Fall @ PSU Farmers Market

A Gray Day Makes Perfect Photo Conditions

Mid-October Fall morning: grey sky, temp in 50's, slight breeze. What can we scout for at the farmers market today?

APPLES!

As the Beatle song said: "Woke up, fell out of bed, dragged a comb across my head."  Dressed and in desperate need of coffee. Found my favorite coffee app on the phone, swiped, poked, cussed as I entered my order. Ready in 8 minutes it displayed. Yay!

Linda Naylor

found this fascinating recipe for marinated apples. We'll need a variety that is firm so it can stand up to the rum, brandy, and orange liqueur while keeping its structural integrity; tart so it can handle a good amount of sugar. They will be marinated in ceramic crocks for about 3 months. Something to look forward to in January!

Arrived at coffee shop and approached to take-out order section. Where is my coffee? I see my name on the munchies but the cups are too small! Grumble! I double-check my phone order and DOH! I ordered medium instead of ginormous. I humbly call over a barista and explain I messed up my order. Would they please upgrade me to ginormous? No problem! New cups, more coffee added, no extra charge! So nice of them!

Coffee and munches in hand, we are off to the market. NPR and Scott Simon purring on the radio make for a pleasant morning drive to Portland State University Farmers Market. The coffee is kicking in now: my other brain cell is now awake. Both neurons are in full operation.

We arrive at about 9:30-ish. One loop in search of parking and is seems we are not the only early birds. Next loop and we find a decent parking spot. Tickle the Parking Kitty app for a hour, grab our shopping bag, and trudge up the slight grade to the market. The deciduous trees are showing off their Fall colors: reds, oranges, yellows mixed with soaring evergreen Douglas Fir's.

We scored apples for the crocks, pears, fresh basil, some huge heirloom tomatoes, and fresh salad greens. It so enjoyable to eat foods brought to market by the growers! Growers benefit by  getting to know their customers and cutting out distributors dipping into their profits. A win-win for both parties.

The overcast sky makes diffuse light enhancing colors and softening shadows. Perfect conditions for photography. Here are some pix of the day's Fall bounty.

Enjoy!