Saturday, August 9, 2008

Blueberry Days


Watchful neighbors of City Park will notice some evenings when an odd assemblage of grown men and women just seem to "turn up" at one edge, some sitting in their cars, or standing in solitude several yards from each other. Several might gather along a particular fence rail, fewer still on the picnic table bench across the street. Are these kidnappers planning their next move? Or maybe undercover agents on a stakeout? Or a strange religious cult in meditation? The names of the folks pictured here rhyme with Ursula, Greg, and Mary.

No, I can tell you, these people are actually waiting for the delivery van carrying the much longed-for blueberries they ordered for the summer, back when the bees hadn't even touched the flowers. Gloria, our farmer, brings our vegetables down from Covelo, then continues south to Ukiah, drops off more veg to subscribers there while she meets up with the blueberry producer from Boonville, then comes back up to Willits with our shares of the berries on a second "drop". Don't tell Gloria, but sometimes when she's late coming back, the motley crew of farm sustainers has a little more reason to chat. "Is she supposed to be here at eight?" and "I hope she's okay." See an Animoto visual show of the action when Gloria finally arrives, and we reach to receive our food from the hand of the farmer.

17 comments:

Marie Reed said...

I found my thrill on blueberry hill! MMM this post makes me crave a nice pie!

Hilda said...

Aww, I love your description of this snippet of daily life there. Thank you.

Will we see what you're going to use the blueberries for? Mmmm… blueberry cheesecake. And muffins! Geez, I'm getting myself hungry!

Jilly said...

Well how fabulous. I love your tale of life around you. And hopefully, whilst waiting for the blueberries, the neighbours chat and pass the time of day. Nice shot. What are those tattoos down the middle guy's legs?

Saretta said...

Yeah, what about those tattoos? That caught my eye immediately!

Pat said...

Love this photo! Great shot, very revealing of the legs' owners, even if their heads aren't visible!

magiceye said...

:) lovely post!

have posted roses for you today!

Anonymous said...

That is the perfect way to get your food. From the hand of the grower.

Virginia said...

Just a great story and photo to match !

USelaine said...

Marie Reed - These folks were still waiting for theirs! Hope you saw the "thrilling" Animoto though. 8^)

Hilda - I ate one box full that evening, one fresh berry at a time. Then some more for breakfast and lunch the next day, one by one. I ate the third box last night after dinner, just plain and fresh. Not very creative, but oh, so good!

Jilly and Saretta - We all seem rather shy, but these folks and I warmed up to each other pretty quickly. I've seen Greg's left calf at a couple of other events I posted. He's in the slideshow for the Grange rummage sale, and the recent art reception. I can't remember for sure, but I think he said the designs are from the Maori of New Zealand, and go all the way up his side. You'll just have to imagine that, gals (and guys)!

Bibi and Magiceye - Thank you! I thought they all showed real personality.

Abraham - This is my second year of it, and I really believe in it. Gloria says people just need to get together and find a nearby farmer, and ask them to grow food for you. That's how Community Sustained/Supported Agriculture starts.

Virginia - Thank you too!

This is part of my weekly cycle, so I don't post about my food all the time, but it's fun to slip it in there once in a while. It sure makes me eat more vegetables than I used to. Steamed fresh green beans are a new favorite right now. It's been a good year for broccoli as well.

Jill said...

We have 2 blueberry growers within a 5 minute walk of our place. U-picks are .75/lb this year. We usually pick a bunch for the freezer, but they are so much better fresh, one by one!

Petrea Burchard said...

Another photo to love, with commentary to love along with it. What rhymes with Ursula? I'm wrackin' my brains.

USelaine said...

JIll - Now that sounds great! We have to wait for deliveries, but you have it made!

Petrea - I'll tell Ursula you're working on it.

melanie said...

Très belle cette photo, par le jeu de couleurs et des attitudes. Attendre sa nourriture ... tout un symbole dans nos pays de surproduction.

Petrea Burchard said...

Nursula?

USelaine said...

Melanie - Merci.

Petrea - I don't know what to say. For that matter, what did you come up with for Greg?

Petrea Burchard said...

Could be either Meg or Peg. Then Mary is Larry. But then I'm having problems with the gender of the legs and toes.

USelaine said...

LOL!