dandelion garden

On what promised to be a very hot, muggy day, I rose early and made my weekly trip to the farmer's market. Because of my new promise to myself to try to live healthier (i.e., less fatty foods, more veggies and exercise), I rode my bike. I have a 1960s cruiser that was actually my mother's bike. I've outfitted it with a cute basket and thought it would be perfect for my weekly farmer's market runs (since I live about 1/2 mile from the market). Can't you just imagine how wonderfully chic I must look - with the breeze blowing, my fresh veggies filling the basket as I pedal calmly down the tree-lined streets?!

Now, I haven't been on a bike since, well, let's just say I think I may have been in high school at the time. While I didn't forget how to ride my bike, I surely didn't remember how hard it can be! I had to actually walk the bike up a hill along the way. Very sad. But, I promise to persevere and make it the whole way one of these days!

The market was bustling as usual, although everyone was complaining of the mugginess even at 8:00 in the morning. Alas, the Virginia summer has truly set in. But, with summer comes all sorts of yummy things including fresh cherries, lettuces, peaches, squash, watermelon, and all sorts of beans and peas. I brought home some English peas for shelling, some plump green beans for steaming, and a variety of lettuces. I also treated myself to a pint of fresh cherries (since my strawberries are dwindling) and some garlic, parsley, and chive goat cheese (yum!) for sprinkling in my salads or making frittatas.

Anyway, a nice, leisurely, muggy, need-a-shower-already kind of day. Happy summer!