I never know what I’ll find and who I’ll meet as I wander the Landrum Farmers Market. I peruse the vegetable stands and eye some wonderful, purple eggplants.

Eggplant Parmesan might be on my menu this week. I purchase a colorful bunch of zinnias to adorn my table.  And of course I pick up my eggs.

Next I stop at a table covered with hand crocheted baby items, homemade bread, and a big, solid wooden box. Bethanna Kortie is behind the table displaying her crocheted handiwork. Bethanna is known as “Farmer John’s Wife” on Etsy.

She looks like your favorite aunt, all smiles, donning a flowered calico apron that looks perfect for baking a batch of cookies.

As we chat, I learn that she grew up in Arizona where her parents are missionaries on a Navajo reservation. John, her husband grew up here and now they live in the same house that his Dad grew up in.

“We live near the covered bridge and get to see all the events, like summer weddings that happen there,“ she relates. “And I make wonderful mint iced tea. Please, have a cup,“ she offers. It’s a hot day and I’m happy to cool off. The tea is refreshing and deliciously minty. Ask Bethanna for her secret that makes the special flavor.

Jane Kortie is a friendly 13- year-old and is the bread baker.

“Last summer we came to the farmers market and decided we wanted to be part of it. But, we had to decide what we would sell. I’m home schooled,” Jane explains. “So, we made Home Economics part of the curriculum for the year and I learned how to bake bread.  Lemon Poppy seed is a favorite here. By selling my bread each week, I make money to buy the ingredients for the next batch. This year our special project is Woodworking.”

And that leads to the next item, the big, wooden box. John Kortie does some woodworking and has created what he calls a “potluck dinner box.”

It has two levels. As John demonstrates how the two levels work he tells me, “The bottom level is the perfect size for a large casserole dish. The top level can hold drinks, plates, and silverware.”

And I immediately visualize a crusty blueberry cobbler safely ensconced in the sturdy box. This is the perfect answer for all those covered dishes that get bounced around in the back of the car on your way to the latest church potluck.

I wave goodbye to the Kortie’s and head home to store my purchases.

But let me add a tip. If you see the man under the umbrella at the end of the row, he’s selling biscuit bacon egg sandwiches and coffee. But total disclosure: That’s my husband!

– Landrum Wanderings, Linda List