Well…Instead of sitting here typing this I should be uptown enjoying the fun and chaos of our annual and much anticipated 20th edition of Arts on the Avenue. What I am doing is listening to the steady drip drop of rain on the A/C unit, and the final swan song of Hurricane Ian.
Unfortunately, because of the mountain of prep work, expenses and the complexity of the puzzle pieces that go into an event like this, a rain date is not an option. So we will have to regretfully put our excitement and expectations back into the LEDC closet for another year. And like this storm, wait it out. And like Ahh-nald…we’ll be back.
As disappointed as I am, as we all are, we are grateful to have a solid roof, electricity and a dry bed when so many others, perhaps even some of our loved ones, are momentarily without those most basic comforts.
Even Ian could not dampen our community spirit, nor our enjoyment in each other’s company. So, just as promised, “rain or shine” the Lansdowne Farmers Market rose from the puddled macadam, and the people came. Sure…it was soggy, it was windy, but there was a certain brio (such a great word) in defying the elements at least long enough to snag some Big Sky bread, a pot-pie from My House Cookies and even a bottle of hooch just to take off the chill.
And of course, the farmers…because nothing stops a farmer. Fruitwood Farms, who has never not shown up, and our newest member of the produce brigade, Tucquan Acres, where Daniel showed off some proper Amish style with his head-to-toe rain gear. From potatoes to pears, from apples to zucchini, they’ve got you covered. We may be damp, but dinner will be served!
That’s what life is like in Lansdowne…there’s time. Time to stop and say hello to faces you know, and to smile and interact with people you don’t. Time to celebrate, congratulate and even, as we did last week, to commiserate. And don’t rainy days seem to encourage conversation?…I mean, who doesn’t like to talk about the weather? Especially bad weather.
Let’s face it…there was nothing normal about the weather of 2022. Mother Nature broke her contract with May and June and instead served up three extra months of July, and then abruptly swerved right into late fall. Although I’m pretty sure there’s some sweet weather still in her valise, it’s a fact that winter is coming, and our weekly LFM 2022 is wrapping up in just a few short weeks.
So you might want to start giving some thought now on stocking up on your favorite go-to goodies for later.
Things that are perfectly happy in your freezer: My House quiches and pies, John Wilson’s curiously good soups and sides, a Big Sky pepperoni loaf pre-cut it into serving-size slices.
Things that will lift your senses and spirit: Try some aromatherapy with homey soy candles in natural scents, perfect for chasing away that musty smell you got after opening that coat closet (be sure to check the pockets for hidden treasure) or the drawers full of winter scarves and socks. Oh, and those winter boots…need I go on? Or go for some self-pampering supplies with soaps, lotions and potions from one of our body-care vendors. Go on…you deserve it.
But let’s not talk of goodbye.…there’s still life here at the LFM, on the Avenue and in the town. How do I know? It’s all in the LEDC newsletter the Lansdowne Link. Don’t find out after you’ve missed something…read it right now! Go on…I’ll be back next week.
’Til then…stay dry…stay healthy!
Terry Baraldi