Plapple Jam

4:40 pm

"It's a happy life, but someone is missing. It's a happy life, and someone is missing."

....Elizabeth McCracken, An Exact Replica Of a Figment Of My Imagination.


Most days I guess this is just how it is, today was one of those days. One of those busy days, with too much to do, too much to think about and a deadline to keep, but I still decided to make jam, having never made it before, but reluctant to throw out perfectly good (if a little past it's best) fruit that no one was willing to eat.

I chucked some chopped plums and apples into a pan.



Added rather a lot of sugar.



Left it bubbling away.



And ta da!! Jam!





Angus named it Plapple Jam (Plum and Apple), and the children each made a label.





It was loud, and busy, and chaotic, and fun, ....and she was missing x

Don't be shy, say hello!

9 comments

  1. I have never made jam either, but we are growing rhubarb in the garden so I fancy a go at rhubarb and ginger. Yours looks yummy.
    I cant imagine what its like to have that empty little space by your side.
    Hugs
    V
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  2. I havent made jam in years. I have a particular memory from high school of a friend and I gathering loads of mint leaves and making mint jelly by the ton, I don't believe anyone ate it.
    I have the same feelings everyday, that it IS a happy life, a generous life, a blessed life in a way, but that he is still missing, and nothing can change it. It's like a little desperate smile underneath a fit of laughter. I get it.
    love
    M

    ReplyDelete
  3. yes. she is missing...little moments like that remind me also....there should be a little 16 month old pulling out all the tupperwear while i pack lunches...there should be little girl here for lucca to practice "doing hair"...there should be a child who is missing.
    much love to you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I made jam all throughout Cullen's pregnancy. It is coming time to start putting up the batches again... I still have a few from last year. Oh. how I long to go back to those days.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jeanette, I can't begin to imagine how much you miss her ((((hugs))))

    Your Plapple jam looks delicious and the labels are wonderful. You make it all look so easy - I may even try making some. Hope you are having a good day today.

    xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  6. I haven't managed to read any books yet; I think in my head I am saving them for if/when I am pregnant again. But that is a good quote. It is a but/and life.

    The jam looks yummy. I am too scared of hot sugar to make it.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful post Jeanette. And your jam looks amazing. I love the bit on one of the labels about you being good at cooking but not as good as dad! I think I know that bittersweet spot you are talking about. I felt it acutely the other day when I was walking to the shops, and I thought, she'd probably be walking with me by now and her hand would fit just *here* in mine. It still made me cry, but I try to think of it now as her presence in our lives rather than her absence.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hanen, yes I too try to think of those moments as her being there, she so very nearly is. x

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi jeanette, love to read your posts. Your photos are always so beautiful. Life is so bittersweet now and I'm guessing always will be. It's my 40th on sat and I know it'll be tinged with the sadness that my eldest boy won't be joining us to celebrate......Some days its too hard trying to find a positive - it just is my life now and thats all.
    By the way, braw means pretty or nice. I'm hoping you'll learn many more scottishisms. C x

    ReplyDelete

Hi, I love to hear from readers, hate to think I'm talking to myself here, so don't be shy say hello!