A First for Tommy

 Today, we put the pork butt into a cooking bag and left it in the over for four + hours. About an hour before Tommy took it out of the oven, I put in two sweet potatoes. I had made cole slaw. Dinner was less than stellar. Those are sweet potatoes I hate, NOT Beauregard. The meat was so fatty. Somehow, the slaw was not quite right. 

But, we ate. Tommy was thrilled with it all. Maybe my taste is off. I don't know. 

He disappeared into the kitchen and took the meat off the bone and the fat off the meat. A little later, he came out. Then, he went back in. I asked him what he was doing as he passed me. He was going back into the kitchen to freeze the meat he did not put in the refrigerator. I stopped him and asked what he was going to write with. He showed me a felt marker. The Ziploc bags say to use a ball point pen. So, i had him give the marker to me and gave him a ball point pen. 

This is the first time he has EVER frozen anything. Well, I have told him to put the hotdogs in the freezer, new ones I bought for much later. 

Now, I have one more pork butt to cook and freeze. This one I cooked in the bag. The one I cooked in the crockpot was fine, not too fatty. I cooked it all night. It was great for pulled pork. The one I cooked today was mostly fatty meat amidst a few chunks of good meat. 

Last night, the storms were terrific, loud, rainy, and destructive. But, the lights only blinked briefly for a second. Tonight should be quieter, thankfully. I did get enough sleep, even if it took me half a day. My sinus infection seems to be clearing. I think the problem may be this weather. 

Do you cook pork butt? By what method? 

Did you have tornado or storm damage? 

Into the Freezer

 A few days ago, I cooked 2.5 lbs. of ground beef with onions and froze it in small packages. Tonight, I froze another 2.5 lbs. raw, and it is in the freezer. Four of the packages were large enough to make a meal that would serve four, so two meals for each of us. Sounds like leftovers to me. The last package was puny. But, I told Tommy I could make a meatloaf that would feed both of us a meal. Or, I could cook it for spaghetti. 

Edit: I know this sounds like tiny portions, but I will put this in spaghetti or make meatloaf or some other recipe to stretch it. If we want a hamburger, which we seldom do, we can always use a package for four meals and use it for two meals, one for each of us. It is flexible packaged raw.

The only way I got this work done was by having Tommy bring a cookie sheet type pan, the meat, a spatula, pint freezer bags, waxed paper. I worked from my lap and got nothing on hands, sheet pan or anything. I am careful. I scooped the ground meat onto a square of waxed paper and folded it to put it into the pint bag. It is labeled and in the freezer. That feels like quite an accomplishment since feeling puny, I was afraid it would the meat would spoil. Of course, I could have had Tommy cook it all in a pot on the stove. 

Tonight, I also made slaw on my lap. 

After a good sleep Monday night, and a very good nap today, I feel just a smidgen better. 

Tuesday morning, Tommy washed a load of underthings and nightgowns. So, tonight, I am hanging them to dry. I have not felt like doing this earlier. They will hang in doorways until tomorrow night unless company comes by. 

I got behind on reading newspapers to send to recycling, so I am working on catching up. I feel a renewed effort is worth it to send the papers to the animal shelter. Plus, we both want them out of the house. 

Today, I found one of the wildflowers is ready to bloom. These were embedded in a postcard from Johnson and Johnson. But, none of the Stella D'Oro bloomed, and I am not sure why. Not enough sun? We had clouds and a slow and gentle rain today. 

Dinner: Tommy had sirloin filet, slaw, leftover potato. I had hotdog with no-beans chili and cheese, slaw. I am not eating a bun with these hotdogs, just a little chili and a lot of cheese.

I had breakfast around noon: Special K, half a banana, milk. Then, at 3 pm, I had a huge salad with chicken, cheese, and Caesar salad dressing. 

We went out for a small chore at phone store. But, we did not take the password. I did not want to go home, get it and go back. Then, I did not want to get the milk we both needed. I just wanted a nap. Not only was it a good nap, I dreamed all my photos magically appeared on my laptop. 

The dog next door barked for a solid hour because the kids across the street were playing basketball. Of course, no one came out to quiet them. Surely, the mothers must become annoyed at some point. Or not.

