'm looking into an electric bike for local errands. 

I have decided I probably won't be driving out to Henderson Library as it isn't cost effective or good for my carbon foot print and I am a volunteer.  

All this and its time to resurrect the blog.  Maybe better for my carbon foot print but I am sure it's connected to a data center somewhere.  With more people canning, gardening, dehydrating, cooking etc I thought it would be a good time to start posting when I start seeds, how to put a garden to bed, how to stock my pantry etc.  It's a good cost effective way to keep sharing and getting through the day to day war of living in a crazy world.  Lawyers, guns and money were great for Warren Zevon.  Yes, Warren the shit has hit the fan but send the gardeners, seeds and chickens.

Peace out and stock your pantry!  

and June is over........

 Solstice has come and gone.  The days of summer are here.  

The gardens are changing daily.  Flowers are coming in and out of season in rapid secession as the days are very hot and humid.  I have not had to water much this year, unlike last years drought.  I stand at the ready with sprinkler hoses in hand but the ground has stayed saturated.  The only thing I am watering are newly planted carrot and bean seeds, above ground beds, containers and that's about it.  

Hello Annabell........ 

June has been nice; hot and humid but not so frantic.  June has seemed manageable.  I've had a few indoor days for playing in the kitchen.  I've had time to take a couple classes too!  Strawberry season has come and gone.  Storms have come and gone. 

Cherry season lasted three days this year.  We have been under a heat dome for way too long.  

My strawberry bushes were just loaded this Spring and I had high hopes of picking and filling the freezer.  Then the chipmunks moved in and Roz, the neighborhood feral murder mitten mistress, went MIA sometime in late winter.  Roz was our feral chipmunk, mouse and mole eradicator; best murder mittens ever!  Roz showed up one day, stayed and I was grateful!  We knew Roz was good but I didn't know just how good.  After drooling over this bumper crop and not getting one strawberry; I was reduced to supporting a local farmer.  I knew I had to make a few changes!  New covered beds and new chipmunk killer on the way! 

I do manage to get out in the garden everyday.  I walk around the "estate" with morning tea and assess the days chores. Work until noon or 1 pm, then get out!  Don't work in the direct sun!  Hydrate!  4-5 hours and I'm pretty well toast.  I'm not really wanting to go anywhere and many outdoor projects got put on hold. 

The garlic is ready to be harvested and I'm having one of the best onion years ever! 

So many garlic scapes this year!  I made scape pesto and scape oil; all in the freezer ready for salad dressings, pasta and stir fried veggies. 

Rhubarb and strawberries are still waiting in the freezer.  Every year I attempt a jelly or jam and fail miserably.  I try to make a few jars for Butch but it ends up syrup as it never sets.  This year Harbor Gardens in Ashtabula offered a low sugar/no sugar class, I signed up.  It was great and I learned a lot! 

So fire up the canner and let's go!  

I've already started making canning lists for this year.  The freezer is almost full and tomato season hasn't even begun!  I guess there will be a few bubbling pots on too warm days!  Summer is the season of bounty and I love to take advantage of everything that comes in from the garden.  A bumper broccoli and cauliflower year!  10 bags tucked away for winter dinners.  We ate so much I don't think I'll be ready to eat cauliflower & broccoli until winter!  We grilled it, served with plant based cheese sauce, bbq sauce, tossed it with tofu and anything else I could think of.  The last two plants were pulled yesterday and beans were quickly tossed in the open ground.  This is my first year of diligently working at succession planting.

Then this happened!  Yes, we hired someone to build this.  They were done in 3 hours and we paid them.  It was amazing and would have taken us all summer.  

He's a happy camper and can now cross this off his list!  The hammock has already been hung.  In another few weeks it will be a terrific outdoor canning kitchen!  I had to remove my raku kiln for the "pavilion" and now have barrels of fire brick sitting around so next week if the weather holds I will begin an outdoor pizza oven.  Or veggie oven or bread oven.... I'm anxious to get this project underway!  I have just about all the materials needed after years of kilns and pottery projects.  I think the only thing I'll need to purchase is a chimney pipe, mortar, outdoor surface brick and cement for the pad it will sit on.  

