I went to a small farmer's market here in Columbus, GA, last weekend and rediscovered the joys of fresh tomatoes and basil as well as fresh baked bread. I made pesto, bruschetta and tossed some penne with chopped tomatoes and basil. Yum. We'll be heading back tomorrow morning to see what else we can find. :)

Hi, all I have a question about decorating. Is it okay to have a carpet (berber) with different colors? I live in a rental apartment (15 yrs) and the carpet is shot. About half is OK and the other is worn. I want to pull up the old carpet and put in squares that are a different color but same material. I want to know how i can do this creatively so it doesn't look weird. You can email me: wrightinchicago @ yahoo.com

BTW, is there anyone in Chicago who can visit and give a consultation about this?

Chicago48 - try posting your query on an AT open thread on one of the not-kitchen bits above. I reckon if you like the colours then go for it! You'll probably get better, more specialist advice on one of the decor sites tho!

Tgary99 - that sounds fantastic!

Sorry, tgRAy! D'oh!

The Saint Paul (MN) Farmers Market is pure joy. Sharing a parking lot with a few hundred people on Saturday morning, with the smell of flowers, basil, bacon and roasted corn in the air is what life is all about.

The surprise discovery I've made is the bison. Specifically, the hotdogs and salami. Very tasty and little fat.

SeanG, your market sounds amazing. Did you take any pictures? We'd love to post them here.

what do you do with a young Thai coconut, other than drink the water and scrape out the flesh . . . ?