Magic Beans

So last week I was noticing that the beans were growing in the shapes of letters.  I started picking and pocketing the BEAN letters. At home I arranged the letters into words and took a photograph of them.  I showed the picture to Matt saying, "Matt the beans are MAGICAL!  They grow in the shape of letters.
Matt says, "It's like an anagram.  Maybe you got the arrangement wrong and its really supposed to be "sol-ve'" (pronounced soul -VAY) which in Latin means 'Don't read too much into the letter shaped beans."  Humph!  The Matt guy is is quite the joker.

Under the Spell

Some days at market the "Dahlia Man" sets up a stall next to ours.  He brings the most breathtakingly beautiful dahlias that are an absolute distraction for me.  I feel hypnotized by their unusual colors and forms.  I gush over over them and say things to the dahlia man's wife like, "Aren't you afraid the women are going to get TOO friendly with your husband?  Women love a man who can cultivate flowers you know."  It makes her laugh.  Finally I broke down and bought a bunch of his award winning dahlias.  (The Dahlia Man is extremely humble so that no one would know he has won multiple awards and is recognized around the nation for his horticultural abilities.)  Between gushing and swooning over the flowers, I publicly PROCLAIM, with extreme enthusiasm, each varieties special qualities, "Look at that color!  Oh my gosh!  The form of those petals!  Look at how big that is!"  Then in a state of doubt and grief I recluctantly chose these beautiful flowers.  I had no regrets later I just stared and admired and let myself fill with gratitude and sent up a prayer of blessings on the dahlia man.    
Can't you just tell they are grown with love?

Market Stall

 This is the stall I work in at Farmers' Market.  This is Karlene the farmer's wife.  Below is Matt.  He's the "melon man."  One day we saw him caressing the melons as he told the customers about their goodness.  Well, that very day a customer (who had previously ate some of the melon) came up and asked him out on a date.  They are now a couple.  He says he wakes up everyday feeling joyful because his girl friend is so hot, smart (working on a P.H.D), and fun.  I'm happy for him because Matt is funny and cute and hard working.  FYI I love working market.

I Can, Can

The farmers are most generous and send me home with loads of fresh produce. To get the most out of these healthy treats I have had to beef up my canning skills. I haven't been canning in 20 years.  But with the help of friends I have a colorful pantry.

I had two big bins of tomatoes which I turned into jars of stewed, spaghetti sauce, and tomato jam.  The jam is more like a dipping sauce for crackers or tortilla chips.  It is definitely a specialty item to give as gifts. 

After peeling and seeding I had these two big containers of tomatoes. 

I also canned beans at Amy's house.  Beans require a pressure cooker which I do not have.  The pressure cooker makes things go fast.

While we waited for the beans to seal Amy played me a song on their pump organ.  So wonderful and nostalgic.

Here are the beautiful beans.

Then I went to Elizabeth's to make red pepper jelly.  Elizabeth has a science degree and it really shows when she cooks.  She isn't a bit timid about experimenting with flavors.  We made several batches of red pepper jelly using a variety of different vinegars.  We used white, white wine, apple cider, and balsamic.  The balsamic didn't jell but it makes a fine red pepper reduction.

I had Mikkie try the tomato jam and she was really impressed.  She said she could eat a jar by herself in one sitting. 

Not all the veggies are in jars.  My freezer is full, too. 

My Other Job

 So between working for my gardening clients and working at the Goetz Farm, I was asked to make a sign for market.  Both pictures were taken today.  I made a lot of progress today . . . in part because I had a dream that ultimately said , "Feed your inner child."  It means I need to start doing what I enjoy.  I can't say it was all fun making the sign.  This was my first time carving wood. I have a lot of hours invested in this project, so there is a good chance I won't get paid for my (amature skills) time.  Still, my vision for the sign came true, it is folksy, naive', and fun.  I hope the Goetz family loves it.  Also, it will be hung at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market.  I think the sign will fit in with the A2 vibe.

Rhino-eggplantitis

Did you know that some egg plants are born with a nose?  That's 3/4s of a face!  Where there is a face there is personality. 

Over the Moon

WoW!  Carrot Cake Moon Pie with cream cheese frosting!  I should have bought more than one.

The Frog Prince's Garden

I bought this concrete planter several year's ago at the Farmers Market.  The little shrub came with the planter.  Last week I was about to trim it up when I thought . . I'll turn it into a heart.  I am so glad I was daring enough to try.  I want more bushes to shape up.  For inspiration to attempt topiary art read The Garden of Abdul Gasazi by Chris Van Allsburg, also see the documentary A Man Named Pearl.