Gooseberries

(1950 July 24, Sunday)

Well, after MM got wet in the pool we came on home and I did the day's dishes and started again on gooseberries, which MM and I and Maridee had picked Saturday, 2 pounds, about a honeypailful. And then came the payoff - both the stem and blossom end had to be removed, taking about one full minute per berry - oi - I set about it with embroidery scissors at last. Bought a scales to weigh them. Picking the gooseberries took about one hour, then I pruned the bushes. But preparing the fruit for the kettle took about 3-4 hours - just trouble - a good job for convicts. Finally I got it made, 3 pints. It has an exotic flavor which I hope you will enjoy and remember, for I believe this will be your one and only opportunity.

This afternoon Daddy went up on the hill with the sickle and cut grass so he could pick the berries, a task he dearly loves. After a bit he comes down, proud as Punch, showing all he has in his pail. Me, I'm almost under the table from picking out the horrid little bugs and worms from those he picked Saturday but manage a word of approval anyway.