return and report

What did I say I was going to do? What did I actually do?

1. With these last few Indian Summer days, I may plant a cute miniature dwarf peach tree in my front bed and finish the fall yard cleanup. It's warming up quickly; maybe there's still a chance to get it done.

2. Finish Christmas kits for my older grandchildren and their families. Shhh, don't tell. They are almost complete. I'm waiting for one component to show up in the mail. Although I can't show pictures now, I may later.

3. Cut out a new blouse. The pattern and fabric are purchased and prepared. I'll cut it tonight. It will have buttons higher up than the picture shows.

4. Make pickled ginger or ginger marmalade from Fancy Pantry. There's just something about the name; don't you know. I chose Ginger Preserves, because you can make it with mature ginger. The others require stem ginger. It is delicious. Plus I had almost 8 oz. of ginger honey left for cough syrup or upset tummy remedy. This is made with 8 oz. fresh ginger root and 1 1/2 c. honey. You peel the ginger and slice it on the diagonal into 1/4 inch slices. You bring the ginger and enough water to cover it to a boil, reduce heat, simmer 10 min., and drain. Repeat 3 or 4 times. Bring honey to a simmer for 5 minutes. Add ginger and bring back to a low bubble for 1 min. Cool and put in jars. Store in the fridge for up to 3 months. If you have a root cellar or cold fruit room, it could be stored there as well.

5. Make some lavender sachets for my dresser drawers and some to give as gifts to my visiting teaching sisters. I think these turned out so cute. Easy-Easy-Easy I'm going teaching on Tuesday. I hope they like them and my lesson about growing more dependent upon the Holy Ghost for guidance.