Long Weekend

One of my reasons for moving to Virginia was to be close to Washington, DC, but lately all I've been craving is some time away in the quiet of the countryside. Actually, to be more specific, I've been craving some cheap fruit and veggies. When I moved to Virginia, I left behind a vegetable garden and raspberry bushes, only to find out that good produce here is so expensive. Gone are the days of one dollar handfuls of zucchini, squash, tomatoes, beans, and most other summer vegetables. So in an attempt to find plentiful, homegrown, cheap vegetables, my friend Kevin and I planned an adventure to the countryside. We packed a picnic and drove west for about an hour, slowly watching the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia fade into rolling hills and fields aplenty.

It was the perfect summer day -- sunny with a refreshing breeze, and blue skies that stretched on for miles. My friends back in New York say it's beginning to feel like fall, but not here.

I did some research, and found a farm that offered a whole slew of picking options. Tomatoes, peppers, green beans, okra, bitter melon, eggplant, squash, peaches, blackberries, raspberries, and sunflowers. It was like having access to my own, albeit bigger, vegetable garden! I filled up my bag with goodies galore, and am happy to report the grand total was $5.90!

Even Frances was able to come along, and enjoy the sunshine.

The next stop after our picking adventure was Sky Meadows State Park, a lovely spot for a picnic and hike. We arrived at lunchtime, and were happy to find a spot of shade underneath a tree. Frances rested while Kevin and I enjoyed chicken sandwiches, fresh fruit, lemonade and complete tranquility. Feeling refreshed, we opted to follow a 'moderate' trail to the top of a hill -- hard climbing, but a view that was well worth the effort.

The day couldn't have been better, and now I have a tired pup -- always a pleasure -- and a bunch of produce. My plan is to combine yesterday's raspberries with those from my previous picking adventure, (which have been frozen) and make jam. I'd also like to make tomato sauce with my freshly picked plum tomatoes. Any tips on jam making, tomato sauce or canning are welcome! My adventures in the country will soon be turning into adventures in the kitchen.