I had a brutal sinus infection last few weeks... i had just about beat it but had to fly to corporate for some meetings last week. Flying and a sinus infection is a big no no, but im not telling them no, the paychecks are needed lol... well descending into bwi, I thought I blew my ear drums which is common with sinus infections... that was last Wednesday. Its gotten progressively worse, and this morning both ears but especially my right felt so crazy I was seriously considering jamming an ice pick in there!! Went to urgent care, nope they didnt blow, the gunk from my sinuses literally had moved to my ears during the descent... the pressure change literally relocated it! Anyways they are super infected from the gunk sitting there a few days and ready to rupture, so she put me on Augmentin, which makes you sick in itself. I knew it was blackberry time, so before it had gotten too brutal yesterday i brush hogged around all the known producers on the field edge. Told my dad over the phone where they were and to have at it, at 84 he loves keeping busy with this stuff.... and mom will make some killer cobblers with them over next few weeks. He just got done picking our blue berries the last few weeks, probably 5-6gallons worth and he hates them hahaha.. Well being 84, chemo last week, cardiologist telling him this morning he’s getting a stint in his jugular in a week... his brain doesnt go 100% all the time, and he just couldnt figure out the lock I have on the gate, so he called asking for help. I got dressed and drove over, decided to spend some time with the olé man. We sweated, and chatted like lil girls... for once he could hear better than me ha!! As i sat there cussing at the briars busting me open, the sweat in my eyes, and the bugs crawling all over me, as well as the throbbing ear pain... I wouldnt trade it for the world. If I only knew 30yrs ago what I know now! Its first picking of the year, two large containers worth, and by weeks end it will be full swing and should get 4-5x’s that amount every other day. Some good times ahead.
Beautiful berries. Ours are just coming into bloom now. Treasure these moments now while they are here. My complete sympathies on the sinus and ear infection. Been there, done that and don't ever want to have it happen again.
Our blackberries are still small green things. We first have to pick blackcaps and they aren't ready yet. A nearby blue berry U-Pick farm lost all of their berry bushes due to -40 temps this past winter. If they replant, it will take 4-6 years to get back to where they were.
NICE berries, far, far away like those here in the PNW, your very fortunate to have your Dad, and your Mom, sounds like he's doing great! Love the way he dresses, colorful, and, you'll always be able to see him in the field, no matter where he is, lol. And, your mom still bakin cobbler, another great thing to be thankful for. I'd say your a very BLESSED man, and were where you were for a purpose, to be with both of your folks on a nice day, chatting with your dad like a couple of lil girls. I don't think it can get much better than that! Enjoy him and her for as long as you can, you'll never be sorry taking the time to be with them. I'd give anything to have both my Mom and Dad around me like that, but, its not meant to be.
Good on you spending some time with Dad. Hope the infection clears up fast for you as that stuff is no fun at all. Your berries are well ahead of ours. We're still getting a few strawberries and are usually starting to pick raspberries by now but they are late this year. They should ripen soon though.
I lost my dad last year and still pick up the phone to call him..... cherish the time you have my friend, you don’t know what you got till it’s gone.....miss him everyday
Reminds me...not to far from where we live now..In the early 90's there was a state forest trail wide enough to get my 88 bronco II through. Back about a mile there were wild blackberries all over the place right along the old road. Loved to go n get a couple gallons....since then..the state decided to open up the trail/road for the four wheelers..hence....destroying all the wild blackberries.... Its awesome to spend quality time with pops...sunds like you were a late comer like myself...
He went today, in the middle of the day (95* today) and got two more containers worth. I felt bad I didnt go, but my ear infection is still reared up and its nasty hot... we made plans for friday to go together, it warrants a every other day visit.
I like how you felt the need to add "honest" to a thread on using sick leave. Glad you got to spend some time with your dad. I'm jealous of your blackberry score! I haven't had a chance to gather any...too busy and too hot!
