Friday, January 28, 2011

GIVEAWAY: A BLUE BOOK--To Beat Back the BLUES...!












I know we're all gettin' just a lil' bit cranky over this winter thing.

Do you ever think things like 
"The snow sure is pretty, but why do people have to drive in it like IDIOTS?"

FIFTY SOME ODD days until SPRING!  
(Can you stand it?)

We all know in our hearts that we can't do much about the cold, the wind, the snow, being sick and tired of being cooped up, filling and refilling the humidifier, and we know we shouldn't--but we do it anyway.

We gripe about winter.

It's a sport, a contest.  
Who can be the most bitter about winter?  
Bahahaha!!


All you need to do TO ENTER THIS DRAWING is in the comment section, leave your best 

and then go ahead, complain, whine and tell the worst about winter

 in the comments to enter yourself in a drawing for a new copy 

 of the

BALL BLUE BOOK...
(the canner's Bible!)

I know a lot of us are going to plant gardens for the first time, or perhaps will be canning for the first time, and I'd like to help THREE of you out with a brand new Blue Book!  If your Blue Book is old and outdated, you might want a new copy!

Yes, I will choose THREE WINNERS!!
(Please, please make sure you have your email enabled or you leave your email within your comment.  The worst thing about contests is not having a way to notify winners, and having to "redraw"...)

So, don't be SHY!

DRAWING IS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7th!


It would be nice if you were a follower when you enter the contest, but as usual, there are no strings attached...nothing is required but a comment.

Just tell me your best and your worst about winter!

Kick those BLUES to the curb with a new BALL BLUE BOOK!


31 comments:

Tara said...

Seriously am I the first to comment..YIPPEE!!!..Okay the worst thing about winter is, that my all ready dry skin seems to get another flaky layer just in case a tiny bit of skin missed out on the first flaky layer..The best thing about winter is being able to wear lots of layers of clothes that hide those lumps and bumps so well..xx

Lady Laura said...

The worst thing about winter is the ice! The worry about slipping and falling on ice. I don't mind the cold--you can bundle up against it; I don't mind the snow--it's pretty--it can be plowed or it eventually melts; but the ice?-I HATE it!

busyascanbe said...

The worst about winder is being so cold...I hate to be cold...and your nose runs! The thing I like about winter is watching the little kids walk to scholl...they have to jump in every snow bank and puddle...love it!

Laura said...

Yay for your giveaway! You are a sweetheart. I'm planting a garden this year for the first time in several years. And I plan to do some preserving, canning, freezing for the first time in a very long time. So, even if I'm not one of your winners, I may have to invest in a Ball Blue Book. I can remember my mom consulting hers so many years ago...
Every summer, when I think it can't get any hotter, I vow not to complain about winter. And then winter comes. I love winter...until Christmas. Now I'm ready for spring. I love a good snowstorm, but only when I don't have to worry about my loved ones being out and driving in it. I hate the ice. I fear the ice. For me, that's the worst thing about winter.

Erin said...

How neat. I am ready for spring.

Erin
eparker@arkwest.com

BumbleBeeLane said...

I love each season for what it is.The worst thing about winter is ice,I tend to always fall at least once been lucky so far..The best thing about winter is the nesting snuggled in a cozy house with yummy comfort food.Warm Blessings!~Amy

Shirley said...

Best - homemade soup!!!
Worst - gray, gloomy skies

Thanks for doing a giveaway - how sweet of you!

Brenda Evans said...

I think the worst for me is having to wear so many clothes - I feel like a big bear trying to drive the car all bundled up in heavy coats etc. On the other hand - I actually love winter because I like snuggling down in the blankets at night with the thermostat turned way down - I grew up sleeping in a cool house and I still love that cozy feeling under the covers. Thanks for the giveaway op -this is very generous of you. I love your blog - I read it everyday - your photos are terrific !

Linda said...

