Blueberry Trifecta
In the midst of the global pandemic, in the midst of the long days of summer, in the midst of my own transition there are many days I don’t know what to do with myself.
Our upside down world means the familiar activities like group gatherings, concerts, and dinner with friends have changed or disappeared. Add in the long days of summer and what few friends and “playmates” I have are sequestered away in their summer cottages or staying close to home. Now that my youngest has graduated high school, I have almost worked my way out of my mothering duties. (though I know we are never quite done).
So what do I do with these many daylight hours? How many dog walks can I take? How many books can I read? How many times can I weed the flower beds? And how to keep from slipping into the ‘ground hog day” syndrome.
This week I find myself picking blueberries for the fifth time. It is high picking season so I am grabbing the bounty while it is best to be had. I am also helping to fill the action, activity and social void which crept in with all of the world and personal changes. I joke that I may or may not have a small obsession.
I started with my traditional fresh blueberry pie. I moved right into the family favorite blueberry muffin recipe including the first two batches which literally disappeared overnight. This year I added in a new Lemon Blueberry scone recipe which might just surpass all others. I have prepped and frozen at least 40 pounds of loose berries. I even took pictures during my last baking and freezing frenzy and dubbed it the Blueberry Trifecta.
Some days I wonder about my sanity. Really, taking pictures of blueberry baking?
Other days, I stay in the moment. Absorbing the simplicity. Appreciating that I only have a few tasks at hand. I go with the flow of the day and remind myself to “be where you are.”
In these days of COVID and social distancing, I am both challenged and ministered to in all of the alone time.
I am a pretty big “people person.” I get such enjoyment and energy from being with friends and family. No dinner parties, no concerts, no last minute family gatherings is difficult for me. I have been forced or “given the opportunity” (depending on how you look at it) to embrace limited social time and less activity. Those that know me well, know what a struggle this is.
At the same time, I enjoy lunch in the sunshine with my own thoughts. I relish the times in my kitchen when I cook what I want and blare my favorite music. I have begun to crave my walks in the woods by myself.
Ahhh, the dichotomies of life. The hard and the good. The up and the down. The together and the alone.
Today I miss my friends. I miss the ease of spontaneous gatherings. I miss what use to be. And yet, I am thankful. I am thankful for the quiet, for good and simple work for my hands and for a new perspective to guide me through all the transitions. And I am also so thankful for Blueberry Trifecta.
