Jul 16
2008
To Pick or Not to Pick…
See these lovely wild blackberries?
We have rows and rows of these bushes all along our very long driveway.
Here’s the problem. I have never, ever been able to pick these berries without contracting a poison ivy rash. I’m not just talk about a “little itching” rash. I am talking about a livid, oozing, burning, put-your-life-on-hold-for-a-month rash that requires medical intervention with strong drugs.
Do the berries still look enticing? Not so much to me.
Aside from thinking of debilitating poison ivy, I also think of the birds. Berries such as these are a major part of the diet of many of the wild birds. Taking food out of the mouths of little birds (while simultaneously carousing with poison ivy) just seems wrong.
So forgive me if I take a pass at these berries. Of course, if you’re my way and want to bring a bucket, you’re more than welcome to help yourself to as many as you want. I’ll even throw in my doctor’s phone number.
