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Oh beans!
Off the Wall
Sept. 6, 2007
Often in our society we find ourselves using expressions
to replace those that are socially unacceptable. Instead of those
four letter words, we have substituted animals, sweetener and
yes, vegetables as part as exclamations. What may be substituted
for the expletives are such expressions as "O rats!"
or "O Sugar," or "Oh beans!" A matter of
fact, I think I was brought up on the latter one, for my mother
used it a lot.
Why not beets, cantaloupes, or hot peppers? You
say it wouldn't sound right? Well, I imagine when "beans"
was first used, it sounded stupid also, but never the less people
kept using it. Now it is second nature.
Talk about the veggies, I have to tell you that
for the last month I have been habitually doing something that
has caused me more joy than I ever imagined. I have been frequenting
the Farmer's Market on Tuesdays in the parking lot behind Memorial
Stadium in Latrobe.
Now, I can just hear someone say, "What so
great about going someplace that sells produce?" It is more
than that, a whole lot more than that!
On my first visit down there I was surprised to
find that a couple of dear friends were there selling tomatoes
and parsley from their garden. It was a great reunion, for I
had not seen Ted Soltys maybe since his bait shop burned down
many years ago. As a result of the tragedy, I was encouraged
by the community to open up what they wanted me to call The New
Solty's Bait Shop, but I just added it into my complex creating
three services under one roof.
One thing I like about going "down the street"
is that in a matter of minutes, I always find someone I know.
Believe it or not, I have enjoyed the get-togethers of my community
friends between 3 and 7 P.M. more than strolling through Legion
Keener Park on the Fourth of July.
Getting back to my mother's habits, not only did
she use that expression when she was upset about something, but
we sure got our fill of string beans as well. She knew how to
cook 'em and we knew how to eat 'em.
It is kind of funny. As much as I shop Giant Eagle,
I never feel led to buy these beans at the super market. But
seeing them in little boxes on tables displayed knowing they
are right out of people's garden definitely wets my taste buds.
After purchasing them from someone's stand, I can't wait to get
home, cut off the ends and boil them. Then it's onto the plate
for some mighty good eating.
Last week I only intended to stay an hour, tops,
because I had been shopping the night before and couldn't imagine
wanting anything. After coming home approximately two and one
half hours later, my wife questioned as to my whereabouts. I
told her of the many fine people I met down there and spent a
good part of the time just talking.
One of my missions when I go to the Farmer's Market
is to see if I can find a large, juicy tomato for a resident
of a nursing facility I visit. He expressed his desire for one
once and I told him as long as I could find quality tomatoes,
he could rest assured I would provide him with them. When I give
to him his eyes sparkle as he grins from ear to ear.
Organized by the Latrobe Community Revitalization
Committee the Farmer's Market has been drawing a crowd since
July 10th and will continue through Oct 9.
Those who have attended will tell you they have
watched honey bees in a glass case fulfill their duties at one
of the booths, for example. A number of other venders weekly
have been selling crafts, including one man who makes wonderful,
creative furniture out of wood. And still many others have sold
a variety of produce that finds its way into plastic bags in
no time at all.
Need info? Contact Jim Mikula at 724-238-6702, or
Annette Couch, 724-805-0112.
Paul j. Volkmann
8/28/08
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