Tall Tales from Kansas

the feeling that things are possible

The first kale salad of the season was made this week with kale, yellow pepper, mandarin oranges, orzo, and goat cheese.

There is nothing like the taste of that first salad you make with a base of greens from the farmers market.   

What I have discovered is that while it is the flavors that are most important, there is also something else that comes along with the first bite.  It's a flood of ideas for culinary masterpieces that I may dream up over the course of the next 7 months as I am exposed to fresh locally grown ingredients.  To me there is nothing better in the whole world than the feeling that things are possible. 

Of course having a big container of salad, in the refrigerator, ready to eat with anything is also pretty good.  Especially if you made spicy/sugared slivered almonds to go on top for some crunch. 

And did I mention their was a vinaigrette made with orange juice, olive oil, a clove of garlic, a dash of honey, a spoon of sour cream, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper?  So good you will want to drink it, but save some for the salad anyway. 

 

so good to see your smiling faces on a chilly Saturday morning

It was like a big reunion this morning at the Farmers Market in Lawrence.  Hello to my favorite kale farmer, hello all green things growing, and aprons for sale, and happy toddlers, and friends taking selfies.  Smile. 

Hello sisters in hoodies, vendors in hats and mitts, and the couple I bought my marigolds from last year.  Hello mocha almond and double decker confetti brownies.  I know some kids who would like you. 

Oh hello there pour-over coffee men.  We haven't been properly introduced yet, but it's only a matter of time.  I can see you take your work seriously.  I love serious coffee.  I mean it. 

Hello friends from Pendleton's!  It's so good to see your smiling faces on a chilly Saturday morning. 

Welcome everyone to the beginning of the Lawrence Farmers Market and a new season of my goings on about all things local that can be found there. 

Equally as enjoyable as seeing everyone and everything at the market this morning was coming home, wrapping my hands around this cup of coffee, and thinking about what I should make with my first bunch of kale.   Decisions, decisions.  

going to connect with my community

Next up in the "year in pictures review" are a set of photos from my 2015 Saturday morning visits to the Lawrence Farmers Market.   This was hard.  There was no way to pick only nine, so I allowed myself 14.  Being as I am the boss of the blog and all. 

The market is as much about the people and the feeling I get when I am there, as it is about the produce, flowers, and everything else you can buy there.   I used to tell Chris I was going to "connect with my community".  Which is exactly what it has become a way for me to do.  Ridiculously corny.  I know. But I feel like a nicer person when I am at the market.  I WANT to talk to strangers and smile at them.   Go figure. 

From the comfort of my little art room on the 2nd floor of Tall Tales headquarters, on this eve of the new year, I raise my glass of merlot to each of you. 

 

it could not be shipped in the mail

Today was the Holiday Farmers Market, the last official market of the season.  It opened at 9am and was already packed at 8:55 am when I arrived.  There were Christmas present ideas galore there.  I found something for everyone I needed to buy for.   I leave it to you to decide what I got for whom.

Dottie and Mary Ann you should feel free to trade among yourselves if you don't like what I picked out for you.  You on the other hand brother, you can not trade, because I picked out the best present ever for you.  You are going to love it.  I am pretty sure it will be the most unique present you have ever received. 

It could not be shipped in the mail so I am having it driven out to you.  Since it might not get there until mid-January I am showing it to you today. 

 

a suitable substitute

Highlights from the farmers market this week included the bee man, Duchess pears, cute toddlers in knitted hats with pom-poms on top, amazing wreaths, flower arrangements with stock and sunflowers, rainbow chard, green beans, spinach, and green leaf lettuce.  

 

All in all a very successful trip to the market.  Even if I did not find any of the "legendary" watermelon radishes.  The colors of the rainbow chard were a suitable substitute.  Except for the fact that I couldn't slice them very thin and serve them with cheese and a seasonal craft beer. 

 

 

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the number of superlatives I used to describe them 366 days ago

they make the whole house smell like spring

a 4 legged shark with a tail

The farmers market season is winding down here in Lawrence.  Only a few more weeks left and then the season ends.  Sniff, sniff.   This made me really glad to see there were still some flowers to be had today.  Along with roasted chestnuts, squash, and a ... beauty school drop out. I think that's what she said she was. 

I bought apples, resisted the apple cider doughnuts, discussed what in the heck you do with black Spanish radishes, and just as I was leaving I spotted a 4 legged shark - with a tail.  Which of course means I slammed on the brakes and got out of the car. 

Oh dear.  Poor little doggy was not sure what to make of that fin on his back.  I hope he got a really nice treat at the end of the day. 

I know I did.  Get a really nice treat I mean.  In the form of flowers and produce.  Happy Halloween everyone!

if you got married in the early 80's

First of all I would like to say that the title of this post has nothing to do with the year this nice couple got married.  I don't know what year they got married.  I don't know their names.  I DO know they look perfect for a fall farmers market in their hats.  I was getting ready to leave the market on Saturday, flowers in hand, bag full of produce, camera put away, when I spotted them.  I stopped in my tracks, set everything on the ground, and asked to take their picture.  They were kind enough to oblige me. 

I also spotted some good looking greens, root vegetables, and pawpaws for sale this week. 

Have you ever eaten a pawpaw?  Me neither.  I just looked them up and read ... "the flavor of pawpaws is forceful and distinct".   Maybe next year I will be braver.

