rara's market watch

Saturday Market October 15, 2011

2011-10-18T16:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday Market October 8, 2011

2011-10-10T13:59:00.000-07:00

Saturday Market October 1, 2011

2011-10-02T15:42:00.000-07:00

Rain and more rain-Mud in the lower end of the circle-Evidence of the

Whetstone breaching it's bank. It looked on the map like a pinwheel centered southwest of us, with blades of rain passing over every hour. Amazingly, a large number of mostly local Market goers braved the weather to cheer us up. We even had music-Addison Rice played under the shelter of an empty booth. Check out his Facebook page. 4 more weeks

I wonder if the rainy weather has made the flowers look as good as they do.

Little-Baby-Living-Inside-Mom's-Shirt of the week. New category.

Now, on to the HATS!

Wet, rumpled tricorn hat

Twiggy called-Wants her hat back

Ah, yes-The always in fashion "Braid Pass Through" hat-Can be tricky

Brian's tam-Must get him a walking stick-Or maybe an old Jag convertible

Nice Smokey Bear/Fedora/Bowler thingy.

Sensible rain gear

And again

"Yessirree, borrowed this'un from a scarecrow."

Ruthie's bank robber, in profile-

and in crazy-eyed full face. Take all the cash-Just don't hurt us!

Saturday Market September 24, 2011

2011-09-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

Warm, humid day-rain threatening-Jersey weather. Jeans and sweaters back in the closet-grab shorts and t-tops. Most roads now re-opened-still many delays at ongoing construction. Pumpkins, apples, squash, greens in abundance. Local talk of stacking firewood, cleaning chimneys. 5 weeks left.

What's with the green leaves? Am I just rushing the season looking for color?

Angel of the week-paid for cashless guy's coffee and.

Brilliant flowers

"Dude, I'm here. Are you sure this is the gig? Looks like some kinda farmers market."

Shea performing her morning market routine

Saturday Market September 17, 2011

2011-09-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

People don’t believe me when I tell them that Galen and I moved here so that we would be sure never to miss a good day when it happened to come around-but it’s true.

We lived in Philadelphia in the 80’s, and visited friends in Putney, VT rather often. Sometimes the weather was great, sometimes not so much. One particular crappy weather visit we decided to move. We came up for a week, found jobs and a place to rent, went back to Phila, quit our jobs there and made the move-just like that.

Saturday at Market was one of those days that justified the move-cool, sunny, breezy, more leaves to kick, good music, people thrilled to be out there.

Speaking of good music-

These guys have been playing at Market for several years, and they just keep getting better, with their blue grassy, down home country swingy sound. Rock on!

Today we have a twofer-Tattoo and Pregnant Lady of the Week.

Mmmm…Raisin Pizza…

Geez, look at all the bundled up people. Don’t rush the season.

When the Zombie Apocalypse comes I’m moving in with the Millers. They’re fully stocked.

Courtney’s Fall Flowers

And again

Cute kid with rake-Add wooden shoes and one of those hats, and she could be Little Dutch Girl.

Morningside Shelter promoting a charity hike. Their resources were stretched thin during and after the recent flooding. They provided much help to displaced flood victims. You can help. Check out their website. www.morningsideshelter.org

Saturday Market September 10, 2011

2011-09-12T12:38:00.000-07:00

What a great day! Rt 9 re-opening, weather sunny and mild, visitors aggressively not thinking about the coming seasonal change, kids already kicking around leaves, Millers selling apple cider, yellow jackets dive bombing teacake powdered sugar. We're here through October. Let's Rock!

Everyone is happy at Market.

Dude has a pa system! And a vocal chorus echo! All run off a car battery!!

The Queen of Helltown makes a return appearance, incognito, to check on the royal coffee. I pray it's to Her Majesty's liking.

Another rugrat-er-Kids Day at Market.

Katherine is a vision in orange and purple.

Abbey practices her sign language. I think that this is the sign for 2 fingers of scotch.

Saturday Market September 3, 2011

2011-09-04T12:27:00.001-07:00

We’re Baaaack!!! After the worst flooding anyone can remember, the Market had a banner day-huge crowds thronged, expressing happy amazement at the seemingly impossible resurrection of the devastated site. We had strolling fiddlers, and children dancing, and everybody’s favorite U.S. Senator-we had everything!

My usual measure of what makes a really good day at Market has to do with the number of visitors who drive across the state along Rt 9, which is the busiest east-west highway in VT. Well, with Rt 9 being washed out about 3 miles west of the Market site, people really couldn’t “get heah from theyah”. That means it was mostly locals who came out to show their support. It’s a wonderful thing. (Don’t tell anybody I said that-wouldn’t want to wreck my image)

Building young capitalists, one dollar at a time

A trio of fiddlin' fillies cajoles the kids to jump for joy.

Our brand new sandbox-the old one has probably floated to the Bahamas by now.

Bernie! He stayed for quite a while.

Tat of the week

Cute kid of the week. Can you stand it?

2011-09-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

So, now it's two days after Irene basically transported the Market site down the river to Long Island sound. At that time I planned a very leisurely rest-of-the-season, lounging on the divan, popping bonbons into my mouth.

