Sunday Walkabout 10-28

We’ve reached the point in the season where there is little, if anything, of interest happening on the hill.

The last of the garden produce has been harvested and the hens are waiting impatiently to start their clean-up detail. That requires that some temporary fencing be put up around the garden. The sheep also need to move to greener pastures. 

waiting for greens

frozen okra

But, none of that could happen because it rained…again.

Friday rain

But, I’m getting ahead of myself.  

With the gardens finished, there is a lull in activity. We won’t be taking the last of the lambs until next week. and, it looks like it will be at least two weeks before we can get the culled sheep off to the stockyard. It’s way too early to get excited about lambing season. Or even any “off-season” projects. So, it seemed a perfect time to take a little jaunt across the mountain. We make an annual pilgrimage to get some local apples and celebrate the Boss’ birthday. Ordinarily the changing leaves make for a amazingly colorful trip.

This year, however, the leaves had barely begun to change. And, many were battered and brown. We aren’t the only ones noticing this phenomenon. There have been newspaper articles and news segments detailing the issue.  It’s just been a weird weather year. And, that seems to have affected everything. But we did find some pretty sights along the way.

To say that the weather made for production challenges would be an understatement. Growing produce was difficult and in some cases, simply impossible. Numerous vendors have had previously unheard of catastrophes. And, then the marketing said produce has not been without its challenges. Between the seemingly endless parking garage renovation, various downtown activities and numerous rainy mornings, it shouldn’t be surprising that the Market earnings are way down for the year. I’m fairly certain that everyone will be glad to see the end of the season.

Piney River pumpkin farm

As the Market season winds down, there are fewer and fewer vendors. This is not unexpected. The market is more an avocation than occupation for the majority of folks. By October, those who grow produce outside are done, and some of those who provide other products often have other things to do.

Sadly, the majority of these pumpkins are weather-damaged

Fall activities abound and many feel that these negatively impact Market attendance for vendors and customers alike. There were countless opportunities for trick-or-treating, so there were lots of costumed folks wandering through the Market. While I must agree, this doesn’t really help sales, it does make for an interesting/amusing sight at the Market. ("borrowed these from the Boss' Facebook photos...thank you, dear) "Rosie" is my favorite! But, the next one is great, too. It's a storm chaser and a twister. (LOL)

The costumes almost made up for the miserable weather. A cold rain began Friday and didn’t clear completely until late Saturday afternoon. The weather was far more suited to napping than shopping at the Farmers’ Market. (or, for that matter, SELLING at the Farmers’ Market) But, that is what we do…who we are. And, since we don’t have any other creative ideas as to occupation…and there are three more weeks left of the season, we were there, doing what we do. Although we need to find some positivity in the whole deal.

pretty leaves at Market

slim pickin's

WET leaf at Market

But, personally, positivity is not coming easily of late. I am distressed by the constant barrage of horrifying things in the news, the complete disregard and disrespect for human differences that are spouted forth and tweeted out by the highest office in the land and the lack of consequences for this awful behavior. I am stressed and triggered and exhausted. I can only hope that the upcoming election will provide some relief.

winter woodpile

early morning Alleghenies

Sunrise

another sunrise

early morning contrails

gorgeous light on gum leaf

  baby lettuce 

sunset
see the rainbow?

  lovely view from the kitchen window

north mountain

the hunter moon

In the meantime, I will practice mindfulness and gratitude, attempting to be fully aware of the blessings that make up my little corner of the world.

And, it is my sincere hope that you are able to do the same.

breath-taking Sunday sunrise

Have a Happy Sunday! 

Thanks for stopping by. Come back and “visit” us again soon.

Here's the link to the Boss' market Facebook pics.

https://www.facebook.com/stauntonfarmersmkt/photos/pcb.10156345864051141/10156345863711141/?type=3&theater