Prep Work and the Frost

Just a mild frost.  You can just see the icy tinge in spots (the lighter green grass).  I don't think there should be too much damage, but it'll be hard to tell until the sun comes out and frazzles the leaves.

I picked 10 gallons of tomatoes yesterday, mostly green, and laid them out on the plant stand.  I wanted to make sure I had enough to make salsa if we did get a freeze.  There's still lots of smaller tomatoes if they make it.

Added to the seed collection:  green beans, more northern beans, purple beans, parsnips.

I hemmed and hawed about picking the Lady's Mantle.  It hasn't done well.  Then I looked at the marjoram- just about to flower, and oregano- almost ready to pick.  I decided to dig them out, along with the English Thyme.  Then I got a little carried away.

I dug out a salsa pepper from the perennial bed.  They're just starting to flower, and haven't produced any peppers yet.

Then I dug out the Medusa and Capiscum Anum,

and Creme Red from greenhouse #2.  I'm just not ready for the season to be over for them yet.  So I have a little bit of an indoor garden this fall.  I don't know how long they'll last for, but I figure it's worth finding out.  Next year I think I might leave some of the peppers in pots, so they'll be easier to bring in in the fall.

We filled a wheel barrow with mangel tops for the cows, goats and horses.  We'll keep doing that until all of the tops have been harvested, unless they're too damaged to be used.  The mangels are still in the ground, and they can stay there for another month or so, although the cold room is probably cool enough now to start winter storage.

The big squash is in the basement.  I couldn't find any smaller ones worth worrying about.  It seems the plant put all of it's energy into that one big one.

I harvested 8 cobs of corn from the greenhouse.  If the weather warms up a bit for another month, another dozen might ripen enough to harvest.  I think, if we have time before winter, I'd like to build a corn row greenhouse.  Maybe in the back field. 

The popcorn in the garden needs at least another month.  I pulled off one of the best cobs, but it's too tiny, and white.  At least the beasts will enjoy the stalks even if we don't get any popcorn.

I pulled three buckets of beets yesterday, so I have lots of tops to cut and cook today.

I picked two heads of lettuce, and three cabbages (a bit of overkill there).

Pulling the green bean plants for seed is yielding a bunch of smaller beans yet, as well as great feed for the turkeys and chickens. 

Still lots of work to do, and I'm quite pleased with this year's garden overall.

Preparing for Frost

Chives drying on the plant stand, roughly chopped.

Seeds drying:  yellow beans, peas, asparagus, northern beans.  They need a shake a couple of times a day.

The temperature here took a nose dive yesterday.  8°C right now, with a high of 15°C expected for the day.  A low of 4°C is forecast for Monday.  That's a scary temperature.  The first night we had 4° forecast last year, it actually dropped to -2°C.  So, let's just say, I have trust issues with the weatherman.

Today I will be picking tomatoes.  Not all of them yet, but a good bucket for salsa, along with anything that looks like it might ripen in the window.  I'll pull another batch of beets, for the greens, just in case, though I don't plan to can them today.  And of course, I'll get any cukes, squash, and peppers that are ready.  And I guess I'll harvest what I can of the Lady's Mantle.  I'm not sure if that poor plant did well enough to return next year.  The spring frost hit it hard, and it didn't do well in the summer heat either.  It's about the same size now as when I transplanted it.

#2 closed the side of the greenhouse yesterday.  If we're lucky and don't get a freeze, then the greenhouses should keep producing.  Time will tell.

The Lady Issues

 This is a long post, filled with more icky information than anyone probably ever wanted to know.  You've been warned.

When I was young, I was fairly regular, although a little longer cycle than most, at 32 days.  I've always been heavy the first couple days, and experienced flooding in the morning, or after sitting for long periods.  Cramps were always in my lower back.  Migraines through my late teens.

I delivered two healthy boys with a bit of laughing gas, and then had #3 at home, au naturel.  Back in hospital for #4, midwife was booked up, husband was in South Carolina, and I caved and took a shot of demerol.  All back labour pains.

It took about 8 months to recover from #4.  My hips just didn't seem to want to go back into place.  Contractions with every period.

He stopped breastfeeding at 16 months.  I didn't quite stop lactating.  Just a little, only noticeable before my period, a drop or two in the shower.

About 4 years ago, the breast swelling pre period was getting ridiculous.  I was sore and swollen two weeks before my cycle, and a week afterwards.  Cramping in my back was up to two weeks, and I was just a miserable person to be around.  And then those couple of drops in the shower took on a greenish tinge.