What did you have for dinner on Tuesday night or this week? I am planning to cook chicken on Wednesday. What will you cook for this week? Are you lucky enough to have leftovers?

This and That, Nothing Much

 There is usually one question we mull every day--is it going to rain. We need to know this in order to decided whether Tommy needs to water the flowers and berries or not. We debate this, watching the weather and radar channel. Today, while I slept for a bit, he did water plants. When I awoke, I heard lots of thunder. He commented that it did rain all around us, just not here. It is dark, I still hear thunder, and it has not rained. It seems Tuscaloosa is getting lots of rain and maybe flooding. hmmm

Today, there was a hummingbird at the fuschia plant. The sight still thrills me every time I see it. 

We cancelled something today because it appeared rain would be a problem. Of course, it did not rain where we were going to be driving. 

Remember the freezing/blasting that was done to my arm yesterday. Well, the bandage fell off about two minutes after I applied it. AND, the smaller one blasted is twice the size of the larger one and has a huge blister on top. I am not sure what is happening. 

I needed a2milk on Saturday as I only had a partial half-gallon. Well, Tuesday was the next delivery day and they were out of all types of a2milk. Today, I purchased two half-gallons. They were an astronomical--$4.99! Is scarcity driving this price hike? 

When I went in to buy milk, I bought Tommy a package of Juicy Fruit chewing gum. His chewing drives me crazy. His storage of the gum and chewing the next day drives me past crazy. But, he loves it. 

Speaking of chewing, I think I crumbled off a piece of filling while chewing meatloaf. ugh

Every time I awake, I think Tommy has called me and told me to get up. Every time I am wrong. I laugh at myself. If I lie down at 4 pm, I will tell him to wake me if I am not awake at 7 pm. Really, I only want to sleep until 6 pm, but figure if I am really sleepy, I may need to sleep until 7 pm. But, I do not want to sleep four or more hours. I do clearly and distinctly hear him calling my name to wake me when he does not. This is really strange to me. 

We had one small chore along with buying milk, and these chores wore me to a frazzle!

On Saturday, April 22, we bought a gallon of pretty strawberries for $20. I was down with an upper respiratory infection on Sunday and the first of the week so forgot about them. I think Tommy started eating them on Wednesday. I encouraged him to eat them up. He came in with huge bowls of strawberries, eating them with his hand. 

Finally, 13 days later, I ate two berries when he warned me there were only four berries left. Not one of the berries in the bottom of the plastic bucket was bad. I was shocked. Usually strawberries don't last that long with disintegrating or molding. I certainly hope to find the people who sold these.

Tonight, we ate the rest of the meatloaf I made last week, the slaw I made over the we1ekend, and fresh corn on the cob. It was a wonderful meal. There is more slaw and corn, so tomorrow, I will cook protein or find something protein in the freezer. Frozen chicken and new red potatoes are thawing in the refrigerator. I was thinking I would make salmon croquettes, but maybe not. I had blueberries for lunch and will have apple and strawberries for later tonight.

Are you getting rain? Do you watch for rain when planning your watering?

Have you had strawberries last almost two weeks without losing a portion of a berry or two?

Blasting my Head

 Since my upset in my plans on Friday and subsequent watching of the Coronation, I have not been well. I have not gotten enough sleep and consequently have been out of sorts. Right now, my body is throbbing. But, I was in bed for an hour and could not sleep. I don't toss and turn, but I do not sleep. 

Tommy fertilized all the flowers late this afternoon. They are all growing well. I am still waiting for more blooms. 

Today, I went to the dermatologist. He froze a thing on my head, my crown, a growth? He warned me I would get an ice cream headache. I told him I had never had an ice cream headache. He assured me I did not know what other people went through and how bad the freezing was going to hurt. Well, after four blasts of freezing, painful blasts, I felt nothing; my scalp was just a bit tight for about ten seconds. 

He said my infected finger was getting better and did nothing. Now, four hours later, it is worse with huge pocket of pus. So, now I go back. I have already operated on it twice, and it is back.

The two places he blasted/froze on my arm hurt so bad! I suppose I need to put a bandage on them the keep me from scratching or even touching them. I made another appointment to have a growth on another place frozen, and I will not tell you where that location is. 

