I had a wonderful day off yesterday. I had a few hiccups getting started, but once the daughter was at school, the husband's truck was at the shop and the rental car was acquired (rough Saturday!), it was great. After driving around for a little, I found a new geeky place to go haunt, and I spend my morning in Central Market. For those who don't know me - or I haven't let this geeky part of me slip until now - I L.O.V.E. going to markets and exploring the shelves. I read packages and ingredients like others read novels in the library. Come to think of it, I like doing that, too! (Did I mention I'm geeky??)
For those of you who just run into the local market for bread, milk, and eggs and don't look left or right, you are missing out! Granted, you have to carve out a little time, and you have to really like bright colors and shiny packages, but once you get the hang of actually exploring you will find some pretty awesome things. There's only one real rule to this type of geeky endeavor - DO NOT feel obligated to buy. In fact, it's more fun if you just buy a small snack and a coffee and wander around; this way you won't feel hungry and tempted to buy four different varieties of beets, a can of some kind of undiscernable product from Saudi Arabia, and funky marzipan fruits just because they looked delicious and you were starving.
This particular market, which is similar to many large chain markets, has an extensive dining area, with a coffee bar, an island of different prepared meal components and salads, a huge soup and salad bar, and a very attractive seating area with a nice fish tank (not containing fresh fish for sushi - though they do have a sushi master, a mexican food vendor, and a sandwich stall to rival any sandwich restaurant).
After I had a sausage roll and cup of coffee, I began to go section by section. There was the deli meat counter where they smoke and roast their meats in-house. I didn't stop too long there, because I was sorely tempted by the beautiful imported meats and the rare roast beef that called my name. It was also beginning to get kind of crowded, and as with any place, courtesy dictates you not stay in the way if you aren't actually ordering. The cheese area was huge, and there were so many I would have had to spend more time than was polite exploring the different types and countries of origin. Then there was the olive bar long enough to put two full-sized pick up trucks nose to nose and still have room for some olives. There were other tasty things there besides olives from all over the world - hummus, capers, pickles, dips, and salad dressings. Then I moved on to the bakery. There were all sorts of baps and rolls, cakes and confections. I can't tell you how beautiful some of these cakes and such are. Those who work in the bakeries of these markets are true artists. After that I moved on to the grocery section. This is where they have cans and jars and packages of different foods - many from different countries. Being so close to the holidays, there were whole center stands full of imported chocolates and cakes, advent calendars, ingredients for holiday baking and gift-making. They had wonderful meat and seafood counters I stumbled onto. Then my path went to the dairy area and then I was in the winery. I didn't see any samples, and it was still a bit too early to actually sample, so I passed through. I was just looking through the spa and vitamin area when I finally found the produce section. This is where I found this magical place to be quite ordinary. I had expected a huge area full of all things veggie and fruity. It did have MANY fruits and veggies, and many were organic; but all-in-all, it was just a produce section. I think I might find it more exciting when spring rolls around.
I wandered and wandered and then found myself ready to leave for the yarn store, where I found some lovely company, some lovely yarn, and a little time to sit and knit.
As for my knitting projects, I am working on a pair of yoga socks, which I want to try and see if I can actually keep socks on without them ending up in my shoe and not on my foot when I walk. I'm also about ready to tackle the last few rows of the winter shawl I keep complaining about, and then I'll give the baby sweater another look. The sweater might have to wait, though, as I have Christmas coming up fast and I have several small projects I want to get done.
So, I guess I better get back to my knitting and things. I hope your week is good, you are well, and you find many blessings.
Until next time,
txdonna
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