We have a d'Anjou cross, and the pears will store at cool room temperature for quite a long time. With the fruits that have issues, you can make "dessert pears" by barely covering cut chunks with a light syrup, bring to simmer, then freeze. These are great with a bit of whipped cream.

Look for a subtle change in the color of the pears, away from green and toward yellow, and harvest away. I also look for fruits starting to fall, another sign to harvest. Also you can cut into the pears and see if the seeds have started darkening. Good luck -- I love working with pears.

The pears he has are purple. In the article I read, it said that they should snap off if tilted to a horizontle position.
I'll try the dessert pears. Thanks! Nancy

Her question was if she could freeze them or not. Yes.
Here is how:

Here is a link that might be useful: Pears

What's the "light syrup"?

I use 4 cups water and 1 cup sugar for a light syrup. Boil it until the sugar dissolves.