Wonderful Wild Raspberries

It is time for all the natural crafters to be out surveying the countryside again!The season is upon us to be gathering another natural resource here in Iowa.

Hubby isn't a great fan of these little drupes because of their small size and abundant seeds, but I sure do like them. Keeping things really simple, I put about a cupful in a bowl and eat them with a sprinkling of sugar. I might put a few on top of a pancake, or cereal for breakfast if the urge strikes.

There has been some discussion about wild raspberries and blackberries on the 'Net due to the season. I would like to pass along how you can determine the difference between the two.

The North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association says when asked -

How do you tell the difference between a blackberry and black raspberry? The most obvious difference is that a black raspberry is hollow -- the core of the fruit stays on the plant when it is picked, while the core stays in a blackberry. Black raspberry fruit are also smaller, less shiny. and have a bluish waxy coating between the sections of the berry.


I stopped by Wandering Owl Outside and found a recipe to use for our summertime berry pickings. The pictures make a totally scrumptious experience.

While joining all the other berry pickers in finding some delectable treats I ran across a nest with 4-little eggs. The wild raspberry brambles make a fantastic fortress, but the mother Robin wasn't anywhere to be seen.


A little wren had come to enjoy the space when I went to the house to get the camera . Only to flit away before the camera would focus.

The timber is pleasantly filled with a multitude of birds sharing their happy songs as they feast on nature's bounty. A great way to spend time in the great outdoors being serenaded by the little tweeters.

Here's wishin' you all the best of a berry....be sure to stop by Wandering Owl Outside for a recipe, so you too can be ready for a tasty treat. ;)

God Bless America

We have come to a another day of celebrating freedom in the history of our great nation, The United States of America...

I find inspiration in the song of Lee Greenwood, a song that you are probably able to vocalize, because of how familiar it has become in our times of opposition in recent years.

Today, I would like to send out to all citizens of this great country a wish for God to Bless America, keep us united in thought and deed, remaining a strong unified body, protecting what belongs to us - The Home of the Free and the Brave.....