Strawberry farm brightens spirits

I went to a strawberry farm during "strawberry season" this year.

It was a beautiful Sunday morning and Tom's Farm Market in Huntley, Illinois, had emailed me saying they still had strawberries and also had homemade strawberry doughnuts. Well that was enticing.

Since I am a big fan of getting out in the countryside to enjoy yourself and cope with long-term grief, I went out to the farm, which is about a half-hour drive from me, at about 9:30 in the morning.

It was wonderful. The farm was flooded with hundreds of people and families, all ages. Mobbed really. When I left at about 11 a.m., I could have sold my prize parking place for a pretty penny. By that time, there were cars backed up a half mile down the road, just waiting to get into the vast parking lot.

And not only were there strawberries, which you could "pick yourself," but also a huge gift shop, bakery, cafe, their own vegetables, and a large green house with all sorts of flowers for planting.

So, it was quite an expedition. Children were so excited they almost started eating strawberries and doughnuts while waiting in line with their mothers to pay.

One little boy said, "Can we eat them here?"

"Yes," his mother answered.

I also got some strawberries and doughnuts for my friend and neighbor Mary, who likes both.

And an added benefit is that I gave my old car, my late husband Baheej's beloved Hamza, a good road workout driving out there and back. It's such a maneuverable car, I was able to back up, turn, and although a very tight space, still able to get out and let the lucky first in line have that parking place right in front.

I had gotten there just before the next deluge of people, although already packed, and I got that lucky spot. My husband always got lucky with parking, so I figured he was with me. Almost a sign.

Another thing you can do to uplift your spirits is what we always called a "garden walk." My husband, Baheej, and I did it at all times of the year. Just go out early in the morning, once it's light, and walk around the yard to see what is sprouting or blooming or needs attention. It's the best way to see the flowers or leaves in spring and colored leaves in the fall.

If you don't have a garden or large yard, just walk around the complex of your apartment or condominium or your neighborhood and look at what's happening in the neighbor's yards or the nearby park.

I still do this. In the early morning, it gives a cheerful start to the day.

So the point is - if you have any of these sorts of specialty or seasonal markets near you, do take advantage of them, even if takes a short road trip. Or take a garden walk to enjoy nature in its seasons and as they unfold.

You will feel better and uplifted a little bit. Grief will recede a little, for a while. And it's good to make strawberry shortcake with those fresh strawberries. I certainly ate a strawberry doughnut!

• Susan Anderson-Khleif of Sleepy Hollow has a Ph.D. in family sociology from Harvard, taught at Wellesley College and is a retired Motorola executive. Contact her at sakhleif@comcast.net or see her blog longtermgrief.tumblr.com.