That's the only explanation...for even starting on this little journey today. Doesn't this bowl of plums look so innocent...well five hours later (and I'm pooped out!)...they have become
14 pints and 12 half-pints of plum jelly (or plum syrup if it doesn't set right!!!)
I squished and pureed plums (minus the pits) until my feet hurt from standing...and the result filled mother's larger canner.
Then, a thought occurred to me...I still had to add the sugar...and it had to boil. So, half was dipped out...
and I then had TWO batches of jelly/syrup to contend with. And, even with only half a pot full...look how close it came to overflowing with it started to boil!
I can tell you I was in a full panic mode! Turned the stove eye completely off, stirring and blowing to cool the mess down before it boiled over the top..and on to my stove...then down the side...then on the floor. I could just see the mess that was about to happen. Luckily, I got it under control just in time!! See the rim of the pot below...that's where the "suds" stopped before boiling over!! I mean, one extra spoon more...and I would have had a horrible mess!
And, I did the same thing on the second batch! Geez!
Sure hope all of these turn out to be jelly...cause that's a lot of pancake syrup otherwise!!