Today was farmer’s market day!

I was excited because we had missed many market days recently - their scheduled days just didn’t line up with our travel days.

And I love visiting a farmer’s market. It gives us a deeper connection to the communities we visit and we score some really yummy things to eat. The cost of items at the farmer’s market tends to be higher than the regular grocery stores but it’s worth it. And, we have so little storage space in Betty, and such a tiny fridge, we can only buy a few things anyway and not worry about breaking the bank.

We learn such interesting things about the people who sell their products when we visit- like the mushroom farmer in the Blue Ridge who likes to make syrup out of hickory tree sap. Or the French man at the market in San Antonio who gave us an onion for free when he saw us assembling the ingredients for a curry. He handed it to us as we were leaving and said, “you will be so sad without it”.

And today I got to meet a woman who makes goat milk soap. We had a great conversation about my shoes - trying to find the brand so she could look them up for herself. When I got back to Betty I found the brand name and went on her website to send it to her. And my goodness her website was a joy to visit. She LOVES goats! If you get a chance be sure to check out her website.

So I thought I would write a short litany of gratitude to the people we met today, offering thanksgiving for the items we purchased from their stalls.

In gratitude to the rancher and his wife who seemed to love what they do and share it with others. The variety of products you had on offer was amazing - and your smile and sense of humor made our day a bit brighter.

To the woman who loves goats and cool shoes. Our skin is already rejoicing at the promise of your wonderful soap. Thank you for sharing your love with others and showing us that you really can create a business doing what you love.

To the woman with the $1 wonky heirloom tomatoes. I kept thinking that heirloom tomatoes are supposed to be wonky but we are grateful for the few you had set aside on discount. They were not only beautiful but will also be tasty. And I also thank you for accepting the seeds brought back to you from Italy. Because of this we get to try two new varieties of summer squash.

For the man with the expensive strawberries. Our morning yogurt is already singing with delight at the anticipation of those sweet morsels. And although you kept having to tell everyone that they were a lot of work - and that is why they were so expensive - we were happy to splurge on such a treat. Thank you for picking each little one.

For the family that makes honey and jam. We were in need of jam. How wonderful to open our new jars of homemade jam - made by your family member - and taste the goodness inside (and thanks for the tasty samplers too). Your tiny pink recycle garbage can made my day. And the creative names and fruit combinations were really unique and yummy. I cannot wait to make a PB&J with our Traffic Jam.

For the sad looking man selling your homemade Middle Eastern baked goods on a bare table. I am hopeful that others found their way to your table after we left. We are grateful for the bread we purchased and have already eaten part of one loaf. And I managed to squeeze the other into our tiny freezer for later - nothing short of a miracle. Thank you for baking your traditions and sharing them with the community.

Finally, for the woman who grows lettuce - beautiful, beautiful, lettuce in all its varieties. The verdant green of your table made my heart shine and my soul rejoice. Your tender lettuce is looking forward to adorning our table for dinner.

I love to cook. I love food. And I love connecting with the growers of the food we eat. It is a good day on the road when we get to spend time wandering around a farmers market.

Today’s market was small, but it was full of so much goodness and connection.

We left with bags full, and happy smiles on our faces.

Thank you Sioux City for a great farmer’s market visit - you keep surprising us with your offerings.