Carla @SplashOfPaprika's Profile

I like Pluie Pluie's rain gear selection, just came across them the other day:

http://www.pluiepluie.com/products.html

We are also considering those curtains and want to pair them with this chocolate tartan rug from Dash & Albert:

http://www.dashandalbert.com/product/view/chocolate-tartan-cotton-woven--RDA050

It picks up some of the same colors and adds a twist with the complementary stripes.

I can't believe I forgot to mention Central Market in Lancaster, PA, my home county! Housed in an 18th-century red brick building, the market is a real treat to visit. In my younger, romantic days I moved from farm country into central downtown so I could live a block away from market. Every week, I would walk over to check out the fresh produce, eat some Middle Eastern food from Saife's and buy one miniature rose for my little apartment. I hear it is still thriving, crowded and open every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

We used to live in Des Moines, WA so I have a soft spot in my heart for its tiny Saturday morning waterfront marina market with its live music, Blue Rose Dairy Black Jewel cheese and gorgeous flowers.

Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm (June 6-Oct 31)
Wednesdays 4 pm - 7 pm (July 22-Aug 19)
www.dmfm.org

Happily, our current town of Tacoma, WA already has three neighborhood farmers markets up and running this year. They are small but vibrant with vendors bringing in local produce, poultry, meat, wine, cider, dairy, eggs, crafts, flowers, baked goods and more. We are swimming in strawberries, radishes and spring greens now.

Proctor Farmers Market Tuesdays 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm (April 4-Nov 12)
Broadway Farmers Market Thursdays 9 am -2 pm (May 21-October 15)
6th Ave Farmers Market Saturdays 9 am - 2 pm (June 2-Sept 29)

www.tacomafarmersmarket.com
www.proctorfarmersmarket.com

Of course, our neighbor to the north, Seattle, has many more markets...the big ones--Pike Place, West Seattle, Ballard and U-District--are year-round but others are opening every week.

(Full Disclosure: My husband and I work for a local family farm, Tiny's Organic. He gets to help out at some of the markets in the area and gets the inside perspective. We have always enjoyed Farmers Markets but are now receiving a real education about farming, harvesting, and seasonal living/eating. We have nothing but the deepest respect for anyone who makes their living producing food for others. Thank you to everyone who supports local producers.)

What about stirring in some Collard Greens Miniera?

No. I love my puppy but not to the point of sharing plates, utensils, pots or pans with her.

We do share dog-safe fruits and vegetables with her; she especially enjoys nectarines, apples, summer and winter squash. These treats are offered either as rewards or go in her bowl for a snack.

Of course, everything in moderation so as not to upset or overload her digestive system.

Chez Pim.

Shauna James Ahern at Gluten Free Girl recently blogged about some traditional sides (GF) and some tempting not-so-traditional suggestions: broiled figs with brie, frisee salad with a warm bacon vinaigrette, butternut squash soup with smoked paprika, green beans with pancetta, sea scallops dusted with black rice flour, meyer lemon sorbet. Yum. The links to her recipes are in her Nov 6 post at http://glutenfreegirl.blogspot.com.

Brilliant, why didn't I think of using the slow cooker overnight? I can't tell you how many times I've put the meal on in the morning and rushed home after work only to find burned squash or dried out stew because I was away too long. So frustrating. I will definitely give your suggestion a try.

Last year I had the chance to stop in to the SPL shortly after moving to the Pacific NW. It is quite a surreal experience (even the elevators coming up from the parking garage are brilliantly colored) and a welcome change from typical library decor. My favorite part is just standing inside watching everyday people going about their everyday activiities in the midst of all that unique design. Splendid contrast.