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