Over the last couple weeks we have had our share of this nasty heat wave. We came home from the cool mountains of Vermont to sweltering heat and humidity. Of course, the heat helped ripened the all the berries a bit early and we were left to pick in the worst of the heat. We choose an overcast morning to head out to the fields. We were armed with several bottles of water and blessed with a bit of breeze.
The kids are becoming quite the pickers and we were able to pick all the raspberries and blueberries we needed before the sun broke through from the clouds. The heat seemed to scare many away and we were left with the fields almost to ourselves. We all relished the quiet of the fields and nobody wanted to break the silence. The kids commented on how peaceful it was as they happily and quietly worked their way up and down the rows.
We enjoyed some cider and donuts before heading home with our newly picked loot. Raspberry jam, blueberry cobbler, raspberry sauce with chocolate over ice cream, fresh berries and cream… YUM!
We have been picked berries in sweltering heat, too. Unfortunately, it’s as hot in our house as outside since we don’t have air conditioning. Makes me understand why pioneer women did they canning and candle making outside!
We don’t have blueberries around us, but we do have strawberries, blueberries and boysinberries (sp). Nothing beats eating produce you pick yourself!
All my children have eaten for three days is some form of blueberry! Are you in Maine also Michelle?
Nope. We are in Michigan. Maine is number one for producing the low bush blueberries… apparently Michigan is number one for the tall bush variety. I've picked both and have to say… my back prefers the higher bushes. Either way though they taste great.
I don’t think we held up to the heat as well as you all did 🙂 Here’s my post about picking blueberries http://verdemama.blogspot.com/2011/07/finding-balance-seeking-joy.html
Yeah… well, the minute the sun came out it was sweltering. We would not have done so well if it wasn't for the cloud cover. Of course, it also made it feel like we were working in the clouds… you can almost see the moisture in the air in the photos. We were very sticky when done. Thanks for sharing your post. Sorry to hear about the bee-sting. Ouch.
I have fond memories of blueberry picking with my family. I love blueberries and live on them, once they are in season.
Debbie