A bit of relief...
Yesterday when Gary answered the phone, he took a message from the health inspector: his office had decided they would cover the cost of the more expensive test done on the jam. Therefore I will only have to pay the $6 with tax that the lab charges for the pH testing alone.
Considering how furious I was that I'd have to pay for the analysis in the first place, compared to the almost $49 that I was billed, this seems like a total reprieve.
Yesterday I made Saskatoon Syrup, and Wild Raspberry & Merlot Jelly. What I made with the Saskatoons was supposed to be jam, but it hasn't set yet, and might be 'dessert topping' instead... still yummy. I used natural apple pectin which I made with our own apples last year. The jelly set well and tastes scrumptious.
Today I'll try to get the gooseberries picked... what a bumper crop!! Gooseberries are very high in pectin, so I'll try making that jam without Certo. The raspberries, both tame and wild, are ready for picking again too. What bounty!
Gary weeded some rows in the vegetable garden yesterday, and now I have a row of German Kale without weeds. I think kale might be something I should make spanakopita out of, or pick, wash and sell at the Farmer's Market; our friend Pete gave me seed for it and this is the first time I've grown it. The row of romaine lettuce didn't come up... not ONE plant grew. I'd say "serves me right" for planting OLD seed, but the seed for the kohlrabi which grew, the kale, carrots and other things, was just as old. There will be many many pounds of peas and beans to sell at the Market. At this time of year there is endless "work" in the garden and yard, but it's wonderful.
The kennels are full again, and that's good too. We have a nice bunch who is quiet all night, and they all eat well, play and walk with me enthusiastically and otherwise seem content. In addition to ten dogs, we have a docile cat, a cockatiel and a budgie bird as guests.
I'm antsy to get outside as it looks like a nice day. It's a bit cool now, but warming up of course; it's sunny and the prediction is 22 degrees C.. The mosquitoes have abated!! I picked red currants yesterday without getting bitten more than about three times. YIPPEE.
I wanted to tell you about the change in the invoice for the analysis of the jam. Sometimes I think I shouldn't write in this blog when I'm so outraged; I should remember what a difference a day makes!
~ Ann
