Lumberjacks

With my recent accident in log splitting, I was very skeptical about Christian chopping wood. He convinced me that he had sufficient knowledge of safety precautions and that he would be careful. He also pointed out that Almonso in "Farmer Boy" was allowed to do a lot of things that are considered dangerous as part of his regular chores. (So much for using classic books as examples...he had me there!)


Of course, I was being careful too when I fell onto the log splitter and injured my hand! But, a mother has to put some trust in her children and allow them to learn and grow at some point. He is a careful boy and so I felt the need to cut him some slack and not smother him in his desire to WORK for the family.

He did a great job getting the wood started on Friday! Over the weekend Mike and Christian chopped a lot of wood. Our garage is extended by 6 feet and has an area for storing wood. They filled that area and we still have more to split. Too bad the rest of us are too sick to help right now. We could at least stack for them. Maybe next weekend.

Apples Galore

We purchased apples this year. I typically alternate peaches and apples. We did peaches last year, so apples are this year. We seriously were SICK of peach jam by the time it was all gone. I think we are feeling the same way about applesauce right now. I made the peach jam too sweet, so that is an adjustment I make now. We either only use half sugar or do not add sugar at all.

Here are the recipes I used:

• Applesauce - I do not add anything...just pure apples.
• Apple Butter - I have not made this before this year, but we decided a few jars of it to use alternating with peach jam will be nice. I used half the sugar.
• Crockpot Apple Crumble - I doubled this one because we have a very large crockpot.

Marlayna also made a delicious apple pie. She has been gathering recipes for a cookbook to take with her when she leaves home, which is hopefully a long time from now!

I've had a few people ask where I buy my bulk produce from. We are part of a co-op called Bountiful Baskets. Currently they are in Arizona and Utah, but I know they are open to starting up in other states.