last week i made apple butter. it was a by-product of picking way too many apples a few weeks ago at a local orchard. now, i had made some crummy apple butter a few weeks before so i was a bit nervous but knew i needed to use the apples before they rotted. and it turned out marvelously. i canned (using jars i'd found at garage sales) six half-pints. four came out sealed. (it was my first time canning -- i'll do better next time). speaking of next time, i bought some more apples last night (they were on sale after all) and i'm making another batch. it's taking a different direction in taste -- the apples are a bit more tart -- but i'm pretty sure i can pull this batch off too. don't be surprised if you find yummy apple butter in your stocking this year.

and we're on the countdown (and have been for a month now) to emily's birthday. one week from today. i can't believe my eldest will be eight. that makes me . . . old.