A Blueberry Patch for Eva Rose

I picked blueberries this morning out in a quiet, mostly abandoned field. Off in the distance there were a few cows lowing, and the neighbor's chickens occasionally gave out a burst of hen-like attitude, but for the most part it was me, some crickets, and some overgrown blueberry bushes.

Eating fruits and veggies that are in season and local does a trifecta of good things: 1) it helps us feel good and healthy when we eat things at the peak of their seasons and ripeness, when the vital nutrients and antioxidants are at their height; 2) it supports our local economy by keeping our dollars in a local system and keeps members of our community working; and 3) it puts us more in touch with the changing seasons, and therefore gives our spirits vitality by being aligned with the planet that nourishes us.

Maybe that last bit was a little too far-out for you, but if you want to pick blueberries yourself for a fair price and do a wonderful thing for a fellow human being, head to Eagle to Thelen's U-Pick blueberry patch. You can leave a donation of your choice for what you pick, since the family hasn't maintained the patch this year, due to the extremely premature birth of their daughter, Eva Rose. All the donations go to help out with her hospital costs (where she still resides, since February of this year), and you get to take home super-duper-blueberry-power in your boxes or bags or whatever container you filled while there. If you go yet this week, you should have some cooler mornings or evenings to pick in to avoid the sweltering heat. Be sure to bring a cooler for your pickins'.

Directions to Thelen's U-Pick Blueberry Patch

Take I-96 West towards Grand Rapids. Take the Eagle exit, right after the Grand Ledge exit. Turn left, then take a quick right at Grange Road. You will be heading North. Drive about 4 miles, up and down some hills and around some S-curves. Pass the cemetery on the right, pass the low stream on the right. You will come over a small rise and see Thelen's at the bottom of the slope, on the left. A small white building is in the corner of the patch nearest the road; a large Holstein cattle operation is to your right (for you city-slickers, that's the black-and-white ones). A hand-painted sign reads 'U-Pick Daily', and there is a pull-off near the white outbuilding. If you  hit Price Road, you went too far. Leave your cash in the box labeled by the door. Enjoy the sweet fruit, the sweet satisfaction of DIY, the sweetness of helping someone out simply because you can, and the sweet summer air in the stillness.

Comments

[Dan Thelen]

Thanks for the kind article. I am a brother of the family. It has been a long and difficult road with many highs and lows for the family. The Blueberry patch has seen better days and it is are hope to have it back up and running next season. If you do come walk to the back west corner for what is the better picking.Be aware that there are many briers so it is best to wear pants. Thanks for your support and God bless all of you. On a sad note Eva Rose has passed away and there is a statement is todays Lansing State Journel. Again Thanks Dan Jr.