Fresh Goodies from the Market

Bender and I decided together this morning that we wanted to go to the Vancouver Farmer's Market this morning, walk around, and maybe even buy a few things.  And that's exactly what we did. 

The weather was very cooperative, sunny and warm but not hot.  There was a nice crowd there, but it was laid back and pleasant.  Bender got several pettings and scored a couple of free cookies from the vendor booths. 

There were many booths that had a lot of the same types of things in them:  Fresh fruits, vegetables, and beautiful fresh cut flowers.  It would have been easy to go crazy buying things that I didn't really need.  There were some very big, juicy looking blackberries that I struggled to pass by, and now wish I had bought some for baking.  Dang it.  Hindsight's 20/20, right? 

I did end up with quite a nice bag of goodies, though!  I've decided to try to turn over a new healthier leaf, so this is the first of what I anticipate being many steps towards that goal.

A couple of zukes (I have a couple from my garden, but wanted more!), a couple of pattypan squash, some sweet bell peppers (aren't they just beautiful colors?), some french green beans, a couple of portabella mushrooms, and one cucumber. 

I have some fresh dried pasta that I bought when I was in Seattle that's a sweet tomato flavor, and I'm planning to use the sweet peppers and some Italian sausage I bought from Top Choice Meat Market to make a new dish.  I'll share it on here when I do that in the next few days. 

And since I'm a sucker for squash, I couldn't pass up the pattypans, although I've never cooked with them before.  I'm sure I'll figure out something and I'm sure I'll like it. 

I have big plans for the mushrooms and green beans as well.  Oh, I am so excited!

I am going to try something new with the cucumber - maybe a facial mask of sorts.  Stay tuned...  there are definitely several delicious postings coming up in the near future!

Also going on this weekend at Esther Shore Park is the Vancouver Brew Fest.  As tempting as it was, especially since it was dog-friendly, I passed and came on home.  If the mobile entertainment that was going on outside of the gate was any indication, it's likely going to be a good time!  :)

And, lastly, here is Mr. Dog with one of his free cookies.  He wouldn't eat it at the park, but once we got home, he took it in his mouth and just trotted around with it for several minutes.  It's always funny when he does that.

That's all I've got for now!  I think I hear a glass of iced tea calling my name!