THE PUMPKIN PATCH

 
This was the first time I think since my out-of-town trip to New Hope, that I'm finally in the autumnal mood, although the garden still says summer. The flowers are still going strong here. The zinnia are now going nuts. But how, when the tempts are definitely a bit nip. Yesterday found me over at Oak Grove for some produce, apples to make an apple pie, my first apple cider of the season...three quarts, which was delish I might add, and pumpkins and gourds for the garden. Pumpkins and gourds for some odd reason always make me feel happy, and I have no idea why. I guess it just adds a fun seasonal touch to the outdoors, and the fact that I love Halloween. The place was packed...I got in and out as there were many kiddies enjoying the little activity stations outdoors, they could partake in. I found two huge pumpkins to crave closer to Hallows eve, and way too many smaller ones to place about that will last right through till Thanksgiving. One kid got rambunctious and knocked his father's cart into the back of me, bouncing off my ass, and apologized. His words- "I'm so sorry for my child running our cart into your cakes!" CAKES! The father was a young hipster and I have the feeling swung for my team. Did I just get hit on by a man with child?!?!?!? I smiled and said no problem, I'm sure we can find a way to deal with this.... all the while batting the eye lashes. Joking!!!! Or was I? I got way too many pumpkins and gourds. 

I thought it best to go see the goats.

Even as chilly as it was, the evening called for mesquite rubbed pork chops and grilled squash and zucchini. Yes that happened, while Lilith salivated at the door.

MARKET DAY

 

A lovely little stone bridge not far from the Casa du Borghese. A tranquil location for this time of summer. It's often one I go over when I'm off to the market. Friday or Saturday, often find me going to Oak Grove for fresh veggies or fruit. I feel like right now we're at the height of many local goodies. I tend to live on nothing but fruit, veggies and seafood this time of year. Too hot to make hot comfort food dinners. With being down in Fells Point in Balitmore yesterday, I went after work on Friday as many of the things arrived in fresh. The main goal was the corn. This summer, the white and yellow corn at Oak Grove has been about the best I've even had. I love grilled corn on the cob. I wrap the cob up in a wet paper towel, with butter, salt, pepper, and other herbs, wrap it up in the wet paper towel, and then wrap in foil, sealed tightly, and place on the grill. When done, it. is. DELISH! The wet paper towel acts as a steamer for the corn. My goal was to get the corn to grill this week and make my first batch of my grandmothers Chicken Corn Soup today.

I'm a huge blueberry freak. I could and have eaten a pint already in a single sitting. I usually add them to morning granola, top off ice cream, and make blueberry pancakes. I often just pop them in my mouth most times.

What a came home with....

This is about a quarter of the corn I got, some very refreshing watermelon, lemons and limes for cock-a-tails, blueberries, some herbs and some button peaches. I'm not usually a huge fan of peaches, except those of a fine gentleman, but as I was eyeing these up, some woman said to me they were the sweetest and best peach she'd ever tried. Well, my first though was she obviously never had the fine assets of a South American man!!! But I digress.  So I bought a pint of those, and regular peaches for the mother.

Must admit, the button peach was the best peach I'd ever had!!! Very sweet.

Said Chicken Corn Soup I just got done making. It's simmering slowly as I type. It will be enjoyed tonight, and some will be off to my uncle.

So, there was that. 

Now I'm not doing another damn thing today but relax on the patio with a cold refreshing beverage.