Tall Tales from Kansas

on my list of people to interview next year at the market

There was something for almost everyone at the Holiday Farmers market this past Saturday in Lawrence. A craft table activity areas for kids - complete with supplies and elves to get you started, the Chonky sweets guys were there with not one, or two, but three beautiful cakes, and nearby a lovely selection of pears to balance the sugar and glitter.  

Local vineyards were represented, and to be clear, she was only having coffee at 8:55am. I was delighted to see Mellowfield farms with their amazingly flavorful and tender combination of lettuces along with kale and chard. I thought long and hard about a Christmas cactus which I don't have, but Dottie does, and I am always envious of how beautiful it is in December. 

These jars of fermented vegetables looked like jewels in glass. Note to self: figure out what one does with fermented vegetables. Put them in a grain bowl? A salad? On top of rice and beans? All three?

Best "dressed for the weather" award to her. 

This fellow had a great seat, and had the "lean move" figured out to maximize his viewing. 

I turned my disappointment about no kuchen bread this year, into an opportunity to try the chocolate babka, and while I was at it, decided this was THE year to get some Drake's Fruitcake - a Lawrence original. 

There was lovely greenery, wreaths, and pottery waiting to be snapped up for decorating and gift giving. 

Finally, there was a Santa you could visit with, but why would you want to see him when you could sit and have a conversation with her about making things? Imagine all the topics we could cover, the ideas that would be generated. She just got on my list of people to interview next year at the market. 

with a mouth full of orange/cranberry splendor

There were not many vendors or shoppers at the market this morning when I went. I did however, find everything I needed, and then some. Most importantly they had the perfect pie pumpkins, which will be eaten, after they are written on by our turkey day guests... a listing of the things they are thankful for.  I got two in case I take up all the space on the first one.

I had a nice chat with my favorite baker, about how he is looking forward to a break after the holiday market. Even bakers need time to rest and recharge their batteries.  Isn't it interesting how we sometimes "romanticize" a career that we think would be "fun", somehow not thinking about how hard that work is too? 

I wasn't going to get a piece of cake this morning, planning instead to stock up on a few scones to freeze and have later in the winter. But then we started talking about cranberries and oranges and adding things to a cake, and the tartness of cranberries... and before you know it, a slice was cut, packaged and in my basket. 



It's the last market of the season! Of course I had to have a piece. 

I was so happy to see this farmer with her greens back this week. Bags of mixed lettuces and kale were snapped up.  

How interesting are these radishes? She told me they are generally used for pickling - or maybe it was fermenting?

The pumpkins came from this farmer who had the most interesting tomatoes too.  



These cabbages had me thinking of pork roast and Blau Kraut - think red cabbage, bacon, apples, onion... all cooked together with some red wine and apple cider vinegar. Marilyn gave me the recipe from her German teacher years ago, it's a keeper. 

This group was only too happy to oblige when I asked them to "wave goodbye" for the last market post of the season. 



I will miss popping out of bed bright and early on Saturday mornings, but April is going to be here again in the blink of an eye. Until then, I shall perfect soup recipes and work on my own baking skills. 

Tonight I will say this cake was very good. The frosting tasted like an orange creamsicle, the cranberries were tart, the cake was moist. 



In other words, I enjoyed every bite. Which is exactly as it should be. Especially when our hot water heater seems to be on the fritz. Who can worry about stuff like that with a mouth full of orange/cranberry splendor?

I hope all the family recipes are being passed along

30 degree temperatures were endured Saturday morning because there were rumors of a banana cake with a chocolate swirl on parade. 

There were also beautifully iced sugar cookies and fall arrangements.

Yes to a Thanksgiving table centerpiece that includes a lotus pod, dried sunflowers, and bittersweet.



Let's all get a pumpkin and a sharpie and write out what we are grateful for this year. If you are coming here to eat your turkey dinner, start thinking of what you will write ... shelter, family, warmth, music, books, sewing, friends, my bed, work, connections across the globe, cats, lotion, walking, flowers, trees, farmers ... I will try to save some space, but I am just getting started.



I picked up a large bunch of kale to balance out the cake.





Award for best hat of the weekend to Karen Pendleton. 



When did this grandson get as tall as his grandfather? I hope they never stop being partners at the market.

And I hope all the family recipes are being passed along. No one makes falafel or baklava like they do.

I had to get a loaf of the Peters family's sourdough bread. Just in case they are not at the very last market next weekend. It makes THE best toast. 

My basket was full by the time I got to the pumpkins or these would be on my front porch right NOW. 

Finally, let me get back to that cake for a second...

It was moist, not too sweet, the hint of chocolate balanced well with the banana. In other words, a real taste treat. 

be still my heart

It was a chilly, dark, start at the market Saturday.  But I am so glad I went. Here's why... 

The pumpkins and gourds on display did not disappoint. 

Fresh local flower season is pretty much gone, but hang on... the mums are still here. In all their glory, by the way. 

I think I said this before but these tiny potatoes make me squeal they are so cute. I must get in synch with the cook here at Tall Tales and plan a menu that includes them.  

I was delighted to find lettuce and arugula today. That butternut squash is going to be made into a new recipe this week - curried butternut soup. This piece of Pear Ginger cake from Chonky Sweets and Eats made it's way into my basket this week as well.  The Caramel Apple cake that I took with me to the Ozarks received HIGH marks from all the Moss's. This purchase was all in the name of evaluating quality control.  Someone has to do it. 

Would you get a load of these bunches of carefully dried sunflowers?????? 

Only 2 Saturday Farmers markets are left for the season. Mark your calendars though for the Holiday Farmers Market - December 11th from 9am to 4pm.  This year it will be at the open pavilion at the Douglas County Fairgrounds (1930 Harper Street) instead of the usual location (Holidome). 

Karen Pendleton had a glimpse of what is in store for us at their booth this morning. Be. Still. My. Heart. 

P.S. This gourd was snatched up immediately. No way I was going to chance that another one like it would be at the holiday market.

four pieces were procured

This farmers market post will begin with these amazing dahlias. When I set the basket down in the morning sun after arriving home, the light was perfect. The camera clicked.

The structure of these flowers is just incredible. They hardly seem real, then again, nature all on it's own, makes the best of everything.  All she asks in return is for us to notice. 

There were lots of good sights to be seen at the market this week.  

Including one of my all time favorites, these two, whom I refer to as "the Turkey Trot couple" in their hats. They let me know they will once again be headed to NYC this year for the 5K race on Thanksgiving, with their daughter.  

You may want to roast up a sheetpan of fingerling potatoes soon. Drizzled with olive oil, salt, pepper, a sprinkle of rosemary if you want.

You can even do a combo of potatoes and winter squash. Yes you can. In the fall, all sorts of things are possible. What is it that makes this season when the leaves are turning and falling always feel NEW to me? I can't explain it.  We feel what we feel right?

I had to get a picture of mama bear and baby bear - both smiling. They are fall lovers too. I can tell.

Don't these locally grown apples just scream for a peeler, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, a sprinkle of salt, flour, and oats . Mixed and thrown in a pan to bake and magically transform into apple cobbler? Best eaten in front of the fire with your friends, who come over to cut out leaves from felt so you can all make banners.

Below is the caramel apple cake of the week from Chonky Treats and Eats.  I was informed by my brother not to bother to show my face at our annual get-together this week unless I bring some of THIS cake with me.  Four pieces were dutifully procured. Opinions from all tasters will be accurately recorded and submitted.

Finally let me close with a few more shots of the dahlias.

