canning day

The new Aracauna and Black Australorp hens,

who have been free-ranging for some time,

have suddenly discovered the tomatoes in the garden...

half-eaten remains were still hanging on the

vines when I went out early this morning.

Since our tomato crop is pretty meager this

year, I was especially unhappy!...needless

to say they will be relocating to the confines

of the henhouse and the enclosed chicken yard

until the garden is officially done.

I did my first cannerful of tomatoes today,

but only had enough for 4 quarts...if I

can get 30 more, I would be happy :)...and

a few for dried tomatoes in olive oil

would be really nice.

The cherry tomatoes {in my newly acquired 50-cent

yard sale wire basket}

are abundant and wonderfully sweet...

wondering if they would make a good marinara sauce?

~Deb