Farmers Market Spotlight: Kinnikinnick Gardens & Ryjker Ridge Farm

    This week I'm giving you a twofer.  I want to tell you about Kinnikinnick Gardens and Ryjker Rige Farm.  I know, you're confused...you don't understand...why would I overload your senses with two wonderful Chillicothe Farmers Market members in one day?  That's because for me they go together.  Sort of like a comfortable pair of slippers.  They are always next to each other.  It's been like that forever...well, as long as I know anyway.  When I think of Pat Rupiper and Bart Henshaw I think of Frick and Frack, ketchup and mustard, Lenny and Squiggy...ok, maybe not Lenny and Squiggy...more like Laverne and Shirley.  You get what I mean.  When one isn't at the Market I truly feel like something important is missing.
    These ladies have been with the Market since it's beginning.  They have put so much into it and I truly appreciate all that they have done for us.  In fact, Bart and Pat are the first two people I met when we started with the Market.  I also see them across from me on Saturday mornings, cheery, bright eyed and bushy tailed...ok, a bit of an exaggeration about the tails, but you get the idea.  
    Here's the thing though with them being across from me...I can see EVERYTHING they are selling.  Bart makes the most mouth watering whole grain breads and muffins!  And don't even get me started on the cookies and biscoti!!  Trust me, I know.  She also grows her veggies chemical free, which is a major bonus with me.  Her tomato plants, lettuce, and other garden goodies score major kudos with me, too, because after I plow through the breads I feel like if I add some greens I'm even healthier.  Pat sells the most lucious lettuce, flavorful garlic, and neat heirloom tomatoes!  All chemical free, which of course scores uber bonus points on the even better for me scale.  Oh, and some of the funkiest and funnest fall gourds and things I have ever graced my fireplace hearth with have come from Pat's place.  I have given some very interesting veggies a go from her stand, too.  She's also a whiz bang at heirloom tomato knowledge.  Do you get the feeling I really like these gals?    
    Next time you're at the Chillicothe Farmers Market make sure to stop by and visit with Bart Henshaw of Ryjker Ridge Farm and Pat Rupiper of Kinnikinnick Gardens.  You'll be glad you did.  In the meantime, they're up there in the picture waving to you.  You've waved to everyone else I've spotlighted so far, so go ahead...give a little wave.  No one will think you're being weird.  Smiling & Waving, Sharon

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