Family Fun: Cub scout campout

The kids had a cub scout campout this weekend. It was the coldest night we have had this fall - 42 degrees. 

 They made their own pancakes for breakfast.

 They set off some powerful rockets.

 And they learned about whittling and knife safety.

The kids took the following pictures of each other.  I like them because they give a pretty real idea of what free time looks like around here. Mostly cuddling with animals and talking. 

 I know I have said it before, but these are the best dogs. They are not perfect, but they try so hard.  Icy loves being petted and will walk right next to your leg so you can pet her all along your way.

 Hanging out telling stories and talking to animals.

 And reading books. And playing with legos. And digging in the mud pit. Sweet childhood moments with and indian summer.

Grape Picking 2019

 The weather this year was the opposite of last year - sunny! and really warm, probably in the 80s.  We went to Jerome's U-pick in Naples NY again.  The prices are so fabulous.  In about 2 hours we picked 203 lbs of concord grapes. Paid 77$ and were on our way home. 

 The kids took pictures of their candy creations while we were driving home.

 We spent a day with Grandpop and Grandma J. Of course we had to go to the world's best pizzeria - Anellio's.  Grandpop got the "vegan" pizza which M and I tried.  It is just not the same without cheese.  We visited with Goomie on the way to get pizza and she thought it sounded good so we brought some back for her.  We had a great trip. 

Then when I got home the real work began.  I spent about 24 hours canning grape juice again this year. It was not as intense as last year because the grapes were not wet and did not seem to be juicing themselves as quickly.  I was able to sleep some each night and work all day.  The last 5 jars of juice I put all my extra frozen elderberries in the juicer and mixed it with the grape juice.  It will be flavorful medicinal juice.  The elderberries are a lot less sweet than the grapes.  Since the canning was less intense I was able to stop and strain through some of the pulp (post juicing) to use for making jam.  I have 6 qts of juicy pulp ready for jamming tomorrow.