Bountiful

For the first time in a few weeks we made it to the Farmer's Market here in town. And it was buzzing! So many people out on a sunny day, eating, listening to music and checking out the absolute bounty that is the market at this time of year. I didn't bring my camera simply because I thought it might be too much to carry what with all the fruits and veggies I had in mind. I probably wouldn't have been able to crowd into the produce stalls for good shots anyway......but the crowds or the people......now those would have been good shots!

I came home with young spinach and zucchini, beautiful heirloom tomatoes and a flat and a half of berries. We grilled the zucchini, layered the tomatoes with fresh basil, salt, pepper and olive oil, and made sorbet with the raspberries. The sorbet was so easy I can hardly believe it was the first time I've made it! I liked it best the first day when, although it had been in the freezer for a couple of hours, it was still a little soft. I still haven't figured out how to prevent homemade ice cream from collecting ice crystals after sitting in the freezer for more than a day. Any ideas? 

Afterward, Marc spent some time putting together an enclosed tumbler for making compost (see above). I have to say that I heard more than a few mumblings about the deficiency of the directions included, but it all came together and now we have it. Depending on where you live, it might appear ridiculous to set up a contraption like this just to make compost when it seems like a pile in the yard somewhere would work out just as well. Lately however, at least where we are, whatever is not locked up or locked down acts as an open invitation to an after dark feast for very persistent bears or raccoons.

So with the compost tumbler and a new fence around our garden......I think maybe this is the year to try veggies again. I've been looking into suggestions about what to plant in the fall and just read a great piece about garlic. That seems like a good place to start but would totally welcome other thoughts......especially for our climate. I'll keep you posted.

Wishing you a wonderful week,

Margaret