There was no alarm clock blaring me into the day this morning. Ah, it's Saturday! The realization hit me, and I was up and out of bed in no time. Hubby (gotta love him) had my coffee brewing, the sun was shining, and there was a gentle breeze drifting through the open window. It just couldn't get much better than this. Well, ok, it could, and it did, when I heard the pots and dishes rattling downstairs. Yes, he's making breakfast! Oh, I love Saturday mornings. Hubby had oatmeal with fresh blueberries and chopped almonds, toast, juice, and coffee waiting by the time I had finished my shower.

Doing all that was wonderful, but then he really made my day by uttering my favorite Saturday morning words, "I thought we'd go to the farmers market this morning." I know, I know, it's an exciting life I lead! (I really am low-maintenance). Hey, it's upstate New York in late summer. The weather is gorgeous, people are enjoying their last vacations, and farmers are harvesting their crops. Roadside fruit and vegetable stands dot the countryside, and community centers and malls host farmer's market days every week.

Don't get me wrong. I enjoy a long, relaxing day at the beach, or a terrific outdoor concert, even a weekend camping trip as much as the next person. But I really love a Saturday now and then where there is no plan, no activity scheduled, and no place we have to be. A day to just while away, doing anything, nothing, or just going with the flow. And I can think of no better way to start such a day than with a trip to the farmer's market. Read on for some tips on how to get the most from your farmers market shopping experience.

There's something about going to the farmer's market early on a Saturday morning. Vendors set up their booths and arrange their wares, offering samples and conversation. It's a great place if you're into people-watching. There are people of all ages, sizes, and descriptions. Most folks are friendly, and eager to share recipes, and their favorite "finds" of the day. There is an abundant selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, flowers, home baked breads and pastries, and jams, jellies, and honey. Kettle corn, coffee, soft drinks, and a variety of foods are available for a small fee. Our little local farmers market usually has about 40 vendors. Another larger one downtown has about 100 vendors, with an even more dazzling assortment of wares, and some really interesting people-watching opportunities.

If you have a farmer's market in your city or town, I urge you to go there and check it out if you haven't already done so. Shopping at a farmers market is fun, and it is good for you and for your community:

• You are supporting local farmers who might not otherwise be farming, as farmers markets provide a livelihood for them.
• You can save money, especially when you buy organic produce.
  
• You deal directly with the farmers, and get to know them. They can give you information on how to prepare the produce you are purchasing.
• Produce and foods are fresh, usually harvested that day, therefore they are more nutritious and better for your health.
• Farmers markets are usually outdoors, so you will enjoy fresh air and sunshine. You will get to know other regular shoppers and people in your community.
• You will be helping the environment. Produce sold at the farmers market is not trucked in from hundreds or thousand of miles away, it is grown locally. Because it is picked and sold the same day, there is no packaging material, just good, wholesome produce.
  

Some things to think about before you head out the door:

• Be sure to check when the market is open. A quick call to the facility where the market is being held, the local library, your newspaper, or even an internet search of farmers markets in your area will give you the days and hours they are open.
• Bring your own bag. A reusable tote bag, basket, or small cart are environmentally friendly. Or bring your own plastic bags from the grocery store and reuse them, instead of using the farmers'. On hot days bring a cooler to keep your produce fresh until you get home.
• Shop early. For the best selection, try to get there when the market first opens. There is nothing more disappointing than finding all the spaghetti squash has been sold before you got there. If you do arrive late, however, farmers will usually bargain with you. You may be able to score some good buys. Don't be afraid to ask. I paid only $5 for a bushel of peppers that were marked $10. It was near closing and the farmer didn't want to tote them back home.
• Don't shop with a list. I know this contradicts most shopping advice. The point of going to a farmers market, however, is to get the freshest possible produce. Buy what looks good and plan your meals according to your purchases.
• Leave the dog home! I know Rover likes to tag along wherever you go, but it is best to leave him home. He will be safer, and you will be more free to shop and mingle. Farmers markets are busy, and often crowded. He could get stepped on or walked into, or even hit by a stroller or cart.
• Please, no smoking! Please be considerate of other shoppers, and leave your cigarettes home, or in your pocket.  Many people are sensitive to cigarette smoke.
  

Get into the spirit of shopping at the farmers market, and have fun:

Browse and compare before you buy. Don't buy from the first vendor you see. I usually walk the market and browse each vendor, tasting and comparing their offerings. You can always go back to the one with the better value.

Try something new. Prices are lower at the farmers market, so this is a good time to try something you have never had before. Ask the farmer the best way to prepare and serve it.

Get to know the farmers. Part of the fun of shopping at farmers markets is chatting with the farmers and getting to know them. They have a wealth of information, and can help you become a wise shopper.

Go straight home. Fresh produce can wilt sitting in a hot car, so plan on bring your purchases right home. You can run your other errands after you put them away.

You had a fun morning of shopping at the farmers market. You have bags of goodies and want them to remain fresh and tasty until you prepare and eat them. Here are some ideas on how to store your produce when you get home:

• Tomatoes, garlic, potatoes, and onions should always be stored at room temperature. I usually keep mine in the basement, as our home is not air conditioned.
• Store green produce in plastic bags in the refrigerator.
• Peaches, nectarines, and plums that need to be ripened should be placed in a paper bag and left on the counter a day or two. Refrigerate after they become ripe.
• Freeze any extra produce that you may not use in the next few days. I "flash freeze" my blueberries and other berries by spreading them on a cookie tray in the freezer. When they are frozen in an hour or so, I package them in plastic freezer bags. This keeps them from clumping together, and when I want some, I can easily scoop out just what I need.

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It was a lovely day. We bought lots of fresh fruits and veges at the farmers market, and got some really good buys. I made a yummy marinara sauce and pasta, and we ate it for dinner with a colorful salad of fresh greens, zucchini, carrots, scallions, broccoli, and tomatoes. We shared some of our market bounty with a widowed neighbor, who was delighted to get it. We sipped fresh-squeezed lemonade and sat in the shade of our back yard tree. We took a drive and went to some garage sales (something else I love to do), then after dinner we went down to the beach for an ice cream cone and a stroll along the pier.

Sometimes you just need a do nothing kind of day. The kind they sing about in summertime songs (roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer). I thoroughly enjoyed mine. I do hope you get to have one soon. When you do, be sure to include a trip to your local farmers market.