I don't like it being so cold!!! I don't like snow except when it first falls....everything looks so clean and bright with its white blanket.
I have been ready for Spring since January 1st. I Love Spring...new growth and lots of sunshine!
You are so nice to give this book away....
Have a great weekend!

Jane said...

I think I get the most tired of having to bundle up every time I go outside. It seams to take me 10 minutes sometime to get ready to walk to my car after work. (guess I'm pretty lucky if this is what I have to complain about!)

Cher' Shots said...

WINTER FAT!!! It always finds me. Living Up North in the 'beautiful' which should be called 'butt-ful' snow, it's hard to go out and take walks. ICE is not my friend. I'm not as sure footed as a mountain goat and cold induces asthma doesn't help! BUTT ... 'hugs from afar'

Cher' Shots said...

WINTER FAT!!! It always finds me. Living Up North in the 'beautiful' which should be called 'butt-ful' snow, it's hard to go out and take walks. ICE is not my friend. I'm not as sure footed as a mountain goat and cold induces asthma doesn't help! BUTT ... 'hugs from afar'

Anonymous said...

Living in the Deep South I really don't have anything to complain about compared to the mid west, north east, north west areas of the country. North Alabama has had more snow than usual this year but here in Central Alabama we have only had a dusting. If the "S" word is even mentioned here by the weather reports people tend to go bezerk and run to the grocery store like we are going to be confined for weeks. The really funny part to me is that they buy BOTTLED WATER. Nothing is going to happen to our water from a little snow! And 24 hours later it is only a memory. What I like the least about our winters are the gray rainy days.
diannehh@knology.net

Hollace said...

Worst thing about winter is wanting to hibernate for 3 months.
Best thing: hibernating.


In case I win, pass the book to someone else who actually cans. I just collect old BLUE jars.

Mrs. Cherry Heart said...

UGH.... I can honestly say winter is my least favorite season of all 4.
Its cold, its dark, its dreary, its icy, it makes my skin dry and my hair feel like straw, it makes me tired and want to sleep all the time, I hate going out and driving in this weather.
Calgon take me away!

Smiles, Dolly

P.S. I am really getting excited to plant my garden and can everything we grow again this year!

Keggy said...

The worst thing about winter is Indoor Recess

The best thing about winter is SnowDays!

peggy said...

You comment about the driving made me say "she should live in Michigan" and then I had second thoughts. No wonder you understand. I have the book and that's a nice gift, I just wanted to comment. Now, out to shovel, see you later.

Anonymous said...

The worst part about winter is having to drive on bad roads when you have not a choice in the matter. The best part is watching the birds at the feeders on a snowy day when the trees are laden with snow, and all the good comfort food that's so warm and filling on a really cold day.

Julie Hinds said...

The last one was from me, Julie Hinds, somehow I messed up!

Rhonda said...

Living in Southern California we don't have a true winter. I would love to wake up one morning with snow on the ground, instead all of the seasons just run together. I guess I shouldn't complain; instead I will light the fire and pretend it is winter outside.

Mary said...

Joni,
Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the naturalization ceremony of a good friend of mine. The Judge gave a very eloquent statement on what it means to be an American citizen. I believe in freedom and I am so happy to be an American. Thank you for your post....Mary

denise/deBRAT said...

i'm in Tampa Bay Florida how dare i complain? well, I'm in Florida and it is suppose to be at least warm feeling here. Yes, in a comparative sense it is warmer here than most of those parts north and west of me, but still..... come on! I have ideas for planting, both at home and at the mission I work at. I have dreams of canning (made my first applesauce and apple butter this past september)and I had to use a link from a blog for how to do it as I do not have a book!

It is just so hard to process these dreams when I'm sitting INSIDE my house with heavy cuddly warm pants and socks and long-sleeved shirt on. I don't want to have to buy more pants for FLORIDA(here since 82 and each winter gets more cold!)... so please bring back the warmth. but not the HEAT, just the warmth please.
thank you for listening to my southern-spot-in-the-USA-I'm-not-warm-enough gripes.

enjoy your day!
denise/deBrat

Anonymous said...

