Monday, June 2, 2008

apricots and grubbies

Since I have no new memory card yet, I did not take my own pictures this weekend, totally still sad about that loss, but you still have to listen to me (or read this blog) ... pictures courtesy of Yahoo images...
Saturday morning I went to my sister Karen’s home to meet with her and my mom to can apricots and make apricot jam from the bountiful harvest of Karen’s apricot tree



I grew up doing this wonderful homemaking activity with my mom and my sister, and even did a lot of canning in the first years of my marriage when buying fruit on sale made it worthwhile. But since it has been more cost effective to grow our food storage at Costco, those days have been long in coming as of late. We had a great time, and we are looking forward to more evenings to do the same in the next few weeks. The fruit is beautiful, and the jam is tasty of course.
I did have an experience that has left me thinking. It was about noon, and mom announced that it was time to shut down the kitchen, clean up a bit, and go get some lunch. Well, I had come to this event in my grubby clothes, no shower (deodorant was applied, no worries there), and no makeup, knowing that it is a warm and sweaty experience when you can fruit. Well, in talking about where to have lunch, I was uncomfortable going out to lunch, because of my lovely self. I am just vain enough that the thought of going out in public sans make-up, and in stained clothing isn’t something I do. I am so totally afraid of scaring, even scarring some child who has a glimpse of the unpainted me. But my sister and mom insisted, so I behaved, and we parked in the back lot of Tyler Mall and went in. (I was the one with head down, and slinking).

I realize this is totally my own mother’s fault who’s suggestion this was. She is a down to earth, but classy lady & she taught me that whenever you go out in public, you try to look presentable and those who make the extra effort are a bit more confident, and as they present themselves publicly, have a more positive experience as a customer in any business. So I have lived under such a mindset as this. I wholeheartedly still believe this to be true. But , I went, enjoyed the lunch with my mom, sister, and niece, survived, didn’t see anyone I knew (whew), and have another great memory to add to my familial bank. Here’s to a day of good times, good memories, and no makeup, because I even went to Stater’s at 9:30 pm – again no makeup!

12 comments:

Grammy Staffy said...

What a fun post. I have the same rule about not going out without makeup, but unfortunately with me it doesn't make much difference any more. I still scare the little kids even with makeup.... in fact, I scare me when I look in the mirror? Every year it gets worse.

By the way, I heard of a web site that you can go to, to luck for lost cameras and memory cards. If you are interested give me a call.

Can I come over for some apricot jam on toast? It sounds wonderful.

Lauri said...

I've been on a jam kick too. I have done appricot/pineapple, strawberry, and today I got a deal on raspberries ($.99 a basket) to I'll be adding raspberry jam to the pantry too. So no worries...if we have a disaster, I'll stay alive with JAM!

I totally agree with you about going out in public not your best self. Surprisingly, I rarely run into anyone I know when I look like that and truthfully, I look like most of the other people out in public. How sad!

Kim L. said...

I need to learn how to can. I am DYING to get my yard in order to grow my own.... everything. Someday! I agree with the whole best self in public thing.... I just don't abide by it all the time....while praying I don't run into anyone I know every second of the way.

Barbra said...

See if I would have done that, I know I would of ran into someone I know :) I could have gone with the stained clothes,bu I NEED my make-up on when I go out, the gym, camping it does not matter. Don't worry though, I do not sleep with it on and I am fine without it just being at home with the family.

Now, I get to admire you for one more thing :) BRAVERY :) the list just gets longer and longer :)

Thank you for all your sweet comments on my blog, they make my day!!! Have a great day!!!

Caroline Haring said...

I LOVE canning jam. I love hearing the jars POP! because that means you did it right. It always tastes so much better than store bought. Convenience has made it a dying art, way to keep it up!

Erin said...

I need to learn how to make jam. So cool that you can! And I totally get the out in public thing. Mainly because I always see someone-everytime!

Kim L. said...

I left you a note and your pan on your kitchen table today... did you get it? You are my favorite! Thank you again for taking care of me! LOVE YOU!


PS.... need those recipes!!!!!\"/

Emily said...

sounds yummy!! I remember my parents canning! It was intense! The whole makeup thing would have been a challenge!

Katherine said...

I'm like you with the makeup thing, but on the days when I just don't feel like getting all dolled up, I always feel like I'm getting away with something if I can make it the whole day without running into anyone I know while I'm out and about! :)

My grandma makes apricot jam and I love it!! I'm sorry about your memory card! That is awful. I'm still hoping you'll find it!

Jenn said...

I remember my mom canning when I was younger! I would like to try it now... maybe one of these days, homemade jam is always the best! I use to always have to go out with makeup on... but now if i am just running a few errands it doesnt bother me!

Caroline Haring said...

Hey babe! Just replying back. We are waiting to find out if we're having a boy or girl until it's birthday. (Aaron's idea, I'm OK with it now)Aaron is convinced it's a girl and hasn't even bothered to look at boy names. We do have a short list of girl names but put it down right at the point where you have to hash it out. No decision thus far. How do you do that without hurting each other's feelings? I'm terrible at debating. My favorite for a girl is Natalie Noelle. For a boy I like Rulon Michael or Weston Michael (Michael is Aaron's middle name)We'll see how well I can "sell it". Love ya!

Sundbergs said...

that looks so yummy. We have an apricot tree too as soon as are apricots are ripe we will be canning too. I can't ever imagine you not looking great.