The blackberries are ripening here in Oregon. Thanks to the vacant house behind me, I’ve got monstrous vines hanging over into my yard, but I’m not complaining. I’m lovin’ it.
Even the dogs patrol the ground beneath the vines several times a day, scrounging up dropped berries.To many people in Oregon, blackberry bushes and their plentiful berries are a nuisance. True, if left untended, the vines can overwhelm most any yard, and the spines on even medium-sized vines can go right through cowhide leather garden gloves. But on the other hand, the vines are prolific producers, and blackberries are full of antioxidants and fiber. They’re good for you!
Every day, I step out into the back yard and pick nearly a gallon-sized baggie full of sweet ripe blackberries. This week I made a berry crisp and brought it over to a writer friend’s house for coffee. We spent two hours talking writing and our respective works-in-progress.
I don’t know if it was the company, the coffee, or the berries, but came away with a couple new ideas for moving forward on my project.
Mmmm. The taste of summer.
