What, given 21st-century technology, is the shortest distance between two points? Go ahead, take a guess…I’ll wait.
Time’s up. Correct response: the distance between your right and left ears.
Because nothing can transport you over the miles and years like your memories.
We’ve all been here…and suddenly there. And wherever “there” is, most times it makes us smile. The best of times, at least for me, is summertime. Could be a song, maybe Under the Boardwalk, by The Drifters, and my toes are once more burrowed in the cool sand under 9th St. boards in OCNJ, combining with the smell of Noxzema on everybody’s sunburn. (OK…can I get a show of hands for Noxzema?) The Geeter with the Heater on the transistor…RIP, Jerry Blavat, and thanks! And suddenly, here in 2023 Lansdowne, I’m strollin’ like it’s 1965.
No matter whether you’re a Boomer or a Gen X, Y or Z’er…there’s a song that will do that to you. What’s yours? Where does it take you?
Meanwhile, here in ‘downe Town, August has hit full throttle on what she brings to the Market party. The corn is officially as high as an elephant’s eye — sweet and tender too. BTW: when choosing…please note: there is etiquette involved. No matter what you’ve seen or…gasp…done in the past, DO NOT peel back any portion, not even a teeny bit, of the husk. You know why. Simply feeling the very top of the ear for fullness is an easy and darn good way to judge the age and freshness of that ear. Also, less than perfect ears are still good for creaming or using in salsas and fritters. Even ugly corn is beautiful in a salad.
The melons have reached their full potential…a good thunk and a big yellow spot where it sat is all you need to know about picking a watermelon. And the perfume coming off the pile of cantaloupes is enough to make you dizzy.
Along with the peaches and nectarines, pears have joined the party. BTW: From a simple cobbler to a fancy French galette, pears would make an excellent entry in the BIG LFM BAKE-OFF. Come sign up and get your market buck.
Along with the beans and the berries, August is just bursting with bounty…So, check the list and bring an extra big basket this week.
In the Music Tent: One of our annual favorites, David Falcone, loves the LFM crowd so much that he’s back for a repeat under the canvas this week. In fact, because of the responses we’ve gotten, we have several encore performances before the season closes. Mark down the Sept. 2 Labor Day market for the return of Bill Baraldi & the regal Simone…and…Oct. 7 for a repeat of Rita Miller.
In addition to all that, we still have the gotta-move zydeco vibes of Lost Northern Tribe, Jimmy Shoe & the Shine, Gray Dog Down, and Minas on the schedule… I’ll post all those dates next week.
In the meantime, don’t forget to read all of the Lansdowne Link for more stuff to see and do…
and take some time to take your own stroll down Memory Lane. It’s good for the heart.
See you at the Market
Terry B.