~ Wednesday Hodgepodge ~

I have wanted to join  Wednesday Hodgepodge for quite a while, and am so glad I did, this was fun. It caused me to do some serious thinking about myself.~smile~So here goes...

1. Is a picture worth a thousand words? Elaborate.

Absolutely, That is way I am such a fan of taking photos, each one tells it own story, as time goes by we have a tendency to forget, but  once you look at a photo you are immediately brought back to that moment.
2. Have you ever driven any part of the Pacific Coast Highway? If so what was your favorite stop? If not, is this sort of trip on your bucket list?

No, I haven't, and it's not on m bucket list yet., as my list is so long.

3. How do the changing seasons affect you? As the seasons change do you find yourself looking more forward or backward? Which season-season transition bothers you most? Why do you think that is? 

I love the changing season, I find my self looking forward, especially to Autumn, I really don't know why, unless its because Autumn has all my favorite colors, or it could be that the summer has been especially hot and humid and I need a change. I guess I would have to say that winter is my least favorite season, I am not a fan of cold weather.

4. It's your birthday and you get to pick the dinner menu. What are we having? Do you ever lie about your age?
We are having steak, salad and a baked potato, and one of my Mother's specialty cakes, each year she surprises me.

No, I never lie about my age, I just don't volunteer! ~wink~

5. What's a life lesson you've learned recently?
That nothing says the same, just sit still and things will change.


6. Insert your own random thought here.


The recent events that have happened in our beloved country, have caused me to Stop! and realize how important life is, and that our lives can forever change in a moment
I have also witnessed that spirit, of "Never ever give up," how in times of crisis we all come together and unite for the common good of humanity. This can only come from a power higher than ourselves, "God," our  creator. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who have been affected!

This photo tells a story... My blessings jar is dressed and sitting among my favorite decorations for my favorite season, reminding me to write and add my many blessings . Do you have a blessings/thankful jar?

Thank you, Joyce,   for hosting Wednesday Hodgepodge!

Blessings,

Sue

Click below to join with me.

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Its Fall Y'all at Pear tree lane farmhouse

Written by Sue, Tuesday, September 12, 2017        sunny ,hot, humid, very humid!

Not a lot going on here at the farm, we were preparing for a hit from hurricane Irma, and are so thankful we were spared, but as we sit watching the news of all the catastrophic events our hearts are so saddened of the devastation others are facing, so we pray and pray some more! But for sure I am reminded of this.

Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in time of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried  into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.
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This year I decorated the inside for fall a couple of weeks early, so glad I did, because I felt so helpless seeing the devastation unfold right before my eyes as I watched the news, I  don't know if I could have pulled myself away.

As almost everyone knows, I love color for the changing seasons especially fall, which holds my favorite colors!

These lights are the timer led lights, they come on at the same time each day for 4 or 5 hrs.  and on again at the same time next day. Have I told you how much I enjoy them, It is so nice when I come in at night  and the house is already lighted, such a warm feeling.

 It"s Fall Y'all, at least at the farmhouse! #loveautumndecorating#

 I was at Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago, at the door was this 9 ft. tree decorated for fall, I really liked it, and kept it on my mind.Soo what do I do, I put a small one up in the breakfast room, it's the first thing I turn on early mornings, and the last light at night before bedtime. Since I spend so much time in and around the kitchen, I thought it was the perfect place. I was so pleased at how it turned out , I call it my fall/Thanksgiving/friendship tree.This photo doesn't do it justice.

 This idea I also got at Hobby Lobby, simple to make, add fall potpourri, or just small pumpkins and acorns (like I did )in a mason jar, place a fabric scrap on top and tie with ribbon or cord.

 This arrangement was placed at the end of the stairway, it is also lit at night.

 A view from the dining room looking toward the stairs.

Yes, there is more decorating,..

That's all for this evening, I will be back soon. 

Wishing you much joy and happiness, through all that we are facing as a country! 

Love,

Sue

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~A little change is always good.~

Written by Sue, Friday, September 8, 2017      sunny cool, 70's the calm before the storm.

Well things have certainly picked up around the farm since we last spoke. We have been preparing for a possible  hurricane hit, and I have been doing some more tweaking in the farmhouse.

We live quite a ways from the highway, plus our farm is gated, so I felt pretty safe in having sheers in the master bath,
Before...

I decided it was time for a change,and being the frugal person I am, I took my time and found these panels at Kirklands, for half price.

 After...
I was a little hesitant because I wasn't sure if they would match with the color on the walls! Once I got them up, I liked them, still not sure about the color, anyhow I am thinking of a paint job, in January.

To have more light I only put two panels at the bigger window, (pretend the extra hardware doesn't show), I had the hardest time trying to get these panels up, trying to work by myself on a ladder in such a tight space was no easy task. I was telling my mom at dinner last night of my dilemma, her reply was, "when that happens to me, I just walk away for a while." See, I told you she is a smart lady  ~lol~

 I dare not start a major inside project this near the holidays, besides I have two projects just waiting for me outside!~wink~This being one of them, we repaired the porch earlier this summer,  as usual it is my job to paint, and just as soon as these storms are out of here, I will be very busy!~wink~ This is one reason I decorated for fall so early, and now that it's cooler, it seems right to me.

