This has been a most peculiar summer.
I’m writing this article on the third consecutive day of sunshine since I don’t know when. It was hot…it was wet…it was sticky. On the bright side…lushest lawn and lowest water bill EVER!
But today I can finally look up without swim goggles and note that the leaves have begun morphing from cool greens to yellow and russet….pretty much right on schedule. And if you’ve an artistic bent, you’ll be all about capturing the hazy light of an October sunset…subtly filtered by billions of particles of pollen…ACHOO! Enjoy the gift, but carry a Kleenex!
Things are morphing at the market, too…and although the prolonged warm may give us a couple bonus weeks of tomatoes, peaches and sweet corn, the emphasis is all about Autumn. Hearty meals are back on the menu. Sure, you can channel your mom’s menu with the usual suspects…potatoes, onions, beets, etc…oldies but goodies. But, folks, don’t stop there; every year our farmers bring new varieties and fresh finds to the table, and this is a perfect opportunity to branch out a bit…ready to take a chance on that gnarly lookin’ squash? Go for it! If you don’t know what that strange looking thing is, or what to do with it, ASK a farmer! Or “the Google.”
And speaking of squash…here’s one we all can get into: It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!…and the Patch is now open for business! Time to start searching out that perfect pumpkin or six to give your front steps an upgrade. Or maybe to scare the bejeebers out of the neighborhood kids. Fun fact for nerds: the first Jack-o-Lantern was NOT a pumpkin. A market buck to anyone who knows the origin of Jack. Read here. Over the coming month, I’ll drop more hints on how to handle and preserve your scary Halloween head. Or maybe how to eat it. Watch this space.
Michael at Bottled Thyme wants to remind us that fall is a perfect time (thyme?) for grilling and smoking meat and seafood. And no coincidence, he recommends one of his simmering sauces to finish the dish. Michael is a trained chef who has worked in some of the primo Philly eateries. Here is his take on smoked salmon.
In the Music Tent: Our very own Bob Beach and Jim Klingler. Jim K is a king of the strings, and Bob Beach is a master of the mouth organ (that’s harmonica to you sticklers). I’m out of breath just listening to him.
Artist of the Week: William’s World. Here is an artist with a real story and mission. William is autistic, and through art is able to share with us his view of the world around him.
The end of the Market season approaches, but we haven’t run out of things to buy, eat or do. Last week was our annual Doggie Day, and as usual, hilarity and cuteness overload ensued. Thanks to the Animal Friends of Lansdowne for not just the event, but for all of the good things they do throughout the year for our furry four-legged friends.
Still to come:
Oct 27: Our last regular Market Day goes out with a double dose of doings:
- Community Day #3. Give your local business, your non-profit organization, or even just your hobby some visibility. We have a village chock full of interesting people who do amazing things in and for our community. Let us discover you! Applications available here and at the managers tent. There is a $35 fee for space. Don’t wait. Space is limited.
- Lansdowne Borough Kids Halloween Party!!! Calling all kids 10 and under! The last Market Day is a chance for you to preview that costume you’ve been (OK, Mom’s been) working on all month…(you have, right , Mom?) Wear it and be wonderful! You can try out your trick or treat skills on our vendors…so bring a bag. The parade starts off at the Market at 12:45 and ends with a bash at the 20th Century Club. All parents must be accompanied by children.
The non-partisan initiative Lansdowne Votes will set up again this Saturday. If you haven’t yet registered, they can help you do so in time for the Nov. 6 election. And even if you have, please stop by to say hello and get a button. Your Vote, Your Voice!
Nov. 17: Be sure to mark your calendar for our annual Thanksgiving Bonus Market. All our vendors are invited to be there. It’s not too soon to make a stop and put in some special orders for pies or soups or popcorn.
And speaking of Thanksgiving: don’t forget to remember…feed the hungry. The elderly and disabled shut-ins are especially invisible in the cold months, when mobility becomes an issue. The Interfaith Community Cupboard is a valuable resource right here in Lansdowne, but they need our help. Stop by the LFM manager’s tent and drop a dollar in the jar. The money we raise buys cases of the staple items they use most. You’ll feel better for it…that’s a promise!
See you at the Market!
Terry Baraldi