Too Much Basil?

Did I plant enough? I knew I wanted lots. Two plants last year just didn't make enough. Back in May each plant was so small. Twelve plants, two different kinds. That should be enough to dry some and make pesto, I thought. Maybe I should have gotten one more six pack of plants. Ha!This year the plants are sooooo much bigger. They are growing and growing. Maybe it is do to the chicken contribution. I've cut bunches to dry. Yesterday I harvested more. I made 18 batches of pesto to add to what I made earlier. The basil plants are still healthy and growing. I'm sure I will have much more in the end. Did I mention, there have been basil give aways too. There will be more. Anyone live close by??

Then there are the cucumbers. I haven't made pickles in years. I unearthed my old recipes and "put up" a few jars.

The green beans are still going strong. 32 pints. I made a few pints of dilly beans too. The peaches are yummy! Quarts and quarts of peaches are waiting in the pantry for the time in the winter when we want to bring back the taste of summer. Then I've made peach jam and syrup. Maybe I'm doing more this year because most of the kids are gone. Wow, they took up a lot of energy! There will be food in the pantry when they come visiting.

I've been enjoying "putting food up". Each day I've wanted to do something has been a cooler day, in between our heat waves. So it has been enjoyable. There is still lot to do in the garden. It's satisfying.

Unexpected Pears

A week before the wedding, my future brother-in-law arrived with a gift. He had been watching a pear tree in a field close to his home. The time was right for picking pears. He brought over a large box. I was so thankful for the pears. I love fresh pears, then canned pears in the winter. Inside my head I was wailing, "When will I have time to put these up in the middle of preparing for a wedding?????"
Unexpectedly, one morning the schedule was rearranged. My opportunity! 19 quarts of summer sunshine ready to enjoy this winter. Thanks for the unexpected, wonderful gift.

Giving Neighbors

I live at the edge of a National Historical District. Many people around me live in old homes, and appreciate vintage and antique items. We all seem to have an extra period door, molding, or some architectual detail left over from a restoration project. We pass it to someone who is in need for their current project. We pass other things around also. Things that seem to belong in another home.
I tend to have a more primitive style. A neighbour of mine, Carol, has a more Victorian style. Carol knocked on my door. She was holding this roaster. She has had is pan for years and loves it. She has been going through things, she knew that "down the road" her family wouldn't want the roaster. They didn't like her few primitives. She knew I would appreciate it and would enjoy having it around.
This roaster was made for a flat top, wood burning stove. The rim of the bottom elevates the bottom of the pan, so it doesn't sit directly on the heat source. Thank you Carol!!! I will love giving this roaster a new home.

A Love for Stoneware

I have a love for stoneware. I've collected quite a bit over the years, old and new. These two bowls are from Gerry's grandmother. All have a story to tell. Some were machine made, others were handmade on a wheel or slab. Some were massed produced for people who could not afford "fine china". Stoneware or ceramic dishes were in use all over America. They were and to this day, "hard working" dishes.
Many are hand made, one of a kind. My collection is varied. Any kind of bowl, pitcher, or dish is included. It just has something that intrigues me. It might be the variance in color, a unique shape, or texture in the glaze.
All are useful. Each piece has been used many times in our home. They are used daily. The large pieces used to be on the table every night. With eight children, the size was perfect for the large amount of food put on the table. Now they are used mostly for our large family gatherings.
Stoneware holds the heat wonderfully, or when chilled first will keep food cold. Some is light weight and very finely made. Most are heavy and thick.
Hand made pieces are my favorite. Each piece is individual. The way the glaze flowed on the bisque. The beginning swirl at the center of each hand thrown piece. The roll of the finished edge. The slight unevenness of the slab pieces.

The "hand print" of each artisan is on each piece. The perfection of years of experience, the charm of the first piece. Imagine a lump of clay in someones hands. Each time they make a piece, it's "new" again. The joy of exploring what your hands can create, be it something new or the skill of matching a piece.

It's history old and new. It tells the story of our home as each piece has been collected or made and used.