I have been waiting for summer for...well...ever since LAST summer! Not only am I a Clevelander desperate for an increase in the frequency of sunny days, but I'm so excited about being able to get fresh fruits and vegetables from the many local farms in our city.
Last Saturday, Calem and I were the first ones on the first wagon out to the strawberry field on the first day of "pick-you-own" at a farm just down the road from us. He was really excited about picking strawberries, and I was really excited about TASTING strawberries that actually had taste. Calem was surprised to hear that he couldn't climb the strawberry trees. I guess his only other fruit picking experience has been apples, and he remembers climbing some of the trees to reach choice apples. Apparently he was imagining us picking strawberries in the same way. I told him that strawberries grow on small plants in the ground and he just said, "hmmm."
We picked 4 quarts last Saturday. It is Thursday. We are out of strawberries. I guess we'll be going back this weekend. Calem was a great picker and very careful not to mush the berries. He was also very sure not to pick any that weren't "only ones that are all red, mommy." It was fun, and a special one-on-one time with Calem. And despite the numerous arguments, fights, battles and general antagonization that happens on a daily basis between the brothers, Calem asked if Isaac could come and pick strawberries next time. I said maybe, but it's really more of a big-boy job. He seemed pleased with that.