There could be more later in the week as well. I have been circling them as they sit on the table. Capturing them from all angles. Each one better than the last. 

those dahlias, plus other dahlias which means multiple dahlia types came home with me

The farmers market opened exactly 10 minutes after sunset on Saturday. I find myself taking my morning walk in complete darkness on these mornings so I can get in a walk before going to the market. I know I could get to the market later than 7:30, but I love the feel when it is just opening and everyone is putting the final touches on their displays. 

These eggplant were georgeous and I kept thinking of a character from a children's book wearing a hat on her head that looked like the top with the stem and the foliage on the side.

No words for this color explosion. Just POW!

I love a neatly packed container of peppers. I bet this vendor likes to do jigsaw puzzles in her spare time. Every piece in the right spot. 

As soon as I saw these dahlias I knew they were my flower of the week. Until I saw that there were those dahlias, plus other dahlias which means multiple dahlia types came home with me. 

I think you will agree I made a good choice.

I love a clever sign. Don't you think giant green onions would be perfect in some kind of casserole with bacon and a savory, eggy, bread pudding sprinkled with fontina cheese? White wine, green salad on the side. Maybe eaten outside on a screened in porch with candles on the table.

Alonzo was making music at the market this weekend. Fabulous fabulous fabulous shirt!

This week was hummingbird cake from the Chonky bakers - banana, pineapple, pecans. Serious love for that icing color!

I have officially turned into a 3 bags of greens per week shopper. While they are this good, they need very little to go with them. Dried cranberries, roasted pumpkin seeds, a little red onion, light vinaigrette that still lets the flavor of the kale and the arugula shine through. 

Every week more gourds find their way home with me. For 75 cents a pound, you can really have a truckload, if that's what makes you happy. I am the boss of the gourds at Tall Tales Headquarters. Chris always agrees with my selection and my sentiment that you can not have too many.  

In my opinion

Scenes from the farmers market this week. How lovely are the red stems in this vase?

Another jumpsuit/coverall! This week from the Repetition Coffee booth. 

A cup of that coffee with a nice piece of orange/honey/date cake from the Chonky Treats and Eats guys sounds like a perfect love match to me. He was about to start cutting on the second cake of the morning when I got this photo. 

The woman I got the dryer balls from last week had so many beautiful hats and mitts this week, all made from the wool she spins from the sheep she raises.  She is a treasure.  

I was a little nervous about asking this guy if I could take his picture, but I had to because he was enjoying his farmers market breakfast so much. As soon as I asked he broke into this giant smile. The morale of this story is always ask.

My purchases this week were heavily green. I had such good arugula last week I had to get another bag. I generally don't eat arugula alone as my salad green, but since my friend Annette turned me on to the idea when we were in Salina, I have been enjoying the flavor immensely. A tender bag of mellow mix blend for weeknight salads is so easy. The fate of the butternut squash is as of yet undecided. Soup maybe?

How did it get to be Sunday evening already? Chris is out back cooking some barbecue chicken on the grill and I am about to go get my pajamas on. All the best dinners are eaten in pajamas. In my opinion. 

this amazing jumpsuit

When you come to the Lawrence farmers market, if you have a question, head for the information booth where "the person in the know" may or may not be wearing this amazing jumpsuit, but I hope she is. It's spectacular.

This week I jumped up and down and clapped when I saw the mini gourds and decorative corn. 

The dahlias, zinnias, marigolds, and basil were perfection in this arrangement. 

Pumpkin Spice (complete with straw) was the cake of the week from Chonky Sweets and Eats and was going fast by 7:30am. 

I was delighted to see a new batch of dryer balls available for purchase. 

I have been using these for years to reduce drying time and static cling. I like to replace them every 3 years or so.  I have no idea if there is really a "life-span" for dryer balls, but in my house there is.  Also, are they drier balls or dryer balls? 

Get a load of these gnarly gourds.

I did not expect to find green beans this beautiful, but grabbed a bag to go with the chicken and rice Chris was making for dinner on Saturday. 

Kale and roasted butternut squash salad with cranberries and Thai dressing are on the lunch menu this week. 

The light was perfect on Karen as she wrapped up my flower purchases for the week. Bittersweet! 

Which by the way look perfect on my porch.  Did I tell you Chris had a ceiling fan installed out there for me? It's wonderful for stirring the air.  To keep things cool as well as for discouraging bugs. 



Purchases for the week are below. Bittersweet and mini pumpkins and gourds in the house means it's time to change the pillows on the rockers and the front door mat.  Maybe next week, out will go the geraniums, to be replaced with mums. It's fall, and I for one am completely delighted at the prospect of all that means.  

the marriage of a biscuit texture and a muffin flavor that needs no embellishment whatsoever

Here are the contents of my market basket from Saturday. The treat in that brown bag shall be discussed later.  

There is nothing better than a 65 degree morning with the sun coming up over the market. It lets me know for a moment, that all is right in the world. 



I love a good crop of marigolds. They always put me in a Dia de los Muertos frame of mind which makes me want to watch Coco again this year. 

You know I snagged a nice bag of arugula, there will be time in the coming weeks for the acquisition of apples and pumpkins.  







Linda had on the most amazing blue/green "butterfly" glasses, and THE smile to go with them. 



These bundles of drying grasses, flowers, and branches were simple and beautiful. 



This week was the week I decided it was time to try some sourdough bread from the Peters Family Farm. 



Since I am writing this post on Sunday night, I can tell you that it was everything sourdough should be. Dense and flavorful, it made perfect toast for breakfast and was equally good with butter, garlic, parmesan, salt and pepper, under the broiler with dinner. 

I loved her flower toting method that allowed for continued hands-free shopping. Sometimes you spot the bouquet you want and don't want to trust it will still be there after the rest of your shopping has been wrapped up. 



I myself was a sucker for the bouquet with pink dahlias this week, they went quite well with the orange zinnias that were already on the table.  



Last but absolutely not least is this cranberry orange scone from Chonky Sweets and Eats. Several weeks ago they told me how good their scones were, this week I tested. I am a HUGE scone fan. In my mind the perfect scone is the marriage of a biscuit texture and a muffin flavor that needs no embellishment whatsoever. The raw sugar on top provided a wonderful crunch. I was told it would be perfect as is, but if I warmed it in the oven for about 5-10 minutes it would be even better. Which was excellent advice. This was one of, if not THE best scone I have ever eaten. Well done. 

that is another matter entirely

I met Wanda this morning at the market. She told me she comes every Saturday. I wanted to follow her around, watch what she bought, then go home with her, sit in the kitchen, and have her describe what she was going to do with everything she purchased, taking notes as needed.  Instead I settled for her picture. She told me about the time a few years back when she was somewhere with her husband, a Korean War veteran, and unbeknownst to her someone took her picture which showed up on page 3 of the Journal World the next morning. If you know Wanda, please show her this. She told me she doesn't know much about computers and the internet. 

The number one item on my "get this" list today was green beans, to go with the rice and pork chops for dinner tonight. The woman who bagged up the pound I purchased told me they were just picked yesterday. Which of course means they are only going to take a minute or 2 to cook and they are going to be perfect with a bit of butter, lemon, and salt. 

Heirloom tomatoes were plentiful.

The woman below told the farmer she wanted 7 pounds of cucumbers - she had an afternoon of pickle making planned.

Flowers and women and dogs were spotted and photographed.

Cabbages and gourds have me thinking about the coming of fall.

This sign caught my eye but I'm pretty sure I won't be trying it.  

The cherry amaretto crumble cake though, now that is another matter entirely.  It was my pick of the week from the Chonky baker this morning. The sweetness of amaretto and the tartness of cherries are a perfect blend of flavors. When added to a rich moist cake and a slightly crunchy top... well I think you get my point. I suggest you have it for dessert with a cup of Earl Gray Creme on the side. 

