That is how one story begins...
Except in this story, instead of little Sal insert Palmer Five and instead of Blueberry Hill read Thunderbird Berry Farm.
They were met by the owner of the farm, Mr. Hansen, and his grandchildren. He gave them little blue pails to fill to their hearts' desire with blueberries at only $3.00 a pound!
The Palmer Five were thrilled and delighted to see the loads and loads of blueberries on the bushes. Mama told them to only pick the blue blueberries and leave the red and green blueberries on the bushes. "They're not ready yet," mama said.
The Palmer Five nodded, halos shining over their heads. Halos or Oklahoma sun? No matter.
Like little Sal, Only Son could not resist the delicious berries.
Oldest Daughter squealed delight "There's a birds nest!" And there was. Wonder of speckled green waiting to burst forth life, nestled amongst the green berries waiting to burst blue.
The Blondie of the Palmer Five forgot her shoes in the bustle of leaving. This made her very sad. But the berries helped. A bit.
And just a few bushes away from the speckled-miracles waiting to burst was this, four little birds snuggled in a nest.
The Blondie One remembered mothers words "Only pick the blue blueberries, not the green." She considered this after pulling a bunch of the green berries off of the bush. Only the blue, she thought... and dropped the green ones on the ground.
"Mama, I'm done." And the wonder shined from inside the blue bucket, berries as blue as her sparkling eyes as she walked barefoot down the field...
...to the pony!
The oldest of the Palmer Five gave Only Son a hand and led the pony around the field. She's learned a thing or two about horses and leaps at the chance to use her knowledge.
I am very hot, thought baby Constance as her wild hair blew in the open field. Blueberry picking is not fun for me, she continued. I want milk.
I am scared, thought the Blondie One as she squeezed the life out of her dear friend Bonnie's neck. I feel like I am going to fall. If I fall it will be far. It will hurt. But she put on her brave face and rode on. Friends can help us be brave.
The Oklahoma sun shines... Love.
Independence.
Laughter.
Family.
And those feet did not stay bare long. Prince Charming saved them, giving up his own for the princess.
One last stop on the farm. Chickens!
The children ran wild down the fields of hope as the Oklahoma sun shone down.
One last, last stop. Wild dewberries. And wildflowers.
The Palmer Five enjoyed their day at Thunderbird Farm. They thanked their mama and friends for the fun trip. Mama filled the bowl full of love and work and fun in the sun.
Blueberries for Sal is a delightful little story by Robert McCloskey. After the berries were put away we all snuggled on the couch and I read it aloud. Never gets old. Just a treasure!
Thunderbird Berry Farm is open for picking Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays through the summer. Go to their Facebook Page here.
