Something New #2

I'm on a roll. Today I used up carrots, tomato, zucchini and onion from my garden pressure canning Minestrone soup!

Before processing

Finished soup!

Something New

I decided to try something new today. I recently purchased a large, new, shinny pressure cooker/canner. It has been sitting on my shelf intimidating me all summer. I don't know why, but the idea that it has the potential to explode makes me a bit nervous. Because of this, I have put off trying it out... until today. I don't do a lot of canning. A little applesauce now and then, but nothing like my Mom and Sister. Come to think of it, my brothers probably do more canning than I do. I really have to psyche myself up to do much more than jam. It intimidates me and zaps my energy. My canning buddy, Cassi, and I usually get together and talk each other into doing something. Just recently we went big and did pears AND pear sauce. Not much for some, but a big deal for me. To initiate myself with the pressure canner, I followed my sister-in-law Jenny's recipe for Beef and Barley Soup. In the end, it wasn't too bad. Nothing exploded and I think the soup actually looks tasty. I can't wait to pull it out and heat it up one cold evening this winter. Here's what I did: Step one (day before): Crock pot two beef roasts for 10 hrs. Step two: Make broth from crock pot drippings Step three: Cut vegetables, layer in jars and cover with broth

Step four: Pressure can

Viola - 75 minutes later (plus some cool down time) I have homemade Beef & Barley Soup. What next? Maybe Chicken Vegetable or Minestrone? I still have lots of garden vegetables that need a good place to call home.

What were we thinking?

Perhaps it was Hannah's well written letter pleading for a pet. Perhaps it is because our children ogle over every dog, cat, horse, goat, (or moose, for that matter) that walks by our house. What ever enticed us into it, we are now the proud owners of two kittens. We were tempted to bring home three, but resisted (Gigi is still tugging at my heartstrings from the shelter). Introducing Sophie and Max (name not firm). If they survive the excessively loving attention of four girls, they are sure to grow into hearty and happy cats.

I DID IT!

I have been running a lot these past 6 months. In fact, I had a goal to run a half marathon by the end of the summer. I didn't run in an actually race, but I did run 15 miles. The longest I have ever gone. Cassi and I ran through Sandpoint, then across the long bridge (what a view!) and into Sagle. The only time I usually go to Sagle is when I'm headed to Coeur d'Alene or Spokane. Who would (or could) run all the way to Sagle, I would have said. No more! I have been there on foot - and back!

Dream Vacation

Do you have a favorite vacation? One of ours is an annual (well, it's annual whenever we don't have new babies we can't leave behind) rafting trip on the Lower Salmon River. I was lucky enough to marry into a family of river guides. Between Kirk, his brother and sister we can outfit ourselves for a river adventure some people only dream of. It is a unique and amazing experience to spend 4 days away from everything, floating and camping down a beautiful stretch of river. We love to sleep under the stars, run the rapids, fish, eat, and play. There are plenty of fun rapids, but they are mellow enough that we can take the kids. Maren was finally old enough to go this year and made her maiden voyage. Kelli's new Husband, Brandon, also made his first trip.

The girls love to row. We can't wait for the day when the girls and their cousins are old enough to row the 'kids' boat down, with the adults following in the gear boat and kayaks.

Hannah caught the first fish of the trip... on her princess fishing pole. This seemed to aggravate our 14 yr. old friend, Ben. He spent the rest of the trip trying to out fish her. He did pretty well, but she ended up with two fish on her first attempts - a natural. Way to go Hannah!

Our rain gear stayed safely stowed away except for one quick sprinkle as we pulled out of camp on the second morning. Otherwise we had beautiful weather - if you don't count the sandstorm on the second night that forced everyone to sleep in tents and still wake up coated with grit.

River time is great time with cousins, Grandma, Aunts and Uncles.

The river has a special beauty. This is our camp on the last night along the Snake river.

On our drive home, we couldn't help but talk about all of the other rafting adventures we want to plan. Maybe we can go down to Southern Utah sometime and do the Green river through desolation canyon. Maybe the Rogue river in Southern Oregon. Or perhaps the main stretch of the Salmon. Too many fun rafting adventures, too little time.

Nothing Boring About It

Maren wins for the best first day of school quote after she exclaimed 'We didn't even do anything boring'. That was high praise coming from Maren after her first day in Preschool. She has been excited for WEEKS, carrying her backpack around the house and clutching the welcome postcard she received in the mail from Mrs. Barbara (her preschool teacher). This morning she was singing and dancing more than normal. No doubt a more than a little excited for her first day of Preschool. It was everything she has been waiting for and more. Her favorite part - they had cookies for a snack!

Maren and Nora on their first day of preschool with Mrs. Barbara at Superior Preschool.

Can't Wait

We are leaving Friday and heading to central Idaho to raft the lower section of the Salmon River. We will spend four days rafting the Salmon and Snake rivers, playing in the sand and sleeping under the stars (provided we have good weather). This is one of the girls all time favorite trips. Maren is finally old enough and will be going for the first time this year. We are looking forward to spending the labor day weekend with Kirk's brother, sister, mom, spouses & kids.