~And So it Begins~

 Written by Sue, Friday, May 29, 2020 .... rain, rain, rain, very warm, humid,  HIGH 80'S

Most of you know that we grow and preserve our veggies/ herbs  here at the farm.
This week was the beginning of my food preserving, the methods I use to preserve are, canning, freezing, and dehydrating.

Anticipation begins long before any seeds are planted, winter is when we plan for the next growing season, and prepare the soil! From the time the seeds and plants are planted into the soil, countdown begins,  seeing plants come forth and begin to grow is so rewarding, once the plants are established there is weeding, fertilizing, and watering, some might think a lot of work, yes, there is labor involved, but so rewarding when you can walk out to the garden, pick a vegetable, bring it into your kitchen, wash and cook it. or preserve it for later use, such was the case Tuesday.

The first vegetable I gathered from the garden was broccoli,

washed, air drying on counter.

 I use my Foodsaver for freezing fruits/vegetables, and nuts, I bagged 10 bags of broccoli , anything that is packaged in a Foodsaver last twice as long as regular bags, one of my most used appliances is the Foodsaver.. We enjoy broccoli, so I leave a little more stem on the florets.

Some of the cabbage are ready, the carrots are almost there, they were so pretty I couldn't resist,  I pulled a few to have with a roast, aren't they cute! Small for now so I will let them grow a bit. The flavor was so yummy.

Making Jam/jellies is another of my favorite things to do, yesterday I made strawberry jam,
 once picked, they are washed, and capped. Did someone say, "Luscious?"

  Using another one of my  favorite appliances, my food processor, I chop them a bit, (I have had this processor for about 40+ yrs.)

I then add the sugar, lemon juice, mix thoroughly, let the mixture macerate a couple of hours, this causes the berries to soak the sugar and become juicy, by using this method I don't use as much sugar. Lemon juice added to jams makes for a better flavor, actually lemon juice is great in most foods!

I then cook until thick, there are several ways to tell when the jam is ready, use a temp. gage, watching the jam run in a sheet off of a spoon, place a plate in refrigerator, to cool, pour jam on plate,

run finger straight through the jam on plate, if it doesn't run together it is ready, this is  almost ready but  not quite.

 Fill sterilized jars with jam, wipe the rim with a clean wet cloth, cap with sterilized lids and caps.Process in boiling water bath  for 15 minutes.

 Voila' homemade jam made with lots of love! I must say this was quite tasty.

Thank you for visiting, I have no legitimate excuse as to why I have been so lax in blogging, I could say I have so busy, (true), maybe it's laziness, hmmm, not true, maybe it's old age, that's it, I am getting old!😱😱😙.

Love from me to you

Sue

Hodgepodge Wednesday ~Surviving~

Written by Sue , Wednesday, April 22, 2020  sunny, cool 50's, very windy   

 Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 365

What's something you resolved to do this year? Have you done it?
Oh! My! there are several things that are on my priority list that I have resolved to accomplish this year:

1~To read more, working on that!

2~Be more faithful in something that I enjoy so much, and that is blogging, I am not doing to well in that area, sometimes I go for days and not open my computer, I have lots of excuses but they are not good ones. However I am an avid gardener and enjoy being outside in my garden, by the time I come inside, work on cleaning, cooking  I am so tired,all I want is to go to bed, to which I blame the aging process on.

3~I also have resolved to be a better student of the Bible, working on that too! I am so thankful for His Word, it is my lifeline, especially in times like these.

4~ I had resolved in January to stay in touch with friends and family by the post mail, that has been short lived because of Covid 19! I am not giving up, I know we have texting, e-mail, but there is something so special about receiving a letter or card in the mail.

2~ Where do you find Quietude?

Relaxing on the deck by the pond observing beauty created by our heavenly Father! 

 My favorite place is sitting in the swing on the screened porch anytime  day or night.

3~A friend asked this question on her Facebook page and said I could borrow for Hodgepodge...You're only allowed to buy 5 things at the grocery store, and all must start with the first letter of your first name. Whatcha buying?
Soup, seafood, salad dressing, sandwich bread, sweet potatoes.

4~The television show, Survivor, the Gloria Gaynor song,'I Will Survive', Survival mode, Survival of the fittest... pick one and discuss.

Mr P. and I are in survival mode for now, busy in the garden, seeds have been planted, weeding now, planning for summer and fall harvest. I am making plans to preserve the fruits and veggies we are growing.

