Check Out Whit's New Blog

http://whitcardwell.blogspot.com/2012/12/wedding-photo-book_8721.html?showComment=1354597362820#c510074765577687626

Whit & Nick - Oct. 6, 2012

Whit and Nick were married in October 2012.  She just sent me this picture.  I thought that I would share it.  Aren't they a beautiful couple!

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Grand Total as of Yesterday/Hydro Chic

Weigh in was yesterday.   My grand total weight loss so far is 32.5 pounds.  Only about 10 pounds to go! 

Kass has been visiting my sister, brother-in-law, nephew, and niece, for the last few weeks.  They are spoiling her!  She is having a great time.  My sister bought Kass a modest bathing suit from www.hydrochic.com for their trip to Ocean City (Yes, she went on vacation while on vacation).  My sister sent me the picture above of all of them in their modest suits.  I thought the picture was great and wanted to share it.  Kass said the suit is so comfortable, and easy to swim in.  I guess I will have to get me one real soon!    

Week 5 & 6 - Weight Loss

Just posting my current weight loss-6.2 lbs for week 5 and 6.  This gives me a grand total of 22.2 pounds lost in six weeks.  Only six more weeks left!!!!

Weigh In - Week 4 - Canning for the First Time

 Today's weigh in was not so good - only 1.5 pounds! However, I didn't cheat, and I am not discouraged. My coach also stated that I had a total weight loss of 16 pounds so far. So I'm happy.  I have to admit though, sometimes it is sooooo hard to be disciplined.
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Kass's garden has been producing quite a lot of cucumbers, so yesterday Kass and I attempted for the first time to some do canning.  Really it is not so hard, and is actually quite fun!  I think the biggest thing is following the receipe exactly as stated and processing the food the exact amount of time stated in the receipe.  Anyway, Kass did most of the work, I just stood over her and bossed her around.  It's great to be mom!

Before starting the process please note ----* Utensils made of zinc, iron, brass, copper, or galvanized metal should not be used.  The metal will react badly with the pickles and may mess them up.  I made sure to sure plastic measuring spoons, cups, and spoons as well just to be safe.

Make sure your vegetables are fresh, and your cucumbers are not too big.  I guess about 4 to 5 inches long, and around 2inches in diameter.  Cut both ends off and cut into spears.  Some of our cucumbers were too big so we set them aside.

We went the easy way since it was our first time, and used this already prepared Kosher Dill Pickle mix.  It was very good.  In fact my husband said the pickles taste just like the Clausen Pickles that he likes.  Just follow the directions for the mix on the pack.  While you are doing all the preparations you can fill your water bath canner a little over half way and start boiling the water so that it will be ready. 

 Of course it is also very important to make sure your jars are sterilized and warmed, and your lids are gently boiled and ready to go (note do not boil them too much because it may mess up the seal on the lid).  Next, add your cucumber spears in your jar (leave about 1/2 inch space from the top of jar). Fit as many as you can in each one. After stuffing the jars with cucumber spears, fill up each jar with the prepared pickle mixturer to about 1/2 inch from the top of the jar, wipe off the rims, and place the lids and bands on each jar. Tighten the bands with your hands.  The little blue thing in the picture is a magnetic lid picker upper thingy.  This keeps you from burning your hands, and keeps the lids clean.

 Next lower the jars into the already boiling water of your canner.  Make sure the water is about 1 or 2 inches over the top of the jars.  Once the water reaches a boil again, be sure to time the exact amount of processing time - which in this case is 5 minutes.  Over cooking will make the pickles mushy.

Once processed remove jars (be sure to use the special tongs designed for lifting hot jars), and cool for 12 to 24 hours.  Once they are cooled you can loosen the bands about the jars or completely remove them to keep them from rusting.  Next, make sure that each jar lid is sealed properly (you can check this by tapping lightly on the center of each jar to make sure the lid is not popping in and out).  Then wipe each jar down to make sure they are nice and clean and have no residue remaining on them.  Now they are ready to store.

 ....and here you go--Kosher Dills!

When using the Mrs Wages Kosher Dill Pickle mix, the pickles are ready to eat after only 24 hours, and they are very good!  Another great thing about pickles is--I can eat them on my diet!!!!! 

 While canning a young lady from our church came to visit.  This is one of her cutie pie kids!  We were busy canning, and he was ready to eat so he helped himself to some Reese Peanut Butter from his mom's bag.   

He also picked me some lovely flowers!  Children are so precious!

Peaches!

Kass and I went to Summit WPF meeting this past week, and we had so much fun!  The services were wonderful, and the fellowship was great!  On the way back home, Kass and I left a little later than the rest because I just can't travel without enough sleep.  We took our time, and on the way home we passed by this wonderful little peach orchard on Hwy 271 outside of Pittsburgh, Texas.  Kass wanted to stop, so I turned around, and we paid a visit!  I am so happy that we did!  There was canned preserves, mushrooms, pickled garlic, fresh vegetables, fruits, most of all fresh peaches, and a great deal of other yummy stuff!    My mouth watered, but I didn't give in to the temptation.  They were handing out free samples, and we purchased a box of peaches along with some juicy plums, and marinated mushrooms. 

Before leaving, we discovered that they also make their own homemade ice cream.  Kass loaded up on blueberry, cantaloupe, and peach ice cream before we left....and sadly I just looked and drooled.  Maybe next time.  Anyway if you are ever traveling that way take a moment to stop and check it out.  I am glad we did!

Here is a link to their farm's website:  http://efurdorchards.com/