Posted on 09/15/2014 11:03:32 AM PDT by not2be4gotten.com
One thing that is really cool about Europe and has been ruined in the US, is the ability to buy food from the common people on the street. Many are the actual farmers them selves. And we have many wonderful conversations with these remarkable people. I remember going out to Southern California as a pre-teen and experiencing all the different little grocery stands that were there in the late 60's. When I returned there in 2010, there where NO independent produce/fruit stands. It took me a while to figure out why this happened, I was stumped for a long time. What happened is that over the years, the big grocery chains figured out how to get rid of their competition through politics. Under the guise of "public safety" and "public health" they set up lobby groups to require food retailers to have running water, sewage connections, refrigeration requirements, weighing device standards and so on and so forth. They made it impossible to set up a fruit stand under the threat of fines and even jail time. In other words, the big grocery stores got the government to hire all of these bureaucrats, to eliminate their competition with YOUR MONEY! And it is just sickening. It is called "crony capitalism". The common folk in America have no clue this has happened to them. Those who require safety/security over freedom deserve neither.
Are you ever out of smart-ass mode?
Is there another mode that you would prefer?
And why.
I like sarcasm and all, but something a little less biting and antagonistic to fellow FReepers would be nice on *occasion*. Just sayin’. Maybe just to show you are not Oscar the Grouch and have a compassionate, intellectual side. Kinda like when the grouchy character in a movie surprises us at the end and shows us he has a tender/human side.
I’ve heard about that farmers market in the Heights - a little farther for me to travel since there is a good one in Sugar Land, but thanks for the info!
I have my moments. I certainly don't display them to combatants.
Maybe just to show you are not Oscar the Grouch and have a compassionate, intellectual side.
Them what need to know, knows.
Kinda like when the grouchy character in a movie surprises us at the end and shows us he has a tender/human side.
Stay tuned and be surprised.
The measure of the depth can be deceiving.
Maybe in Cali- but we go to the local farmer’s markets here in OH all the time... still see farmer’s stands on the side of the road too. Weren’t those two amish kids that got kidnapped a few weeks ago in NY working at the roadside stand as well?
I’m not referring to filthy veggies in a farmers market - I wash veggies no matter where I buy them and I assume farmers produce isn’t covered in wax so I have no problem with farm grown veggies in a stand....and I think the kidnapped kids were either NY or PA - can’t recall either
I didn’t know there was one in Sugarland (I was born there BTW) Where is it? Do you live in Sugarland? My brother lives there.
Near there - go into Sugar Land all the time for various things. It is on 90A in front of the old Sugar Mill - a covered area plus some area outside - lots of neat things.
http://www.imperialsugarland.com/farmersmarket
Nice to know, I’ll check it out. When is it open?
I was born there at the sugar mill in the clinic. Is there a plack or something? :)
I just looked at the link you sent. I have an art class most Saturdays from 9am to 1pm so it is rare that I can make it. Too bad, sounds fun.
and in the grocery store you get fruits and vegetables laced with ripening suppressors so that they can be picked long before they are ready and then when they do ripen they tastes like cardboard.
I wonder how we managed to survive before the Govt got involved in protecting us from all of the world’s hazards expect those hazards of an overprotective Govt.
Yes!
Amsterdam.... Mushrooms
http://astro5.com/Amster/nov20041b.jpg
http://astro5.com/Amster/nov20042b.jpg
Slovenia
http://astro5.com/raf/Slovenia/IMG_4036_%281600_x_1200%29.jpg
http://astro5.com/raf/Slovenia/IMG_4037_%281600_x_1200%29.jpg
IIRC, the Buford Hwy market is in an old Lionel Playworld, so YES, it has even more stuff!
It is a nice market - clean and a good variety of things
I live near Los Angeles so I thought you were referring to Southern California.
Guide to Houston’s best farmers marketshttp://www.chron.com/entertainment/article/Guide-to-Houston-Farmer-s-Markets-4457044.php
Thank you thackney, that is nice. :)
It's so true. I literally cannot drive a mile in any direction without passing a farmstand. Of course some are obviously better than others. Some sell homemade pie in apple season. Added value is everything.
hell yes..
in all my years in europe, only one street vendor sold me something that was not as advertised ( ground cat burgers )
although i did not think i was buying ground cat, it did have a very good flavor.....
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