BLaCKBeRRieS GaLoRe!

This is the first year at trying to sell blackberries.  Shawn started planting them a few years ago, and we now have about 300 plants.  We didn't advertise at first because we weren't sure what to expect.  We were hoping that we could sell a lot as I didn't have the freezer space if all the plants produced, and none sold.  Shawn started taking some the 1st week of production to work, and started selling them just like that.  We did put an ad in the paper, and we have been getting calls.  As of today, 17 days after picking started... the kids have picked 120 gallons (about 5# each), and have made over $1100!  They are super excited about the money they have made.  It's not an easy job.  They have to be up at 5:45am Monday, Wednesday & Friday to be picking by 6am.  They are usually done picking by 9am.  2 days ago Lauren & Kayley left for Girls Camp, so yesterday I had to get up and help... Owwwwwww!!  I have scratches all over me!  The little girls are pretty good helpers with the thornless berry plants, so while they are doing those, the big girls and Jacob are doing the thorny type.  I have kept some of the gallons they have picked and made some blackberry jelly & jam.  The berries in the picture are ones from this year.  Simply gorgeous, and delish!