She's at it again!!

Awhile back my husband's grandmother gifted me with several gallons of plum juice she'd carefully processed and frozen. She does not feel like doing the hard, hot work of canning any longer and was considering throwing out this last batch of juice she'd put away...I could go on about the sentimental value of this jelly...but I'm pretty sure you all are with me. I'm hoping that this batch wins a blue ribbon at the county fair that I can give to her along with several jars of jelly. Isn't it lovely?

The Fair Results Are In...

What an exciting fair we've had this year! Last night, we trucked two hens and a rabbit up to the fairgrounds to compete. Both Amelia (New Hampshire Red) and Laverne (Rhode Island Red) competed in the American Singles division. Amelia took the second place ribbon while Laverne got Reserve Champion and Best of Breed and went on to compete in for the Grand Champion. Imagine the ruckus this will create in the coop...what with Amelia being our Alpha Hen and all...Laverne may stage a coup tonight in the coop!! Okay...back to the story...it seemed like the Grand Champion judging went on FOREVER, but in the end, Laverne took Reserve Grand Champion! The judge came over and told us what a nice hen she was and that she'd have taken Grand Champion easily if she hadn't been competing against a rooster. We were so proud of our girls!

When it was time for Ginger, our Mini Rex Rabbit, to take the show table, she won Best of Breed as well!

We also checked on my Canned Goods to see if anything had placed. You may remember that I entered 7 items...and 5 of them placed! I really was shocked since this is only our second year canning and our first year to participate in the fair, I had really hoped that ONE would place! (These are still at the fair on display until Friday...I'll get some good pics of the jars and the ribbons when we can bring them home!)

Here's the rundown:

First Place:
Applesauce
Watermelon Rind Preserves

Second Place:
Peach Butter
Apple Peel Jelly
Dill Pickles

In addition to all our ribbons and plaques, we will get a check for around $13...enough to buy several sacks of feed for the chickens!

Willow Run

We've officially named our 22 acres of land...we're calling it "Willow Run." Here's a picture of the brand we've designed!



In other news, the County Fair is next week and we're preparing some entries! We'll be entering:

Amelia - Buff Orpington Hen
Laverne - Rhode Island Red Hen
Ginger - Mini Rex Rabbit
Applesauce
Apple Butter
Pickles
Apple Peel Jelly
Watermelon Rind Preserves
Peach Butter

Send some blue ribbon vibes our way!! My canned goods have to be entered Tuesday and the poultry and rabbits will be entered and judged on Wednesday night.