 A little project I completed yesterday, these English peas were planted a few weeks ago I weeded them, put up stakes with twine so they could start climbing, I will come back next week and add three more rows of twine, this makes picking the pods easier, also makes weeding easier. Mulch was added to control weeds, and keep moisture in. Today I will be transplanting Zinnias between the rows.  At the end are carrots and radishes. 

We had some late frosts, that hurt some tender plants , we are preparing to replant them, others are thriving .MrP was busy this morning discing the garden to replant. Be still my heart, I love my 'Farm Boy'

 5~ Share a favorite quote or saying about strength.
I have memorized so many Bible verses that speak of strength, and quote them so often.

Philippians 4: 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

II Samuel 22:33

Psalm 46:1
Habakkuk 3:19

6~ Insert your own random thoughts here.
I have some thoughts on this pandemic that has plagued our country and the world, but that would take pages and pages!
I will just say this.

"This too shall pass", Not one thing happens that is not noticed and cared about by our heavenly Father,in our personal lives, as well as life in general!  God has placed so much beauty all around us.

This is the view from my kitchen window, the humming birds entertain me as I wash dishes while admiring the roses., the birds and squirrels via for sunflower seeds. I see them carrying on as they do each season, trusting that their creator will take care of them, I think there is a lesson for me to be learned here.

,

Psalm 112:7 He will not be afraid of evil tidings, his heart is stedfast, trusting in the Lord

Until next time, 

Love from me to you

Sue

Thanking Joyce for hosting Hodgepodge Wednesday, please join I would love to visit with you.

~How Are You Staying Busy these days?~

We are very busy, doing a lot of planting.
I enjoy making my own hanging baskets/planting flowers in  flower pots. Here s a project we worked on last week.

Fern Hanging Baskets:
The fern baskets at the flower shops are so pretty this time of year so lush and full, but as summer comes on they become overgrown and root bound., Also a bit pricy.
Here is our solution, :
We buy the sun ferns in gal. pots, along with potting mix,

As you can see I am doing my social distancing, and I am also wearing a mask! I almost took the raccoon figurine home with me. Isn't he a darling~wink~

Using hanging baskets we bought several yrs. ago which still look great, we got started.

The pots were rinsed,(they were washed and disinfected in fall) addd a little potting mix 1/4 full,

Carefully removed the plant out of container, loosened the roots, a very important step,those roots need to breathe.

 Placed on top of soil, finished filling the basket with soil,  making sure it was packed around the plant  so there were no  air pockets, inserted wire hangers around the holes on the rim of the pots. Don't mind the soil on the table I use it in the next pot. ~smile~

Watered well the ferns, let them drain for a while.

Voila'! We hung the potted ferns on porch, using 18 inch chains making it easier to care for.

In a few weeks they will of doubled in size, lasting through the fall without becoming root bound, that is, if I water and fertilize regular,  remember plants in pots dry out fairly quickly. Next week plans are to begin to fill the porch with more plants.

Dear Friends,
 I think of you all so often, and pray for all , as each of us is dealing with this crisis in our own way.

 Keeping busy here at the farm is one way we do, actually we have no choice, animals have to be attended to, crops have to be planted, and of course, Sue loves her flowers and plants!

We listen to our favorite music, which is a great variety, as we have lived through many moons. ~grin~ Which reminds me, did you see the beautiful Pink Moon,  I made several trips outside during the night to gaze heavenward!. We cling to our Faith, knowing that God is our source of strength, comfort, and assurance, You see I have read the last chapter in "His Love letter to us!" "WE WIN!"

As Christians we will be celebrating "RESURRECTION SUNDAY" this weekend,what a  glorious celebration with promise.


John 11:25~ Jesus said to her, (Martha)"I am the Resurrection and the Life, he who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.
John 11:26~ "And whoever lives and believes in Me, shall never die, Do you believe this?
John 11:27~ She said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.

I,  Sue,  like Martha, believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God!!!!!

I also remember, and am so thankful that a great price was paid for a sinner like me, who was so unworthy, but now have been made whole.  "Thank You Jesus"!

"Happy Resurrection Sunday"

Dear Ones,

Love,

 Sue

~Carrying On~

Written by Sue, Wednesday ,April 1, 2020   Cloudy, temps. 50, a quick cool spell Here we go- Thank you Joyce.

1.Has spring sprung in your part of the world? Did March come in like a lion where you live? Going out like a lamb or something more ferocious?

Yes, spring has sprung, March came in like a lamb and went out like a lamb!.
The grass is green, flowers are beginning to bloom, bees are buzzing, birds are making their nests.

