The Legend grows…

[Robert MoonShadow]

This is about the “Legend of the Pirate-Farmer” {um, that’d be me}. These legends are as truthful as I can make them…usually. 😉

I grow produce for the farmers’ markets; I also wear an eyepatch because I’m blind in my R. eye. Many kids ask me “Are you a REAL pirate?”
Of course, I then go into “pirate-farmer mode”.

This past summer, I started expanding into a new (for me) FM in a resort town 70 miles south of me, called McCall, Idaho. The entire town is located on a beautiful mountain lake. The FM is located on the lake: there’s the beach & marina, then a parking lot, then the market.
Now you know the set-up. Here’s what caused the Legend to grow….
2 young women (mid-twenties) approach my booth, with 3 little ones in tow; a little girl of about 4, and 2 boys around 6 & 7. The women are sisters, taking their other sister’s kids to the market. I handed out a free peach to each…
“Are you a REAL pirate??”
“Arrghh! Yes, yes – of course I be a REAL pirate!!”
“Why aren’t you on a boat?”
:confused:
{Thinking quickly}
“Cuz I HAD a boat – see that lake there? Me had a big, fine boat…’til the scurvy dogs sank me boat one day!!””
“Why are you a farmer, then?”
“Cuz I had goaties & bunnies & seeds on me boat…I had to do SOMEthing with the wee ones, ayuh?!?”
“Ooohhhh…we heard about that!!”

One of their aunts explained: Seems that just the previous week, some guy had flipped his sailboat on the lake, and he & his dog swam to shore (he was barely off the dock) 😮

Of such, legends are made. :p

[Jean]

I spent a week in McCall a couple of summers ago. I was a tag along, while my husband was on a business trip. That was where I took my last trail ride before getting my own horse. Had some great hikes and fun bike rides around the lake. I think the ranch hand that I rode out with was surprised to see me show up on a bike instead of a mercedes. Seemed to be a big money town. Hopefully they are willing to pay good prices for your produce and truthful stories.

[Robert MoonShadow]

They sure don’t quibble about the quality or price of the produce : they have about an 80-day growing season, and most have vacation homes there, so are used to farmers’ markets & higher prices in their cities.
As for the stories; the market-managers placed me way in the back, between the largest outfit there (who are merely re-sellers, not growers, but HUGE & low priced) and…the porta-potti!! 😮
Sold out every thing I had, every week…something about “you make it FUN to bring the kids & make a day of it…”
Next year, I’ll be taking the donks as ‘ambassadors’…

[Author]

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