Baklava, another sugar cube cantaloupe, and a bouquet of sunflowers for the table rounded out my purchases this week. Quite a satisfactory visit, if I do say so myself. 

what would you guys have done with them

So here are the sand hill plums from Saturdays market. The ones the farmer warned me would NEED sugar.  As soon as I got home I popped one in my mouth after rinsing and ... oh lord he wasn't kidding! Sour doesn't even begin to describe the pucker factor.

But in the spirit of perseverance, and channeling my inner CHOPPED chef persona, I decided to make a syrup. Why not?

Easier than jelly and a perfect accompaniment to greek yogurt or oatmeal/quinoa topped with bananas and flakes of coconut - a fruity/tart replacement for honey. 

It may be good on ice cream or a vanilla custard - I haven't tried that yet. Or, what about a nice thick piece of toast with ricotta cheese, blueberries, a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts and a drizzle of sand hill plum syrup? 

I did make a refreshing cocktail with apple vodka, plum syrup, and club soda. It wasn't the best cocktail I have every made, but it was also by no means the worst. Further experimentation is needed. If you have some sour plums you need to use, here is what I did. They were put in a pot and covered with water, brought to a boil, let the skins burst, mashed them up a bit, let them cool, and strained them. This left me with 2 cups of strained plum liquid to which I added 2 cups of sugar, that was brought to a boil, cooked down a bit, skimmed the top and poured in jars. 

Tell me what you guys would have done with them? I am dying to know. 

an "over-the-top" day at the market

Corn cookies, pink poodles, and crocheted edges on sleeves are featured this week on the farmers market report.

So lets just dive right in to the cookie story... it started with a shot of the cake of the week at Chonky Sweets & Eats, which led to my admiration of their hand lettered sign, and then I had to ask about their "story".

Which goes something like this... talented baker leaves office work in 2019 to follow a dream, turns a home kitchen and love for baking into a way to make a living, using recipes he has had for years and tweaked, including the corn cookie, which gets it's name and flavor from local corn that is roasted and turned into a powder and added to a shortbread/butter cookie. Could you hear this story and not buy some? Not me. 

And so it begins. I am now going to have to eat my way through the menu.

Because when Ryan said the corn flavor was pronounced he wasn't kidding.  This is a soft, tender cookie, with a buttery-salty-corn-sweetness that I have never tasted before in a cookie. It is addicting. The perfect dessert on it's own or accompanied by a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. The shape is also a bit unique, slightly reminiscent of the top of a corn muffin, and the corn also adds a nice texture. 

When I turned around after talking to them, I saw my friend the seamstress wearing another fabulous top, and this time with crocheted edging on the sleeves and bottom!

Such a clever idea! I can't wait to tell the Prairie Makers about this. 

Let me not forget to show a few pictures of some of the splendid flowers, fruits, and vegetables on display this week.

I loved that this woman was doing some preliminary shucking work on the corn she had for sale. 

Some sand-hill plums made their way into my basket this week because I have been seeing them for years and never bought any. The nice farmer I bought them from warned me they would need some sugar. More on that later in the week.

This lady looked really happy with her bouquet selection. 

This is the one I chose, not that I don't have red lime zinnias myself,



but I don't have any of that optic grass or sedum, which really make this arrangement splendid.

And, yes, there really was a pink poodle at the market and I did take a picture because ... how can you not? 

I sure hope they walked by the little boy below as they made their way around the market, because I think he would have enjoyed it as much as I did.

It was an "over-the-top" day at the market on Saturday. In all the very best ways possible.

Until next week ...

the perfect number needed

I walked into the farmers market Saturday and made a bee-line for these sunflowers. They were a flashing beacon that grabbed my attention. I was pretty sure they would be my flower purchase, but it never hurts to get the lay of the land before making a final decision.

Music is back at that market, and while I knew I missed it, when this balladeer began to sing City of New Orleans my heart did clench just a teeny bit. I swear if I closed my eyes it would have been 1973 or so and I would have been at an Arlo Guthrie concert, pretending to be 17.

This lady had on the outfit I would wear now, if I were at that concert again.

Sweet corn, rainbow chard, and string of pearls caught my eye. 

Would you get a load of this basket? Hands free shopping, though one might need a companion to load the purchases. It looks so cute on her, and with the skirt! Practicality is over-rated.  

A tomato and cucumbers were selected at this booth. This year I am fully appreciating my local cucumbers. Almost a creaminess to them if that makes any sense at all.

There was a truck load of watermelon for sale, sister if you were here I would have bought one.

But I had seen her, eating a juicy piece of cantaloupe, and knew this was the melon I was getting. 

I returned to find the sunflowers waiting for me, and they were carefully wrapped up by these two smiling flower growers. 

Two bunches were needed.

I think you will agree that was the perfect number needed.  

In case you now MUST hear City of New Orleans, it is provided below for your listening pleasure. 

 

 

a mission of fun

Scenes from the Lawrence farmers market today included the following:
Morning light coming through bundles of flowers for sale.  

First local apples of the season. The first that caught my eye anyway.

Organic sweet corn! Sunday dinner just got re-planned.

The look of pure contentment on this man's face made me have to ask to take his picture. I don't know if it was because of the tomatoes he was looking at, or the bundle of flowers he was bringing home.

These were the flowers I was going to get, 

until I spied the bucket of tuberoses, 

and what about a bouquet of what looks like flowering dill? 

I enjoyed very much watching her pick a bouquet, with the help of her brother of course. 

Oh I did want to wait for her to unwrap her instrument and listen ... maybe next Saturday?

This young man's smiley face hat caught my eye, but when I got home it was the "grandson" appliqué on his shirt that made me smile. I hope the maker/giver knows he is getting good use out of it. 

The caramel latte cake was going fast this morning. Espresso in the cake and coffee on the side. Yes please. 

Caprese salads are what I am making with my heirloom tomatoes this week. 

Right when I was leaving I spotted this fellow racing across the street to get to the market. I don't know what he was going for, maybe just fun with dad? But he was on a mission. A mission of fun.

Here is what came home with me today.

I think tuberoses are amazing. How do they know when they are inside that it's evening and time to release their fragrance? I must investigate. 

mushrooms that looked like flowers

Fairies from the Renaissance festival were at the farmers market on Saturday. They were friendly and knew how to strike a pose - without even being asked. Talk about cute. The festival starts in 6 weeks if anyone needs to know that. 

There were tomatoes, eggplant, and mushrooms that looked like flowers. 

This very nice man told me that I could take his picture even though he had not checked with his agent beforehand. He has clearly not lost his ability to make his girlfriend laugh with his witty comebacks. 

Meantime, these 2 women were busy thoughtfully discussing the problems of the world, searching for consensus. I am voting for them for something. If they are running. Which they probably aren't. Still.

In case you are not familiar with a millet bouquet - here is one. Isn't it pretty? 

My basket this week was filled with all the stuff you see below. 

For the moment I remain committed to the acquisition of sunflowers for the table.  I even put some outside on my front porch this week. 

Because I could.

men discussing the merits of green and yellow zucchini

The theme of the day at the farmers market yesterday was COLOR. 

There was also sweet corn, cucumbers, and zucchini...

and men discussing the merits of green and yellow zucchini. Is it zucchini if it's yellow, or just summer squash? I was going to ask but thought it might be more of a technical response than my brain could handle at 7:30 on a Saturday morning.

Sunflowers were on display - many varieties.

There were also blackberries, plums, and strawberries. Alas, no more blueberries, but happily I bought 2 containers last week and have carefully tucked one into the freezer. 

This woman's glasses caught my attention and she was kind enough to allow me to show them to you as well. Perfect color and shape for her.

I came home with strawberries, spinach, green beans, sunflowers, and cucumbers.

As soon as I got stuff put away, the sunflowers went into this vase from Jamie, one of my quail friends. With a long narrow neck, it is the perfect container for tall flowers that need some help standing up straight. If you want them to stand up straight that is. 

