A Farm Stand In South Salem, New York-Reminder of Days Gone By

A Bounty of Fresh Vegetables

Today was a whirlwind, my pugs, Izzy and Nando have had some medical problems and today I had to take Nando for a biopsy. My Veterinarian’s office is Upstate, New York. It’s a 62 mile drive one way but totally worth it for me. Once you find someone you trust implicitly as I do Dr. Seo distance has no meaning. I had to be there by 9AM, left my house very early Izzy and Nando in tow. To say I was nervous and worried is an understatement. The “C” word came up when Nando was examined last week and I feared the worst. You see, I have been through this multiple times with my other pets and no matter how many times you go through it doesn’t get easier. Luckily, Nando was scheduled as the first procedure so I knew I would not have to wait long for word on how he was. Rather than sit in the waiting room I decided to go get a cup of coffee with Izzy and my friend Steve who kindly drove me and the pugs upstate today. We have been there many times and each time we notice signs across the street from the vets office for a farm stand, fresh corn, tomatoes, squash and eggs. I thought it would be nice to wander over there and see what they have. As we walked up the driveway and passed the quaint beautiful little house we noticed the rows and rows of corn and other vegetables growing. It was idyllic and beautiful, but I could not figure out where the farm stand was. A car pulled into the drive way so we asked him where we could buy the vegetables and he pointed to a covered stand in back of the house, he said the farmer who owns the stand is not there and we can take what we like on the honor system. There is a box to put the money, just weigh what we want and leave the cash in the box. I think I looked at him like he had two heads, being from Brooklyn, and living in the city that is unheard of. I made my way to the little stand and there were rows of fresh tomatoes, corn, squash, peppers and other vegetables. On the side was a cash box with a simple hand written sign directing you to slip the money in the slot and a cup filled with change and bills and a sign that told you to use it if you need to make change. I carefully picked the vegetables I wanted, weighed and recorded the amount for each on a piece of paper, I slipped my money into the slot and left. As I was walking away I felt like I had been transported back to a kinder gentler time. This man trusted people to do the right thing, and I am sure most would do exactly that. It made me feel good that he trusted his fellow man enough to leave his farm stand full of produce, a cash box and cup full of money out there. I wish I had thought of taking pictures of the stand but my mind was elsewhere, but I’m sure you get the picture.

When I walked back to the office Dr. Seo was walking around outside looking for me, he said Nando was fine, he is cautiously optimistic  about the results and I will know possibly the end of this week. I felt relieved and still remain optimistic that the biopsy results will be benign,

Izzy and Nando together as always in docs office.