The Tastiest Day of the Year

Monday was Strawberry Day, also known as the tastiest day of the year. The day begins with eager hands and long rows of strawberries. Fingers are stained red and knees get dirty and wet; slowly but surely the boxes are filled with the strawberries that don't make it to the pickers' mouths. At home freshly brewed tea and newly bought donuts are enjoyed for breakfast before the day of hulling and cleaning and canning begins. Listening to Brian Regan, the family works through the strawberries remembering to eat a few here and there. A few hours later the work is over and the jars are filled with jam and the freezer is filled with berries. Then comes the best part. Three delicious pies, each one juicy and sweet. Every bite is a taste of heaven. If I could only eat one dessert for the rest of my life, it would be this one. My mother's strawberry glacé pie is something the bards would sing about if there were still bards around to sing. And we only get it once a year, on one glorious tasty day that just so happens to be my favorite part of summer.