Sebastopol Farmer’s Market – April 1, 2012

This morning we walked the few blocks from our little cottage in downtown Sebastopol to the farmer’s market in the square with the sun on our shoulders. It was a lively scene today, with many smiling faces and bright, beautiful produce.

I love to chat with the farmers about what they’ve brought. I learned today about sweet broccoli and sprouted Napa cabbage. We tasted some warm apricot-cardamom granola, which will go into our food plan for next week. (Yes, I’m a Granola-Eater, but I don’t own any Berkenstocks. I might hug a tree from time to time, figuratively speaking.)

Anyway, the colors in the booths today were so beautiful– well, it could have been that I was happy to be in the sunshine, but I do believe those colors were downright uplifting and inspiring. Bright greens mixed with yellow and hot orange, purple… Gorgeous. This spring salad mix has edible flowers thrown in for visual (and tasty!) interest. There were still plenty of squashes and root vegetables– carrots, beets, potatoes, some turnips. But you can see the spring veggies starting to make their way into the mix. Still too early for tomatoes– though there were seedlings to purchase for growing your own. Lots of bulbs: Daffodils, amaryllis, tulips… And some beautiful textiles– wool yarn, woven scarves, knitted hats. 50’s style sundresses, embroidered baby clothes and hand glazed pottery.

In the end, after listening to some fabulous New Orleans style soul music, we came away with a full basket of wonderful food for the week: two bundles of chard, lettuce, spaghetti squash, cauliflower, parsley, sweet broccoli, two lemons and an abundantly fragrant bunch of new garlic– all locally grown. Are you hungry yet?! I’m glad to see open air markets making such a strong comeback in our culture. Eating locally grown, organic food is a huge step toward a sustainable future, which is something we all want.

Late Summer in West Sonoma County

Last week at a barbeque, I found myself tugging my sweater a little bit tighter around me. Summer in West Sonoma County cools down until Fall breezes in… We may still have a few weeks of heat just as the kids are ready to go back to school, but I feel Fall in the mornings and when the fog creeps in at night. I know the light will change soon and the afternoons will dim quietly. Fall is my favorite season here, when the vineyard leaves change color and the deep blue of the sky meets the yellowed grass of summer.

When the seasons change, I often find myself wishing to redesign my space. Here are some ideas  from HGTV. After looking at these, I’m ready to light the fire pit and cuddle up next to the pool with a good book, or roast marshmallows with the kids. I want my space to be ready for warm weekends and quiet evenings. I especially love what can be done with sail cloth to define a patio inexpensively.

But, Summer’s not quite over yet! This weekend is the Gravenstein Apple Fair in Sebastopol at Ragle Ranch Park. Great local wines, mouth watering food, entertainment, and (oh yeah!) those sweet-tart local Gravenstein apples! Pie eating contest, bee keeper displays, and, hopefully, some warm sun. Sounds perfect!

I couldn’t resist the day…

Yesterday afternoon we got home from camping on the Russian River. We had a great time building campfires, kayaking, cooking great food and just spending time together.

Maybe that’s why.

Sitting at my desk today, I had to get out and enjoy the weather. It was probably about 73 degrees, and the sun was shining, not a cloud (or fog!) in the sky. So, William and I hopped on our bikes and rode out on the West County Trail, Just a couple of miles of sun shining through the oaks can make everything feel, well, just fine. I love this trail– it winds its way behind neighborhoods, and although we live right in downtown, it seems like we are riding through parkland.

Today we just rode from our house to Andy’s Produce Market. I had a fresh pressed apple juice and William had some lemonade. We shared a gluten free ginger cookie. Admittedly, this bike ride was not an athletic high point! We just toodled out, had a snack, and toodled home. But it was so beautiful to be in the open air that I can’t wait to do it again.

Friday Photo

 This sunflower was a volunteer in my yard last summer. One day while I was out weeding, I came across this little shoot, and thought, hmm… That looks like a sunflower! So I let it be. It grew into a mammoth sunflower, about 12 inches across. It was beautiful! I don’t know where it came from, but it was fun. We harvested the seeds after it was gone by.

It’s not just a new home. It’s the way you live.

I’ve worked in real estate since 1992. Over the years, I’ve helped many people search for, purchase and sell homes. Throughout the years, one thought has come back to me over and over… These aren’t just homes. People search out a unique environment that reflects the way they live their lives. Sometimes they search for a home that reflects the way they want to live– whether it is downsizing, preparing for a new family member, finding a property with two homes on it to help care for another person. A long porch to sit on in cool summer evenings; a big, grassy yard with a swimming pool; a barbeque; a fireplace… A large island kitchen… a guest room. A home overlooking the ocean, or perched above the river at bird’s eye view. All of these things paint a picture of what life will be like in the new place.

Living in Sonoma County, California, is an experience in and of itself. Wine country, the coast, agricultural land and farms. The artistic community here is amazing! Excellent schools and communities unique in and of themselves. Divine weather most of the year. “Main Street” downtowns. All of this, an hour outside of San Francisco.