We Might Just Live in "Opposite World"

After “dress-down” Friday

               It’s time for drinks after work

                     And a night on the town

                         Then  a “sleep-in” Saturday morning

                                Maybe a late brunch before going to the Farmers’ Market…

Wait a minute!

Whose life is that?

Certainly not MINE! 

Our life is the opposite…except for the Market part…and maybe the dressing down, too. (mostly because we never dress UP!)

For the past 16 years, we have made our living selling farm products at the The Staunton/Augusta Farmers' Market. (no matter the weather!)  That means that when everyone else is winding down the workweek on Friday, we’re just gearing up.  Friday is our big harvest day, thus assuring our customers of the absolute freshest produce. A big day of harvest is followed by an early night so we can be somewhat coherent for the morning market.

Saturday mornings, when most folks are sleeping cozily in their beds, we’re already up and packed and headed to town.  Our Saturdays start at 4:30 (yes, AM) every week from the first of April until the week before Thanksgiving. The Market doesn’t actually open until 7am, but there is the packing up, the drive to town and the set up time.

Not that I am complaining (okay, I admit it…there are occasionally some complaints as I make the Boss a sandwich before he heads out at about 5 to set up the Market). Growing food and selling it at the Market has enabled us to make a living off this small piece of land and support our family all these years.

Most of our customers have no idea how early we get up, what it took to get all that stuff prepared and down to the Market and how we kept it looking so nice, or what a challenge it is to make change and small talk all morning when we’re sleep and caffeine deprived.  Only occasionally does it seem to occur to anyone that we really do live in “opposite world”. That’s okay, I guess, because they do indeed appreciate the product!

Now, you must excuse me…I’ve got a sandwich to make and chores to do before I head to the Market as well.  If you’re in town, stop by and visit…we’d love to see you!