I don't usually get to post during the week, because I work outside of the home.  However, my daughter has a severe case of poison oak and I am staying home with her until she is less contagious.  It is allowing me some extra canning time and yesterday we worked on zucchini in tomatoes, applesauce, peppers, salsa, and apple fruit leather.  Today our goal is to make some zucchini relish, dry some apple rings, freeze some shredded zucchini, and can some apples for pie filling.  Since it has cooled down today, we will also try and get some blackberries picked for jam and freezing. 

If you read my previous post on tracking my preserving with spreadsheets, I mentioned I was at 33% with my preserving.  I am now at 37% and today's activities should put us over 40%.  It is extremely satisfying to see the numbers rise and the jars fill the canning room.  Another great benefit of having planned how much of each item I will be doing is that I can plan my shelf space.  I have had to make a few moves because I like to have like items together, but it is really coming together.

DH has been busy trying to finish projects before the cooler weather moves in.  The exterior of the barn is one piece of metal on a door away from being finished.  DH will have a nice dry spot to frame the interior this winter.  The new chicken coop, completed this spring, is still a tool shed.  DH is working to move the pigs to new fencing because they are in the chicken run.  When the pigs and the tools get moved the chickens should be able to move in to their new digs.  The best part will be burning the old coop which is an eyesore and hard to gather eggs out of.

I am also working on getting menu plans in place and refining our routines for the start of school.  Our school shopping for clothes and supplies has been done for several weeks, so have everything ready to go for the first day.  I have also updated calendars to reflect the many activities going on including soccer season.  I must say I really wish my kids played a different sport.  My mom asked what was wrong with soccer to which I replied, "nothing, but it conflicts with another season - canning season!"  It is difficult to keep on all of the preserving admidst soccer practices and games.  This fall I am working to put together a master schedule for each year to reflect when we do major activities so that I can shift some of the burdens to better times of the year.  I am off to start the day - happy homesteading!

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Posted by maidmyown

I love your spreadsheet idea!

I hope your daughter feels better soon.

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