BITTER/SWEET

Everyday is different. I have some good days and I have some bad days. Yesterday was my Nascar race. Bob and I looked forward to it every week. I would plan special food to eat and all friends and family knew not to call or come by during a race. Our "man" was Dale Earnhardt and then after his death, of course, turned to Dale Earnhardt Junior. Junior has had a rough road to haul but suddenly is on the right course. He won yesterday, his third win of the year, and I was so excited but my heart ached as I could not share it with Bob. For 12 years we have cheered for Junior, wanting so badly for him to be a Champion like his Father. The irony of it.......I believe he is headed for the Championship this year and Bob will miss it. Oh,  I know, he won't "miss" it but it won't be the same for me. These are some of the things we just don't think about with the death of a loved one. No one is sitting in his chair.
Okay, so I spent the rest of the day trying to stay busy. I see the beautiful peaches in a basket on my bar. I'll make peach jam! Now, I am not sure why more people don't make fresh fruit jam or jelly any more. Its so easy and nothing to be afraid of. My daughter Robin has a crab apple tree in her back yard that would serve the entire city of Ft Collins crab apple jelly! Every branch was just weighted down with crab apples. I hope she finds the time to give it a try.
So for 6 pints of peach jam: First buy your pint jars, lids and screw tops. You will need 4 cups of peaches, I cut up my peaches, mash some and leave some of the small pieces whole. Put these peaches in a large pot and add 1 package of pectin. I use Sure Jell. Stir like mad on med/high heat. When comes to a full on boil.........add 5 1/2 cups of sugar. (I know that sounds like a lot but its not....AND it must be exact. Bring all of this to a full on boil.......boil 1 minute. Ladle into clean jars leaving about 1/4" from the top..........Nothing to it. Just follow the directions that come in your package of pectin.
Okay, here's the hints: Wash jars and make sure they are warm. Put the lids in a pan on the stove and bring to a boil, then simmer. As soon as you ladle the hot jam into the jar,
wipe the rim with a wet cloth, to remove any drops......any debris on the rim of the jar will keep the jar from sealing.......place the lid on the jar, then the screw lid and just set aside until you have done all six. You will hear them "pop" as they seal themselves.
I don't put mind through a water bath.......this is all that I do. If one or more doesn't seal....just put them in the frig......will last a long time. Please give it a try.......any fresh fruit is great.......you will be so proud! Okay, Brenda, not sure what kind of pectin you have in England but search around and give it a try.....I remember how much you love peach jam and homemade is the best!