Homesteading: A Woman's Journey

Tuesday Update

Today is overcast after last night's rains.  We may be getting more later on.  This morning, Mom & Dad stopped by so that Dad could unload the feed and shelves off the pickup truck for me.  Mom helped me with the animals.  I am so blessed to have them stopping by & I appreciate their help alot.  They asked if there was anything else that I needed done, but I let them know that what they are doing already - helping with the animals and such - is the main thing I can use help with.

It is hard to believe, but even though I have lost 7 pounds, I am showing already.  Mom noticed it the other day when I took Abbie to their house to play in their pool.  I still had alittle bit of the belly left from when I had Abbie, but not this much of it!  Joe gets home the end of this week.  It will be fun to see his reaction as he always seemed to enjoy seeing my pregnant belly with Abbie.  I was showing early with her also, needing maternity clothes by the beginning of my 3rd month.  This time, I am needing them about a month earlier.  With Abbie, I carried her totally out in the front, looking like a fully popped Jiffy Pop.  LOL

I am canning nearly every day now.  Lots of squash.  Also making meals to can both for Joe to have on the truck but also for Abbie and I.  There are alot of times when the morning sickness is bad enough that I can't stand being around food that is cooking.  Those are the times when having the home canned meals will be helpful.  Also, I am building up a stock of meals so that when winter comes along, we will have plenty in the pantry.  December and January are tough months in the trucking industry as there are not as many good long runs.  So, I want to have as much as possible stocked for when that time comes around. 

Today, I am washing fabric that I am using for quilts and a new sunbonnet for Abbie.  I am finishing up a little outfit for her to wear when we pick up Joe from the terminal.  I am also finishing up a shawl that I am making for an exchange, in between loading & unloading the canner.  Once the pressure canning is finished, I will do some jelly.

This is such a blessed time of year.  Going out to the garden each day and seeing what vegetables are ready to be picked.  Yesterday, I found an eggplant that is about the size of a tennis ball.  My first!  I can't wait until the other ones are developing and growing.  I love eggplant and eat 1-2 of them each week.  This year, growing them has been a bit of an experiment as I have not grown them here before.  Next year, I will plant alot more of them.

I have my pumpkins planted.  I can't wait to have them growing & producing.  Planting them this time of year is another experiment.  According to the OK Cooperative Extension Service, they can be grown from seed this late in the summer.  So, if that is true, we should have fresh picked pumpkin to use for our pies this Thanksgiving.  I plan on canning alot of pie fillings of various types this year.  Pumpkin, Mince Meat, Apple, and whatever else that I can find at a good price.

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12:39, Tuesday, July 31, 2007 .. Posted by Patti

I'm envious of your rain. WE haven't had any rain since the second Sunday of June. However, that is very normal for summers here in southwest Idaho. We only average about 11' of precip. a year anyway, and very little of that comes in the summer. Everyone's yards definitely give evidence of the fact that it hasn't rained!!

How exciting that you are expecting a new little one. Although our children are 15 and 17, my husband and I are hopeful of adopting a baby within the coming year. Of course, a biological baby is always a possibility as well, but after many years of secondary infertility, we don't know if the Lord will bless that way again. But, we definitely long for more children.

Have a great day,
Patti

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11:34, Tuesday, July 31, 2007 .. Posted by meme21713

Sorry to say it has been awhile that I have visited you blog....but I see the CONGRATULATIONS needs to be said for you and hubby on the new addition coming to your home...Keep us posted...I will be back daily..lol...Debbie