Then Read Miller happened, and he whipped the Market into a frenzy of site reclamation. 400 yards of fill got dumped, spread, graded and seeded between Tuesday and today. We all showed up to have a second site day, accompanied by many local volunteers. Here are the results so far. We WILL have Market Saturday. Check out the pix below, and compare them to the ones from my last post.

Check it out. Grass survived the flood, holding the soil together.

A crew across the creek cleans up our other parking lot. The covered bridge behind the trees survived unscathed.

Unsure on the concept, Becky arrives with a power screw driver and a bucket of nails.

Saturday Market August 27, 2011

2011-08-29T15:58:00.001-07:00

Well, we had a great day at Market, ahead of the category 72 hurricane. Everyone had a good time, then left abruptly so as to get home and board up their windows against the high winds….which didn’t come….although we did get the most flooding ever…which the weather experts didn’t predict. Oh, well, we can count it as a break, like a work break, a Mother Nature enforced work break. Think I’ll just loaf, unless it goes on for too long, in which case I’ll have to find honest workL.

So I have some regular Market pix, followed by some post-storm pix. Enjoy. Rara Avis

Early apples

Immature pickles

Cream cheese frosting

Now for the bad news

That's a wave of silt swelling up in front of former booths.

Looks more like earthquake damage

This one is my favorite. That's Miller's booth still standing after catching and holding what looks like 3 or 4 other booths located upstream.

The sink, however, came through without a scratch.

I'm reliably told that this uncovered post dates from the days of the old mink farm.

Gotcha, Ira!!

Saturday Market August 20, 2011

2011-08-21T19:38:00.001-07:00

Sooo……some trees in the yard have started turning already…and me without any wood stacked-or piled-or even ordered. Guess I’d better get on that. Well, the Market’s doing great. We had about a billion visitors this week, or maybe a million. The fiddle music really rocked the place. Everything is in season including those cute little husk tomatoes, also called ground cherries. You just squeeze them out of the outer husks and pop them into your mouth…mmmmm.

John's ready for vacay.

Tat of the week

This mild mannered looking duo just killed. People gyrated themselves into a daze, and later on the band took hostages. We're still searching.

That's fresh mozzarella on the slice.

Kurt's latest photobomb

Saturday Market August 13, 2011

2011-08-14T08:51:00.001-07:00

Saturday Market July 30, 2011

2011-08-01T16:08:00.000-07:00

This week we had a group of Iraqis from S.I.T come by the Market. They were quite interested in the makeup of my goods. I spent a while explaining the ins and outs of Whoopie Pies and Russian Teacakes. It occurred to me that the world would be a better place if cultures could interact at the Farmers Market.

I didn't know that many vegetables existed.

Black Cat Tat

Spies from the Greenfield, NY Market. Gotcha!

Dinga ding ding ding dinga dinga ding

And here's the dinger.

That's MS Smiley to you!

Saturday Market July 23, 2011

2011-07-25T17:05:00.000-07:00

So, my word of the day is “try”, as in “I’ll try one of those cookies”. I always get a picture of someone taking one of my cookies for a lap around the Market before deciding to buy it. Where does that particular locution come from? Is it a peculiarly American expression? I know that in traditional American advertising, the line “try before you buy” has been common. Or “Once you try it, we know you will buy it”. It always seems odd to hear in the context of baked goods.

Maybe it’s just a way for people to establish distance between buyer and seller. Obviously “trying” a teacake involves actually consuming the teacake, so the expression must have some psychological basis…..or its just habit. Oh well, here’s some pix that you can "try". Rara Avis.

Multi-colored hair, tats, and Mom looking on.

Manager Martha

Tat of the week

Pregnant lady of the week

Mr Natch stops by the Market for a visit.

Katherine and friend

Saturday Market July 16, 2011

2011-07-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

Nice hot, sunny summer day. The place was crowded with happy visitors. Everything, except apples and pumpkins, is in season. We had a bluesy steel guitar and mandolin duo. Also, SIT again graced us with a large(130+) group of Mexican and Cypriot visiting students. I spent time explaining Whoopie Pies and Russian Tea Cakes. Pizzas were flying-Tristan had to bring in reinforcements to help with the crush. These kind of days just fly by. I love it! Rara Avis

Market Madonna and Child

The Bluesy Brothers

Check out the Steel Guitar (Dobro?)

Here's a twofer-Pregnant lady and Tat of the Week.

Anticipating Pizza

Kid reaches for Teacake

Extra Help- They could turn out a pizza in about 90 seconds.

SIT Kids

And more

We have built more picnic benches. People still like the grass.

Saturday Market July 2, 2011

2011-07-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

Bob's freeform pizza

Cute kids still love donuts.

Group of Turkish students from S.I.T. They ordered 18 pizzas-the brick oven performed flawlessly.

Tat of the week

Happy young capitalist

Saturday Market June 25, 2011

2011-06-29T14:47:00.001-07:00

So, this was one of those Market days-cloudy, cool, with no rain during Market. It has been raining so much lately that my deck has been covered with green mold-rather slippery. Saturday the rain stopped til late afternoon. Yay!