2. The last thing that caused you to spring to your feet?
Can't think of a thing.

3.Do you have a spring clean to-do list?
Indeed I do,
What's one chore you've managed to accomplish?
I always start with my kitchen, the cabinets inside and out , windows , countertops, refrigerator, stovetop, were completed last week.

What spring chore do you dread the most?
Just getting started. ~wink~

 This week I have been busy with garden chores., cleaning the potting shed

4.Tell us something you've learned about yourself or the wider world as a result of social distancing/the virus crisis. 
My faith is stronger than ever, that faith cancels out  fear! Nothing can compare to the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.
Phillipians:4:6-7
I have learned that the world is really a small place, and that people really do care about one another, That we are all in this together.

5.Something you love that's the color pink?
Pink toilet paper, that I hope I never have to use. ~wink~these were sent to me a few years ago from a friend who lives on  Prince Edward Island.

6. Insert your random thoughts here.
No doubt about it we are all in a crisis, Mr P. and I  try and keep things as normal as possible.  This is the beginning of our busy gardening season, so we have been busy planting. When I am out in my garden, for a brief moment it seems as though things are normal,  I am not dwelling about all that is happening all around me; personally watching to much news is not healthy for anyone. 
I find the solitude in the garden renews my spirit, strengthens me, spiritually, emotional, and most assuredly physically. 
All the beds are planted, just waiting for the seeds to pop up! The beds will soon be filled with produce.

 I'm still enjoying my evening walk, here Dre is bringing the sheep in for the night

 Remember, we are all in this together.

A special thank you to all who stopped by last week and for your sweet comments.

Another special thanks to Joyce for hosting .Wednesday Hodgepodge, please join.

praying for God's continued blessings

 upon you and your family.

Sue

~She's back~ It"s Hodgepodge Wednesday~

Written by Sue, Wednesday March 25, 2020   cloudy, showers, cool, 50's

Here we go-

1. Howdy Hodgepodgers. It's kind of fun to be back, isn't it?  Last time we met was September, 2018. Tell me something big-important-happy-or sad that's happened in your life since that date. Just one thing. We don't know how long this current isolation situation is going to last and we might need to dole out our news bit by bit.

Wow! I have gotten a wee bit older, and hopefully a little wiser..

2. Might as well get this out of the way early on...COVID-19. On

 a scale of 1-5 how serious are you about keeping your distance? Explain. fyi-I didn't create the scale but have seen it several places online. Also fyi-we won't onlyhave virus related questions each week, but for this first one it feels right.

1-Not at all, living normally

2-Cautious but still going out

3-Going out as needed, mostly home or working from home, still seeing friends/family

4-Extremely limited, only going out when unavoidable, minimal contact with people

5-Full lockdown, no one in or out

Number 4, as Dh and I just happen to fall into that age group that is most vulnerable.

3. Raise your hand if you think you might run out of steam in the cooking departbefore it's all said and done? What's something delicious you've cooked or eaten in your own kitchen in the past week?
I love to cook/bake, so I think I have got this covered.

Our daughter Susan brought  a pan of homemade lasagne over yesterday, made with ground elk. I usually resist eating wild game,  but tried it anyhow, it was delicious, absolutely delicious! I have now added a first for me.

4. What's a television show or movie you've seen recently (it could be an oldie) that you really liked?

I watched, Beverly Lewis', "The Shunning", last evening, enjoyed it so much.

5. Share something funny you've seen or heard this week.

Our second son is visiting again from out of state, he came home to help take care of the animals and farm chores while Mr P. is recuperating from knee surgery, he went to let the sheep into the big pasture to graze, 

Uncle Joe, our oldest male donkey slipped out the gate, was running all over the farm our son was trying to catch and lasso him, with no success! Dre finally realized the only way he was going to lure Uncle Joe back was with a bucket of sweet feed, Voila! Works every time.

Naughty boy!

6. Insert your own random thought here

During this most trying time, I have been so encouraged by your thoughts on your posts, even though I have not posted regularly, You have demonstrated your resilience under pressure, your strong faith, great ideas on how you are making the most of your time, I find so much encouragement, keep them coming.

Mr P. and I continue to have our morning devotions, reading, memorizing scripture verses, making plans for gardens. I continue to listen to music, music is so calming.

Last but not least, dh and I  try and keep a thankful heart. The first words I read this morning were "LET THANKFULNESS TEMPER ALL YOUR THOUGHTS." 
  

