Again, City Fresh

I'll probably post these photos every week I participate, assuming I remember! To me, this is just the best of both worlds - bringing fresh produce to city dwellers, and supporting local agriculture. I'm delighted with everything I've gotten, made a commitment to trying everything - even the unfamiliar - and it's helping me stretch my Cleveland wings a bit, too.

As an example, I did not know that Cleveland had a Co-op, until I started participating in City Fresh. Images of Minneapolis' Wedge Co-op dance in my head - no clue if that's accurate, but a gal can dream.

Last night we had the yellow squash, the zucchini, the bell pepper, and the Japanese eggplant with some onion, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with sea salt and some herbs, all done together in the grill pan. It was wonderful. The potatoes went into potato salad (which my Oldtimer claims is like candy). We had the corn on the cob the very night we got it, and it was delicious.

Every week, I feel as I've picked up a bag of treasure! Love this program, and think it's delightful that they allow weekly pay, instead of an entire season up front.

This Week's Photo - Favorite Things

I took this photo several years ago, and may even have shared it here before, but it's still a favorite.

When we still lived in NC, we met a couple who gardened beautifully, and sold daylilies. One day, they took us out to their farm - a few acres outside of town, with a little log house. I just love this setting; as a matter of fact, I keep saying I want to live in the house, but the truth is that I would probably miss indoor plumbing.

Last Week's Photo

The theme for last week's photo of the week was "something magical." We spotted this little guy in the driveway this weekend, and I think he (she?) fits the bill.

City Fresh, July 13

Though I'm in danger of repeating myself - I just love this City Fresh program here in Cleveland, which is a type of CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Thanks to Jude for showing off her first purchase, and Deb for cluing me in to what this program is called, so I knew how to look for it.

This is today's haul - and this is just a single share! I told Gerry when we were walking away from the distribution table tonight that I don't feel like I made a produce purchase, I feel like I received a bag of gifts. Love it.

Woodpecker

This is the only shot I managed to grab - through the window, with a barely focused zoom - before this woodpecker flew away. He was HUGE - the biggest one I've ever seen.
When he flew to the neighboring tree, the thin branch actually moved under his weight. Amazing.

Hot - and today's City Fresh

Hot in Cleveland today! No relief in sight. this butterfly didn't mind, though...
...even though he's apparently been nipped!
Here's today's take at City Fresh. I just love this! I'm already soaking the cucumbers to make pickles; we've never tried these little red onions, but were told you can even put the tops in your cooking. And look - a little bottle of pure maple syrup! This week's challenge will be the bok choy.

iPhone photos

I've downloaded some new apps for playing with photos on my iPhone. These are from the "Vint B&W":


And from the TiltShiftGen app:

I think I'll be playing with these a lot more!

Beautiful Day

The temperature, the atmosphere, the breeze, the sky - everything is absolutely perfect today. I need to find a place that is like this all year round. Of course, as Gerry would tell me, any place this perfect all the time would be way too crowded.