OFF TO BUCKLAND FARMER MARKET...

but first we noticed, as we drove by, that all the scaffolding on the Old Stone House in Manassas has been taken away.  It is looking very nice but then I have always thought so, even before these recent renovations.  I'm glad they are taking care of it for future generations.  We must never forget these places, or the people most importantly.  

The Old Stone House was used as a hospital during the Civil War, and the red flag signifies that it is a place of refuge for those who were injured. I thought that was the case but I wanted to make sure, and on my search for more information I came across this blog.  Jay, its host, is an amateur history buff.  I am always trying to glean more information about these places, some of which I am familiar with, but I found a few snippets that were new. Going through each page of history, and I will be going back as there are many, he tells us about Civil War characters.  Not just people but places too.  I sent the address to my dear other half, as he is also a history buff and I know he will enjoy it.

It took us an hour to reach Buckley Farm Market. We didn't walk around the back and would like to explore next time.  All the produce and other items for sale were in a big building. You can look at their home page at this link for more information, and the history of how it all came to be can be found here.

These were out front.  There were also lots of interesting items for sale inside, but I didn't buy any of those today, just grocery items.

We had fun walking around.  

And there's hubs in the center heading to the...

biscuits.  We bought a package and he

 said they were very good.  I also popped a loaf of bread in the basket.

There were dozens of jars of honey on display.  We have one at home but maybe another time.  We both enjoy local honey.

There was a little nook off to the side and it was a lot fun browsing.  

The painted pig was under the crape myrtle tree out front.  

The farm buildings in the distance got my attention right away.  It was the first thing I saw as we turned into the parking lot.

Closer view...

and one of this lovely house almost obscured by the trees.

There were a few Chicory blooms around (botanical name Cichorium intybus).

The next photo shows an American pokeweed (botanical name Phytolacca americana). It is a toxic plant to both humans and animals, and you can see more information if you click on the link. 

One last view of the farm before we point the car in the direction of home.

These were our purchases; the biscuits, white bread, a mixture of beans (looking forward to making soup when it starts getting cooler)...

 and a pork gravy mix that I was curious about.  My Mother-in-Law made the best pork gravy.  I don't remember tasting anything better, she had a gift. I will use this mix the next time we buy a pork roast.  It won't be as great as my Mum-in-law's but I have a feeling it will still be good.

Our produce: portabella mushrooms, sweet red peppers, tomatoes, peaches, oranges and pears.  They were all very good!  These were about to get a good rinse before storing them.

It was a very enjoyable visit and I would definitely like to go back in the Fall, not only in pumpkin season but nearer the holidays.