Pear tree lane Farmhouse

~Welcome home~

This blog is dedicated to my dear family who live many miles away, and to you dear ladies , who have a heart for keeping the home fires burning. You, who love and cherish your family, and have a desire to create a home that says "Welcome, you are loved and cared for."

My desire is that when you leave that you will be encouraged and know that you too are loved.

Sue~

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. 




34 comments:

Carmen S. said...

Those jars just look like sparkling jewels on that shelf! How wonderful that you are able to do it and share with your mom and children, I'm sure those canned goodies taste wonderful in the middle of the winter:) Have a wonderful day!!!

Cheryl said...

Sue, I knew you had been hard at work...but those beautiful rows of gleaming jars sure tell the tale! So happy you were able to pop in for a "chat"...even if it did take you three hours (~grin~).
I am always inspired by your hard work. But I am especially inspired by the way you speak of how the Lord helps you in your work, and I admire your cheerful, sharing attitude.
Enjoy the rest of your summer...and your family time coming up!
Hugs...
Cheryl

Debbie said...

Good morning! Wow! You HAVE been so busy. How wonderful. I was telling my dil the other day when she was saying how they could barely keep up eating all the veggies that were coming from her daddy's garden how I had a friend who canned TONS AND TONS of hers, haha...She asked me, "Well, how do you do that?" And I told her of course I didn't have the slightest idea, but I sure have always wanted to know. Sure wish I could stop by and watch you do a batch of something...or help you out. How I would enjoy that. In your spare time Sue you could do a post with a start to finish on how to can peas, or corn, or tomatoes etc., haha...I can just imagine your kids live for ther load of veggies and jam from mom. Good for your mom on her job. I love it! My stepdad STILL works 2 days a week and he is 86 and has terminal lung cancer. I think it just keeps him going. Puts mamy to shame. Don't work too hard Sue, and keep cool. Love to you, Debbie

Vee said...

Ahhhh, here you are! I'm so glad that I can comment now, just two hours after I first tried. Now I can go back to everyone else's blog and try again, too.

Having already written an email, I guess I won't be redundant. However, I really do want to reiterate how beautiful a jar-lined pantry looks. Simply beautiful and so valuable, too.

Blessings this week. Take some time for a little get-away if you can...

no spring chicken said...

I've missed you Sue, but your post was worth the wait. I am so impressed! Impressed by your full pantry, impressed by your relationship with your husband, impressed with your husband's and your relationship with your mother in law and impressed with your heart for the Lord. You made me smiley, weepy this morning... and that's a very good thing! :)

Blessings, Debbie

NanaNor's said...

Greetings Sue, I love seeing the results of your labor-such bounty.
You are such an amazing woman, wish I was more like you. I know that you'll be set for winter with all those jars. Blessings to you this day.
Hugs, Noreen

Kathi said...

Sue, Your canning jars are a joy to look at! Beautiful!! I'm sorry you could not can with your mom this year. What an amazing woman she must be; very active, and I'm sure full of wisdom. We have so much rain and cool weather that I have hardling begun to can this year. Pickled asparagus and strawberry jam is as far as I've gotten. Have a blessed day. Kathi

Farm Girl said...

That is the most amazing picture of all of your work. I do not know of any accomplishment that I think is better in this life and seeing what is on your shelves. Your shelves are just beautiful. I love that you do it for your kids too. I think of all of the things I do that one is my favorite. I hope you can rest some now.
I am glad you got your camera back too.
Well, get ready to enjoy your family.
So glad for a post, they always bless me and make me so happy.

Happy@Home said...

Thanks for popping in to visit for awhile. My goodness, you and Mr. P. have been busy little bees. I'm sure it wasn't quite the same without your mother's help, but I admire her for getting a job at age 83. I also admire the relationship between Mr. P and your mother. That is very special!
You pantry is a thing of beauty and I would be opening it and smiling it too. What a wonderful sense of accomplishment you must get from your hard work.
When my sister was a newlywed her MIL used to give her all sorts of things that she had canned. I always thought she was so lucky. What a wonderful gift.
Glad you got your camera back. The pictures are lovely.

GardenOfDaisies said...

I love looking at the colors of those beautifully canned vegetables! You truly have been working hard and have been blessed with an abundance. And by sharing all of this goodness with your family you are blessing them too.
Be sure to get some good sleep. You have been working really hard!

Jenni said...

Prov. 18:10 is a fave of mine, and what a Beautiful Name He has! Thanks for sharing!

Girl, it is always such a blessing to visit y'all's farm. I am in awe of all that y'all get accomplished. Y'all remind me of those bees you mentioned, constantly buzzing about, doing something good.

Glad y'all had such a profitable season.. and your Mom sounds like a doll, Wow! Shes' working at her age, that is amazing! I bet she enjoys it though, and I bet her customers just adore visiting with her at the boutique.

Have a happy day!
Hugs!
Jenni

Kathi said...

Sue, I just realized I can't follow your blog. Do you have a follow button? Have a super day. Kathi

happyone said...

Wow you have been busy. Your shelves of canning look fabulous!! Everything so neat and orderly!
It is so nice to hear that you get along so well with your mom. That is something I have never had. You are blessed. : )

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Dear girl friend, you are amazing! Look at those gorgeous jars of food you have so lovingly preserved for your family to enjoy this winter. You and your husband work so well together :)

Paula said...

