I’ve never lived in a location quite as dusty as this. Maybe it’s because I live in a farmhouse that’s over 100 years old or maybe it’s the multitude of dirt (sand actually) roads in the area but this is the dustiest house imaginable.
Shirt #14 (gingham)
After losing sleep because of wheezing and coughing, I decided in my fight against dust, to eliminate the carpet in my bedroom. Believe me, it’s no great loss and raw concrete floors may be ugly but they’re much easier to keep clean. I’ve spent the week not only pulling up carpet and padding, but vacuuming the cathedral ceiling and walls, cleaning windows and sills, washing all furniture front and back before lemon oiling, washing the ceiling fan and curtains. The room looks much cleaner and I’m wheezing less. Now my back hurts.
Bob and I decided to take advantage of the hatch pepper harvest from New Mexico this year and purchase some for making jam. We both love pepper jam but since I’m diabetic, I avoid eating sugar. Up until recently, in order for jelly or jam to ‘set’, sugar was required. Fortunately, a new pectin has been developed that sets without sugar. Yippee!
Bob bought enough hatch peppers for a double batch. He also purchased jalapeño peppers for added flavor and some kick. It smelled wonderful as it cooked and we were pleased how it tasted before canning.
I was able to put up 8 jelly jars of jam. That same evening, for dinner I made omelets and we cracked open the first jar of hatch pepper jam to spread on fresh baked bread. Oh my stars!!! It’s delicious! Although I added 8 jalapeño peppers to the mix, it’s not hot. It’s wonderfully sweet and peppery!
Bob has purchased an even bigger bunch of peppers for another batch of jam which will include enough to share with family. If I don’t get a chance this weekend, I’ll make jam on Monday.
I was able to do a little sewing between canning and cleaning. I’ve made another gingham shirt for Jacob. This time it’s forest green gingham with a bias pocket and outside back yoke. The collar is a cut back style with rounded tips and white backside. The collar band is also white inside and out. It has antique mother-of-pearl buttons and a tuck-in tail.
Jacob is on his way here for a weekend visit. I’m looking forward to seeing him, feeding him well and giving him new shirts.
Happy weekend!
Shirl