Submitted by Joelle Majerowicz, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member
I remember going berry picking with my grandfather, Carl (Lavy) Hagstrom, in the woods around Cheboygan. My grandfather had special berry picking pails and adjustable belts.
He said it was important for both hands to be free to pick the juiciest ones! But my belt was always too big, so I hung it from my neck.
I never saw anyone who could pick berries as fast as he could.
It didn’t matter if we were picking raspberries or huckleberries, he always filled his pail first. He would tease me because I couldn’t keep up with him, but he knew I was eating two berries for every one I put into my pail. My hands were always stained with the juice.
We took the berries home for my grandmother to can and the rest she saved for us to eat on our cereal or to make a special treat.
Many evenings after dinner, our family would get involved in making homemade ice cream.
It was hard work turning the handle of their ice cream machine, but it was worth it, as my grandfather would add some delicious berries. I always looked forward to summers in Cheboygan with my grandparents and making berry ice cream!
