Ever since I was a teenager, I always thought that the perfect date would involving picking strawberries at a farm, followed by a lovely picnic. Never in a million years did I ever think it would actually come true, I lived in Hawaii after all and we don't pick our own berries. They arrive by boat!
What we imagine and what comes to fruition (pun intended) don't always match up. Luckily, in this case, reality surpassed all that my imagination had conjured over the years. In the beginning of August, Ryan & I made a trip down to Justus Farms inHendesonville to pick, not strawberries, but blackberries!!! Even better, in my opinion. The morning was rainy, but we were determined. We drove up to the cutest farm house and rows and rows of blackberry bushes. The farmer handed us four baskets, wished us luck and sent us on our way. It was peaceful and beautiful! We walked rows and rows of bushes looking for the best berries. And wouldn't you know, the rain had stopped long enough for us to get what we needed.
When we returned the farmers were impressed with what we had gotten! In fact, he added more to what we had picked for free. Justus Farms not only grows blackberries, but apples as well, so the open farm house smelled of fresh apple pie. We couldn't help but buy two fresh fried apple pies and some good 'ol fashioned boiled peanuts. As the rain fell, we sat on the porch marveled at the fruit of labor (pun intended), enjoyed some good conversation with each other and the farmers and just had a great "date".
The best part is that the berries are being put to good use... they will make an appearance at the wedding!!!
