30 by 30, #29: Go to a Farmers Market and buy something.

In case you aren't familiar with the 30 by 30 Project, here is the original post, with the big fat list.

After reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, I realized how important it is to buy local. I wanted to make the effort to do this more often, I really did, but I really haven't been up to the task. Things like babies and small children and hot summers have kept me from being the regular I would like to be at the Farmers Market. I have been to a Farmers Market before, and I've even bought something there, but I'm pretty sure it was one time, and I only bought one head of lettuce. Kind of lame.

So I made the goal to get to the Farmers Market. It turns out Midland has a great one every Saturday and Wednesday morning from May to October. I've been meaning to go, but once again, things keep getting in the way. The biggest hindrance has been my fear of going to a crowded public place with two children by myself. (Clark plays basketball every Saturday morning.) I know, I'm weaksauce. Anyway, I finally made the effort this last Saturday, and I was very pleased with our haul.

I had to keep it small and simple since we are going out of town on Wednesday. I needed some yellow squash and zucchini for dinner on Sunday, thought spinach and peas sounded good and healthy, and couldn't resist the flowers, cherries, and strawberries. The flowers have added such cheer to our house, and the strawberries? WOW. How have I been eating these big fat tasteless things from the grocery store for years? These Michigan strawberries are FABULOUS! They are bursting with flavor. Little morsels of heaven.

We also went blueberry picking, and those taste amazing as well, but that will have to be another post. I must say, I'm a big fan of fresh, local produce.