I didn't tell anyone at first.  And it got worse.  I had sharp stabbing pains in my milk ducts.  Like while breast feeding, how you feel your milk let down, but with an almost burning sensation.  And the 'milk' was dark green.  I started expressing up to a week before my period to relieve the swelling.

My periods got longer, 7-9 days.  Heavier, flooding all the time.  Closer together, sometimes within three weeks.  Clotting.  Cramping.  Bloating.  (I'd go from a size 10 to a 16 every month).  Days that my hips and back hurt so bad I could barely walk from my room, across the hall, to the bathroom.  And then I started having contractions.

Two years ago I saw a doctor.  He sent me for x-rays, ultrasounds, mammogram, CT scan, MRI of my pituitary gland.

I have some small cysts, both breast and uterus.  I have some 'spots' on my pituitary, but not enough to be concerned about.  I have a cyst on my kidney (unrelated and probably nothing to worry about, they just happened to notice it while they were poking around).  But no cancer, no endometriosis, nothing they could pinpoint and blame.

That took about 8 months, getting through all of the procedures.  And in that time, things kind of settled down for me.  Not great, but much better than it had been.  Less swelling, breast and hips, less bloating, less frequent periods.  By the time I got in to see the gynecologist, it wasn't too bad.

I'd never been good about keeping track of my cycles, had nothing written down, had no 'proof' of my condition.  He did a pap smear (normal) and told me to come back in three months, and track my periods.

The following three months were very mild.  Normal.  Not bad at all.  So, you know, I was 'fine'.  He told me my clots were just coagulated blood.  I was too young for menopause, so he wouldn't do a hysterectomy.

Two months later, I spent 8 hours on my hands and knees waiting for the contractions to stop.  When I finally passed the clots, they were hard little gobs.  I can't believe that's just coagulated blood. 

Since then, it kind of comes and goes.  Some months are ok, just a bit of cramping and bloating.  Some months I'm a wreck.  One month I missed, and I swear I wanted to throw a party.  Bring on the menopause!!!  The bad months are always accompanied by clots.  This month, a lump about two inches long, attached to a smaller gob by a tube about two inches long.  It looked like a tiny placenta.  (Husband had a vasectomy 9 years ago).

I never did get an answer from anyone about the green slime coming out of my milk ducts.  I did have a bladder infection a few months after the gyno visit though, and some heavy antibiotics.  It's returned to an occasional drop of creamy white 'milk'.  Internet research leads me to believe it's that same tonsilitus/sinusitus bacterium that's haunted me all my life.

I made some other changes.  For one thing, I started tracking my periods, almost fanatically.  I downloaded period calendar deluxe for my phone, and I swear it's the handiest thing ever. 

I started watching what I ate, and how I reacted to it.  MSG, which never seemed to bother me when I was younger, seemed to be smacking me upside the head, or rather, making me swell up like a beached whale.  Not too hard to pinpoint the culprit at home- I never denied my period cravings for salt and chocolate, and my salt of choice has always been sour cream and onion potato chips.  MSG to go.  I switched to plain chips for awhile, then cut out chips completely for about 6 months.  (It had been a bag a day habit every two weeks).  I fulfilled my salt cravings with home made pretzels, and once even just licked salt out of my hand, with no ill effects.  Summer came, too hot to bake, and I gave in to the potato chips again.  Now one bag will get me through my period salt cravings, always plain.  I just eat enough to calm the cravings and then put them away.

I started paying attention to bathroom issues.  I've always had bathroom issues, especially if I'm not at home.  But I started noticing that I get constipated every month when the swelling starts.  The back pain subsides when things start moving again after my period starts.  If I take a laxative, clean things out just before my period, I have less pain.

Dad suggested I start taking aspirin (blood thinner).  Just one.  The first few months I took two or three, and then I thought I was going to bleed to death from a cut on my finger.  Oops.  So just one, on the first day of my period, and it seems to be helping with the clots.

So probably now, 3 out of 4 periods are ok.  And then there's a bad one.  I just need to get through the bad ones.

My Last Attempt

...at plain, boring cucumber relish, for this year anyway.

I taste tested the sweet cucumber relish.  It was better than the dill pickle relish, but had an almost 'bread and butter pickle' taste.  I'm not a fan.

I taste tested the store bought jar in the fridge.  I can't say as I've ever eaten it straight before.  I can't say I'd ever want to again.  But it was definitely not even close to the desired results.

Back to the internets...  more recipes...  they're all the same, but different.  A little more celery here, a little less vinegar there.  Nothing really stood out to me.

Back to the fridge.  I read the label on my store bought jar over and over and over again.  Cucumbers are the main ingredient, followed by sugar, water, vinegar, salt, cornstarch, red peppers, and then the typical chemical concoction.

