Squaw Peak we tackled you!

I had been wanting to hike to the top of squaw peak all season, but also wanted the heak to back of a little.  Now at the end of September the weather is still beautiful, but cool enough to hike here in the mountains. 

Alyssa was the only child of our invited to come along.  She is a go gitter and loves to do this kind of thing.  Abby would complain she needed carried the entire time and Macey really would need carried to Hailey (happily) stayed home watching her little sisters, with Grandma's help.

Lets just say she did a wonderful job and had more energy than the rest of us for hiking.

John's dad, Grandpa Giles, also wanted to come on the hike with us.  He wanted to be in shape for the hike and so he started going on 1-3 hour walks in the hills everyday before our hike.  He did a wonderful job and lets say he is in excellent shape.

We made it to the top and we could see our house below so we called and had Hailey and her Grandma look at us through the binoculars.  They couldn't see us, but they could see the flag we were sitting right next too!

Maybe next year we'll take a few more children, maybe not.

Making applesauce

It's that time of year again, the time when I have to can and can and can somemore.  This year I have canned green beans, raspberry jam, tomatoes, salsa, peaches, pears, sweet n sour sauce and hamburger (yeah, I know most people will think that is crazy!).  Apples are just coming on so this week I have been working with applesauce and next week I am hoping to get my apple jelly all canned.

A good friend of mine is learning how to can a few different items and really wants to can applesauce this year.  She is always calling asking questions so I thought I would put this as some info on my blog.

Step 1: Start out with at least a 5 gallon bucket full of good apples (these just need to taste good, but can be seconds), this will make 7 quarts of applesauce.

2. Wash and quarter all your apples.  If using a victorio strainer you do not need to cut the pits out of the apples.

3. Cook the apples for 10-20 minutes, just until the apples get nice and mushy

4. Run the apples through what ever kind of strainer you have.  I have a victorio strainer and it works great

5. Season your apples with sugar & cinnamon (optional) and place in your hot sterilized jars.  Process 30 minutes and whala your finished!