Five for Me and Other Tidbits

Five minutes for Me ~ This morning's sunrise, sipping coffee on the front porch.

Scrubbie Update ~ Hot Banana Peppers ~ More Salsa

Remember this scrubbie?  I posted about it back in Feb. of this year?

Blooms ~ Hummingbird ~ Box from Aunt ~ Conversations on the Porch

I took some time to "smell the roses" yesterday.  I walked my flower beds after lunch.

Fried Cabbage and Squash Cornbread

Although very tired from preserving all day, I managed to get photos of my "Southern Fried Cabbage" and Squash cornbread.   Although the recipe calls for "mashed squash" I do make it with grated zucchini too.

Tomatos and More Tomatoes

Yesterday's to-list was all completed.  Every day now is different.  Warning:  this is a get-your-cup-of-coffee (or tea) and sit a while post.  It may be my longest yet.  I brought more tomatoes in yesterday too.

Waking up before the sunrise, the barn cat's food and water is checked on my to the kitchen, and then the house cats.  If I don't they will be under my feet when I try to make my morning coffee.  I let a few dogs to let out too.

Coffee made.  A must for my early rise......

Homesteading Tidbits ~ Canning Potatoes

Although I  took Saturday off, yesterday I was busy with preserving (again).  The tomatoes are once again back in the kitchen.  As soon as I free up table space, I fill it back up.

Yesterday, Hubby and two girls went out to pick tomatoes, while I worked on another batch of canned tomato sauce.

Once I had that reducing, I went outside, but did not have intentions of sweating through my clothes again.   I did.  I ended up helping Hubby dig up one entire row (long rows this year) of potatoes.  I think we ended up with maybe 30 pounds.  Less than expected (should have gotten 3 x that amount), but still a good amount.

Sadness

My heart breaks today.  My Aunt passed away early this morning.

 This was a shock, and completely unexpected. 

She was an awesome Aunt, and I often told her she was my favorite.  She always made me laugh.  She was so fun to be around, and so positive.  I will miss writing letters to her. I will miss getting letters from her.  I will miss our chatter about books, and I will miss sending her books.  I will miss sending her home canned jelly and jam, and I will miss her text messages I got when she received anything from me.  I will miss her love,  her love for life, her advice, her family stories,  her laugh, her voice, her generosity, her everything.

If you are a praying sort of person, please keep my mother in your thoughts and prayers.  She is missing her sister pretty badly today.  It will be a very difficult day for us all.  Mom especially.