Folk Wisdom

"Do not try to preserve your name

by writing it on the trunks of trees

or upon the walls of old buildings,

but write it in the memories and affections

of your friends

by your uprightness and sweetness

of character."

THE OLD FARMER'S ALMANAC, 1893

Grassy Pastures

It has been a while since my last post. Life has somehow gotten in the way.

Right after lunch today, I hopped on the old John Deere lawn mower and headed out back to the back forty. Well not really forty acres ... more like a three grassy acres. But I tell you after just about two hours of a bumpy ride, and constant hummmmmmmm, I was thankful it was only three!

During lawn mowing time, I sing, think, and talk with God. I admit I even cried and had to wipe my work jacket sleeve across my cheeks a few times. I've didn't solve the world's problems. Gas isn't cheaper, the economy is still in turmoil, and cancer isn't beaten ... but God is still good. God is still faithful. And God is still in control.

It's hard not to fret and worry because we are such frail creatures ... especially us women ... but as My Hubby always says,

"God is never in a hurry,

but He is always on time"

I hope that you had a lovely Saturday.

Folk Wisdom

If you get to thinking

you're a person of some influence,

try ordering

somebody else's dog around.

~ * ~

Showing and Telling # 1

Over the past many months I have been first introduced and then intrigued by blogs. In fact I have a few that I frequent EVERY DAY!

One of my favourites is 'There is No Place Like Home'. (Check out her blog with the link below) Kelli amazes me from week to week with her crafts, wisdom AND recipes.

http://kellishouse.blogspot.com/2008/09/show-and-tell-friday_18.html

Every Friday she has a Show and Tell and invites everyone to participate. It is a grand way to visit other blogs with kindred spirits.

As my second posting ... EVER ... I am Showing and Telling you about some Pear Honey that I made. (Thanks Kelli for the recipe!) It's amazing.

Yesterday my 'Hubby' and my 21 year old son, 'The Genius', informed me that they would come home from work much later than usual. I had planned using up left overs for dinner, so I had a bit of spare time before they arrived.

I said to myself, "Self? Why not try that Pear Honey recipe?" I already had purchased a small sack of pears and so all I needed was a few other ingredients.

~ * ~ Pear Honey ~ * ~

Yields six pint jars

8 cups (about 3 pounds) peeled, cored, and chopped pears
One 20-ounce can pineapple with syrup (crushed is best, but you can use chunks, tidbits etc)

10 cups sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Mix all ingredients in a large saucepan.

Cook until pears are tender and mixture thickens, approximately 30 minutes ... strirring often.

Transfer to a blender and puree. Transfer back to saucepan and bring to a boil for about 5 minutes. (I own a Bamix hand blender and so simply pureed while simmering.)

Pour into sterilized jars and seal with snap tops and rings while still hot.

Carefully place jars on towel-lined counter. Do not tip when transporting. Allow to cool at least 8 hours. They will snap as they cool and seal.

Enjoy!

I topped with circles made from some quilt fabric that I had, cuddled the jars with a pretty grape vine, added an extra pear and Voila! French for "Wow, I can't believe I did that!"

Please try the recipe yourself. You and your lucky family with thank me :o)

And so it begins ...

I have always loved the 1940s and 50s and even into the 60s.

It seemed like morals and family life abounded ... or maybe this idealic life was portrayed only in the media.

Remember the 'The Andy Griffith Show' and 'Leave it to Beaver' ? They remain two of my all time favourite shows.

Dad was respected as the loving head of the family.
Mom was loved and supported.
And the kids? Well, kids have always been kids, but back then they were actually corrected for wrong doings and yet continued to KNOW that they were a cherished part of the family.

Home was that wonderful and secure place.

Alas ... it's 2008 and we're not in Mayberry any more.

Maybe we should look retro-spectively.

Join with me in my humble attempt to help ladies ... like myself ... realize the importance of being a mom and help-meet extraordinaire.

Ready or not ...