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.

City Fresh, Cleveland

A table full of treasure! I am just delighted to have learned about CSAs and to have found a program in Cleveland. We pick up our weekly share about 7 miles away, in the Coventry neighborhood. It takes a while to get there, but what a treat! I've signed up for the next four weeks. (photo includes cabbage, kale, beets, potatoes, dill, pickling cukes, romaine, zucchini, and onions. We've already eaten the zucchini, some of the cabbage, and some of the dill.

Monday Photo - Self Portrait

Around the house and yard

Not much to say...lots to show.

A cuckoo more to my liking.

Solstice Eve
Tree down!
Flowers - life requires flowers.



The potato sprouted in the bag under the sink. I planted it. Good filler!
Cosmo loves the sun.

Photo of the Week - Father

This theme hung me up a bit. I posted a photo of my father not too long ago, and I didn't want to use that again. And I've been trying to use photos I've taken whenever possible.

My husband is not my father, BUT - he is a father to one, a step-father to three, a grandfather of two, a step-grandfather of almost three, and "daddy" to two dogs and a cat. I guess that works.

Here he is in a rare quiet moment on the deck - reading Dean Koontz, keeping the mosquitoes away with his pipe and a citronella candle. Looks pretty relaxed, doesn't he? Don't let him fool you.

Outside Looking In

Last night was lovely - except for the mosquitoes. The community center a few miles away was having a concert, and I could hear it from the rocker on my front porch. It was lovely till the mosquitoes drown it out - I realized I was looking inside, wistfully.
No bugs in there - just light and flowers.
Beats live music any day...

Photo of the Week - Black & White

On time, and multiple. I can hardly stand it, myself. As soon as JudiA announced the theme for this week, I knew which photos I wanted to edit - a trip to the playground and shops of Little Italy, when Bekah & Olivia visited in March. Truly, the weather was lovely, but because nothing had leafed out yet, many of the photos were almost black and white in appearance.

I couldn't stop - here they are. Two urban skyline shots, and one of shadows on the playground.

Photo of the Week - Heirloom

Last Monday's theme was "Heirloom." This is one of the few pieces I have that came from my dad's side of the family. My grandmother called it a "dough bin," although during our stint in NC, we were told it's called a "biscuit table."

I'm not sure what the wood is, very close grained and light. My dad was upset when my mother hauled it home - he wanted nothing of that old stuff from his youth - only new and shiny for him.

It's a handy thing to have; for us, it finished off this cabinet perfectly. There's storage in the two drawers, more in the pull out bin, and the perfect place to stash small stuff...

...under the hinged lid!