This morning I was reading an article about blackcurrants, which reminded me that this is just about the time of year in our northern vicinity when currants become ripe enough to be edible.

I used to have many currant bushes in my yard, with enough berries for me and lots of my neighbors, but one year they became infected with a fungus that eventually killed most of them. I did transplant a couple of bushes to the far corner of my backyard, but the birds usually beat me to the berries every year.

So, I usually purchase currants each summer at our local farmer’s stand instead. A couple of hours ago I made a phone call to the stand to see if they have currants available to buy. A young girl answered and our conversation went something like this:

Audrey: “ Hello, do you have any currants in stock yet?”

Reply: “No, we won’t have any carrots in until mid-July.”

Audrey: “ No dear, not carrots, currants! You know, little red berries that grow on bushes.”

Reply: “Oh, ummmm, I don’t think I see any here...... how small are the berries anyway?”

Audrey: “They’re fairly small, but what difference does it make? Do you have any?”

Reply: “ Ummmm, you should probably speak to John about it.”

Audrey: “O.k., may I please speak with John?”

Reply: “He’s not here. It’s his day off.”


Well, I guess I’ll make a trip outside to my remaining currant bushes to see if the birds left me anything.