getting ahead of the gardens

(photo from mid-June)

It's so strange. Really strange, considering how I've been longing for summertime during the past few months. But lately, I've found myself looking expectantly toward autumn.

The truly bizarre thing is that we've had hardly any real summer weather where I live. It didn't really get warm and sunny until the first few days of July, and even those days have been rather few and far between. (And I know this won't endear me to those suffering from triple-digit temperatures in other parts of the country!) Largely we've had temperatures around 65 or 70*, and often gray skies, even rain.

But perhaps that's exactly the issue. Maybe all these cool days are bringing to mind the stunning beauty of an Oregon autumn.

Or maybe it's the fact that the clothing stores are transitioning to their fall lines. Or it could be the disenchantment I feel with my growing girth - it's feeling much less charming and much more tubby...and probably on some level I'd feel more comfortable layering on sweaters & corduroys than strolling around in tank tops and sundresses.

And yet... and yet, I still haven't tasted my first summer tomato, or sunk my teeth into a seasonal ear of corn. Last weekend marked our first ripe peaches from the farmers' market, and I am still entirely enthralled with the bounty of summer berries. And I can't resist hoping that the cucumber plants in our garden will produce something worth tasting, one of these days.

There's a lot of good stuff still coming.

So I'm going to relax and relish these days of summer. Flaky weather, retail shops, and weight gain? Forget them. I think I'll take my cues from the calendar and the garden and farmers' market instead.

And when I stumble across my first acorn squash out there, that's when I'll go dig out my sweaters and corduroys...

a new season at the farmers' market

It's no secret that I love the farmers' market. The colors, the sounds, the sights, excite me. And don't even get me started about all that wonderful fresh produce!

Here's what I picked up today. It was a day drenched in sunshine, and the outing did my heart good.

I almost forgot - we also picked up these hydroponic tomatoes. I've heard mixed things about hydroponics, but these were so gorgeous that I simply couldn't resist. I have a hard time waiting for tomatoes, and I'm the first to admit it!

A few weeks ago, for the opening day, we made it a family outing. (Yes, my children desperately needed sunhats. I realized that about 30 seconds after we parked our van. Don't worry, we picked one up for Elise on that very morning.)

Today marked our first fresh strawberries of the season! We could not be more excited. Berry season has begun!

And now I'm realizing that we must start a Berry Fund. We have savings funds for the CSA, our quarter of grass-fed beef, and coconut oil - but our love for Oregon berries could just about break the bank...

farewell to the farmers' market

Today marked the end of the farmers' market until next year. I'll miss it dreadfully. In spite of many rainy weekends during the past few months, I went by there on as many Saturdays as I could manage it.

It'll be much more of a challenge to find local produce during the winter and spring. I do have a few ideas, though. I'm blessed to know of a local farm stand not far from here, and I'm told they'll be open through December. There's a place near the new house which may be selling for a bit longer. And we have a few grocery stores around here (including a tiny natural foods market with impressive customer service) where I may be able to find some local items.

On this particular Saturday, after doing battle with the flu which has attacked my boys for most of the week, I am now feeling under the weather, myself. So Jeff gallantly offered to go in my stead. What would I do without that guy?

He came away, arms loaded with a huge sack of potatoes, luscious red grapes (what a treat!), apples, carrots, and an enormous butternut squash. And then he went to the grocery store. What a prince! We'll be sitting pretty for the rest of the week, and then some.

I'll miss heading there on Saturday mornings, no doubt about it. I'll miss the fabulous prices, the festive atmosphere, the friendly faces, and the fresh local fare.

But I know that our beloved farmers' market will return in the spring. It may be a little tentative at first, but before long there'll be tender asparagus, leafy heads of lettuce, fresh Oregon berries, peaches, and so much more. It'll all be back.

And so will I.

market day

Today marked the return of our local Farmers' Market; and there was much rejoicing! It was so good to be back again! We made a family outing of it this morning, and came home with quite the bounty.

I had been curious to see what we might find today. I've never really paid much attention before to eating seasonally (and locally), but we've been trying to do that as much as we can. There was the expected asparagus, and we also bought spinach, green onions, apples, and pears. We also stocked upon raw, local honey ~ and the boys always love to have honey sticks!

(No, the apples and pears didn't make it into the photo. Feel free to use your imagination.)
I also bought a candle for my secret sister at church (who, I trust, doesn't read this blog!!) and some body wash for myself.

Last, but certainly not least, we bought a few pounds of wonderful, grass-fed beef. I love it!

I'm greatly looking forward to the next few months, to discover (and buy) more foods which the seasons provide in this part of the country. Eating locally/seasonally is something that's become really important to me. I'm planning to share more about that in the future, but for now, let's just say I'm thrilled to have the Farmers' Market back in swing again!

home from the farmers' market

This morning we all went to the farmer's market here in town. Jeff & I have been there a handful of times, but we don't go all that regularly. We had a great time, though, and found some good deals; I think we may have to do this more often! Though we don't always need to make it a family affair, I suppose...

We found some delectable berries (blueberry pancakes!), a gigantic head of lettuce, some cucumbers, and got an assortment of honey sticks, just for fun.

And then, in keeping with the theme of good health, we bought an elephant ear to share.

Ben & Kyle each got to pick out a balloon from the balloon artist's booth. Benjamin chose Spider-Man, and Kyle wanted Batman. They were playing "kid and dad" (don't ask me which was which) and having a lot of fun while Jeff waited in line for the elephant ear.

"Hey, dad, wanna go for a fly?"

"Sure, kid! Let's go!"

Yes, my children believe that Spider-Man flies. And you know, that's okay with me.