People think because we live in the country that we should sell in a farmers market. We actually tried to do that. We talked to a man in charge of doing some San Antonio and other area farmers markets. He said we would have to apply, pay a fee, and go to every single market each day of the week. That is right. They go to a different market in a different town each day of the week. Who would have produce or time for all of that? We run a full time business.
Anyway, the guy told us that we would be expected to be at every market. Then he said that when we run out of produce to sell, we can buy it at the store and sell it. What? Then there are the folks who go into San Antonio and buy produce at a discounted rate from River City Produce. I know they do buy from them because some of the people who sell at farmers markets have told us they get produce from River City Produce as well as HEB. So how is this a farmers market?
Now, I am sure that many farmers markets across the country are legitimate but that is not what we were told.
This morning, David will be trying out a new cardiologist out here in the country. If he doesn't like him, he can go back to the one in San Antonio.
I woke up super early (5:14am) and could not get back to sleep. I finally got up because I was tired of thinking about things that hurt or upset me...fun times. I got up and started looking up diet information because David wants to start a diet today. I decided it will be easier if I do it, too.
I then made breakfast and realized that we have to set the clock forward an hour this coming Saturday night. Boo! I was hoping Trump would abolish this silly nonsense but I know he has been busy with other things.
Today is the last frost day according to the almanac so, technically, we can start planting today. However, we have to pull all of the dead and old plants. Almost everything in our Farm Store beds died but a few things did survive the freezes. I will be planting lots of zinnias and other flowers. We have to have lots of flowers for the bees.
It is Monday again. Since orders are piled up from the weekend, we will be busy filling them. We are grateful.
It is time to get dressed and get ready for the day.
We went to the new doctor. The doctor was nice and easy to communicate with. David is scheduled for some tests and then back to the doctor at the end of April. Tomorrow, we both have to do labs. Mine is fasting lab work. David's is not.
This doctor also added some meds for David. Shoot, we still can't get his diabetes medication because the pharmacy is out of it. I just tried calling and the girl told me I was breaking up and then she hung up on me. The joys of living in the country without a land line...We get one bar on a good day. The only way we will find out about this prescription is if we drive up to Devine.
It is time to get to work now as it is already 12:15pm. I have one dozen eggs in the Farm Store refrigerator. Farm eggs at Walmart are already over $6. I was there on Saturday and took photos. I will talk about that later.
This afternoon, I filled order after order but it looks like I have done nothing because the orders kept coming in. No customers came in person today.
It was 5:50pm and I was still in Fulfillment sending out orders when I got a text from Matt saying it was time.
Time? I grabbed my computer, mouse, and brief case and took off. Got in the house, threw my stuff down, grabbed my boots, and took off.
I arrived at the goat pen with about five minutes to spare. Then with one big push, the little kid was here! Dark brown, white, with a small amount of black. Trixie started cleaning the baby. This baby is so much tinier than Norton was last May. Of course, I was taking photos and video the whole time. This little baby is so adorable! It started making tiny noises and within a few minutes, it was up and wobbling around.
After about eight minutes, Matt said, "Well, that went smoothly so I am going back to pull some more orders." He then took off.
I continued to stand there, watching and then, Trixie started pushing again...this one took longer but finally, there was a blob on the ground, while the first baby was squeaking loudly. Then the membrane broke and there was baby number two! We have twins that are six minutes apart. I sure hope both are girls. They are smaller than Norton was. Trixie was busy cleaning them both.
The second baby has some black but most of it is a light tan with
curly hair like its daddy. Meanwhile, Norton heard the squeaks and was
looking over, trying to see what the squeaks were.
Alice was there watching and I decided to get the treat cup. I grabbed it and Alice enjoyed a few treats. Trixie saw that and came running. She ate a bunch of treats and then went back to cleaning her babies. They are adorable! I really wanted to see if they are girls but they were still covered in wetness...I can wait until tomorrow. It got dark quickly so I came in.
People may not tell you how they feel about you, but they will always show you by the way they treat you. Pay attention.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11 KJV
Have you ever strolled through a farmers market on a sunny Saturday morning? There's something special about seeing all those colorful fruits and veggies lined up, just waiting for you to take them home. But have you ever stopped to wonder what a farmers market really is? Well, let's dive right into it!
