Jammin'

It started as a happy tale. After living in this house for over two years I discovered (thanks to my landlord) that the tree across the street had lovely plums on it. The fact that I hadn't noticed is just proof that I was blond at birth. I checked the small purple fruits regularly, and when they started to get deep in colour and soft to the touch I dragged a stool downstairs to harvest the little crop. Most of the lower branches had been picked bare by the local bums (good to know they are getting some fruit in their diets), but I still managed to pick enough to make a little over two pints of jam.

Look at those colours! They were so sweet and juicy.

Happy successful jam.
And then... My husband and I wake up a few days ago to hear tires squealing and a tremendous crash. We still aren't sure how what happened happened, but it seems a man lost control, spun his car around and crashed into the truck that is generally parked across the street. The driver fled the scene (which is common around here due to many people driving without licenses). It wasn't until they towed the truck away I noticed that the front of the truck had been pushed into that sweet little plum tree. I think it might survive, at least I hope so.

Plum Jam
from Better Homes and Gardens

Wash and pit plums. Put through food processor fitted with a course blade. Use 3 1/2 cups of sugar for 4 cups of fruit. Let stand one hour. Cook until thick, pour into hot sterilized jars; seal immediately.