Right or Left?

Today my "fine figure of a man" had a Sunday off work.   It seems to be a rarity these days.  So we made the most of it.

Church in the morning.  Lunch with the Rockside guys.  Berry picking.  Blackberry picking.  We loaded up the Camry and headed down the Scott River to where the road forks.  Happy Camp or Klamath River.  We took a right to a familiar spot that we have picked many berries from with many fine people.  If you recognize any of the pictures, you are probably one of those fine people.  If you haven't ever been there, let's do it soon!

Blackberry bushes are not very forgiving.  If they grab onto you, they take hold.  You have to literally pry them off your skin.  Of course, one should always remember that long pants and tennis shoes are best in a berry patch. 

When a crew of people set forth to fill buckets, everyone scatters....looking for the best spot that can produce the most favorable results.  I always wonder what the ratio is that actually ends up in the bucket.  But mostly fresh berry pickers are eager to fulfill the quest and hunt for the sweet, tasty summertime goodness.

On the ride home, the conversation turned to relationships.  After mentioning that we are celebrating our 31st wedding anniversary in a few weeks, Brian thought we ought to divulge our best advise for a successful, long marriage.  Huh.  I think it went like this:

1.  Marriage is for life and there should never be another option.  (This was Grant's adage)
2.  Don't go to the bar without your spouse.  (This boundary was set early in our marriage)
3.  Showing Grace to your partner is very important.  (Both of us needed this one)
4.  In hind sight, God should always be the most important thing in your marriage.  (I say hind sight because we didn't always do this).

Mostly I'm pretty sure that there isn't a secret to a long marriage.  It's just a lot of work and both partners must be ready to gut it out together.  Other then that.  Maybe we just got lucky.  Ha ha.  That seems to be a funny word for me to write.  Lucky.  Blessed may be the better word.  Because we are definitely that. 

All in all.  It was a great day.  The berries are washed and waiting in the refrigerator to be created into something yummy.  Cobbler anyone?