Sunday, October 11, 2009

Fruit of Her Labor


This post is in honor of my dear mother. This is about the fruits of her labor. Ever since I can remember my mom has tirelessly labored for us, her family. I remember when I was growing up I didn't really understand why she always had an agenda and it always revolved around some kind of work. I dreaded it many times when I was in the garden hoeing or weeding or picking. Then later when it was time to can or freeze I hated it, well hate is a strong word and probably inaccurate, because it was a hate/love relationship. You see the end product was just so yummy, I mean just look at the pictures.

As an adult, I now understand the tireless hours of laboring for your family, I too have enjoyed the fruits of my own labor, as has my husband and children. I know that my son's don't fully understand the kind of love that drives us mom's to labor, the driving force that leads to the tired to the bone, aching back, sacrifices that we make. And not that they are felt as sacrifices, I mean no one makes us do the things we do, we do it because it we want to. It is how we show our love.

I love you mom! You do it all because you want to, because you love us.

Don't these pickles look fabulous? Just a couple of weeks ago I traveled to TN to see my folks and of course my mom sent me home with a couple dozen jars of fruits and vegetables, not to mention a ton of fresh okra, sweet peppers and apples.


Here's my mom picking her bumper crop of okra. It is several feet above her head. This is the first year that mom has gardened without my dad helping her. Daddy's health has been declining and he doesn't have the strength to help. Of course I worry that she does too much, but I know how much she enjoys it.


Okra on the stalk. Can't you just taste that home fried-okra, mmm.


Here is mom picking her sweet peppers.


She had all colors of peppers. A real bumper crop too.


She didn't grow these apples, but purchased them from a nearby orchard.



This is the back of their home. You can see the garden in the foreground. She has raised beds that my dad constructed for her a couple of years ago.


Oops another basket of apples, aren't they beautiful!!!



Wouldn't you love this in your pantry? Labor of Love I tell you!



Another picture of garden, this photo was taken in the late afternoon, on a beautiful fall day.


This is the fabulous view from the front porch.


Front view of the house.




8 comments:

  1. This post has stirred up memories galore over here!!!! My sister and I had to get up early in the summer so that we could get the hoeing , weeding, picking, etc. done before it got too hot. We just thought it was so unfair. I still didn't like it even as I was scarfing down those peas and corn and tomatoes, and fried okra!!!
    But, you are right about it all, and I understand it today. We didn't work nearly as hard as our moms.
    And your mom could be my mom. I miss her so much.
    Rhonda

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  2. Hi again!
    Isn't is funny how much our lives parrallel those of people that we never meet.
    Glad that we met!
    I didn't comment on your moms wonderful jars of canned goodies! I was too busy reliving "the dreaded garden summers!"
    The house and the views are incredible. What a peaceful place to call home.
    Rhonda

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  3. Yes, I would looove to have her pantry...that is one awesome pantry she has! My grandmother always had a pantry filled with jars of veggies and fruit...I would give anything to have a picture of it...you are soooo lucky to have pics! Thanks for sharing this wonderful story and beautiful pics. Happy Fall!

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  4. Thanks for visiting. I love the site of fresh bottled fruits and vegetables all lined up on shelves. It's so comforting. Thanks for sharing the lovely pictures and the memories.

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  5. Marla, so nice to meet you! I live about 70 miles from you, on the west coast. I really enjoyed looking through your blog.

    Your parents have such a lovely home and property in TN. My hubby was born there but has lived in FL since he was 5. Your mom's gardening is amazing, and her pantry looks like a work of art!

    Lallee

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  6. My mom didn't garden big but she did put up peaches, beans, pears and pear honey and grape jam and tomatoes. What is Sunday dinner without homecanned beans?

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  7. Hi Marla...

    Ohhh my...your mother has quite the garden! I don't know if I've ever seen a prettier one! The okra is unbelievable...sooo high! Yes, I do know the labor involved with canning but as you said...it's so worth it! All of those yummy jars of homegrown fruits and veggies sitting on your mother's pantry shelves really do look fabulous! I remember helping my Grandma and mom with the canning and I have done some as well!

    This was such a great post, Marla! Not only does your mother have a fabulous garden but her home is just gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing this post with us for Sunday Favorites...it was a real treat! I also wanted to thank you for your sweet note and well wishes for my Sunday Favorites "One Year" birthday celebration! Thank you!!! I'm so glad that you joined in with the fun yesterday!!!

    Have a wonderful day and best wishes on the gift card giveaway!

    Chari @Happy To Design

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  8. I enjoy gardening and canning, and can only imagine the amount of time it took to create that pantry! Wish it was mine-enjoy!

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