Getting Nostalgic about Canning, of All Things

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It's the end of another harvest season. At this point every year, Michelle (who more often than not bears the brunt of the canning work) is always wondering why we put ourselves through it. I'm not a nostalgic person, but pictures of past canning years keep popping up on our screensaver, and I love that this is part of my kids' history - picking grapes, washing tomatoes, blanching peaches, cranking the squisher for applesauce. I love working with the earth to grow food, even if it's sometimes more expensive and less convenient than what we can get at the grocery store. I love the connection to the foodways of my ancestors, that my great-great-grandparents could walk in the front door and recognize what we're up to and pitch in. I love that I know where this food came from, that I can point to the exact patch of dirt. I love that all winter long, we'll walk downstairs and grab a bottle of something delicious, fixed in time in the season thereof.



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2012

2012 bonus

2011

 

Comments

Bri said…
Wow, I can't believe you guys have been canning stuff for so many years! You are awesome. I love the thought of your great grandparents walking in and knowing exactly what is going on. What a sweet thought! Thank you for including the 2012 bonus pic. I wish there were bonus pics of ALL the years! :) I always loved canning at yalls house!
October 12, 2020 at 6:01 PM
Sam said…
I always look forward to the annual canning post! Your thoughts on this topic are just lovely, Nate. And holy smokes, those are some cute kids.
October 15, 2020 at 4:56 AM
Sam said…
That’s Megan, not Sam, though I’m sure he feels the same.
October 15, 2020 at 4:56 AM
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