Farm Girl

I am completely and utterly addicted to the Farmer's Markets that roll through town all week long. In the beginning, I just went to one fairly close to my house on Sunday mornings. Before Mudd was born, I would put Jam in the jogger very early in the am and trek over there for my fix of organic fruits and veggies. Now that I've got two, I buckle them both in and head out. The problem is that I found out about another open air market held on Tuesday, another on Wednesday, and one on Thursday. Lately, I've been hitting them all. I certainly don't need that much fruit in the house, but I'm having a hard time not seeing the super friendly and smiling faces greeting me as I hand over 2 bucks for 3 corns, even though I can get 8 corns for 2 bucks (husk included- I find that supremely authentic) at Pavillions any day of the week. It's just that these guys seem super happy to see me and the kids, offer up a free sample, talk about the weather and how it's affecting the crops (I love that! Being an Angeleno born and bred, I never ever hear anyone talking about their crops!), and then grin again for good measure. Some of the open air markets even have pony rides which, if either of my children showed any interest in, could be a very fun activity I urge you to check out.
Yesterday there was a new woman there selling baby outfits that were so chic in a homemade grandma sort of way. Mudd was asleep and I didn't want to bother him to check if this luscious chenille drool bib would fit him. I handed the lady my offering with the plea that if it didn't actually fit (will post pics soon, but Mudd has a pretty big neck...all the more to love!), could I please exchange it for something else next week? Then she did something that in all my years of living in LA, I have never seen anyone do... she told me to keep my payment, and bring it next week if it fit.
Seriously?
I could not believe this woman...kind, gracious, and generous... I actually put the five bucks back in my pocket and I stared at her. "Keep the money? Really?" It wasn't even about the five bucks, it was just that this woman trusted me. And I love her for that. Next week I'll give her the five dollars owed (the bib is so darn cute, with a little room to spare too!) and probably buy a few more too. I love her, I want to keep her in business. Uh oh, this could get expensive...