Imagine a place where local farmers and small producers gather to display their hard-earned produce. That's exactly what a farmers market is! It's a lively marketplace where you can find fresh, locally grown food straight from the producers. It's a gathering of neighbors and community members, sharing a passion for delicious, fresh food and a sustainable lifestyle.
Now, you might be wondering, "Is it just for farmers?" Not exactly! While the name might suggest that it's only for farmers, you'll actually find a mix of different vendors. Of course, many are indeed farmers, but there are also artisans, bakers, and even chefs who have turned their homegrown produce into delightful treats like pies, jams, and sauces.
Let's talk a bit about where the produce really comes from. At a farmers market, most of the produce is homegrown. This means it comes from local farms, often grown in small batches with lots of care. Many vendors have gardens or larger farms nearby. You can even chat with them about their growing practices and methods. Some markets have rules about how far away vendors can come from to keep things local!
You might have noticed that produce at farmers markets can sometimes be pricier than what you find in grocery stores. So why is that the case? There are a few reasons. First, you're paying for quality. Farmers market produce is often fresher because it hasn't traveled long distances. Plus, you're supporting small farms—not big corporations—so your money helps sustain a local economy.
Another reason for the higher price is that the farmers use sustainable practices. They may avoid pesticides, instead choosing methods that are better for the environment and your health. These practices can be more time-consuming and costly, but many people think it's worth it for the better taste and safety of the food.
Good morning. We left the house at 6:20am and it was a warm 71°. While we were gone, it rained and got chilly. We got back at 8am and it was a cool 56°. We had fasting blood work done at the local hospital. Fun times!
I just made breakfast as I was starving. I haven't had the chance to go out back yet but Matt says the twins are doing just fine! I was worried about them. He says he did not check to see what they are.
We get a lot of business emails each day. This morning, a woman asked us to waive the shipping fees for her seeds. Ha!
Matt and I finally went out to the goat pen at 9am. The babies are doing just fine.
So, we decided to see what we got. I was hoping for two girls. Baby A is a boy but baby B is a girl! At least I got one!
We had high winds and blowing sand here all day long. There were fires in the area and reports of roofs and parts of roofs flying off.
We saw shingles flying up and down when we went into Devine to run some errands this afternoon. The sky turned hazy due to fires in southern Bexar County, which is not very far down the road here.
It turns out that several homes in the Pleasanton area were completely burned and people had to evacuate.
I watched President Trump's speech. It was great. Half of Congress remained seated, made a lot of disgruntled noises. One man from Texas, Representative Al Green, would not sit down and stop shouting so the Sargeant At Arms had to escort him out. How disgraceful. President Trump is trying to save our country and turn it around.
I would like to add that the Democrat members of Congress would not applaud for the families of murder victims and for a little boy with cancer. I hope their constituents saw them acting like spoiled little children and will vote them all out at the next election.
The camera showed Pelosi playing with her dentures several times. She is pure evil as are many others. AOC spared us and went elsewhere during the speech. The party of "joy" ran out of joy. They are miserable.
So who are these people standing behind the booths at the farmers market? They're your neighbors! They're passionate about food, sustainability, and community. Most vendors grow their produce themselves, but a few might partner with nearby farms. They often have fantastic stories about how they started their farms or their family farming traditions.
Wondering how to tell if the produce is homegrown rather than store-bought? The best way is to just ask! Farmers market vendors are usually happy to share how and where their produce was grown. You might also notice that some fruits and vegetables look different from what you'd see in a supermarket. Remember, nature isn't always perfect, which often means better taste!
Now, imagine tasting a juicy homegrown tomato. It tastes like... well, like sunshine! This flavor is one of the biggest draws of farmers markets. Produce that ripens on the farm tastes so much better than stuff that's picked early and shipped across the country.
In Part Two, let's dig a bit deeper into the benefits of shopping at a farmers market. For starters, when you buy local, you're keeping the dollars in your community. That makes your neighborhood stronger, creating jobs and boosting local businesses.
Buying from a farmers market is like voting with your wallet. You're supporting small-scale agriculture and sustainable farming practices. This, in turn, helps promote a cleaner environment because local farms often use fewer chemicals and less energy compared to big agricultural operations.
Moving on to Part Three, maybe you're wondering how you could grow your own produce. You see those vibrant greens and think, "Could I do this myself?" Absolutely! Many people start small, maybe with a few pots of herbs or a patch of lettuce in their backyard.
