A Blue, Blue Thursday

Trey Smith

On Thursday, Della and I got to partake in an annual event around here. We headed out to the Smith Creek Blueberry Farm for an afternoon spent picking -- what could it be? -- blueberries! In about two hours time, we collected almost 8 pounds of the succulent and healthful berries. Best of all, it cost us less than $15.00. By way of comparison, a dinky pint of non-organic blueberries at the grocery costs $3 - $4!!

I love little farms like the one on Smith Creek (about 6 miles north of Raymond). Because they adamantly refuse to use any pesticides, you are encouraged to eat a few as you go. Naturally, we obliged this unwritten rule and our taste buds thanked us greatly.

Not only do we try to get out there every summer for the plump berries, but the ambiance of this little farm is amazing. They have a bunch of free range chickens that spend their days in and amongst the 200 or so blueberry bushes. You have to be mindful of where you step, lest you step on a little chick scurrying about.

They also have an assortment of other critters: 2 dogs, 5 cats, 6 ducks, several turkeys and a donkey. This year we discovered that they have added a new creature to their brood: a large tortoise. I would estimate it weighs in the neighborhood of 30 or 40 pounds. Like the others, you have to be careful where you step or, as I found on Thursday, you might step on the tortoise!

The farm is off the beaten path down a side road that disappears into the hills. When I took a break from berry picking, I sat on an old picnic table soaking in the atmosphere. Except for a stray car every once in a while, about all you can hear is the rush of the wind and the sounds of nature. Even though we don't live in the big city and our small hamlet generally grows quiet after dark, it was very refreshing to soak in the sun's rays while not having to hear the noise of fast-paced society.

Yes, I experienced a blue, blue Thursday and I can't wait to be that blue again!