To Market, To Market...


 Here we are at another Friday and busily getting ready for another market day!

 This week we are prepping English Muffins, 

I promise I remember the salt this time

we have more quail eggs after selling out last week, 

20 dozen this week; we will have 16 dozen at the market

and I have a new Mardi Gras themed 5-foot shawl for your consideration.  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Color close-up; thanks to Rebecca at Southern Twist Yarns in Fairhope

We are enjoying our trips to the market as vendors so much.  Our local Farmer's Market is one of the best ones we have visited as shoppers and it is even more fun being sellers now.  There is a lot more going on behind-the-scenes than I had imagined (and I have a good imagination).  The work that is done to keep it flowing smoothly AND to keep a good balance between the farmers and the craftsmen is impressive.

This market boasts farmers with honey, teas, mushrooms, one man who specializes in lettuces, and the more general "here's what we are growing on our land this season" (like us).  There are vendors who specialize in jams and jellies, pickles, and breads, vendors who raise beef, vendors who sell fish and other seafood, sellers of specialty cookies and cupcakes, a lady who loves to share her passion for the Cuban cooking she learned from her mother and grandmother, and a vendor in pet treats.  There is the peanut brittle man who is (rightfully) quite popular.  There are home made dips, freezer meals, and too many others to remember.  There are artists who specialize in photography (including our friend Jeff of Son Shine Shells who is winning all kinds of local, regional, and national awards for his work), jewelry of all types, woodworking, pine needle basketry, quilting, and little decorative ducks (I only have 3 and I think I need to add to my collection soon).  There are some young ladies who crochet some very popular little stuffed animals, there are scented candles, a few skin-care product people ("if your skin is dry, I'm your guy") ..and oh yes, there is also a lady who weaves AND sells quail eggs (ahem).  The Apple Man is well-known and popular at the market but he is only here for a limited time; this week will be his third and I understand his final visit for the season.  

There is so much to see and do.  There are some really beautiful and friendly dogs visiting (I always check with their humans before I pet them though) and I have even seen a little girl with her pet goat on one occasion.  The regular shoppers become familiar with one another and with the vendors.  There is a camaraderie among the vendors and a lot of helpful sharing of information ("Oh, here's how I manage that, let me write down that information for you".  "Oh, you forgot your table cloth?  I have an extra this week; would you like to use it?", "Let me give you a hand putting up that tent").  It's just a nice community on several different levels and we are thankful to be a part of it!

Shout out to Mallorie Aleah Designs for our beautiful logo!

 See you tomorrow!

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