I do happen to have an apple cake recipe that I have been waiting to try so I bought a few bags of apples from this fellow who is from way up around Hiawatha.   

If you got married in the early 80's, chances are good that you have a corning wear dish just like this with a big lid.  It's great for roasting beets.  No need to spray, no foil to waste, and it cleans up with minimal scrubbing. 

By noon the apple cake was in the oven (more on that later), the beets were roasted, and the flowers were on the table.  

Karen is a flower arranging virtuoso.  I love the unusual things she puts in her bouquets.  Does this bunch not just completely capture all the best of fall? 

goat hi-jinks and fields of lavender

In addition to seeing animals on the farm tour last weekend, I glimpsed an amazing tree, and overheard the 62 questions a curious little girl asked her mama.

There were some ladies spinning fleece into yarn at the alpaca farm and I met a 9 year old boy who knows how to make brooms. 

You knew there would be some pumpkins, but I did not expect to see bee's.

I witnessed some goat hi-jinks and got to see fields of lavender.

I also made it out to Madeline's place.  I have been buying her zinnias for 3 or so years every summer at the market.   The time for a good photo of her fields has long since past for this season, but it was fun to see it anyway.

If you are in the area you will have to visit their website and be watching for when it's time to pick strawberries out there in the spring.   They are the best.  If tomatoes are your thing... you can pick those too.  

The Kaw Valley Farm Tour is always the first full weekend in October.  You may want to pencil it in on your calendar for next year.   It's a great way to spend a weekend. 

when there are baby pigs to talk to

This weekend I did not make it to the farmers market.  I was otherwise occupied with getting to know some baby pigs.   

Four Yorkshire cross baby pigs.  Meet Coffee, Smalls, Luke Skywalker, and Omelet. 

I also made the acquaintance of some jersey cows, a goat, chickens, alpacas, and a teeny tiny horse who used my leg to scratch his neck.

It was all part of the Kaw Valley Farm tour.  Where all the farmers invite you out to their places instead of bringing their stuff to town.  It was a perfect fall day in Kansas.  Blue skies.  Sunshine.  Temperatures in the low 60's.  Such nice people inviting us all out to their farms to catch a small glimpse of what they do.  These photos are from Saturday.  There will be more in the week to come. There were 32 farms that participated in the event.  Chris and I only made it to 6.  I like to take things slow.  Weekends are not for scurrying, especially when there are baby pigs to talk to.    

 

Photo credit:  Window with one red flower by Chris. 

glass slipper girl telling pink sweater girl...

While I was messing around in California, the summer farmers market in Lawrence Kansas has turned into the fall farmers market.   Complete with tall jack-o'-lantern material, pears, rust colored flowers in black bike baskets, apples, and warty pumpkins.  I adore pumpkins with stuff growing all over them.  The stranger the better.  Oh autumn, I have longed for your arrival.  Butternut squash bisque is on the menu this week and maybe a side of spaghetti squash.  Sigh.  

My favorite thing at the market last Saturday was pink sweater girl telling glass slipper girl she liked her shoes, and glass slipper girl telling pink sweater girl "tell your mom to buy you some". 

One year ago at Tall Tales Headquarters. 

factoring in what percentage are likely to buy so I can calculate the probability that there will be some left when I walk by after I take all the pictures I want

I haven't told Chris yet, but my goal for next summer is to buy us matching straw hats and make him come to the market with me so he can haul all my stuff around.  Seeing these two last Saturday gave me the idea.  

If I would have had him around last week I could have picked up a nice basket of Asian pears the minute I saw them. 

Instead I have to plan strategically - dividing the number of baskets available by the estimated current attendance at the market factoring in what percentage are likely to buy so I can calculate the probability that there will be some left when I walk by after I take all the pictures I want/need.

You see how complicated it can get.  Especially if you pass by amazing flowers early on in the trip.

Sometimes there is the matter of the weight of all the things I buy slowing me down and making me break into a sweat too.   Another good reason to have a porter to accompany me.

Luckily for Chris, who was sleeping peacefully when I got back home, no one had taken my bouquet with the orange thistle looking flowers by the time I got back to buy them.  I would have hated to wake him up and let him know it was his fault that I didn't come home with the flowers I wanted. 

a great white and a green zebra

A sure sign of the end of summer is when butternut squash makes an appearance mixed in among the eggplant, okra, and peppers at the farmers market. 

Some of the vendors also had signs up to remind us that next week is the beginning of fall market hours.   That means the bell doesn't ring to open the market until 8am.   The good news is there IS still some summer left as evidenced by the patty pan squash, a resurgence of radishes, zydeco music, and dancing girls.

And the heirloom tomatoes.  There are some beautiful heirloom tomatoes.  This week I got a Cherokee purple and two I have never seen, much less tasted before - a great white and a green zebra.  

Cherokee purple and green zebra are getting made into BLT's for Monday night supper.  Great white is slated for a capresse salad for lunch on Tuesday.  During tomato season it's important to eat tomatoes every single solitary day of the week. 

I kid you not

Girls with bouquets, purple and yellow peppers, and egg-sellers in training were at the market on Saturday. 

There were also more peaches along with a great selection of apples and pears. 

