Sauerkraut

In preparation for the big party on Saturday Mary made sauerkraut last week.

It looks rather easy to make: cut the cabbage, put it into the jars with the brine and let it ferment for 10 days. (I think that's what she did)

The whole process went smoothly and quickly.

I'm hoping we can give it a taste test before letting the family try it.

Have you ever made sauerkraut? How was it?

Off to Peterborough soon to get Sherri and Owen. Fun days ahead.

LIGHTS and TRAILER

Fixed our bathroom light. Took it down, checked the connections, made sure everything was clean and reconnected the wiring for the third time.

Voila! We have a light that works and we are happy.

Next on the to do list was the trailer. I backed it up against the house so it was convenient for cleaning and loading and we got to work. When you haven't used something for two years there is a lot of cleaning, organizing and a few repairs to do.

Saturday we pull out and head to Peterborough for a family reunion. Our favourite camp spot behind Annie and Marvin's isn't available anymore so we will use the municipal campground.

We are looking forward to seeing family and friends at the pig roast; but before we do that, Sherri and Owen are coming for a few days. 

Looks like a busy week ahead. Stay tuned for more pictures.

BLINDS

Bought blinds last week. They will cut them to the length you need, don't even have to take them out of the box.

We bought the room darkening shades that have the honeycomb type construction. They keep the room dark and help to save some energy as they act like insulation over the window. Very easy to install, much easier than I was anticipating.

Looks good. Functions as it should. Comes with a lifetime warranty.

Safe travels everyone. 

BATHROOM LIGHT

While we were in Belleville last week we picked up a light fixture for our bathroom.

First job was to get my tools and protect the sink as I don't need to damage it while working to get the light installed.

I had to install an electrical box and run the wire over to it. This is where I needed my brother-in-law, Don, as he is very handy and comfortable doing electric circuits.

I had to fish for the wire which left a little damage to our drywall which Mary will fix later.

The fixture was assembled and connected 

but we have a problem ...................... only two lights function. I switched bulbs, no help. I checked the wires, all connected. Now do I take it apart and try to fix it or back to the store to get a replacement?  ................... By the way, it's an hour and a half drive to the store. 

Decisions, decisions ........... always something to fix.

BELLEVILLE

Decided to take a drive to Belleville this week as we've had nothing but cold weather and rain. Looking for blinds was a good excuse to get out of the house.

First stop was the farmers' market. I always enjoy strolling through the vendor's stalls admiring all the local produce and crafts one finds.

We plan to do some canning this fall and these beans will be delicious preserved for a winter meal.

Mary's dad grew flowers for a living and he would have admired these glads someone had at the market.

Today we have our first fire of the season. Mary ate too much wheat yesterday so she is enjoying a book and the warmth of the fire stretched out on the couch.

Hope you are staying warm.

NORTH TO COBALT

Sold the steel shed the other day. Not really a shed as it is a steel building 25x40 feet. The municipality wouldn't let me erect it until the house was up and then my chosen location was in violation of their bylaws. So after sitting under tarps for four years it was time to let it go.

Jim from Cobalt which is a five hour drive north of us came down with his trailer and we loaded it up. Over 5,000 pounds of steel.

Loaded, secured and ready for the trip north. Our yard is slowly getting cleaned up of left over building supplies. 

Thanks to Kijiji our stuff is selling fast.

Safe travels Jim and send me a picture when you get the building completed.

MENNONITE CHOIR

During the summer months we have church in the park on Sunday evenings. Different churches from the community take their turn sharing the gospel message in song and word.

Last week the local Mennonite choir blessed us with their voices. It was a delight to sit and listen to their melodies float across the lawn.

There was a good number in attendance which doesn't show in this picture as most were sitting further back. 

After the adults the children had a chance to perform and they are a very musical group as well. All signing was acappella.

A few boys in the audience had other ideas of entertainment. They tried a variety of ways of sitting in their chairs. Here one tries the feet in the air approach.

It was a beautiful way to spend a summer evening followed by a chance to chat with many friends after.