Berry Fun!

Saturday, July 31, 2010
We hit the blueberry patch one last time yesterday morning.

It was kids against Mommy to see who could pick the most.
I gathered 4 lbs. .01 oz
They collectively got 4 lbs. .o3 oz
Pretty evenly matched, huh?
Tristan reminded me that I could have beaten them if I hadn’t taken so many pictures.
Touché!!

I have fond memories growing up picking blueberries on hot summer afternoons. My mother wrote the following in recent years. The poem hangs in my living room…..A reminder that my days wont always be so, and to cherish every moment!

The Berry Patch
I spent the morning with my children
In the berry patch today
Though I ventured there with pails alone,
I heard them all at play.
Darting among the branches,
Their voices wafted near,
Exclaiming over treasures found,
By little hands so dear.
I filled the pails alone today,
With choicest of the crop,
And layered memories with the gift
Of every fruit I dropped.
The bushes all are towering now,
Quite far above my head.
So, too, the little ones whose paths,
Of ventures-past I led.
Oh fill their pails Lord Jesus,
With what they need each day.
And give them sustenance I ask,
For what may come their way.
Should ever there be emptiness,
A drought within their cup,
May my prayers and what You’ve sown,
Be there to fill them up.
MCS 2004
These days are golden and fleeting, I know!
We brought our goodies home and made a delicious summer treat. This is a recipe I must share. A FAVORITE around here!
Blueberry Struddle Bar
Combine:
1 1/2 C. instant oatmeal
1 1/4 C. flour
2 C. corn flakes.

In separate bowl mix together:
1/2 C. brown sugar
1/2 C. veg. oil
1/2 C. butter

Add the above two mixtures together. When thoroughly mixed, take 2/3 of mixture and press in the bottom of a 9×13 pan. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes.
(Finger licking is strictly prohibited!!)

While crust is in the oven, mix the following in a bowl:
2 C. blueberries
2 t. flour
1 t. lemon juice
2/3 C. any kind of jam or jelly.

Spread berry mixture on hot crust as soon as it comes out of oven. Crumble remaining crust mixture over the top. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes.
Let me know if any of you try it.
It’s a little slice of heaven!

Tastes best served hot on blue and white china.:-)
Since daddy wasnt there for our evening meal….we served generous portions with a dollop of vanilla ice cream…..and called it dinner.
What kind of mother am I???

  • The poem your mom wrote is beautiful Mandy! It’s a great reminder to cherish all of the sweet memories that too soon will be so distant.

    I’m going to try the blueberry struddle bar. It sounds and looks delish! I have some fresh blueberries that are waiting to be turned into that yummy looking dessert (or dinner…who knows! :).

  • Laurie says:

    Good recipe, Mandy! Teary memories…I processed 12 pounds of blueberries for the freezer yesterday…so far, nobody beats me in the blueberry patch (I don’t have the numbers to contend with that you do!), but Granddaughter Grace has the potential of a contender…a dedicated and intense liver AND picker.

  • Karen says:

    hmmm better get out to the market and find some blueberries here…would love to make this recipe! 🙂 Love you friend! Let’s chat soon. I’m pretty free the next 2 weeks before our next camp.

  • Anonymous says:

    Oh! You have touched my heart with the poem. My children so look forward to blueberry picking time each summer here in Texas. We also had the opportunity to pick in Indiana near my mom’s this summer – bonus! The poem is so beautiful – perfect – a true reminder to savor every moment. The prayer at tne end just says it all for me. May I copy this poem for myself? What is your mom’s full name so I not only can give her credit but say a prayer of thanks for her life and her inspiration through these words.

    Sandi

  • Julie says:

    What kind of mother are you??? Beautiful, wonderful, loving, kind, adventurous, fun-loving… just to name a few… These are the moments your children will remember forever….

    I love watching you mother your wee ones from afar.

    xoxoxo

  • Raymond says:

    Quite possibly the best Mama in the whole wide world!!!

  • Anonymous says:

    I would like to exchange links with your site seventhsmith.blogspot.com
    Is this possible?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *