The "Strawberry Fields Forever - Beatles" Story

It was an ordinary day. Having a piece of the pie I just made. Started with a packet of Jello Instant Pudding and Pie Filling mix, added 2 cups of fat-free milk and as many small sized strawberries as possible before the mixtureoverflowed the metal sides of the pre-made vanilla pie crust I bought. Popped it in the fridge, and Wow! The strawberries are fantastic. Juicy and sweet! I bought a quart of "seconds" at Kreider's Strawberry Farm because they put the smaller sized ones in the "seconds" box, and that is exactly what I needed for my pie. Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, which is the "Garden Spot of America", has some of the most fertile farmland in the country. Dave and Renee Kreider own a few of those prime acres bordered by Buch Ave. and Weaver Road in Manheim Township. Kreider is a good Lancaster County surname with almost 500 "Kreider" listings in the phonebook. They have been farming strawberries on their property for over 28 years. And, they can sure grow a great strawberry!! As soon as the sign goes up along Rt. 501 I head to the stand along the road where they sell the berries. Small homey place that has that strawberry smell to it as soon as you get out of your car. They have boxes and boxes of red delights in green containers spread over their counter in the small stand. Besides the quart of "seconds", I bought a quart of "regulars" to eat while watching TV in the evening. Stopped by today to take a few photos and was greeted by Renee who took me to the strawberry patch to meet her husband Dave who was leading a group of workers picking the strawberrys. Sitting by the side of the field is their 1928 Ford Model "A" pick-up truck which has been in service on the farm since when it was newly purchased. Neatest vehicle, and you know, that's one of the reasons that the berries taste soooo gooood! Transportation of this type can only add to the entire experience and taste. I'll be making a few more stops during the next couple of weeks while the berries are still ripe for the pickin'. I've been using them in my pies, for my shortcake, and on ice cream for years. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - pixs from the top are: sign along Buch Ave. proclaming "Kreider's Strawberries", customer making his selection, "Strawberry Fields Forever", owners Dave and Renee Kreider, a ride to the stand in the old Model "A".