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From the time I was 4 yrs. old, I spent the bulk of my free time with my Grandma Mary who lived two houses down. I tagged along and tried to do whatever she did. Among other things, she taught me to wash clothes in a wringer washer, hang them out to dry, iron, sew and prepare foods that didn't require the use of processed store-bought items. The foods we used were grown in her garden, then canned or stored in her root cellar. She taught me the value of doing things for yourself. To this day, the work I enjoy the most is "hand to mouth" ?no middle man involved. I've gardened and canned almost every year since. When you work full-time it can be a challenge. And it's not always the cheapest way to go. But the thing is ? I HAVE TO. It's ingrained in me and very satisfying. It's also a way of remembering my sweet Grandma and those who have passed on. I intend to continue and pass on the tradition to my children.

posted 4 years, 8 months ago
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