Goodness~ you have been busy as a little worker bee! Your canned goods are beautiful on the shelf all lined up and I know you must be very pleased to have so many goodies waiting to be opened this winter.
I loved your beautiful reminder of how our Lord helps us with the big things AND he little things!

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

What a joy to stop by...I was thinking of you this morning when I saw the jam recipes in the paper.
This is just great...looks so like my grandmother's pantry.

Oh my husband's mother is 96 and there never is a day that passes he doesn't talk to her at least once a day.

What life is in your mother....looks like that is where you get it.

Thanks for the spiritual truth also...I can always count on you to point to the source of all.
Hugs

Christine said...

Your life is FULL!
Thank you for sharing all the "bounty". With a husband, mother, children and grandchildren plus the farm, whew!

Your pantry looks like it's from a magazine.

Happy shelling...

(loved my visit to the farm)

Susan B said...

Hi Sue,
You and your husband have been so busy! The results of your labor looks wonderful in your pantry! It's so lovely that you are able to share it with your family. Thank you so much for sharing about your busy days! (I think it is so cute that your Mother got a job. I'm sure she enjoys it!) Have a great weekend! Take care...

Eggs In My Pocket said...

Your hard work is so worth it and it shows in the beautiful pantry of homemade goodness! Get yourself some rest now!

Julie Harward said...

What a sweet son...and I love all the bottled goods, nothing like it! I know how much work it is too..way to go! :D

Patricia said...

Sue you are amazing - and a wonderful inspiration for me and everyone else!
You've been super-busy!!
I'd love to have a pantry stocked with my own preserves one day too.
Your mother is a gem!
She must be fit and strong to be able to work like that at her age.
You've got good genes from her, I'd say, lol!
Your hubby is a lovely man to care so much for his MIL.
In fact..your whole family sounds beautiful!
Thanks for all the gracious encouragement you always give us, Sue :-)
love and blessings..Trish

Elena said...

Dear Sweet Sue, I just love seeing your beautiful jars of canned goods! I really admire all your hard work. My mom canned a lot and saved a lot feeding us kids and family and friends. I just visiting you and seeing what is going on in your corner of the world:)

Walk In Truth said...

Hi Sue,
There are so many awesome things in this post to comment on. I love the family unity.
Clearly you are a perfectionist, because the jars are so carefully displayed. I love hearing about your mom, and kids, and always what is happening on the farm.

I like the scripture verse you chose.
God bless you friend,
~Michele
P.S. Give The (my) donkeys a hug from me :o)

A Hint of Home said...

Always such a blessing to read your posts!
You and your hubby have certainly reaped abundtly what you have sowed! Your canned goods look amazing!
How wonderful that your Mom stays so active.
Mine is almost 86 and still cuts her grass in this heat in FL, no less. She is a stong little lady all 4'11 of her. lol
Hearing from our kids is a highlight in our day, isn't it?
How blessed we are to have such servants for husbands!
Hugs to you!

Vintagesouthernlife said...

Wow! You have been really busy! I loved hearing about your mother. She sounds like a precious gem. I know you love her dearly.

Debbie said...

I have been busy this summer too, and this past week, I was busily enjoying a vacation. I'm just now getting to this post.

First, I can't believe that your lovely mom is 83! That that is one lady who is clearly well "preserved". (Sorry, I couldn't resist carrying on the theme of the post.)

I love how you describe your relationship with her and with your kids. It is so God honoring.

And that shelf would definitely make me smile, too.

Anonymous said...

You have been a very busy woman! It all looks so beautiful also!
I love reading your blog about your home and family you are truly blessed.

Unknown said...

Oh girlfriend..have youbeen busy or what..and you still have time to blog..you are my hero..Oh I just wanted to grab one of those jars of black eyed peas right off the shelf when I say them..You know when my family and I went to Savannah Ga a few weeks ago and ate at The Lady and Sons ~ Paula Deens restaurant.. the black eyed pies were to die for... they were soooo good.. well keep up the good work my friend.. then go take a long hot bubble bath in that beautiful claw foot tub of yours..love ya , as always.. talk to ya soon

Susan said...

I have never canned potatoes or beans....I think I'll give it a try...your bottles look wonderful!!! your gonna be all set for winter...I is so nice in the winter to not have to work out in the heat gardening but to be able to enjoy the fruits of our labor.
God is so good!
Blessings!
*Susan*

Judy Dudich said...

What a beautiful post!
What a beautiful pantry!
What a beautiful life!
Thank you for sharing. I know just what you mean about that wonderful feeling that comes when our grown and married children still "need" us:) SO SWEET.

Jan said...

Sue,please stop feeing guilty about ignoring us, I'm tired of feeling guilty that you are feeling guilty lol!

I feel honored that you took the time to check in. I'm sure we'll all be here when your life slows down!

God bless,
Jan

Debbie said...

You have been cannin up a storm. And it looks sooooo good. Are those crowder peas? I admire your tenacity! Love the photos and the verses and your sweet encouraging words!
Deb

Ms.Daisy said...

Sue,
I love reading your blog posts...they are so loving and giving and kind. Thought I would stop by and say hi today.


~Jean

A Hint of Home said...

Hi Sue,
You've probably been so busy and tired. You probably fall into bed at night. I hope it's nothing more serious.
Miss your posts! Just wanted to say hi!