 

I love children's book, I love to read them to children, I love to read them to myself, I have decided I will remain a child the rest of my life. Children look at life through different lenses than what adults do, they live with, and give  so much hope to adults, and have not yet learned the ways of this world. I believe they call it innocence! The Bernstein Bears series are some of my favorites, I also love finding very old books at antique stores!

Psalms 91:4~He shall cover you with His feathers: and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler .                                    

Have a blessed day,

Hugs,

Sue

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Doing a little clean-up

Written by Sue, Tuesday, September 5, 2017                  Sunny,hot, humid, 90's

Do you enjoy live plants, I do, and have placed them all around my home, these plants are very beneficial to cleaning the air in our homes, not to mention the beauty they bring.

Here they are at the plant hospital!~wink~

Once a year , I gather all my houseplants to trim them, and repot those that need it! It is a little time consuming but so worth it.

Most times I have to buy new pots, because I usually have a few that I am rooting in glass jars or vases, so easy peasy, make a cut on a branch, place in water, in a few weeks they will be ready to transplant! Most of my plants are related, ~smile~ I have been doing this for years, saves money, plus it is so rewarding, so don't be shy about rooting,

I cover the bottom of the planters with rocks to help with drainage, add soil and plant

  

This plant has been newly planted, the leaves have a dull look, I have a solution for that, taught to me many years ago by my Mom. 

I take a cotton ball, paper towel or any cloth, dip in oil, I use coconut oil, and precede to wipe the leaves while holding them in hand. What a great difference! I could by a commercial shine, but this is cheaper and in my pantry! 

To add a little pizazz for fall I add a fall pick. Potted plants also make wonderful gifts, for a new mom, a patient in a nursing facility or hospital, or just to brighten someones day!

Not a whole lot going on around the farmhouse this week, we are in between produce, and waiting on the weather to change before tackling two major projects! I am really enjoying my fall decorations,
just waiting for the pumpkins, and apples to come in, I will soon be going to the State Farmers Market to check them out.
Getting back to blogging regularly is certainly a lot harder than what I thought it would be, Instagram seems to get in the way~smile~ But my heart remains here on my blog.

Blessings,

Sue

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Counting my Blessings, naming them one by one!

Written by Sue, Friday, September 1, 2017         WoW it was hot and humid with severe thunderstorms overhead as I write!

This week as I worked I had so many emotion,... I prayed, I searched, I cried, I questioned, I reminisced, I smiled, and even laughed!  One thing for sure I didn't nor have I forgotten the folk who live in the path of hurricane Harvey! For sure nothing happens that escapes God's eyes, ears, hands  and heart! He is still in control, satan cannot win no matter what he tries to do! A scripture verse that brings me so much comfort is:
John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world!

This week was spent getting the house cleaned and ready for fall decorating.  I opened 4 boxes of decorations, plus a few added items. Last year I wasn't able to decorate for fall due to my health issues so you can imagine how excited I was to see them.

I know I have mentioned this before, is it okay if I repeat, I just looove fall, the colors of autumn are me, my closet, and home  will attest to that! I love reds, golds, browns, burgundy,and oranges.

For some reason I have become interested in old trucks, I saw this at Hobby Lobby, I smiled at him and he jumped right in my shopping cart!I couldn't say "no", so off we went!

I love the light on this simple little table.

After working on the decorating, I took a break midweek, called my Mom and invited her over for lunch, of course I wanted her to see what I had accomplished, just like when I was a little girl,~wink~ as usual she was delighted,  guess you might say I passed the test. ~smile~We also had a gift for her, Susan and I have been working on a few projects for giftgiving.

This is called a "Blessings Jar", I will wait until we have finished to show and explain it to you. You know it isn't to early to begin to think about Christmas gift giving especially if you make them.Now aren't you glad you stopped by today.~wink~

My mother is an excellent cook, but for some reason she enjoys my cooking. We were not quite finished setting the table,when she arrived, she wanted to help, but Susan told her she was our guest, sat her at the table and wouldn't let her do a thing. Do you think the smile says "I am special?"

 
On the menu was, green salad, deviled eggs, noodles, green bean, okra, and barbecued ribs, garlic toast,and of course southern iced tea.

I am so thankful that all of my inside decorations are up and smiling at me! I started early  this year for several reason, we have several outdoor projects going on that must be finished before winter sets in, but best off all... I just plain wanted to! Now I can enjoy, taking my time to finish them. This is just a sneak peek, of fall at the farmhouse, I am looking forward to sharing more.

Autumn Blessings from me to you,

Sue

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Gardening projects

Written by Sue, Saturday,August 22, 2017               Hot, humid, high 90's

As I sit here looking at the screen contemplating where to begin to blog again, I am almost at a loss as to where to begin! I do have an instagram account and find it so much easier to take a photo, say a few words, post and go on, and have made some wonderful friends, but for the life of me, I just can't give up blogging, so I ask for you patience and understanding! Blogging to me is so much more personable, it is my first love, I have made what I consider some lifelong friends.