We had another great down home band-this one playing Irish music. I finally found a tattoo to snap. A brave fellow ventured out in short sleeves and graciously donated his tat image.

This week I decided to alter the pictures to be artsy-ish. I used the online BeFunky program. I have it as a web app in my Chrome dashboard. Woooo....So techy. Later. Rara Avis

I pointed the camera, and they just posed and smiled.

I love market kids.

Market goers in motion.

Tat of the week.

The wait isn't really that long.

Saturday Market June 18, 2011

2011-06-19T06:21:00.000-07:00

Wow! It’s been a while. Last Saturday rained buckets-nothing much to photograph. The week before was “Strollin’ of the Heifers” day. I don’t do Market that day because, ironically, an ostensibly “local” farm-oriented event manages to kill attendance of the actual local farming event of the week. “Strollin’” seems to get more corporate every year, so I just choose to stay home and herd cats that day.

Anyhoo, this Saturday was a sunny, breezy, perfect day for Market. We had fiddle music, and flowers, and squealing kids-everything I love about the place. Rara Avis

Pregnant-Lady-of-the-Week

A fiddle and a squeezebox, with kids in attendance

Miss Kyra Sedgwick, on hiatus from The Closer, visits the Market.

Another smiling face...

And another.

Leaning Tower of Bread

THERE'S a maniacal grin!

Saturday Market May 28, 2011

2011-05-31T11:27:00.000-07:00

So far, all the Markets have had overcast, mild, rain-threatening but no rain days. It seems more than ever that the weather has been a plus for customers. Maybe they like the idea of no sun beating down in the heat, or maybe the intense green of the trees and shrubs pops more in overcast conditions. Whatever the reason, everyone seems delighted to visit the Market.

We had a large group of singing women serenading us throughout the day. The sweet sounds wafted around the grounds adding to the peaceful good feelings.

Enjoy the pix. Rara Avis

Saturday Market May 14, 2011

2011-05-18T08:15:00.000-07:00

I think this must be the perfect Market day, judging by the size and mood of the crowd-cool, overcast, no rain. We have had this weather for a while now, except it has rained most days.

So, this is what it's like in Seattle, or London, I guess. Several Brit expats onhand said that the weather has them pining for old Blighty. Maybe this will be Vermont's version of the new, globally warmed climate. Seems ok to me. Here are some random pix of the day.

Gotcha! After Linda saw the camera, she savagely attacked me with the rage she usually reserves for pulling burdock. My attorney will contact you.

Ruthie returns! Ready to rumble! Run for your rives!

Mmmmmm.....pepperoni.....

Very good sized crowd.

May 7, 2011-First Market of the Season

2011-05-10T03:31:00.000-07:00

There baaaaaaaccccckkkkk! Morris Dancers a jumpin' and a jinglin'. What could be a better way to welcome Spring and the new Farmers Market?

Check out Tristan's cool (hot?) pizza oven. It drew the curious all day. How great it would be to heat my house with this thing-we could stay warm and have pizza every day!

Another view of the behemoth. It kind of reminds me of the mangler in the Stephen King movie.

First Pregnant-Lady-of-the-Week, of the new season.

Another smiling friend of the Market come back for another season. Welcome.

Serious donut eater.

I think the word is Ta-Daaaa!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

2010-11-01T03:25:00.000-07:00

Well, it finally happened-The last regular Market of 2010. These last 6 months(!) flew by for me. I met a bunch of new people and snapped tons of pictures. Even though I’ll be really glad to wake up at a normal hour next Saturday, I already miss being outside at Market, selling my stuff and yakking away with everyone who walks by. Here are some random pix of the great folks who braved the cold, windy weather to come and say good-by till next year. Oh, right-don’t forget the Saturday-Before-Thanksgiving Market, and the Winter Market indoors downtown. Later- Rara Avis.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

2010-10-25T09:30:00.001-07:00

A perfect fall day-Galen and I moved here from the city years ago, partly so that when a great day like this occurred, we would already be here to enjoy it Visitors were visibly impressed by the sunny, cool, colorful scene.

This kind of Vermont day makes people hungry, and the prepared food vendors were quite busy. Visitors drank gallons of fine apple cider from the Miller farm, heated, one cup at a time.

One more Saturday. Rara Avis

People like the feel and sound of fallen leaves.

Good band. That banjo looking thing makes some wild sounds.

Here is my favorite Market theme. Years ago, as little girls, these women came to Market with their mother. Now we see the grown up mom, sister and child.

We still have flowers.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

2010-10-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

A nice, crisp fall day-squashes, pumpkins, asters, apples, eggplants, various greens. Also pies, cakes, burritos, soup, dim sum, pad thai, chai, chicken sticks, coffee, tea, lemonade, wine, gelato, turnovers. Then there’s fantasy kids’ wear, jewelry, soap, hats, wool, fabrics, pottery. Ooh, I forgot granola, attitude adjustments (massage), brick oven baked bread, pizza, carrots, maple syrup, root beer, donuts, music , dance. Then there is all the stuff I forgot. Sheesh, this place has everything.

