Wednesday morning I drove downtown to check out the Westown Farmer's Market since I've been meaning to for weeks. I was on a tight schedule because we were going to the Brewers game and had to leave by noon.
I parked my car and walked around Zeidler Union Square for about fifteen minutes. I remember when I was driving there thinking, I hope they get some business. I mean, the booths are set up every single Wednesday, how busy can it be?
The Square was full of people. But of course it was - fresh, delicious-looking produce straight from the farm for less than you'd pay in the supermarket. And a good feeling comes with buying from a farmer's market because you know exactly who your money is supporting.
I would have stocked up on some veggies had I been planning on cooking in the next few days, but since that wasn't the plan, I bought a huge bunch of wild flowers for only $5 instead.
I sped home and then it was off to see the Brewers play the Cardinals at Miller Park at 1:05. Dave took the little boy he mentors and I tagged along. The stadium was pretty full - over 37,000 people - and on a Wednesday afternoon, no less. Our seats were pretty good, but we were right in the hot, beating sun the whole game, which got to be a bit miserable. We sat in pools of sweat as we watched the Brewers lose a quick 2 1/2 hour game.
I enjoy Brewers games, but not really because of the game. I mean, I'll cheer and get into it, but for me - and I'm sure for others out there - it's more about being outside at beautiful Miller Park on a (very) hot summer afternoon, singing "Take me out to the ballgame" and "Roll out the barrel" during the seventh inning stretch, watching the sausage races, and eating nachos and ice cream. Oh, and for most of the city's population, drinking beer.
That night, Dave and I made our first visit to Metro Market (the Pick N Save on Van Buren) and yes, it's a wonderful as everyone says it is. Who knew a grocery store could be so beautiful and inviting? There's so much variety of everything. The produce section, the cheeses, the hot food, the cold salads, the enormous meat and seafood case. It's a foodie's heaven! We got some sushi and some bruschetta-like pizza and ate it while watching a movie we rented. It was a good day.
Speaking of Metro Market, remember this? Lauren and I filled out every single one of those raffle tickets and she brought them back to the store before the August 1 deadline. Have either of us been called saying we won one of the FIFTY $100 gift cards? NO! We think it's a conspiracy. I think I might have to go and demand a list of the winners! Because I should have been one of them!
Reading this was like listening to my girlfriend. She isnt a huge fan of baseball, but she is a great sport about going to see the Brewers with me. Thats one great thing about Miller Park and the Brewers, everyone can enjoy the game, regardless of being a fan. It's an amazing stadium and they do a lot to keep the fans involved. Sometimes they need to in order to make up for when the Brewers lose.
Posted by: Steve | August 23, 2005 at 08:18 AM