Blackberry Cobblers and Flying Pigtails

 It is so good to be talking to you again!  How have you been?   Needless to say, much has happened since my last post, and I bet you can say the same!    A new computer with lots of fancy gizmos for one.  This house was computer-less for about 6 weeks, maybe longer, after my old computer decided to finally throw in the towel.  The evenings became surprisingly peaceful in a nontechnological sort of way. Although I sorely missed the news on the wire...now that I am back online, I intend to enjoy more old fashioned evenings spent in front of the fireplace this winter...unplugged. and...Since we spoke last, the garden was seeded, weeded, and harvested.  Not to mention a massive amount of blackberries were picked.   And I mean massive.   A good natured contest was born between my boys, all six of them, based on who could fill his bucket first.  However, the real bragging rights went to the one who found the biggest berry each day.  This competition carried on throughout the blackberry season. We now have a freezer dedicated entirely to Blackberries. Naturally, they will make up a substantial portion of our diet this winter.Happily so..    Blackberry Mush in the Morning...         Blackberry Cobbler in the Afternoon...      And Blackberry Tarts made by enthusiastic little hands for Evening Dessert.       While my sons were off conquering the wild thorns and tangled vines, I was spending quality time with a little girl wearing flying pigtails..         She hung around the kitchen with me.   All the while offering very opinionated opinions about pie crusts and (more) sugar in the berries.This picture was taken before her hands and feet were finished ...but I wanted you to see her at this stage.    Next week I hope to formally introduce her to you. I have spent a few of these recent late nights traveling to your own special places to see what wondrous paths your summer has led you down!   Until we talk again, I leave you with great affection and appreciation of your kind  interest in my little blackberried corner of the Forest. always love...Rose