The Happy Berry

If you love blueberries, you should check this place out! I bought a gallon of some of the best I have ever eaten, but the berries were not the best part. This quaint farm is located in Six Mile, SC and while I was down there last week, I thought I would check it out. We are voracious berry eaters at my house, and I knew that bringing home a basket would make me a hero. I wish that the kids had been with me.

I drove down a winding rock road and up to a small parking area. There were blueberry bushes all around me that were taller than my head and had huge clusters of not ripe berries weighing down the branches. There were also blackberry bushes and a sign that said "Blackberry Lane" where there was a grassy path that went up to an old shed-like building that had a front porch. I chose to walk around by the gravel drive and came across several chickens wandering in the grass making a feast of the insects in the yard.

When I got to the shed, there were about 5 steps up to the porch and sitting there was an elderly farmer who was putting together berry baskets. Something under the porch caught my eye and I saw a little piglet stretched out in the cool dirt. I walked around to look and he grunted, but didn't get up. He was very happy with his spot on what had turned out to be a very hot day.

When I walked up the steps to find out about the blueberries, I couldn't help but think of my Grandpa. The farmer had on overalls similar to the ones I remember Grandpa wearing almost every day. He had a posture as he worked that reminded me of the way my grandfather would sit while he was doing things. It was very relaxed, but the work was constant and you could see that he had done it to automaticity. The gentleman was very friendly and I told him I was interested in blueberries and he helped me pick them out of the walk-in cooler. I got a gallon and also a quart of blackberries.

During our conversation the old man told me he "lost his sweetie" last week. His wife had just died of cancer. I promised to keep him in my prayers and he thanked me. I left wondering if I had helped him that day and hoped my visit was good for him. I know that it made me thankful for the people I love and to all of you , in case I haven't said it lately, "I LOVE YOU!"

If you think of it, please say a prayer for the Happy Berry Man.

The Happy Berry

Whew!

It's been a busy day. I have gotten the grass cut and did a little plumbing project. Last year Campbell broke the front, outside spigot off and flooded the basement. Luckily there was a shutoff valve right there. It has taken me a whole year, but today I finally fixed it. Yes! All by myself. I even raised it up so that my watering can for my flowers can fit under. I hooked the hose up to it and fertilized the flower pots and the flower garden. I am feeling pretty handy. Best of all, NO LEAKS! I was terrified that I would cut the water on and little sprays would pop out all over the place. Not today!

I am getting ready to go to a shower for my friend Megan. She is getting married July 23. I am excited for her and the shower should be fun. First I must get the gas and grass smell off. It's into the shower for me and then to take Campbell to Mom and Dad's to spend the night.

All spring we have been waiting to see if there would be any ducklings on the lake. Yesterday they surprised us by making their first excursion. They came quite close. I think mom was wanting to show off her brood. The picture only shows 4, but there are actually 5 little ones. There are 2 other pairs that live there, so I am hoping we will be seeing more. I was so excited that I ran to get the camera and took about zillions of shots. Thank goodness for digital! 

Campbell "surfing"! 

Picture of Claire and Sam enjoying the lake

Gone Fishing!

There is a great place that my kids and I love to go. The first reason is that my other favorite person in the world lives there and the second is that it is an incredibly beautiful place. Yesterday my son and I were lucky to be able to spend the whole day. He swam all morning and then fished in the evening. The fishing was quite interesting. First, I learned that he is pretty good at getting his hook on and putting a very squirmy worm on the line. I still get a little squimish when I have to do that with bare hands, but have learned over the years that an abandoned sock makes both baiting and getting fish off hooks much more palatable. He is very patient and was able to reel in a couple of fish. One was a catfish, which we had to get some help to get off the hook. (Thanks Dan!) The second was a large mouth bass. Campbell was excited and the car is already packed to go back this evening. We can't wait.

This is Sam 

This is Rusty.  

This is Daisy 

A Rainy Sunday Morning

It's a rainy Sunday morning and I am doing everything I can to stay home. I am in no way complaining. You see, I am a teacher, and even though it has rained almost everyday of the summer so far, the important thing is that it is summer. No lesson plans. No work to grade. No students. Just me, my kids, my special guy, and our menagerie. No way am I going to utter one negative word. Life is good! Even the rain is good. Right now I am listening to the sound of it dripping from the leaves and to the birds singing all around. Summer sounds are amazing. ( I am also listening to the sound of my two kids in the kitchen. OY! There is no telling what I will see when I walk in there.)I think we will see the sun on Tuesday. Something to look forward to.