When I asked this cute apple selling couple if I could take their picture, the young woman said "wait let me get the baby too" which of course delighted me even more. 

Soulful singers and girls in special outfits with matching sandals and sunglasses rounded out the market experience this week. 

Purchases include, but were not limited to, what you see below.  

I am not going to make those apples into this cake.  I am not.  At least not until every ounce of the peach crisp is gone.  Which by the way is perfect for breakfast with a side of plain greek yogurt.  I kid you not. 

I only add ice cream when I am eating it for dessert

Have you been wondering what I did with the almost half a peck of peaches I bought last week at the farmers market?   If you have read on, if you haven't just look at the pictures.  After that you may want to read too.  

When I was inspecting the peaches, a few felt a bit firm, so I put them all in a sealed paper bag and left them on the counter for a day. 

Then I did the "boiling water ice bath skin slipping trick" previously described here.  It's a winner.  If you haven't done it before, it's life changing.  OK maybe not that dramatic, but it's certainly easier than any other method I have previously tried.

You will want to be sure and place your baking dish on a cookie sheet before you put it in the oven. 

I can't abide a crisp that is too sickly sweet or one with a crust that is gloppy and goopy.  Which is why this is my new "go-to" peach crisp recipe.  The cranberries in the topping add a chewy sour note that when combined with the brown sugar and slivered almonds make it just right.  I also like the big slices of peaches that can stand up to the crust.  The one thing I did different on the recipe is... I had a bunch of peaches, about twice as many as I needed.  So I followed the recipe for what to add to the peaches but I used 6 pounds instead of 3 and froze 1/2 of the mixture to make another crisp with this winter.  I stuck to the recipe as is for the topping. 

In case you are wondering, I only add ice cream when I am eating it for dessert.  This was a small afternoon snack. 

until I decided I needed three

After a two week absence from the farmers market,  I was welcomed back on Saturday by a harp-accompanied rendition of Edelweiss.  It was sung in a pure, sweet, soprano by this young woman who may, for all I know, be a distant relative of the von Trapp family.   Magical. 

Equally beautiful were the selection of heirloom tomatoes.

I also saw some cute baby cucumbers and big beautiful melons.

But maybe the most enticing sight was this amazing display of peaches.  I ended up getting a bigger than necessary basket.   I couldn't resist.  

I was only going to get one bouquet of flowers too.  Until I decided I needed three. 

when cute boys talk, I listen

Sweet things were front and center at the farmers market on Saturday.  Sweet smiles,  creme brulee,  peaches, and ... oh heavens, sweeeeet boys.  

 

He wasn't sure what to make of me at first but warmed up quickly when I told him I liked his most excellent t-shirt. 

He was helping his mom pick out the best bouquet of flowers at the whole market. 

When I told him I could not decide between the black eyed susans and the peonies for myself he told me the yellow ones for sure.  So that is what I got. 

When cute boys talk, I listen. 

P.S.  Did you see my friend Pam has a class on Creativebug?  You are going to have some fun with her.  One of my favorite things about Art Retreat is watching she and Mary Ann work.    Now you can too!

wreaths made out of miniature bottles and wire

There was fresh dill at the market today.  Mixed in with my dining room table bouquet.  A most unexpected place to find dill. 

There were also lilies and phlox, but I selected this bouquet for the dill. 

I planted some in my garden this year but it didn't survive.  Too wet I think.   With flowers like this, you can bet I will try again next year.  I love the feathery, delicateness of them. 

There were lots of umbrellas at the market too; for sheltering people and dogs. 

They also came in handy for keeping these crepe eaters dry as well as mothers on missions. 

I also saw peaches and ... wreaths made out of miniature bottles and wire.   Squeal!

How they came up with this clever idea I do not know.  But I sure do like it.  

Mr. Honey Bear Pop handed it to me with a napkin

I walked quickly by the blackberries, the crepe makers, the peaches, and a meeting of the Lawrence Chapter of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine on Saturday at the market.  I was on a mission.  A popsicle acquiring mission.

I came prepared to buy one of each flavor and have a sampling party so I could tell you all about them.  But Mrs. Honey Bear Pop told me that the pops were packaged for immediate consumption.  Undaunted, I ordered up a peaches and cream pop and Mr. Honey Bear Pop handed it to me with a napkin.  "Fruit is a great way to start your day" he told me. 

One bite later I knew I was in trouble.  I have a market routine.  Walk through, take pictures, go back and buy flowers, take flowers to car, return for produce and other purchases.  Now I am going to have to work "eat popsicle" in there somewhere.  My peaches and cream popsicle was cold and juicy with just the right amount of sweetness and loaded with the flavor of PEACHES! 

Happily, Pam (from Prairie Found Farms) offered to hold my popsicle for me while I tried to juggle camera, bag, and money all at the same time.  I could not pass up her latest lavender sachets.  

Next week I am getting the strawberry popsicle.  I might even try to sit down and join the meeting of the secret society while I eat it.  Maybe.  I am going to look up their customs to be sure I don't break any rules just as soon as I finish making my first batch of potato salad for the summer. 

a popsicle tasting party for one

Last week, in addition to getting 2 bouquets of zinnias from Madeline, I got this bouquet.  I had to have some of those yellow flowers that caught my eye as soon as I walked into the market.  It also incorporated some of that wonderfully fragrant creamy white stock.  

