Today is the first (official) day of summer!
And although our "summer" is already in full swing, it is always exciting to look a season from the start and imagine all the adventures that lie ahead.
The kids and I decided that we would start off the season with a morning of strawberry picking at a local farm. Every time we go picking it is always such a reality check about just how much work it takes to grow the food that we eat.
We had the easy part- picking. But as the sun beat down on our tired, bent-over backs and straw tickled our feet between the rows (this was a huge annoyance for one of my children), we realized just how much energy, time and patience goes into planting, growing, harvesting, storing and preparing food.
Needless to say, much to my disappointment, Sophia and Nicolas decided that they would never want to be farmers (this doesn't mean that their parents can never be though!!!!).
The picking was only part of the experience. We got straight to jam making as soon as we arrived home. We kept it simple and made freezer jam so that the kids could help out at each stage- washing, mashing, mixing, pouring and let's not forget, the most important step... tasting!
I have a dream of having a fully stocked pantry and freezer with all homemade food items. This is one tiny step into that direction of that enormously large dream.
**If you're interested in learning more about the extraordinary endeavor of growing, harvesting and living off of that food only, look into Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. This has been my favorite spring book and currently my favorite summer book also!!**
8 comments:
Hopefully we will be able to supply you with fresh organic eggs by the end of the summer! Our baby chicks are arriving on Wednesday. You will have to bring the kids over to see them during the different stages of growth. We got meat birds, layers (for eggs) and some fun fancy birds for the kids to keep as pets and hopefully 4-H shows.
C.
I just love Animal, Vegetable, Miracle! I am reading it right now...slowly...because I do NOT want the book to end. I find lots of people have no idea how much work goes into the food we eat and that book really opened my eyes. Definitely a spring read every year for me! Your jam looks quite yummy, too!
Jill, The strawberry jam looks wonderful! I love making jelly, etc. I have a great book of different jellies, jams & relishes as well as how to can all types of vegetables & fruit. Feel free to borrow it or it might be in the library. Its by Linda Ferrari: Canning and Preserving. I think Jackie & the kids are coming over Friday to see the chicks, maybe you can tag along and save gas :) or come on your own. The kids will love them! I can't wait either. I really want to go blueberry picking, let me know if you go maybe we can hook up. Rebecca
bliss is right! those strawberries were scrumptious and i can't wait to taste the jam. thanks so much for sharing since circumstances prevent us from getting to the fields this year...
i'm reading that book too...very inspiring! the jam looks delish.
I happy to read your blog again you always have refreshing words... The strawberry look wonderful and making the jam looks like get fun, yet time.... Everyone is getting so big....
My boys have cherished the tradition of their Nanny making jam and how is lasts throughout the year in the snowy winter on Swedish pancakes. It encouraged me to grow a billion tomato plants this year to can my favorite veggie that we use constantly!! Thanks for the inspiration. This memory will last forever for your kids along with many others you both provide. Enjoy!! MB
I love the picture of Nicolas with the strawberry in his mouth!
Thanks for sharing your hard 'work' with me! :)It's going to be soo good on toast..
Post a Comment