Blueberry Picking

I mentioned in a previous post that this year, the farms where I live were hit by a late frost which killed most of the fruit crops, particularly the berries.  Since we were very careful to cover our garden each time the frost threatened, we didn't have any loss and actually thought maybe the frost wasn't so bad and we were over reacting to cover it so much.  

As it turns out a late frost surprised a lot of farms and there aren't any berries to speak of this year.  I called the farm we always visit and the farmer told us we could still come to pick, but he would only be open for a few days because there just wasn't enough there to warrant fully opening.  

So, at 5:30 a.m. we got up, dressed and made it to the berry farm by 7:30.  Well, actually I got up at 5:30.  Everyone else stayed in bed for an extra hour.  By the time we reached the farm, the sun was well over the hillside and it was already hot, but we were determined to have at least a pint or two of fresh berries as part of our summer tradition.

Well, I wish I could say we came home the conquering heroes, but after half an hour or so, we left.  There really just weren't that many berries and what we did find was very tart.  So, we picked just enough to make a pie and when we baked it, we added a little extra sugar to cover the tartness.

Still we enjoyed the morning together and kept a tradition alive and this is one tradition I simply cannot do without.  I look forward to it each summer and there won't be many more before my children are grown and gone into the world leading their own busy lives.  They won't join me here at the crack of dawn to wander down these rows picking berries, so it's important to make the best of the time we have together.

Shopping Info: COLLECTIF MAINLINE NOVA RAINBOW STRIPES SWING DRESS, or at Top Vintage, Earrings gifted from Natuloth