We had many visitors from far away-Las Vegas, Poland, Ohio, India, California, Mali, Florida, etc. Everyone loved the scene, the products, the weather.

Two musical acts performed. A jazz band played jazz standards. Then the Morris Women performed the legendary and dangerous sword dance. Three Markets to go. Rara Avis.

Morris gals and the aforementioned sword dance.

Lunch al fresco on the hill.

Fall flowers.

And again.

Electric eggplants.

Here and below, various pix of happy Market visitors. Quite a crowd.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

2010-10-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

So its October already. I think we had our first actual cool day since June. Had the woodstove working last night. More firewood(seasoned) is on the way. Since Sevca sealed up our house in ’08, firewood consumption has decreased markedly.

Guess what? The drought seems to be over. Our well is full again. The three days of rain this week was a boon for everyone locally, and it must have reset the leaves to their traditional stages of turning colors, because it looks like peeper season is now right on time.

Market was quite well attended, with kids playing in the fallen leaves and visitors demanding an unusual amount of hot coffee. The only bummer was the absence of music-first time this year-so we all joined in a community sing. We did “Stairway to Heaven” for the assembled multitude, and formed a giant high kick line. See the attached video. Next week-“California Gurls”.

This happy kid wanted a whoopie pie. Mom couldn't resist his smile.

Young Mandrake gestures hypnotically-"You are getting very sleepy. You will give me all of your donuts. When I snap my fingers, you will awake with no memory of what happened."

Wherever Lek goes, a halo surrounds her. Hey, does that guy over Lek's right shoulder have his pants on backwards?

Kid's love gathering and throwing leaves.

Market is a great place for friends to meet and stroll.

Fall flowers in abundance.

Cute-kid-of-the-week enjoys a chicken stick.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

2010-09-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

Hey, the warm weather’s hanging in. It feels good, except for the part where the local drought continues.

Even though the weather has stayed warm for the calendar, leaves have already started to turn, and even fall. Our traveling visitors love the scene, with the colors, the kids kicking leaves, the smells of a variety of cooking foods.

For me it means the Market year is drawing to a close. I have definite mixed feelings on the subject. While I anticipate the end of Market season-by this time I’m ready to sleep in on a Saturday morning and I have many chores to catch up-Yet I know I will miss the experience of being at Market, with all my old and new friends and neighbors.

Well, the good news is that next year’s Market will be welcome and new again. 5 more Markets. Rara Avis.

Must protect eggrolls.

Sometimes people dare me to post their pictures-Here you go.

Pregnant lady of the week.

Dude has a new fangled sitar. "Da dow, da dow dow dow dow..She went to her room..wasn't it good..Norwegian Wood."

Avi knows all.

Tat of the week. Wait..what?

Vamping kid in cool Fantasy Wear cape.

Electric raspberries return.

The dummy heads seem to be getting more realistic.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

2010-09-20T15:56:00.001-07:00

Sorry about last week-both cameras died.

This Market day we had cool and sunny. The breeze had a pronounced bite to it-perfect weather for hot coffee. We had special visitors-a group of S.I.T. students from Serbia brightened our day. They seemed very taken by the Market , weather and fun atmosphere, and they proceeded to sample all the prepared food on hand, and that’s quite a lot.

The music was lively-kind of mountain bluegrass/reggae-went together fine.

I think we will get our first frost of Fall this week-gotta bring in the house plants and some wood to light the first fire in the wood stove. I can smell the wood smoke already-mmmm……. Rara Avis.

Early morning sky.

Sunlight saturates Market trees.

Welcome back Lek!

Bluegrass/Reggae band with........

This cool Ovation acoustic bass.

I love happy people.

Check out the jack o'lanterns.

Tracy and child.

Let's hear it for Putney!

Long hair of the week. We have a tie.

The Queen of Helltown and admiring subject.

Tat of the week.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

2010-09-08T03:46:00.000-07:00

Sorry to be late this week-been battling a low water well-hauling water from the spring across town.

Anyway, we had a very busy day-Labor Day weekend-nice weather, happy crowds of visitors, good entertainment.

I can’t believe it’s Fall already (I count the beginning of September as the beginning of Fall). I can see trees turning here and there, and the weather now tends to be cooler with shorter intervals of high temperatures-won’t be long now. See you next week. Rara Avis.

Just the right melon.

Early on in Market history, we weren't sure about the sandbox. I guess it's worked out.

Two friends visiting the Market.

The Four Fiddlin' Fillies in fine fettle.

There's one of those musical thingys.

Market is a great meeting place.

BFFs buying treats.

Tuk's last Market. She has been a wonderful addition to our little family, as well as a great neighbor and lunch source to me. We miss her already and wish her and Brian well in there new life in NYC. Bye, Tuk...

Saturday, August 29, 2010

2010-08-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

What a busy day! Happy, hungry visitors strolled around the place, lugging bags of produce while balancing coffee cups and dim sum. Maybe the scene should be commonplace to me by now, but each week it’s still new. Guess that’s what keeps me coming back.

I have been thinking recently that in the 18 years I have been a vendor here, not a week has gone by that I have not met someone new. This week I met a couple who knew all my old haunts at the Jersey Shore from 40 years ago. By the way, the Jersey Shore as presented on the MTV show is exactly as I remember it, big hair and all.

