Apple Jelly and Apple Butter

I spent a delightful day yesterday making apple jelly and apple butter with a friend. I usually do my canning in solitary confinement, standing for endless hours at the kitchen sink. I don't mind that; I usually have music playing or something entertaining going on in my head to while away the hours. I like the steamy scent of cooking apples, the coziness of autumn being tucked thriftily into jars. I feel close to my farming ancestors when I'm putting up food for the winter. It's simple goodness.

But it was a different experience doing it with someone. Interesting conversation, a lot of laughs, and catchy enthusiasm that kept me going for 8 hours without even feeling the passing of time. This particular friend is witty and articulate, and the banter never lagged. She's also experienced and competent at canning and preserving food, so there was never a feeling of having to teach or drag each other through the process. Just two women cheerfully moving around the bright, yellow-painted kitchen, dividing the labour, knowing what to do, carrying on the tradition. Thanks for a great day, Erin!