I don't know why I haven't used this pitcher for flowers before.  Expect to see it on my table a lot more, especially as we move into fall. 

While I am on the topic of the market for the second time this week, let me not forget to tell you about the honey bear pops. 

I am going to be really honest and tell you that I stopped to take their photo based entirely on the cart, the banner, the sign, and the APRONS. 

It was 7:25am when I was there.  Too early for a popsicle.  I hadn't had a cup of coffee yet.  But this coming week, I am bringing a small cooler with me.  I plan to have a popsicle tasting party for one on the front porch and report back to you with all my findings.  With makers who pay this much attention to all the other details... I can't imagine they won't be fabulous. 

who needs firecrackers when you have explosions of color like this

Yellow flowers were front and center at the farmers market on Saturday.  So pretty in the early morning sunshine.  

I was very happy to see Madeline back with a table full of flowers.   

Who needs firecrackers when you have explosions of color like this?   Luckily I need flowers upstairs in the art room, in the living room, AND on the dining room table.   Because let's face it, you can not walk by the Wohletz Farm table without buying something from these girls. 

As you can see I had to pass by the purple carrots and the first peaches of the season.  Not enough time this weekend for experimenting in the kitchen.  Purple carrot peach pie will have to wait until next week! 

this lovely pink cream with a hint of butter and nutmeg

Do you know about coral charm peonies?  I didn't until Karen from Pendleton's Farm took some out of her peony refrigerator and brought them to the market last Saturday.

They're so pretty they will take your breath away. 

I examined them from all angles.  They don't have a bad side. 

After about 3 days they began to change.  I was going to say fade, but that's really not accurate.  They softened into this lovely pink cream with a hint of butter and nutmeg.  

I can't decide which way I like them better.  Happily I get both for the small sum of $3 a stem. 

men in well worn hats

Lately when I go to the market I enjoy watching the people as much as I like shopping for produce for the week.   Everyone is happy.  Excited to start the weekend.  I rarely run into a grump. 

It's not every week that I see clapping and dancing but I'll take it.  Anytime.  

It's not just little girls who enjoy the market.   Men in well-worn hats like it too. 

And farmers.  All the farmers seem to enjoy the market.  This is one of my favorites.   I love the care he takes in bundling and displaying his produce, and he can always answer my questions. 

I haven't decided for sure what I am going to do with 2 pounds of carrots but I'm sure I'll think of something.  

a Lego building demo

You know it's going to be a good day at the market when you simultaneously encounter a running curly-headed boy, fabulous flowers, and kohlrabi in the first 17 seconds after you arrive. 

Add to that blueberries, carrots, and cherries and you are well on your way to the best day at the market so far this season.

Then, just when you think it couldn't possibly get any better, you see the cutest boy in all of Lawrence Kansas doing a Lego building demo.  

Followed by one of the zinnia merchants holding a puppy who wants to lick your hands and is as soft as soft can be when you pet him. 

Finally, on top of all that goodness, when I got to my car this fella was parked right next to me.  He did not appear one bit tempted to jump out of the back of his vehicle.    I on the other hand, wanted to kiss him all over his sweet face.  But I refrained.  Training that exceptional should be respected. 

P.S.  Happy Fathers Day to all my favorite fathers out there.  You know who you are. 

in a very hot skillet with some olive oil, salt, and pepper

When I zoomed out of the house, headed to the market, on Saturday the sky looked like this. 

Which meant I put the petal to the metal and proceeded to race the rain downtown.   It ended in a tie.  Big fat drops hitting the sidewalk when I jumped out of the car.   Which meant the camera stayed in the car.  But I did not.  I had plans.  Plans that included produce.

Red leaf lettuce for salads.  Radishes for roasting.

Cauliflower and kale for a new spin on lunch this week.

Sugar snap peas because I had never bought them before.

Chioggia and golden beets for roasting.

Two bunches of chard because last week I only bought one and I forgot how much it wilts down.

A dozen eggs because they were arranged so nicely in the carton.

And of course peonies.  Because life is short. 

I am going to give you the details as the week progresses on everything I make.  So far, I have sauteed the sugar snap peas in a very hot skillet with some olive oil, salt, and pepper.  Divine.    It is one of life's mysteries that I have never made them before. 

I poured a cup of coffee, got out my vegetable bible, and the planning began

Hats and jackets were the order of the day on Saturday.   The damp and cold did not deter the  shoppers (or the vendors) at the farmers market.  

We laugh in the face of cold and rain when there are things like peonies and beets to be had.  Not just any beets.  We are talking red, purple, and golden beets.  A beet trifecta. 

I might have gone overboard this week.  I brought home kale, chard, golden beets, green leaf lettuce, strawberries, and the sweetest head of broccoli you've ever seen in your life. 

As soon as I put it all away I poured a cup of coffee, got out my vegetable bible, and the planning began.  This is one of my favorite things about the farmers market.  Thinking of new ways to incorporate fresh local produce into our eating habits. 

I have no idea if it's really "healthier" to eat locally grown foods, but in my mind it is.   

polka dot pedal pushers

Here are my carefully chosen selections from the market this week. 

That beautiful green leaf lettuce got turned into a fried chicken salad on Saturday night.

