Something new ---- Sand Cherries

Dan Tinant asked us if we wanted to pick some Sand Cherries.......actually he and Gary were out roaming in Dan's "side by side" and saw that these berries were ripe.     So we could come in an hour and he would be available to help us.   Thank goodness this was before noon and the breezes were blowing.  By 2:00 it had turned into an oven outside......we saw 118 on our thermometer about 3:00--- we do know that's a little high --- but close.

Anyway.... We had never picked Sand Cherries before --  I thought they were on a real low to the ground bush.   These were just a nice height --- no bending over and no reaching.  They are dark purple and taste a lot like a choke cherry ---- makes your mouth pucker!!!

We (together) got an ice cream bucket almost full.   There would really be a nice crop this year but it's just so terribly dry that the berries are drying up.  Plus either the grasshoppers or birds are getting a lot of them.   There are still some that need to ripen -- so perhaps another picking.........

I made one batch of jelly ---- oh is it pretty ...... and oh so tasty.     And I canned about 3 1/2 cups for another batch.  

As I said we REALLY need rain badly.  Ranchers are starting to sell their cattle due to lack of good grazing.  We see storm clouds go by but the moisture misses us.  Fire danger is also a worry.   But God is good and today we reaped some wonderful harvest.  Will have to remember that as we enjoy some toast and jelly this winter......or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich......hhhmmmmm   sounds kind of good........

Stay cool -----
Gary and Barb