Strawberries!

I know I've been MIA, and all I have to say is I've missed you, bloggie-friends!  And today, when I pulled back the bird-netting and picked strawberries, I knew I had to post tonight to share this picture of today's bounty!  I can't believe my tiny little strawberry patch is producing so much. 

Three years ago I noticed a few random, teeny tiny strawberry plants in the yard.  Someone must have had a strawberry patch there a long time ago and then pulled them out and seeded grass.  I transplanted the orphans into a 2 ft x 2 ft raised bed.  The next year they gave us three little berries.  The year after that they produced enough berries that we had a few handfuls to snack on.  This year they are on steriods!  And they are escaping the raised bed and making a run down the hill towards the driveway.  I think I'll let them; I like the idea of a slope covered with strawberry plants.  I'll just throw down some stepping stones this fall or next spring so we have a place to stand when picking.

We picked a pint of berries a couple days ago and today, an entire gallon!  We had strawberry shortcake with homemade whipped cream after dinner tonight, and I think this weekend I will be figuring out how to make jam. 

Have a fab evening!