"Boscoe Visits"......"Old Fashioned New England Farmer's Market"

I must admit that I get green with envy every time I see a spectacular posting about the farmer's markets in New York City and San Francisco.  It's not that we don't have a comparable venue of our own, we do............, but it's in Boston which is a world away. (It's actually only 30 miles away, but getting from here to there can take forevah!) Here on the south shore, the home of several blue blood, wealthy communities, most of our farmer's markets are normally staged on the town common, are held once a week and are steeped in Yankee conservatism with "staid" being the operative word. You won't find any cotton candy machines, popcorn vendors or people hawking tee shirts. Instead, you will find small, family owned exhibitors proudly displaying their finest fresh produce, baked goods, "Cape Cod Worms", fresh floral arrangements, homemade preserves and other "salt of the earth" necessities. Yesterday I visited the "Cohasset Village Farmer's Market" and felt as if I was being transported back in time to the turn of the century.  The displays were practical, functional and devoid of any fancy, flashy add ons. Burlap, wicker baskets and oak planking were the de rigueur fixtures employed by most. It was almost like walking into an old country store, only outside and on the grass. They even had pony rides for the kids, so that the adults could go about their serious business bartering and socializing. It was almost puritanical, yet absolutely refreshing and wonderful. I spent about an hour and a half visiting, and while tempted to fill my trunk with goodies, I settled on two just harvested garlic bulbs and a dozen "green eggs." I will definitely return next week, and will probably indulge a bit more. As opposed to buying produce by the crate, which would be my standard protocol at "Haymarket Square" in Boston, I'll embrace my Yankee heritage and maybe, just maybe buy 3 garlic bulbs!