Day 328, Year 6: Slow Moving Saturday
Date: Saturday, September 17, 2011
Weather: Partly Sunny, Still Cool–Daytime Temps in the 60’s
Location: Eel Pond, Woods Hole, Massachusetts

Mark left for work at 7:30 am this morning and I then sat in the same place on the settee for the remainder of the day until he returned at 5:30 pm. I spent my time on the computer combing through the new website looking for things that need to be corrected and then editing photos from this summer for the remainder of the day. Once in a while I would take a break and look up information on the web about making boat covers. When Mark got home, he replaced the spark plugs in the outboard and then took my place in front of the computer and continued seeking information about making boat covers. This evening he has watched the SailRite video on doing this, worked on a continuing leak we have in our water system that has gotten worse, and researched information on marine surveyors. He has been busy. If all goes as planned we will be going to Heather and Jed’s by mid-morning tomorrow to start work on the garden shed. And speaking of gardens, Justin called tonight needing advice about canning vegetables. It is harvest time in New Mexico and they are buying local food and preserving it-trying to eat locally grown produce as much as possible. I pulled out my trusty Ball Blue Book, copyright 1972. It was just a reminder that there are some things in this world that don’t get outdated. Well, at least the information on canning food is not outdated, but I just have to share a piece that is printed on the inside of the back cover. It certainly dates the book. It is directions on How to Preserve a Husband.

“Be careful in your selection. Do not choose too young. When selected, give your entire thoughts to preparation for domestic use. Some wives insist upon keeping them in a pickle, others are constantly getting them into hot water. This may make them sour, hard, and sometimes bitter; even poor varieties may be made sweet, tender and good, by garnishing them with patience, well sweetened with love and seasoned with kisses. Wrap them in a mantle of charity. Keep warm with a steady fire of domestic devotion and serve with peaches and cream. Thus prepared, they will keep for years.” This must have been a hold-over from previous editions, more like the 1950’s. Do you think they still print this same piece in their newest edition? While I’m laughing, Mark is saying that it is still good advice. Whatever you think, I doubt it is in today’s edition. I’m going to online and order a new edition for Justin and Jo right now. Guys, when you get it, please let me know what is printed on the inside of the back cover.