Summer is in full swing at our house. My table is covered with newspaper and apricots. Which means that the first of my week will be spent making jam and other baked yummies. It is also the time of year when the sandplum starts to ripen. If you have never had sandplum jelly you are missing out on a grand treat. Usually these little critters are found along the roadside while taking a drive through the Oklahoma country side. Although I will admit that I have a few hidey holes that I know of where they reside in the middle of a field. None the less, they are a wild bush that one usually does not plant themselves. It is my intent also this week to get a good mess of these little goodies and put up some much coveted jelly.
I haven’t even begun to talk about the peaches, which are also starting to show their pretty little faces in the farmer’s markets. Usually though I try to go to a self pick orchard as the prices are a bit more reasonable. Needless to say I will have a busy week ahead of me.
Last week my mother and sister were visiting so many of my routine activities were put on the sidelines as I enjoyed the time with family. My grandkids will also be visiting in a few weeks so I have to attempt to get as much as I can done in the time at hand.
The days have been hideously hot and humid here this last week and look to continue through this week. Last week an abundant rain came at the beginning of the week, dumping up to 14 inches in some places just north of us. We managed to get 3 inches which we greatly appreciated as it gave a nice long drink of water to our pond and also to my flowers which lie outside the area of my ability to water. It also helped the grass to awaken and start to grow which means more mowing. It seems there is always something to do in the yard. I have been taking my early mornings to water and do any gardening that may need tending. The humidity has left its calling card each morning by placing a heavy dew on the grass which I have to say the mosquitoes love to play in. Yet it has been nice to be able to greet the sun each morning as it starts its climb into the sky. The quiet and peacefulness of morning is one of my most cherished times of day.
July 16th marks my one year anniversary and I am in the process of putting together some goodies to give away to all of you who have been with me throughout this time and also to the new ones who will come. I am hoping to post the details and the beginning of my list of goodies in the next couple days. I have so enjoyed getting to know so many of you and thank you so much for sharing in this journey with me.
Speaking of giveaways, last week I received a wonderful surprise in the mail from a recent giveaway I had the pleasure to win. Faerwillow over at Serendipity send me a wonderful package of goodies. I received fairy note cards, sea shells, a beautiful rock shaped like a heart, a wonderful treat from her children and so much more. She is a wonderful caring person whom has blessed me in so many ways. I urge you if you have not visited her site, you should take a stroll on over and see. I can assure you that you will likewise receive a wonderful treat.
The apricots are calling, I best end this and begin my work. Take care and enjoy your day. Many blessings to all of you
16 comments:
Dear Janie,
I always so enjoy visiting your blog -- it's simply rewarding because of your thoughtful words and beautiful photos.
I love apricots -- how I would love to eat some together with you. :)
Congrats on winning a parcel of goodies -- it's what you deserve. I am happy for you!
Hugs,
Birgit
Time flies, doesn't it? I was just thinking, I am only two months away from my year. I've never heard of sandplums ad would like to know more.
Mary
Apricot jam is my absolute favourite. Nothing compares.
Sounds like you have a bit of work ahead of you. But I'm so happy to hear that your grandkids will be out to visit!
I'll see about sending some of this cooler weather your way. Oh - but apricots and peaches are a good reward for warm weather, don't you think?
Apricots, peaches, plums.... yum! :)
Apricots spread on a table showy soft golden babies for jam and other goodies. Sandplums...words snag me, I love the sound of these plums, sandplums. :)
Lovely shot of the pond, water, trees, flowers and grass. A capture of beauty and peace.
Happy day to you.
Faerwillow is a dear heart. I visit her often.
I like apricots jam. I add Scented Pelargonium leaves when fruit is boiled and the jam gets a sweet taste of lemon-rose.
Your special day (16th July) may be filled with happy memories from last year and bright hopes for the future
Did you grow the apricots? They are one of my favorite fruits. I need to add a couple of apricot trees to my little orchard. There was one in a yard here in town that I used to raid, but it died a couple of years ago. X.
This conjures up warm, loving images of my Grandmothers and Aunties putting up jam.
I adore the lovely picture by the pond...it invites total serenity and peace.
Thank You for coming by and holding my hand for a bit...that meant more than you can know! :)
You'll have to post pics of your finished products if you can find the time...and I hope things cool off a bit for you too! It is ungodly here today!
Blessings Precious One!
Congratulations on your year! Sounds like you are really going to be super busy this week. I so love the mornings to, but those blood sucking bugs make me crazy early mornings in the yard. Wishing you a productive week. Your jelly sounds so yummy!
(((HUGS)))
I have missed coming by here to visit. Appreciate your comment you left for me.
Being laid up for the past 8 weeks with my broken vertibraes has limited my computer use.
Time flies doesn't it especially when you realize you have been doing a blog for a year.
I have found in my year which was just in April that the people you meet on here are some of the most understanding and loving people you will ever have the pleasure of knowing.
Congrats on your first year and I know I have enjoyed my visits with you.
Love
Maggie
You made me so hungry for a good peach. My granddad use to have a peach orchard and boy did I love going to his farm. lol
Wow, one year...how exciting! Those apricots look so delicious. We are still waiting for more sun. It feels like Spring here still. *sigh* Congrats on your win also!
xoxo
I never tried apricot jam!
I loved the way you described the rain that fell on your place. Could almost see you waling around in the morning.
Kisses and congrats for your anniversary!
~congrats on a year coming...may you continue to be inspired to write and share your wisdom and l♥ve with us...you are a peach my dear...thank you for your sweet words and kindness referring to me! may i come to your table...such divine treats you have laid before us...summer in all its ripeness...enjoy! much l♥ve and light upon you and yours~
Congratulations on one year of blogging.
July 16th is a very good day.
Would you possibly consider giving away a jar of apricot jam?????
;-]
Thank you for a year of wonder, delight, wisdom, and love!
Oh my dh loves loves loves apricots but they do not grow here we have to wait for imports .
Your pic of those flowers by the water is so beautiful and peaceful .
I had no idea you are in Oklahoma ! We have family there and my Mum's cousin comes here every summer to stay in her old hometsead be with all our cousins etc. we used to drive down to OK during spring break to stay on their farm . so cool small small world .
I will peek at the giveaway . Thanks so much for Your beautiful blog ☺
I've never tried sand plums but just the mention of sand plum jelly makes my mouth water. Congrats on your first year of blogging!
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