Self sufficientish Day August 13th

[the.fee.fairy]

I'm definitely going to be working that day .

However, i've also got an appointment with the dermatologist, so i'll be able to sneak in a bit of knitting while i'm waiting...or crocheting. Knitting probably, i've got lots of WIPs to finish...

[Jobi1canobi]

Okay - I know this is slightly after the fact but as I was working on the 13th August and I've had a couple of hectic weekends around that week and since - I only managed to have my first crack at jam making yesterday!

We went foraging for elderberries - well, I say foraging...my brother is lucky enough to have an elder tree overhanging his garden so we drafted in my 3 year old niece and taught her how to get the berries off the stalks with a fork - as demonstrated in the SSish Bible.

We also attempted to find some blackberries. After creasing up at my sister in law who gracefully skidded on a cowpat - we did find some BB bushes but were dismayed to find that they are all still green. After being forced to take a trip to the supermarket I settled in to my first attempt (ever) at making the elderberry and blackberry jam in the SSish ible.

If it wasn't for the detailed description of setting points etc in the SSish bible - I'm sure I would have made a complete hash of it. Thankfully, it worked and tasted absolutely gorgeous, even if I do say so myself.

Sometime ago my mum bought me a book about pickles and preserving - needless to say, I'm now on a roll and I think some tomato chutney and some blackberry and apple cheese is on the cards.