We picked a dozen ears of the early corn, Sugar Buns, last evening and enjoyed the heck out of it. Freya our latest grandchild was keen on it too, I’m glad to report. Oh, this is a beautiful thing and the start of my favorite season. Time to fatten up for winter.

And it is time to start picking blackberries. For all you locals that aren’t lucky enough to have your own patch going swing by. What a crop! These brambles are so productive and after all I abuse them. I guess I will have to explain that. There are at least three species of what we refer to as blackberries growing here. And not merely growing but wanting to take over the place. They will grow anywhere that has been cleared of forest and they need absolutely nothing from us. In a few years they will form these patches that nothing can penetrate. Oldtimers would wire the throttle open on their tractor, put it in low gear and point it toward the blackberries and then catch it as it came out hoping to divide and conquer.

But the blackberries are just one example of the terrific life force that is really all around us here. The trees they say we can grow by accident around here. It is a jungle. I realized years ago that ninety five percent of my relationship with plants was hacking and burning trying to beat back this jungle. And that mode is needed. But lately I have been studying this life force that surrounds me and marveling at it hoping to learn something. What if I had that kind of energy and persistence in the face of all sorts of abuse and obstacles. What if…

Yup, that’s it for today, the jungle is calling me. Wednesday loves, Felipe.