happy halloween!

I love the cute side of Halloween - kiddos dressed up in their costumes - but admittedly the scary and ghoulish side just isn't for me. 

Wishing you all a happy, safe, and fun Halloween!

our cream colored pumpkin picked at
the farmers market here in Madison -
it reminds me of a full moon

flowerful friday

At the local farmers' market last Saturday, dahlias, sunflowers, and gladiolas were in gorgeous, full bloom. I picked up some beautiful dahlias for home (at a great price nonetheless!), and I snapped these colorful images. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's farmers' market to see what delightful early-fall flora might be available.

dahlias with with a few gladiolas

sturdy sunflowers

Happy Friday!

colors of the season {from a farmers' market}

Fall was definitely in the air yesterday, and while taking in the Dane County Farmers' Market the temperatures were cool, seasonal specialities like apples, pears, and squash were everywhere, and many vendors were selling lovely dried flowers bouquets. Here are a few shots I snapped that capture the colors of the season. 

cool weather radishes 

lovely dried bouquets 

colorful swiss chard

green and gold "Packer" peppers

flowerful friday

Last weekend at the Dane County Farmers' Market, the flowers were stunning. Blooms of every color could be found, but here are just a few of the reddish hued ones I photographed. From deep garnet to bright ruby to soft pink - every shade of red created a feast for the eyes.

 Happy Friday!

scenes from a farmers' market, part 2

Yesterday morning, my husband and I rode our bikes down to the capitol square for breakfast and to take in the Dane County Farmers' Market. The market was bustling - full of people, produce, and plants and flowers. What a treasure we have here in Madison with our many farmers' markets, though the Dane County Farmers' Market, to me, always takes the prize. Even back in my college days I remember heading up to the square for a little produce and flower shopping. It's great to see people of all ages enjoy the market. Here's some of the photos I snapped while out and about.

the vegetable and herb garden on the square

a cute reusable bag

brother and sister playing tag on the grass around the capitol

one of the many farmers' stalls

patty-pan squash, one of my favorites!

kids taking in a bee colony

a flower vendor, staying cool in the shade

our beautiful capitol dome, reflected in a nearby building

scenes from a farmers' market, part 1

One of the most beloved Saturday morning rituals here in Madison is the Dane County Farmers' Market, located right around the capitol square. It offers a huge selection of produce, plants and flowers, baked goods, cheeses and more! It's part of what makes Madison a great place to call home. 

the best way to get to a farmers' market?
by bike!

families enjoying a gorgeous Saturday morning 

a garden of herbal delights...heavenly scents

Thai basil, now ours!

the view - Lake Mendota in the distance

our beautiful capitol building

the dane county farmers' market

Yesterday was the last outdoor Dane County Farmers' Market of the year. Despite the brisk weather, hundreds of people turned out to enjoy the fresh produce of fall's harvest. Here are some of the season's beauties:

butternut squash

a melody of gourds

carrots by the bunch

Chinese lanterns, gourds and kale

fresh mustard greens

rainbow chard

a mix of ornamental cabbages
and eucalyptus 

who knew onions
could be so pretty?!

variety, the spice of life

scenes from the Green City Market

One of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday morning is to visit a local farmer's market. When I lived in Chicago, the Green City Market was just a short jaunt from my apartment. This market is a gold mine, an absolute treasure chest, for all types of wonderfully fresh produce and meat, artisan cheeses, pastries and bread, and beautiful flowers. There is nothing like being able to talk with the farmers and producers themselves to learn about their craft and the quality of their products.

a chalk board sign,
reflecting what is in season

 bold red radishes

potatoes galore!

cheese, anyone?

how incredibly green!

beautiful!

a typical scene from the Green City Market