Saturday, November 19, 2011

Signs of the times

Our Farmers' Market has dwindled down to just a few vendors, with many of them selling products for the upcoming holidays. We woke to crystal-clear blue skies this morning and a heavy frost, but nobody is complaining. I think these pretty ornaments will find some takers, and there are still a few vendors selling veggies. I realize that we are very fortunate indeed not only to have our market continue at this time of the year, but to have an amazing variety of local veggies still available. The market will continue until the last Saturday before Christmas.
People were out everywhere, enjoying the cold crisp air without a cloud in the sky. I went for my regular Saturday morning walk with the Fairhaven group. It was the largest yet, with probably two dozen women and one man all out to enjoy a six-mile walk at a very brisk pace. We started right at the corner where the Farmers' Market sets up and, after a nice coffee and company, we ended just in time for the market to open at 10:00am. I went over and got these pictures and made a purchase or two, thinking about Christmas presents. All of the cut flowers are gone, but these beautiful dried flowers caught my eye.
After spending a few minutes looking around, I headed over to the Y and got in my usual half-mile swim. It was really nice to finally have returned to my Saturday schedule. I felt like a million bucks as I headed home to have a nice lunch. I have absolutely no cravings for wheat or sugar these days, and although I'm not following any particular diet, I am definitely feeling quite virtuous.

Oh, and tomorrow I'm going to the opera with my friend Judy. We went to see Puccini's Tosca last Sunday and I really enjoyed myself. These are filmed operas, shown at our independent theater. They have a winter series called "Opera in Cinema" showing various filmed operas and ballets. Last week's was performed at the Royal Opera House in London, and we had English subtitles for the Italian. Tomorrow it will be Verdi's La Traviata. And the best part? I don't have to use opera glasses or dress up!
:-)

27 comments:

  1. Probably because we don't get winters anywhere near as severe as yours, our farmer's markets continue all year round. And are wonderful places to get a huge variety of not only vegetables, but cheese, meats, chocolates, flowers,...
    Your Saturday sounded incredibly energetic to me, but I am really happy that you are feeling so good again. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

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  2. I love the farmer's market photos. And the opera-on-film series sounds terrific.

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  3. ooo have a blast at the opera tomorrow...sounds like you had a good day...yeah our market is done for the year as it is outdoor and the cold keeps market goers indoors...

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  4. We still have farmers markets all around the island on a weekly basis, but I have been to just one. Since I don't like crowds, I probably won't be back. Anyway, our supermarkets are full of great looking produce, so I don't feel deprived.

    Loved your colorful pictures, DJan!

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  5. I wish I could say the same thing about our farmer's market. It closed the Thanksgiving weekend.
    You may have had a crisp frost but we have minus 18C with a wind.
    I think many people who don't know it, like opera.

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  6. The market looks great. I love the flowers!

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  7. I always envy you when I see the market photos. I just loved the one of the veggies.

    Have a great time at the opera.

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  8. I didn't get to any farmers markets this season. Just too busy, I guess. I did go to a Holiday bazaar today, and did 10 miles on my stationary bike late this afternoon. I'm not nearly as virtuous as you are though.

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  9. Wow! Your markets are so colorful and fun looking. We don't get many flowers at our Open Market, mostly veggies and not as gorgeous as yours looks. You're very lucky to not have the severe winters that we get in the Midwest.

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  10. Hi DJan,
    Glad the weather held one more Saturday! It was cool and crisp here, a lovely day actually!

    I kind of enjoy the dried flowers, at least they last awhile! I picked up a great bouquet a couple weeks ago and I'm glad I did!

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  11. Oh, I love those dried flowers! So colorful! Perfect for the long winter months. ;)
    Those ornaments looked very pretty and delicate...like old glass ornaments. And you still have local veggies, too. Nice!
    It was good to hear you are back to your Saturday routine. Could hear how happy it made you! And no cravings for wheat or sugar? Wow! That is something right there!
    Oh, and perfect way to enjoy the opera. Have fun!! :):)

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  12. Great Photos - good to hear you are back on track with Your Saturday Routine. Aah, our farmers market closed thanksgiving weekend, however, we can always drive out to the farms to purchase veggies, etc.
    The Opera - my choice - great not to have to get out the evening gown and fancy shoes - I wish we had that here.
    Love the dried flowers. I have way too many straw flowers in my garden and cut n dry them and make bouquet's for my friends. One little ole neighbour even brings back her vase, so I do hers first. ha,ha Guess she likes them.
    A good cuppa coffee, a brisk walk, a swim, browsing through the market, christmas shopping and the opera - what more could a gal ask for.
    Enjoy :)

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  13. The colors in your photos are always so intense, I always wonder if you have a really good camera or a really good Photoshop program. Great photos, great weekend.

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  14. Looks like there is a variety here. More so than one might think.

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  15. Our Farmers Markets are history here...but the dreaded season of Christmas bazaars has begun, lol.
    They're more prolific than ladybugs in spring....

    I just love your pics so much.

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  16. On our crisp, clear day we went for a walk. Should have tracked down a farmer's market instead.

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  17. Your day sounded lovely. I think I would enjoy winter if we had sunshine here. 90% of our days are gloomy and grey. It's amazing how a little sun can rejuvenate a person.

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  18. It sounds like a great day, DJan. I love farmers' markets and how fortunate that yours is still functioning this late into the year. Lovely shots.. those flowers are beautiful.

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  19. Filmed opera in a relaxed atmosphere sounds like a very nice time. Enjoy.

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  20. Those ornaments are beautiful! I love the glass blown ornaments! You are very lucky to have the Farmers Market! :)

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  21. Those dried flowers look beautiful and still full of colour. Our climate allows for markets all year round though we don't have a farmer's market near where I live. I loved all your photos!

    It must indeed feel great to get back into a Saturday routine.

    Have fun at the opera!

    ~ Serena :)

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  22. It's wonderful your market is still open, ours closed the end of October. Your Saturday weather sounds great. I had to scrape snow off my car on Saturday morning as I headed out.

    I hope you and Judy had a good time at the opera.

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  23. What an abundance still available. We are so lucky to have so much food in our country. Glad you don't feel unlucky going without wheat and sugar!

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  24. In our area of Italy, we have those operas shown in cinemas too. I've gone and love them. Eat locally grown for as long as possible. It's good for us all!

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  25. As always, the photos are great. Farmers' market kind of fit with cool weather and clear skies.

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  26. What a wonderful Farmers Market you have!

    You are a busy woman...always up to something interesting.

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving sweetie.

    God bless ya! :o)

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  27. But dressing up is part of the fun in going to the Opera DJan!!! :o(

    On the other hand it's great they've been doing this Opera in the cinema series... it's wonderful since not everyone has an Opera in their city (nor can afford to go). I was very lucky when I lived in Belgium, there was a wonderful Opera in Liege and great student prices! Quite a musical education for me! :o)

    I hope you enjoyed La Traviata, it's beautiful!

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