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. One year, when starting the boiler up for the first time, we blew a 2 inch cap across the room that had not been properly installed. Not only was the room immediately enveloped in steam but 100lbs of steam blowing out a 2" hole makes a lot of noise! It takes a few seconds just to be sure you are still alive. On the bright side, if you scream when your life flashes before you the steam is so loud that nobody hears and you won't be embarrassed when the story is retold.

This year the boiler fired up without any hitches. I have gotten into the habit that when the boiler is first coming up to pressure that I wander away. I will peek at the gauge from across the cannery until it has come up to pressure. Once it has been at pressure for a few minutes then I trust that it will not explode and happily get busy canning.