Growing your own produce can be incredibly rewarding. Not only do you potentially save money, but you also enjoy the satisfaction of eating something you've nurtured from seed to table. It's like having a bit of the farmers market right in your yard!
Starting a garden can be as simple or as complex as you like. Begin with veggies that are easy to grow, like radishes or zucchini. You'll find that each success builds your confidence and your interest in trying to grow more.
And don't worry about space! Many people successfully grow veggies on balconies or in small yards using container gardening. So yes, you can grow your own produce even in urban settings with limited space.
Good morning. It is early and 57°. David has an early appointment with another new doctor somewhere in or near Pleasanton this morning.
Also, Walmart still has not filled two of his prescriptions that the doctor put in for him. We have had it changed several times and they don't have any of them. If he had given us a paper prescription, we could have gone elsewhere but that is not how any of them do it now.
So we went to the second new doctor today. Then we stopped by the cardiologist's office to ask about one of the prescriptions. Someone said she would send it in again. Meanwhile, this afternoon, David got the notice that the other prescription is finally ready so we will still be missing one.
We got back to the farm and started filling orders. We are slowly getting caught up.
The twins are doing well. They spent most of the day napping, just like any other newborns.
Let's not forget about the social aspect! When you shop at a farmers market, you engage with your community. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet the folks who grow your food and to learn about their passion for their produce. It's a chance to build relationships and maybe even learn a few gardening tips.
How about the variety? Farmers markets offer a delightful range of seasonal produce. That means with each visit, you might find something new to taste and try. This variety inspires many people to try their hand at cooking with ingredients they wouldn't usually pick up at the store.
Another point to consider is health. Many people who shop at farmers markets find they eat more fresh fruits and vegetables because there's so much amazing produce to choose from. Plus, you often get produce that's pesticide-free and grown with care.
Let's chat a bit about freshness. It's hard to beat the freshness of produce that's often picked that morning! This freshness not only gives you more flavor but also more nutrients, since the produce is at peak ripeness when you buy it.
Happy Thursday! It is 42° and quite chilly in this house. I think David has the air conditioner on. He and the girls got up before I did.
I read a good verse in the Bible this morning and I will share it below. Peace is such an important thing, especially now that I am older. As I read this verse this morning, it hit me how good it is not to be in fights with people over anything. It is better to walk away and have peace than to fight for just about anything.
It was another windy day--seems like that's all we've had this week.
David and Matt scheduled a father/son makeover earlier in the week for today at the salon so I managed to get an appointment for a nice trim. David was still in the chair when I was finished so I went up front to have a nice talk with the barber at 888--Maria. While she worked on David, we had a good chat which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Matt went on back to work and David and I stopped by Walmart to get a few things. We saw some church friends in the parking lot on the way out and had a quick visit.
We got home around 2pm and still hadn't had lunch. We ate some leftovers from last night and got back to work. There were so many orders but I finally got caught up today. That is because I had help from Matt and our team member who does just about everything. We couldn't do what we do without the two of them!
We actually had three different customers today, our first all week long. One customer didn't buy anything. He was looking for bulk seeds but we sell packs of seeds for backyard gardeners, not big farms. I understand it is sort of confusing because folks expect us to sell seeds in bulk since we are located out in the country. However, we started in the city where we had a miniature yard and decided to sell to the home gardener 15 and a half years ago.
The twins are doing very well, sleeping a lot and just being precious. What on earth will I name them? I really need to come up with something...
We have had something going on every single day this week and tomorrow is no exception. We are going to one of my most favorite places in the world tomorrow...that's right, the dentist chair for a cleaning! Yay! If you know me well, you know I am being facetious. I hate going to the dentist!
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Psalm 34:14 KJV
Actually, the entire chapter has a lot of good things to say, a lot of promises to those who live for God.
Let's jump into Part Four now and focus on the experience of attending a farmers market. Have you ever just wandered through and been hit by the smells of fresh herbs, baked bread, and ripe fruits? Oh, it's truly a sensory adventure.
A trip to the farmers market can be like a mini holiday. Each stall tells a story, not only with their foods but also with the passion of the people behind them. And let's be honest, that free sample of local honey or cheese doesn't hurt either!
A lot of markets also have live music, so there's this vibrant, almost festival-like atmosphere. It makes for a fun outing, whether you're shopping alone, with friends, or as a family. Kids especially love exploring all the interesting foods and sights.
Farmers markets are also a great spot to get gourmet treats. From artisanal bread to handcrafted cheeses and unique condiments, you're bound to find something new and delicious to try.