Saturday night, I made meatloaf-filled bell pepper for Tommy and just a dish of meatloaf for me. I would not eat the bell pepper, so no use wasting one. Of course, I dice bell pepper in the meatloaf. That was dinner on Sunday night, too. We had slaw and squash and something else.

Tonight, we are having BLTs. I may just have mine in a bowl as a salad and only one slice of toast cut up. 

Tonight, as I stumbled out of bed after the failed nap, I decided to get more food from the bedroom for the kitchen--sweet relish, Hunt's tomato paste, Miracle Whip. Tommy had to tell me that we ran out of the sweet relish but had plenty of dill relish. All three items were bought on sale. Of course, we are eating cheaper than if we bought at today's prices. 

Have you had an ice cream headache? I wish I could have just one to see what it is like. My little brother had them every time, and I felt so sorry for him. 

Have you ever had a growth frozen off anywhere on your body? Hurts, doesn't it. 

Have you had a BLT yet this season? 

Tuesday--Not Much

 I called my new doctor on Monday and never received a return call. I called back today and the answering service tried to answer my questions and told me there were no appointments for a week! Since when does the answering service do this? Even the np does not have an appointment until Monday. I would not go to her anyway. Finally, I convinced answering service to connect me to the front desk. Nope, no appointments. 

So, they wasted the day. I will go to afc tomorrow! 

I don't freeze milk and never have except for the first and only time. You still have to have it taking up room in the freezer for several days as it thaws.  I did try pouring it in pint jars and freezing it so that the thawing was not too bad. But, no, won't ever freeze milk. Tommy does and can deal with drinking it as it thaws. 

Monday night, I baked 18 drumsticks and two chicken breasts. So, I have frozen meat. Tonight, I will bake the turkey breast and freeze that. Maybe I won't.

Two naps took most of my day...lol. I had Special K and 1/2 banana and milk for breakfast. For lunch a chicken sandwich. For dinner, I don't want anything. Maybe I will have oats or Cream of Wheat. 

Today, I called uhc and ordered more otc/food items. In the catalog, I found Spam. Since when is Spam healthy food, purportedly all that can be bought with the funds? It makes no sense. . Hormel Compleats are not healthy but approved by uhc. I don't eat it, anyway. Before Jan 31, I will go to Publix and spend the last $35 on produce or whatever foodstuffs I am allowed to purchase. 

Dinner: Tommy had baked chicken, mashed potatoes, leftover English peas. I had a piece of apple pie and milk. 

Last night, I mended four dishcloths, mending tiny holes that were growing. Or did I say that? Today, I folded clothes and hung more to dry. I am not really ambitious. 

Tonight, we have been watching Marion Davies films. Interesting. 

I have been a slug today, a slug with a fever. What have you accomplished? Cooked?

Wednesday, Food, Questions Answered

 Wednesday, I awoke feeling much better. MUCH better. I am still unwell, but feel human again. My joints don't hurt and chest is not tight and burning. 

There is some sauce left from the spaghetti we had and a package of pizza mix, so I will make that and top with the meat sauce and cheese one day. Well, Tommy does not want that until he has some chicken and pork. So, that will go in the freezer Wednesday night for another day.

Taco soup is just a matter of throwing in cooked ground beef, and cans of food--tomatoes, corn, black beans, rice and a package of grated cheese. Oh, and taco seasoning. I will do that on Thursday. The plan was to do it today, but it did not happen.

Tommy went into Publix and got slaw mix and zucchini. We had slaw on Wednesday and will have it on Thursday, so the zucchini will be cooked on stove in olive oil and garlic. 

Even though it is late on Wednesday, I will go into the kitchen and freeze half the pork cutlets, two, for another meal. Tommy wants pork cutlets on Thursday. 

Before bedtime but after 10 pm, he disappeared into the kitchen and washed the large pot and small pot and something else I used to cook, a skillet I think and cleaned the sink again. He is helpful. I rarely have to ask him to do anything. 

Even stirring up the slaw after putting MW, mustard, salt, pepper, sugar and vinegar in with the slaw mix exhausted me. He microwaves the meal and brings it to me. I am grateful and thank him every time he does something for me.

The weather is beautiful, but I cannot get out to enjoy it unless we take a drive. I don't need fresh air as that is the problem. I just want the sun, greenery, and flowers. We go out every day in the car unless it is raining. 

