Saturday Blogging..

Well, it seems like a tradition now that I sit with coffee and market-treat in hand on Saturday mornings and check up on the internet world. Etsy shop usually comes first (I'm addicted.. this usually branches off to the Craftcult Heartomatic too..).. then twitter, where I catch up on other's blog lives (trying to enter some giveaways and such there too.. you never know!).. and after all is said and done, sit back and type up a little something about the market for y'all.

It was -16 degrees this morning with the windchill factor.. it's supposed to be spring! Temperature aside, the sun is starting to stick around a bit more.. and shine just that much brighter in the sky.. I can feel the little sprouts and shoots pushing around in the soil.. the time for renewal and rebirth is here. I'm working on a new painting with this as the theme... & hope to have it up here by next weekend.

On a completely different note, I was accepted into a one-week intensive course on Prince Edward Island called Certified Organic Crop Inspection.. the basic certification needed to inspect land and crops to ensure Certified Organic status. I need to buy rubber boots (I left my old, really nice ones, on the dairy farm). It's an amazing opportunity and step forward in life for me.. I've been feeling so stifled in my seemingly endless chain of cheffing jobs. This will be a way to get back into the farming life again somewhat and assist those who want to get into organics. As an inspector, I'll be in a consulting and support role as well... helping out new farms trying to get established and also working with those transitioning to certified status. My Mother is already calling me the crop cop. Priceless.

As an aside.. it seems like more and more people in their late 20's and early 30's are feeling the pull of the land. Young couples and even young single mothers are starting up small, organic farms all over the country. I can't say how happy this makes me feel... makes it seem like our dream of doing the same thing (while maintaining necessary off-farm income as well) might actually be attainable. My hands are itching to plant right now with the ground thawing out... I wonder if we could break out onto the roof of this apartment building and set up some soil platforms.. ? *grin*

Cheers & have a great day!
-Benny

Sunshine, apple turnovers and banjos..

I love the farmers market.

I mean really, I think that if I could be stuck in one place for ever.. I would choose for it to be inside the market.  We go every Saturday at 7am.. (yes... AM) and do our rounds..  Busting through the metal doors, you're always met with some fantastic blast of cinnamon-bun smells and lively banjo folk, the best way to rub that sleep out of your eyes. 

First, the fish guy where we usually nab a sea trout, then on to our favourite funky young farmers where we grab veggies (down to onions, cabbage, carrots & potatoes right now.. but oh, spring is coming!!). Downstairs to the bread people.. there's always a long line for this one.. but there are tons of fun booths to look at while you wait.. (I bought a print of a little orange fishing house today that i've been ooogling for months).  With two apple turnovers in hand, it's time for the goat cheese (and goat yogurt!).. with a sometimes stop at the always-smiling free-range/organic pork and beef farmers.  They are such a treat to see.. a gorgeous couple of couples run this sustainable farm, can answer (or find the answer) to any questions we might have & throw warm vibes out to everyone that passes.

Now, my true weakness.. the 75 cent maple sugar leaf.  This guy sees me coming from across the room... I grin because I'm excited for the delicious sugar rush, and because he's still wearing a huge fur winter hat.. plus he always makes a crack about me not being sweet enough.. heh.

Back upstairs to grab some apples and cider, the occasional german pretzel, and to drop whatever coins are left into the banjo case on the way out.

Emerging from the market, we're met with a sun so bright that it burns the winter fuzz off of our eyes.. blinking to regain sight, holding the door for the family coming in on our way out.. we meet the day with renewed energy, replenished food stores and a healthy respect for people once again.