15 July 2011

On my mind ...

This is a Friday photo feature that anyone with a blog can join. It opens the door to us sharing our lives through these photos and gives us all a new way to discover each other, and maybe form new friendships. Your photo should show something at home that you're thinking about TODAY. If you're in another country you should join in when you read this, even if it's still Thursday.

To take part, all you have to do is post a photo on your own blog, write a short caption explaining it, and link it back to here. Please write a new post, don't link to an older one. When your photo is published, come back and add a comment below, with a link to your blog photo so we can all find you. Please visit all the blogs that appeal to you and leave a comment. Slow down, take the time to cruise around and enjoy your cyber visits.


I'm thinking I might juice these lemons on the weekend. It's part of our yearly juice harvest; the juice from these lemons will go into plastic bottles and will be frozen for later in the year. Then it will be made into summer cordials and used in cooking. We generally leave the lemons to sit on the back table for a week or so which results in a lot more juice.

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50 comments

  1. Blue Shed ThinkingJuly 15, 2011 4:31 am

    Do you preserve the zest? Howard has been wanting to try crystalising orange or lemon peel. Especially since he tried some chocolate coated Seville orange peel at the Grow Your Own show in May.

    I'd be particularly interested in knowing if it was possible to store grated zest long term, so I could do a whole batch, then add a spoonful as required.

    ReplyDelete
  2. rhonda jeanJuly 15, 2011 4:53 am

    Blue shed, I don't preserve the zest as we have lemons growing most of the year and I use fresh zest. I think it would be possible to do it though. I doubt the citrus oil in the zest would be destroyed by freezing. Why don't you do a small test batch and she what happens.

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  3. beckaJuly 15, 2011 5:05 am

    I grate orange zest from each orange we eat and store it in the freezer and then just break off a little chunk when needed for a recipe. It keeps just fine in a small jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. I'm sure it would work just as well for lemons or limes.

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  4. AnonymousJuly 15, 2011 5:17 am

    It's wonderful you can grow citrus. I would love to do that, but it's much too cold here in The Netherlands. I don't have a green house either. I do have an apple tree ; )
    Have a great day.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kay_R_in_WAJuly 15, 2011 6:09 am

    All I have going is raspberries right now, Rhonda. Picking a pint or two each evening when I come home and into the freezer they go til jam-making time some Saturday.

    Spinach has gone to seed...tomatoes are at a standstill unless we get some sun. It's been a very wet and chilly spring and early summer here in the Pacific NW USA. --Kay

    http://ninemonthsofrain.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJuly 15, 2011 6:27 am

    My first thought about your post was "fresh lemonade" as here in Michigan we've had plenty of 90+ degree days, Severe Storms, and No Electrical Power...However, we're prepared for such events..Please Read:
    On My Mind:
    http://blessingtheelements-mi.blogspot.com/2011/07/on-my-mind-mother-nature-swrath.html
    ~~HUGS~~

    ReplyDelete
  7. Heather's Blog-o-ramaJuly 15, 2011 6:35 am

    Lemons are wonderful...for cooking, for drinking..using in cleaning supply recipes ;) :) Just love lemons ;) :) My dad especially likes to put some fresh lemon down the kitchen sink gargabe disposal. It makes everything smell nicer :) :) Have a lovely day, Rhonda. Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

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  8. Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage BlogJuly 15, 2011 6:37 am

    How wonderful!

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  9. nellymaryJuly 15, 2011 6:56 am

    With all those lemons, I would be drying some peel for pot-pourri, adding some peel to a jar of vinegar for citrus cleaner, juicing for a myriad of recipes, and also preserving some lemon wedges in salt too....I love my preserved lemons......
    I love lemons....looks like you do too..
    Enjoy your time with your family.

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownJuly 15, 2011 7:23 am

    My little boys picked the lemons off our tree the other day (GRRR!!!) so I really need to get in and juice them and make some lemonade and lemon butter.

    ReplyDelete
  11. ClaudJuly 15, 2011 7:47 am

    It's so hot here in North Carolina that a good lemonade sounds perfect!

    But here is what's on my mind...

    http://ccyyo.blogspot.com/2011/07/on-my-mind_14.html

    Thanks Rhonda for letting share our thought. Have a lovely weekend all!