Don't forget about the flowers! Many vendors also sell fresh, bright bouquets that can light up your home, making the outing even sweeter.
Good Friday morning. It has already been a whirlwind of fun this morning...Now I need to get dressed and get to work. We will be leaving early to go to the dentist. Once that is over, we will be back.
It is currently 65° at 8:45am. When I woke up, it was 56°. The sky is white now with clouds.
My teeth are fine. The cleaning went fairly well and so did David's. We are back now. So far today, we have had customers who want bulk seeds, top soil, fodder for their cows, and vegetable plants, none of which we carry. We normally have vegetable plants this time of year but none this year.
We did have one customer who actually wanted and bought seeds. She said that Do-Re-Mi Lavender Farm sent her over. Thank you, Ann!
The sky is now blue and there is a breeze. Tomorrow will be windy and Alexa is calling it a Fire Day from noon until 8pm.
No more customers came this afternoon but we did have some visitors who came in just to use the bathroom. Lol! The gate is now closed.
I am so tired. I'm hoping I will fall asleep on the couch for a few hours and feel better. Then maybe I can also get a good night's sleep. Have a great Friday evening!
In Part Five, we should talk about some tips for shopping at a farmers market. Number one? Bring your own bags! Many markets are eco-friendly and won't offer plastic bags, so a reusable tote is a must.
It also helps to bring smaller bills and change. Since you're dealing with small vendors, exact change or smaller denominations can be really appreciated.
Get to know your local market's schedule. Some items sell out quickly, especially if they're in season, so arriving earlier rather than later can help ensure you get the pick of the crop.
Another handy tip is to bring a cooler or insulated bag, especially if you plan to buy perishable items like dairy, meat, or eggs. This way, your fresh finds stay cool and safe on the journey home.
Don't be shy to ask questions! The vendors are usually happy to chat about their produce, how they grow it, and any speciality items they might have.
Good morning. It is 67° and overcast again.
I went out to feed the fish. Matt fixed the new pump up last night and it is still working! Yay!
Then I went out back. I took care of the chickens and then the rabbits. Rats are still number twoing in the rabbit feed dishes so I had to get that all out.
Then I took food over to the goats. I heard one of the babies yelling loudly. As I approached, I could see why.
The boy, Baby A, was outside of the shelter when he should have been inside. Then he crawled back in through one of the grid holes and came back out again. I tried to pick him up but he ran off. I opened the shelter gate and Baby B came out and ran. I finally snuck up on her and grabbed her. She carried on for a few seconds. I cradled her and spoke softly to her. She is adorable. Then I gave her back to Trixie.
As I went back into the yard gate, there were about ten bees eating the sap coming out of the wood. It was a bit scary but they did not bother me. I am in and out of that gate to get to the back a lot.
It is hot out at 89° so I went inside and changed. Then I grabbed some breakfast sausage and cheese and went out to open the store. I started mailing out orders and our first customers came. They wanted plants. We don't have plants this year. Last year most people grumbled when we were selling them for $5. This year, the stores have them for $5 and $6. Our plants have not sold like we hoped so we are not doing plants this season. So I sent them over to Gro More Gardens in Devine.
Immediately after, more customers came in, one after another. At one point, we had three families in the store at the same time. Then a bit later, I had three separate couples in there again.
Two farmers came in looking for bulk seeds. We do not sell bulk seeds. We sell seeds to the home gardener. Just because we moved out to the country, we have not changed our business model. We just don't have enough seeds to sell bulk but there are other seed companies that do. As always, the farmers are not pleased that we do not have a ton of seeds at discounted prices.
I finally got to eat my lunch at 1:54pm, six minutes before we close. Of course, it was cold by then. I was starved. As soon as I had heated it up, here came a big family of eight and they took quite a while.
I finally decided on names for the goat twins today. They shall henceforth be known as George and Gracie.
We finished season one of the Dallas reboot from 2013 last night. I ordered a set in English from Amazon of all three seasons. I opened the plastic bag last night and realized that something wasn't right. The outside of the DVDs are in Spanish. So they are getting sent back. The listing says nothing about them not being in English. So that is that. We will have to come up with something new to watch. I won't try to order those DVDs again.
David is smoking beef ribs on the Traeger for tonight's dinner.
Tonight, we lose an hour. Set your clocks ahead tonight by one hour or you will be late to church. Boo! I hate this time change the most. Why do we do this to ourselves? It is so stupid.
