From Soup to Nuts

MH and I got away for the weekend. It was a spur of the moment thing, with the final decision having been made on Tuesday, the 6th, before leaving on Thursday, the 8th. Of course, we don’t even consider leaving unless there is a suite available at Petcetera, the local pet spa. Squirt seems to have mental telepathy about any trips on the horizon and this time was no exception. It is normally such a traumatic affair that MH and I usually get someone else to check Squirt into his hotel, but we really can leave knowing that he will lead a pampered existence while we are away.
One of our favorite cities, St. Louis, was the selected destination. We didn’t have anything special planned - just a brief and convenient getaway for us. I brought along the camera, plenty of books, and a good appetite. We’ll go back home tomorrow a little heavier, well rested and ready for whatever next week brings our way.
The Soulard Market, located at 730 Carroll St., is the oldest farmer’s market west of the Mississippi; and I’d guess it to be one of the finest in the entire country. From the market, you can see The Arch if you look to the north; while the original Anheuser Busch Brewery, a national historic landmark that is also well worth a visit, is just a short distance south of the market. We had not been to the Soulard Market in several years. I’ve heard conflicting reports about whether wine really gets better with age, but I can tell you that I believe the Soulard Market does get better with age.


Isn't that a beautiful sky? And it was a delightful day. High 80's with low humidity. My kind of summer day.










This pyramid of apples was one of the first sights I saw when I stepped inside the market.








I've never bought sugar cane before. Wouldn't know what to do with it, and I'm not too sure if I've ever even seen any up close and personal before today. I have read about workers who had to cut it, and if my memory serves me correctly, it is wicked stuff to harvest.















I watched this precious scene to the left unfold. The little girl wearing the yellow was really admiring the donuts in that case and she was so excited when her mother bought her some of those scrumptious treats. What a photo op! The yellow sign above the pastries matched what this little child was wearing. Too bad there wasn't a better photographer available.







What can I say? MH bought us some of those homemade donuts, too. We sure didn't need 'em, but they sure were good.




Bamboo for your panda?














Beer for your thirst. (This is something you will never, ever see at the Farmer's Market where I live. Of course, you probably will never see sugar cane or bamboo there, either.)

Yep, they've got about anything you can think of at the Soulard Market. Those donuts alone made it worth the trip.