Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Celebrating American Farmers


I’ll be celebrating Independence Day alone this year so I’ve decided to create my own form of celebration with a focus on farmers.
 We are so lucky to live just minutes from one of the Georgia State Farmers Markets so I made a trip over to buy some home grown produce.
Growing up as a child summertime meant weeding, “picking on the halves,” shelling, shucking, blanching, canning and eating lots of vegetables.  I’m from a farming area of the state so we didn’t just grow our own, we did a lot of picking on the halves at a few of the farms.
 As much as I hated spending summers always having to get up at 6:00 because we had to get the work done before the sun got too hot, I cherish the memories.
I spent a lot of time on a farm over in Roberta, Georgia and it was there I grew to admire the American farmer.  At this particular farm both the farmer and his wife worked full-time, grew crops on 200 acres, raised cows and pigs and the wife raise and sold worms.

Some days when I'm feeling sorry for myself because of my 12-14 hour work day, I think of our friends, the Parks and how long their days were.

The Farmers Market has become an interesting place where you can find a wide variety of goods. 
 It’s also a place where American dreams can come true.   I recently met someone who opened a new store at the market - a Piñata party store!  The owner hand-makes thirty or so piñatas a day.  
 The great thing is if you have a design in mind, she will make it for you!
Now back to the farmer.  If you find a farmers market in your area, help support your farmers.  This time of year they come from all over the state to sell their home grown fruits and vegetables.  I love purple hull peas so I’m making me a mess of peas and cornbread.

It may not be red, white and blue but nothing says American than the bounty that comes from our farmers.

9 comments:

  1. You know we used to go there all the time - they did away with the restaurant didn't they - the veggies looked great. I think I may go there myself. Thanks for sharing. Happy 4th. sandie

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  2. Great tribute to our farmers.
    I wish we lived a little closer to the Farmer's Market. I'd love to go to it. We used to go to one in Duluth and one in Gainesville, but it's been a couple of years. I was watching on tv about how the corn crops are suffering from lack of rain. I don't know how the farmers hang on from year to year.
    Whew, now you have me wanting purple hull peas and corn bread...and a Vidalia onion.
    Happy Independence Day!

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  3. Wonderful post Cheryl! I agree the American farmer is what our country is based on! I love fresh veggies and just might have to check out the Farmer's Market! Happy 4th! Hugs, Linda

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  4. I love shopping at the Farmers' Markets. My grandparents were farmers and they worked HARD! I'm glad I can have a garden and enjoy the food I grow, but I know we'd starve if we didn't rely on other farmers. Happy 4th of July to you, good neighbour.

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  5. Wonderful post, Cheryl! And you are so right about our farmers! I hear there is a farmer's market Thursday evenings not far from me and I hope to head that way this week! I need more silver queen corn! Happy 4th!...hugs...Debbie

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  6. What a delightful post, and blog! I have the farmer's market called The Pike Place Market in Seattle by the sound. Fresh vegs, fruits, flowers, and much much more. My parents were raised on farms, it gets in your blood. What a wonderful way to say Happy 4th of July!

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  7. What a GREAT Post, my dear. And I so agree with you. There is nothing like FRESH Produce and Veggies right off of the Farm....Luciuos pictures...Yum Yum...!
    A Very Happy Fourth To You....Enjoy ALL you cook!

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  8. So enjoy a good farmer's market. Santa Fe has a superior one that I attended while there.

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  9. Jojo,
    Absolutely! My Father (one of 9 children) raised on a farm and built his business in 1945 still going strong to feed his family of 7 children.
    The market "Paul's Fruit Market" in Louisville, KY....still brings farmer's produce and supports other Kentucky proud products. I love farmers markets and how they provide so much.
    We are so blessed. Enjoy eating fresh!
    pve

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