Even before they were unloaded onto the table you could smell them…that deep, musky sweet aroma…no need to pick them up and thump or stroke…these ‘lopes were ready, and I was willing. And after stowing it in my car for the morning, and aided by the 90+° thermometer, 4 hours later, I was, dear reader, positively giddy with the perfume. And finally cutting it open…with a knife newly honed by Hot Knives Paul, well, that was worth all the months of waiting.
And that’s what eating locally and seasonally can do to you too!
Next week, on to the watermelons! And blackberries and beans; and peaches and tomatoes, red beets and green beans. So take notes and bring a basket.
It was, BTW, a family affair at the Tucquan tent. Daniel brought the whole family crop along for the day, right down to the littlest sprout. What a lovely surprise.
Back to the cantaloupe for just a moment…They do tend to “go over” pretty quickly, but before you do anything rash…you can use that overripe melon to make a healthy smoothie*, sorbet or gazpacho. In fact, most soft fruits can be turned into slushies at the end. Just ask The Google and get busy.
* melon seeds are high in proteins and antioxidants, so go ahead and swirl them into that smoothie.
Thanks to all who braved the heat to come out…both vendors and vendees. I wonder if we’re just all getting used to this (hopefully temporary) but persistent weather pattern. But here’s a wake up call…last week I saw a wooly caterpillar that was totally black…and we all know what that means, right??? OK…I’ll give you this one for free: the Farmers Almanac says it means a harsh winter ahead. So there’s that relief to look forward to.
One thing I did notice on my way to market after the long rainy Friday night…green lawns! I swear I could hear them slurping every raindrop like drunken sailors. Luckily none of them had to drive anywhere. But I did…because…
…Time to meet Skyler and Jennifer and George, et al to put up the tents and the tables and the signs, time to set out some chairs and water for the doggoes, and sweep up some puddles and trash. Then get the vendor spaces sorted out, and make it look welcoming for when our favorite people …cue you…get here. And then 4 hours later fold up our tents and make plans to do it all again.
Does it ever get old?…sure…but old is good…old is familiar…old is getting to know names and faces and which vendor you’re hoping to be there. (Did you check the schedule?) Looking for the one person you especially wanted to see, and there they are.
But new ain’t bad either, so every year we try to find new vendors, new products and new ways of doing the same old things. And next year, we’ll be doing all of the old stuff in a brand, spankin’ new Veterans Landing, in the same old place.
In the Music Tent: This week a blast from the past…Charlie Bell returns with his guitar and familiar tunes.
In the Manager’s Tent: Maybe you? Consider coming onboard as a volunteer, and being a part of something that has come to mean so much to the community. Whether you came to shop for food or a new friend…yeah! we got that!
Now, after you’ve finished reading this letter, go right back and read the rest of this LEDC newsletter. It’s got important stuff posted, and we look the time to put it out there so you can know as much as we do with just a couple of clicks.
Read and be ready, my friends.
Terry B.