More Mulberry Fun and Mouse Updates

Wow, it's weird. I feel as though I've been on the go all week, yet I also feel as though there is nothing to talk about. In reality, there's plenty to talk about, I'm just not sure if now is the time to post it on the blog. Oh well, most of you know all about my life anyway.

First, let's give another update on mice. After catching a third mouse, Hans and I have not caught any, nor have we seen any signs of any others. So, yesterday we took the day and cleaned the kitchen. Everything came out of cabinets and drawers and was either washed by hand or thrown in the dishwasher. Then we disinfected all the cabinets, put new liners in, and put everything back. It was actually a really good thing to do. We ended up rearranging some things and finding some room we didn't realize we had. Well, I guess there really wasn't any extra room, but things are better organized and easier to get to.

Then, yes, there was more mulberry fun. Cody did not end up looking like he was shot this time, but my hands looked like they were covered in blood. Yesterday evening, Hans and I picked 8 cups of mulberries, destemmed them, and then proceeded to make jam. This was our first time making jam, and I'm amazed at how good it turned out. We had biscuits and jam for breakfast this morning, and I don't think I've ever tasted anything so good. Maybe it was so sweet because I knew I had made it. Maybe we added too much sugar (the recipe calls for 7 cups!). Actually, I think the biggest thing was that it was something I'd never had before. It's not like you can find mulberry jam in the grocery store. I still have some left over, and I think I'll make some cobbler with that again. I'm debating making the jam again too. It would be nice to have some on stock for the year.

Really, though, I've learned that canning isn't difficult and can be quite fun. I'm thinking that once tomatoes come in, I'll can some sauce. Any tips for canning other veggies such as cucumbers, squash, onions, or green beans? What about garlic? I'll appreciate any tips I can get!