On 2014-08-22 00:28:47 +0000, Melba's Jammin said:

> It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Wait, that was
> LAST year!!
>
> THIS was a good year! I am happy.
>
> Of 19 entries at the Great Minnesota Get-Together, our state fair,
> opening today and continuing until Labor Day, I have 7 blue ribbons,
> two second place, and three thirds. I will not receive the plaque for
> being better at it than anyone else (there's a relative newcomer in
> town who kicked a** with 11 first place ribbons) and I'm really happy
> with 7 blues! W00t!
>
> So, the blues were for
> Blackberry Jelly
> Cherry Jelly
> Raspberry Jelly
> Nectarine Jam
> Strawberry Jam
> Apricot Butter
> Stewed Tomatoes
>
> Second place for
> Peach Jam
> Watermelon Pickles
>
>
> Third place for
> Strawberry Jelly
> Apricot Jam
> Cherry Jam
>
> AND the Mrs. Wages (preserving products) Blue Ribbon Award for Best in
> Show for Jellies and Jams.
>
> Life has been hard on me the last year -- sibling deaths, good friend
> death, declining health of my brother, etc. But, hey, I Am Woman!
> Hear me roar! ;-)
>
> --

That's awesome. My late grandmother took quite a few prizes at the
Minnesota State Fair for her pies and jams, as well as her kolaches.

I have her recipe for kolaches but they never quite turn out as well somehow.