I’ve been seeing colors differently since my cataract surgery; I was at Bernards Farm down the road from us, saw this beautiful lineup of tomatoes, and took this photo. Maria and I lead lives of change and exploration; we are always eager to explore something new; it’s exciting. This isn’t a big city, so it’s a big deal when it happens. The red tomatoes stood out this morning.

Creativity is coming to food here.

Bernard Farms opened its new farm/food center this Spring, which has been a boon and has once again altered our lives and habits. There used to be a shabby and smelly farm stand there; the new farm and food store are clean, well designed, and the food is excellent. I always want to take a picture of the vegetables, which is new for me.

The bread from Covered Bridge Bread is the best I’ve ever had, and so are the vegetables that Kari  Bernard grows. I’ve bought some beautiful flowers from the garden out back. We are just beginning to explore crackers, cheese, and other things.

I’m learning that artistry and creativity go along with the new ways we eat.

The food artists carefully arrange their bread, melons, apples, and even lettuce, almost like objects curated in a museum. And wow, are we eating better and healthier.

The other vegetable display, from Irwin and his family at the farmer’s market on Sunday, is as careful and beautiful as this one. I’ve taken some photos and posted them on the blog as well. It does matter how these foods look and are presented. Vegetables need care, just like people and dogs.

I am drawn to people who see food as art and treat it with care and creativity. We don’t get to use these expletives that often up here, but the younger people moving here from the big cities since the pandemic are changing how we eat. I’ve meant to take this picture for some time but couldn’t resist it today.

I love this habit Maria and I have. When something new comes, we can’t wait to see it; when we see it, our lives change a bit every time. In a small town like ours, this is good news.  We grow with the people who make and sell us exceptional food. Aging can make people stale, but it seems to make me fresh. Maria will never be stale.

There is almost nothing that natural creativity and hard work can’t do.