I was going to end with the sunflowers in the vase, but felt compelled to conclude in the same colorful manner as I started. 

The end. 

they came with their very own inchworm

This morning's thunderstorm, complete with lightning and rain, did not keep me from the farmers market. Having been out of town or working the last two weeks, I was ready to resume my regular Saturday morning ritual. Especially since it was rumored there would still be blueberries. 

Bourbon Butter Pecan bundt cake should probably be illegal, and had I not already a breakfast menu planned, a slice of this would have come home with me.  I mean seriously, such care in the presentation... 

Local celery and red onions were on my list. 

This woman, with her bright smile, bouquet in hand, rain be damned, got my award for the optimist of the week. 

There were an abundance of hats and umbrellas in use today, my favorites below.

Madeline was there with the BLUEBERRIES. So glad I did not miss out on them (and her! home from college). I now have a bag in the freezer and the other carton was part of the aforementioned breakfast.  

These overall wearing, big smiling, farmers had the kale I was seeking ... and how is it possible to look as cute as they did in the rain? 

The Black-eyed Susans were doing a fine job balancing out the gray skies. 

It wasn't until I got home with mine that I realized they came with their very own inchworm. Who is now living in my front garden. Except I just looked them up and see they are voracious leaf eaters... surely not just one?

The bundled onions got made up into a batch of Sharron's pickled cucumbers and onions. First batch of the season. As long-time readers know, I am never without a jar in the refrigerator, all summer long.  

Oh it was good to be back at the market today. I had sorely missed the weekly dose of "community" that comes from seeing all my people. 

it's the best ticket in town

Cherries and tomatoes were what caught my eye at the farmers market today. Even if you didn't like cherries (is there such a person?) you would probably want to buy cherries from her.  Great smile, great sign, great fruit. 

I don't know if she read the sign or not, but this girl got her some cherries too. A whole big bagful. 

There was a crowd swarming around these tomatoes, but I muscled my way through it all and brought some home. 

You know this means pumpernickel bread, dukes mayo, lettuce, bacon, maybe a slice of deli turkey, for the summer-supper-sandwich-of-champions. I am counting the hours. 

Let me move on to shoppers for a minute.  Is it just me or do the women above (arms full of flowers) seem to be having more fun than the men below (arms crossed, hands on hips)?

I am not judging, just observing, and of course I did not ask them to take their photo from the front.

While we are on people though, get a load of the blouse the woman on the right is wearing.  Is that cute or what? Every since I successfully made a tank top I think I am an accomplished seamstress. 

I may have to take the photo to the extra nice AND helpful women at Sarah's Fabrics downtown and see if they can rustle up a pattern for me. While we are at it, how about the necklace and top her friend is wearing? 

Gosh the produce is beautiful right now... and so are the flowers, something different each week. 

I love the Moon on the Meadow logo and their Napa cabbage was especially interesting this morning. I haven't seen the purple before. 

My very favorite moment at the market this morning though was when I walked up to this booth to buy some honey and heard the vendor tell this man "if it doesn't make you happy don't do it". Such excellent advice for many situations. 

Fruits, vegetables, smiles, fashion, honey, philosophy, flowers, falafel, and baklava ... all right here every Saturday morning at the Farmers Market. It's the best ticket in town. 

the snap peas this year are the best

Here is my favorite photo from the farmers market yesterday. This is the tie-dye spirit personified. Complete with smiles, laughs, and a peace sign. I could just stop right here and you would know it was a great morning.

But since I took a few more photos let me ramble on for a minute. 

The golden beets were bursting with color and this helpful fellow was telling a shopper what she could do with kohlrabi. Let me re-phrase that and say he was providing excellent suggestions for incorporating it into her menus for the week.

My flower decision was a toss up between more peonies and the Japanese iris bunches.

Doesn't looking at this just make you want a glass of fresh lemonade? Or a cup of strawberry/mint water? Or a fresh brewed cup of Joe?

She made her scarf over the winter and it goes perfectly with that dress, mask, and basket. I have taken her photo before. I seek to emulate her spirit. 

Liquid gold, illuminated by the sun, was available in a variety of shapes and sizes from this vendor. 

My zinnias haven't reached the cutting stage yet but seeing these makes me look forward to the day.

This woman is a walking advertisement for the health benefits of local herbs and she also gets the "looks great in her hat" award for the week. 

Had to get the peonies. But you knew that. I also have to say that the snap peas this year are the best I have ever eaten. Rinsed and eaten raw just as is. Nothing better. You can add hummus if you want, and a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc if you feel fancy. 

the only cure for peony fever

Peonies and strawberries were top on my list for the market on Saturday. I learned my lesson from last week and arrived before 7:30 am - in time to procure my allotment. Several more vendors had them for sale this week which also helped.   

I was also glad to have an opportunity to donate easily to the UN refugee agency. When I see young people advocating for what I believe to be good causes, it makes me hopeful for the future of the planet. 

Below is the bouquet I almost got this week, until I spotted the opportunity to get ALL peonies.  

While I was busy catching Karen Pendleton in the middle of simultaneously transacting business, answering questions, and dispensing advice, my eyes darted to her cooler with the bundles of buds.

This was them at 8:00 am on Saturday.

Here they are on Sunday about 11am. Watching them open slowly is magical. 

Coats and sweatshirts were required this weekend, but it was nice not to have to wrestle with the umbrella.

Below is my new friend who had on the coolest glasses at the market this week. 

In addition to peonies and strawberries, I brought home lettuce, kale, asparagus, and snap peas this week. There is nothing that makes me happier than coming up with new combinations of vegetables and greens for salads for lunch. This week will be kale mix, roasted mushrooms, dried cranberries, barley cooked with a pinch of cumin and curry, pumpkin seeds, and red pepper with a slightly spicy vinaigrette dressing. 

I am sort of feeling a serious case of peony fever coming on though. It may keep my from getting to work on Tuesday. The only cure for peony fever is sitting in front of an arrangement of them for hours on end while your mind is relaxed and open. This can not be done at work. 

hot dogs are a perfectly acceptable breakfast food

In case you are wondering what to wear to the farmers market when you come to visit, anything goes. But if you want to win the "best dressed award" you will want to bring these boots. 

Peonies were in many baskets, including mine. Because as long as they are blooming, they are hard to beat. 

I dropped my basket when these two approached and was really glad they agreed to let me take a picture. They were absolutely as NICE as they look here - plus some. 

They passed on such good vibrations of kindness that I couldn't even get myself worked up when the woman in front of the woman in front of me bought the last 2 containers of strawberries. I bought extra greens instead. 

My favorite cactus this week was a blooming one. 

The smell of the sugar on top of the creme brûlée getting torched, was intoxicating. That friendly customer was kind enough to inform me it tasted even better. And... if you were wondering... it turns out that hot dogs are also a perfectly acceptable breakfast food. Clearly, this one should not have been interrupted by me, but I couldn't help myself.  

What about the basket below with the higher than normal sides? Excellent for cradling whatever you put inside.

The musicians have now been allowed to return to the market (color me happy). They add to the overall spirit of the market.  Especially when they are playing an Italian melody on an accordion, or are wearing a funny t-shirt and playing the dulcimer.

My purchases this week included a wonderful kale mix, broccoli, asparagus (which like peonies should be purchased every single week until they go out of season), spinach pies, and flowers! 

I asked mom's permission, he performed, no direction needed...

This week at the market it was all about the umbrella. Design, color, coordination with outfits and face masks, and of course umbrella as prop.

I begin with my favorite which needs no explanation. So none will be given. 

Planned or a happy coincidence? I like to think planned - and hoping someone would notice. Check. 

