Holcomb Street Happenings – by Ed

Hi there, I’m Ed, a berry picker and good friend of James and Anna. You have heard of me briefly in Anna’s blog, Rodman Moments, and have also seen a few less-than-flattering pics of me. I am writing to tell all RM readers about myself and my experiences during my days at The Berry Works.

This post is named Holcomb St. Happenings after the street that I have lived on for 18 years. I live about 12 minutes from Rodman in the sprawling metropolis (sarcasm) of Watertown, NY.

While I know that blogs are supposed to be all about the here and now, allow me to flash back to April of this year: I had been desperately looking and praying for a job for weeks; I had a car loan to pay off and I needed to escape my parents, Mollie and Ed (more about them later). The job market was tough in Watertown this spring, so, I did what any good, Catholic schooled teenager would do- I went to the nuns. I inquired if the Precious Blood Monastery behind my backyard was in need of another summer groundskeeper. After going back a couple of times I had an answer. The nice sister at the front desk told me that they did not need another worker but, that all of the nuns would be praying for me.

At the time, I didn’t think much of her last comment and continued my job search. I logged onto craigslist for the umpteenth time and sent out a form email to all of the job postings that seemed promising. One of the least likely ads was for a strawberry picker. It didn’t seem like enough pay or hours or mental stimulation but, I was desperate, so I sent out an email anyway.

After a few phone calls to what sounded like an old, prototypical Rodman Redneck, I rolled into The Farm in my Regal. As James and I raked straw, we talked about classic cars, economic theory, and of course, berries.

As the season progressed I met Anna, Corey and Rachel (whom I was introduced to by James saying “This is Ed, he’s a Catholic”), and a motley crew of other unique characters who were happy to trade stories with me across the strawberry rows.

I got to know James and Anna especially well; maybe too well. In any event they gave me one of the best compliments I’ve ever received when they told me to work near them because they enjoyed my conversation.

Towards the end of the summer I got to thinking about how I ended up at The Berry Works. I thought that there had to be some reason for me being here. While telling people that my summer job is picking strawberries is a great conversation starter, God must have a bigger plan for how I spend my Rodman Moments.