One Little View

When I sat down beside him

We just wanted to make it work

We were very good at thinking about it

We had very clear visions of a beautiful pond

A swing nearby to feel the air

And take in the smell of the latest blossoms

To admire a chestnut, a butternut, even a redwood

To see a trout rise, or a bass, or a carp

We'd walk to see the berries

Which type do you prefer?

A strawberry, raspberry, or blackberry

Maybe a currant, a mulberry, or gooseberry

Just to name a few

Of course, number one was the blue

So many clones, so many flavors

Sourbush for the best pies

And albinos the coolest for the eyes

On the way to the berries 

Was a tree full of cherries

In one spot the cranberry awaited its turn

Along with the grapes down by the pond

The garden was planted at the end of June

But miraculously by August everything was in bloom

All types of beans including the fava 

The most perfect of foods

So many vegetables from the most common

To the most exotic 

Every one was tried once

That was when it was best

"Remember when it's the best"

That was most common thing he said.

Now that's what I do

When I think of our times together

Andy  April 19, 2014

All Conversations Brought A Smile

In daily contrast to the various despairing elements of modern America was Vladimir's impish smile, as if animated by a sprite from Russian folklore.  I definitely think that the glee towards life he showed was a great thing, and we would all be better off taking some inspiration from it.  His smile was still there even when we waded into some disagreements.  I remember one time for fun accusing him of being 'just like the Bolsheviks' because the Skinner idea of a 'science of behavior' was similar to Soviet aspirations for a 'new man and new woman' under socialism.  He seemed to get a kick out of it and the main reason I said it was because I thought he would - even though I'm sure he thought the comparison was loopy.  Personally, I'd take that 'ol time utopianism over 21rst century cynicism any day.  When I remember Vladimir, I remember that mirthful response.

                                                                                                   Steve G.

One Day Means Something

I only put in an eight hour shift once; minus the two hour training with my Aunt Carol, the one hour lunch and another one hour in water breaks.  I didn't have much to show as a first-time blueberry worker.

I was in Maine the summer after 5th grade; my first flight by myself to see Grampy and see the family.  Picking blueberries was one of several highlights planned for my great Maine adventure. As a kid raised on Blueberries for Sal, I should have been more excited about picking berries.  However, I had reached that magical age of boyhood when sports cars dominated my imagination and the prospects of seeing (and possibly riding) a Lamborghini tractor was the day's defining moment.  With Vladimir's permission, my wish came true.  I can't remember if I rode a few feet or just sat in the seat.  It didn't really matter because I could now tell my friends on the first day of school that I "sat" on a Lamborghini.

By the end of the day, I had a half bushel of berries at best - far off  the bushel count set by Natan, Trevor and my Uncle Andy.  It was a bit embarrassing, but I had given it everything I had.  Vladimir paid me $15 in cash which I used to buy a flashlight at a sporting goods store.  I still have the flashlight today; a black MagLite that has been on several camping trips, adventures in Costa Rica, Bolivia and beyond. Today's LED lights have a huge advantage over my little light, but I still hold onto it as a way to remember that day in Maine with all of you.   

                                                           - Scott

First Smattering of Memories

Skinner leads the way along with Benson and Hedges and a white Gilligan hat,
Followed closely by food, I mean, the best food,
Lamborghini tractor, poetry, and did I mention food?
Humor, "Timeless" humor,
"Did Carol call?"  "Is it raining?"
Cats with Russian names begat more cats with Russian names
Except for Michael Jackson
Gardens, gardens that you walked through and even ate the weeds (Lamb's quarters)
A table with room for four also fourteen
Super-Tent, and then tent city
A new game every year to test what a body could do after raking
Well Tennis was the best
Sandwiches with your name on it and just the way you like it
Where the workers were treated better than the owners
The first place to go to scales (Thanks Vloidya)
The best tasting berries in Washington County (the berry truck workers)
And the cleanest too (Thanks Carol)
Conversations around the winnowing machine
Vladimir: I thought you said .....
Raker: (unable to respond - laughing too hard)

The long sleeved white shirt, the white hat,
The rubber boots, the full white beard,
But most of all, the wonderful smile

                                                         - Andy

Quotes from Some Rakers

"I  remember Vladimir and Julia fondly. I lived in their home for a couple of weeks and maybe only one season. Or was it two? In any case, great memories. The hard work of actually raking blueberries does not recall well for some reason. Instead lots of good times."    Dave

"I've thought of Julia and Vladimir and blueberries from time to time over the years with fondness.  It's a shame about the fire.  I can imagine Vladimir trying to be as independent as possible to the end.  I do remember talking about Skinner and Russia and various other subjects.  I always loved Vladimir's smiling face, taking lots of delight in each day.  I also remember how delicious Julia's meals were.  Another memory is how freezing the water was in Cathance.  I may not have the highest tolerance for that.  I can see the field and the house now.  I can also see everyone piling on top of me at the end of one of the seasons to celebrate yet another triumphant year of raking, just like at the end of the world series.  Our very own private world series."   Steve


"Those were some of the best times of my life, being there, working hard with everyone, out in the fresh air. So special. My thoughts are with them."   Art


"Our thoughts and prayers are with Vladimir, Julia and the rest of their family. Every year when my wife and I head up to Maine I tell her we have to go and see Vladimir and Julia, and of course because of limited time (and any sense of foresight on my part) it never pans out.  I will always remember how amazing it was being there with them for blueberry season.....My regret is that after we stopped raking we never got back up to visit them. I know I can speak for both Art and I that they really left a long lasting impression on us. Vladimir's humor and Russian peculiarities, and Julia's smile and amazing breakfast's are still vivid in my mind. And of course all the rest of the group of cousins and local characters like Alan and Bill….."  Nick

"... memories of long hours on my knees, having much too much chaff in my bucket of berries, and feeling like I'd never get to the end of my row. I still have a wooden berry box that has crated assorted small camping gear since my early 20s. And, I still pick my own fruit from my mom's field...and eat frozen berries all winter long."  Nancy

"... of course I always thought Lauren's life project was conceived raking at Vladimir's with all of you ...."    Lauren's mom, Cynthia

Memories of Blueberries in Cooper

From 1980 to 1997 I raked blueberries in Cooper, Maine. On these pages we will share some of the memories that made those days some of our favorite in life.