This kid has a future in the theatre. He saw camera, I asked mom's permission, he performed. No direction needed.

There was also some wonderful produce and booth umbrellas. 

These edible flowers were a bright ray of sunshine in the rain. 

Experienced tandem umbrella walkers. As evidenced by the ability to hold a coffee and an umbrella simultaneously, while shopping. 

What came home with me today is below. 

When I saw it was raining this morning, for about 10 seconds I considered not going to the market. That clearly would have been a BIG mistake. Especially considering that lunch this week will consist of fresh spinach, Lebanese beans, and falafel. Snap peas on the side. 

"carol sure eat's a lot of baklava"

I was delighted to finally meet Adelaide this morning at the market. She of the colorful-lid banners. As I suspected, she had important details to convey about the what and the why of the banners, "I'm putting them between that booth (as she pointed) and that booth to make the market pretty". Was her response to my question of the reason she was hanging them.

She also let me know that there are 12 school days left before break, she is 6 and 1/2 years old, she is going to do the summer reading program at the public library this year, and her favorite writer is Mo Willems - especially any book with Piggie and Elephant. There you have it. Excellent interviewee. 

As I was snapping up the last of the strawberries, these two got the last poppy bouquets. We were going to high-five over our good fortune but all our hands were full.  

The heads of butter lettuce were spectacular this morning. 

This smart couple is using the two basket method of shopping so as not to smash anything, including the amazing greens on the top of those beets.  

How about this for a Mothers' Day bouquet? 

Above and below are my favorite shots of mothers from today. Above for that fabulous baby foot, below for the smile the mask could not hide, and the tip on where to get a good sun hat. 

High marks to this vendor for the hanging turnip display. 

For those wanting bread, check out Miss Roxy's wares.

My haul above. In case you are thinking "Carol sure eat's a lot of baklava", you are 100% correct. I require my 4 pieces per week during market season. It's the perfect balance for all the greens. 

This week's purchases were rounded out with an arrangement of hydrangeas, allium, and lilacs. In a junk shop vase that I am pretty sure is quite rare and valuable. 

at the best farmers market this side of the Mississippi

When I walked into the market this morning and saw these bunches of allium, I knew it was going to  be a red letter day. 

It was sunny, 60 degrees, and EVERYONE was happy. It was as if some special dust had been sprinkled over the market today to make it magic. 

There were cute families, the first local strawberries of the season, and plenty of asparagus. 

It's time to plant the annuals and herbs, spruce up the porch, plan picnics, and see our vaccinated friends and family. 

I loved watching the friends connecting above and below.  Even with their masks on you can see the animation in the exchange between these 2 women. I have no idea what they were saying but it seemed like the sharing of good news.   

I rejoiced in the return of Mellowfield farms with their wonderful produce and fabulously lettered signs. I loved the bleeding hearts for sale above. Thats a flower you don't see often in a vase. 

The boy above in boots, burrito in hand, let me know in no uncertain terms that the sun was too bright. I don't know what his sister, sporting her dress up shoes had in the basket, but she was holding it carefully as if her very life depended on not dropping it. 

The plastic lid garland hanger was not there this week, but the garlands were. There was a sign to read that explained just what they were about, but I am waiting to get her take on things when I see her next. 

Here is what I came home with. You must know that the strawberries were red through and through, the asparagus only needed a few minutes to cook up (I am chilling them to eat cold with a sprinkle of lemon and salt), and the allium look amazing on my table. 

And that friends, is what it was like this morning, in Lawrence Kansas, at the best farmers market this side of the Mississippi. 

The end. 

farmers market concept art

Saturday I squealed into my parking spot on Vermont street at exactly 7:32am. Having a scheduled online program to attend, that started at 8:45am, required exact timing if I was to attend the farmers market AND be on time for the class.   

The first thing that caught my eye was the neon orange cast. What, how, when??? All those questions were on the tip of my tongue, but none were asked. I was on a time-line.  

Getting to the market early and seeing the booths being set up is interesting. In case you wonder how much care the vendors put into their booths - it's a lot. I loved the way this man was turning things just so, and slightly tipping up the baskets; arranging everything to be at its best. AND get a load of the crocheted mushrooms affixed to his table drape. Plus that far-out mushroom tea towel!  

Above are the first morel's I have spotted this season. Aren't they beauties? Below are the first asparagus. Given our late hard frost, I wonder how the rest of asparagus season will go? It didn't seem to affect the flowers or trees much. Fingers crossed. 

Just as I passed by the frosted cinnamon rolls above, wrestling with myself about the need for one... as a treat since I had to spend almost all day completing an online program... neon orange cast man came by. I took this as a sign and approached, camera in hand. I commented that I hoped an excellent story went along with the cast and he assured me there was - and it had to do with racing motorcycles. I inquired no further but thanked them for posing so nicely for me. 

They seemed to have what it takes to be coming to the market together for many years. Like my friends below. 

Next up was a booth that made me think I was back at Seaside Gardens in California. Oh that barrel cactus was fabulous. Do I want to winter over a barrel cactus indoors next winter? Maybe?

For the second week in a row I passed by the colorful plastic garland hanger-upper. Next week, she will be interviewed. Farmers Market concept art. I am a FAN.

This weeks market bouquet  - more tulips, because they flat out make everything better. 

wishful thinking

It's supposed to snow tonight in Lawrence. Between 2 and 5 inches are forecast. At this very moment it is sunny and 44 degrees outside. It was a lovely day. Therefore, I am burying my head in the sand, sharing photos from the Saturday farmers market, and pretending that none of this is really going to happen. 

How cute is this salad in a pot?

I did not get these geraniums, because it's too early for me, but I will be driving out to Pendleton's in the next week or so to buy a bunch. It's easier if Chris comes to help carry and load in the car. Besides I think he likes to help pick the color (sometimes I ask his opinion, but it carries no weight, he knows this).

If someone gave me a rhubarb/strawberry pie right now, I would kiss them. If they brought vanilla ice cream to go with, I would hug them too. 

The woman above had such an eye catching display at her booth. When I told her this she said "I am the merchandising arm of the business". I want to be her friend. I didn't tell her that. But I am going to buy all my herb starters from her next week. 

This was my favorite pair at the market this week.  Don't they just look like they go together? I have an idea in my mind of exactly what their house looks like and what they were going to be doing the rest of the weekend. 

For now, I leave you with the lilacs. Happy almost Tuesday. Fingers crossed for no snow. Yes, I know it's wishful thinking. 

oh joy

The first farmers market flowers for the year have been superlative. Each morning when I leave for work and every evening when I return, I am grateful to see them on the table.

And to think, this is the beginning of farmers market flower season. Oh JOY. 

I have missed my people

And just like that, with the ringing of the opening bell, things are a little more right with the world again. Here in Lawrence Kansas anyway... because farmers market season is here

Everyone was prepared for "weather", and yes there were a few sprinkles when I was there, but really it was a perfect start.

There were all manner of treats to be had. People were smiling and friendly. Everyone was happy to have their picture taken.

When I went to get my honey from Anthony and asked if I could take his picture, he said "knock yourself out", in a very low key sort of way. My favorite response of the day.

These two were totally rocking the rain/pandemic look. Gosh I want to be 20 again and re-experience the world with green hair. For just a month. Or two. 

Instead, I bought some Tulips from the Cook's Country fellow and some baklava from my favorite grandfather/grandson duo. 

I have missed my people, even though they don't really know I think of them that way, or maybe they do.

I brought home kale, spinach, baklava, tulips, and honey. Perfect. 

Hopefully your season starts soon. Until then, I bring you greetings from all the vendors right here in Lawrence.

extremely good therapy by the way

We are coming to the end of farmers market season, but officially they will continue through November. This fellow had a lovely case of treats for sale. The oatmeal cream pie cookies looked especially good, but I forced myself to walk by as he took orders from a line of customers ahead of me. 

