Sunday, July 12, 2009

Farmers' Market, cont'd.

No one can deny that it's full summer. Just look at these beautiful currants, cabbages, and kale! I thought this was a lovely display. I did have to ask what the little red things are, since I didn't recognize currants in this setting (currant jelly, on the other hand, I know well). It is a wonderful thing to be able to enjoy the looks of them, as well as take them home and prepare tasty and nutritious dishes out of them.

We are so incredibly lucky here in this part of the world, to have these grown right here in our back yards, and not shipped all across the country, as they must be in many places. It's one of the reasons we thought this would be a good place to live, and we seem to have chosen well. The first time I saw Bellingham, Washington, was on the Internet, looking for a place to check out along the west coast that might end up being home. We don't see any reason to move on.
I asked these women if I could take a picture of their colorful t-shirts. I didn't have a clue what the "Bellingham Fit" thing was all about, so of course as soon as I got home I went on line and checked it out, since they obviously want everybody to know about their program. Here's a quick quote from the website:
Whether you are a couch-potato, walker, casual jogger, or marathon veteran, this marathon training program is the most enjoyable, most inspiring, and most efficient way to get in the best shape of your life.
The program helps anyone get ready to participate in whatever level of fitness they aspire to. Last December I also walked a half-marathon in order to participate in something like this with my family members in Texas. It was organized by Prevention Magazine, but it's the same idea, and it's a good one.
And last (but not least), I visited for awhile with Greg (on the right) who shares coffee with me at our local coffeeshop. He was chatting with Jim who advertises his name on a sign. As a Toter Tutor (try to say THAT three times fast!), Jim helps people to understand how to recycle using the totes behind him. You might not know what goes where, so Jim is there to educate and inform.

The Farmers' Market will stay open until Christmas, and then will re-open with the First Cabbage thrown out in April 2010. As the weather gets colder and the seasonal fruits and veggies get fewer, the Market moves inside instead of mostly outside. But it's there, with people, music, vendors, camaradarie, and a whole lotta smiles almost year-round.
:-)

8 comments:

  1. Every thing looks so lush.

    I have been to Bellingham; hubby grew up in the Oregon/Washington area and still has family in the Seattle area. It has been at least 20 years ago, but we visited an old high school friend of hubby's in Bellingham then went on to Vancouver. I was awed by the beauty of the country.

    Hubby goes back every couple of years to visit family whereas I stay home to take care of the homestead.

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  2. I dearly love the Pacific Northwest. My current thought processes is leading me to start a "shared resources" habitat on the Washington side of the Columbia River. Close enoough to Portland but without the taxes. It's in the dream stage right now.

    Enjoy that beautiful area!

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  3. It does look wonderful and similar to England with the farmers markets. I love markets so much, all that fresh food available and the colours and noise. It's great. Makes you feel so alive, doesn't it? Much better than going round a supermarket. Enjoy your markets. I shall have to take my camera to one of ours and show you what they look like.
    Congratulations on doing the half marathon, if I read it right?
    and good on Jim for doing the recycling.
    Blessings, Star

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  4. Loved the colors on all the fresh foods at the Farmer's Market you showed....at first I thought the currants were raspberries, they were such a pretty, bright red in the photo.

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  5. – these red currants look so yummy. I really like red currants and above all blackcurrants. I used to eat a lot of them in France and at school in England, but here in the South I don’t see them. My mother made real good blackcurrant liquor from her bushes, and even though I make so much fig jam, from our tree, I still buy imported blackcurrant jam, red currant and gooseberry jams– so good on hot biscuits.

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  6. Hi DJan, I haven't seen currants yet, but maybe it taste good like what is shown in the photo.
    I read that you participated in marathons for a cause, how nice of you. I too...join funruns to raise funds and help those who are in need. The last one I joined in was that for a school building and a library, and it was such a great feeling to help people in our own little way.

    Take care.

    AL

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  7. You've marketed your market very well. Sounds like a healthy good time. Yum on the picture.

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  8. Hi Jan,came by earlier today and I'm not sure why i couldn't comment. Those pics of the market and the story of Jim are awesome!
    Can't help but envy you going hiking in the mountains.You are living life to the fullest.Will be back to read older posts.

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