A Morning at the Market

Sometimes in the susquehanna Valley fall comes fast. (Of course, sometimes it doesn't.) I've really only lived in one place with wierder weather than central PA; Berlin, Germany. This year we had a fall preview on the 20th of September. The morning was pleasantly cool after several hot, muggy days. the air was fresh and clean. It smelled delightful and inviting, even though we were in the middle of Lancaster County farm country. Jeanne and Annie had been telling me all summer that I needed to go to the Leola market to take some pictures, so I set aside some time and went with Jeanne. There was a little morning mist filtering the sun, exaggerating the colors, so nature provided everytyhing except a finger to actuate the shutter. The experience was not dissimilar from eating a fine meal at a new restaurant with wonderful company. All the senses were stimulated, beginning with the eyes - the colors were simply incredible. There were mums everywhere, pumkins, gourds, tomatoes, fruit and even corn stalks. All in the spirit of fall. Of course, pictures can't describe the sounds, particularly the Pennsylvania Dutch and thick Mennonite accents filling the air. Belching tractor motors and clopping horses hoofs moving product, loaded on wagons of every sort, into the auction area. Auctioneers voices, amplified by low quality speakers, and the ever present wailing of PA's summer bugs. Sights, sounds and smells. I did touch a couple of horses but refrained from tasting any of the produce. I guess I erred by saying "all the senses were stimulated," but four out of five isn't too bad.