I have been going to the Saturday morning farmer's market for about 30 years. But I've missed it this season. I went this morning just before it closed and brought my camera. I bought some peaches, but spent most of my time taking pictures. This woman has been selling herbs at the market as long as I can remember. I am happy to finally have a picture of her.
Now I remember what I love about the market and I will try to get up and out of the house in time to get there before noon next Saturday. I was there about 15 minutes and in that time, I talked to a lot of people.
First I saw a friend from church. We didn't have time to chat, but it was nice to see her and know that she buys from the farmer's market.
Then I talked to a man who recommended that I take photos at a civil war reenactment at the Lee mansion on Arlington Cemetery this afternoon. It was a good idea, but I didn't make it. There's another (much bigger) one at Bull Run next weekend and I have his business card in case I can go.
Then I saw on of my favorite vendors and he asked where I've been. I bought peaches (seconds) from him after taking his photo. (My soon-to-be daughter-in-law loved the peaches this evening and appreciated that they were ripe instead of hard. Seconds need to be eaten quickly but they are often better than firsts if you don't let them sit around too long.)
After I photographed another favorite vendor, she showed me the photo album she found last night from 1995. It includes her farm, her family, and the farmer's market with buildings that were replaced many years ago.
And as I started to bike home, I stopped at the used bicycle sale set up at the other end of the parking lot. After I took some photos, two men started talking to me about making bicycles. One thinks we need covered bike trails so commuters can ride in any type of weather without worrying about ice or having to dress for rain. Interesting.
I probably talked to even more people than I remember right now. And all in about 15 minutes while taking photos. The farmer's market is more than a place to buy fruits, vegetables, and plants--it's a place to catch up with old friends and to meet new ones. I forgot about that when I was savoring my leisurely Saturday mornings.
