Bits & Pieces

Here are some random things I've been thinking about lately that don't really warrant their own post and maybe should even just stay in my head: 

I haven't given Goshen/Craigsville enough credit: there are businesses beyond the scary IGA and the Dollar General. For example, there's Nana's Rustic Den, a small brick building which advertises tanning, live auctions, and shopping. Stay tuned to see if I'm brave enough to check it out.

I find it very curious that more than once now I have had male coworkers ask me if I intend to have children within DAYS of meeting/working with me. I'm really not sure why they think this is appropriate/relevant/interesting small talk, and I really don't know where they think that conversation is going to go. If you are a man who does this: please stop. Thx. 

Relatedly, I'm wondering when coworkers (men) will learn that it's not a cute/funny story to repeat inappropriate/problematic jokes and comments that other coworkers (men) said when people (me) were out of ear shot ?? Like you're still not allowed to say that even if you're quoting someone else ??? (I'll note: things are fine but definitely could be better on this front.)

I worked my first farmers market the other weekend, and did you know that farmers get up at 3 or 4 in the MORNING to start packing up for markets?? Which on the one hand, it's a little psycho that the markets start at 7am sometimes, because who is waking up that early on a Saturday? Also, I had an old man come around the back of the booth and psssst me and wave me over to ask if I had any radishes for him, and I was like, no sir, we're sold out and I don't know who you are??? Apparently one of the women who usually works the market sets some aside for him, but buddy, if you want radishes how bout showing up before 10:30. 

One nice thing I discovered about living in the middle of nowhere is that I can bring a beer on my afternoon walk because who's checking? So that's cool.  Also this is my backyard now: 

 

Something else I learned working the market is that my bosses (married) argue with each other a lot. Like a lot a lot. Like when my coworkers asked how it was working with both of them the subtext of the question was, "how much did they fight?" It's ummmmm pretty uncomfortable. 

It's also already the time of year where the question at the end of the day is always, "am I tan or am I just coated in a thin layer of dirt?" And spoiler: the answer is probably both.

Some good news: today (4/23) there was open talk of both making pizzas this summer and of unionizing. So. Pretty pleased with the way things are headed. 

More good news is that I'm finally cooking for myself again! Due the initial exhaustion, small depression, and shocking and upsetting lack of fresh produce, my first few weeks here were pretty rough in terms of food. But boy am I back. Thanks to the Harrisonburg farmers market and a last minute jaunt up to Thomas in search of ramps (shoutout Han, Corn, Mike, and Vin for the invite (and the delightful company, obviously)), I am lush with spring delicacies and am feeling very happy because of it. 

Anyway, that's all for now I think. Generally things are on an upward trajectory I'd say. Here's some bonus pics of Lune + farm stuff. (Sorry I don't care enough to get them fully aligned. I did try but it was too hard. Forgive me.)