Winter Farmer’s Market

March SOLC – Day 11

A huge thank you to  Anna, Beth, Betsy, Deb, Kathleen, Lisa, Lanny, Melanie, and Stacey for all that they do to create a supportive community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
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It’s a beautiful day with brilliant blue skies–the kind of day that lures you outside to play. Unfortunately, it only takes one step out the door to remind me that winter is still firmly entrenched here. It’s so cold that it hurts! A quick look at the thermometer confirms my diagnosis of an unreasonably cold temperature. At 9 am the temperature is hovering at 4 degrees and with a brisk breeze, the wind chill must be well into the negative digits. Our planned walk doesn’t sound like quite so much fun now. Were we really at the beach a week or so ago?

It’s time to move on to Plan B. “Does anyone want to go with me to the farmer’s market?” I ask my husband and daughter. After hesitating and  glancing at the thermometer again (and again) and debating for a few minutes, they finally agree to go. We layer up and move on out.

Within 20 minutes or so, we’re walking into the warmth of the market. It’s an oasis on this frigid day. A duo plays violin in the corner and a happy babble of voices fills the large hall. There are baked goods, preserves, clothing, cheeses, crafts, seafood, meats, and all sorts of tantalizing prepared foods. Vegetables fill woven baskets and spill in rainbows on coarse wooden tables and the scent of coffee and freshly baked bread fills the air. We wander through the aisles, absorbing the colors, smells and sounds. We pick out some kale to add to tonight’s lentil soup and choose a rustic flour-dusted loaf of bread. Then we wander over to the far side of the market, where my favorite everything bagels are. Today I’m in luck and they also have plump golden brown bialys with glistening oniony centers. Who can resist those? After purchasing a few of each, we’re finally ready to leave. Thankful for the brief reprieve, we leave the warmth and color of the market behind and head back into the bitter cold.