The Market was so busy that I only had time to quickly snap a few pix during rare lulls at my booth. Enjoy. Rara Avis

There's safety under Daddy's shirt.

I just liked the movement in this shot.

Ed Brelsford is a virtuoso. He plays different instruments and sings in several languages.

Ethan, age 2. He's the one on top. Dave is the dad.

This is a great look.

Ben stands resplendent in Safety Yellow.

Young one-man-band, ready to survive in the coming economic meltdown.

Chloe, next to a jar of Russian Tea Cakes, her favorite.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

2010-08-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

So, I missed last Saturday-couldn’t be helped, and it turned out to be another fine Vermont day. With this Saturday’s weather, that makes three Market days in a row with great weather-a new record. Yay!

This is the season of primary politics, and the Market has been inundated by politicians and political talk. Vermont has a very strange political climate, especially compared to places like New York. Over there, candidates do their best to portray opponents as lizard-like creatures who eat their own young. Here in Vermont politicians either naturally, or by design, go out of their way to make nice with opponents. I get the feeling that whoever prevails in the elections, the state will be just fine. Maybe woodstoves and maple sugar make us mellow. Enjoy the pix. Rara Avis

There be Husk Tomatoes-Very sweet.

I have no idea what this is.

I like yellow and red-Doesn't everyone?

High corn season.

Winter's coming.

Difficult choice of treats.

That's Kathleen looking in from the left, then Norma and Katherine to the right.

Upon seeing the camera, this kid started posing and grinning.

Today's down home entertainment.

Kid with great hat.

Brian happy to be working a booth.

Tat of the week.

Pregnant lady of the week.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

2010-08-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

Well, that makes two weeks in a row of perfect Market weather. Nobody can believe it-visitors and vendors dancing around the place rapturously, children eating vegetables, dogs and cats playing together. When the Amidons played their most excellent set , I could actually see musical notes floating out of their instruments into the air. Why…..these conditions will go on forever…one great day after the next…on and on….

Wait-Is that September I see ahead? And October close by? Guess I’d better get to stacking firewood…and its probably time to tune up the snow thrower…and clean the chimney.

Why is it that the major function of each season in Vermont is to showcase the next one coming up. Sheesh….think I’ll burn the calendars.

2010-08-02T15:14:00.000-07:00

Wow! The nicest weather day of the summer. The place was packed. I had a couple come by who spend the summer attending farmers markets around New England. They pronounced the Brattleboro Farmers Market the best one of all. They liked everything: The site itself, farm products, crafts, bakery items, prepared food, entertainment, the general festive atmosphere.

Forget Disney-This is the happiest place on earth. I guess I’ll just keep doing Market until I drop. You can bury me under the sand box. Later. Rara Avis.

Kids love donuts.

Cool enough to sit in the sun. What a happy crowd.

Tat of the week.

Dude has a harmonica in his pocket. Ready to jam.

George and Rachel offer their "Tough Love" baby sitting services. They WILL tame your kid.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

2010-07-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

Well, they predicted a cooler day, but Noooooo....It felt like anything but cooler. I must hand it to our visitors, who once again proved that NOTHING can keep them away from Market. The place was packed. The Gelato guy had swarms of people in line to get the coolness. Ditto the Lemonade Lady, and all the other cold drink folks. I myself only sell hot coffee, and as anyone who knows me has heard me say many times , hot drinks cool you better than cold drinks (something about your body increasing metabolism to counteract the cold liquid suddenly in your belly). So I sell quite a bit of blazing hot coffee on hot summer days. The band played great fiddle, banjo and guitar down-home bluegrass. Once again, a good time was had by all. Nearing the end of July. Fall can't be far behind. Rara Avis

Saturday, July 17, 2010

2010-07-19T07:42:00.001-07:00

A sultry day at Market. It must have been a skillion degrees-well maybe a million. Anyway, cool breeziness prevailed under my gigantic maple tree.

We had an interesting band-actually a one woman band. She played this contraption with strings and a hand crank. It sounded great-and she also had what looked like walnut shells attached to her shoes, so that she had a percussion section. The crowd enjoyed her music, rewarding her with copious applause.

The gang from S.I.T (the School for International Training) showed up after noon, and we were treated to the sounds of several languages being added to the regular Market mix.

All in all, it was a perfectly pleasant and happy day at Market. Later. Rara Avis

The S.I.T. gang. They always get a kick out of Market.

Fresh bread in the hot sun.

Some people light up at the sight of a camera.

There she is with the musical gizmo. Is that a hurdy gurdy?

And here are her musical shoes. Can't sneak up on anybody wearing those things.

Courtney's tomatoes.

Millers never tan. That's Papa Read with Daughter Martha, and Auntie Sue (with the cool shades).

The sand box is popular.

Solving the world's problems. That's my coffee in the background.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

2010-07-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

Rain-buckets of rain-rain right through my Market umbrella. Even with the buckets of rain-which let up somewhat after noon, we had a good turnout of vendors and visitors. We had a great washboard, spoon, harmonica and dobro band, playing old timey honky tonk.

