The season for picking fruit continues with blueberries. I had it on my to do list, but I think I was getting a wee bit tired with my trip to New York and then preparing for the major terracing project at home and major project delivery deadlines at work and starting training for WW Leader. I think that was a lot to do on my plate already for the month of August. But, encouraged by a colleague at work who went blueberry picking, I decided to go. By and by, I got another friend who wanted to go too.

So, we went blueberry picking at Turkey Hill Farm, Haverhill, MA. I am so very happy that we went. The day was perfect, with warm sun, and cool breeze. The entire blueberry section, must be about an acre or two, was neatly planted with rows of blueberry trees about 4-5 feet tall. The entire farm was covered with mesh at about 8-10 feet height to protect the fruit from birds and other predators. Each tree had a personal water connection connected to the main pipe neatly placed alongside each row. The blueberry trees were loaded. There were more fruit than actual leaves (ok, I didn't count). But when you see a blueberry tree that appears blue, with a tinge of green, and not the other way around, you know, it is going to be great picking.

How can you refuse this tree?	Me, and the blueberries

There were about 5-6 other people picking blueberries, all mesmerized with their tree and the blue marbles. The general chatter about what we were going to do with our personal stash; freeze them, make cakes, make pies, and oh! of course eat them. I don't think we were allowed to eat as we picked, but I did, all the ones that fell to the ground, I ate them. My rationale being, they are going to waste any ways, as no one picks fallen fruit, so may as well, invoke the 10 second on the ground rule and pop them in the month. I must have gobbled at least half a pound. Not that I am saying that I was a poor picker and many of mine landed on the ground (grin!) for me to eat.

The owners (at least we think it was the owner) walked around, chatting with us. I found from him, that the trees were planted in 1980's and some were older. Hmm, So, if I plant a blueberry tree in my yard, then my imaginary children will be able to get a decent harvest. Nah! not planting blueberries..... although.... hmm.... nah.... we'll see. The picking for blueberries, will go on till Labor day, this year, due to the fantastic crop. The farm also has sections for blackberry and raspberry. I did not know that while picking blackberry, we should not be picking the good looking ripe ones, but pick a ones slightly over ripped ones with little mushy feel. Interesting, who knew? Anyways, no blackberry or raspberry picking this season. I want to pick peaches..... and make gingered peaches..... but, I need the freezer space now.

I loved every minute of my time with the blueberries. Between my friend and me we picked two buckets (one 11.4 lbs and the other 9.5 lbs) of blueberries. They are delicious and now they are going to be frozen in smaller packets for the winter time.  What I need now is a freezer. I have my eye open for a good upright front loading freezer.