I always grated cabbage on a box grater until 1990 something and I had a traumatic hand injury. I could do nothing with my hand at all. The other had been injured years before. So, after a few months of missing eating slaw or buying it at KFCs, I started buying slaw mix in a bag. It is the best I can do right now. Tommy would not be happy grating cabbage.

About the purchase of plastic utensils. When I bought the cutlery, Tommy was unhappy. I took it back only because the package said not to leave food on the items and not to let soak in water. Well, that is just crazy. So, I took it back. He was happy for that. We had a talk later.

I told him the dishwasher could wash all the utensils and we could keep plastic for when we really needed it. He said he was willing to pay the cost of plastic utensils. I did not understand. He said he would be the one left to dry all the utensils and sort them. Actually, cutlery can be placed on a dishcloth and they dry very quickly. I can take care of this sitting down. Utensils are easier for me to dry. Heavy glass bowls and storage bowls are not easy for me to handle. So, when I find cutlery that is not so delicate and fussy to care for, I will get it and we will be off plastic in that area. It takes time with him.

The hummingbird has not been back! 

Do you ever have to go slowly with a recalcitrant person?

Bluapple, Dogs, Hummingbirds

The TODAY SHOW has a bit on about products we cannot live without. I saw the BLUAPPLE and ordered it. This is an expensive little apple in which you place a packet to absorb ethylene gas that is put off by ripe fruit and causes other fruits to ripen. 

The little packet is activated charcoal. 

I think I could use any little container and punch holes in it. Then, I could fill little squares of coffee filters with activated charcoal. This would save money. But, it is done. Tommy was all for this and paid for it. 

Have you used this technology? Have you heard of it? 

We ran out of spoons and have been forced to wash plastic spoons. Tommy does not want regular cutlery. Today, he said, "Do you think you could find plastic spoons on the internet to order?" So, that is what I will do. 

It is Thursday afternoon and I must cook this meat! But, I can barely walk or sit up. But, Tommy will help.

The people next door finally put up the dog pen. Instead of it being a square, they bolted it together in one long fence that runs from their patio to their back fence. Good! Now, the children don't wave, just stare. I suppose the parents are mad and talking about us. They will still get cupcakes when I can manage. The dog house is as far from here as possible in a far corner.  It seems it is best where it is under a tree instead of where they were going to put it where it has full sun all day. 

I saw the first hummingbird today! I was so excited. When we were talking to Lynda in her driveway, Tommy saw a hummingbird at the edge of her patio. So, they have arrived. 

As awful as I felt, we had to get the meat cooked. I went and held onto the sink and told Tommy what to bring me. I put in a cooking bag four huge thighs and six chicken tenders, half a red onion, three small potatoes, and five carrots. 

Tommy had already gone to the kitchen to brown a huge package of ground beef. When I went in there, he asked me if I were going to peel the carrots. I said I was not and if he didn't have time, we just would not have carrots. I came back and he was scraping the carrots on his walker and stirring meat at his elbow. So, we had carrots, too. 

He had turned on the oven, so the chicken and vegetables went in quickly. I had to recover in the living room while he finished the beef. We ate while we watched Gunsmoke. 

I thought I had a second package of chicken tenders thawing. When Tommy put all the thawed meat in the sink, I was thinking one package of tenders looked very old, maybe not good. When I started loading up the cooking bag, I realized that one package was pork loin chops. I suppose it would have been okay, but I did cook the pork in a different bag. 

There are two "meals" of chicken in the refrigerator--one glass container with thigh and two chicken strips and three pieces of carrot, another container with thigh and two chicken strips. Plus, a third container with chicken. Six cups of ground beef are in another container. Five pork loin chops and onion are still in the oven. I will most likely freeze all the chops and eat the chicken the next three meals. I am going to make taco soup tomorrow with some of the ground beef, freezing two cups of the soup. I will freeze at least five bags of one cup each of the ground beef after putting some in the taco soup. 

Normally, I would have made half the ground beef into a meat loaf, divided it and frozen half. But, I was not up to making meatloaf. Maybe I will make Spanish Rice with brown rice, using up the some of the ground beef. A can of green beans will make an appearance somewhere. I want cole slaw, so we may get a bag. Well, Tommy will have to go in to get it. 

