One of my favorite things to do on a Saturday afternoon is go to the Rittenhouse Square farmers’ market. I’m a huge sucker for farmers markets in general, but today it was especially beautiful. The leaves are in the midst of changing colors, so the sun reflects through them like a million little rays onto the sidewalks. Plus, Rittenhouse square itself is really nice- the park is surrounded by trees, and it has a fountain in the middle of it. Little kids are usually at the fountain trying to climb the lion statues, watched over by anxious parents. Once, I saw a little kid trying to climb the lion statue, and the family dog rushed over to him and pulled him down. It was super cute. Anyway- farmers markets!

I really like the idea of being able to buy affordable, natural, and locally-grown food to support farmers in my area, as well as eating what is naturally in season, so the farmers market provides the environment in which to do so. Unfortunately for me, some of it is really unaffordable, but usually the plants and produces are well priced. Even if I’m not going to make a purchase, just walking around and looking at all the stalls is really relaxing.

Pam and I decided to talk a walk this morning through the market, and just browse. It was an ideal day for a walk, and we lazed around for a long time. Pam bought me a little cactus- he’s about the size of a cotton ball and I am so excited to add him to my ever-growing collection of plants on my windowsill. We went shopping for a friends birthday gift, and she got a cup of coffee. Overall, it was a quiet and low-stimuli day.

PLUS I got to pet this little dog friend!! His name is Moose and he is a puppy. He is really friendly and likes to chase leaves. He licked my hand, and then let me pet him. His owner said that he’s a silver lab, which I’ve never heard of, but apparently Moose will grow to be about 70lbs which I think is pretty big. He wasn’t shy of the small crowd that gathered around him.

I would love love love love love to have a pet when I graduate (Effy is mine, but he stays in Florida) but I’m afraid that apartment life may not be the best thing for a doggy or kitty. Either way, I want to do some research on what animals local shelters have before I make any decisions about getting an animal. Pam and I go back and forth between wanting one, so we both have taken it as a signal to wait until we’re 100% sure. Pets are like having kids, in my eyes- you have them and you love them unconditionally and they are part of your family.