~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

~Monday Hodgepodge~

Written by Sue, Monday, January 13, 2020~~ rain, rain, rain, temps. high 70's feels like late spring.

 I am certainly enjoying this January, especially the weather, I have been able to walk most days in short sleeves, (4.5 miles) sit on the porch early mornings and late evenings with Mr P. talking about the weather and of how warm it is with so much rain, happy it's not ice or snow, knowing that it will soon pass, or will it! hmmm! One never knows.I have often wondered why we talk so much about something that we can do nothing about. The birds are certainly enjoying this weather, singing up a storm, (no pun intended.)

We are not talking a lot about his upcoming knee surgery, Jan. 22, I guess because all plans have been made and all systems are on go. However we are doing a lot praying,and trusting for a  successful surgery, with a quick recovery, we are also staying close to home as much as possible until and after surgery.

As noted above, most days are cloudy, with rain, so I try and bring lots of light inside, twinkling lights add so much warmth to a home, finding these timer lights has been such a treat for me, I seem to find all kinds of nooks and crannies for them. oops, I forgot to remove the batteries. ~grin~

lights for the barn in the farm scene, guess where I placed the timer lights.

Like me, she likes to feed her chickens and gather eggs.

Timer lights in dish cabinets create such ambience, especially when the lights in the room are turned off.

The oil lamp is lit when we have our evening meals,this reminds me of days gone by, times when our ancestors wished for better lighting, I find the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Other than our new devotional, this is our first book of the year, it was a gift to us from our  dear friend, Ed, his mother is the author, a wonderful read to start the new year. I am mostly a nonfiction reader, I enjoy reading about other folks's lives, how they live, the trials and triumphs they experience, as it is with this book., a very easy read.

This is one of the main reasons I enjoy blogging, when people share of their life situations, we, the readers, become a part of their lives, whether it is through prayer, an encouraging word,corresponding via mail, or gifts. We  begin to realize that we are not in this boat (life) alone, we divert the attention off ourselves and onto others, lifetime friendships are made.Thank you for taking me along in the boat., and for your friendship.💗💕💚💛

Ed wrote a very sweet note inside,

Homemade soup is a staple around here, usually I roast a chicken, serve with vegetables,  #1 meal,  leftover chicken and stock make the best chicken noodle soup, ...here is a tip, when using pasta in soup, boil pasta, rinse in hot water, drain add only enough noodles, chicken, and  stock  for the meal , continue heating until ready to serve, the pasta doesn't soak up the liquid, place left over stock and noodles in separate containers in refrigerator, next time do the same, thus two, maybe three meals, we eat soup year round, how about you. A grilled cheese sandwich makes it even better.~wink~

Here is the my hodgepodge for Monday.

Much love,

Sue

~Counting my blessings~

                                                     ~My thankful list~
Written by Sue, Thursday, August 15, 2019    Hot, humid, maybe showers, heat index 103

I have so much to be thankful for, especially this week, for some reason my primary Dr. wanted me to have a sonogram on my carotid arteries. I opted not to have it at a regular imaging office in our city, (another story for another day.) so off we went to my husband's vascular surgeon associated with Rex hospital in our Capital City.

After the testing the Dr came in, his first words were, " If all my patients had this kind of report, I would be out of business, see you in 50 yrs." I almost jumped off the table!! After having the TIA a few years back I didn't know what to expect, we had a lot prayers going up for good news, and received it with a thankful heart.

I am thankful we got some much needed rain last night, it has been extremely hot, humid and drought ridden  in our area this summer. One of the hottest and longest summers we have had in a while.  Mr P. has been busy keeping the irrigation running, My flower gardens are full of butterflies.

I am thankful that Best Buy replaced my Fitbit watch at no charge, I went in to replace the band, thinking I would have to pay, but because of an extended warranty, they gave me a new one. The fitbit versa is a great motivator to keep me moving, I need all the help I can get. ~wink~

I am so thankful that after 4 trips, the technician finally repaired the refrigerator, no charge and we didn't even have a consultation about it. I was ready to dig my heels in.😇

I am thankful That I finally got the patriotic decorations taken down, packed and put away today!.Woo Hoo! fall here I come!🍂🍂 No worry, it will take me a little while to get everything together. Have I mentioned that fall is my favorite season? Our leaves 🍂🍂are beginning to change their colors.Found this cute candle at Marshals, smells so fallish,

I am so thankful that the police officers in Pa. are safe with no loss! Praying for all of the men and women (our first responders) who protect us, and for our military men and women. 

Thanks for stopping by to say "hi", your friendship means so much to me.

Blessings,

Sue

~Pretty as a peach, and just as sweet~

Written by Sue, Monday,August 5, 2019   sunny, hot, humid, 90's  maybe some showers this evening.

