Homemade Dill Pickles

Well almost 2 months have gone by since I was last here. We helped our daughter move into a new house, had a few dental appointments, and came down with the flu that kept me in bed for about a week. It really kicked my butt this time. I usually get sick once every few years so I guess I was due. Also I have been busy taking turns tending the garden of veggies with my husband. Not doing as well as I hoped this year. It's the desert, we usually have a hard time growing things. A friend has not though and gave us some cucumbers, beans, peppers, carrots and onions. His garden is amazing for the desert! I need to ask his secret. So anyway when you have an abundant supply of cucumbers you make pickles! That is what my husband and I did this afternoon. Our house is a no vinegar zone so we made naturally fermented pickles. They won't be ready to eat  for about 6 weeks. Very easy recipe to follow though.
Here's the recipe I followed

Here are 2 cucumbers that I have left, the biggest two I had were 19" long! 

And here they are in their brine ready to set in a cool dark place for awhile. This was really fun. Never made pickles before. I figured If I can can other vegetables and make jam I can do pickles.

October Already!!

Ok Aug. & Sept. flew by so fast I don't remember seeing them!! Wow! It's October. So after I froze some wonderful Colorado peaches-----by the way THE BEST peaches I have ever had!---- I made peach butter from some California peaches. This is all that is left of that. It was very good. I sent some to my Mom in Maine to enjoy. 
The kids are back in school. We've celebrated the daughter in laws birthday and our 2 daughter's birthday's. The end of Sept. starts the frenzy of birthdays, anniversaries, holidays,and craft shows that I host and participate in for the year! It ends Jan. 4th with #1 grandson's birthday. Then just a few celebrations the rest of the year.Whew!

Ahhh, the fruits of summer.......Blueberry Jam--practically seedless. I strain out as much of the seeds as I can when I make my jams. I just don't like the seeds. I will be making Strawberry jam this weekend, and most likely Blackberry after that.

We went to the play Wicked the other night for one daughter's birthday. What an excellent show----really enjoyed it. That was the first play I had been to. I may have to see more. The daughter saw online that there will be a movie of the same out in 2014.