The kale continues to be amazing and is getting made into salads for lunch next week. 

I was delighted to see mum bouquets for sale at the Cook's Market booth.  You don't often see them for sale as cut flowers. 

These pumpkin arrangements were lovely.

I almost got the green one below...

...but instead had to go with the white pumpkin with red chili peppers, bittersweet, straw flowers, and juniper berries.  I got one last year at the Pendleton's. It lasted a good long time. 

I was hoping to find some apple or pumpkin butter, but struck out. However... the apple "jam" caught my eye and I got a jar of that to go on top of oatmeal or cream of wheat or some other hot cereal this winter. 

Two bundles of the mums were brought home and combined. One for the dining room table, and one for upstairs by the computer. 

I am changing the water in my arrangements more often these days. Attempting to keep them fresh as long as possible.  I could sit and look at them forever, seeing something new as the light changes.

Extremely good therapy by the way.  For any little (or big) thing that ails you. 

the relationships that form at the Saturday morning Lawrence Farmers market

There are fewer vendors and shoppers at the farmers market these days. Cold mornings and warm beds conspiring to keep some at home. Saturday mornings in the fall, at the market, are for sturdy folk. Like this mother-daughter duo whose smiles are so bright the masks couldn't hide them. 

I love how Miss pink coat is tenderly cradling whatever is in that basket. It's what caught my eye in the first place. Complete joy in knowing you have made just the right purchase.  

When rounding the corner after picking up extra Baclava to share with Dottie and Ray this coming week, there was this quintessential hat/mask combo. Once again, all smiles.  

After selecting a gnarly green and a bright orange pumpkin, and getting them all balanced exactly right in my basket and arms, along with 5 pounds of gourds, 3 containers of baclava, the camera, my wallet, and car keys... I ran into the Turkey Trot couple. Which caused me to stop, set everything down, and inform them that of course I had to get their picture as well. 

In case they don't look familiar to you, I have taken their picture every year at the market, about this time, wearing their matching hats. Last year, or maybe the year before, they told me they acquired the hats when they were visiting their daughter (I think) in Chicago (maybe) and participated in the turkey trot race (for sure).

These are the relationships that form at the Saturday morning Lawrence Farmers market. Friendly, kind, warm. Oh don't get me started.

Instead here are my gourds and a pumpkin. 

the heavy pumpkin being wheeled to the car

Pumpkins and squash continue to catch my eye at the farmers market this month. Deep orange, gnarly and bumpy, grayish green.  I want one of each. Maybe two.

Yesterday I also noticed the logo on the truck that brought them to the market. I wanted to hand the farmer my camera and ask him if I could get in the truck, stick my elbow out the window in a carefree manner, and have him take my picture, but I restrained myself. 

Peppers and plums are plentiful right now and I am stocking up on honey. The trick is to buy just the right amount so I don't run out but also  mindful that I don't want it to sit too long that it starts to crystalize. 

As a reminder that peppers aren't just for eating, there were these orange beauties in a flower arrangement. 

Finally, just when I have gotten used to carrying my basket to the market, thinking it the most efficient way to manage my purchases, I saw a reason to re-consider. It was the heavy pumpkin being wheeled to the car with ease that got me thinking I need a cart like that. 

It would also be handy for cantaloupe and butternut squash. 

As the weekend winds down, kale, quinoa, raisins, and Lebanese bean salad are getting combined for lunches and laundry is being folded. 

It's a universal truth that fall Sundays need to have more hours in them. Maybe just three. To be used for frivolous things like staring off into the distance.  

I only had to stop once to redistribute the load on the way back to the car.

Stacked pumpkins, matching masks, and neon radishes were on display at the farmers market this week.   

There were also artfully composed flower arrangements featuring dahlias that seemed extra pretty in the morning light. 

Swiss chard was selected as the "greens" of the week. Honey, a tomato, sunflowers, and Lebanese treats also found their way into my basket. 

How cute are these pumpkin flower decorations? Especially with the tops standing by like hats. 

Finally, there were the little gourds which could not be passed up at a dollar a pound. 

I am not going to tell you how many pounds I got, but I know it was the perfect amount since I only had to stop once to redistribute the load on the way back to the car.  This twisted, green/white/yellow combo is my favorite. Today.  

my fall frame of mind

On Saturday, the first miniature gourds of the season were spotted at the farmers market. Butternut and acorn squash too. If you hadn't already been convinced of the approach of fall. Consider this your confirmation. In Kansas anyway. 

I spotted this helper at some point and was glad to catch the whole family later and find them most agreeable to my photo request. 

I really wanted someone to come home with me who could spoon something savory and creamy into these squash blossoms, then flash fry and serve them alongside an omelet stuffed with asparagus and prosciutto and a piece of rustic whole grain toast, lightly buttered, and a glass of dry white wine. But there was no one in the vicinity who seemed capable, so I walked on. 

I did not try to squish this baby in leopard tights, but seriously, the thighs, the neck, the cheeks, were all begging to be. 

I did not get pickles this week, but must remember to get a few jars for the pantry, for the winter. I only make refrigerator pickles, and leave the real "pickling" to the experts. 

Someone like this lady. She seems like just the sort who would be a capable pickle-maker.

The squash, kale, and parsley were combined with lentils for lunches this week. After getting home from the store I realized that there is a difference between sprouted lentils and regular dry lentils. But it all worked out. 

This recipe did not call for kale, but I added some anyway. I thought about a few raisins too, but stopped myself. Everything can not have raisins. 

Finally there was this lovely bouquet with the lillies. Such a pretty color. Perfect for my fall frame of mind. 

tzatzki, falafel, and baklava from my favorite Lebanese chef

Apples and peaches were front and center at the farmers market today.

The people selling them were pretty nice too. They quickly pointed out that the other fellow in the booth was the one growing the fruit, but I still told them I wanted their picture. 

Fall colors, coffee cups warming hands, jams for toast...

... all these things have me anticipating the change in seasons. 

John Pendleton and I had a nice chat this am about how they use voile fabric to keep pests from getting to their dahlias. Which may I say are spectacular.

You would have thought I had called Karen and sent her a photo of my tablecloth, so she could make this arrangement just for me.

I did not bring home this truck. But seriously. It's crazy cute right?

I rounded out my shopping with tzatzki, falafel, and baklava from my favorite Lebanese chef (Lebanese Flower). That and some Malabar spinach from the Roots for Refugees farmers will make for fine lunches this week. As I was walking through the market today I heard a man telling someone he was with how often he doesn't get to what he buys and the food goes to waste. I wanted badly to put my arm around his shoulder and help him, but we're in a pandemic, and I didn't want to scare him. I also think it takes time to get your market mojo down and experiment around with stuff. I hope he keeps trying.  

 
Happy LONG weekend everyone. Enjoy yourself whatever you are doing.

farmers market regulars are rugged individuals

The morning began with stormy clouds and thunder, lightning in the distance, but no rain until I was about 7 minutes from home. Walking in the rain is perfectly ok with me, if I have a hat. Which I did. 

The rain did not stop me from going to the market. Not after working and vacation had me missing 2 Saturdays in a row. I brought sunshine home with me. In the form of Teddy Bear sunflowers. 

The farmers market regulars are rugged individuals, not scared off by a bit of rain.

This morning while juggling umbrella, camera, basket, and money, I did wish for a second pair of hands. For about a second. The problem with a second pair of hands is they also come with a brain. A brain that has ideas.  On a Saturday at the market, I only have space for just my ideas. Which are subject to change on a whim. 

tomorrow he may save the rain forest

Upon entering the farmers market this week, I encountered a budding botanist. Inspired by the collection of a succulent grower that revealed the great variety of species, his imagination was sparked. Here he is holding his first plant. Tomorrow, he may save the rain forest. These are the things that can happen when you bring your children to the farmers market.

