In Season- Pigs and Pottery

Farmer's Markets, as we shared before, are great places for local fruits and veggies. But many also have the market on a few fun and unique activities.

Like this little gem of a one on Friday nights about eight minutes from our house.

Hope found herself a petting zoo, which pretty much equals a version of heaven in her book. With animals to chat with and to pet as much as she wants and all. Our regular little animal whisperer.

Then for a buck she got to choose, mold, and paint a small piece of pottery. The shop owner took it to fire, and we should get it back on our next visit.

This market is held outside one of our favorite eclectic coffee shops. Do you remember the one? Here let me help.

Yes, this...
...has turned to this in so little time.
Ah me, where's the food already?

Okay... though we only scooped up a small bit of produce this time, we still made good of it. That's why I love summer; you can grill some hot dogs, mix up cucumbers and tomatoes, serve it with a side of peaches and call it a night. The animal whisperer's assistant, who found her own version of happiness by playing in the gravel earlier on, thought this was a good idea. What you can't hear is her saying, "Mow... mow!" (More... more!)

Just in case you're interested, here is the recipe for that easy veggie concoction and another one that used up our green pepper and onion for July Fourth's block party.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Mix one large cucumber and one good size tomato, both finely chopped, with a couple tablespoons each cup of light mayonnaise and light sour cream. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and/or dried rosemary to taste. Best if chilled, but doesn't have to be.

Italian Veggie Pasta

Boil pasta according to directions on package. Our favorite is rigatoni or whole grain penne for this particular salad. Rinse in cold water and dump into large bowl. Mix with one small onion and one green pepper, both finely chopped, along with one container of feta cheese, one can of black olives, and about half a cup or more of prepared or homemade Italian dressing to taste. Also, best if chilled.

Maybe come August we can do this in season thing without ever leaving home? :)