We have plenty of salad fixings to have a salad with the chicken. There is plenty of fruit to eat. I don't dare eat any oranges or grapefruit since I am very allergic to citrus and especially in the spring. 

I am not better nor getting better. I may call the doctor in the morning. 

Wednesday

 The effects of hurricane Sally so far have been minimal even though the weather forecast had rain at 100%. However, the local city forecast for Hueytown showed no rain, just a cloud. So far, maybe a sprinkle. 

We had thought about meeting friends in Cullman after we all got our take out lunch. They offered to sit on their porch and eat. This is the couple we eat with at the lake under a pavilion when we pick up a lunch. Today was spaghetti day. It would have included a nice salad. It would be nice to visit, but the chance of rain and maybe storms was too great. The clouds and rain bands are swirling up that way, so need to set off and encounter a storm. 

I had 11 tiny bags of baby carrots, the kind in kids lunches or box lunches,  a total of 1 lb in the 11 bags. Tommy cut them all into chunks and they are in the sink in ice water and another batch just went into boiling water to blanch, and he is working on a 1 lb bag. Those he is cutting into coins. So, this is a production line. These will be good in soup this winter. That makes 10 pint bags with almost 2 cups each this afternoon.

Tuesday, I bought bananas because I was out. Right there in the produce department was a dozen or so reduced packages of bananas at a quarter a pound. I now have 37 cents worth of 5 bananas to mash. Actually, these are nice enough for me to eat. I will mash these and freeze. This will be another 1 cup of mashed bananas in the freezer. 

Even though I got a heaping cup from five bananas last week, I bought four bananas this week and got a bag with 1 cup and another with 3/4 cup. These bananas were so firm and free of blemishes and rot that they went further than the more ripe bananas.  I will put enough bananas in the bag with little so that it is one cup, also. 

I ran out of pint freezer bags and we had to go get more. I only needed three to finish the bananas and carrots. When I went to Publix, they had none. A guy who works there told me they cannot get canning jars, so people were switching to freezing. At the Pig, there was a whole shelf full of pint bags. I got two just in case they are going to be scarce. That is only 40 bags. If I had not found any bags, I would have frozen in half-pint jars. 

Now, I have two packages of chicken to put into a cooking bag for dinner and for freezing and for another meal tomorrow. 

Still, it is only sprinkling here. It was 69F here at 5 pm, and the rain with sprinkling and ac in the stores made me very chilly. Of course, when I dried out, I felt warmer. 

Maybe I will cut and freeze red onions this evening. 

Is anyone finding freezer bags scarce? There were very few on the shelves here.

Now I Can Read | Chloraseptic

 Tuesday morning I awoke sweating off a fever. I knew the doctor did not give me enough antibiotics last time I went! This never really went away. 

Monday night, I finally got around to freezing peas. I could only cook a portion, so the other half or less are in the refrigerator waiting for me. I put 5 cups of peas in the pot and froze 5 one-cup portions with more for dinner today. Maybe I won't have to buy any frozen peas this winter. 

I can eat a whole cup of peas at a meal. Put sliced tomatoes and slaw with it and I am in heaven. However, I don't need a cup of beans. Therefore, I only froze a cup of beans for a meal for the two of us. With other food choices we will be fine, eating enough. By thawing less, I will eat less. 

It's dreary out today. Rain is forecast, a result of summer and hurricanes. I am glad I have nothing to take me out and about. This rain and lack of sun would have been good for my plants. Oh well.  Last night, I did not sleep enough. I slept well when I slept. But, being feverish, I think a nap is in order. 

A five-hour nap did not help as I awoke sicker than ever. I told Tommy to wake me at 4 pm. When he woke me at 5 pm, he said he called me and I threw the covers off at 4pm. Then, I got up and used the bathroom and got back into bed. This, he told me; I remember nothing. I started an antibiotic. The only reason I will prepare dinner is because it only needs heating. 

I will put on a mask when I freeze the rest of the peas. Tommy can slice the squash I need to cook, but not tonight. I want to get corn to freeze. I will cook all I get, maybe a dozen ears and cut the kernels off the ear and freeze in small portions. I like to put corn in soup and taco casseroles that ends up being  taco soup. 

