Picking Berries

For several weeks now we pass a strawberry field with a sign advertising fresh strawberries you pick yourself, to open this spring. I have always wanted to pick fresh berries but just never found a place around Austin and once I did I could never find anyone to join me. So today was a very special day, the field opened to the public and I finally got to pick strawberries.

We brought along our niece and went row by row, trying not to be too greedy. It was hard not to notice how each was shaped and the various stages of growth. I found myself wanting a lipstick, dress and purse all in that ripe strawberry red color. They looked so perfect and I felt a bit guilty snapping them off at first.

We were allowed to eat all we wanted as we picked. I found two, large, red strawberries I couldn't wait to try. They were so sweet and juicy. I feel spoiled now and won't be happy with what is found at the grocery stores.  I once thought the strawberries I tried growing in a small garden bed once were quite glorious. However they quickly became anemic images in my mind compared to what we found today. Being able to collect nearly two pounds of delicious strawberries with my guy and niece on a Friday afternoon so close to spring was nothing short of dreamy.