Woman Seeking Employment

She's big, buxom, and has applied for a position in the Federal government. What will she do? I have an idea, but think you might come up with something better. Let me know! Is she a new Czar perhaps? A unique cabinet position just created?

Continuing to be Blessed with Pears

Update : HE-HE-HE! We are DONE with pears! Except to eat fresh ones  until they're gone. The post I wrote last week when I was still working on pears follows.

Pear and Honey Preserve           
Orange Nutmeg Pear Butter
Frozen Pears in Juice
Cinnamon Pear Sauce
Pear Nectar

Looks like two more pickings of Asian pears to go, maybe one more from D'Anjou tree. We're down to freezing them to turn into delecacies later. Such bounty due to unusual rains in June, I'm sure.

Think I'll mix some pears and berries to make some more jam. Apple and berry turned out lip smackin' good.

Back to the store for more jars and pectin soon.

Melons will ripen soon; wonder what I can do with them. Watermelon pickles anyone?

Next year I want to plant ground cherries. I found several intriguing recipes. Maybe Honeyberries, too?

Planting fall seeds; planning spring garden;  canning, canning, canning; and freezing whatever I can. Selling and saving, the farm gives us as much as the work we put into it and more.

I Gotta Get One

 Wanted:

Small fan blowing big wind. Electric or battery powered. Price no object;weather too hot! 

Will this summer ever end?

O Watermelon Divine!

Oh, watermelon, apple of mine eye!

Hiding 'mongst the leaves so shy,

Waiting for a passing shower

Lurking in your leafy bower.

Hauling water, pulling weeds,

We cater to your daily needs.

Gazing daily as you grow

Time does pass exceeding slow.

We turn you gently seeking yellow

Upon your belly, jolly fellow.

A thoughtful thump. Listen! Hark!

You'll be chilled before it's dark.

Ma-Moo's old tub, galvanized,

Holds you, drawing all our eyes.

You're cradled, tubbed in icy cool,

Crisp and sweet, provoking drool.

Hurry melon, we await!

We yearn for you upon our plate!

A flash of silver; you split apart.

Green, and white, and sweet red heart.

Crunching, slurping, spitting seeds,

We worship summer in the weeds.

Friends and family, smiles divine. 

The day we pluck you from the vine.

Wanta Tickle?

Jammin'

I'm making dewberry jam today, from the bumper crop of berries picked from our HomePlace bramble. An unusually humid (and always hot) July in Texas, I work out in the porch kitchen so I don't heat up the house. A real sense of accomplishment to see the jars set out to cool, glowing purple-black; a reminder of things past.

I learned many things from my mother as I grew up -- needlework, cleaning, cooking, freezing and canning food. All valuable things I hope to pass on to my "Grands."

Mother was a difficult person to deal with inside the family walls. I left home carrying a whole lot of baggage. She had gone on (to paraphrase Janet Evanovich) to "the great casino in the sky"  two weeks ago. Mother did the best she could with what she had. We were estranged , but I have enough distance now to appreciate the things she taught me....

The jars on the towel sparkle, and sound softly as the lids seal. I swipe a finger along the side of the stainless steel jam pot for a taste, then toss it into the soapy water. I stand, scrubbing the pot, staring out into the woods, as memories roll across my mind.

Bringing Up Kittens

Boat and half of her kittens gobble breakfast with Pepperoni. Sadly Pepperoni lost her kittens, but she's taken to wet nursing Boat's brood. Boat couldn't be happier, she'd already weaned the babies, but they try to mug herfor milk. The babies are overjoyed because milk still flows, just at a different dairy bar.

Peppi has taken to protecting the kittens, much to Bear-dog's dismay. Now two irritated female furies clean his clock when he tries to play with the kittens. Puffed up and growling in their protection mode, I'm even put off at their displays for Bear. Today he ignored the Momma duo and was beaten roundly until he ran away yelping. He can't understand what happened to his friend Peppi, she used to bat at him without claws, now she's developed sharp edges.

Boat generously shares her kittens with Peppi, for which I'm glad. Nothing's sadder than a Mom-cat calling for babies that are gone. I'm happy Peppi has some babies to mother. No doubt the kittens will grow to enormous size with all the extra milk.