From Market Baskets to Freezer Shelves: Saying Goodbye to Summer’s Harvest

From Market Baskets to Freezer Shelves: Saying Goodbye to Summer’s Harvest

All summer long, our weekends have had the same happy rhythm — loading everyone up for a trip to the farmers market, where JT runs ahead with, already planning what he’s going to pick out. River rides along in the stroller, taking it all in with wide, curious eyes while we weave between the stands, breathing in that earthy, fresh-picked smell that only comes with summer produce.

After the farmers market, we usually make our way to Janoski’s Farm Market — a family favorite and a bit of a local treasure. It’s not just a farm stand; it’s an entire market full of color, texture, and flavor. The tables overflow with tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and cabbage; baskets of crisp apples and firm potatoes line the aisles. There’s eggplant with its deep purple shine, bundles of fresh dill that fill the air with the most comforting scent, and so many different kinds of peppers — from sweet bells to spicy little surprises.

Rows of cauliflower and broccoli heads sit beside zucchini and lettuce so fresh it still glistens with morning dew. We load up on all of it, filling bags and baskets until the stroller’s storage is packed. By the time we leave, the car smells like sunshine and soil — the best scent of summer.

And tucked away in a quiet corner of Janoski’s, there’s a little surprise JT looks forward to every single time: Dexter the tortoise. It’s become a ritual for him to visit Dexter before we leave — he always gives him a little wave and tells him we’ll be back soon.

Between our garden at home and our weekly market trips, we’ve spent the season filling our kitchen and freezer with nature’s goodness. We blanch, freeze, and tuck everything away so we can pull it out in the middle of winter and remember these warm, easy days.

Now, as late fall rolls in, the air is changing, the leaves are turning, and I can’t help but feel a little nostalgic. The garden is quieting down, the markets are wrapping up, and the freezer is officially full. It’s bittersweet, but that’s part of the rhythm — every season has its own kind of magic.

The boys have loved coming along for every bit of it — JT running ahead, River watching from the stroller — and I know these will be some of the memories that stick. Fresh air, good food, worn in flip flops, and family… it doesn’t get better than that. 🍅🌽🥔🥕