It is just so incredibly hard to believe that Summer is winding down.  Maybe the old saying is true that as you get older time seems to go by more quickly.  But as I reflect back over my summer, with so many fun and fond memories, “Time flies when you are having fun” seems to be much more appropriate.

After many years of volunteering in the foods and textiles departments at the Heart of Illinois Fair, I decided that I really wanted to participate in the fair in a different capacity, as an exhibitor.  I am happy to say that my butter cookies were awarded a second place ribbon.  But more important, my 9-year old granddaughter, Lainey, entered chocolate chip cookies in the junior division.  On her first attempt at entering a baking contest, her cookies were awarded a second place ribbon!  Here she is proudly posing in front of the display case with her winning cookies. 

We make going to the fair a family event.  Lainey and Ella (my granddaughters) had a great time and especially loved the face painting!

For the past several years I have entered items in the Illinois State Fair.  This year, I am happy to say that my peanut butter cookies, sugar cookies, and blackberry jelly all placed.  The peanut butter cookies earned a first place ribbon, while the sugar cookies and blackberry jelly both placed second.

The blackberries did very well this year.  The early spring rains were very beneficial and hence a great crop.  I had plenty of berries to make two large batches of jelly and was able to freeze several quart bags of berries for jelly making in the future.

Speaking of my sugar cookies, I was so thrilled that Andrea at the blog Keeping It Cozy featured these wonderful cookies.  Please check out her fantastic blog.

A bountiful summer of cookies, berries, fun at the Heart of Illinois and State Fairs, oh, and lots of sweet corn!

My husband Murray and I processed about 150 ears of corn!

The versatile Ball canner is excellent for boiling the corn for 4 minutes.  Then into ice water for another 4 minutes and then cutting, cutting, cutting the corn off the cob.  Then into quart freezer bags and to the freezer.  We will have plenty of sweet corn for those cold winter evenings.

So as Summer winds down and I reflect on all of my activities, I realize how blessed I am for my family, friends, and all the good things in my life.

Kathi and I are working on several projects and we can’t wait to share them with you.

Thanks for stopping by.

Until next time,

Pat & Kathi