Mulberries!

This is a peek into our backyard at this time of the year. It's mulberry time in the country! Purple stained fingers and clothes... The more hands to pick-the merrier! My grandma taught me how to make types of jam from the fruit in our yard. So mulberry jam it is! Although our family's favorite is yummy white guava jam, (short on the guavas this year). The proteas and various other blooms are the natural decor that we enjoy daily.

Although I was raised on Oahu's North Shore, my roots are from Maui. We are lucky to have about a dozen family burial plots in our backyard, as some long-time Hawaiian families do in various rural areas. I feel lucky to be able to have a part of my heritage close at heart. My country bumpkins, fresh Kula air, floral bouquets, fruity goodness, and our smiling dogs- that's upcountry living. Life is good. ; )