what a crock.

I think crock pots are among the greatest kitchen devices ever.  The idea of just dumping a bunch of stuff in a pot, walking away from it for 8 hours, and returning to find dinner, ready to serve, is totally exciting.  Plus, it allows me to have control over what I'm eating, which makes it much better than heat-and-serve store-bought stuff.  On Facebook, I'm a member of a crock pot recipe exchange group, but had forgotten about it until yesterday when I was searching for menu ideas before heading out to the store today.  I landed upon two that I will try this week: crock pot lasagna and crock pot enchiladas.  Now, I could clearly make both of these things sans pot, but that's the beauty of it...I don't have to.  Since I know that I will be out later in the afternoon a couple of times this week, it's nice to know that I won't have to stress over making dinner the second I get home.

All hail the mighty crock pot.

Also, I am excited because I just discovered that another farmers market is going to be opening in my town this year!  I filled out a survey that they offered, which asked what my preferences were, both in terms of offerings and entertainment.  Hopefully, it will all come together in the next month or two, because I am very anxious to get my hands on the area's best offerings!  And, right now, it's asparagus season...which I really wish excited me...but it just doesn't.  Anyway, I already have visions of fresh flowers, juicy fruits and crisp veggies dancing in my head.  However, despite the fact that there are several markets that will be only minutes from my home, I am particularly excited to go to the one in the east end.  It disgusts me that I both lived and worked on the east end (for 4 year, altogether) and never...not once...made it to the east end farmer's market.  It's, like, the biggest and baddest market around.  It has the fruits, veggies and flowers of which I spoke...in large quantities, so I hear, and also has artisan breads and other yummy baked goods, freshly-made cheeses, etc.  It sort of makes me envision the parts of "My Fair Lady" when Eliza is busily selling her fresh flowers, along with 25089 other fresh flower vendors.  It also makes me think of the West Side Market in Cleveland, which was a favorite childhood destination.  And, of course, I can't help but think of Portabello Road in London (though it's not quite the same...I can still dream of old books and exciting trinkets, can't I?!).  Oh, London.  I'd love to walk your streets again, and soon.

That's another thing.  I have the travel bug.  Again.  I mean, I'm pretty much always up for a trip, whether near or far, if I can pull it off.  But, right now, I am especially eager to plan something.  However, time, finances, and having lots (and lots) of other goals sort of stand in the way.  I'm okay with it, though.  At least the internet lets me do lots of searching and exploring and dreaming so that, someday, I will get back out there and explore.  Maybe I should start by exploring the things in my own city, first...