Today I picked approximately six quarts of blackberries, mostly off the patch along the road. That many berries would probably cost us $45-50 at the market.

My arms look like I was in a fight with Buddy. It’s a little freaky when you hit a vine and a blob of a dozen or more Japanese Beetles falls on you, buzzing angrily. Or you discover a berry covered with tiny ants. I don’t like ants.

I’d estimate there is still at least another six quarts waiting to ripen on the vines, although I’m not sure if the hot dry weather will cause them to turn black slower or quicker than if it is raining. I hope it’s quicker, because I’d like to make another batch of wine, and I think Cabol wants to make jam…