I got used to rainy Saturdays years ago-it doesn't bother me anymore. Our customers are quite faithful. One regular told me that she comes to Market in the rain to show her support for local producers. Anyway, we had a good soaking and a good time.

Hasta la vista baby. Rara Avis

Yeah, it was a gray, rainy day.

But fear not, Market workers give you shelter from the storm.

And visitors can nosh in luxury.

We all eagerly anticipate the day when Laurie finishes her work-release community service.

Happy berry buyers.

I have no idea how Patricia crafts these sweets. I'd be running down the street screaming.

Pregnant lady of the week.

Mmmmm...electric carrots....

Tat of the week-pretty cool.

Here's the band. The washboard artist also plays spoons and sings.

And here is the very swank chrome plated guitar.

Saturday, July 3 2010

2010-07-05T14:28:00.000-07:00

It was one of those perfect Vermont days-warm, sunny, green. The green here just fills your eyes and takes over your soul.

Market was quite well attended on this Independence Day weekend. I heard many comments on the festive atmosphere and vendor variety of the Market. There were also big doings in town-Gallery Walk attracts quite a crowd. The middle of my 18th year at Market. Rara Avis.

We had great attendance.

Its a market---and a grassy park. Have a picnic!

More veggies in.

Another Cute Kid with Dad.

Former Cutest Kid returns. Still cute.

Happy family unit.

Our secret, high roller parking lot. Market is in the far background, through the trees and over the creek. Actually its an IQ test--If you can figure out where it is and how to get there---You're a genius.

Saturday June 26, 2010

2010-06-27T16:05:00.000-07:00

A pleasant day-warm, sunny/cloudy, with a sizable crowd on hand. A great fiddle combo played and strolled. I met a number of visitors from the lower 45-discussed with people from New Jersey the superiority of Jersey pizza and the beach. We had a couple celebrating their 64thwedding anniversary. The usual kids frolicked in the usual kid way. I think that the secret to rearing kids involves just letting them run around outside-worked for me. Next week. Rara Avis

Linda and parents

The fruits and veggies have finally returned.

Honor Mama Earth.

I love the Fantasy booth.

Dim Summmmm.......

The return of the Four Fiddlin' Fillies.

Sketch Crawl??

Whoopsie!!

At last! French Fries at the Market!!

Saturday June 12, 2010

2010-06-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

A cool, rainy day-Still had more visitors than cow day. No one seemed to mind the gently falling rain. I think that this was the Market’s first combo Kids’ Day and Kids’ Jam day. We had 4 kid musical acts. I was good exposure for the young musicians. There’s nothing like “playing out” to get your chops working. Maybe next week will be clear. See you then. Rara Avis.

Young entrepreneurs.

Market meeting.

I found a new business model-People pay me not to photograph them.

In profile...

And the full effect.

"Step away from the Chicken Sticks".

Kid band...Power Trio.

Music in the Round.

Aye...Takes me back to Donegal...So it does.

Rock 'n Roll Kid returns...4th year??? Check out the groupie.

Saturday June 5, 2010

2010-06-07T13:31:00.001-07:00

There are 2 general categories of Market days-Good days, and Better days. Good days mean that our loyal, regular local Market goers are in attendance. Better days mean an increased number of visitors from away join the regulars for a booming Market.

I think I should add a third category-actually just 1 Saturday-and that is “Strolling of the Heifers” day, which falls on the first Saturday in June. On that particular day everyone goes downtown to watch the cows walk up Main St. and the Market suffers poor attendance, kind of like a bad rain day. This condition has gotten worse every year since the “Strolling” began. I don’t know what could be done to increase business at the Market. (Maybe “Strolling could happen on Sunday?) Any ideas are welcome.

Anyway, even though I did not attend Market this week (No real point. About a third of vendors were no-shows), I did come down to snap some pix. See you next week (Cows will be gone-Yay!!!)

Rara Avis.

Saturday May 22, 2010

2010-05-23T10:46:00.000-07:00

Hey, another great day-many new visitors-a good hair day. I think Market goers respond to the fine weather-Everyone's happy and smiley and dancey-Kids cavort and giggle. Here are some hair pix. Check out the gigantic basket. Rara Avis

We got short hair

Hat hair

Natural dreadlocks

Mother, child, and a kilt

Now, THAT's hair

Cute kid-cool hair

His hair is short on the other side

Market meeting

Caption this photo

Eyes front

Eyes right

Gimme a head with hair, long beautiful hair...

Saturday, May 15, 2010-Kids' Day

2010-05-17T10:32:00.000-07:00

Kind of a sunny, cloudy, warm, chilly, breezy day-A normal Vermont day demonstrating every possible weather condition...Well.....It didn't snow or hail. We had another overflowing parking lot, with an overflowing overflow parking lot. We had singers, dancers, fiddlers, actors, drummers, pipers-We had it all. I guess its why we live here. Rara Avis.

Noshers noshed.

Kids played.

Dancers danced.

And danced.

How do they get stuff to grow so early in the season?

Warm enough for lemonade.

Chilly enough for long sleeved sweaters.

I think that's a small child slung around back.

