Sunday, September 19, 2010

A Day In The Life...Of A Pickle

Last weekend, my cousin brought us sixty five pounds of freshly picked cucumbers. 

Yes.  You read that right. 

SIXTY FIVE POUNDS OF CUCUMBERS.

You see, my cousin has a little garden out at his ranch.  At least that's how he describes it.

And he says he's gonna bring us a few, I repeat... a few cucumbers from his little garden.

Oh, they are also "all organic".

He knew we were getting ready to make pickles, and he and my aunt, have always supplied our family with the best cucumbers you have ever seen.

My mom has always canned dill pickles, and last year, I finally went through the whole process with her. 

She learned me how to do it.

I guess the "torch" has been passed.

Anyway, my mom's pickles are world famous.

Well, if you live in this little part of the world.

Or,  if you have ever lived in any of the various college dorms where the kids from our extended family have lived.

It's a good thing I am married to a good man.  I would never, ever, attempt this on my own.

He helps me every step of the way.

So, we start with a "few" cucumbers. 

Thoroughly washed and scrubbed with tender loving care, by none other than....













Make a brine with vinegar, water, and canning salt.

Each quart jar gets a garlic clove, and a red dried pepper.

And some fresh, homegrown dill.















We pack the jars with quartered cucumbers.

Then pour the hot brine in.




The lids all get a few minutes in hot water.



Lids go on, and then the whole jar gets a five minute hot bath.




After each jar comes out of the hot bath, they are covered with a towel.





We also had some jalapenos from our very own garden.






These babies are dangerous.



Yes Wranglers is wearing rubber gloves.

But still, after handling these little jewels, you don't want to touch or scratch anything.

I mean it. 

Here are the finished products.







Trust me-you can go to the store and buy these for a few bucks, however, they will never- I repeat-NEVER taste as good as these.

They are worth every bit of blood, sweat, and tears.   I promise.

Amen


Sunday, September 5, 2010

Out Of Body Experiences...Part 2

Here is another one of my little flub ups.

This one is BAD.

VERY...VERY...BAD.

Last weekend, I noticed the magnificant monarch butterflies had returned.  They were everywhere.

Then I spotted this little "couple", and I couldn't resist grabbing the camera.



Sweet.


Wrangler's and I proceeded to enjoy the rest of our evening on the porch.

Watching butterflies.

Watching our outdoor fireplace.

It was a perfect night.

In the wee morning hours, I heard Wranglers out on the porch, "Oh, $*@#!"

I ran out just in time to see him picking up something out of the grass.

Something black.

Something black, with a strap hanging off of it, and water dripping from it.  (Our sprinkler system had thoroughly watered said object).

Something black, with a strap hanging, AND A LENS COVER DANGLING OFF OF IT!

This is when I experience that "out of body experience thingy again".

Now...it was my turn..."OH $*@#!"

Wranglers stood there in his...well, let's just say he wasn't dressed yet.  Anyway, he stood there, camera dripping....and... dangling, and our three dogs laying at his feet.

The dogs looked quite satisfied with themselves.

Wranglers...did... not.

So, I left the camera outside.

The dogs got it and carried it into the yard.

Then the sprinkler system gave it a good drink of water.

I have a lot on my mind. 

Sometimes, I forget where I put stuff.

And where I am going.

And what I am supposed to be doing.

There is some good news-the camera still works, even though there are few chew marks. 

Unfortunately, I still have a few more mishaps to share with you.  But for now, I think I will go read a Self Help Book.