I have become an apprentice LOLA (a Lady Of the Lost Arts), officially deemed by Mrs. Hinkle, my dear friend Cathryn's mom. How did I manage to be given such a title? Last Sunday I was instructed by Linda, in an art that is being lost in this generation of women. I learned how to can. We canned a "lug" (an official measurement? i'm not sure!) of apricots. It's hot work, but fun and quite rewarding. It makes me feel like I am doing something right as a wife and mother to provide for my family, not just today, but also for the future. There is also something that speaks to your soul when you stand side-by-side a friend, working together. Time spent in the kitchen, around a quilt, joining together to take care of your home, creates a bond that is not easily severed. Thank you, Linda, Cathryn, and Nora for sharing this experience with me. Notice, though, that I am only an apprentice. Until I actually do the work on my own, I cannot claim the true label of a LOLA. So, today, Cathryn and I spent an hour picking apricots, with our little ones in tow, so that in the next week or so, we can can the next "lug" of apricots. Here are some photos of the adventure.
High on the ladder- notice the new haircut. Just a wee bit shorter than last time. It doesn't usually look like this, but I made it stick out today. Ryan says it's spunky.
Cathryn, not on a ladder. Actually in the tree. A braver soul than I.
Nora, Cathryn's daughter, in the apricot bucket
Liam and Nora, hopefully a slow-ripening friendship. Whether they like it or not!
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My thrifty friend Kristi and I went apple picking last year. We found about 5 different places where we could pick apples for free. We froze them all because we didn't have the canning supplies but we're planning on making applesauce this year. Way to go. The pics are beautiful and I love your haircut!!