It's easy being green!

I am becoming more aware of my shopping and I try to buy local when I can. Now that I've moved back to my hometown, I went to the farmer's market to see if some of my favorite booths were still there. I am happy to report they were!

First on my list was a booth that sells all heirloom apple varieties. My grandfather had an old tree in his yard that gave a bumper crop of apples that were small, crunchy, tart, and green with red streaks. I loved those apples and am happy when I can find something similar. The huge, sweet mushy apples in the store don't come close. I bought a mix and match selection of about seven different tart varieties. The booth has gotten bigger, and is still very busy. My only disappointment was they weren't offering samples. They used to have little cubes of each variety so you could sample before you picked them out. Each variety does have a description card and they are sorted in order of sweetness, so I could skip one half of the booth entirely. That crazy brown one is described as very tart and zesty. I can't wait to try it!



Second was an Amish bakery. I found the booth, but either the bakery has sold or they have gotten so big that they have non-Amish workers manning the booth. Either way, the almond scones are exactly as I remembered. I have to restrain myself, but man are they delicious.



I also wanted to pick up a few veggies and so I scoured the market for good deals. I came back with a bunch of carrots, some patty pan squash (which I MUST learn how to cook), cherry tomatoes, a quart of raspberries, three cucumbers, and a huge club of brussels sprouts. People were commenting on my sprouts as I wandered around in the rain. As an adult, I've learned they are really delicious with a little salt and butter, but they have to be fresh. Frozen are not good and canned are unspeakably foul.



On the way there, I also drove past a yarn shop that is literally minutes from my house. I dropped in on the way home and checked it out. It had a nice selection of yarn and knitted samples and friendly staff, so I'm sure I'll be back. There are a few others in the area that I will get to eventually. I'm trying to behave since moving was a big expense and I have so much work to do in the apartment. Knitting will be my reward when I finish painting, especially since the second bedroom is going to be my office (boring) and studio (exciting!).

Now, strengthened by an almond scone, some carrots and a few cherry tomatoes, I feel ready to face the rest of the taping in the kitchen. Painting shall ensue!

Daydreamer

I've moved and everything is still in disarray. I've been concentrating on painting the walls so my living space is fresh and welcoming. I'd rather do that first and then unpack, so everything else has been on hold. I did take a few days off to visit with my family and in that time, I churned out four dishcloths. Two were gifts, and two were for my new kitchen.

Next on my list is some gardening. I brought my gardening tools to my new place and I have some neglected beds waiting for me. I'm excited to jump in and make some improvements and my new landlords are happy to let me. Mostly I need to do some pruning and weeding to see what structure I have to work with. There's a large shrub outside my bedroom window that the landlord wants to cut down, but I think I'll convince them to keep it. It gives me privacy and so far I've seen a warbler, a woodpecker and a female cardinal in it while looking out my window. The cover it provides for the birds is worth salvaging. It does need a little pruning, so I'll tidy it up and give it some shape.

Last but not least, my newest additions are three orchids and a goldfish plant. I visited a local grower at the Farmer's Market last week and bought the plants on sale. I have a Brassidium "Dragon Wings", Paphiopedilum Maudiae alba (Lady's Slipper) and Phalaenopsis "Paper Moon". They're all beautiful plants and suited to different windows in my apartment. I love having the flowers inside since I left my flowering garden behind. Nothing is blooming outside here yet except some neglected black-eyed susans.

Interesting quiz. I agree with parts of it.

Your result for The Perception Personality Image Test...

NBPC - The Daydreamer

Nature, Background, Big Picture, and Color

You perceive the world with particular attention to nature. You focus on the hidden treasures of life (the background) and how that fits into the larger picture. You are also particularly drawn towards the colors around you. Because of the value you place on nature, you tend to find comfort in more subdued settings and find energy in solitude. You like to ponder ideas and imagine the many possibilities of your life without worrying about the details or specifics. You are in tune with all that is around you and understand your life as part of a larger whole. You are a down-to-earth person who enjoys going with the flow.

The Perception Personality Types:

Take The Perception Personality Image Test at HelloQuizzy