But today I spent with a special group of friends. Today was the third anniversary of the loss of a special friend. One of his wishes was that his friends and family get together each year on this day.
His parents host the event and, as per Tim's hope, it is less of a sad day when we are all together laughing and sharing. Having his two little girls running around entertaining us doesn't hurt either.
The girls (his girls) decided 3 years ago that their Dad was now a butterfly so the symbol is everywhere. His sister and I exchange something each year. This year I received a beautiful pair of butterfly earrings from her.
Before I left, Tim's Mom told me she had something in the kitchen for me ---- a 2 litre ice cream container filled with fresh blueberries she hand picked yesterday. Not a leaf or a twig in the container. And these are not those large high bush berries - they are the small sweet low bush berries. It must have taken her hours to fill that container. I felt a little guilty taking them but she said if I left without them she would kill me! Now, what will I make with them??
It was a perfect day with great friends. It might make going back to work tomorrow a little less painful. Why is it the last night of vacation feels like "dead man walking"?
If I were you I would make a batch of blueberry muffins. You can freeze them individually and have one when you feel like it. I just bought a bag of Wyman's Wild Maine Blueberries that are dried. They taste like candy. I go back to work on September 1st after having the summer off. Where did the summer go?
ReplyDeleteBlueberries can be frozen just as they are by laying them in a flat layer in a freezer bag. They you can just break off a piece at a time to use as you wish.
ReplyDeleteWe did that last year and had blueberry muffins, coffee cake, in fruit salad, etc.
Yuck that the vacation is over already! Why does time off seem to go so fast?
Kim ~
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful remembrance for your dear friend.
Sending big hugs :)
Lauren
What a nice way to end your time off!!
ReplyDeleteSo sweet of her to give you all of those blueberries. You must mean a lot to her. I am so glad your vacation ended up on a good note. I did I will admit, get on once while on vacation to check on you. The kids let me use their I phone. So I was glad you were having sunshine. I couldn't figure out how to leave a comment on a iPhone though. So glad it was nice for you.
ReplyDeleteI think you will make yourself happy with those berries, that's what! The last day of vacation is so sad, but the memories are so worth it. Hope you week is a good one!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute to your friend. I like that...a butterfly....Have fun with those berries...I still have a few frozen from last year...love me my blueberry muffies and coffeecake!! ;o) (Now, what crow do you know DOESN'T like berries??!) Good luck with the work week ahead....Know too well that "dead man walking feeling..." I haven't worked for a year and a half and every Sunday I still get that knot in my stomach and wake up several times in the night with the panic attack thing....Arghh.... Wishing you a painfree Monday....Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin
ReplyDeleteIt sounded like such a special day!
ReplyDeleteThe gift of the blueberries was so sweet but the fact you realized her gift being so special and the work involved makes you a caring person. Hugs Cheri
That's a great way to remember Tim! I'm sure his girl's had plenty of silly to keep the day upbeat! I love those tiny blueberries! We'd pick them when we vacationed in Maine. Blueberry pancakes, muffins, jam... and then we layered blueberries with strawberries, bananas, instant vanilla pudding and graham crackers! Oh YUM! :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to celebrate the life and memories of a special person. It sounds like he was a wise man to ask for this from his family and friends...especially for his daughters.
ReplyDeleteI have always frozen wild blueberries. I have a wee bag in my freezer now from my tiny haul from the bushes in the yard. I plan to make scones with them.
Enjoy!
What a great way to honor your friend.
ReplyDeleteOn the last day of vacation I feel like I want to hang onto every second and just savor it. What a lovely tradition you've started for your friend. And the gift of blueberries? The best blueberry cobbler I ever had was made with those small blueberries. It tasted like it was made from a bucket of fresh picked ones - and maybe it was!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog and following!
I love that you get together to remember with a laugh. and what a wonderful gift of blueberries make something wonderful.
ReplyDeletecathy