These radishes were a total impulse buy.  They looked so pretty all grouped together.  I had no idea what I was going to do with them, but I solved that problem handily. 

This is a new savory way to enjoy toast for breakfast with an over easy egg and a side of bacon.  Toasted "country french" bread topped with pesto, sliced radishes and sea salt.  Oh so good.   I am usually a sweet topping on the toast kind of person, this may have reformed me.   

I like observing other shoppers for good ideas.  When I need a cane, I am going to remember this smart lady using a roller bag for her purchases.   I also saw an extremely well behaved pup and a little girl getting started on the road to a life-long love of gardening.  

Her mom was schooling her in how to choose a healthy plant.  I liked her polka dot pedal pushers. 

This mix of 3 types of kale looked intriguing.  Almost as interesting as the Jamaican Jungle juice.  I wanted to see what it looked like but I didn't want to ask. 

Next week I will hide out in the plants across the way and watch to see if anyone gets one,  then I can gauge their reaction and decide if it's something I NEED to sample.   

you've got a love match made in heaven

Love was in the air yesterday at the farmers market.  True love, puppy love, young love, and even kitty cat love. 

I think it was the scent of peonies that induced the good vibrations.  Five gallon buckets full of peonies for 2 dollars a stem certainly do it for me.   And if that wasn't enough, I also found the season's first strawberries. 

Bibb lettuce and strawberries are delicious on their own.  But if you add some freshly grated monterrey jack cheese, a few walnuts, and a fruity vinaigrette; you've got a love match made in heaven.  

I brought home my fair share of the peonies too.  But you already knew that. 

being out with my people

When I go to the market on Saturday mornings, my usual routine is to scout out everything before I make my purchases.  It's important to see every flower there before I decide which ones want to go home with me.  

Not this week.  As soon as I spied these peonies I snapped a photo, walked right up, slapped down my 6 bucks, and said "that one please".  

After walking the flowers back to the car I went about my customary rounds.  Listening, looking, reading, and selecting.  I like seeing other people who are excited about the market. 

Whether that excitement is about making music, chatting with a friend, seeing a fabulous sign, watching someone count back change, or walking around with with a bag full of asparagus,  lettuce, and spinach, makes me no never-mind. 

It's all about being out with my people. 

I think they were talking in code

Going to the farmers market today was one of the things that I planned to do that I did not cancel.  Good thing.  There was a lot going on.  Spinach, bedding plants, asparagus, and happy ladies selling flowers to ladies who were happy to be buying them. 

I also saw succulents, rhubarb, and carrots. 

I happened upon two men that I think were hatching some kind of plot because they were talking in a covert manner.  My ears perked up when I walked by but it did no good.  I think they were talking in code.  I walked by several times.  To let them know I was on to them.   I'm pretty sure they got the message. 

I spotted tomatoes that must have been of the hothouse variety, along with an amazing display of hand made bags, and a wide variety of coleus. 

There was lots to like today.  I resisted some things, others I could not. 

If you tell me you could have passed up a bag that looks like a quilt and was hand made by the nicest young woman in Lawrence I will know you are being untruthful.   

torched to order

I managed to make it to the farmers market on Saturday just before the sky opened up and the rains fell.  

Potential for rain always slows down the pace at the farmers market.  A little grayer, a little cooler, a few less people, lots of time to chat.  If you want to.   Or you can just look at lilacs in cowboy boots and fresh garlic, maybe some succulents in sea shells. 

I love cruising the booths.  First pass for photo ops.  Second pass for purchases.  Third pass to see if there is anything I might have missed.  I stood for a long time over the strawberry plants.   One day I am going to have my very own patch.    I can absolutely see myself searching under leaves for berries and then coming inside to eat them for breakfast. 

I was excited to see the addition of a "torched to order" creme brulee stand.   Seven fifteen on a Saturday morning was too early this week.   Seven forty five sounds like the perfect time.  Next week.  For sure.     

I didn't get any edible flowers either.   But they sure would be pretty on this plate of Texas White sheet cake I am eating right this second.   I always think about garnish for guests.  Never for myself.  That should change.   

I did buy myself a nice big bag of fresh salad greens.   Nothing beats the flavor of super fresh greens.  Plus they last so much longer than the ones you buy at the grocery store.  

Next week I am crossing my fingers for peony's.  I love casting my mind forward.  Thinking about what might or might not be coming in the weeks ahead.  Knowing if it's not next week it will be soon after.  

all is right with the world

Bedding plants were the order of the day at the first farmers market of the season on Saturday.   I also saw old friends, pretty flower arrangements, and an extremely well packed bicycle.  Mostly I just walked around grinning at everyone and everything.  I can't help it.  The farmers market makes me happy. 

I like that this flowering tree was putting on a show for those in attendance.

I came home with a beautiful dozen eggs, spinach that I was going to make a quiche with but decided instead to do a strawberry salad to go with the last of the Easter ham, and tulips to take to supper club on Saturday night. 

And just like that my weekend routine is back, and all is right with the world. 

it was on my list

Today was the holiday farmers market in Lawrence.   My absolute favorite things there were the fresh wreaths.   I wasn't planning to buy wreaths, but when I walked by them on the way to the poinsettia's my plans changed.   Fresh greenery = instant trip down Christmas memory lane.