    Claud

    ReplyDelete
  12. Lace up and WalkJuly 15, 2011 8:08 am

    I made lemonade today but unfortunately I had to use the bottled juice from the grocery store...you are lucky to have your own tree. I've learned so much from reading your blog and others. What I've learned and want to learn is what's on my mind...
    http://watchingovertheheartandhome.blogspot.com/2011/07/on-my-mind-my-learn-to-do-list.html

    ReplyDelete
  13. ChrisJuly 15, 2011 8:15 am

    Hi Rhonda
    I am going to do likewise with my lemons, thanks for the tip on leaving them on the back table for a week, likewise I have lemons nearly all year round. What's on my mind today is a strange object my husband purchase this week. I wonder can anyone give a suggestion as to what it might be. Take 5 minutes and have some fun. Next week I will post my husband demonstrating it's use. Hint It's kind of a kitchen item.

    ReplyDelete
  14. HazelJuly 15, 2011 8:18 am

    Like you Rhonda, I am lucky to be able to grow lemons. I only have a small tree but it obligingly seems to have a ripe lemon or two on it all year round.

    I have also found that whole lemons can stand being frozen and then thawed to use as normal.

    http://hazel-dene.blogspot.com/2011/07/on-my-mindeverywhere.html

    ReplyDelete
  15. Megan.K.July 15, 2011 8:19 am

    Great minds think alike Rhonda! My "on my mind" is about juicing limes for cordial. Yours was one of the recipes I looked up too.
    Have a great weekend.
    x
    Megan

    http://www.thebyronlife.com/2011/07/on-my-mind.html

    ReplyDelete
  16. { T G L }July 15, 2011 9:02 am

    My husband and I have taken our first baby steps towards 'urban gardening' by installing a mini-garden on our balcony! Hopefully, we'll grow tomatoes, peppers, radishes, basil, beets, rosemary and more.

    Follow our journey here (and feel free to give feedback - this is very new to us!):

    http://this-good-life.blogspot.com/2011/07/on-my-mind-baby-steps-to-urban.html

    Blessings,
    This Good Life

    ReplyDelete
  17. RoseJuly 15, 2011 9:09 am

    We use your cordial recipe all the time now.

    I'm thinking about sourdough starter. http://greeningtherose.blogspot.com/2011/07/on-my-mind_15.html

    ReplyDelete
  18. Cabbage Tree FarmJuly 15, 2011 9:21 am

    My son and I made lemonade yesterday with some lemons we were given (our trees are not producing yet). Good idea to freeze the juice, must collect some plastic bottles to do same.
    Best wishes Bridget

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  19. AilsaJuly 15, 2011 9:51 am

    I'm joining in again today:
    http://ailsaphilandgirls.blogspot.com/

    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  20. UnknownJuly 15, 2011 10:20 am

    Tarragon is on my mind at present We have 2 types growing at present French Tarragon and Mexican Tarragon http://wangigardenjournal.blogspot.com/2011/07/tarragon.html

    ReplyDelete
  21. lusiJuly 15, 2011 10:25 am

    Hi Rhonda :)
    I'm linking up today too. The post I have shared has been on my mind alot lately! It's about what I think the benefits are of cleaning and having a schedule for that. My link is: http://homeschoolingmamalusi.blogspot.com/2011/07/family-planner-folder-challenge-4.html
    Those lemons look great! Our tree has really suffered this year and I'm not sure why. I LOVE making lemon leaf tea. My grandma in Fiji makes it daily. I just pick about 12 leaves, wash them thoroughly and stick them in a pot of cold water. Bring it to the boil and let it cool a little and you have a refreshing lemon leaf tea - so yummy!
    Much love,
    Lusi x

    ReplyDelete
  22. DomesblissityJuly 15, 2011 10:36 am

    Morning Rhonda. What a lovely crop of lemons you have there. I'd be going crazy with them too. Would love a lemon tree. Amazing how much they can be used for so many things. Hope you've got an electric juicer? LOL

    I've got a little 'hunka burning love' in my little boy with a high temp so that's on my mind today, trying to keep him quiet and get him well again.

