At first, I was just there for the vegetables. But that is how they get you. The next thing you know, you are bringing along the kids and your husband. Now the whole family is involved. What was once a simple basket of fresh green beans for $2 has turned into a $25 shopping spree of artisan bread, granola and fancy $5 scones. What ever happened to the vegetables?
The farmer’s market was such as a good idea at first. My favorite farmer grows his produce organically and has wonderful prices. I’ve gotten fresh peaches that melt in your mouth and corn so sweet that the butter starts to cry. Oh, and he’ll often throw in an extra tomato or zucchini with every purchase, or slip in a few extra ears of corn. My kind of guy.
When I first started going, I made a beeline to that one stand, arrived early in the day and left quite happy with my finds. But then my eldest son started coming too. Off in the corner stood the bread lady, a modern day Hansel and Gretel character who lured my innocent son in with a taste of nine grain bread. Soon we just had to have a full half of a round.
My daughter wanted to come along, too, so I took her as well. She fixated on the tiny but expensive jars of lemon and orange curd at the stand next to the one where the bread lady lived. There were samples spread on cookies. The circle was widening.
Next, it was my youngest child. He spotted the honey sticks that he had to have so badly that he was willing to pay for it with his own money. Mama treated instead, mostly because I didn’t want to explain why I made my four year old empty the dishwasher for spending money.
My husband wasn’t far behind in coming along as well. He and I could almost just pretend that we were a young romantic couple alone and ready for some adventure. Fancy chocolate chip and cinnamon scones for a late breakfast were just the ticket.
By this time with five people now going to the farmer’s market, we barely make it there before closing. Last week we spent a pretty penny, even though the vegetables were all sold out, “You have to come early,” my favorite farmer apologized.
Today, we grounded ourselves from going. But boy did I miss those scones.