~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

How was your day?

Written by Sue, Tuesday, August 30, 2011                                          absolutely beautiful 80's, low humidity.
We are so very thankful for minimal damage from Irene, our thoughts and prayers are with those who were hit so hard.... It breaks my heart to watch the news and see people telling their stories of loss....


We have been cleaning up and trying to get things back to normal.....the only damage to the house was the screen being torn out, we also lost another of our Bradford Pears, and a lot of debris, so insignificant compared to others.. But still thankful!!!!

Dh fixed the screen while I cleaned and placed everything back in place.

 I feel very sad tonight for what so many are experiencing....,  Our lives can change forever in a moment.  Please join me in praying for all that are enduring problems, from storms, extreme heat, and drought.
I am so looking forward to fall, as we have had such a hot, dry summer. Our daughter who lives in Texas told me today that her lawn is so dry that it crunches when they walk  across it.


Monday I decided it was time to finally finish the garlic, sooooo....

What does this pan of garlic have in common

with these knee high stockings? 

This of course.

We will be planting our crop for next year soon, Garlic is very easy to grow, and we use it both in cooking, and for medicinal purposes. One of the best herbs you can grow.

They are now hanging in the pantry waiting for use.
I am so looking forward to fall......

We harvested our gourds when the girls were home,

Papa and Susie, she is our serious one, always honest, and doesn't want to hurt anyones feelings.

This is our little ham, Katie, every family needs one of these, she makes you laugh even when you don't feel like it, and  loves a camera.

 I washed them,

 hand dried and placed on a table  for a couple of weeks.

 I then paste waxed...next I hand rubbed with a  soft cloth... yes! each and every one! ~lol~

"Voila" ready for containers and placed over the house, a first reminder to me of fall's soon coming

This one found its way into the foyer. September 1st is this week, I think I can safely put out some fall decorations with out feeling silly~grin~ Did I tell you how much I am looking forward to fall? ~smile~

Until we meet again, 

May the God of peace fill you with His peace.

Sue

Numbers 6: 24-26~ "The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace."

Sweating, but not to the "oldies"

Written by Sue, Thursday June 9, 2011                                                    high 90's, very hot and humid

I became interested in growing garlic many years ago, after learning of all of its health benefits, not to mention how much I enjoy using in my cooking.....

One day Mr P and I were visiting an older gentleman, he wanted to show us his herb garden, he had oodles of garlic growing and seeing my interest, pulled up some plants, gave them to me with instruction on how to plant them, as  they say "the rest is history." It just keeps multiplying, which I like.

I am very inquisitive when it comes to plants and am always trying new things. 

I was out in the garden last week and was amazed at all of the bees,... bumble bees,honey bees and others refreshing their taste buds with the nectar from the blossoms. We can learn so much from our friends{the bees).

We have  really been looking forward to gathering our garlic, and didn't know how this intense heat was affecting it. As you can see we have put painting, and repairing  our fence on hold until vegetable season is over.{grin}

Lucy is always there supervising our work, she is so inquisitive about what goes on here at the farm Did I mention how much we love,and adore her?And she knows it, I am thinking she is planning ways to test us, {Not really she is such a sweetheart, always so obedient and eager to please}

Inside this bulb are many cloves, this is known as Elephant Garlic

"Whew"this is to much like work, you guys finish while I supervise"

Mr P. tying the bundles, notice how wet his shirt is from perspiration, sweat, this comes from living in a very humid climate, high heat along with a moist atmosphere brings sweat. and it was still mid morning, we try to keep ourselves hydrated, of course lots and lots of iced tea.

Ready to hang in a cool, dark,place, believe it or not we found such a place.After a few weeks of drying I put the bulbs in a nylon stocking, and always have extra to share.

Until next time, 

Sue

A personal note to you dear Friends;

 If you notice I am posting more frequently  this week it is because I am inside more, being a little lazy cooling off, I am trying to journal more often {even if only once or twice a week}about our life here at the farm, and to put it in a personal book form at the end of the year, like so many of you have done.  I was so impressed with yours to the point of being envious {grin} Since our children live so far away,  I am hoping to be able to give them something that will go on for a long time. 

I know that each of you are like me so busy especially this time of year, and that your time is valuable too. I am always so humbled when someone takes the time to read the words I place here, and when you leave a comment I am blessed even more. And for this reason I try and make sure I reciprocate,{this is my personal choice} as I treasure your friendship as well as your thoughts. If I have ever not reciprocated a comment it was by sheer mistake. Once I post a new post I seldom go back to my older ones, and if someone was overlooked I so apologize.

I was thinking yesterday of how blogging has changed my life, in so many ways, I have connected with Ladies who have impacted my life so much, I truly admire your gifts, talents, love of God and families and treasure your friendship. Thank you for allowing me to visit in your homes and for taking the time to share your innermost thoughts and for allowing me to share mine too, and for all of your prayers, I count it a privilege to pray for you too.

Hugs,

Sue

John 15:12~"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.