Hello everyone

  Written by Sue, Monday, July 18, 2011.                                              very hot, high 90's, high humidity....

Checking in to say hi, and to let you know what we have been doing, during these hot dry days of summer                                                  
 Over the past few months it has been somewhat difficult to blog regularly, due to the work here at the farm. Our hours are long,and the weather has not cooperated with us. I truly miss not visiting with you, and I miss not posting of our days. I think of you all so often especially while busy with work.... and with that said, I will try and show you a little of what we have been doing.....

This picture doesn't do it justice, I love to open up and look in. I saw dh looking at them the other day, and grinning. Why so much preserving? We give to our children when they come home.... The other day Susan called "whatcha doing? (me) "canning corn!".... "Oh Mother, are you canning some for us, you know we just love your canned corn, peas, meat sauce, and jams,  and you know I always bring an extra suitcase."
She didn't knowI was smiling, and nodding as she was speaking., because I have already got it packed and ready for her. I don't know about you it is always so great to be needed by my children.  Just as God likes to be needed by us, He loves to give us great gifts too, And when we ask Him, I feel He is smiling and nodding . He also has our gifts packed and ready for us too.James 1:17~ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. How Awesome is this!!!

Multiply what is on these shelves two times....I sent the same amount to my mother, she and I have been partners in preserving our produce, but this year, she wasn't able to help,... because she went and got herself a job, ~lol~can you believe that at the age of 83, she works four to five days a week at a friend's  boutique . I have really missed spending time with her, we have so much fun together. ..Dh told her not to worry that he would help in her place to preserve.... 

Did I ever tell you what a wonderful son he is to my mother, he calls her every night to find out how her day was and to say good night to her. I am so blessed that they have such a great relationship, anyhoo, he did exactly what he said he would do, that is... he has helped me gather, shell, shuck and get everything ready to preserve....

Here he is picking field peas, today.. he picked, I shelled, and pressure canned...today finished  our season for peas.There are still lots of peas on the bushes, we have given to neighbors and family. Now what is left will dry on the bush, and we will gather for seed.

Even with the drought and heat we have had a very productive season, due to the fact of Mr P, irrigating constantly,  because we grow organic, we have an over abundance of bees,so pollination was not a problem.. but most of all our Heavenly Father gave the increase And because of having such a good, great, fantastic season, we are planning to let this field lay out next year and rest, take a vacation . We are going to replenish the soil with compost found right here at the farm.


Give me a glass of iced tea !!and I can shell up a storm! These, and some more produced

this....

Do yo remember as a child, how we always wanted to please our parents, that's the way we felt, yes even at our age. ~smile~ We could hardly wait to get Mother's  goodies boxed and taken to her.  DH and I would pack the car and here we would go, she always greeted us with such a sweet smile, but was saying, "I feel so guilty for not being able to help." And then I was feeling guilty because she was feeling guilty, so one morning I called her and said " Mother, please don't feel guilty about not helping, cause I am tired of feeling guilty because you are feeling guilty, ~lol~ Mr P and I are enjoying doing this for you, there is no way we could ever repay you for all that you have done for us."  enough said ... and she didn't ~grin~  Sometimes us children have to  take charge~wink~..

Most of you know me well enough by now to know how important my relationship is with my Lord, and how I know that He directs my life.... God is concerned about every aspect both great and small... He knew how this season would be, and not one time did I feel overwhelmed with work, tired yes, a good kind of tired. As I was working I felt His presence with me, He protected me and I only had one jar that didn't seal, and that was today, It was a jar of peas, I  poured it in the pot and we ate it for dinner, with okra  LOL.

OMG it is so late, I have been working on this post for three hours, my eyes are about to close, having had three long phone conversations, with children, while trying to post! ~BiG Smile~ love hearing from them.. I have so much to share, and as you can see, Ellie Mae( my camera) is back in my loving arms, and she is doing her job quite well, I might add....until next time, bed here I come!!!!!,,,,   to be continued.

Much love ,

Sue

My memory verse for today just spoke to my heart...
Proverbs 18;10~ The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. 

Ahhh! Summer

Written by Sue, July 6, 2011                                                 very hot, humid with late thunderstorms 90's
                                     Hello Everyone....
Hope all is well with you I have missed you so much, I have been really busy with gathering and preserving our vegetables and fruits, and doing farm stuff, one being a trip to the Farmers Market ~wink~ Today being no exception, it was spent picking peas, and gathering sweet corn.  They turned out beautifully!


 I would love to show you pictures, of the corn and peas but my camera is still in the shop.  The repair service has had it for a month,{never knew how much I used it} I was first promised to have it by June 30, but they called and said a part was on back order, {and why am I not surprised} they are now aiming for July 11.. I am not going to hold my breath . ~LOL~ I did find a camera that was given to me some years ago by Son #2, and have downloaded some photos, but since then can't get it to work.Sooooo.


I will tell you of our trip to the State farmers market last week, dh husband was going to pick up some things in our capital city, and I was not about to miss out on that ride.....
Was I in flower heaven or not?...I bought some herbs to add to my herb garden. We had lunch at the seafood restaurant at the market. I always enjoy the State Farmers market, so many vendors

I felt so giddy after spending the day with my sweetie, but as we got to the gate.....

This is what was waiting for us, Bessie decided the grass was greener on the other side of the fence, she has been jumping the fence a lot lately. Chasing cows was not on my to do list, after having such a fun day, besides I was plum tuckered out, and cows are so stubborn, and sometimes will charge you. 


It was my job to try and run her back toward the gate.... ...Oh yes this old gray mare (me) did out run her, while wearing 2 inch sandals at that. Ahhh!!! I guess I still have it!! after all age is just a number.~smile~

Mr P's job was to open the gate and make sure she went in, and she did...After much thought, I am wondering which of us had the best job!!!! hmmmm! let me think on this !~grinning~

These guys were standing at the fence, and I really believe they were very amused, at what was going on. Did I tell you horses are nosy? Oh Yes!!

This will continue to be a very busy week,  I will be preserving more corn,  peas, tomatoes, and tomorrow is jam making day. I do love summer, and all the joys it brings with it. Hope  your summer is filled with many blessings.

Unti next time.

Sue