Three Sauces in One Outcome

It was ambitious but last week I did complete Janet Chadwick's 3-in-1 canning project I described in a previous post (and managed to be in bed by 10:30 pm every night). Above you see (left to right) seven half-pint jars of chutney, seven pints of sweet and sour sauce....

and below, seven pints of Indian BBQ relish...

It took me several days to prepare...one night to prepare the peaches and another to prepare the tomato puree. But it was worth it.

The entire process quieted my mind and relaxed me during a stressful week with school finally back in session.

I can't wait to crack open these sauces to serve with different dishes throughout the fall and winter.

Hiking for the Soul

This weekend we purchased the book 50 Hikes in Wisconsin by John & Ellen Morgan.

Our first pick was Hike #8, Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area, in West-central Wisconsin.

The Tower Nature Trail at Hoffman Hills is about 2.7 miles and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has lots of hills and, as the book says, provides a challenging yet peaceful workout.

Here are two views from the top of the tower that is located at the highest point (about 110 feet) on the trail.

My goal is to complete all the hikes in the book, and then possibly buy the Minnesota version of this hiking series.

I have long anticipated finding a hobby that c and I can do together, which combines exercise with meditation and relaxation for the soul.

If there's anything I've learned in the last few years it's the connection between stress and illness.

Take care of yourself.