I do wish I had thought to take a picture of one of our newer friends, Leon, who hails from Nebraska. As soon as he heard that we had sweet corn that needed to be shucked, he quickly volunteered saying, "Let me shuck the corn...after all, I'm a "Nebraska Cornhusker!" And he proceeded to do an expert job of shucking that corn out on the front porch while visiting with friends...
and even took home the shucks for his compost pile!
This sweet corn was so good...that in itself was worth a "celebration"! How many of you remember the first sweet corn of the season, drenched in butter, and seeing how many ears you could eat without making yourself sick?
This corn was so perfect...nothing would do but to serve it hot and fresh on Mama's beautiful antique Flow-Blue platter. I asked my sister if I dared to use it, because I've been so afraid I'd break it...but she agreed with me that Mama would be so pleased to know that we used it just like she did for our many family gatherings at the old home place. And so we did...
That's what our home is designed to be...a gathering place...a place to make memories...
The foyer of our home...
hopefully it spells
"Welcome"
Sometimes I forget to remind people to sign the guest book...so I go back and
write in their names so I can remember the day and who was here with us...
This beautiful magnolia blossom from our huge tree in the Secret Garden gave off the freshest lemony scent as it welcomed
our guests....
The only picture we thought to take was toward the end of the day, as my sister and I sat down to relax and have a cup of tea. Here we are...
Here it is:
It was ideal for our little impromptu tea for two tea party...and a perfect ending to a perfect day.
Here's some thoughts about the "Rewards of Wisdom" from King Solomon in Proverbs 3 that speak to me tonight as I reflect on this sweet time of fellowship and pleasant times with loved ones and friends...
Proverbs 3
5. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not on your own understanding;
6. In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He shall direct your paths.
7. Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8. It will be health to your flesh,
and strength to your bones.
9. Honor the Lord with your possessions,
and with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10. So your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will overflow with new wine.
13. Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
and the man who gains understanding;
14. For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
and her gain than fine gold.
15. She is more precious than rubies,
and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
16. Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
17. Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.
18. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
and happy are all who retain her.
I hope you've enjoyed these "Happy Reflections" from a pleasant time of fellowship. Something I've learned over the years from having many of these gatherings is what Proverbs 3:9-10 says:
9. Honor the Lord with your possessions,
and with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10. So your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will overflow with new wine.
When we choose to honor the Lord with our possessions, our home, our food and friendship...God blesses us with plenty! Our "vats overflow with new wine" so to speak, the new wine of joy, laughter, lasting friendships that have endured through time and many trials...and I want to give Him the glory and praise for these marvelous blessings. We have truly been blessed by God...and He deserves all the praise. Thank You, Lord, for so much "plenty". Amen.
I did indeed enjoy the pictures you painted with your words! And just let me say, my number is 13. I'm from corn and pig country - central Ohio. My hometown has an annual Sweet Corn Festival. When I was 14 or 15, I ate 13 ears of corn in one sitting. It did not make me sick. LOL I can't eat that much now, but I still love it!
ReplyDelete13?????Wow!!!! Now, that's a lot of corn!!!! I feel pretty good if I can eat more than 2...but I've learned the hard way not to push it any farther...but it sure is tempting. 13...I can't even begin to imagine...LOL. You are "wonder woman" of the Sweet Corn!! Maybe when I was 14 I might have tried...but even then...You Ohio girls are something else! (my mother was from Ohio...and I've lived there too! Love Ohio!)
DeleteOne of my favorite memories is riding with my grandmother on country roads to a farm with a roadside stand selling freshly picked sweet corn. We'd buy it, bring it back to the house, prepare it, cook it, and the feast would begin! For me, summer is synonymous with sweet corn, drenched, of course, in real butter. Now I'm getting a craving for it! LOL!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Pam!
I hope you can find some fresh sweet corn real soon!!It is a wonderful summer tradition!!!
DeleteI always look forward to the corn every year. Your pictures make me even more hungry for some. You and your sister look so much alike....what fun to be able to have a gathering and not have to do all the cooking!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you can find some fresh sweet corn soon! In Florida the season starts early and you have to get it quick before it's all gone! Yes, my sister and I do look a lot alike according to everyone else. We don't think so...I'm a tall freckled red-head, and she's a petite brunette, but in our old age our hair looks the same due to a little help from friends...and we've kind of grown more alike over the years I guess. As far as not doing all the cooking...I still do all the cleaning, preparing the tables, make the tea,we provide the meat and usually baked beans or some other dish, depending upon what others are bringing...then we have all the clean up after (but everyone pitches in). I learned a long time ago to always say "yes" when people ask if they can bring anything! It makes it so much more fun that way for a large crowd. We usually have at least 10-15 people at a time, but sometimes more. And we get to sample a variety of good food that way.
DeletePam, Your sweet corn looks amazing! Too often I neglect to have this Iowa staple...I do enjoy it. I don't recall ever trying to see how many I could eat before getting sick. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these memory making times. God has blessed us so richly.
Blessings!
Thank you Kim. I wouldn't recommend trying to eat until you get sick...but with sweet corn on the cob...it might be worth the journey! LOL.
DeleteYes, we are blessed people...in so many ways! The sweet corn is just the "icing on the cake"! Have a blessed and happy day today!!!
It is always wonderful when family and friends come together for good food and great fellowship. It's one of my favorites things to do. That is a great picture of you and your sister, you look enough alike to be twins. And...I would love to sit on your porch and visit for a while.
ReplyDeleteY'all come!!! I would SO LOVE to have you come and sit on this porch with me...and we could have corn on the cob and tea or coffee and whatever else delights your fancy! Thank you for your visit here today! You have blessed me! I'm so glad you are feeling better!
DeleteHi Pamela, Every time I stop by your blog I'm always blessed. Your photos are the kind I can look at all day long and the porch is so inviting. Too bad we live so far apart. Have a day of blessings my friend.
ReplyDeletePerhaps one day you will come to Florida to visit your daughter, who lives quite near me actually! Please let me know if/when you do, and we will definitely get together and visit on my porch and in the Secret Garden and beyond....What a treat that would be for me too!! As they say in the south, "Y'all come!"
DeleteWow, you are enjoying the first fresh corn of the season, while I am waiting for the weekend to plant my corn, lol! How amazing the difference in time zones! I remember growing up, the first corn harvest my parents had, and all of us kids would try to outdo each other on how many we could eat. There was nothing else for supper, just sweet corn, and oh my, the butter dripping down the chin, just so good! My mom couldn't seem to cook it fast enough for us. I can't remember how many I could eat, but we sure enjoyed it! Your corn brought back good memories for me :) I too enjoy having people over and just enjoying the company and having a good visit with everyone, along with sampling lots of great food! You and your sister sure do look a lot alike! So wonderful to have the fun times together, and to have a guest book where you can record who came and when! You surely are a delightful hostess, and create such a sweet and loving atmosphere for all who come to enjoy their time together :) Hugs to you today!
ReplyDeleteI know my northern friends are probably all drooling over that corn. I remember when we lived up north and had to wait until late summer for the sweet corn...but oh! What a treat it was when it was finally ready!! Thank you for stopping by here early this morning for such a delightful visit! You have made my day brighter already!! What a joy to have friends visit from all over the country, even if it is here in "cyber-space", I still feel like we have spent some time together! Anytime you find your way south, please know that you are welcome here! "Y'all Come!"
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