For the sake of simplicity, I’ll count my lifestyle debits and credits as drops of water. And, to keep it even more simple, all acts of good and ill receive the same drop-value, deposited or removed from the bucket of Andrew.
If you've refrained from eating tomatoes in the last month — or, like me, have done so with fork trembling over your salad — good news is on the horizon. Area farmers’ markets are set to open in Keyser, Piedmont and Fort Ashby, and everybody's favorite vegi-fruit will be available among the other glistening goodies.
And no worries: This produce isn’t been shipped in a diesel-sucking truck up I-95 from Florida, nor is it making the transcontinental trip across the border from Mexico. It’s all fresh grown in the rolling hills and valleys of West Virginia, by West Virginian farmers, and the only trip it's making is from the ground, tree, or bushel — straight to your countertop.
While simultaneously being a hypocrite of convenience and a well-intentioned mouth-breather, I preach the local produce doctrine even as I swipe my bonus card for my bag ’o mixed greens that has a shelf life shorter than sun-drenched egg salad.
In this case, like in others, the easy way out beats commitment for me. It’s something I’ve been working on, from the ground up, with mixed results. In addition to wanting to eat better, and more consciously, I’ve tried to exercise more. And yes, full disclaimer, you’ve likely seen me walking, but I'm not trying to fool anyone: I live three blocks from the office. And yes, though it does save me money on gas, I never look up to the sky and say ‘You’re welcome, buddy’ for not starting my engine that morning and hurtling more carbon into the air.
Sadly, my bachelor’s life diet today isn't much different than it was when I was in college. The only exception is that I now microwave preservative-free Lean Cuisines rather than boiling noodles to go along with my silver packet of chicken-flavored salt. It’s not that I don't enjoy a good, healthy meal. I've been very lucky throughout my life having wonderful meals prepared for me. But when it's just me, the easier the better.
With three farmers' markets in the area — and at countywide convenience — what excuse do I really have to not buy fresh, local produce? And what’s a guy who nukes his dinner going to do with it? Well . . . eat it. That, or give it to someone who can turn it into a delicious meal just for me.
I guess I’m a typical American: My good intentions are in constant battle with my bad habits in an epic, Ridley Scott-directed splatterfest, Commodus always there with a tomato picked in California, and Maximus slashing through with a reason to walk other than proximity to work.
I'll make a deal with you. I promise to make it to all three markets this season, even if it means driving my car, and I’ll see you there.
Not a good enough deal? Okay. How about this: At each market, I’m going to bring a newspaper and free two-week subscription to our publication that I’ll pay for out of my own pocket. If you already subscribe (and I hope you do), I’m sure you know someone who doesn't. Take them with you. We can add some drops in the bucket. And while I promised not to ascribe a point system to the drops, I think some are better than others, don't you agree?
The Piedmont market opens July 11 at 8 a.m. at the Water Street Pavilion. Keyser has its markets Fridays behind the Polish Pines complex, and Fort Ashby is Fridays at the Mineral County Fairgrounds on Rt. 28.
See you there.
Andrew Arthur is managing editor of the News-Tribune.