Farm Fresh

In my ongoing attempts to find fresh, local produce, I'm happy to say that I've finally hit the jackpot! Close to home, there's a wonderful farmer's market every Saturday morning that I've ventured to twice now. It's in the historic part of town -- extremely quaint and picturesque -- and full of little treasures. Artisans and farmers, florists and bakers all set up shop before the sun, (and tourists) rise. Shoppers stop by with cups of coffee in hand to stroll through the open air market and to see what a new week brings from the farm.
Two weeks in a row now, I've had luck finding pretty flowers. These hydrangeas are sitting on my dining table, and are the perfect late summer / early fall centerpiece.

And last night I made a farm fresh dinner, complete with tomatoes, eggplant, garlic and zucchini all from the market. It was a good choice on a rainy night: hearty and delicious, and smelled absolutely divine while cooking in the oven.

I'm hoping to continue the tradition of early Saturday morning trips to the market. It just feels good to be up early, enjoying the fresh air, taking in the sights of beautiful farm fare, and then reaping the benefits all week long. For me, it is the perfect start to the weekend.

To Market We Go

So much to do this weekend, and so much fun to be had! On the agenda? Visiting with friends, going to see SATC II, baking, cooking, planting. But more on all of that later. This weekend started off with an old tradition: Saturday morning at the public market. It was a beautiful, no-cloud-in-the-sky kind of morning. The kind of morning that just makes you want to get out of bed and enjoy the day.

The market was full of people also out enjoying the morning, and some breakfast.

Right now is a beautiful time of year at the market because all of the growers have brought in their plants and flowers to sell. It is so colorful and fragrant.

Everywhere you look, loveliness. It is a sure treat for the senses. An excellent way to spend a Saturday morning, and an even better way to kick off a holiday weekend. Oh, and wait until you see what I made from my market purchases. Definitely a lot of lovely.

Market Saturday

One of my favorite things to do on a Saturday is visit the local public market -- a true gem in the city of Rochester. Even now, with winter approaching, there is plenty to see, smell and taste. Sticking with our regular routine, I met up with a couple of friends this past Saturday seeking warm coffee and Christmas greens. We woke up with the sun -- not even the cookie lady was at her shop yet.

But the display and cookies looked fabulous!

The market is always changing from one week to the next, and is so reflective of the time of year. I love how the market ushers in each season.

Nothing reminds me more of Christmas than the scent from pines. This, more than anything, gets me in the mood for the holidays. Just a whiff, and I'm remembering treks through the forest, looking for the perfect tree with my family. Bringing it home, setting it up, judging which is the best side for showing. Pulling out ornaments and sharing stories of where they came from. Sitting in front of the lit tree, squinting so hard that the lights all glow together in starry clusters. Thinking that nothing is better than Christmastime.

It's going to be rush rush rush for the next couple of weeks. I am certainly glad to have moments, like Saturday morning, when I can slow down and take it all in. Revisit old memories. Make new ones. Share in the joy of the season.