Local farmers markets have thankfully been declared essential businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Weds I had to run into Keck for a quick pickup and gladly noted that the mid-week market at Pukulani Stables was open. I would stop by after completing my errand.
The market was running light on vendors, but doing just fine on customers. Many of the non-food vendors were not there, Warren and his photographic prints were missing, the candy gal with homemade cakes and brittle absent, as were the various gift and craft vendors. Selling non-essential items they are likely not covered in the closure exemption, and the usual tourists who are their real customers are gone.
Who was there are the usual produce vendors. I immediately head to Honopua Farms table looking for beets and lettuce. To my pleasure they have both and I scoop up a bag of beets. Fresh veggies will go well with all of the basics from our last Costco run.
Everyone was doing well with the recommended virus precautions, I saw no-one without a mask, and the vendors had gloves. The folks waiting for orders at the food trucks were standing in a widely separated arc under the jacaranda trees.
The whole scene was a little weird, out of place on the pretty warm and sunny day. I find I am growing used to the new normal, to the point that anyone without a mask now gets my attention rather than the reverse.
I also put in an order at Red Barn, their grilled ruben sandwich is worth the wait. In this troubled time I enjoy supporting a local vendor, particularly one who makes such great sandwiches. Not my first ruben from them, more than a few ordered here before.
As I wait for my sandwich a hen and chicks forage in the grass and fallen jacaranda blossoms. The chicks dart about and peep, oblivious to the somber mood of the people living through a pandemic and the impact on our lives.
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