[Sometime contributor to the blog, Tina Rose will participate in the "Power lunch" at this year's festival.]
This time of year is always busy for me whether I'm at work or on vacation. This year I decided to have a staycation and spend the entire time processing/canning my blackberries, plums and various vegetables. I admit I am not one that people would ever assume takes the role of organic, blackberry farmer. But when I discovered a large patch on our property about 4 years ago, suddenly my mother's spirit descended and inspired me to SAVE THE BERRIES! Alas, little did I know that the berries would not give up anything easily. The branches have thorns, the leaves have thorns, the thorns have thorns and so the quest to gather the luscious, sweet fruit becomes a battle with the elements. But as with any quest, the journey is half the battle and makes the reward that much sweeter.
Girding one's self for the trip to the field is a process itself. Besides the thorns there are chiggers, mosquitoes, stink bugs and various other stingy thingys. I recommend lots of layers: hat, long sleeves, jeans, rubber boots...The problem is that it's summer. Summer means hot weather so long sleeves, pants and boots are not exactly cool. In fact, they cause quite an increase in one's temperature. But, as any great hero, I must sacrifice for the journey. So I gird my self for the trip to the field with OFF, clothing and a big Longerberger basket.
You know the rest. I come back from the field with scratches, bug bites (despite the armor and preparations) and a large basket full of ripe, black, juicy berries. My conquest is much appreciated by all who have partaken of the fruits of my labor (pun intended). Canning the jelly is no great feat. We cook them, add sugar and seal the jars. But the real work goes in the pruning in the fall and the constant layering, working, sweating, picking, scratching, clawing, thorning and bending that goes on in the field. It is rewarding knowing that my friends and relatives will be supplied with a scrumptious, sweet ambrosia that beats anything bought in a store. Even though they require a blood sacrifice, the berries call to me, and I always answer.
Tina
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