    Have a great weekend! Looks like it's going to be a wet one.

    http://domesblissity.blogspot.com/2011/07/hunka-burning-love.html

    Anne @ Domesblissity

    ReplyDelete
  23. MelJuly 15, 2011 10:46 am

    On my mind today is money, some people's stupid attitudes to it!

    http://canwedoityepwecan.blogspot.com/2011/07/age-old-money-dilemma.html

    ReplyDelete
  24. KristiJuly 15, 2011 11:06 am

    I cut up lemons in my water bottle for a change :)
    On my mind today is shopping,
    http://we-make-it-work.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  25. BeckyJuly 15, 2011 12:02 pm

    MMMmmm.... Lemonade! On my mind....http://lifeforus.blogspot.com/2011/07/favorite-sewing-tool-and-potholders-are.html

    ReplyDelete
  26. JanelleJuly 15, 2011 12:36 pm

    I have lots of lemons at the moment, and I am definitely going to mak lemonade with my daughter. Cooking and family memories is what is on my mind.

    http://our-journey-on-earth.blogspot.com/2011/07/sausage-faces.html

    ReplyDelete
  27. JulieJuly 15, 2011 2:05 pm

    Fancy that, I posted about oranges and what to do with them today!

    I just made a lemon sour cream cake the other night, mmmm, hubby said just the right amount of tang!

    http://haybalesandsunflowers.blogspot.com/2011/07/on-my-mind.html

    ReplyDelete
  28. AndreaJuly 15, 2011 2:19 pm

    Hello, I remember when time seemed slower and mum made homemade lemonade,what a treat on a hot summers day!! Enjoy your Day x

    http://harvestwithglee.blogspot.com/2011/07/on-my-mind.html

    ReplyDelete
  29. no spring chickenJuly 15, 2011 2:25 pm

    I can't even imagine year round citrus! What a beautiful treat...

    Blessings, Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  30. Heather's Blog-o-ramaJuly 15, 2011 3:23 pm

    I've been thinking about knitting projects lately. I intended on one project, had a mishap with an unproperly wound skein of yarn, and found inspiration for another project entirely by accident ;) :) Oh, and a fine treat to enjoy, in order to recover from yarn mishaps ;) :) Have a lovely weekend. Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

    http://heathersblog-o-rama.blogspot.com/2011/07/my-seventh-building-our-homes-together.html

    ReplyDelete
  31. HelenJuly 15, 2011 4:20 pm

    What has happened to "Blissfully organised"? I keep getting Blog is now finished? Is this true?
    I was so looking forward to hearing all Sarndra and Shane's news.

    ReplyDelete
  32. AnonymousJuly 15, 2011 6:47 pm

    Hi Rhonda, I can't find blissfully organised blog, it says it has been removed, have been looking for a baby update.... is everything ok?

    ReplyDelete
  33. The Provincial HomemakerJuly 15, 2011 8:08 pm

    Wow, I never knew leaving lemons for a few days could increase the amount of juice you get out - I did know to roll them on the bench before juicing.

    On my mind: homemade musli bars

    http://provincialhomemaker.blogspot.com/2011/07/on-my-mind-chewy-health-slice.html

    ReplyDelete
  34. MariaJuly 15, 2011 10:44 pm

    On my mind this week is also about garden produce...for the first time ever, I've planted 'seed potatoes'
    http://thenextstage-maria.blogspot.com/2011/07/on-my-mindpotatoes.html

    ReplyDelete
  35. AnonymousJuly 15, 2011 10:44 pm

    Hi Rhonda, Have you ever preserved the whole lemon? Its a very cheap and simple process and the end result is a luxury ingredient. Ive seen them sold in my local shops for $9.80 AUD for 1 and a half lemons squeezed into a little jar. They are so useful preserved and keep a long time.Best to use thick skinned lemons. Im making up a batch tomorrow to use as future gifts. happy to email you some recipes/method if you like.Julia

    ReplyDelete
  36. WilloJuly 15, 2011 11:17 pm

    Lovely lemons! I wish we could grow them here in Michigan...hmmm, maybe in the house. I use them for cleaning a lot.

    On my mind this week, a storm, a tree, and my roof.

    http://greengracious.blogspot.com/2011/07/on-my-mind-precarious-tree.html

    ReplyDelete
  37. Tiff :o)July 15, 2011 11:53 pm

    I've been thinking about buying one of those dwarf lemon trees and orange trees for my large master bath because I love them but they would never survive outside here.

