Raspberry Overload

Being away for a few weeks also meant that I came home to masses of ripe berries.  In summers past, I spent about 2 hours a day for two weeks straight picking raspberries.  See the huge patch behind my fence....

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That's not even all of it!  Actually, the berries aren't even in my yard - they grow in a park that is accessible to everyone.  But I am the only one who picks.  It kills me that at this time of year people will buy a pint of raspberries for $5.99 at the supermarket, when they are free for the taking all around town.  I've actually considered standing around that part of the produce section and inviting people to my house!  And the other thing that kills me, is that I still have bags of frozen berries from last year!  There are only so many berries that a couple (who tries to avoid desserts) can eat.  So, I've been inviting friends to come and pick. I've only had two takers.  Both times I happily chatted and picked alongside them, and then insisted they take my bucket of berries back home with them!

 There is nothing as yummy as a sun-warmed raspberry

plucked right off the branch

I did pick enough berries to make a batch of jam though....

 Check out the cool 70s labels I found at Value Village. 

I think I'll invite our wine-making friends over next, they'll need lots of fruit and maybe I'll get a bottle in return.