Ornaments, jams, wind-chimes, hats, scarves, honey, peanut brittle, lavendar sachets, stick horses, apples, baked goods, eggs, gourds, sweet potatoes, and garlands.  It was all there. 

People were having fun.  Taking their time.  Surveying the goods carefully.  Looking for just the right gift for the people on their lists. 

I bought a poinsettia.  It was on my list.  Merry Christmas to me. 

it is hard to match his level of enthusiasm for the beets

After missing the farmers market for the last 2 weeks I was bound and determined to get there today.   Cut flowers are gone, replaced by some nice dried arrangements though. 

There was a noticeable drop in the number of vendors, but that somehow did not impact my spending one bit.  I found plenty of good things I needed. 

I am going to make some kind of a salad for tonight with that lettuce and those beets.  Chris is jumping up and down right now with sheer excitement at the very thought of that. 

These eggs are destined for some spicy huevos rancheros on Sunday morning which I am delighted about.   Almost as much as Chris is about the salad tonight.   Though truth be told, it is hard to match his level of enthusiasm for the beets.

the pepper roasting contraption

Roasted chestnuts were front and center as I walked into the farmers market on Saturday.   I have never eaten a roasted chestnut.  Maybe this is the year I will try one?  I hope they aren't anything like boiled peanuts.   I heard they were good too.   They were not.  To be fair, they are probably an acquired taste. 

Gears were turning in this boys head as he thought of things he could do with one of these ghostly pumpkins.  I hope he got to take one home.  He was presenting his mom with what I thought was a pretty powerful list of the reasons he "needed" it as I passed by. 

I had never heard of "Arkansas Black" apples before, but after a sample I now have a bucket in my refrigerator.   Thanks again to the person who told me how to store them properly (in a zip lock bag in the refrigerator with a damp paper towel in the bag)!

When I saw this lady's mitts I almost fainted.  How cute are they?

This man could have used a pair but took advantage of the pepper roasting contraption instead. 

Each week I wonder if the last lady selling cut flowers will still be there... and so far she has been.  As long as she is bringing, I will be buying.   It's an unspoken agreement. 

with her hoodie and basket of treats

Saturday morning I dug out an old flannel shirt and wool socks and headed to the farmers market, under clear blue sky's and trees with bright yellow leaves.

Little Red Riding Hood ain't got nothing on this lady with her hoodie and basket of treats.  She told me exactly where to get that basket should I need one for myself. 

I decided this should be the week that I figure out what the difference is between a Beauregard, an O'Henry, and a Japanese sweet potato.    I also bought a big bunch of swiss chard because it was so beautiful and tender looking.  I am substituting it for lettuce in salad these days.  I like the slightly chewier texture. 

I almost dropped every single thing I was holding when this baby came around the corner.  I embarrassed myself profusely by saying ridiculous things to him in a crazy voice but I couldn't help myself.  You would have done it too. 

The lady from Whispering Cedars farm told me today that she names all the combinations of mums she puts together.  "That one is trick or treat" she told me, "it's my favorite".  Mine too.

This mom and daughter duo were having a hard time trying to decide which mum to take home with them.  I sure wish I would have noticed  their shoes and socks when I was taking the photo or I would have gotten a close up.   I think we have about 6 Saturdays left before the market closes up shop for the winter.  I will be on a mission to find them for an interview and  photo shoot. 

I get ideas and I just take off

I had occasion to check out the farmers market in Harrison Arkansas while meeting up with my college friends last weekend.  Really it was a combination farmers market, antique car show, and craft fair all rolled into one.  Consequently it was a bit different than the usual farmers market.  For example I have yet to see a "hillbilly picasso" booth in Lawrence or a blacksmith heating up his irons.

On the other hand I am used to seeing happy people selling their produce and hand-made items.

If I looked this good in a crocheted tam you can bet I would have bought one too.

There was one character I met that fell into both the familiar and unusual categories.

I approached her with a bit of trepidation, unsure how she would react to my request to take her photo.  As soon as I told her I liked her hat and wondered if I could get her picture she cracked a BIG smile.   Her whole face changed and she began to tell me about how much she just loved making things.  "I like to create all kinds of things" she said, "I get ideas and I just take off". 

A kindred spirit discovered on a Saturday morning at the Harvest Homecoming event in the middle of the town square in Harrison Arkansas.  

she found some time right as I happened to be walking by

Just in case you were wondering.  There are things about fall that I love almost as much as pumpkins.  Chief amongst them would be this lovely orange specimen below. 

When I saw this woman fashioning a wreath out of bittersweet at the market I knew I would be circling back to get one (or two) for the house.

Her farm is south of Lawrence and she told me that she saw it growing alongside the road as she and her husband were on their way home several days ago.  She said they pulled over to harvest a bunch and she just hadn't gotten around to doing anything with it until now. 

Luckily for me, she found some time right as I happened to be walking by her booth. 

I think 2 wreaths is just the right amount.  Unless I see more at the market this weekend.  In which case the front porch will need some too. 

watching the sun rise at the farmers market over an apple pie on a red and white checked table cloth

Is it just me, or do you also hear angels singing when you look at this?  What could be more beautiful on a Saturday morning in September than watching the sun rise at the farmers market over an apple pie on a red and white checked table cloth?

Positively breathtaking.  And no, I did not buy it.  I did take a bunch of pictures though.  So it can be the pie to which all future pies are compared.   It's good to have something to aspire to. 

