I really expect the winter months to be bad this year due to increasing prices and the fact that the stores are already having bare shelves. With the produce season in full swing, prices should be coming down and store shelves should be fully stocked. Even though no one really knows what lies ahead it is better to be prepared than to do without.

So far I have put up quite a bit for winter. I go out early every morning to see what is available to can, freeze or dehydrate for that day. Last night I was blessed with ten dozen canning jars – that makes almost 500 jars! I only need 1,000 more! I just might make it.

Here is what we have put up for winter so far – and the list grows daily.

6 half pints of rose jelly

2 half pints of rose honey

2 two pound packages of honey wheat bread

2 one and a half pound packages of honey wheat bread

1 package of orange sugar cookies

4 pacakges of peanut butter and oatmeal (mixed flavors) cookies

4 packages of dinner rolls

1 pacakage of honey spice cookies

4 pounds of noodles

3 quarts plus 1 1/2 pints of chicken broth

5 pints plus one half pint of strawberries

1 pint spinach

3 half pound pacakges of sugar snap peas

1 pint of carrots

1 pint plus 14 four ounce jars of grape jelly

7 pints of tomato juice

7 four ounce jars plus 1 6 oz. jar of lemon balm and lemon verbena jelly

1 half gallon of mixed herb vinegar which I will divide up once it is ready

1 pint black stem peppermint leaves

2 pints sage leaves

1 quart lavender flowers

1 quart chocolate mint – still filling the jar

1 pint lime balm – still filling the jar

1 pint rosemary

2 pints tarragon

1 pint oregano – still filling the jar

I have raisins in the dehydrator. I have no idea how many I will get but I am guessing around a pint. I may package these in little zip bags to make division easier.

I am heading back outside now to see if there are anymore ripe strawberries or any vegetables ready to harvest.

Sheri