We finally got our tree up. David came Sunday and gave us a hand and now it’s feeling Christmas-y. Outside, there’s plenty of snow and its been cold enough.

Tree_4956

I’ve got a turkey thawing out and plan on roasting it this afternoon so I can get it canned up. We got our fresh pork back and took the hams, bacons, and a boneless pork loin to Al, our butcher-friend, to smoke. We can’t wait for that to come back.

The new fridge is still working like a champ so I’m real happy about that!

Our wild turkey neighbor seems to be moving in up here on the ridge. She’s here every day now and is even flying into the orchard to mingle with our turkeys. She likes the corn Will and I are putting out for her too.

I’m feeling better after the latest spell of diverticulitis but, boy, does it ever tire me out! You can bet no more popcorn for me. Ever. I sure want to avoid surgery.

Although “canning season” is generally thought to be in the fall, I find myself canning quite a bit during the winter, too. We have canned chicken, turkey, and ham and will be doing more pork soon as well as making bean and split pea soup. I find that if I do a little, often, it’s easy and quick. Painless. And it sure fills up the pantry quickly. — Jackie

13 COMMENTS

  1. Wonderful picture and the projected atmosphere is quite contagious! Hope its catching. Merry Christmas from our homestead to yours from a warm garden still producing East Texas.

  2. Thanks for the Christmas card, JC! You’ve got such a nice and cozy place…we’re jealous down here in warm, shirtsleeve-weather Texas!

    TXCOMT

  3. Miss Jackie, So glad for the improvement in health!
    We are having mild weather with a good many dandelions in bloom; even the pussy willows are coming open….It helps keep heating costs down, not sure if it will harm anything outside.
    I love the tree, moose head and all! Rick

  4. Jackie

    I can tell you got your Christmas tree from the North Woods, the Christmas topper appears the be the notorious ‘Moose Angel’… quite the rack for the top of the tree! HAHAHA… Sorry, Hondo needs a little more practice with the camera, the moose horns kind of steal the spotlight from the tree! :-) Have a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year! Just renewed for another year and looking to gifting 3 subscriptions… guess I will call the BHM office again! Take care!

    Lisa

  5. I’m still canning beans, chicken and broth. After Christmas it starts again with more beans, soups and stew. Merry Christmas to all of you. We are having a flip flop weather kind of Christmas here.

  6. Merry Christmas! Thank you so much for your wisdom and humor. I have learned so much from you. You also are a major source of inspiration. :)

  7. After canning my leftover Thanksgiving turkey into pint jars for work day meals, I ended up buying another turkey & breast to can up more meals with carrots and/or green beans. I feel much better on days I eat properly (which means I keep eating things I shouldn’t recently:(

  8. So glad you are feeling better. We finally got our tree up yesterday too! I can in the winter too… dried beans, winter squash/pumpkins, and vegetable broth. The heat and humidity are lots more welcome on the coldest of days, which is often when I plan to do it.

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