Back to the recipes.  I settled on this one, and then made a few adjustments.

I cut and deseeded a bucket of cucumbers, then ran them through my meat grinder.  12 Cups.
I had two green peppers in the fridge, so I ground them up, for just over 1 Cup.  I didn't have any red pepper, so I left it out.

I left out the onions.  There's no onion in the store bought version, and I don't like onions anyway.

I've had a bucket full of celery sitting on the table since the fair auction, so I was generous with it.  It's not on the store bought label either, but it is in every recipe I read online, and I like celery.  4 Cups, ground.

That gave me 17 cups of vegetation, versus 11.5 in the recipe, not quite double.    I'm Canadian- we like salt, and I have low blood pressure.  I doubled the salt,  1/2 cup.  Covered it with water, and left it sit for 4 hours.

 I doubled the sugar- 7 cups.  I left the vinegar as it was, 2 cups.  Doubled the celery seed, left the mustard seed.  That's a lot of sugar in just a little bit of liquid.  It took a while to dissolve, stirring constantly.

I strained and squeezed out the excess liquid from the veggies, then added them to the brine.  Simmered 10 minutes, then packed it into the jars.  Processed for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath.

This morning I taste tested it.  It's not bad.  A little too sweet, I might cut the sugar down to 6 cups next time.  The celery is a bit crunchy.  I think it needs to cook a few minutes longer next time. 

It'll definitely do.  This I can eat.  Plain, boring, cucumber relish.  Now to see if it'll keep.

Tinctures and Teas

I nearly missed the yarrow! Just a few days ago the ditch was full of it, but yesterday I had a hard time finding even one patch. Most of it's gone to seed already.

I made (started) yarrow tincture. 

Leaves and flowers from a couple of stems, crammed into a jar.

Covered with rum. Yum. I misunderstood the instructions when I went to the liquor store. I thought I had read 80% alcohol, and this Bacardi was the best I could find, at 75.5%. It was actually supposed to be 80 proof (40%). Oops.  It'll have some kick!  It'll need to be shaken a couple of times a day for the next six to eight weeks, and then strained to remove the herb.  Then just a few drops under the tongue.

Yarrow tincture is useful for healing urinary disorders and menstrual problems. It is also recommended for cardiovascular complaints.

This one is for me.  I have a history of urinary tract infections and lady issues.

Yarrow is used against colds, cramps, fevers, kidney disorders, toothaches, skin irritations, and hemorrhages, and to regulate menses, stimulate the flow of bile, and purify the blood. Medicinal tea is a good remedy for severe colds and flu, for stomach ulcers, amenorrhea, abdominal cramps, abscesses, trauma and bleeding, and to reduce inflammation.

To dry, I'm tying the herbs and hanging them in the sunroom window.  I hope it'll make a nice winter tea for coughs and colds.

 Yarrow tea: To 1 tsp. dried herb add 1 cup boiling water, steep for 10 min. sweeten to taste. Take at bedtime.

 Yarrow also has blood-clotting and antimicrobial benefits. Yarrow may be applied directly, or used in a salve or poultice for minor cuts and wounds.

If I can find another patch, I'd like to make another salve with yarrow and plantain.

My other herbs, so far:
 Mint (dried for tea):

• Relieve symptoms of indigestion, heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome by relaxing the muscles in and around the intestine.
• Act as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the body against the formation of cancerous cells.
• Inhibit the growth of many different types of bacteria and fungus.
• Ease and unblock the breathing and respiratory passages and airways.
• Relieves the symptoms of colds and flu.
• Mint can help with nasal allergies.
• It can relieve congestion, head colds and headaches.
• Act as a mild sedative and has calming properties.
• Relieve minor aches and pains such as muscle cramps and sprains.
• Combat bad breath.
• Provides a cooling sensation to the skin and can help to treat minor burns, itching and skin irritations.
• Mint is a very good cleanser for the blood.
• Mint tea can help clear up skin disorders such as acne. 

Raspberry Leaves (dried for tea):
 Raspberry tea has helped with painful menstruation and flow, and lessens an over-abundant period. At menopause the adrenals are geared to take over as the ovaries gradually cease functioning; many menopausal symptoms are caused by exhausted adrenals.
Diarrhea, thrush, sore throat, canker sores, dysentery, urinary complaint, cold and fever sufferers find red raspberry tea is a reliable remedy.

Pour one cup boiling water over a teaspoon of dried leaves and let it steep at least 15 minutes. Drink and heal. 

Thyme (tincture):  A recommended dose is 1/3 to 1 tsp., three times daily.