The Attitude Adjustment Contingent.

Giddy organic farmers.

Kids' Day Kid.

And more Kids.

And yet another Kid.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

2010-05-10T13:24:00.000-07:00

Now, this is more like it-buckets, followed by barrels-of rain. Later in the day the rain abated and more visitors showed up. The band-Hot Mustard-regaled the crowd with fine bluegrass and western swing music. Praying for clear weather next week-no soggy cookies. Rara Avis

Purple Lady Returns!

Dropped a donut down her back.

Hot Mustard a-pickin' and a-grinnin'.

Brave clothing vendor displaying her duds at the damp Market.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

2010-05-02T04:57:00.000-07:00

A perfect day to start the season. We actually hit that mythical point of "Nowhere left to park". Rock & Roll kid was there, Maypole-ers danced, Morris Musicians played. Many returning visitors talked about the significance of this first Market of the season, how it tells them that Spring is here, and how great it is to go outside again after the long Winter. I share their enthusiasm. For me, there is Market season, and not-Market season. I'm glad to be back once again. Rara Avis.

Site day-4/24/10

2010-04-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

Finally! Site day arrives! It was a bright, cool breezy day. We had many Market members helping make the site ready for opening day-next Sat. 9 am. Here are some random pix of the occasion. See you Mayday. Rara Avis

Saturday Market, November 1, 2008

2009-11-02T13:23:00.001-08:00

OK, finally the last Market...well except for the Thanksgiving Market...and of course the Winter Market which starts this coming Saturday downtown...except for all that, the last Market of the year. I must admit that I look forward to getting up after daybreak. I won't know what to do with myself...except for all the yard work and wood stacking and car repairs and...and...except for all those things I won't know what to do with myself. I usually get through the holidays without giving the Market much of a thought. Then, when Winter really hits, and there's what feels like 18 months to go before Spring, then I'll start the countdown to next year's Market. Here are some random pix from the "last" Market. Have a good Winter-see everyone after hibernation. Rara Avis

Scene from the hit movie, "Men Who Stare at Empty Coffee Cups.

Best Halloween outfit of the day-Lisa came dressed as a massage table.

Yeah..we're ready for some time off.

BMC kids-that's Brattleboro Music Center.

More BMC.

Yet more...

Bevis and Butthead watch TV (That's Butthead on the left). "Heh, heh, heh...Lets go break something."

Saturday Market, October 24, 2009

2009-10-27T12:09:00.001-07:00

My post is late this week. Took me til today to unfreeze. Yow ! That was the most miserable weather I've seen at Market in a very long time. We had about 2/3 of the vendors and 1/4 of the visitors. Just the hard core of both groups. It was good for a laugh, though. And I had the freedom to visit my fellow vendors who dared to set up in the cold deluge.

I think the best thing about the Brattleboro Farmers Market involves the dedication of vendors to be there "rain or shine", and the pure bravery of our loyal customers who come out, galoshes on foot and umbrellas in hand to lend their support to our cause; local producers selling their home made products directly to the public.

1 market to go. Rara Avis

Coolest footwear at Market.

"Yes, Ma'am, I've been eating this here goat meat for years. Its deelishus, I tell ya!"

Cute potatoes. Just cut up and broil.

Lunch rush.

Electric radishes.

Saturday Market, October 17, 2009

2009-10-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

Another cool, crisp Autumn day. Visitors and vendors bundled up against the rather raw breeze. When the sun peeked out from behind the clouds, it felt positively balmy.

I saw several visiting Brits, all of whom seemed alarmed by the cold weather.

One gent from the UK said that it never gets this cold in Blighty. I asked him about all those Dickens stories and post cards that depict the English countryside as snow covered in winter, to which he replied that its all rubbish. He hasn't seen snow in years.

So, what about it? Anyone out there who can confirm or deny snowy UK winters?

2 weeks to go.

Vermont October+Outdoors=Hungry

Any kid's default position is always play. Why can't adults be like that?

Our hidden camera catches up with noted 60's radical Rosanne "Slice" Scamardella, who specialized in knocking over pizza joints.

Look at this handsome family unit. Couldn't you just put 'em in your pocket?

Mom says that this kid insists on a donut every Saturday at Market, cold weather or not.

These musicians were great.

How does he play that fiddle with bare hands?

It was about a million below zero out there.

Its cold!! Buy a hat already.

Saturday Market, October 10, 2009

2009-10-12T15:45:00.001-07:00

A mongo tree peeper day. The Market swarmed with visitors from away. We had 3-count em-3 musical acts. The rock and roll kid returned for the third year, now playing banjo and slide mandolin. Next up was a traditional Celtic band. Last came the Morris Dancers doing the incredible sword dance.

The day flew by for me-it always does when the Market is this busy. 3 Markets to go.

First act. I think he was playing the "Underture" from "Tommy".

Second act. Check out the cool drum.

Third act. Careful with those swords!

Purple Lady rockin' it.

Virginia? No, Vermont. Valhalla? Maybe.

Vermont Autumn outside tweaks the appetite.

Color and clouds. Actually I think the colors pop more in overcast conditions.

Boula contemplates a wooden fiver.

