It's SUMMER .... well almost anyway♥ First order of business this morning was the trail cam ... had to see if the bear pair were back last night.  No luck on the two, but ....

A couple cups of coffee later, and I was all set to take a cruise.  That departure was postponed a bit, when I saw a bear out in the grass.  I took a few photos, but ...well, strawberries wait for no one not even the bear, so I got in the car & headed down the driveway.  When the bear made no attempts to move, I realized it was Buddy!! Unafraid, he sat and watched as I exited the driver side not 15 feet from him, 

and took a few more pictures.  I wonder how illegal it would be, to pick up a hitch-hiking bear??!!!

Anyway, I'm off on my 50 mile drive to Bainbridge, New York and those berries.  

Thank goodness it was a beautiful day for a drive, because the picking was a big disappointment.  The excessive rain and lack of sun made for a terrible berry season.Barely two weeks since they started harvesting, the berries are few and far between, and small. Typically, small berries are real sweet and perfect for jams.  Not this year!  Oh well, I'll just have to add more sugar to the recipe...   ;-)

So anyway, across the Susquehanna River to Frog Pond Farms for some fruits and vegetables, and then back 50 miles home to Pa. The entire process took 4 1/2 hours. Unloading the car, I turn to see...Buddy!

 I was not quick enough with the camera, but believe me when I tell you, that silly bear was laying spread eagle with his back in the thicket!!  I don't know if he was there the whole time I was gone, or had just come back.  But he hung around for about another hour, then he was gone...  

So, I hulled the strawberries and cleaned and washed the rhubarb,  
and the first batch of strawberry rhubarb jam is macerating.  The peaches are similarly peeled and chopped and waiting their turn.  Tomorrow should be another busy day.  If I'm lucky, a BEARY busy day♥


 "In our story of Creation, we talk about each one of us having our own path to travel, and our own gift to give and to share. You see, what we say is that the Creator gave us all special gifts; each one of us is special. And each one of us is a special gift to each other because we've got something to share."  John Peters (Slow Turtle), WAMPANOAG

Have I told y'all how much I love the Zac Brown Band??? ♥♥♥