I love sitting by a cozy, crackling, REAL fire with a good book and a cup of hot tea. I HATE being cold- and yes it does get cold in Georgia especially this winter! Angela at kbrownpa@hotmail.com Thank you! Got seedlings for collard greens, cabbage, and broccoli started under the cabinet lights in the kitchen. It really won't be long now- or so I keep telling myself!

~Tonja~ said...

I really don't like the winter I hate being cold...and I don't like getting out in it either scares me to much...love to watch it snow though...I am so ready for spring just to see all the new life appear
in all its glory...
Have a Blessed day
Tonja

Faith said...

I love the winter. I live by the coast in southern Maine and it has been snowing for 2 days. I will go snowshoeing tomorrow along the bluffs by the ocean and marvel at the power of the sea. I do worry about my young adult children driving to work in the snow but thanks to cell phones I am able to get quick updates when they arrive safely.

That being said I am dreaming about my gardens and planning on canning many more things this summer. I made 2 batches of the salsa recipe that you posted - big hit with everyone who tried it. That was my first attempt at canning. Such fun to go to the farmers market and get all those beautiful veggies.

I do enjoy your blog and read it daily. Stay warm until spring comes again.

Deborah aka Miss Bee said...

The best... evenings by the fireplace and stews, soups,roasts.

The worst... losing power, falling on ice, dangerous road conditions.

I would love to win one of these books! I want to learn to can!

Deborah in NC

Deborah aka Miss Bee said...

oops! Cashgirl_56@yahoo.com

...and I am now a follower of yours!

Deborah in NC

Cindy said...

Being a Southern Girl the worst of winter is the below freezing temps.
Our well freezes up...so it is always draw up enough water to last the freeze.My children remember taking spitz baths in the kitchen with water drawn up from a large rubbermaid and heated on the stove..lol

The best of winter..the unique sunrises with pink in them..and my daffodils peaking out of the ground.

Spending soooo much time during the winter with my daughter in Oklahoma these past few years..

The worst..the ice
the best...the icicles.and the snowflakes

Great giveaway!!If I win I will donate my book to one of my daughters.

Hugs Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

Granni's lil Corner said...

I can remember as a child, how my Dad would harness up our horse to the sled, and we'd take turns, depending on how many of could sqeeze in, out through the field and up and down the road....what fun we had. We didn't have alot, material - wise, but we enjoyed the simple pleasures. To this very day, I can honestly say that I love winter time, love to see the very first snowflakes spiralling to the ground, it's breathtaking to me. Many memories are brought to mind of my children's redended cheaks as they build their snow forts and snowmen. I love to plow through the huge drifts that try to block my way. I guess the one thing I don't like, would be the tretcherous driving on the ice, in which case, I just enjoy hybernating till it's over and done with.

Granni's lil Corner said...

I can remember as a child, how my Dad would harness up our horse to the sled, and we'd take turns, depending on how many of could sqeeze in, out through the field and up and down the road....what fun we had. We didn't have alot, material - wise, but we enjoyed the simple pleasures. To this very day, I can honestly say that I love winter time, love to see the very first snowflakes spiralling to the ground, it's breathtaking to me. Many memories are brought to mind of my children's redended cheaks as they build their snow forts and snowmen. I love to plow through the huge drifts that try to block my way. I guess the one thing I don't like, would be the tretcherous driving on the ice, in which case, I just enjoy hybernating till it's over and done with.

Unknown said...

What a great giveaway!!! Soon I will be moving to a town in Texas where my husband and I will begin our farm, and I am looking forward to future canning!!!

Alrighty, winter.....hmmmmmm....the best thing about winter has to be the fact that it keeps my husband and I close to home. We play games (Scrabble is a new favorite) and have had ample time to catch up.

The absolute worst thing about winter has to be the iced over roads, and since my husband works third shift, I have lost hours of sleep staying awake to make sure he gets to and from work safely.....

Fifty more days.....

Take care!

jaclyn.hicks@laverne.edu