I never expected that I would experience the emotions I’m having about packing up to leave this place. There are actually quite a few things I’m going to miss. And this sight makes me downright depressed.

For those that don’t know, this is where I stored our jams and jellies, etc which we sold to fund our adoption of our yougest child. I LOVED walking down these basement stairs and seeing all those jars gleeming brightly (granted, usually under a layer of dust). It brought to mind all the hours of hard work we put into making them. It was a labor of love  (believe me, I may not have carried her inside my body or birthed her, but I labored for that child!).

It also brought to mind one of the reasons I started canning in the first place: to reconnect with generations past and skills lost. To see those jars lined up on my basement stairs meant that I had re-captured a piece of the past. I had something in common with our foremothers.

Yes, I still have all those beautiful jars of deliciousness, but now they are in boxes, waiting to be moved. But our eventual new house is not going to have a 100 year old unfinished basement where I can line the walls with my canned goods. It was like a dream come true to have that. And in just a few days, I’ll have it no longer.

But, at least I have the memories and a bright future to look forward to. And who knows, maybe now that we’ll be on the homestead,  I’ll finally get that root cellar I’ve always wanted. That would be almost as good as a 100 year old unfinished basement.

Oh, and PS, I’m really on a roll with writing every day, but don’t get used to it. I’m new to this blogging for strangers thing (my last blog was mainly just for family.) Probably once the newness and fun wear off, I’ll slow down. But then again, I’m so excited to share, maybe I’ll keep write on going! (Pun intended 🙂 )