Laundry in the Snow

I was probably the only one in my county that put laundry out to dry while it was snowing.   It proved to be worth it.  The wind kicked up, and the sun came out.  Everything dried.

On another note, I finished a crocheted shawl for my 16 year-old for Christmas, using the 1/2 dc stitch.  Then today I made this "poncho" for my 11 year old with a rose colored yarn that would look great over a white turtle neck sweater.  Apologies in advance for the poor lighting in my house when I took this photo.

I did not use the yarn that the pattern called for, but used yarn a friend gave me.  It worked pretty well and I'm happy with the final poncho.  Here's the pattern I went by:  Posh Poncho.

Canning Apple Pie Filling

I am starting with a 1/2 bushel Fuji apples.  My wonderful mother brought me these from the orchard.  I have never canned apple pie filling, so I hope the lady at the orchard picked out a nice apple for canning (as she said they would be).

We peeled and sliced and filled the 7 quart canning jars.  My 18 year old son, who was home, and didn't have to leave for work real soon, helped me.

I took the extra sliced apples, and leftover syrup, and made 2 pies for dinner.  Yes, those are frozen pie crusts.  You caught me. I have cheated a bit today.  They were in the freezer, and the needed to be baked anyway.  I added a crumb topping with flour, brown sugar, butter, and oats.  They are still baking.

And I have these many apples left.  I may can 7 more quarts if I have enough jars.  Probably tomorrow, not today.

Here the the jars after the boiling bath.

And the final jars cooling!  Phew!  I did it!  Now we just have to make some more pies and give this recipe a taste.  Of course, the two baking, have the same syrup too.