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~

Apple delights Hodgepodge

Written by Sue, Tuesday, September 26, 2017           Sunny, hot, humid! Oh where! oh where! is Autumn?
From this Side of the Pond



1. What pets did you have growing up? Tell us a little something about them.
We had parakeets, dogs, and cats. When we lived with my grandparents my favorites were the barn kitties we had, my sisters and I would dress them in doll clothes and pretend they were our babies!
For now, this little fella,(Jack) is our love..

2. What is one thing you absolutely must accomplish today?
    I must make and can applesauce!


3. Where were you ten years ago? What were you doing?
I was right where I am today, on the farm,  and probably doing exactly what I am doing today, canning apples! ~smile~the apples above yielded 16 pts. of applesauce, and 6 pts. of apple juice!


I like my applesauce a little chunky. Three ingredients, apples a little water, and lots of love!!


4.September 26th is National Dumpling Day. Did you celebrate? Apple dumpling, xiao long bao (steamed Chinese dumpling), chicken dumplings, pirogi, matzoh balls, or gnocchi,... which dumpling on this list would be your dumpling of choice? Have you ever made homemade dumplings of any kind?
Since I am knee deep in apples today, I would prefer apple dumplings, hmmm great idea for dessert tonight!This is the best I could do!

5. There are two kinds of adventurers: those who go truly hoping to find an adventure and those who go secretly hoping they don't."William Trogdon
So which are you?
I am the one who would be looking for that great adventure, my reason would be if I go to all that trouble to make preparations you better believe I am going to make it the best one yet!

found on internet!

6.Insert your own random thought here.

My first instinct was to weigh in on some of the issues we are facing as a nation, as most of us will agree we are living in perilous times, but since I try and keep my blog, happy and non controversial, (this doesn't mean I don't have strong convictions, especially when it comes to respecting our national flag and anthem.) For now it will be another time, another day!

One thing for sure, nothing gets by the eyes and ears of an all knowing and caring heavenly Father, He is the Alpa and Omega! That settles it for me.

I will instead encourage all who view this post to consider the benefits of growing and preserving your own food. There is nothing as rewarding as looking back over a day's work of gathering, preparing, and preserving food for your family and friends, (jams and jellies make wonderful gifts.)

If you are not able to have a garden, you might consider supporting local farmers or merchants!

Why do I preserve food?
1. It's much more economical!
2. It's healthier! Where can you buy food that was gathered, prepared, and canned in the same day, sometimes in a matter of a few hours?
3. You know what chemicals were used in the growing of the foods.
4. It is one way of showing your family and friends how much you care for their well being!
5. Last but not least, it is so much fun!

steps to making fresh strawberry jam.

I would like to thank Joyce for hosting Wednesday Hodgepodge, and once again she has challenged me to put on my rusty old thinking cap!~wink~

Blessings,
From my home to yours,
Sue






~Wednesday Hodgepodge~

Written by Sue, Wednesday, September, 20,2017                 Sunny, hot, 90's

As usual I am late for the party...

1. What's something you'd rate a 10/10? Tell us why.
This man here,
(We went grape picking this week)

we have been together for a very long time, he is my best friend, and husband! There is never a day that goes by that he doesn't tell me how much he loves me, several times to be exact! We finish one another sentences and sometimes we are even thinking the same thoughts at the same time. ~smile~

2.What job would you be terrible at?What makes you think so?
Truck driving, because I am not a very good driver,however, I am great at backseat driving!~wink~ besides it is hard for me to sit still for very long.

3. When did you last take a fall? What's something you're falling for (in a good way) these days? 
I fell standing in a chair trying to hang a picture on the stairwell wall, I got a concussion for that and ten stitches in my temple, that was a few years ago. Not very smart, right!


Something I am falling for now. Hmmm this is easy....

I am falling for "Fall", it is my favorite time of year, the leaves falling from the trees,
old photo from the farm


 the smell of leaves burning, and I am so looking forward to my first campfire of the season. I could go on and on. This season always puts me in baking mood, and it last until January!


4. According to the Travel Channel here are some of America's best fall festivals-
National Apple Harvest Festival(near Arendtsville Pa. close to Gettysburg) Harvest on the Harbor (Portland maine), German Village Festival (Columbus Ohio), Wellfleet Oyster Fest (Cape Cod), And Wine and Chile Fiesta (Santa Fe, NM)


Have you ever been to any of the festivals listed? Which one appeals to you most? Does your hometown have any sort of fall celebration, and if so will you make it a point to attend?
I have never been to any of the festivals listed, If I could, I would love to go National Apple Harvest in Pa. near Gettysburg, to visit Gettysburg Memorial, my Dh has always wanted to go. I have to say my personal choice would be the Harvest on the Harbor in Portland Maine, as it is near my dear blogging friend Vee, from A Haven for Vee, I have always wanted to meet her.
No. I am sorry to say my hometown doesn't have a fall festival.
5. What is you good by message to summer?

Dear Summer,
It was so nice to have you visit, but it is time for you to leave, you have overstayed your time, I am expecting Fall this week-end, and we are going to have a blast!!

6. Insert your own random thoughts here.
I am a thinker, and an analyzer about everything, so my thoughts are always everywhere, my answer to this question is this..
As I sit here in the quietness of the early morning pondering each question, and coming to this last one, "Thankfulness" comes to mind, I am so blessed, I received a great report this week from my neurosurgeon. My Faith in Christ is what sustains me through all situations on this journey called "Life"!

Thank you for visiting and for taking the time to read my Hodgepodge!
Blessings, 
Sue

Just curious if you took any steps to protect yourself from the Equifax Data Breach? Does anyone use one of the credit monitoring services, and if so are you happy with it? 

So sorry to have to say this No and No

Thank you Joyce for hosting Wednesday Hodgepodge! Once agin this was fun!


~ 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.
**********************************************************************
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


~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


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

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