Sunday, June 7, 2026

Picking Berries

Jim is in his happy place, picking fruit at Bob White Acres. I’m meanwhile practicing patience in the parking lot from the front seat of Jim’s Mini Cooper (Penelope) with the windows and doors open and a nice breeze blowing. He parked strategically to limit direct sunlight. I had an unexpected encounter with a developmental biology researcher from Delaware and his sweet family. (I know this because I looked him up once I knew his face, name, and state of origin 😂.) His family included a lovely wife and the cutest little Asian boys in octopus shorts. They came to pick strawberries but didn’t realize they were driving to some back woods where orchards deal under the table in cash only. The grateful gentleman downloaded the Venmo app and made a deposit in my account. When the little boys saw me hand their father some cash, a cheer went up from the back seat of their car. 😂 They invited me to join them in picking. I think I may have laughed out loud before declining their gracious invitation. As a decades old ginger, I generally avoid full sun activities.