Sometimes nostalgia hits you at an odd time. For several months I have been planning to upgrade part of my canning system.
Syrup is pumped into the large stainless steel pan (can hold 80 gallons+) , heated then we filter the syrup one more time into the smaller pan which has valves that we use to fill the jugs.
The new pan is great -its soon going to have extra valves that will be operated with a foot pedal. It’s also a self contained heated unit. When I want to can a smaller batch of syrup or vinegar or coming VERY soon FINALLY -new bbque sauces and salad dressings. I’m pretty excited!
So where’s the nostalgia come from? That old canner is older then I am. I’m sure Grammie Orpha had someone around that needed a little work and she had just the project. (I may be a tad like Grammie Orpha)
Fast forward a few years – little Miss Paddle Britches was right in the midst of it all tightening caps, washing jugs, putting on labels , paddling in the water, making messes (I might be a tad like Grammie Orpha). I’m sure we drove my efficient, nimble fingered mother crazy.
I only had 12 short years with Grammie Orpha but they were filled with enough love to last a lifetime.
Someone once said if you wanted to spend time with Orpha you better be prepared to do whatever she was doing or getting in the car and going wherever she was going. (I might be a tad like Grammie Orpha).
But Grammie was pretty independent – Hue told me so. She worked for years before getting married in a time when that wasn’t done. She bought a mail order Maple business and ran a syrup route to Burlington up through the Islands before most folks were even making syrup. She was willing to try new things (she learned to cross country ski in her 70’s cause some little girl wanted some to try them).
Someone recently told me Orpha was the reason they tried different sports or events at school. She always found some little job they could do so they had the money for the uniform or equipment. She gave them the ride to wherever and told them to try it “we won’t be out much money and you’ll never know unless you try” (I hope I’m a tad like Grammie Orpha)
And yes dear family and friends -tell me we’re leaving sooner then we really are cause I’m a tad like Grammie Orpha 💜