Pumpkins and gourds have arrived in all their glory as well. 

And if that wasn't enough, my favorite mum lady was there too.  It's a good thing I took the checkbook. 

I spent all my cash in the first 15 minutes and they don't take credit cards at the market.   Not that I haven't made a run to an auto teller before when I needed to.  But that is so inconvenient. 

with the sweep of her hand as she opened the carton

There were some good examples for my pumpkin hooking project at the market on Saturday.   It's important to let the essence of the pumpkin seep into your subconsious mind before you attempt to draw the pattern for the one you intend to hook.  

I also saw 3 or 4 different varieties of sweet potatoes.  I need to buy one of each and bake them up to see what the differences are between them.  I do not intend to hook any sweet potatoes.   They have already been implanted into my mind.  My conscious, cooking, eating, baking, mind that is.  

I love ALL the colors at the market in September.  

Even marmalade colored, ridiculously friendly, cute, miniature poodles.

This week I got zinnias from Josie and Julia.  Plus a dozen eggs.  Julia opened up the carton to display the eggs for me and said "do these look all right"?  And with the sweep of her hand as she opened the carton, and that turn of phrase,  I knew that it would be impossible for me to get my eggs from anyone but her in the future. 

I have no idea what Josie and Julia's futures hold for them.   Whatever it is, they are sure getting some darn good training for success at the farmers market every Saturday morning.  

 

my days of getting up to sing with the band ended in 1981

Hats and coats were the order of the day at the market this morning.   I noted a temperature of 42 degrees when I rolled up to my designated parking spot. 

There were many different styles of hats, and some people had to be reminded to keep their coats on. 

Cold weather + a beautiful selection of squash = soup love coming soon. 

Today I bought some cherry jam from her.   I like my pantry to be stocked with plenty of toast toppings for winter mornings.  Last year I bought ... shall we say at least 6, jars of peach jam from her.  In my defense, Angie was a BIG fan.  I also got a jar of heirloom tomato jam because ... well just because.  I am making one more jar myself with the last of our tomatoes but it doesn't hurt to have a jar in reserve.  In case of emergency. 

He was singing "you can't always get what you want..." as I walked in, and "knock, knock, knocking on heaven's door" as I left.  I did not accompany him on the chorus of either number.   My days of getting up to sing with the band ended in 1981.  And let's face it, that's a good thing.  

a cherokee purple, a costoluto, and a nebraska wedding

The mornings were chilly this weekend here in Kansas.   Fall is definitely in the air.  I am not sure where August got to, but as we slip into fall I am ready for time to s-l-o-w down just a hair.  

I am in the midst of an Heirloom tomato tasting experiment.  Last weekend at the market I picked up a gold medal - yellow and rosy red.  Low acid.  Sublimely delicious.  I had sandwiches with it.  Sandwiches with this spread.   Flat out good. 

This nice young couple is from North Lawrence.  They can always tell me the names of the heirloom tomatoes and a little about them.  This week I selected a cherokee purple, a costoluto, and the yellow one is a Nebraska wedding.  They are going to turn into BLT's this week for dinner and what is left will be added to batch #3 of fresh salsa.  

I don't know the name of this flower below.  That did not stop me from getting a bunch and mixing it in with the zinnias.  Some things I want to know the names of, for others pretty flower will do. 

 

even though he has outgrown last year's blue spaceships

I did not find the cantaloupe I was looking for at the market yesterday, but I did make the acquaintance of D. Johnson.  She carried many bags with a practiced hand and needed NO assistance with her flowers as she got money out to pay for her jar of jam. 

I also found these lovely gala apples grown right up the road in Bonner Springs.  I already had some apples at home but after I tasted these I couldn't resist.   They are so cute.  So tiny.  Surely I can find some use for them this week. 

I ran into my friend pajama boy strolling through the booths.  I was glad to see that even though he has outgrown last year's blue spaceships he hasn't gotten so dignified that he has given up the practice of wearing pajamas out in public. 

don't look at it in the middle of the day

I was happy to see these fellas on saturday morning at the market.  I think everything looks better when there is lively music in the air.

Tomatoes remain front and center in the produce offerings.  The heirloom tomatoes are so interesting looking.  I got a Krim to add to the mix for our salsa.  The lady who grew it said they have a smoky flavor and would add an interesting element to the flavor profile of the salsa.  I needed no further convincing. 

I was delighted to have another chance at some locally grown peaches.  This man said this was a new variety and for the life of me I can't remember what he called them. 

I also saw my first pumpkin of the year.   I hereby do solemnly swear that I will not start my pumpkin eating kick until the first of October.   Unless I can't hold out.  Then I will have to break my pledge. 

Here's what I couldn't do without this week.

I asked the lettuce lady this week how it was possible to grow such nice lettuce in the middle of August in Kansas when it's so hot.  Her reply is worthy of repeating...   "harvest it regularly, don't irrigate so the roots have to go deep for water, and the most important thing is don't look at it in the middle of the day".  

running into people I hope are my future self

She was ahead of me in line today at Josie's Posies.

Luckily we were both there early and there were plenty of posie's to choose from.  I followed her lead and stocked up on a few sunflowers myself.

I love running into people at the market that I hope, hope, hope, are my future self. 

