Change of Seasons

One question I was asked a lot when I first moved to California is don't you miss the change of seasons? And honestly, no I don't, mostly I remember the change of seasons as a slow march toward another arctic weather. In Oakland I measure seasons by the farmer's market. In winter fewer vendors show up and for the most part it's root vegetables and ordinary looking flowers. Then spring comes with asparagus, various leafy green vegetables, irises and tulips at the flower stand. Now it's almost summer and once again the tasty trio of strawberries, apricots and raspberries have returned to the farmer's market. The strawberries and raspberries will be around for a while but the apricots in all their yummy goodness are gone in a few short weeks. Last week's crop were a good start, not quite at the peak of ripeness, almost teasing with the promise of more flavorful days ahead. This week their more apricots were there in all their delicious glory. Wonderfully sweet, fabulously juicy, easy to consume, fruity perfection in a small golden package. Soon they will be gone, but there are blueberries ahead and plums, nectarines, basil, summer squash. So much goodness to look forward to. My favorite is just beginning!