SEASONAL NEWS & NOTES ~ SUMMER 2018
SUM M E R I S THE TIM E Growing up in the South, Summer for me has always been about being outside—picking berries and harvesting tomatoes, grilling and dining al fresco, swimming and celebrating the freedom and spontaneity of the season. At Blackberry Farm, being out on the water is always a highlight of the Summer. Last year was our first Boats and Boards gathering with MasterCraft—what a special few days! I am so excited to welcome them back. I love a day on our beautiful mountain lake with its clean, fresh water and serene setting. Summer is the perfect time for life’s simple indulgences—a cold glass of rosé with lunch, a great linen shirt, a dip in the pool before dinner—and also for enjoying family. One of our most favorite family traditions is celebrating the Fourth of July with our annual barbecue battle. My late husband always made pork belly with his special sauce, “belly” dogs and tomato sandwiches, among other more traditional dishes. It’s a family affair. Sam’s dad, Sandy; Sandy’s father, whom we affectionately call Pop; my son Sam and of course my girls each help in different ways. Starting the day before, my kitchen becomes the hub of activity. Part of the tradition has always been watching everyone transport my favorite serving dishes and all the precious ingredients from the grill down to the Yallarhammer Pavilion…and wondering how many of my platters will survive the journey. I always make the mistake of thinking the Summer is endless. Those last few weeks come, and I am frantic, feeling like I didn’t take advantage of the time I had with my children at home. Summer is the time for fun, of course, but also the time for the difficult or awkward conversations I can’t easily weave into our school week. This season, I want to make time for the unexpected—time to let the day and night evolve, time to be present and engaged in what interests my kids. I also want to make time to ride my bike more this Summer! With the longer days, I can head out in the early evening and get in some miles before dark. My two eldest rode with me recently, so I am hoping we can do more rides together this season, as a family. Before Summer slips away, I hope you will make time to experience it with us here at Blackberry Farm. Come see the band Midland–they played a private event at Bramble Hall in August 2016 and now have blown up on the radio. Enjoy the night sky from the Main House Lawn, near dusk when the fireflies are dancing or much later when the sky is dark and the stars are out. Grab a blanket and just soak in the sounds and stars in the big sky above. See you soon!
Mary Celeste Beall, Proprietor