This week I canned some peaches. Elberta Peaches to be exact.
They have been a long time family favorite.
In my younger years I can remember the local grocer getting their Elbertas in for the season. One of us kids (or maybe all of us) came running home, bursting into the kitchen, screaming “Jack Waldon has peaches!” The walls resounding with our chant. We knew our Mom had been waiting for them. She always put up boxes of the delicious peaches. We would enjoy her efforts in the colder months to come.
. As the years passed, when ever peach season was in full swing, we could find Mom in her kitchen putting up Elberta Peaches. One or more of us would yell “Jack Waldon has peaches!” Then giggle at the memory.
This year I purchased two boxes of the favorite peaches. I had to travel a ways for them but happy to do so. They aren’t as easy to find as they once were. So the trip is of no concern for me.
When I got home I had the urge to yell this life’s tag line but refrained.I did giggle at he memory though.
This drive always produces fond memories. A “Trip Back In Time”.
The week spent putting my Elberta Peaches up was not as graceful as my Mom’s would have been. Years of experience was hers. She had a beautiful rhythmic process. I and My sisters were blessed to be able to help her when we were old enough. Canning is serious business. Multiple stove burners were working with boiling water and fruit. Another one of Life’s Tag Line was born “You kids get out of the Kitchen”
We not only heard this from Mom but on other occasions from our Grandmothers as well. We were so blessed to have known both maternal and paternal grands. And both grandma’s canned.
(I often wonder as I am struggling with my peach canning rhythm if my mom in her youth compared her canning ability to her mom’s. She learned her mom’s skills. And I am still trying.)
Will my new life’s tag line be “if at first you don’t succeed. Try. Try again.” Or maybe. “If you can’t stand the heat stay out of the kitchen.” I hope neither. Truly.
I would prefer this one. “Thank You Jesus!”