Saturday Market, October 3, 2009

2009-10-05T16:13:00.000-07:00

Yow! Its October already-enough with the rain! We had rain, heavy at times, and low temps. Even with that, the day was remarkably well attended.

A tour bus from Connecticut came by early in the day carrying hungry, coffee seeking tourists. Four Markets to go.

Its apple season.

Here's a happy, if wet, group of Market goers.

The Wheel o' Bread returns!

Martha's bok choy actually drew an adoring crowd, with people remarking on the size, color, and texture of the plant.

If you have to be out in the rain, at least carry a cool umbrella.

Saturday Market, September 26, 2009

2009-09-28T19:36:00.001-07:00

OK, it's that time again-That time when I ask Market visitors "Where in the world is the weather like this all the time?" I can't imagine a better place to live than in this place on this day.

Five Markets to go in the regular season-Last Market on Halloween.

I like the kid-in-a-shirt.

World's greatest down home, bluegrass mountain band.

Jerry smiles!

Cute kid in the sunshine.

Saturday Market September 19, 2009

2009-09-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

A great, cool, sunny day. Cool enough that I actually wore a long sleeve shirt-still in shorts, though. We had quite a crowd-lots of out-of-state visitors-early leaf peepers. The band played bluegrass/reggae. There's a combination you don't often hear. Hot coffee flew across my booth. The colors got even brighter.

Ruby checks out the flowers.

Stewie working the booth

Kid's Day table

Thea and friend

Ingrid smiles for two.

To Ruthie, a pie is a deadly weapon. Have fun in California, Ruth.

Saturday Market, September 12, 2009

2009-09-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

A showery Saturday at Market. We had electrified music this week, battery powered.

The main thing I noticed this week was the increasingly colorful produce, as if the eggplants, peppers etc. know that the most brilliant hues of Fall are nigh.

I love the Fall colors. I'm a true "leaf peeper". I think that the wonders of the season help make up for the impending end of the Summer Market (end of October). It's always a conflict. Oh, well, I guess we can't have everything all at the same time.

Barb 'n Ella

Hmmm.....Grape leaves

Buy local

Saturday Market, September 5, 2009

2009-09-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

A great holiday weekend Market-Visitors from near and far-Everyone smiling. I guess this marks the beginning of the fall Market season-Looking forward to apples, cider, pumpkins, fall flowers, etc. I noticed that the yellow jackets have started gathering. Soon they will be dive bombing my teacakes, and then flying around covered in powdered sugar-Quite a sight.

"Out with the bad vibes-In with the good." "Repeat".

Happy kid.

Happy Khana.

Happy Patty.

"Waddaya wanna play next? "I dunno. Waddayou wanna play." "I dunno."

Eat your veggies-

Including your beans.

Saturday Market, August 29, 2009

2009-08-31T14:54:00.000-07:00

So the rain came down in buckets, then in barrels. I arrived extra early to set up before the deluge-almost made it. After about 10 am. the rain became sporadic, and market goers started showing up, making the day worthwhile.

I must give it up for our intrepid visitors who support the Market through the worst weather days. Rara

David realizes that his roof leaks.

This guy swooped out of the sky in this getup-

claims it will revolutionize sky diving.

John and Tress never miss a Market.

See? We did have business.

Mo in a pensive moment.

Question-How do you sell handmade wool products in the rain?

Answer-Bring a cool tent.

Early Bird's last Market. Visit Dalia and co. at the Elliot Street Cafe.

Rain can't stop the radiance of these flowers.

Saturday Market, August 22. 2009

2009-08-24T12:55:00.001-07:00

Rain! Finally! Falls! On! The! Market!

The first Market storm of the year didn't shrink the crowd. I think Market visitors must have missed the downpours we usually have throughout the season, and they came out this week just to have the rain experience.

We had some great thunder, lightning, and heavy rain. Wait-What's that is that thing you're not supposed to do in a thunderstorm?

That's right-you're not supposed to stand under a tree-oops!

"This is now a free concert. Mudslides will commence after Sha-Na-Na plays."

Here's Breadboy (with the orange insect wings) and friends, on a Superheroes monster bike ride. Filling in for Breadboy the past 2 Markets was HOT Breadboy.

This week's strolling minstrels.

"Listen closely, 007. If you play a suspended 4th arpeggio, whilst whistling 'Rule Brittania', the instrument turns into a high powered laser cannon, capable of vaporizing any given Prius."

Electric Plums!

Saturday Market, August 15, 2009

2009-08-17T12:43:00.000-07:00

Whups! Maybe summer isn't over after all. I think we had the hottest day of the year Saturday. I had to keep my whoopie pies in the cooler to save them from getting mushy-first time this season. Everyone appreciated the sultry, if late, summer weather.

A great jazz combo played-fiddle, guitar, drums, and weird string bass thing. They were sooo...smooth, it really fit the lazy summer day. Market goers swayed to the beat, kids spun around and fell to the grass.

This should be the Market logo.

Kids love chicken-on-a-stick.

These are some talented dudes. That stick in a tub next to the guitar player is the weird string bass thing.

Aren't we green?!

The Wheel of Bread has returned!