Sweltering Market Report

We have had a "Severe Weather Alert" in this berg for the last few days, which is to last a few more. The heat index reached 108 yesterday, so if you were smart, you went to the market early. I was not. Here's the 10 a.m. scene down one usually-packed aisle:


It was eerily quiet by then too, due mostly, I think, to the musicians packing it in early. It was much too hot to sing and dance on that hot black asphalt.

On the other hand, I think the heat enhanced the market's aroma. The scent of basil and cilantro bowled you over. Even the smell of a box full of sun-warmed green peppers was enticing. They were 3/$1 yesterday, and I was sure to bring some home.

Potatoes are starting to pop up. My favorites are baby red potatoes. They were either sold out or not quite ready for harvest, but these fingerling potatoes were plentiful.


Garlic and shallots are thriving now too.


Most stands are selling the tomatoes for $2.50/lb, which I find a little pricey. There are others around town going for $1.75 or so, and ever frugal, I shop there instead. Still, one stand had a reduced price on their seconds.


These aren't quite as ripe or beautiful as the more expensive ones, but a few days in a sunny window, and they'll be ready to go.


When I took the pic of these gourds, the woman selling them snapped at me, "you'll take a picture, but you won't buy one!" Tsk, tsk, be careful...you never know when you're biting the head off a blogger. I would have said something nice about her stupid gourds, but now I won't. What would I do with a gourd anyway?


Well, this couple could teach me a thing or two about that. These are the creations of Chuck and Karenlee Spencer, in Charleston, Illinois.


It was just crazy-hot yesterday, that's all there is to it! I am reminded of a former coworker's true childhood story, of a pet parrot whose cage was placed by the back door. After a few weeks of particularly brutal heat, the parrot began reciting "It's f***'in hot!!!" and their father had to reprimand them all. And then move the cage to another section of the house.

Squawk!!!!