 So what have I been doing this spring and summer, trying to stay cool for one thing, this has been one of the hottest and most humid summers, I have known in a while! I am so looking forward to cooler days and nights! Are we ever satisfied? ~smile~

One of the earliest projects was....

In early spring we decided it was time to give the gated garden a new facelift! It was in a mess!

 Each section was taken down, repaired, by Mr P and painted by me!

 We then put the fence back together, next, we completely redid all raised beds,

which included replacing the boards around the raised beds, adding new soil, fertilizer, seeding,and mulch! Lucy did a great job of supervising. ~smile~

 I forgot to take photos of the seed planting progress, but as you can see except for a few plants the flowers did beautifully, sheep manure is one of the best fertilizers. I decided to leave the middle section open for my fall veggies!That's another story for another day!

I love zinnias, as I have mentioned before, I was first introduced to them by my paternal grandmother, she was not a rich lady by monetary means, but oh,  so rich in her relationship with her God, her family, her cow, Betsy, and her relationship with plants which included flowers! One of my fondest memories is being outside with her when she was hanging clothes on the line, while I tended my little flower garden planted next to the clothes line! 

As with any garden you win some and you lose some, I added nasturtiums, and daisies, they did not do well at all, so they will not be planted next year. 

Last year we repaired the hand pump, some of the best water you will ever drink, Dh, son, dil, built the little shed, and as usual, I painted.~smile~

Lights were placed at Susan's graduation party to celebrate her BSN, we are so proud of her accomplishments! Needless to say, I have had a supply of fresh flowers all summer! I am now contemplating as to when I should gather seed for next year's planting! For sure if you live on a farm, you never hear, "I am so bored"!LOL There is always something that needs tending to.This was a major undertaking for us, as we are not spring chickens any more!

I am so thankful that we persevered through this! We have already placed the herb garden, and fence repair on our to-do-list for next year! LOl What a joy to see and enjoy the fruits your labor, there were times, when I questioned if this would ever get completed!

Much love from me to you,

Sue

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A personal note from me to you

Written by Sue, Tuesday, July 25, 2017             very hot, humid, high 90's

I started blogging in 2008, after acquiring my first computer, I found out about blogging by reading a magazine called "Romantic Homes!"Oh how I loved reading about the blogs they had highlighted. I thought to myself, "I can and want to do this!" I was new to computers and it took a while for me to learn how to even operate mine, so after much prayer, tears, and tenacity.

 I get my tenacity from this lady! To update you, Mother is doing great, she works harder than anyone I know, she not only is my Mother, she is my friend, spiritual mentor, helper!She reads the bible through twice a year, and has a widows group in her home once a month! She is a prayer warrior,and  when faced with situations the family knows just who to call!

So I created my first blog, and as they say"The rest is history"!

Would you like to know something funny, I thought, I was going to take Blogland by storm and everyone  was going to ooh and ahh, over my meager words and photos! So I waited and waited, and then it happened, my first friend and comment was made by, Vee, https://ahavenforvee.blogspot.com I was so thrilled! Over the years we have become very dear friends, I truly treasure our friendship!

I then began to visit other ladies, and soon developed wonderful friendships,(you know who you are, to numerous to mention today, and I love you dearly) I soon forgot about taking Blogland by storm, it didn't matter anymore, as I had found something more valuable, You, my dear friends!

Over the past year my blogging has somewhat been neglected, not intentional, for sure, but sometimes life has a way of causing us to go off track, through uncontrollable circumstances!

 I want you to know that through this time of absence that you have remained in my thoughts and prayers. After receiving an iPad and iPhone,  I started an Instagram account, and do enjoy it, it is so much quicker ( I neglected it for a while too) but it is not as personable as blogging, though I will say I have made some wonderful friends there too!

As I am writing this, I am thinking about the past nine years and of how fast they have gone by,  I have seen your families grow, how we have experienced and shared heartaches together, prayed for one another, and enjoyed many special events in our lives.

You have inspired me more than you will ever know,  this "farm girl" who thought she was going to take Blogland by storm has received more than she has ever given, and for that I am so thankful!

My desire is to get back to blogging, and getting reacquainted! ~smile~

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Yesterday finished my summer canning season,(fall harvest  begins in September) we have been hard at work for months, from preparing the land, planting, harvesting, and preserving it. Some might wonder why we do all this!

There are many reasons, I am hoping to share some real soon, the main reason is, much of this is sent to family and friends, who live far and near.

Today I am resting, and making plans to revamp my blog, it needs some sprucing, and planning my cleaning schedule for Fall, yes, my favorite season is coming, fall will be here before we know it!

On the counter are field peas, tomato sauce, vegetable soup, and salsa, I would love to show you my breakfast room table, it is full too, but a little messy!~smile~

Thank you for listening,

love,

Sue

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