Changes...

It was time to clean and put away the humidifier. DONE.

My Yardman and helper are here cutting up and removing the large limb that fell on the bank just behind the cabin. I was going to contact the owner of that property where it grew, but when I found out he was older than I am, decided not to bother and just have the parts that are on my side of the line (laying on the precious Periwinkle that covers the bank) cut off and removed. 

Yardman has been storing in his home freezer, the 5 half-gallons of cider I saved from my large freezer when it quit. Today he brought me two of them to give the new one a trial! YES! I have a new freezer. My son and grandson brought it here on Mother's Day and set it up. Today the gauge reads -10° so I will soon be putting it to full use.

I love the Potter's new pinch pots that have wonderful color. Just might HAVE to have one!

If you'd like to view larger, tap on image.

The Good and the Bad

I took a buggy ride again, but didn't go very far as the storm clouds were threatening.

On the ride I picked up some items that were left at the edge of the road, assuming they were meant for trash, and went home to clean my new finds. After cleaning a while, the time got away from me and I went to the carport freezer for hot dog rolls. What did I find? OH OH!

The 9 year old died!  It turned into a clean-out and clean- up there!  I know it was working fine a couple of days ago as I brought in something for my dinner that time, but it was a shock to see this! Then the throw away and cleanup began. I did save my 6 half gallons of orchard cider but had to call a friend to take them home and store in their freezer for me. I know it could be saved and refrozen. Now don't suggest I call homeowner's insurance to file a claim. I KNOW it was not designed to be used in an outdoor area. It still was a shock. I don't think I'll replace it because I'm not making many large batches to freeze of anything like I used to. Getting rid of the old freezer may be a tricky project but I've already had indications of help when the time is right. 

It's a good thing that I was already using up everything as I have stopped frozen food deliveries due to the service charge. That's another story. 

I think that is three failures recently so no more can happen, of course! (The fireplace gas insert has a very noisy fan. OOOOOOO)

Time will tell.
 

This and That

Marinated salmon filets for dinner last night! With sautéed brussels sprouts too! Yum!

This morning I cut up the three very large remaining Cortland apples into chunks and bagged them in a gallon bag for the freezer. They will be used later on in the season for a pie or apple crisp . The owner at the orchard says she does this often and they will be just perfect after thawing for the bake. 

I had to put the Macoun apples in the refrigerator as the weather is too warm for them to keep well. I eat one a day!

Oh! and I made another spooky creation.

please tap on image to view larger

Appletime!

Jayne's Photo

Unfortunately there were several of our favorite varieties that did not meet the orchard's standards for sales, and one of those is the Macoun! It was determined that all of the wet weather caused the non-production of these to be the cause. We'll have to wait until next year.

However, today we did pick up a peck of Cortlands for our daughter and 1/2 a peck for ourselves plus four half gallons of cider to top off and freeze. We have two left from last year so we'll probably only get six or eight more on the next trip out. 

Did you know how well cider freezes? There is absolutely NO loss of flavor or texture in this cider from the orchard. All I do is top off to the shoulder of the bottle, put the cap back on and put in the big freezer. I don't think it would stay as well in the refrigerator freezer as the temperature goes up and down in there.

Some applesauce is in our future, whenever I get in the mood! We're looking forward to another trip to the orchard. 

The peck was divided in half for easier carrying

Before topping and freezing

Freezing!

Well not too many people would get so excited about buying a freezer. Well I am DELIGHTED that we now have one and can start filling it. (Macoun apples are almost ready at the orchard! AND the cider can be frozen!!)

Years ago we had one and it was old and it lasted for many years in the same spot where the new one now sits. We had moved it from the "big" house across the lake to the carport and it was well-used and usually full. When it died we had to pay to have it hauled away! I have missed it. 

Now I won't have to worry about power outages either! About 45 years ago we had a large deep chest freezer fail when we went to the seashore for one week. It was located in the basement of the house. When we returned we had suffered the loss of its entire contents which included 1/2 a hog and a lot of venison and garden vegetables. I don't think you imagine what a difficult cleanup we had - even if you have ever had a freezer fail. STINK!!! Bloody mess. IN THE CELLAR! NO FOOD! At the time we had a family of eight. 

That is one of the reasons I am a happy lady today. 

AND it locks - so the bears can't break in!