Monday, August 25, 2008

[bank holiday] blackberrying and soaking up the sun

Old gear donned, we headed down the canal in the steamy hot, balmy 20 degrees but I still kept my long sleeve winter sweat top on against the thorns, nettles and thistles which, seeing through this ploy, decided to attack the wrists and face instead.

Deep in shrubbery on the bank, plucking away at juicy berries, the scene sitting beside San Georgio on the curving steps under the hot Sicilian sun was beginning to fade. Oh to have Welshcakes here now, fearlessly charging into the brambles for us, [because all men are wimps, you know], picking the six tubs in far less time than our two and a half hours.

The cuppa cha afterwards was like the nectar of the gods. Plus the cheese sandwich. Piradina con formaggio is also sliding into the medium term memory.

8 comments:

  1. The question is, what happened to all those berries?

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  2. Wow. Many yeas since I have been blackberrying. Fun. You needed to hook up with Richard Havers' au natural mushroom soup.

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  3. yep, got plenty today. one of the best things to do this whilst walking the dog and getting my 2 year old over excited to pick them.

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  4. So are you going to make jam or a pie James?

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  5. I always sent my kids out to get scratched - I had to make the jam, after all.
    That's right, unfeeling mother!

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  6. cherrypie: They are in the fridge at the moment, awaiting to be measured at 3lb of blackberries plus 3lb of sugar to make 5lb of blackberry jam.

    jmb: Some will also go into blackberry pies. I also like them raw with either fresh cream or ice cream.

    Licking my wounds today, apparently the blackberries taste better if you have to fight mother nature to get them.

    I am livid with the council who has employed slash and burn tactics which have destroyed many of the brambles. I see no difference between the destruction caused by vandals and council workers...

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