    On my mind in my garden which got a very late start. http://ibicycle.blogspot.com/2011/07/peas-get-to-climb.html

    ReplyDelete
  38. Lisa @ Just here. Just now.July 16, 2011 12:21 am

    My mouth waters just looking at those lemons!

    Here's what's on my mind - the importance of those old friends, who just let you be yourself...

    http://bit.ly/o0kwPN

    xoxooxox

    ReplyDelete
  39. LauraJuly 16, 2011 12:36 am

    I love to freeze our lemon juice in ice cube trays. Each compartment holds about 1 T of juice. After they are frozen, I keep them in a ziplock freezer bag. Whenever lemon is needed, it is easy to obtain.

    ReplyDelete
  40. DmarieJuly 16, 2011 12:41 am

    oh, how I wish we had a lemon tree in our yard...so thrilled for you! I had lemonade in mind myself, as well as cucumber spread:

    http://bettermebetterworld.blogspot.com/2011/07/on-my-mind-not-buying-lemonade-mix-or.html

    ReplyDelete
  41. AnonymousJuly 16, 2011 1:03 am

    hahahaha! did you see this Rhonda? http://www.theblaze.com/stories/attempt-to-catch-a-shark-during-live-broadcast-on-australian-tv-takes-unexpected-turn/

    ReplyDelete
  42. Bobbi@SnoodleDoodlesJuly 16, 2011 1:22 am

    Out of all the trees we have, we do not have lemon. It's next on my list!

    Here is my post for "on my mind"
    http://snoodledoodles.blogspot.com/2011/07/on-my-mind_15.html

    ReplyDelete
  43. TeresaJuly 16, 2011 3:01 am

    I stumbled upon your blog by accident and have enjoyed it so much. My lemon tree is just getting started and hopeful I'll get some next year. We are retired and looking for ways to cut back in our household. Homemade laundry detergent and dish soap, dog treats, and yogurt are things I have done to name a few. I really want to start bread making and I already have a garden. I am always very excited to see what you are going to share next. Thanks, from Teresa a southern Alabama girl.

    ReplyDelete
  44. amyJuly 16, 2011 4:04 am

    mmmm..your post makes me think about making some homemade lemonade. That would really be refreshing with the heat we've had here! Also on my mind is sewing with my grandma's machine which she gave to me. I feel lucky to have something of such good quality that has lasted for years and probably will last for years more.

    ReplyDelete
  45. rhonda jeanJuly 16, 2011 4:25 am

    Hi Julia, thank you but we don't like preserved lemons.

    Helen and Anon, Shane, Sarndra and Alexander are all fine. Sarndra is not blogging at the moment and has taken down her blog.

    ReplyDelete
  46. EvaJuly 16, 2011 5:06 am

    What a great idea to do picture Friday! I love it! I have been making a lot of lemonade lately because life has been handing me a ton of lemons but I am happy to drink lemonade!
    Thanks for the great ideas that you have I have been enjoying reading and learning a lot!

    http://joenevaspell.blogspot.com/2011/07/citrus.html

    ReplyDelete
  47. AnonymousJuly 16, 2011 7:24 am

    Thanks for updating us about Sarndra's blog Rhonda. I was a regular reader who was a little worried.
    Natalie

    ReplyDelete
  48. awakened soulJuly 16, 2011 12:45 pm

    I love lemons! I have a meyer lemon tree and another variety that is very thick skinned. Some of them are lumpy and bumpy. I was frustrated that I didn't get much juice from the second tree, but if I leave the lemons for a week, it's such a difference! Thanks for this tip. I just used a couple of my lemons on a big bowl of sliced fresh peaches. They are organic, and were starting to get bruised and go bad. Your food storage tips are really helping me. Last year I sold some of my lemons, and regretted it. I had to buy them at the store later in the year. This year I've been more organized and careful. I have frozen the juice and may freeze a few whole. I love them in lemon sorbet, too! The flavor is so much better when you make it yourself.

    ReplyDelete
  49. CadiJuly 17, 2011 3:56 am

    What a sweet idea. And I'm loving the lemons!

    Here's my photo: http://maehegirl.blogspot.com/2011/07/wordless-friday.html

    ReplyDelete
  50. JodieJuly 17, 2011 5:24 pm

    We grow lemons too, I love the imperfect natural looking rind like yours (unlike the supermarket fruit). Well done.

    ReplyDelete

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