Busy Week (July 20-25): An Exploration of Blueberries and Gardening
A Week on the Family Farm: Blueberries and Garden Work
Each day on the family farm begins early, as the sun rises and the dew glistens on the blueberry bushes. The mornings are cool and refreshing, making it the perfect time to avoid the midday heat while picking blueberries, which are in peak season during July and August.
Maddie, the author, is often seen working in her journal in the reading spot, planning out the day's tasks. One might also find Thomas leaving for work every morning at 7am, ready to tackle the day off the farm.
The blueberry picking process is a joyful one, with family members of all ages joining in. They carefully select ripe, sun-warmed blueberries by hand, gently twisting them off the branches to avoid damaging the plants. This not only results in a bountiful harvest but also creates cherished summertime memories.
While picking, the author might listen to podcasts, helping the time pass quickly. Afterwards, they return home to prepare the freshly picked blueberries for various dishes, such as blueberry crumble, pancakes, smoothies, or muffins. The author also freezes chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, figs, squash, and peppers for later use.
Garden work is an integral part of life on the farm. Tasks such as weeding, watering, pruning, and general maintenance ensure the health of the blueberry bushes and other crops. The author often weeds the garden and tucks the chickens and chicks in at 8:30, making sure they are safe and comfortable for the night.
The garden is a source of pride for some, like one person who is particularly proud of the corn they grew and cooked about 12 pieces for lunch. The author also mentions a bountiful garden, with a variety of produce including cucumbers, radishes, beets, beans, bell peppers, purple lettuce, corn on the cob, and tomatoes.
Unfortunately, not all produce is safe from predators. Two pumpkins in the garden were eaten by deer. However, the author makes the most of the eaten pumpkins by giving them to the chicks and big chickens. The chicks follow the author around, waiting to snatch the blueberries she drops.
Family bonding is a key aspect of life on the farm. Kait, Kenna, and Sam had a blueberry eating contest during a rainy Saturday afternoon on the farm. Tilly is seen reading her new scriptures on her mattress in the reading spot, lost in a world of imagination.
The week is filled with moments of hard work, joy, and shared experiences. It is a testament to the rhythm of life on the farm, defined by the natural cycles of the blueberry harvest season. The author looks forward to the coming days, knowing that each one will bring new challenges and opportunities to connect with nature and the harvest.
[1] Farm Life: A Guide to Blueberry Picking and Garden Work [2] Blueberry Recipes: Making the Most of Your Harvest [3] Farm Festivals: Celebrating the Blueberry Season
- After a day of blueberry picking and garden work, the author delves into the world of cooking, crafting delectable recipes like blueberry crumble, pancakes, smoothies, or muffins, using the freshly picked blueberries from the farm.
- Amidst the green expanse of the home-and-garden, the family shares moments of bonding, such as Kait, Kenna, and Sam's blueberry eating contest during a rainy Saturday afternoon, demonstrating the lifestyle that merges food-and-drink with the harmony of nature's bounty.
- As the summer season progresses, the family throws a farm festival to celebrate the blueberry season, inviting friends and neighbors to partake in the joy of homemade recipes and the rewards of their home-and-garden work, fostering a sense of community steeped in the tradition of food-and-drink and garden work.
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