One of the first things I did when I bought my place here in Whitehouse, OH, in 1991, was to plant a red raspberry patch. Over the years I added two more patches! I just like red raspberries, and ya can’t have enough – unless you have a neighbor like mine!
About 10 – 12 years ago I had a “bumper crop” and invited her over to pick a few. Ever since, she has thought of these patches as her own!
Last year (2011) I went over to Joe’s in mid-August to help him build a deer stand. I noted before I left, that my raspberries would probably be ready upon my return – and again, they were ‘plentiful’ last year…
When I got home, i thought of those raspberries out back. I wasn’t in the mood to cook, so I grabbed a mixing bowl and headed out back – only to discover that most of them were gone! Damn! …Damn it!
So I scoured the bushes and found 9 berries remaining – hidden deep within the decimated canes. Nine berries! YGBSM! On my way back up to the house, I decided I couldn’t do anything with just 9 berries, so I took them next door, and gave them to my neighbor. I told her ‘she missed a few!’ She went on to say that she knew I was gone and wouldn’t mind if she took the berries… Really? All of them?
So, this year I had another great yield. Only this year I watched them like a hawk! And I didn’t plan on any trips near harvest. And now, it has paid off!
They are delightful this year! And, ‘Sweet!’ And this year, they are all mine! From this bowl I managed to make 6 jars of freezer jam…
Give one to my neighbor? No… She should have plenty left over from last year… But if you come over, I’ll fix a piece of toast for you – with red raspberry jam… and probably share a “war story” or two with ya…
flying stories and red raspberry jam… what a great combo!!!