solo canning

I finally became an official adult today. At least I became an official adult female child of Ann Coleman. I canned--by myself. Now, this shouldn't have been such an intimidating task. I mean, I've done it a million times with my mom and sisters, both growing up in paradise and as an adult. I've canned peaches, pears, tomatoes, green beans, a plethora of jam, cherries, apricots, and probably lots of other things that I've blocked from my memory. I even can jam on a regular basis on my own. But up until now, I haven't done the "real" canning on my own. You know, with a canner and everything. So I had to grow up and be a real woman and can some fruit! I brought home lots of pears and a few peaches from home so I canned those on Monday, with much success, I might add. Then on Tuesday I was shopping at the Fresno State Farm Market when I spotted a worker/student moving the less-than-perfect tomatoes into other bins. Being the good farm girl/Ron's daughter that I am, I asked, "Are you throwing those away?" The obvious answer was yes, and no we don't sell them at a reduced price for canning, but yes you can just have them. So I happily filled 3 large bags and went on my merry little way, feeling very good about myself for being so industrious. I wasn't feeling quite so perky as I was knee deep in tomato juice today, but I feel good with a bunch of bottles of pasta sauce on my counter. I decided that was the best option for these cast-offs. Mission Accomplished---I'm a real domestic diva now!