Sneaking Strawberries

As children, my cousin Allison and I were forbidden, by my uncle, to enter his "sacred" strawberry patch under any circumstances. He also forbade us to pick apples off of his tree, but you'll soon read that we were less than obedient. However, I like to refer to it as simple curiosity over disobedience. One day we wanted strawberries so badly that we thought if we picked a few and ate them it would go unnoticed by the great harvester himself. We picked a handful each and gleefully ran into the house searching for the sugar jar. One at a time we reached our innocent hands into the sugar jar coating each strawberry with sweet goodness and savoring each bite. Once finished we freely returned to the world outside where hiding places were waiting to be discovered, forts were ready to be bulit, mud pies ready to be made, trees anxious to be climbed, and dusty roads waiting to be stirred up. The strawberries were far from our mind, but the sugar jar was well aware that it was no longer snowy white, but had remnants of red from the little hands that had so innocently used it to coat their strawberries. Not only was the sugar jar well aware, but my uncle had also made the discovery. To say the least our punishment was easy, because the laughter seemed to take away the sting and still to this day the story is told at many family events. Oh what a joy it is to reminisce about moments in our life that bring a smile and laughter!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Strawberry Fields

Mom missed out on the mini birthday celebration (hats, brownies, candles, ice cream & song) I had planned for Sunday, because she drove home Saturday evening instead of returning home Sunday as I thought she was going to do. So today, now that Sam and Amber are on their way back to Kentucky, Kyle & Michelle and kids and David and I are back in our weekly routines, I want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM! Thanks for coming and spending your birthday weekend to cheer on Michelle and me at the triathlon and to endure all the uncertain plans, hectic activity, and kid clamor with such flexibility and good humor.

Since we drove past those newly planted strawberry fields on the way home, perhaps you - or others of us could share some memories of picking berries or other produce?