Well, since that first blog post almost two years ago now, things have come a long way.
It seems like we only blinked a couple of times and we find ourselves at the end of 2024. Why does it seem like time goes by so much faster these days than in years past? Those birthdays just keep adding up - maybe that has something to do with it. But for each of those birthdays, I am thankful.
I have settled into a new routine of semi-retirement. Although I do roll out of bed earlier than ever. Sometimes that is a bit frustrating when I don't HAVE to set an alarm. I always thought I would use these golden years to sleep in and have a late breakfast, not schedule any appointments before 1 in the afternoon, and stay up late to watch the news. Nope. Hasn't worked out that way. Up for coffee at 5AM, breakfast at 7, the earlier the appointment the better (so I can nap when I feel the urge), and haven't seen the 10 o'clock news once. Papa says I turn into a pumpkin about 8:30PM.
We worked up and planted a pretty large garden this past spring. Disappointment soon followed. Dispite our best efforts at adding amendments and covering with expensive weed fabric, our native red clay is just not particularly suited for growing lucious heirloom tomatoes or strikingly lovely peppers. Our Heavy Hitter okra was a pretty substanial success though. I have several gallon bags in the freezer of breaded slices that should last us until the next harvest season.
Gardening and cooking have dominated my little YouTube channel. And that will continue into 2025. I am planning a whole Canning 101 series - the basics for beginners. And more meal-prepping adventures too.
A family/friend cookbook is on top of my 2025 planner. With about 100 receipes curated to date, I am looking forward to printing it - both hardcopy and an ebook version. So watch for those recipes. I'll need photos to go in the book!
And I pledge to do better at keeping up the website. A place to put my thoughts and recipes. I like that.
Teresa (aka Nana)
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