Santa Monica - Farmer's Market

Street of Wares -

Although I've been to several farmer's markets, I don't think I've been to one where people were setting up (literally) at 5:30 am in the morning.

We had replaced some systems at the office the night before and needed to be on site prior to 6:00 am in order to provide support for those people arriving. So, as I walked the two-block span between the hotel and the office, I was greeted by the sights and sounds of local farmers staking their claims (to space) and setting up their tents for the day's sales.

I didn't get out to the market until well after 11:00 am, though, but I was able to take in some good food and get off a few shots. The people were friendly and outgoing and there were, of course, a few "interesting" people wandering the street, trying to sway opinion about this or that political topic. Luckily I didn't get caught by any of them so I was able to enjoy my lunch hour eating a little and taking photographs.

One thing I was fortunate enough to find was a pecan vendor. Pecans, in my opinion, are one of the best nuts grown. Maybe it's because they can be made into pecan pie.... In any case, nothing beats a pecan. So, as we were passing the last booth before the office building, I glanced over and see piles and piles of bags, filled with nicely-sized pecan halves. There wasn't really much of a debate - I had to have one. I'm still working on the bag, as I try not to go over my grandmother-recommended, four-pecan-a-day, maximum. She always said they were good for your health if you don't over do it.

Enjoy this last picture of a squash or gourd or whatever it is. The pile was colorful, and the arrangement made me stop and take a second look. Needless to say, a photograph had to happen.