Reading, Recipes and Stocking Up

While the internet and cable was out, we did a lot of reading around here. We've been visiting the library much more often this season.  I was able to can a few things too.
 

One of the books I read, was A Killer Maize, A Farmer's Market Mystery, by Paige Shelton.  It was pretty good too.  In the very end of the book, the author shares recipes.  I have never made strawberry syrup, so I saved up 2 lbs. of my Ever-bearing strawberries and made some.  Although the recipe states you end up with 7 - 1/2 pints, I had 5.  Not sure why, other than the strawberries I used maybe.  Next time, I will use more if I have them.  This giveaway is closed now.  Winner is posted.

Preparing for Winter

These photos do not even show the last two or three truckloads the guys brought home this week.    Hubby's brother-in-law happened to see a home with a downed tree, and a sign saying it was free wood.  

The bad part was, that it was cut into those gigantic pieces that most folks do not want to mess with.  Hubby, his brother-in-law, his nephew, and my son, took the wood splitter up and cut it all. There were a few near accidents, but the all came through it in one piece (thank goodness).

We are thrilled.  It's red oak.  The best wood to burn for heat. We are ever so grateful for it.  They guys also took a rake to clean up the person's yard before leaving.

Proud "Mom" Moment:  Hubby said a woman across the street asked where that "young man" was, that had been out helping, and she told Hubby she never saw such a "hard worker."  His brother-in-law told him the same thing.  That "young man" they were talking about is my son.

They brought home 7 full truck loads.  And guess what?  There are more in neighboring yards, and they came out and asked if Hubby wanted it too.  I guess we're getting more wood.  Oh, and the wood is oak too.