OPENING DAY AND A BRIEF WORKOUT UPDATE

at the Newburyport Summer Farmer's Market...side note:  Unfortunately, I took no pictures at the Market.  Pictures of products were taken when I got home.  Pictures of vendors are from their sites.  I have this tendency to live in the moment.  I am busy looking at products, talking to vendors, and listening to music.  Photos totally escape me.

I bought some watermelon radishes and lettuce but unfortunately I forget the name of the vendor.  They are always in Newburyport so I should know the name.

Shopping at Farmers Markets and shopping locally is expensive.  It is expensive operating a small farm and it is hard work.  I wish we valued the work they do.  I wish their product was available to everyone.  I thought of making and marketing a product.  When I priced it out, it just seemed way too expensive and the profit would be too small. 

Here are a few of my favorites:

LILAC HEDGE FARM
http://www.lilachedgefarm.com/

and Tom was here today.  When either of the owners of Lilac Hedge are on-site I have a tendency to talk too much.  I love them.  Today, I kept quiet so they could sell their products.

Purchases:

HACKMATACK FARM
http://www.hackmatackfarm.com/

Hackmatack is new to Newburyport.  They are a Bison Farm.  They have 24 bison on huge acreage (I forget how much) in Berwick, ME.  They have a variety of cuts of bison.  I picked some ground bison and short ribs. 

They seem to be a young family trying to make a go of farming. 

Purchases:

VALICENTI PASTA FARM

Valicenti has been around forever.  They make a great pasta product from spaghetti to ravioli.  I am not a huge fan of the gravy probably because I make my own (in summer with my own tomatoes) but I tried their Butternut Squash gravy.  It is unique and fabulous. 

DANCING GOAT FARMS
http://www.dancinggoatsdairy.com/

and the baby goats were in the house.  Goat love!  A little girl was able to hold one of the babies...the goat was just so sweet and cuddly. 

Purchase:

Cracked Pepper Goat Cheese

WORKOUT UPDATE:

I am not yet back to my Certification Training Program.  I've been working my own program but I can't barbell squat or deadlift.  I've been doing some 70 kettlebell deadlifts and those are fine.  OK...I tried some 125 barbell deadlifts and when I hit the third set I felt some pain in the knee.  Ortho MD said wait 2 weeks for deadlifts and squat so I guess I should wait two weeks.

Pat Flynn put together this great kettlebell routine that, when I am not training for a certification, I've incorporated into my workout routine.  I have been able to successful do this since getting theknee drained.  It includes the following:

5 Rounds

     3 reps of swings

     3 reps of one handed swings

     3 reps of cleans

     3 reps of presses

     3 reps of snatches

REST about 60 seconds

5 Rounds

     4 reps of swings

     4 reps of one handed swings

     4 reps of cleans

     4 reps of presses

     4 reps of snatches

REST about 60 seconds

5 Rounds      

     5 reps of swings

     5 reps of one handed swings

     5 reps of cleans

     5 reps of presses

     5 reps of snatches

Today, I am going to try barbell military presses and bench pressing.  Prior to my orthopedic appointment, I felt those in my IT band.  I have been working with Kevin on the IT.

So, will I be able to do the StrongFirst barbell certification or not.  I am still not sure.

FEBRUARY FAVORITES

For the most part February was a good month.  I want to share some of my favorites with you.  This isn't favorite things.  I am talking about experiences and moments that will enrich your life.

OSTERIA NINO
BURLINGTON, MA

I love this restaurant.  When I get that Cacio e Pepe craving this is my go to spot.  It is one of the best I've had.  There are other Roman specialties on the menu.  Service is impeccable.  The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.  I am addicted.  Check it out. 

ROMAE

My new favorite wine... so far I've only been able to enjoy it at  Osteria Nino.  If you find this beautiful red wine sold anyplace in this country please let me know. 

Now a favorite...started when I was working in NYC (needed wine) but continues into February...Estancia.  A nice blend.  On sale.  At Kappy's, Peabody.  Just saying.

JOHN LEGEND

I am addicted to his music...so much so that I've been looking at information on his wife's cookbook to learn what he likes to eat...kidding, really I am kidding.  I checked out his red carpet photos while I was finding his videos and I have to say the man looked very awkward.  Maybe that is a good thing.

Couple of favorites...

LIVING LOCAL

 I know, I know.  Two blog posts in one day.  Here's the thing...I am not sure how I will be feeling about the Pats game.  I am always nervous about these games.

 

Market in the Testaccio, Rome!!
 

The market above is common place in Rome and in Italy.  Italians eat local food and they choose to eat produce that is in season and local.  They go to the butcher for their meat and the fish market for their fish.  Fresh vegetables are beautiful and abundant.  It is a healthy way to love.

I want to talk about cooking with locally made products in New England.  It is more difficult in winter in New England to eat locally but it can be done.  For the Patriots game I am making short ribs and carrots...

The short ribs are from Lilac Hedge Farm. 

The butter, which I picked up at the Wayland Winter Farmer's Market, is from Contoocook Creamery.


The chicken stock I used homemade from a local sourced chicken.  I added onion, not local, and garlic, which I don't remember whether it was local or not.

The wine that I reduced and added to the cooking broth is from Mill River Winery.  Excellent wine especially for a local wine. 

And then the carrots, from Tendercrop in Wenham.  They also have their own eggs.  Just as a side bar, this isn't my usual egg place.  I have a new local source which I will share at a later time. 

In my opinion, for the most part, eating locally prepared and grown food is healthier and it supports the communities in which we live. 

GO PATS!