feast for the eyes

Just a few of the MANY vignettes of Autumnal colors and textures

Today, sadly, was the last day of the season for the Des Moines Farmers' Market.    I attended the first market of the year back in May and was excited to see the calendar clear to make it to the last one. 

I came prepared today with my roll along cart and handy dandy helper.

Just so we don't go into major market withdrawal, however, there will be a Winter Market held indoors at 400 Locust Street in downtown Des Moines.  Two dates are set; November 19th & 20th, and a final one on December 17th & 18th.

how cute is this design!

Maddi, Ellie and I had a fabulous time.  The air was a bit chilly, but the sun warmed the street and once we were in the crowds the cold didn't bother us. 

Our first stop was at Blue Gate Farms, our favorite supplier of the best homegrown veggies, eggs, honey and specialty jams and syrups on the planet.

Jill of Blue Gate with the famous chicken hat

From there the girls and I enjoyed all of the fabulous sights, sounds and smells of the market.  Today was a 'feast for the eyes' with many 2 legged and 4 legged costumes.

After we gathered our share of loot at the farmers' market, we walked on over to Market Days, a monthly gathering of some really talented artists who sell their wares in a downtown warehouse.

And, IF there was a contest for the best costume ever, and IF Maddi, Ellie and I could vote, THEN this next participant would win for sure ;)

An original (for sure) granny square afghan blanket monster. With pants, people!  And a removable head!  This photo seriously does not do it justice.

This Rockstar of a knitting artist was selling hats and scarves with felt and knitted animals/monsters/items sewed on.  Fabulousity!

Ellie sporting a red kitty cat

Mads with a blue blobby monster

Finally, to wrap up this 'feast for the eyes' post, allow me to present the most politically aware vehicle I have ever seen:

p.s. we successfully walked around for 2 hours, grabbing little samples along the way, and blood sugars remained stable throughout.  Woo-Hoo!!!!  Other than the break for a bs test and having to carry Ellie's emergency kit, it was almost like our pre-diabetes days.  Giggly, happy, cartwheeling girl!