Summer's Outdoor Farmers Markerts Offer All Kinds of Delights

Farmers markets are really a lot of fun.

There are numerous ones around here, in western Massachusetts. 

This is a fairly rural area so many of the markets have produce from rich soil.

Just about any veggie one can imagine is available. 

The baked goods are divine and the people who run the stalls are usually totally darling.

Went to one in a small town this week and brought home scones, a homemade challah bread, and Lebanese delights.

Brought home for supper was a squash, roasted red pepper, and feta cheese concoction that tasted absolutely wonderful.

A couple glasses of iced hibiscus tea made all the walking in the sun during the day quite worth it.  

Hibiscus tea helps lower blood pressure, you know, and a lot, too!

I am still on the hunt for some delicious granola but that will have to wait for another day.

Flowers Enhance Our Lives

Flowers add beauty and simple elegance to any place they are seen.

A dear person in my life has absolutely stunning arrangements near her home.

It is always so delightful to visit her and see the lovely blooms.

Here's hoping you have your own lovely flowers to enjoy, whether in pots, in the ground, or in a vase!

New Week, New Goals and Hopes

 

There's something very exciting about beginning a new week.

First of all, it's great to still be alive!

Every day we get, especially when we are on the tail end of life, is a gift.

Writing down goals for the week is always a good thing to do. 

Then, it's fun to see how many were accomplished.

Keeping a positive attitude is paramount to me, especially in hot, humid weather.

Hot summer days when the humidity is 100 percent are extremely unappealing to me.

 Guess one could say being a "cold weather girl" is fine with me.

Luckily, summer goes by very quickly around here and before we know it, pumpkins will be filling roadside stands.

In the meantime, many goals and dreams are listed and today is a great day to start them on their way to becoming reality.

WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR THIS WEEK?

Seek Peace

 

Sometimes we get so busy in life, going to work, doing errands, meeting deadlines, doing chores, running out shopping, tending to home maintenance, and so on, that peace runs out the window.

We get so caught up in checking items off a list that we fail to realize life is passing us by at breakneck speed.

Today is a good day to do things at a more leisurely pace.

Yes, we can still get things done but calmly, slowly, maintaining our peace.

Take time to breathe deeply, look at flowers, listen to rain or feel the warmth of sunshine, spend time with those who love us, and just "be."

May your Sunday be totally blessed.

Small Town Farmers Market

 

What is not to love about a small town farmers market?

We went to one yesterday, in western Massachusetts.

It was so adorable and abundant. 

The goods contained a huge variety of offerings for a small town market. 

Breads of all kinds; edible flowers, fresh butter from local cows and cream, too; carrots, chives, honey, mixed greens, scones with blueberries, currants, or cranberry-orange pieces; melt-in-the-mouth biscuits for strawberry shortcake or, for adding a touch of butter and eating them as is; tomatoes that taste so delicious and fresh, it makes you never want a supermarket tomato again, and on and on and on.

Farmers markets are just plain wonderful.

Entertainment at this one was an older guitar player whose voice was quite good and pleasant.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT FARMERS MARKETS?