There were also hot peppers, honey, and sisters in masks helping to sell the family crop of sweet corn.

This is where my cherokee purple heirloom tomatoes have been coming from. 

This week I paired tomato #1 with fresh basil, burrata, and a drizzle of reduced balsamic for salad to go with dinner. I usually put mozzarella on a caprese salad but saw someone using burrata and gave it a try. Delicious. 

My favorite sign of the week. Lots of information and just plain black and white, but the lettering somehow made it artistic. 

I spotted this bag-carrying woman and remarked on how much I LOVED the artwork, to which she replied "well I like your dancing cat tee-shirt too". I had forgotten what I had on. 

I had to bring home this "bouquet" of basil this week. So pretty AND fragrant.

Plus it works well with the zinnias from the back yard.  

everything you need it to be, and then some

Lines at the farmers market don't happen too often.  Especially at 7:45 am. Which can only meaning thing. Peaches! 

Here is a well prepared shopper.  Box of peaches procured - meaning she must have had plans for them in advance.  AND - will you look at that hair? Someone didn't tell her it'a a pandemic and her hair shouldn't look that good.  

There was also a fine selection of flowers. Anything you were looking for. Lisianthus, sunflowers, 

soothing whites or vibrant jewel tones. 

I could not choose one. So brought home two. I needed the height of the white and no excuse for the jewel tones. Had. To. Have. I think you will agree they are perfect with the limes.  

Taking the go together theme one step further, below I present "divide and conquer" and "like mother like daughter". 

There was also a nice selection of heirloom tomatoes again this week.

I stuck with the cherokee purples. But next week I may have to make a tomato pie which will require multiple varieties for maximum color and flavor.  This week Smitten Kitchen had a recipe for a tomato corn pie that looked divine and warrants further investigation. 

And thus concludes another richly satisfying week at the farmers market.

Hope your slide into Monday is everything you need it to be, and then some. 

stay cool, stay safe, eat melons

Though my farmers market trip this weekend was slightly later and slightly shorter it did not decrease my spending.

The first thing I did was march right back to the vendor with the cherokee purple heirloom tomatoes from last week.

They are incredible. I placed my order... "I need one for tonight and one for later in the week" and he provided 2 winners. Seriously you put 2 thick slices on a pretzel bun with mayo and the hamburger patty is really optional. 

There was a nice selection of good looking beans, eggplant, and friends stopping to say hello.

This won "best new sign at the market" this week.

This week's flowers.

It seems I am on an orange kick, and who can blame me. Speaking of orange...

I am on a mission to try all varieties of melons.  This weeks is a "sugar cube". Smaller and the seed pattern inside is super cool. So far I have enjoyed the "kandy" and the "ambrosia" equally well.  

Hoping your last week in July is a good one.  Stay cool. Stay safe. Eat melons!

 

enjoying the bounty of summer

There was a whole lot of goodness at the market this past Saturday... starting with BABY FEET, ambrosia melons, and pink zinnias.  

One good pink deserves another so I present this little miss, spotted from a distance (I have a fine-tuned radar that alerts me to things such as this) and she was only too happy to demonstrate her moves for me. 

I also capitalized on what will likely be the last week of blueberries in Kansas. This box is getting frozen for the mid-winter blueberry snacking cake.

Big heirloom tomatoes meant BLT's with Duke's mayo and smoky bacon on Monday night. There is no word that can accurately and succinctly capture the flavor. So I will just say OH! 

Which is also a good word to describe the flowers selected to carry home, and this curly haired, mask wearing adventurer. 

Until next week, I hope you are all enjoying the bounty of summer.

another weekend at the best farmers market on the planet

They had everything I needed and then some at the market on Saturday. Those tiny tomatoes were positively glowing, and I might have said "holy crap" or something like that when my eyes fell on them.  I mean seriously.

These crocheted bags full of lemons were so cute I wanted to buy 7 and hang them all over my house... and will you get a load of the gladioli? Such a pleasing combination of colors.

Best t-shirt of the week goes to the CAT DAD who was also "easiest to strike up a conversation with", and one genuinely nice fellow. 

Sweet corn season is upon us and there were also some beautiful blackberries for sale. 

Onions and swiss chard were on my list and I was glad to see both available. 

Onions carmelized, chard wilted, lunches made, blueberries eaten right out of the basket. I decided to roast the green beans for the heck of it while I had the oven on. I am going to re-heat them in a skillet real quick to go with dinner one night this week. I don't usually roast green beans but wanted to try something different. 

And of course, this wonderful bouquet of flowers came home as well. Thus concludes another weekend at the best farmers market on the planet. 

this half-pint zucchini peddler

Happy 4th of July from baby robin 1 and 2.  Twenty-one days ago there were three eggs in the nest, today these two look about ready to fly the coop.  I see them practicing their flapping routines when I walk by the window. Mother robin is standing at the ready, and is not putting up with any nonsense from me. I open the front door, she chirps, the baby birds duck down into the nest. 

This morning I wanted to put a few flags on the porch though, so I snuck out, quickly stabbed flags into flower pots, then went to my side of the porch.  To read. After about 30 minutes mom adapted and stopped chirping. 

Which allowed me to get a few photos.  From a distance. 

The observation of baby birds is endlessly entertaining. But there was also a market to get to today. The winner of the best 4th of July Face Mask at the market prize went to this woman. I think her name is Muriel and she sells excellent brittles at the holiday market in December. 

Her pickled okra and jalapeños were also carefully packaged today.

Madeline was back from college with a table FULL of blueberries and zinnias.

The people who are selling and shopping at the market are doing a really great job about masking and distancing.

Even this half pint zucchini peddler was in good form.

I think we have reached the peak of beautiful flower season here in Kansas. So much is blooming.

Sometimes just one arrangement per household isn't enough, and happily there is not a limit. Happy 4th of July from Chris and I. We hope wherever you are, the fireworks are as colorful and quiet as this one. 

a perfect match for the flowers

Among the umbrellas, yellow slickers, and rain boots at the farmers market this weekend, there was also a bit of sunshine. In the form of sunflowers.

Thanks to JT and Roger from Firefly farms for braving the weather, setting up your booth in the rain, and having the perfect arrangement waiting for me to bring home.  

There was also sunshine, still of the flower variety, in the form of a patch. You know I went in closer for details. 

It wasn't until I was standing on the chair to take this last picture, that I realized the tablecloth (still there from last week) was a perfect match for the flowers. 

rudbeckia hirta

When photographed in the kitchen by the sink, or on the table by the paper, with a blue tablecloth underneath, or no tablecloth at all, I am going to guess we can all agree that the Black-eyed Susan (rudbeckia hirta) is a heck of a flower. 

It's bold without being too flashy, or fussy, and they last a long time. 

In addition, it mixes well with red clover (trifolium pratense) and zinnias (heliantheae).  

As pretty as they look on my table, they are even more spectacular when you come upon a mass of them outside in a garden or in a prairie meadow. Sometime in the next few weeks, if you live in Kansas you are surely going to come upon some. Put a jar, some water, and your clippers in your car now. For the meadow sightings. Not your neighbors flowerbeds. 

sunflowers, quail eggs, and brothers & sisters

It may seem unlikely that one could leave their camera at home on a Saturday morning trip to the farmers market. And yet...

...that is the situation I found myself in on Saturday. Which forced me to use my iPhone because there was no way I was passing up getting a photo of Shirley Temple below. I wanted to just go get her exact breakfast and sit down next to her on the curb and have a long and rambling conversation, then invite her over to color with me, but of course I could not do that. 

