The Summer Blues

Every summer around late July or early August, I try to get some blueberry picking done. I used to drive from metro-Boston to Tougas Family Farm, a wonderful full-service farm in Northboro. I would go there to pick blueberries and apples, purchase pumpkins and goodies from their kitchen, and to talk to the goats. But now I live in Western Mass., and there are farms around every corner. So I decided to check out the local picking -- at Dickinson Farm in Granby.

The day I designated as my blueberry picking day happened to be a Friday, in the morning. And it just happened to be raining, quite hard. But I didn't let that deter me. I was happy to be on my way to pick my berries. I anticipated a full flat (14-20 pounds) by the time I finished.

The rain had almost convinced the woman running the farmstand to close, but she cheerfully offered to remain open until I finished picking, amused at my determination. I grabbed a large white bucket which she said would hold 16 pounds and was on my way. Needless to say, I was the only one crazy enough to be there in such weather. The bushes were loaded. Berries hung from branches in bunches like grapes. Easy easy picking. It took me barely an hour to fill the bucket with the sweet, plump berries.

So if you're still longing for the taste of summer and you have an hour or so on your hands, make your way to your local pick-your-own blueberry patch, and get your fill of the summer blues. Eat them straight, freeze them, jam them, can them, buckle them, pie them.

For Dickinson Farms picking, head to the corner of New Ludlow Road and South Street in Granby. Try them -- you won't be disappointed.