The repairman came back to fix the refrigerator  this morning, discovered he had ordered the wrong part, so that means another trip back this week. I am happy it didn't have anything to do with the refrigerator cooling. One great thing about this repair is,.. I took the time to clean the fridge, inside, outside, underneath and behind. That is one of my fall projects taken care of.

I thought I was almost finished with canning, that is, until I found these gorgeous peaches on sale, just could't resist. So so sweet and juicy!

9 pts. I was pleased with how they turned out, I will make hand pies to put in the freezer with the remaining peaches.

Do you like surprises? Both Mr P. and I  received some beautiful, fragrant, handmade soaps in the mail from one of our sons and daughter-in-love last week, we are so enjoying them. Smells heavenly,(pun intended!}~wink~

I also tried a new pickle recipe, (pickled okra), it passed my official food tester(Mr P.) with flying colors, he suggested I make a few more jars, so I guess the ole' canner will have to wait awhile before retiring for the year.~wink~ So easy peasy! This is one vegetable that you either love it or hate it, no in-between! We love it!

I posted a few weeks ago of gathering the garlic, it had dried and was ready to be cleaned and put in stockings to be hung up for using, and giving, I will be mailing some to family soon with other goodies. Some of these garlic bulbs will be used for replanting this fall. For now, they are hanging in a dark, cool  closet. When I need one all I do is clip the bottom bulb, below the knot.

I apologize for always posting about canning, and preserving, but this is my life in the summer, I get so much enjoyment out of growing and preserving food for my family and friends.  

When dear daughter came by last evening, she took home fresh eggs from the hens, a stocking full of garlic, a jar of pickled okra, a loaf of bread that I had bought, BOGO!

 Mr P and I received a big hug , a kiss, a big "thank you,"and an "Awww, you are so cute mother." And that makes everything worth while. ~smile~ 

Have a blessed evening, 

XOXO

Sue

~A Quick Howdy Doody~

Written by Sue, Monday,July 22, 2019   hot, humid, sunny, heat index over 100, relief on the way!

Most folks like it when Friday rolls around,... me,... I like Mondays, because  I feel I get another chance to try and get it right.~wink~
I know it has been a while since I posted here in the neighborhood, (posting sporadically on instagram)blogging remains my favorite. The only excuse I have to offer is, I have been so busy, if I remember correctly it has always been the same excuse, and you, dear friends, are probably tired of hearing it, I know I am. Nuff said about that.

It would take lots of photos to catch up, so here are just a few with thoughts...

Most of my friends know we grow and preserve lots of veggies from the garden, and this year even with the high heat, humidity and drought, (we irrigate) it has been such a bountiful crop, which we give thanks to our heavenly Father.

Field peas are picked, hand shelled, washed and

pressure canned in jars, yes, they turn brown when cooked Love, love these, I think only southerners can appreciate them

Taking time to enjoy some of our veggies, nothing better than fresh from the garden

 Lets not forget fresh cherry handmade pies, oh so delicious, and easy,... tasty and easy is what I like best!

I have always wanted to can cherries, I found some fresh ones on sale, voila' I think they look great, the true test is in taste. I opened a jar, and they were good, but that is not what I wanted, best is what I strive for.Canning is trial and error, I followed directions, exactly, but they were a little softer than what I wanted, next time I will cut the process time in half. in the meantime I am enjoying them. ~wink~

I made sweet and dill relish, so good, I use them in salads, on hot dogs, and burgers, trust me if you make your own you will never buy commercial again.Another easy recipe.

I am not a great pickle maker, that is, until this year, these are called Bread and Butter pickles, once again I found out through trial and error. In the past I wasn't slicing the pickles thick enough, therefore they were not crisp, by slicing them thicker they now meet my standards., very crisp, you can hear them crunch in my mouth, ~Wink~Next year I will try dill and Kosher pickles.

 Last week I canned tomatoes, and will finish this week, preferably tomorrow with my meat sauce, and salsa. My kids and grandkids love these.

 Who likes tomato juice, I do!

We have made some wonderful memories this summer with family and friends too, birthday celebrations, Father's Day,etc.  May your summer days be filled with love, laughter, and wonderful memories with family and friends.
.
Today I will be preserving okra, laundry and ironing, waiting for the cold front to move in tomorrow so I can work outside  in my garden.

Blessings,

Sue

When will I ever learn?

Written by Sue, Monday, April 8, 2019          rain, temps., 80 degrees Wow!

Saturday was errands day, Tractor Supply is one of our favorite stores, we are always looking for bargains, wow, did we ever find one, it was on potting soil, just in the nick of time too!

