Long day, full freezer

We have had a long weekend!  After the Harvest Fair yesterday, we processed both of the broilers we showed. We thought we'd break up the job between the two days. Aside from the meat you see in the photo (2 chickens), we harvested THREE more birds and NINE rabbits!!  I also picked a ton of ripe tomatoes and canned 5 pints worth. I lost a pint and a quart in the water bath in the process. One jar busted the bottom clear off and the other blew a seal and a ring!! Of course, I can't have a nice, easy experience canning there always has to be some lesson learned while I do it!  Today's lessons were that some jars are flawed and will break for no reason, never mix pints and quarts- do one or the other, and place my jars into the hot water bath at an angle. 

All in all, we are all exhausted and my poor lover boy still had to go to work. He's amazing and extremely tired every Monday morning! 

Also-- We are searching for a small square freezer and a vacuum sealer for keeping our food. If you know of anyone selling, we are actively looking to buy. Please pass us the info if you have it! Thank you, friends!

RIP Betsy, Betsy, Betsy, and Betsy--CAUTION!! Photos may not be suitable for all viewers!

Today marked eight weeks for our beloved Betsy's.  As you can see in the first photo, these birds were dragging their bellies and were ready for our dinner plates!  I still can't believe how fast they grew!  Andy did a great job butchering all of the chickens. Every bird was easier and easier. I helped finish cleaning them and packaging them for our freezer. 

11.5 pounds of skinless, boneless breasts, wings, and leg quarters were processed this afternoon, and Evan and Matilde seemed just fine with it!  They said their goodbyes and then asked for baby chickies. Evan watched the processing, well, all but the actual "act."  I think she understands completely now exactly why we do what we do. 

I am very excited to get new birds and start the process all over again. What an experience!