Weekly Update: Food and Movies at the Garden and Drive-in (7-13-25)
In the heart of New England, the summer of 2025 has been a season of bountiful harvests and family fun. The gardens are thriving, and the blueberry patches are a constant work for the dedicated team.
The blueberry season is in full swing, with pick-your-own operations ongoing or recently completed, depending on the location. For instance, the Belfast Blueberry Cooperative in Maine boasts a "no spray" protected area, ensuring sweet and plentiful berries thanks to favorable growing conditions and natural pollination by wild bees. Elsewhere, blueberry bushes are in full bloom, offering a plentiful crop that benefits from a season free from extreme weather.
The family has been making the most of the blueberry bounty, preparing a variety of delicious meals from freshly picked berries. From pies and lemon bread to syrups and lemonade, the blueberries have been the star ingredient in many meals.
Community involvement is encouraged in Maine blueberry fields, with spring and autumn field care in exchange for picking credits. This collaborative effort has made the blueberry harvest a true community affair.
Meanwhile, the garden has faced its share of challenges, with squash bugs, hornworms, and deer causing problems. However, the family has persevered, and the garden has provided a steady stream of squash, zucchini, and purple beans, which are fried in lard from sausage purchased from a friend.
The garden has also been home to 12-foot tall sunflowers, a favourite among the children, Samuel and Kaitlyn. Tilly and Samuel have even carved their names in their pumpkins, which are growing alongside the other produce.
Unfortunately, no current data on sunflower field status or specific garden updates (other than flowers and basil) was available for 2025. However, for the most current and detailed activities, checking with local farms or farm event calendars is recommended.
In addition to the garden work, which is done for an hour or two every morning, about 4-5 times a week, the family has found time for leisure activities. Lori, a hard worker, took a break to help in the blueberry patch on Monday morning until noon. Mama also lent a hand in the blueberry patch on Monday.
The kids had a great night together at the homemade drive-in movie, where they sat in cardboard cars made by Andy. This was followed by a second movie outing at home, where they enjoyed the comfort of their own home while watching their favourite films.
Andy also found time to edit a homeschooling video during one of the movie nights at home.
As of late July 2025, the blueberry patches in New England are actively producing ripe berries, with pick-your-own operations ongoing or recently completed, depending on location. For those interested in experiencing the blueberry season first-hand, checking with local farms or farm event calendars is highly recommended.
The family's leisure activities include attending a homemade drive-in movie, where they sit in cardboard cars, and hosting a second movie night at home. (lifestyle)
In the heart of New England, homeschooling sessions are complemented by hands-on experiences, such as Andy editing homeschooling videos amidst family activities. (homeschooling)
Their home-and-garden lifestyle is woven with blueberry harvests, fresh produce from the garden, and DIY projects like cardboard cars. (food-and-drink, home-and-garden)
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