Sweet Crisp Cucumber Pickles

7 lbs. cucumbers
1 C. pickling lime mixed in 1 G. water
handful of pickling spices
5 lbs sugar
1 qt. plus 2 C. vinegar

Day One:
  Wash and slice cucumbers into 1/4" thick slices and set to soak in lime water in a non-reactive pan for 24 hours.

Day Two:
Rinse thoroughly 3 times in cold water.  Let stand in ice water 1-1/2 hours. Meanwhile heat sugar and vinegar until sugar dissolves.  Drain cucumbers and pour in sugar and vinegar mixture.  Let stand for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Day Three: 
Add spices that have been tied into a piece of cheese cloth into a pan.  Place cucumber and vinegar/sugar mixture into pan.  Bring to a boil and boil slowly for 25 minutes, stirring gently 2-3 times during boiling.  Let liquid simmer as you put pickle into sterilized jars.  Fill jars with liquid, leaving 1/2 inch head room and place lids that have been in hot water on jars and close tightly.