 Components of thyme act as expectorants that help expel mucus from the respiratory tract. They also have antibacterial activity, may be helpful in treating bronchitis and dry, hacking types of cough. It may also be useful for whooping cough in children. 

Thyme oil may also help combat several forms of fungal microorganisms, including  thrush and gastrointestinal or vaginal yeast infections. 

Tincture of thyme may also help relieve digestive complaints, including heartburn and gas. Thyme may also help with bad breath, or halitosis, because its components are active against some bacteria that live in the mouth.

Pennyroyal (tincture):  

Pennyroyal has been used to promote and regulate menstrual flow and ease painful menstruation. It is stimulating and could cause uterine contractions.  (Other sites say that it may be toxic and cause liver damage, especially if used habitually.  This one will be only for the really bad months when nothing else is helping and I want to die anyway).

Speedwell (tincture):  

People who suffer from rheumatism and gout should try the easily prepared Speedwell tincture  This tincture is used externally as a friction; internally 15 drops in water or tea are taken three times a day.

That one is for Husband, who suffers from gout.

 

Preserving the Bounty

A couple of harvest pics.  Beets have done well, with very little vole damage this year.  I'm thinning carrots, which have also done very well.  These were planted early, in last year's potato patch.

These beets are from the patch beside the corn.  They're even bigger, but some have a bumpy surface, potato scabs.  I'll have to add some pine needles to raise the acid levels next year.

Tomatoes are ripening now.  Cucumbers are still coming along nicely.  A few peppers every few days.

More pickles.  I lucked out and got a bunch of dill at the fair.  Exhibits are donated for an auction to raise money for next year's fair, and I bought the red ribbon dill.  I wish I knew who had entered it.  The stalks were about 7 feet high.  It's keeping well in the fridge in a jar of water.

 Yesterday's canning, 12 more jars of pickles, 10 more jars of beets.  I also started tinctures- thyme, speedwell, and pennyroyal.  I froze three bags of beet tops (to eat like spinach).

I need to buy more jars!  I buy more all the time, sometimes leaving the thrift stores with my trunk full.  I had about twice as many this year as I had last year, and I'm down to the last couple of boxes now.  Unbelievable.  What can I say?  It's been a good year in the garden.

We opened a jar of dill pickle relish.  Blech.  Husband likes it- it tastes like salsa to him.  All I taste is onion.  I'm going to try another batch and triple the cucumber.  All I want is a nice, boring, cucumber relish recipe, like you can buy in any store. 

Yarrow is growing in the ditch on our road, so today I'll go out and harvest some to dry.  I dried mint and raspberry leaves for tea, and I have a bunch or parsley drying now (from the fair).

Citrus Lemonade Concentrate

I've been reading the back posts over at Canning Granny's blog (one of my new favourites), and came across these two posts, Lemon Squash (or Lemonade) and Orange Squash and I knew I had to try that!  I just happened to have a bunch of lemons and limes in the fridge, too, so I set about making a Citrus Squash.

Let me tell you, a little bit of lime goes a long, long way!

I of course, didn't follow the directions.  :)  Not completely.  Next time I will, lol.

For this batch, I think I had more limes than lemons, but limes are small, so I kind of figured a two to one ratio.  I washed them, then heated them, saving the liquid.  Well heating them did such an AMAZING job of loosening up the insides, and I don't have a juicer, so after squeezing out as much juice and pulp as I could with my hands, I tossed them back into the reserved water, to see if any more juice would come out.

I didn't want to waste the pulp, and I tend not to do things in small batches, so I juiced every one of them.  I got 4 cups of juice and pulp.

After reheating the reserved water, I pulled out the lemon and lime shells and measured the water.  8 Cups.

I sincerely thought about tossing the extra 4 cups, but it was such a pretty yellow colour, and smelled very much like lemonade...  In it went.  A total of 12 cups of lemon/lime liquid.  I didn't want to make it too sweet, so I started with 6 cups of sugar (double the original recipe for 2 cups of juice), added the lemon zest, and brought it to a boil.

Then we did a taste test.  Sour?  Not exactly.  Tart?  Yes, but...  The taste of the lime was just overpowering.

I added 2 more cups of sugar and brought it back to a boil.  Another taste test.  The lime was still overpowering.

I looked through the fridge and cupboards for something that would tone it down.  I settled on cinnamon, added a bit to my glass, and tasted again.  That's better.

I added three heaping teaspoons of cinnamon to the pot and brought it back to a boil.  It smells and looks like apple cider.  It still tastes like lime, but not overpoweringly.  A bit of mint would probably help, but I didn't think of that until after I had jarred and processed it.  Drinkable, at any rate, which is good, since I ended up with 18 half pints.

And, oh yeah, the pickle factory is still in business...