Ephesians 5:20_ giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in  the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

A big shout out to Joyce, for having Hodgepodge Wednesday again,  come join the fun!

Blessing. 

Sue

~Have You ever~

Written by Sue, March 5, 2020       Rain,  temps. 50, rather nice.

Taken a walk in the rain?
I did today, actually I was showered with two things, raindrops from above and flower petals from the pear trees, Once they bloom they shed their flowers and the leaves spring forth.Mr P. and I went to feed the animals this morning, as we were finishing it started to rain, I decided since it was not so cold, I would grab my umbrella and walk, it was so refreshing, Do you remember the song, " Raindrops keep falling on my head."

He decided to hop on the lawn tractor with the sweeper hooked up and start his winter clean-up, he soon quit, I kept walking.

 I'm always so thankful when I finish my goal, my daily goal is 10,000 steps five days a week, I am writing this late in the aft. I have walked 11,306!

Afterward we went out to lunch and then to the grocery store, have I mentioned before that I love to go grocery shopping, I am so thankful, that I live in a country where there is so much bounty available to us. I am always looking for new products I found this tea, tried it, enjoyed it.

🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻
 Yesterday Susan took dh and I to his therapy session, and then out to lunch, it was so nice to have some time with her. My Mother had called and asked if we could stop by afterwards, she had some collards for us, when we arrived she not only had collards cooked she had prepared a full meal for dinner,  chicken strips, rice seasoned with chicken stock, potato salad, and collards, enough for all of us.

My mother and Susan

 She always waits on the porch, waves goodby, until we are out of sight,  She is so proud of her 'Thank You Jesus" sign, her first one was stolen, she prayed for that person,we bought her another.

🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝I made spaghetti with meat sauce the other day,  my family loves my homemade spaghetti sauce,  I love Italian food!

So what do I do with leftovers, I mix sauce and spaghetti together in cast iron pan, add a little cream, heat thoroughly, preheat oven on 400, top with mozzarella cheese, don't be sparing, bake for 15 minutes or until browned.
This baked spaghetti and sauce is so delicious, I serve with  cole slaw, and garlic bread, one of dh's favorite.

Have a great weekend,

Thanks for visiting.

Hugs,

Sue

~I think I have been fired, or let go~

 Written by Sue, Friday, February 28. 2020,  A bright sunny,crisp , cool day, Beautiful, temps. 50's

I am trying to decide which one it is, Let go, sounds better than being fired, anyhow my outside work is slowly being fazed out , but not really as gardening season is just around the corner, We will be planting these next week. Woo Hoo!
. 

Good news, Mr p. has finally got his freedom, he took off to the store for gas and ran a few errands by himself today, I cautioned him to be careful, but I always do that anyhow.

He has begun to take on more chores outside, with the help of a neighbor friend, the therapist gave the okay. If you live with a farmer, you know they can only take so much inside activities, he has never been a tv watcher, just news and sports in the evening.
🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻
I asked Dh how many eggs he wanted for breakfast today, "two," I wanted one,

 but what a surprise for me when I cracked my egg, we rarely get double yolked eggs, always makes me smile.

 I must have been really feeding Lucy Mae well, I told Mr P, I felt sorry for her as the Americana chickens are small, thus they lay smaller blue eggs, poor hen, She was very mischievous last night, she  flew over to the turkey pen, so I let her stay there for an overnight visit, I am happy to say Mr P. and Charlie caught her this morning and she is now back home.

As a child ,my summers were spent at my grandparents farm, one of my chores was to gather the eggs, I still enjoy going to the coop and gathering eggs even now.

I have continued my daily exercising by walking here and about on the farm,(4.5 miles each day) Uncle Joe always run up to the fence for a head scratch, he is so friendly, so sweet, and lets me hug him. I once asked him for a ride, he tilted his head back  hee hawed, with a big grin, I decided not to, as I have seen him buck.

The Bradford Pear trees are in full bloom, so pretty, they have an unusual aroma, which I enjoy.

Having our lane lined with Bradford Pears is how the blog was named, make sense to me. I am counting the days until spring, are you.When the Bradford pear trees are in bloom, I bypass the lane and walk under them, as I walk the wind sends showers of blossoms, this is my time of refreshing and renewing, of body, mind and spirit.

I received this text from son, Dre,yesterday, just made me smile, we as parents pray for our children but isn't it wonderful to know that our children are praying for us too!

Thank you

 for all of your encouraging comments, friendship, 

may your day be filled

 with much joy, peace and contentment,

 love,

 Sue