Love the U-pick

We did our first u-pick of the 2008 season. During our visit in 2002, we did a few (blackberries, peaches, blueberries) and made several preserves. I remember how lucky I felt to have a four year-old and a two year-old willing to pick with me or at least hang out while I picked.

Now that we live here, I am excited to add the u-pick adventure to our annual summer activity schedule. Since both Chandler and Henry have issues with bugs, I wasn't sure how they would hold up. In trying to NOT control the situation and go with the flow, I relaxed and waited to see how they would react. Much to my surprise and delight, they did great. We picked for almost 2 hours, with only a couple of bug concerns, which included me too. Actually, the fake gun shot and wild bird sounds (to scare off bugs and birds) were more of a nuisance then the actual bugs would have been.

We picked over 12 cups of raspberries (another week on the blueberries), which yielded 12 jars of jam and a batch of raspberry vinegar.

Garage sale reusing

Friday we ventured out for local garage sales. I wanted the boys to understand that not every need or want must be bought new. As nice as buying new is, reusing is green, the economy sucks, mom doesn't have a job, there are bargains to be found, plus the whole "One man's trash, is another man's treasure". Saying that, I do have a few "off limits" at garage sales. I will not buy clothing, bedding, really anything made from fabric, or from a house that looks dirty, I know that narrows down this list...a lot!

I picked this week since the paper had about eight listings in our area. Which in this small town, I could make them all in 20 minutes without stopping. Of course, I stopped and looked, so the whole trip, including a coffee/smoothie break, took about two hours.

So what did we find on our shopping trip:

Nerf archery set

two fishing vests (I know--fabric, but the house was very clean, the label was expensive and they belonged to an older couple that can't fly fish anymore)

Vintage silverware storage box

binoculars

Solo cup holders

Bread Slicer (for my homemade bread)

New Pampered Chef 3 qt. stirring pitcher

Lawn Darts

New Star Wars model set

wrapping paper

fishing flies

All for the bargain price of $25, plus $9 for the coffee and smoothies.