Courtney did it again

This is the second dress that Courtney remade into a skirt.  This time I didn't even have to give advice.  The first one I told her what to do and she did it.  This time I wasn't needed.  She really has a knack and vision.  I'm very proud of her.

Happy Independence Day

Peach Pit Jelly

Peach Pit Jelly

 

Ingredients

• peach pits, enough to half fill a large kettle
• enough water to cover pits
• 5 cups sugar
• 1 pkg powdered pectin

Instructions

1. Prepare 4 half pint jars and lids by sterilizing them, keeping them hot, and get your hot water bath canner ready.
2. Throw peach pits from cooking, eating or canning project into a large kettle, cover with fresh water (a couple inches over the pits) and just set aside on the counter overnight.
3. Note: You want to end up with at least 4 cups of juice after boiling. The more pits you have in the pot of water, the richer and darker the jelly will be.
4. The next day put the pot on the stove and bring to a boil, cooking for about 30 to 45 minutes at a nice, rolling boil, but not too hard. Stir occasionally. Remember, you want to end up with 4 cups of juice, so add more water if you need to, and continue to boil.
5. Remove from heat and let sit long enough to handle.
6. Set up a 'jelly bag' over a pot, or lay several sheets of cheesecloth in a large colander suspended over a large pot.
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared strainer and allow to strain; do not push or force it.
8. When totally strained, measure 4 cups juice into a large cooking pot, stir in the sugar until it's dissolved, and put back on medium-high heat to return to a boil.
9. When it boils, stir in the pectin, and return to a rapid boil, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
10. Test with your cold metal spoon for doneness by dipping the spoon in the liquid and removing. When jelly no longer drips from the spoon and slides off slowly in a sheet instead, it has jelled properly.
11. Remove the pot from the heat, skim off any foam, and ladle hot mixture into hot, sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ to ½ inch headspace in jar. Apply the lids and process in hot water canner for 10 to 15 minutes (adjusting for altitude.)
12. Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes, then remove jars to a towel covered counter, leaving plenty of room in between jars for air circulation.
13. Let sit undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours.
14. Yields 4 half pint jars.

Recipe by Hillbilly Housewife at http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/peach-pit-jelly.htm

Double Chocolate Brownie Recipe

Ultimate Double Chocolate Brownies

• ¾ cup cocoa
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2/3 cup melted butter, divided
• ½ cup boiling water
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/3 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup chopped pecans, optional
• 12 oz. package chocolate chips*

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine cocoa and baking soda. Blend in 1/3 cup melted butter. Add boiling water and stir until well blended.
Stir in sugar, eggs and remaining butter. Add flour, vanilla, and salt. Stir in nuts (if using) and chocolate chips.
Pour into a greased 9×13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.
Makes a 9X13 pan
*(Note: If you prefer your brownies not quite as sweet, you can always scale back on the amount of chocolate chips.)
http://moneysavingmom.com/2013/10/ultimate-double-chocolate-brownies.html

Out on the town

Courtney, my granddaughter and Hannah my daughter went to the art walk, and the surf museum.  Then they went to a cool Mexican restaurant.  They said there was a mariachi band playing.  I'm

glad they have so much fun together.  You can see on Courtney's hand the purity ring her parents just gave her for her 15th birthday.  Its lovely.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

Two chickens per person

Sharpen your disposible razor

Slide your razor across the entire length of jeans 10-20 times to take the nicks out of the blade. Then switch directions. Also, be sure to prevent oxidation/rust by keeping the razor dry between uses.

Jaspers first hair cut

My grandson Jasper had his first hair cut today.  His other grandma, Linda did the honors.  He is so handsome.

Dress remake

Courtney is here for meema camp.  She loves to sew and always has great ideas of things she wants to do.  This time she brought two dresses that she wants to remake into skirts.  Here is the first one she completed.

July Flexi Of The Month

http://www.lillarose.biz/Pinkmonkey/index.html?id=hTgdSG9M

The July flexi of the month is now available.  Click on the link and register as my customer, then go ahead and get your order in.  The flexi of the month items are limited so don't wait.  Be sure to get your order in right away before they are gone.

 

My lillarose link

http://www.lillarose.biz/Pinkmonkey/index.html?id=hTgdSG9M

My second daughter and family

This is my second oldest daughter Kaleena and her family at honor America day.

Aren't my grandkids adorable?

Daily bible reading

My grandson Sammy has been here for almost three weeks.  He goes home tomorrow.  :-(  I will sure miss him. 

While he was here he has been reading a chapter a day of the bible.  He is reading the book of John.  In just this short time his reading has improved so very much.  We are going to continue our daily reading together via Skype.

He reads out loud to me and I just help him with words he cant get.

Pennies in the pond

A friend gave us some water hyacinths for our pond.  Sammy plucked them for us and I put them in our pond.
Then another friend said to put copper or copper pennies in the pond to help control the algae so Sammy sorted through some old pennies for pre 1980 pennies and then he put them in the pond. 
Also the pump went out today so we have a new one on order. 

Sammy found a tadpole.  Actually there are tons of them in the pond.