TO MARKET TO MARKET....

You know that tantalizing smell. The first crisp, cold morning of the season, when quietly the sweltering heat of summer fades into the background and autumn makes its debut. The air is sharp with the scent of drying leaves as they put on their pretty coats and begin to float to the ground. And the markets start whiffing the scent of autumn fruits and spices...you then know the magic of fall has arrived

Strites homestead

I love farmers markets, and it's where I get many of my provisions for dinners and nibbles, produce and some earthly delights when I don't feel like baking. And always a good thing to support local farmers and families. I have three go to in the area. Oak Grove Farms, West Shore Farmers Market and Stites Orchid. I left work early today and headed over to Stites Orchid to get some pumpkins for the porch, and the best apple cider in the area in my opinion. I go crazy on apple cider this time of year. I also picked up two apple dumplings, and some pears and veggies, in addition to a butternut squash, that I plan to make soup with, and a autumn vegetable stir fry I make with butternut squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips.  I got in the habit of going to Stites since I was a wee one as my late aunt and grandmother always frequented the place. I love my visits there, so when I moved back it was a major plus. My grandmother was friends with the family back then and its origins began with a rich farming history dating back to 1843. It all started with the planting of a few fruit trees and vegetables were planted. At the time they sold produce door to door and in the city. It was in 1950, they opened the market pavilion they now have and has grown to also feature a bakery of daily fresh baked delights, and a small selection of plants and flowers, and a pick your flower garden. Their property and orchid now encompass a robust 300 acres. They have a very loyal following in the community, many generations of a family still patronize the place, it's amazing to see out of towners there, come to just see and experience a farmer market. 

To me this far better than data centers eating up land.

ANOTHER PRIDE

This past weekend was the last Pride event for me for the season. I always get asked by many just why does Harrisburg always have their Pride Event so late when it's at the hottest?  Not sure for certain, but I have been told they don't have it in June, the official Pride month, because they fear with Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore and DC'S, it will compete and loose some pride goers if it ends up on one of those weekends in bigger cities. Luckily the weather was a winner this past weekend, as some of the clan and I hit the parade and festival. It is held at the Capitol building, and the surrounding area. I enjoyed some of it, then we went to lunch, and then later had to get to the club to start getting ready for the Pride show, and making sure Sigourney Beaver, one of the headliners, got there, and was treated to some hospitality. And I'm here to tell you children she is ever the crazy bitch and filled with stories!!!! I was treated to one gem, where she was at a show once, and she thought what would be the thing to gross out all the gay men? That's right...MEOW! Vagina! Well, at this said show she pulled out a blow pop from her, ah, well, MEOW....and stuck it right in the gaping mouth of a guy in the front row!!!!! Now there is something you won't see on Dragula! The whole weekend went off without a hitch, the show and the festival. Plus there was Discord Adams too! Needed to say, Sunday. Was. Ugly. Some scenes from the weekend.

Betty Whitecastle

The Cork and Fork

Discord, Cody, one of our gang, and don't bully him, he cums.... and Sigourney Beaver.

And this dudo bird...your hostess with the mostess!!!!

Yes, I'm still picking out feathers!!!!! But I HUGE THANK YOU to Fat Sissy, AKA Miss Bill for the creation and making of this spectacular ensemble!!!  The headdress almost went down to the floor in back....he nailed the Mistress's over the top style. I always did like to keep it understated you see.

Happy Gay Pride!

BLOOMS

 

After the rotten dirty email Travel started my weekend off with yesterday...I had to go find some pretty and therapy to get the email out of my mind. It has been a glorious weekend weather wise...sun, nice warm temps, no gales, and today was spent getting the gardens empty of leaves, felled branches, and dead debris. Loosen the tanbark away from plants. The sun felt wonderful on the skin. I was happy to see many of the plants are all breaking the ground with little stems...peonies, bleeding hearts, spring bulbs, columbines, lavenders, dianthus and the herbs and delphiniums. I also can't wait to get more wildflower seeds in, especially since the garden will be expanded since the burning bush was removed. Yesterday I went to the Dame's lovely shop to place an order of some more daffodils, and to place an order for my arrangement for the upcoming Easter dinner, and another arrangement to be sent to the good folks at the dental oral surgeon and staff for their welcome, friendly and great process they assisted me with, and making me feel at ease, not to mention making me gorgeous again. I got myself a small nose gay. As always, his shop never disappoints. I hadn't been in since we did the windows.

I stayed and went out for dinner with the Dame and his hubby which was delicious. Of course his home was also looking like spring and Easter.

It has been another glorious weekend. Much to look forward too in the next few weeks. But glad the garden is now cleaned out and ready to go. My day even started out with a homemade breakfast burrito and potatoes this morning, along with a pot of coffee.

A treat I haven't enjoyed in three months!

SEEN IN HARRISBURG

 

Seen around town this weekend. The clan all got together for the Fire and Ice tour in the downtown this weekend.., our lesbian branch from Rehoboth Beach came for the event even. Cards on the table, while we did see some of the ice sculptures placed all around town, it was more an excuse to get together for some fun times, have a few cock-a-tails and pub hop and enjoy some good food. Granted, I didn't arise before 1pm today. That's beside the point. A good time had by all. And the above is one of the shop windows of the Dame's Flower Shop. It was pure coincidence the ice sculpture mimicked the windows. Some of the sights... I liked the homes and street art more...

The day started with expresso martinis at noon.

So there was that.