Earth Shaking News....

Yes, my friends, we felt that 5.6 earthquake that shook Alum Rock, near San Jose - and we're over 50 miles away (and that may not be as the crow flies)! I was just finishing a comment on Thee Handworks' blog , when our house pitched and rolled for a few minutes. No shaking or rattling - the house didn't even make a noise, just the weird sensation of rocking back and forth. Years ago, we had felt the 6.4 earthquake that was centered in Coalinga, and even though we were 100 miles away, we rocked for at least 10 minutes. So in the back of my mind I knew it was far away by the way it rolled, but I wasn't going to take any chances, and dashed out side. We have family (Leah's parents) not too far from the epicenter, and we couldn't get a hold of them to see how they were until the next day, the phone lines were all jammed *VBS* They are fine, as is the rest of the folks out there, thank the Lord! As my sister-in-law said - God is giving us a reminder - it's not too long before He'll come to take His children home and judge the earth.

Well, instead of doing what I wanted to do (which was sewing), I managed to can four quarts of tomato salsa. (scroll down for the recipe and instructions)

Now within that brief sentence is an all day experience. Because, while I was making the salsa, I decided to clean out the fridge and chop veggis for lunches and dinners while I steamed jars, boiled water in a pot too big for just one burner, (which took over an hour, I might add) scalded my finger, accidentally scattered oregano all over the place, and stacked up dishes higher than I wish to tell, all with my sunglasses perched atop my head (what's up with that?). As it was, it has taken me three days to get to this point in the process of making this stuff. If I started today from the beginning, it would have taken 10 hours instead of 4. Whew! And you gotta be careful of those peppers! I touched my mouth 10 minutes ago, and it's still burning. I'm telling you, I'm the only one I know that can make a mess so complete that it takes as long to clean up as to do the job! *Sigh*

but the end result is worth it....

I just hope my hubby likes it. We've got a whole gallon of it! :)

Well, now to start dinner. Oh! I just heard one of the jar lids ping! A good sign....

God bless your efforts today, dear friends.

Chrissie