Apples and Pears

So many apples, so little time.  We have two mature trees that are bearing a tremendous amount of fruit.  How does one tell when they are ripe?  By tasting alone?  When they start falling from the tree?  They taste a little unripe yet, but they are starting to fall. Two years ago we harvested in mid-October.  Not sure we can wait that long this year. 

For the first time, we have a semi-decent crop of small pears.  I'm thinking of freezing these for future breads, pies, jams, etc.  I've never frozen pears before -  I hope they do as well as apples.