Pepper Jelly

I have been on a canning kick as of late! A few days ago Salsa was produced (sorry forgot photos!) and now Pepper Jelly.

This Jelly is excellent as an appetizer served over cream cheese with crackers. A perfect mix of sweet and spicy and super easy to make! You just combine fresh peppers

Sugar and sure gel then boil.

Voila pepper jelly.

Pepper Jelly
4 cups Peppers (we mixed regular peppers with jalapeño and other spicy varieties all garden fresh)
5 cups sugar
1 packet Pectin sure gel
Mix peppers and sure gel together and bring to a rolling boil. Then add sugar quickly and bring to a rolling boil. Once mixture is at a rolling boil continue to boil for one minute then pour into warm jars and seal.

Possibilities

More details to come….

Unexpected Longing for the Middle East

Occasionally the oddest things will induce a feeling of homesickness –obviously not for my true home (Council Bluffs) as I am blessed to live here now. Instead homesick for the Middle East – my home for four+ years. Last night I decided on a quick dinner of fancied up Ramen Noodles (classy eh) and happened upon this package:

Obviously brought back as part of my HHG from Kuwait. The Arabic writing and memories of making noodles in this lovely adobe in Kuwait came flashing back.

I felt slight pangs for that life, that country, that adventure. And of course I wondered if I would someday have a chance to live in a foreign country again and experience the cultures of those so different from ours in the US. A huge part of me still longs for it….(Sorry mom and dad!)

Summer’s Final Blooms

I do not want it to be fall – and definitely do not want to be graced by winter’s presence. I love summer and would be elated if it was summer year round! But alas I live in the Midwest….In an effort to enjoy every last ounce of summer I picked a few zinnias from the garden.



Flowers always make everything better! I am debating planting several mums to help keep my spirits in bloom through this summer to fall transition.

Revisiting Niobrara State Park

My sister-in-law had never been to the state park – it’s such a gorgeous park and rarely crowded which is even better! We stopped at Lookout Point to take in the gorgeous views, participate in a few family portraits.


And read all about the history of Lewis and Clark and the Indians in the area.



Quite fascinating really. Then I convinced the crew that just a SHORT walk down the hill was a neat railroad bridge converted to a pedestrian bridge.

Turns out it was far from a short walk. Many many stairs later we were abele to glimpse the water.


Then the bridge.

Such a gorgeous spot to check out the Missouri and Niobrara Rivers – great use of an old railroad bridge.




Even caught a few glimpses of deer and hawks.


Niobrara State Park is definitely worth a visit.

A Mini Farm

I want to live on a farm, grow veggies, raise cattle, ride horses….Someday that is. I also want a fun retirement home that I could use as a rental in the meantime. I stumbled upon this gem a few weeks ago.

Its actually located in the city of Verdel – population 58 – about 15 miles from Niobrara. It sits on about 16 acres. Has a red barn which is a must (hello pig roast and barn dance!).

Gravel roads occupied mainly by tractors.

The interior is small and filled with character.





And also in need of some major renovations as you can clearly see.


I can picture myself enjoying relaxing weekends here, hunters setting up camp during hunt season, a garden in the yard, clothes on the clothesline, and cattle…

Well seems the neighbors cattle already enjoy the yard. Just waiting to hear if the owner is willing to part with the entire parcel (the home is available for sale if you are willing to relocate it) at a reasonable price.

Knox County Fair

I love County Fairs. So simple and so fun. You have all the fair entries for produce


Quilts and crafts

Very Healthy fair food


Cowboys

Games


And the grand finale of most fair evenings – a great concert.
Knox County Fair in Bloomfield Nebraska was a lot of fun. The night we went Rory and Joey performed. They were very entertaining!



One of the funniest concerts I have ever been to – there songs were super quirky. Check them out if you haven’t already – Cheater Cheater is a classic.