M.I.A.

I have a very precious friend, named 'H', who wrote in an email this week that she has been MIA with her sister who is visiting from Ireland. What a cute phrase! She has such an inspiring way with words.

I feel I have been MIA behind the canning kettle this week. It is all good, mind you, but it does take over the better part of a day.

I have now successfully finished a giant batch of delicious, cinnamony, apple butter; the small, round, shiny jars are safely tucked away in the canned goods cupboard. We'll have some for Thanksgiving and Christmas and numerous winter breakfasts (wonderful with a dark cup of milky tea - yummm).

I have also picked over 30 lbs. of gorgeous bright red tomatoes from the garden and canned about half of them so far - 18 pints. In bed last night I realized I should have taken pictures of them all. The dish drainer was full; the popcorn bowl and a mixing bowl both held heaped piles of red fruit.

Here are the few that remain this morning. Later this week Dave and I will attempt salsa together using our own tomatoes, peppers, serrano peppers, and onions. It should be a real happening in the kitchen - maybe we'll turn on some Latin music and dance our way through the recipe. Maybe Dad will join us!