This is the week we will be making our hanging baskets for the porch, we are a little late this year, this photo is from last year! I haven't decided if I will go with ferns or wave petunias, I will know when by the end of the day. I think spring has decided to stay, it will be 80 degrees today.Yay!

Getting back to the great bargain, we found Miracle Grow 1cu.potting mix for two dollars, regularly priced at 8 to 9 dollars, a savings of 6 or 7 dollars. I figured what we saved will cover the cost of the plants! Yay!

why am I sitting here with a brace on my hand?

 Usually Tractor Supply will have men to load heavy material, but not Saturday, it was a woman who came to load, because of knee problems Mr P. cannot bend, so I volunteered to help her load 22, 34lb. bags, in my enthusiasm of such a deal I didn't realize the effect it would have on my already touchy wrist. Nothing hurt, until I was home, and was about to take a shower! Ouch! I could hardly move my hand especially my wrist. So Dh and I backtracked on what could have caused it, voila' the loading of the bags. For now the brace helps with mobility, and I am feeling so much better.

When, oh when will I realize that I am no spring chicken anymore.

  Other news, we had twins born yesterday, it's always so nice when a lamb is added, especially twins, This ewe is a good mother, aren't they cute. We separate them for a couple of weeks from the flock, for their safety so they aren't stepped on, sheep are so family oriented, this ewe  has not been a happy camper.

So off we go to our nurserytoday, one thing for sure, no picking up heavy stuff for me!~wink~

I've learned that people will forget what you said, 

people will forget what you did, 

but people will never forget how you made them feel.

MAYA ANGELOU

Sometimes just a "smile",  a "how are you", or "a kind word" will lift someone up, and let them know you care.

XOXO

Sue

~Notes from the farmhouse~

Written by Sue, Friday, April 5, 2019`         raining, gloomy day outside, 60'temp.
I love productive days,  the feeling of having accomplished so much. That's not they way I had it planned for yesterday, my plans were to take Thursday off, to catch up on my blogging, and just do some piddling! I started out just the way I had planned, I read some blogs in the morning, then decided to straighten up the downstairs, before I knew it I not only had finished straightening, but had cleaned the bathrooms, vacuumed, and mopped! Sometimes I even amaze myself~Grin~

After dinner, I decided to exercise by walking outside, which is something I haven't done in a while, our pollen count has been so high, besides that,  about 10 days ago I had dropped a coffee mug on my foot, and had bruised it,  wearing closed in shoes wasn't comfortable. So  I decided t try anyhow, I found a mask, put on my walking shoes, off I went, I mean serious walking, (cardio.) 10,000 steps, which is usually my goal each day, (haven't done that in a while, ~wink~)

Today the house is tidy, I am back to blogging, ~smile~ It is raining again, no walking today or outside gardening.
My morning routine goes something like this....
When I wake, I always say, "Good Morning" to the One who kept me safe during the night, and commit my day to Him! If Mr P is awake he is next, and I give him a good morning kiss.
Proverbs 16: 3 Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.

I don't dress right away, I am off to the kitchen to make coffee. I use a percolator, here is a hint if you perk coffee, place a small sprinkle of salt on top of the coffee before perking, enhances the flavor. I learned this hint from a friend from Germany

 While coffee is perking, I get my essential oil diffusers ready, by checking the water level adding essential oils, and on they go. I enjoy using essential oils, they seem to purify the air, and are so much healthier for you. I also use candles with essential oils!

Coffee is ready,

then it is devotional time with Mr P, having this time together before our day begins makes all the difference in all that we do, plus our relationship is solidified even more.

As a young bride, I  once heard a minister say that no matter how long you have been married that you have to work on your marriage each day, some days you might not feel like it, but you do anyhow. I never forgot this and have found it to be so true. You see, we are on a journey called "life"our lives and circumstances are always changing, thus we must learn to adapt., and work at it.

I love a simple life, nothing fancy for me, a spring vignette  in the foyer..

When my Mom comes to visit she always brings me something, would you like to guess what this is, my IG friends already know.~wink~ It is a Kleenex holder, she made this by cutting and gluing everything with her precious hands, look at the small details, I decided to place a timed led candle inside for Peter Rabbit and Flossie, during this spring season. I am truly blessed!

 It is gloomy, raining, today, here at the farmhouse,

lets see if we can brighten the house by turning on some lights from the spring decorations in the foyer.

This is the  real reason we celebrate this season!

                              
Thank you for visiting, and taking the time to read my posts. This is a journal of my life, and how I do things living in the country on a farmstead! In no way would I ever impose my way on anyone, we are all so unique, designed and created by a loving Father, we are here to help and complement each other, I know for sure that as I walk around in the neighborhood of blogland, that I am always so blessed, motivated and encouraged by you! I cannot adequately express what your friendship has and does mean to me.

Blessings,

Sue