Using the iPhone feels much different than the Nikon at the market. Somehow I feel that camera helps explain what I am doing, although I realize that makes no sense. Like maybe people know the Nikon means I am using these photos for something important. 

Because of course showing you the sunflowers, quail eggs, and brothers and sisters in attendance at the market is extremely important. To me. 

The collard greens and beets were turned into lunches by noon on Saturday. Because as important as taking photos, is finding new and interesting ways to use what I buy each week at the market. 

toasted to a medium tan with a well proportioned amount of butter

These early market-goers were looking waaaay too good at 0730 this morning, when I spotted them in front of me on the way into the farmers market. Can I also mention that they were really friendly... and not at all bothered by my request for a photo. I LOVE nice people. 

Speaking of LOVE... lets get right to it. I almost hurt myself racing to the table when I saw locally grown little strawberries at this booth.

Let me fast forward to home for one second, to show you them better...

...and while I am at it, how about a loaf of sourdough bread for toast to go with them for breakfast? From the Christmas kuchen maker no less!

Lunches this week will include chard. Salads will contain green onions, cilantro and of course lettuce.

Gosh I liked this woman's hat. I want a cloth bucket hat with a slightly larger brim for more sun protection. Colorful, just like this one. Who knows about them and where I can get one?

On the flower/plant front there was an asiatic lily and a pretty canna with the light hitting it perfectly.

I came home with a peony containing arrangement because I simply am not ready to let them go yet. 

And how can you not like the addition of lamb's ear?

Oh dear, I fear I am rambling, but I have more stuff to say...

... this chard is getting wilted, added to barley, and topped with Lebanese beans for lunch next week. My lunches are so much more interesting during farmers market season. The woman below was leaving as I was coming in and I spotted her chard, which is what started me down this road.  

And just like that, another Saturday at the market done. Such wonderful way to start the weekend. 

P.S. the sourdough was perfect, toasted to a medium tan with a well proportioned amount of butter, it was THE perfect accompaniment to the strawberries. 

I wanted to hug her and ask if she would marry the child I do not have so we could be related

Upon entering the farmers market on Saturday, I encountered a mom providing a practical lesson in household finances to her daughter as she explained "well your allowance is $5.00 per week..." as they reviewed a menu of available treats and how much each cost.

These two had a clear division of duties - the guy on the left was the money man and the one on the right was the order retriever, and never the twain did meet. The mirror symmetry of their hands was a bonus.  

I of course had to have a conversation with the succulent/cactus grower, and despite the fact that I have a plentiful array of succulents already, needed to make a purchase.

Because I have been wanting a stacked crassula and he had one with my name on it. 

Below, is the recipient of the dad-gum cutest person at the market this week. Seriously, the dress, the shoes, the purse, the hair, the mask, the checked bag, and above all the way she held herself. I wanted to hug her and ask her if she would marry the child I do not have so we could be related. Instead I just asked to take her picture.

Below are my purchases for the week. Including that lovely bunch of dill that compelled me to make a batch of pickled cucumbers. 

Last week and again this week, I blanched the asparagus as soon as I got home so I can eat them cold for snacks or as part of lunch.  Blanch, chill, squeeze with lemon, sprinkle of salt before serving (if you like that sort of thing). 

Again this week there were peony buds. 

This week in a water pitcher, because it makes such a nice vase, especially when you are not serving water at dinner parties for anytime in the foreseeable future. 

P.S. in the name of full disclosure baklava and falafel also made it into the basket. To balance all that green. 

peony season can be extended a bit

I splurged and bought a couple of bouquets at the farmers market Saturday. The first one features peonies and allium along with scented geranium foliage.

The color of the peonies reminds me of a delicate pink buttercream frosting. I love how they look in all the different patterns of light throughout the day. 

Bouquet number 2 is peony buds that have been cut and refrigerated. I cut an inch or so off the bottom and popped them in a vase and they open pretty quickly.

I do love that peony season can be extended a bit thanks to refrigeration, Karen Pendleton, and the Lawrence Farmers market.

you never know when you might need one more

The opening of the Lawrence Farmers Market was a smashing success. For me anyway. I hope for all the vendors who were there as well. 

Local asparagus, flowers, and HONEY were top on my list. All acquired.

There was a wonderful selection of beautiful greens, and how can a market day not be great when you see this duo below? The simple joy of a market can make a lot of things feel better. 

People were practicing social distancing, and hand sanitizers were available.

Just about everyone was also masked. Less important in a wonderful outdoor market, than in an enclosed space, but still it's the right thing to do right now. 

New practices with less touching did not appear to stop anyone from getting just what they wanted. 

It was good to be back at my market. Among familiar faces. Supporting local vendors. Out on a Saturday morning.

Even though there were no "official"entertainers present, this fellow did a mean version of "The COVID-19 blues" egged on by his friend in the red bandana. 



And if all that wasn't enough... how about this cactus? Good to know there is going to be a nice selection of succulents at the market this year. 

Yes, my pots are all planted out back, but you never know when you might need just one more...

... or maybe two.

things I have "put up" from the market

In case you were wondering (which you probably weren't), I did use a bag of blueberries, uncovered by accident in the bottom drawer of the freezer, carefully preserved from last year's farmers market, to make Blueberry Snack Cake last week.

When lunch time comes, and I pull our a jar of soup and a piece of this carefully wrapped cake, and sit down at my desk, it feels like I have been seated at a roadside diner off a two lane highway in the middle of the great midwest. It's not fancy. It's just good.  

I was lamenting the fact that I had 2 bags of these that I hadn't used. Until I learned this week that the farmers market opening has been delayed from April 11th until May 30th. I can't recall if that means I will miss the height of blueberry season.  I don't think so.  I think that's late June in Kansas. But the thought of one more of these cakes will help me get through not seeing all my farmer friends.   

I am luxuriating in baking these days. Especially a simple recipe like this that requires minimal ingredients, that I usually have on hand, with the exception of the buttermilk that is easily substituted with regular milk with a bit of vinegar. I do LOVE using things I have "put up" from the market. 

a Kuchen party for one

My very first stop at the Holiday farmers market this past weekend was for Kuchen bread. After waiting for an entire year, I was more than ready for a loaf and I was not one bit shy about marching into the place 10 minutes before it officially opened to snatch it up. Angie would have been so proud.

Two loaves were purchased this year. Come late February, when it is cold and dreary, and no celebrations are in site, it will be just the pick me up I am needing.  

The bread was well balanced by the addition of 2 bundles of this amazing kale.

The woman who gave me my change told me about the "kale with white beans and bacon" soup she had just made with it. Drool.  

Greenery and ornaments were in abundance.



As were nice families. This fella in the middle gets my vote for best hair AND best smile at the holiday market. I think his parents agree with me.  

Best baby in a red onesie, with father in red hat below.

My very favorite supplier of socks was present. I wanted to take those earrings right off her and put them on but I didn't want to interrupt her mathematical computations.  

Next year I am putting a big festive thing-a-ma-jig on my hat and I am going to rock it like no body's business like this lady did this year. I loved her style.  

Honey was stocked up on.

Cookies were purchased. Because look how beautifully they are decorated. And so carefully packaged. 

Right about that time Helen the potter walked by in her wonderful Mola vest and we found out that we had both lived in Panama and her brother might have known Ray &/or Dottie.  I am telling you it is a small world.  

Then as I walked by Karen's painted gourds I saw my favorite baklava makers,

who happened to be in close proximity to the gnomes.

By this time my basket was full, so I bid a fond farewell to the holiday farmers market for another year, 

and headed for home with my treasures. The instant the basket was unpacked, the toaster was plugged in and I called to order a Kuchen party for one.