He has already cut the coupons that are thrown in the yard, the kind also put into the newspaper. I asked him to cut the first ones I got to give to my friend. Now, he is eager to cut them out for her. I mail these, so trimming them close helps to be able to mail them with only one stamp. 

I bought an $11 floor lamp to put on the other side of me so I can read. It is the torchiere type but with and adjustable arm with a second light. I would never, ever use this at my house. It is tacky, but hopefully it gives off enough light so I can read. The two "glass" pieces where the lights are located are not really glass but thin flexible plastic. 

I need to plug it in and get the surge protector set up with other lamp and computer plugged in. This is all behind me, so I have to get on my knees on the love seat and hang over the back and pull the surge protector to me. I am just too tired. Or, too ill.

When I have a sore throat, really sore throat, I use Chloraseptic. Usually, the green bottle is available. This time, only cherry was on the shelf. I got it since I did not want to search another store. I accidentally sprayed a bit on my lip. My lip went numb! Tommy laughs at the faces I make. It is horrible tasting! He apologized for laughing, but I really am not offended as I make faces for about two minutes after spraying that stuff in my mouth. Right now, most of my tongue, all of the back of my throat and some of my lip is numb! Have you ever used Chloraseptic for your throat? 

Freezing Plans and Bread

Olive oil is a food I love. In order to have a good supply, I plan to buy it and freeze it in the bottle. I will not buy large economical bottles. I will buy smaller sizes. That way, it will stay fresh and not become rancid even when it comes out of the freezer. I don't use a lot at a time or every day. But, when I want it, I want it and do not want to have to find it or purchase it.

I am planning for the covid19 to become worse and for more food shortages. I am not trying to be an alarmist, but a realist.

Right now, I have two packages of tortillas, something we rarely eat. They were cheap.  By freezing them between waxed paper, I can get out a few at a time. 

Lots of "I" sentences in this post! But, these are my thoughts and plans.

Thursday night, I thawed chicken thighs, cooked zucchini in olive oil and garlic, and heated left-over carrots, potatoes, and Bell pepper. Tommy is supremely happy. He sliced the zucchini for me. I love to have leftovers. I had a can of tuna/celery with lettuce and tomato. Oh, and some carrots.

The celery is flash freezing on a broiler pan and Bell pepper is on a paper plate in the freezer. Soon, i will dump them into bags for the freezer. The stumps of the celery heads are in a plate with a bit of water. 

The celery and peppers stayed in the freezer over night Thursday, longer than they should. But, they are in freezer bags. I have enough. There is also some chopped in the refrigerator for another tuna salad next week. 

We have made two trips to the bread store and found no bread like I like and can eat. So, the third trip we made was in desperation. Having to drive 10 miles, i think, makes bread expensive when you find none. Today, I went in even though I could see the shelves where the bread I want is displayed. I was going to get Wonder Bread (yuck). However, I saw the woman who works there sitting in the office. 

I asked her if kids being home, or lower bread production, or hoarding caused the bread shelves to always be bare. She said the breadmen were not bringing it back from the stores. I asked specifically when my brand might be there. She said to wait a second because she thought she had some. I asked for eight loaves. She said she had five, so I took those--did not grumble and was grateful! Four loaves are in the freezer. 

Four loaves are in the two 2-gallon bags that I stored in the freezer after I used the bread stored in them. So, this is not intended to be a stocking up long term deal. I just hate going that many miles for one loaf or two loaves of bread. When I had a freezer, I would buy $7 worth to get the extra bread that came with that purchase. 

Tonight, i am going to make a squash casserole. Tommy will chop the squash after I wash it. I have not had it in several years. There is more than enough, so I will freeze some squash, too. 

The store still had Suddenly Salad for $1, so I purchased another 12 boxes. Remember, this will be eaten instead of bread and only one box a month. We are set for 24 months. 

I was going to buy olive oil, but all the bottles were plastic. I want glass bottles. 

Tonight, dinner for Tommy is another chicken thigh, squash casserole, and leftover zucchini, maybe a salad of cucumber and tomato. I will not have meat, i suppose. 

