Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Red Stained Fingers

   I remember being so excited when berry picking time arrived.  Oh yes, we had the raspberries and strawberries in the garden but what could more exciting then picking "wild berries" along the river trees?
Sharon and I would cover ourselves with insect spray; strap on a belt to hold our buckets and follow Mama with her friend Glenice........
   Sometimes, when I was very young, I can remember Grandma Fitzpatrick coming along too.  It was an adventure of sorts.  Walking thru the planted fields; following cow paths; walking thru tall grass to search for "lost treasures".
   We would pick plums and chokecherries.  We loved to see who could pick the most or find the BIGGEST one of day.  When we got home Mama would wash them and check for sticks or maybe even bugs, lol.
I loved that day as the kitchen would smell so sweet and fruity as she made the jams and jellies.
Now that I still have strawberries in my own garden................I think of times like these.