An unexpected and pleasant surprise

Every now and then some little surprise event comes along that really lifts one's spirits, really makes one's day. That happened to me last week at a most unexpected place. 

Last Friday — Good Friday — I had the day off by chance as I was scheduled to work on Saturday (I work one Saturday every month). I suggested to Barb that we go to the Green Dragon Market to shop for some produce, nuts and dried fruit. Barb was off Good Friday as well. MCC employees appreciate having Good Friday as a paid holiday.

I checked online and — unlike many Lancaster County businesses that are closed — learned Green Dragon Farmers Market and Auction would be open Good Friday and Black Friday from 9 am - 9 pm. Barb and I agreed to go by 9:30 to avoid large crowds and have better selection. Wow! Surprise! Little did we realize this is one of the two busiest days at Green Dragon. The other being Black Friday. We soon discovered the slogan: "the dragon comes alive every Friday as the rooster crows early morn." is a true statement.

We started to sense there was going to be a crowd when as we got within about a mile of the market traffic began to stop and go. Residents near the market avail themselves to the heavy traffic with yard sales. And they do grab the drivers' attention.

It's difficult to describe Green Dragon Farmers Market and Auction in words. To learn more, click here. I have included portions of the brochure for you to browse. It is located 4 miles from our house. 20 acres of free parking and hundreds of vendors, indoors - in ramshackle buildings cobbled together and in various stages of deterioration and outdoors booths. There is large small animal auction every Friday with oodles of rabbits, fancy chickens, geese, goats, calves, tropical birds. etc, that is fascinating to take in.

There is a local saying, "if you can't buy it at the Green Dragon, it chust ain't fer sale!"

 I have likened it to the Turner County Fair only much more concentrated and packed together. The food fare is similar to a fair with tons of junk food - actually much junkier food than the TC Fair. And people love to eat at Green Dragon because they don't offer kale, quinoa, whole grain breads, broccoli, brussel sprouts or any other trendy, elitist foods — just good old greasy comfort food. Let me just say, this is a very "earthy" market. 

As usual when at a such a place and with my digestion situations, I need to know where the "necessary room" is. There is a shortage of rest room facilities at Green Dragon. One mens room with three urinals and three stalls for the public!! So when I decided I should visit the washroom, to my chagrin, there was a line of about 12 men lined up outside waiting to go in — more typically the scene at a women's washroom. 

I queued to use the facilities and the line moved fairly quickly. As I neared the doorway I heard a voice inside clearly announcing to those in line, "stall", "urinal", when they became available. To my amazement a washroom attendant was helping move people through. What a nice service!! When "stall?" was called I was able to go ahead about five others and upon entering the little washroom heard music coming from a small portable stereo on a little table and candle burning to help neutralize the atmosphere. The attendant was busy dispensing paper towels and handing them to those washing up, keeping an eye on the stalls and urinals and thanking everyone for cooperation and tips (he had a tray placed between the two lavatories). He also made sure the stalls were clean before entering. He was really good at the job - pleasant, and was not in the way which is a trick in that little washroom. 

I suspect he asked the market officials for permission to do this. Regardless, it was something out of the ordinary for such a low-rent place. I can't recall the last time I was in a washroom with an attendant. I was a delight for me. And, yes, I left a tip. As did others. I think he came out okay.

This Friday I'm scheduled to have a colonoscopy in Hershey which was ordered by my oncologist to "see" what may be contributing to my ongoing severe diarrhea. I appreciate your prayers for conclusion so we know how to proceed. I feel good most of the time, but not great. And I am weakened significantly by the lack of nutrition. - Ricky