The Carter Cousins Trip to Fall Creek Falls, TN

On 5 July, 2010, Fall Creek Falls, TN was invaded by some of the Carter Family. Two families of Carter's headed to this beautiful place for a day of hiking and fun. Some of us had to travel about 3 1/2 hrs, and some had to travel a little over 2 hrs, but the trip was well worth the beauty that awaited us.

We started out at the main falls. Picture taking was one of the main focuses of the day. Hiking and swimming were the other main activities. Hiking down to the main fall was a little more treacherous than some of us thought it would be. There were a lot of slick rocks and boulders that had to be climbed. Once we made the 4/10 of a mile trip down, the kids cooled off in the water below the falls while the three adults rested and took pictures. Then we had to make the trip back up. After the hike to the main falls, we hiked a couple of other falls, two of which had swinging bridges--fun!

After our hike through the park, we headed to Pizza Hut, and then home. In all there were three adults, and eight kids. There were no problems, just fun times, and I am quite sure that the cousins had a great time hanging out with each other. Wish we could do more things like this together.

one of several swinging bridges

starting our long 4/10 mile hike back up from the main falls

splashing around under the falls

some of the Carter cousins

Fall Creek Falls

Canning

For many years, I have wanted to learn to can. We have always had a garden, and I feel the next step is to freeze and can these wonderful veggies, but I could never find anyone who would take the time to teach me. I was always told, "oh, it's very easy!" but I just did not have the confidence to do it myself. (I have actually done a lot of freezing, but canning salsa is the thing I really wanted to learn to do).

Lately, I've been acquiring a lot of canning jars. There are quite a few people out there that have jars and don't want to have anything to do with canning, so I started receiving these jars from friends and family. Last Friday, our family took a trip to Tennessee to visit with my husbands family. I know my mother in law has canned before, so I called her to see if she would guide me in some canning. I brought all my stuff, and we canned 3 jars of salsa and 8 cans of hot pepper jelly. She told me she had a bunch of jars that she was trying to get rid of, so I brought them home, and now I have the confidence to can. I am sooooo excited!!!

Hot Pepper Jelly