I flipped the compost pile as I came up with these big pizza oven plans

The compost is cooking nicely!

The carrots and beans grew while I thought about it......

And as I wandered the yard looking at flowers I came up with a pretty good plan.....

or so I think; stay tuned for that adventure! 

What a year for poppies!  I should have enough poppyseed for Hungarian poppyseed rolls this year! 

What year for roses too...... they love a good drink! 

Speaking of poppies let me introduce Poppy!  

She was born on April 8th and arrived last week.  Poppy is an Aries, as in the god of war.  She will be an outside cat, hopefully catching chipmunks and moles.  At night she will be on the porch in her heated humble abode.  She has job to do and as her mother is feral and Poppy is pretty close, I think she'll be a great addition to this small homestead.  I don't foresee her sitting on anyones lap. 

I have only ever, in my 70 years on the planet had dogs.  Dogs are great!  Instantly they come at you, tail wagging; "Are you my new mother?"  "I love you!"  "Let me lick your face, friend!"  and then there is this kitten!  So suspicious!  Do not touch me and my job is to escape your evil clutches!  Every morning I take my coffee out to the studio, turn the lights on and cheerfully say: Good Morning Poppy, how are you today?! 

Poppy shrinks back to her corner and yowls.  I talk and drink my coffee, she never makes a move to come out.  Okey Dokey, our hour of bonding is up and I'll be in the garden if you need me.  I eat lunch with Poppy and spend an hour in the evening.  Nothing doing lady, get out but leave food!  During this heatwave Poppy has been in the air-conditioned studio.  When temperatures finally drop I'll move her to the porch.  She can have the run of the porch and eventually be let outside.  She has escaped into the studio twice and there are just way too many hiding places in the studio!  We are off to the vet to get our shots and spayed. 

BUT, I'm looking for a dog!  A tail wagging, face licking friend, smaller than 95 pounds.  Kirby almost killed me lugging him around.  

The chickens are doing very well and are now mostly getting along.  

Fern is a bitch and I do carry a super soaker if she goes after the Littles. 

She's learning though and we haven't had a maiming in over a week!  

Good Job Fern!  Fern has gone on strike in the egg laying dept. since the hot humid weather hit. 

No pressure, we just don't eat many eggs. 

Poppies and petunias, what could be better? 

Time for drying herbs!  Holy or Tulsi basil is drying under the ceiling fan.

and more heat.......

Star of the garden this year; Clary Sage!  

What a beautiful flower and the smell is wonderful! 

I'm still working facebook marketplace.  The roofers were tossing bundles of shingles on the roof so hard our beautiful chandelier came crashing down!  Of course after they left.....  We have had a dangling light bulb hang where the stained glass fixture used to be.  I shopped and looked and could not find a replacement that I liked as much as the one we had.  Then the waters parted and a "hanging light fixture" was listed for $10 and it matched the one in the sitting room we already have!  What are the chances? 

I even let it sit for a week because it was an hour away.  One night I got up in the middle of the night and looked at the dangling lightbulb and thought go check on the "hanging light fixture".  At 3:30 am I whipped off a message asking if it was still available.  The next morning I got an answer; Yes, it is!  That afternoon in the pouring rain,  we met in a Sheetz gas station parking lot on route 90 and I handed over $10. This is what I got!  We wired it ourselves too, team effort! 

I'm over the moon with this!  

I will save other marketplace score for a later post.  Mining the gold..... 

So it has been quite a June and I can't believe Solstice has come and gone already.  I've reveled in the garden this year and all the outdoors.  I'm so enjoying summer this year and watching things grow. 

I'm finding great peace in the garden.  We've attended protests and rallies and can't wrap my brain around where this country is headed.  It is truly a scary time to live in the U.S. because we are far from United.  If the Big Beautiful Bull Shit bill passes we will need to help our neighbors unlike anything we have experienced in a generation or two.  It's a fearful place we now live in.  Blessing to one and all who stumble to this blog........ some how we must find a way back to sanity.