Berry-picking time has almost come and gone for the season. We made a good haul this year. The wild blackberries were small but sweet and four gallons are processed, cleaned, and frozen in the icebox. There are enough berries to last till next year.
I love berry-picking. It’s family time. Three generations of people wading through the stickles to pluck the dainty fruit from wicked vines means my son will now recall an event that ties together multiple threads of collective memory that stretches across centuries.
Traditions are built around simple acts and I enjoy this one. For the first time ever, this year I think we might go traipsing through the cranberry bogs and collect some of those berries. What kinds of family traditions do you find yourself continuing?
Lesann Berry 
#1 by patriciasands on October 8, 2012 - 5:01 am
I’m with you, Lesann! Simple traditions such as these make a subtle but lasting impact on our children. Berry-picking followed by jam-making is a summer activity shared with our children and now grandchildren. Last week we visited the pumpkin patch and then decorated a front porch to celebrate autumn. It’s Thanksgiving in Canada this weekend and we have much for which to be grateful including traditions such as these.
#2 by Leslie Berry/ @LesannBerry on October 11, 2012 - 11:58 am
I have so many great memories of collecting berries and stonefruit as a kid. Mom would always make cobbler and the smell takes me back in time. So many good things to pass along. =)