Sunburst Market

We spent Saturday morning looking for the local Farmers Market.  We had some addresses, and off we went eager to find a market like we were used to in KY and VA.  It was a gorgeous morning so we were up for the drive.  We asked some friends if they'd like to come to, so we formed a convoy (two cars really!) and started our adventure. We drove downtown - nothing. We drove out of town - nothing. We stopped and asked someone, they said go downtown, we must of missed it. So, we headed back but, I took a wrong turn. As we were trying to find our way back, we noticed a sign that said SUNBURST MARKET. It was a sign that looked straight out of the 1930s, so we were both intrigued and doubtful that it was still in existance.  But, we decided to check it out.  Success! We found this cute little family run market sitting in the middle of a field. 

We parked and went in. It was really crowded for being a hidden little spot down a country road.  The kids thought it was neat and really enjoyed looking at all the produce. We saw some two tone squash that we had never seen before. They had a display of cotton still on the branch. The kids touched it and thought it was cool.  Olivia was really fascinated by the hot peppers. There were many of them in different sizes. She especially liked the little tiny baby ones!

Aidan loved the honey. We had just been talking about the honey sticks we used to get at the market in Lexington. He was telling all of us how bees like to eat honey. Imagine his surprise when we told him that bees MAKE honey! We sealed the discussion when we found jars of honey with the combs inside. He loved that!

I got a lesson in black eye peas.  There were three different types of peas.  I had no idea what the difference was between them, so I asked.  The lady working there was very nice and explained that the plain green ones were creamy peas, the ones that were purple were the black eye peas and the ones that were both colors had a bold flavor and were the best sellers. I ended up buying a very small amount of creamy peas. I wasn't sure if the kids would like them so I didn't want to get too many! Gonna make em today, with the help of the kids. I think they will like shucking them. If that's what you call it with peas!

We also got some cucumbers and corn on the cob. Can't wait to eat them!  It was a fun time. After we looked around the market, we went out into the field a little ways because the boys wanted to look for snakes! Believe me, that didn't last long with me around. I vetoed that action quick!  We did enjoy the sunshine and the reasonable temperature though. It was nice to be out and about and experiencing some Americana.  I don't know if we will go back again, maybe for pumpkins?  We'll see . . .

New Home, New Beginning

We are here. A month and a half in Lubbock, Texas. We are almost used to the wind, the dust, the heat - the cookie cutter box we live in! We live in the more under-developed side of town. It's nice because we have crop fields mixed in with the neighborhoods and small shopping areas. We have explored the other side of town; the mall, restaurants, the library, movie theatre - and James Avery! We almost know where everything is! We have found a few local restaurants that we like too. Ruby Tequila's and Rosa's Cafe. Both of those ladies have got us wrapped around their fingers! The food is good and the price is right. We are happy to be in a place where we can get good mexican food. Yum!




We have been living for school to start and it has. Two days in and the kids seem happy. One in kindergarten, one in middle school. Aidan's teacher is Mrs. Spradley. She is a seasoned teacher who started in kindergarten, moved to 4th and is back teaching kindergarten. We hope that she will be excited to get back to an age group that she prefers, and that it will make for a great year for Aidan. He has eagerly woken up, gotten ready and headed into his classroom.







Today he rode the bus! He was so excited and absolutely fearless. He barely gave me a hug before running up to the door and climbing on. Of course, I called the school later to make sure he made it to his classroom. He did thank goodness! I think he is ready to have a great year. When he gets home, he tells me that he didn't get sent to the prinicpal's office and he followed all the rules! So cute.




Olivia's school is a Magnet School set in a regular middle school. She is taking all pre-AP classes and we are super proud of her! Her first day went well. She enjoyed all her classes and met some new friends. She came home happy and I was thankful that she'd had a good day. Then came day number two. Her new friends didn't talk with her very much so she's convinced that they don't like her. Her classes were over crowded as they work out some scheduling kinks. And she ran into some people that she thought were loud and obnoxious in her advisory. There were tears the whole way home and I wanted to seriously hurt someone!! But, I put on my mom hat and tried to comfort her. By 7pm, she was happy again - playing and being silly. This morning she was a regular Scarlett O'Hara, a new day with new possibilities. She amazes me!

Rick starts school on Thursday. He has had meetings all week though. He will be a teaching assistant this semester, and yes he gets paid for that. He is also on a list to tutor athletes - he is excited about that! I am just hoping we can get tickets to the football games! Rick is also going to possibly assistant direct ANTON IN SHOW BUSINESS. More on that later.

I am searching for a job and hanging out at home. Subbing probably won't start until Sept. but I have turned in all required paperwork and am just waitin' for the phones calls to start pouring in. Of course, I hope to find a permanent teaching position, but am not holding my breath right now. Keep your fingers crossed that I will find something soon!