berry picking.

This morning Mary and I walked about five minutes up the hill with three sweet little children and picked saskatoon berries for about an hour with them. It would have been a hot day with the sun so bright, but it was perfect in the breeze blowing by us. 
This is the third day in a row we have been up there collecting nature's little treats for fresh homemade desserts! Mary is our kitchen angel and makes delicious berry (and sometimes berry-rhubarb) crisp. 
As we were getting ready to leave this morning I was reminded of the children's picture book, 'Blueberries For Sal'. I am grateful that we didn't have the same experience on our little walk this morning! I like seeing bears through the window when we are driving, but I have no wish to make their better acquaintance.
I remember picking blackberries on Gabriola Island, and even at a highway gas station down at the coast. Those are easily my favorite wild berries to pick, in spite of the thorny brambles. Saskatoon berries are more like small, woody blueberries. Not very juicy either. But lovely stewed, stirred into yogurt or poured over ice cream (which we will be having today :) or baked in a pie... 
I thank Heaven again and again for the beautiful countryside we have out our door. We are blessed, and so grateful!

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