“Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.” Doug Larson, American journalist

It was back riding on Chapala’s back-trails; passing by many abundantly planted fields and greenhouses, always wondering if it’s possible to stop and buy some freshly picked produce. Sally, our fearless riding group leader, discovered a small ranch willing to sell to us directly. What follows is a little bit intrigue, suspense, and downright homespun goodness. Herewith are the exact directions she gave me to get to this farm …

Starting at 10 am, pass by the water trough where our horses drink … then go past the cemetery and upon reaching a red door, right before the soccer field, turn right and go down the dirt alley all the way to the end. What? Was this some sort of setup? Are we headed into a cartel ambush?

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On the contrary … riding onto the property was a corral full of sheep, goats and chickens running about us. The usual suspects found on a farm. At the ranch house we called out, but there was no response. My active imagination kicked in and raced about, “We’re trespassing … are they loading up their shotguns? Are we moving targets?” I’m starting to sweat bullets.

Instead, we continued on down the road and finally spotted Diego, the farmer, down in one corner of the property tending to his vegetable garden. Hallelujah, amen.

He approached us and after a few introductions told us what was ready to harvest: beautiful, large betabel/remolacha (beets) y zanahorias (carrots); those later to be simply roasted and enjoyed.

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Happy campers, all loaded up with earthly fresh vegetables, but not before questioning Diego, “What’s up next to be harvested?” Cucumbers, spinach, celery, sweet chard, lettuces and Mexican calabacitas (squash). So it’s with great anticipation we await our next visit. This may be the beginning of a long relationship now that there’s a direct line for “farm-to-table” provisions; plus our pesos go directly to the farmer.

Speaking of farmers … Farmer Dave is back! Sheltering at home these past months provided him ample time to start growing green stuff in pots … a variety of herbs and veggies. He’s recycled and repurposed paper egg cartons and plastic clamshell containers as a seed starter; very smart if you ask me.

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He’s also growing Fruta Bomba as it’s known to us Habaneros and to the rest of the world ​Papaya​. The seeds came directly from a sweet specimen devoured from our next door neighbor’s tree. The gift that keeps on giving. Hopefully, in a year’s time we should be enjoying fresh papaya smoothies.

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Life needs to be in balance … along with the week’s contentment came the sadness that our dear neighbor, Cleo, has passed away at the hospital. Sadly, she took a fall at her home and broke her hip. It was just two weeks prior that we all celebrated her 99th birthday with a memorable birthday drive-by. Alas, such is life and we feel lucky to have known this special lady.

Although our hearts are saddened, the vision that holds dear is her big, ever ready and radiant smile and I can honestly say, “WHAT A LIFE WELL LIVED!” Thank you, Cleo, for that and your wonderful joie de vivre.

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​On the Menu …​ A perfectly seasoned Pan-fried Salmon, served with Quinoa Summer Salad on a bed of greens; ​Tortilla de Patatas Españolas​ made exceptional with a twist ~ potato chips! Simply delicious with just three ingredients: eggs, chips and olive oil.

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Costco’s Spinach Ravioli smothered in a homemade chunky, garlicky tomato sauce; farm roasted beets and goat cheese salad and most miraculously, from our very own banana tree, David made a rich and moist banana bread! Toast a slice and pass the butter, por favor.

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Incredibly, I’m imagining the possibility, in a year’s time, we’ll be serving up our very own fruit salad made from our backyard bounty. Now that’s something to rejoice in, bacon or not.