Howdy, partners!

We've had a busy week of growing since last week's storms and Labor
Day holiday, and hope this finds you rested and healthy. Our farm has
been busy turning old crops under, sowing cover crop seed, picking the
warm-weather-lovers, and nursing the baby lettuces along with misting
and shade cloth.  I remember this time last year I was afraid of the
cooler weather, thinking I would run out of time before I got
everything done, but this year I am looking forward to the slower pace
and comfort foods the off-season brings.

Something we had for dinner this week that I thought you all would be
interested in- on Monday, Greg made us Lebanese meatballs with
Mountain Memories Farm's ground grass fed lamb.  He chopped onions and
garlic, added the lamb, and seasoned it with coriander, cumin, salt
and pepper.  After forming the (very cute) meatballs with a small ice
cream scoop, he pan-fried them in a little canola oil, drained on
paper towels, and served!  I have not really liked lamb in the past,
but I have to admit to eating about a half-dozen of them!  They also
made a very nice sandwich filling the next day.

Another note of interest this week is the Master Gardeners of the Blue
Ridge at our market.  You may know them as David and Sara Byrne,
vendors of sunflowers and delicious produce, but they are also Master
Gardeners and are currently recruiting for this fall's session.  If
you or anyone you know is interested in the MG program, please stop by
and see them for information.

OK, now on to the weekend's selection!

Of course, I will be there: Groundswell Farm, here in Galax, will have
tomatoes, snap beans, stir-fry greens, and potatoes.(Friday)

The aforementioned Byrnes, with Glenwood Methodist Church, will have
cucumbers, zucchini, gourds, pumpkins, garlic, butternut squash and
surprises!  They will attend both days.

Earl Cherry from Elk Creek will be with us on Friday, with green
onions, sweet corn, and jalapeno peppers.

Dawn Rhudy of Mountain Memories Farm, also in Elk Creek, will bring
her grass fed lamb, fresh brown eggs, and beef from Grayson Natural
Foods.  She may also have some pork from Crosscreek Farm in Sparta-
try the sausage, it's really good!  Dawn will come both days this
weekend.

Bonita Nichols from Galax will have her fresh banana nut, pumpkin, and
apple breads this week, also, and she'll attend Friday.

Our stalwart vendors Kenneth Walker and Leroy Guynn are also bound to
attend, with their usual variety of baked goods and fresh vegetables
and fruits.  Hopefully we'll see Robert Dalton this week as well, and
possibly Clifford Pendry from Ennice, NC.

As always, we are seeking fun folks to liven up our mornings at the
market: everyone from musicians to seed-savers, flower arrangers to
cloggers!  Or is it flat-footers?  :)  Sheep shearing demonstration?
Antique apple scions to sell or trade?  Budding entomologist with a
crazy insect collection?  As you can see, I am open to ideas and
suggestions!  Anything related to this wonderful area and it's
agricultural heritage is fair game, so come see me if you have an idea
or connection to share.

One final note about our market:  you may notice that we share some of
our vendors with the farmers market in Independence.  I would just
like to be clear about the relationship between Galax and
Independence- we are not competitors!  We have the same goals- to
support local growers and benefit our respective towns.  If there is
something you're looking for that is not at our market, and I know
it's available at Independence, I will send you that way.  Likewise,
many of our vendors split the weekend with the Galax Market on
Fridays, and the Independence Market on Saturdays, and this is
perfectly fine.  Please attend whichever market you can; the bigger
picture is benefiting our local economies and supporting each other.

OK- off the soapbox and on to destroying yellowjacket nests in the
tomato patch!  After lunch, of course....

Thanks, y'all, and see you soon!
Sara

Fridays 9-1
Saturdays 8-noon