City Views, Country Dreams

Good evening from New York.

Yesterday's rain yielded us a brilliant sunny summer morning, without too much of the humidity that can sap our energy.

I got up early and dealt with laundry requirements in my apartment building's basement laundry room.  I was glad to see that almost all the washing and drying machines were functioning, and that I seemed to be the only tenant making use of the room

This is the sort of opportunity that can give a city dweller's day a fine start.  Once that laundry was dried, folded and stowed away, I was ready to take the subway downtown to Union Square.

This is definitely prime tomato season.  Yes, I do dream of having a garden and being able to grow my own tomatoes, but...when I see what Kernan Farms grow in nearby New Jersey, I know I must put those dreams to the side, and select some lovely ripe tomatoes from this stand and take them home.

This same stand is known for its marvelous peaches.  I did not resist their sweet and colorful call.

It is usually tricky when visiting the farmers market to know just how much to buy.  The entire idea is to be able to savor fresh produce.  I live alone, and know just about how much fresh produce I might consume before my next market visit.

Ahh, but I can admire the beautiful eggplants, and the many varieties of tomatoes, squash, and so forth.

I love the large signs around this stand proclaiming the source of their fabulous fruit and veg.

Another nearby stand was championing radishes, and a colorful variety of carrots.  I didn't buy these, but did purchase some of this farm's delicious and beautiful Lollo Rosso lettuce.  It became part of tonight's supper salad.

Do make note of that clear blue sky.  The following photograph shows just one aisle of one of my favorite plant stands.  I loved seeing this mom getting plant selection assistance from her two children.

Here's another view of the same stand showing some of their fine selection of cacti.  Sometimes there is a guitarist standing nearby serenading the plants.

Many of the flower and plant stands are now featuring sunflowers, in many varieties.  My little apartment does not have enough room to provide proper sunflower showcasing.

Now, please see how these varieties of plums shine in the almost midday sunlight.  I will perhaps get some plums on my next visit.

The colors of the bouquets for sale at a nearby stand sort of echo the colors of the plums.

It is not unusual for me to encounter some friends or acquaintances while strolling through the farmers market, but I have to admit being surprised to spy Santa at this fruit juice stand.  

It seemed a bit early in the year to let Santa know about my Christmas wish list, or to assure him of my good behavior.  

Instead, I was glad to be able have gathered several heavy bags of fresh fruit and veg before noon, and to make my way back home via subway.

This afternoon, I made more progress on my current fair isle jacket projects, had a late lunch while getting caught up with today's global financial news, did a little reading, and as the tune goes, "fell into a dream."  Isn't an afternoon nap a wonderful luxury?

I woke up to the sound of a phone call, from a person trying to conduct a political poll.  I declined.

It was almost time to prepare tonight's salad.  I thought before gathering together the various salad components, I would take a photo of the pretty peaches I bought this morning.  Aren't they lovely?  

Blueberries finished tonight's supper.  One of these peaches might take that role tomorrow evening.

Thank you all for your visits and comments.  It is so interesting to learn how our summertime months are progressing.