End of the Week Roundup

Peach Jam, Blackberry Jam and Apple Butter
© shoutingforha

1. I have been making and canning my own jam. The jam is so delicious that I could literally eat it straight out of the jar. I don't think I could say that about the regular store-bought stuff.

Since this was my first attempt, I used the recipes in this book as a guide. The directions were easy to follow and I was able to make several batches in a relatively short amount of time. To date, I have made apple butter and peach, blackberry, tart cherry and strawberry jam.

Needless to say, I have been eating a lot of toast.

2. The boy has been asked to be the designated candle lighter at my brother-in-law's upcoming wedding. When I first asked him if he would be up for the task he replied, "Fire?! A tuxedo! Oh, yeah! I'll do it!" [insert a long, thoughtful pause] "It's going to be tricky lighting the candles without burning the whole church down."

I decided to withhold the whole burning-the-church-down comment from my soon to be sister-in-law. Although eighteen years have passed since my wedding day, I still remember how stressful the planning process can be. The last thing she needs is to worry if her soon-to-be nephew is going trip and light the edge of her dress on fire.

I am feeling mighty thankful that my only job is to watch the festivities from the safety of the front pew.

3. Speaking of weddings, last Sunday was my 18th Anniversary. Eighteen years... man, that sounds like a long time. I guess that's what happens when you walk the aisle at the tender age of nineteen.

Things here at the Ha house have been incredibly hectic over the past few weeks, so we had to keep our celebrating to a minimum. Busyness aside, the hubby and I managed to enjoy a delicious meal at what is quite possibly my favorite restaurant in Nashville, Marché.

Here's a little food for thought... Next year, on my 19th anniversary, I will have been married for exactly half of my life.

4. Many of you know that I am an avid reader. I churn through books quicker than Paris Hilton changes boyfriends. While there is certainly no shortage of good books out there, I have found myself in a drought of sorts.

I read Little Bee in July, and with that one exception, have been unable to find anything that really grabs my attention. My book club just read The Help, which has received countless glowing reviews and is currently being made into a motion picture. I enjoyed the book, but I wasn't nearly as enthusiastic about it as the rest of the world seems to be.

So, what about you? Have you read anything recently that you just couldn't put down?