I will try to draw one of these sunflowers this week.  Oh the treachery of trying to capture the magnificence of this multidimentional flower in a two dimensional medium.  I will do my best.  

lettuce. in august. in kansas.

I saw cute girls with purses and cute girls on bikes at the farmers market on Saturday.

There were also scads of georgeous looking tomatoes.  All makes and models.  Of which I bought none because I am sleeping with a tomato growing expert these days.

My favorite find at the market this week was ...

... beautiful, tender, lettuce.  In AUGUST.  In Kansas.  Unheard of.   My mouth must have been hanging open because this nice lady just smiled and handed me a bag to fill.   I will be back to this booth again. 

This is the kind of lettuce that you want to make a very simple salad with.  Lettuce, a sprinkle of nuts, a few raisins, maybe some feta or goat cheese and a very light hand with the vinaigrette that has a hint of dijon mustard in it. 

I also visited Josie's posies, bought some sage to go with more spaghetti squash, and found what I think are the last of the peaches.  More about them later. 

I have lettuce to eat right now.  Plus zinnias and sunflowers to draw.   Happy Sunday. 

 

the croc that has lost it's partner

Sunflower season has begun in the Sunflower state.  These are just a few of the species that were on display at the market on Saturday. 

I also spied the perfect sunbonnet amongst the market goers this weekend.  Lightweight, washable, with an air vent in the back.  I wish someone would make me one.   And while you have your machine out, I sure do look those shorts she is wearing.

There was a tie in the cleverness category at the market on Saturday.  I honestly couldn't decide if it should go to the guy who packaged up these baskets that containing everything you need to make dill pickles....

.... or to this lady who has come up with the perfect use for the croc that has lost it's partner. 

Josie and her sister Julia were very helpful with my order

People were out at the market early this weekend.  I usually try to get there before 8am and because of that, I sometimes miss the musicians.  They are still in the shower running the scales at that hour of the morning...  doh-re-mi-fah-so-lah-ti-doh!   Not this weekend though.  Saturday the musicians were out in full force.

Maybe they came to get watermelon?  It looked plenty good. 

There was a lady making fresh squeezed orange juice that I hadn't noticed before.  Loved her apron.

I kept trying to get this guys attention but he was fully occupied by that chocolate cookie. 

The proprieters of this booth might have been my favorites this week. 

Josie and her sister Julia were very helpful with my order and most accomodating for the picture.  I LOVE seeing kids at the market working a booth with their parents. 

I brought home three bunches of those zinnias along with a few other things.  Then I went to work adding a little basil and lavender from my backyard. 

I have been cutting the heads off my favorite zinnias this year and drying them.  I would one day love to plant a big field full of all varieties of zinnias.  But no matter how many zinnias I grow myself I will always have a vase or two at home waiting for the ones I buy from the flower girls at the market.  

some he didn't ask but would want to know about after he got home

The bounty was bountiful at the market today.

Overheard conversations were also of extremely good quality.  This man came up and asked the pickled beet lady "do you have any corn relish for sale, or know anyone who does?" 

Pickled beet lady said "oh I sure do love corn relish!  I haven't had it for years, my neighbor lady used to make it but I never have and I don't have a recipe".  Then corn-relish man said, "I have a recipe but I don't think I can make it", to which she replied "well you bring me the recipe and I'll make us some".   Stay tuned for part 2 of that conversation.

Next, I happened upon this exchange already in progress....

Standard poodle lady asked plant man"...do you have an opinion about what variety of lavender performs best in this area?"  I was trying to listen to his reply but at that exact moment another man walked up and said to no one in particular "I wonder what that is (referring to the blush aloe I bought 2 weeks ago)?"  At that point I was forced to move from my role as over-hearer to advice-giver.  I mean seeing as I had just completed an advanced course in the selection and tending of succulents while in California.  I proceeded to answer all his questions and some he didn't ask but would want to know about after he got home and I wouldn't be there to respond.

And that friends, is the official report from the Lawrence Farmers market for the weekend of July 11th. 

bugs bunny carrots

This week at the farmers market there was patriotic dress, patriotic music, and carrots.   I also happened to catch the demonstration of best techniques for carrying your purchases and Madeline had more zinnias for sale.  I found plants to fill in a few empty spots in the front garden and a bronze succulent followed me home.  In other words a perfect Saturday morning at the market. 

Did I mention the bugs bunny carrots?  I have not idea what I am going to do with all these carrots, but I'm sure I'll think of something. 

they have brought me to my knees

I like the people who sell their products at the farmers market as much I like what they are selling.  They always seem proud of their offerings.  They are happy to talk to you about them.  They don't mind one single bit when you ask them what the difference is between a pickling cucumber and a regular cucumber.  They are gracious and humble when you ask if it's ok to take their picture. 

I needed to bring home a bouquet of zinnias like I needed a hole in my head.  But how could I not get one from this bouquet maker? 

More pickled cucumbers and red onions for me this week.  I'm gonna let you in on a little secret here.  I regularly eat a jar of cucumbers and red onions in a week and see no reason not to refill a new jar with more sliced up cucumbers and onions and pour that pickling liquid right over the new jar and use it again.  It hasn't killed me yet. 

These zinnias on the other hand.  They have brought me to my knees ... and taken my breath away.