Freezing Foods in My New Freezer

It took me several days to be able to clean the freezer. Now, I am staggering across the kitchen changing things from the refrigerator's freezer to the upright freezer. Plus, things are plunging to the floor. I thought Tommy was going to help me with the avalanche that happens, but he thought I would tell him to come help. I did, but he kept going...lol.

I have found multiple pieces of chicken frozen in single servings, all cooked. I intend to use these up before I put more single servings in the freezer. Well, I froze 4 baked chicken tenders that will make two meals for two. And, the two thighs in one package will make two meals for him while I eat breast.

This works well for me! I can also freeze more cooked vegetables or blanched ones, whichever happens.

Tonight, I cut two huge bell peppers and have them quick freezing before going into freezer bags. When I put them in bags, I may cut more tonight.

Tommy is peeling, coring, and slicing apples for me to season and freeze for pies or whatever.

I bagged all the bread/buns/breadthings and have them stored on the door of the freezer. Also, I have strawberries and blueberries stored there. The bottom bin and shelf are for raw poultry. Other raw meats will be to one side of the raw poultry shelf.

There are about 12 lbs. of baby carrots waiting to be eaten or frozen. Likewise, there are probably 12 lbs. of of onions waiting for me.

Have you ever frozen potatoes? The internet and everything I know says NO. But, frozen potatoes are sold in the grocery store.

At the market last Saturday, I bought 6 freestone peaches for $6 and 6 tomatoes for $6. We are eating these, not freezing. OKAY,  he says they are too juicy. I will slice and freeze two or three of them. I could eat them all at one sitting, but I cannot have much fiber.

Tonight, Tommy had baked chicken tender, leftover baked potato,  diced tomatoes and Bell pepper with dressing, and a peach. I had baked chicken tender, baked potato with no salt, tomato with dressing, and peach.

It will be wonderful to have a freezer full of food that I do not have to process right that moment in order to have dinner! If there is another shutdown, I am not confident things I want in the way of food or supplies will be available.

My tomatoes will not be enough to can or freeze, just to eat. Freezing is much easier on me than canning, so I may go to the Farmer's Market on Finley Ave. and get a bushel of tomatoes and put those up in the freezer. It would be better to just get a basket and freeze those. Easier.

What are you freezing or canning?

Beware of Sales! Canning Peaches

At one store here in town there are terrific sales on things I want and will use. However, these sales are often not good for stock-up items. Miracle Whip was on sale for $1.50. I was ready to buy several, depending on the use-by date. That is important for MW.  However, the use-by date was in a month. I was grateful for the savings, but I only bought one jar.

So, Del Monte freestone peaches in a 28 oz. can were on sale at 4/$5, making the can $1.25. Regular price was $2.78, so I was thrilled.  Imagine my disappointment when the use-by date was 9/19. I bought four cans but intend to go back and buy eight more. I love canned peaches, and since I will not be canning peaches, this will have to do. The date will not be so important, especially as these will be used by next summer.

I love cottage cheese and peaches. This makes a meal for me or a snack. Of course, a dump cake works too, especially in the winter. Plus, I have used canned peaches for brandied fruit.

I do buy Elberta peaches when they are in season. A basket of six peaches is $6! However, they are so juicy and sweet that I get a dishtowel to put down to eat one. I bite into it and juice runs down my face! When I am ready to can again, I will drive to the farmer's market in Birmingham to buy bushels of peaches.

When I was about eleven-years-old until I was gone from home, gone to college, my mother would can bushels of peaches every summer. Daddy would show up with several bushels of peaches for Mama to can. At first, we did not have ac, so it was a long, hot, arduous job. When we got ac, it was just less hot, but still long and arduous.

She probably canned peaches before this time. But, this is when I remember and helped her.

When she got a full freezer, we froze peaches. It was still hot, just less hot. We loved to eat half-thawed for a dessert or snack. Just thinking about it takes me back to my teen years. I may just buy Elberta peaches, freeze them and then thaw them to eat.

There is nothing as delicious as home-canned or frozen peaches!

Do you ever find sales that are too good to be true and then discover they are almost at their use by dates? Now, I will eat older canned food, but really hate buying it almost old.

Did you ever, or do you can peaches? Is it a beloved childhood memory like mine? Do you love a juicy peach?