My usual policy when someone asks for something different at the cannery is to say “No.” The reason is that “different” messes with our cannery’s flow and flow is how we get all of your fruit canned.

One morning I was watching the boiler pressure while the cannery was running and it wasn't able to get above 60 pounds of pressure. The normal range is 85 - 100 pounds so this was not good. 

I have made a small repair to our water and steam valves that we use for cleanup.

The big project this spring has been rebuilding the "water packer", this is the machine that takes the cans with fruit and sugar already in them and fills them the rest of the way with hot water.

A customer visited with Grant and had a question about what happened to the delivery truck that broke down in Bend. Unfortunately, Grant told him the truth "He gave the truck away to a tow truck company in Bend for salvage." Well the story is out there now and no point in denying it. Here is what happened from my side of the story:

I know what you are thinking “here goes another one of Russell’s tales of woe- why doesn’t this guy get a nice corporate job and stop all of this complaining.” Well then aren’t you surprised to learn that this is a story about the kindness of strangers. 

Well, the delivery truck fell out of the frying pan and into the proverbial fire. I know what you are thinking, “does this mean that my deliveries will be late?” The answer is “maybe” and “it depends”.  

I was coming back from delivering Southern Idaho and visiting my father when about 20 miles from La Grande I noticed that the truck was slowing down. I optimistically decided that this level road was pitched up in a way that was slowing the truck down and kept driving. Finally when I checked in the mirror and saw gray smoke blowing out behind me I decided it was probably time to stop.

I am starting to work on getting the cannery ready for the coming season. I have two larger improvements that I would like to make. The first improvement needed is to simplify the exhaust box. 

On Wednesday August 4th around 3:20pm a squirrel tried to burn down the cannery.

We are sad to report that past employee Tim Miller passed away in July. Tim’s warmth and enthusiasm was a delight to everyone he knew and the many customers he met on his delivery runs. We will all miss his smiling face, and are so grateful for the energy and kindness he brought us.

We started making Applesauce this week which will be the first time the cannery has run in 2021. It is always eventful when starting up for the season. For me, getting the boiler running is the biggest event because when it goes wrong it is the most exciting…

The main road I wanted was only 1/4 mile past this crossing, so all I had to do was to drive through and I’d be there. My GPS unit did not send me this way, but it did show this trail across the pasture as an actual road.

It is fun to share what is interesting that comes down the line here at the cannery.

In 2006, during my first season at the cannery, one of my main memories was of the can counter that sits on the front of the can seamer which puts the lids on the cans.

Your fruit might still be good to eat after the “best by” date. Here’s how to preserve your preserves.