I love market day!

I can get to the farmers' market, look over and buy the produce I want, and be back home and have things put away in about an hour or less!  Of course that is when I go by myself, but I'd rather shop with Jeannie and the girls and take a longer time.

This morning the green beans looked so good I couldn't pass them up.  I don't often eat them, after a childhood of green beans being a staple of just about every dinner.  I bought about two pounds of them, divided them into thirds, and had them blanched, drained, and in  freezer bags in no time at all.  I kept one third to cook fresh, maybe with potatos and corn.  I wish I could just eat the vegetables and satisfy dietary and caloric requirements, but dang, I'll have to cook some meat or fish to go with them.  I think I could live on fruits and vegetables, supplemented by sweet rolls or coffee cake, of course.

I noticed several new faces at the market, most of them advertising that their produce is organically grown.  I think they may have moved over from another Saturday market that closes for the winter.   Most of the stalls have signs declaring "We grow what we sell", and I believe it because everything is so very fresh.

Steve, Jeannie, and Donald took me to the local brewery and tasting room yesterday for my birthday.  It is in a big building and consisted of the "bar" area and another large room where you can sit and drink your beer, and I believe their hours are 4pm to 9pm - or something like that.  I liked the golden ale and bought three 22 oz bottles to bring home.  I need to find a bottle stopper so I can drink half a bottle and then save the other half for another time.  Jeannie and Donald both got samplers - 6 smaller size glasses with a variety of beers.  I also tasted a stout which reminds me of Guinness but not exactly.  I think I might try a larger glass of it next time.  You can see the various brewery equipment all around the huge room, and I enjoyed it so much.  

Steve said there are about 16 breweries within the Sacramento area (at least I think he said 16), and I would like to try a few more.  I have sampled beer from Hoppy's, another local that has a very nice restaurant and bar.   We have gone their a few times to celebrate different family occasions.

Thanks to commenter Clark Rambling who reminded me that Yuengling beer is locally owned (Pennsylvania) and is available in the east.  I love Yuengling and drink it when I'm in the east.  To my knowledge it isn't sold here, although I should try one of the warehouses such as Bev Mo to see if they carry it.

I've covered two of my favorite things - fresh produce and beer!  Here are some pictures from last night.  (Click on a photo to enlarge.)

   

I think I'm going to zone out for the rest of the day.  Reaching and celebrating 74 can tire a person out!