I am always trying out new shoes to find something comfortable. I change shoes throughout the day because my feet hurt. So I found zero drop cloud shoes from Hike Footwear and ordered a pair on Amazon. I got them this afternoon and they are so comfortable. They only had a few colors in my size so I got green but it is a nice shade. At this point, I don't care about colors. I care about comfort. I immediately ordered some white with pink ones. The sole is a bit thicker than my barefoot shoes. Normally, the barefoot shoes are comfy but we live out in the country and every time a customer comes, I have to walk across a rocky parking lot and the rocks always hurt my feet. I tested these new shoes and they do not hurt when I walk on the rocks. Awesome!
The wind finally blew in and will carry on, blowing sand, until around 9pm. Didn't we get enough wind this week?
Transitioning into Part Six, let's discuss the ingredients you might find at a farmers market that are perfect for trying new recipes. Ever cooked with purple carrots, or tried making a pie with heirloom apples? Farmers markets encourage culinary exploration.
These ingredients are not only tasty but often have unique textures and flavors that can transform everyday meals into gourmet experiences. It's about being adventurous and letting the produce inspire your cooking.
Many home cooks love to pick up tips and tricks from the vendors, like how to properly roast veggies or what herbs pair well with fresh fish or poultry. It's like a mini culinary school in a bustling outdoor market.
Then there are ingredients that might surprise you, like squash blossoms or unusual varieties of tomatoes and potatoes. It's a delight to learn new ways to use these unexpected finds.
How about trying your hand at home fermentation or canning? Farmers markets provide an excellent opportunity to get large quantities of seasonal produce that you can preserve and enjoy for months.
There's a wonderful community online and in person surrounding farmers markets. Part Seven will explore just that. Many people share their farmers market finds on social media, creating a web of inspiration and tips.
Join a local cooking or gardening group. Chances are, you'll find fellow farmers market enthusiasts happy to swap recipes, gardening tips, and maybe even some homegrown produce.
Attending community cooking classes or workshops offered in conjunction with local markets can be another fun way to deepen your knowledge and meet others.
Some farmers markets also host seasonal events, from harvest festivals to seedling swaps in spring. These events can be a great way to celebrate local agriculture and learn more about the people who make it all happen.
So, what's your takeaway from all this? How about appreciating the story behind every piece of fruit and veggie at your local farmers market? Whether you're buying or growing your own produce, it's a brilliant way to celebrate fresh, flavorful food.
Remember that each purchase supports more than just an individual. It supports sustainable practices, preserves the environment, and fosters a sense of community.
Consider how buying at a farmers market might complement your own endeavors to grow your own produce. The experience can teach you so much about what’s required to bring those delicious foods to your table.
Moreover, it ties you to the seasons, helping you to appreciate the variety and abundance offered throughout the year. Each market visit holds the promise of discovering something new.
When we choose to support local growers, we encourage more sustainable food systems, not only for ourselves but for future generations.
Hey, next time you're at your local farmers market, take a moment, breathe in the scents, and maybe try something new. Feel proud that by being there, you're a part of something bigger.
Farmers markets are like a bridge connecting people to the land, to better food, and ultimately, to each other.
There's something deeply satisfying about knowing the very roots (quite literally) of where your food comes from.
Keep exploring, asking questions, and supporting those who pour their heart and soul into growing the food we eat.
We encourage you to meet your farmers, share your food experiences, and let others know about the fantastic finds you discover.
Beyond simply shopping, let the experience at farmers markets rejuvenate your connection to food and community.
It's this reconnection to food's source and your local environment that embodies the true spirit of a farmers market.
Each visit gives you a taste of the harvest and the season, and that's truly special.
Also, don't underestimate the power of an ingredient shared amongst friends and family. Those can be some of the warmest, most joyous connections of all.
You might find yourself inspired to throw a dinner party using market fresh ingredients or start growing a little something yourself.
Whether it's trying a new vegetable, testing a recipe, or talking to a farmer, every moment spent at a farmers market is a small celebration of life’s organic simplicity.
Who knows? Maybe next season you'll be tending your garden, reaping the rewards of growing your own produce.
So here's to the farmers markets, to cultivating your own little patch of green, and to every meal shared with those you love, informed by the vibrant community you support. Enjoy it all!
Return from Farmers Markets to Our Sixth Year
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