It's my favorite time of year with cooler days and nights, the leaves starting to turn in the canyons, and my tomatoes turning glossy red on their bushy vines. I can't remember a time when Matt and I weren't growing tomatoes to enjoy and preserve. The freshness and flavor of the sun-ripened tomato is just the best. And you only get it at this time of year. This week has been busy with two batches of peppy tomato salsa, in addition to a batch of dill pickles. It is my favorite thing about fall. I hope to do some marinara sauce and tomato soup next week as the remaining green tomatoes gradually turn red.
This week was also big for canning peaches: two bushel. Is there anything more heavenly than a fresh peach in its optimal ripe, delicious juicy-ness? Matt and I got busy and did 43 quarts--in under 3 hours (without processing time). It was a lot of fun, as we talked and peeled, loaded bottles and peeled some more. Each year we try to bottle peaches, as we all love their flavor all winter long. Even our son, Matt, says they are a favorite. During the process this year, I remembered the year my sister Starla was born. She came to the world on Friday, September 13th (she probably would like me to omit the year). The day she came home from the hospital, Grandma Millward delivered two bushel of peaches for canning. Very appreciated by our family--but I can still see Mom's tired face as she recognized work ahead of her.
A very happy birthday to our beautiful and sweet daughter Carly (Sept 7) this month. Grandma Lenna Hiss' birthday was also this month (Sept 29) and Auntie Rye. I miss them both so much--they were such a part of my childhood. Two sisters: Georgette and Starla will celebrate birthdays this month (Sept 19 and 13, respectively).
Lastly, it would not be Fall unless I mentioned our annual plans for USU Homecoming and the colorful drive through Sardine Canyon on the way to Logan. Hopefully I will get some new photos of this breathtaking sight again this year. Suddenly, it is Fall.
