her Raspberries

Most years when raspberry season comes to an end I have a sense of relief.  These berries, which were original starts from my great grandpa’s berries, now form a very long, lush row and they are a huge commitment to keep up with but I find that as this season comes to an end, it also comes with sadness.   It might have something to do with that 10-day break in the middle for our AK trip.  I wish I had more in the freezer.  I won’t complain though…between my pickings and others who were able to help out we brought in a bounty this year with a near total of 30 gallons from the bushes.   I’ll pick again today and will probably get a ½ gallon or more but it is dwindling…quickly.

When I pick it feels like a family affair.  Cash loves to pick right along with me [when I'll let him]…at times we were fighting to get to the same berries first…course, he prefers the low ones.  Daisy LOVES the leaves, in fact when she was so sick [from her escapade to the feed sack] the leaves from the raspberry bushes were what she loved the most once she began her slow recovery.  When I pick along the backside of the row, the horses follow along on the other side of the fence, hoping I’ll share a little snack with them and then the kittens bounce all around in and out of the bushes and keep me great company.  On most days I find picking berries very enjoyable.

…and then there are my thoughts.  It seems that when I pick berries alone [not that I'm ever completely alone] my thoughts just run wild and I am able to quite capably solve the whole world’s problems as I talk them through with myself or any of the animals that care to listen.

This is the season when I can daily rejoice in the Lord’s abundant and very fresh provision.

The recipe for this yummy banana bread can be found on my Pinterest Board.  I used a mixture of white and milk chocolate but next time I would just use white chocolate.  I personally prefer how white chocolate compliments raspberries.