check out more home winterizing ideals from Curbly

This time a year in MN is all about getting ready for winter. .  In this post we will learn how to seal your electric switches and outlets in the most effect way.  Years ago we had an energy audit from some local gov program.  We paid $30 for it and it was a joke.  They didn't even have thermal cameras and basically just told use we need to get insulation in the attic and new windows.  We have an old house so that was no surprise, nor was it helpful.  They gave us foam electrical outlet switch sealers, child proof electrical outlet plugs (yes they help keep cold air out too) to all of our outlets, and florescent bulbs (which we already had too many off and I'm not fond of the mercury in them.

One Less Thing To Ever Buy From The Grocery Store!
I have never made jam before, but I thought I'd give it a try now that our raspberries have stopped and our freezer is full of fruit.  I never would have thought we could actually produce enough fruit to eat some while they're fresh, freeze some for later, and make jam for the year.  I think we can definitely do that next year since we plan to increase our amount of strawberry plants next year.  When we first started trying to grow our own food I was amazed we could even grow anything.  Then I was amazed we could actually grow enough of one veggies to cross it off our grocery list.  It was strange the first time that happened and really cool.  Every year we seem to cross one or more items off the grocery list.  I love it grocery sopping is so much easier and cheaper now!  This year it's jam.  We figure we use on average 7 jars of jam a year.  So far this year we have produced 17 lbs of strawberries and almost 5 lbs of raspberries (our harvest is pretty much over but we will still have a fall harvest too).  I used 4 cups of strawberries and 3 cups of raspberries (both of whole fruit), and it made 2 pints.  I ended up cooking it for a long time to get to boiling point (due to the stove burner being to small for the pan), so I think it cooked down a lot and should have made 3 pints otherwise.

June Catnip harvest Check out how it took over our whole counter

So our cat is seriously spoiled as you can see.  I harvested our catnip because it was so high it was blocking our view in our windows and drowning our bushes.  We had already harvested some of the tallest ones a few weeks ago.  I think we already have all the catnip Mr cat could want for the year.