A glimpse of the Boulder Farmer’s Market: Mmm, good!

I met with Joanna Kakissis this morning, a former Ted Scripps environmental journalism fellow who has been generous with her friendship and with insight about the program. As part of my ongoing orientation to Boulder, she suggested I should check out the farmer’s market as soon as possible. What a tasty idea!

Three blocks of streets were lined with positively bountiful produce, really amazing local coffees, breads and sauces, and a multi-national food court. Yum! I enjoyed picking up a few staples like bread, spinach and organic, free-range eggs, but also mixed it up with something I’ve never tried before: bok choy. I was in the dark about how to prepare it, but between Joanna and the farmer who grew and sold it, I think I’m in good shape now with a couple of steaming and stir-frying leads.

Boulder Farmer's Market musicians

I loved the farmer’s market when I lived in Flagstaff, Arizona, too — I know they’re hubs of healthful living and community (which is part of healthful living, right?). But Boulder has gone a step beyond, turning the market into a cultural mecca to boot. Besides camaraderie, the air carried lilting, hippie-ish tunes from what I only know to describe as a xylophone band. These women were into it!

There were families milling around or lounging in the grass, lots of happy kids and plenty of dogs.

General frivolty at the Boulder Farmer's Market

And speaking of dogs, I am becoming aware that my own dog has an active obsession with the squirrel outside the window of my apartment. Seriously, it’s not healthy.

The first couple of days we were here, she hardly ate or slept. She didn’t move from the window. I literally had to close the blinds and drag her to her bed for naps, which she seemed to appreciate.

Cedar's obsession.

I fear for her mental balance if this continues! Boulder’s big enough; perhaps there’s a 12-step program here for obsessive canines.