A difficult discussion

Multiple things contribute to a rise in suicides

It usually isn't just one thing, and these are some other factors:

1. relationship problems—I am sure that no one is experiencing any of those during the pandemic. HA! How many couples do you know of that have split or are getting COVID divorces right now? My list has 3, and I don’t know that many people!
2. substance abuse—have you driven past a liquor store lately? If you think their business fell off, you’d be mistaken. In fact, a March news piece by KSDK started this way: “One way Americans are coping with the new coronavirus? Booze."
3. recent crisis—I can’t think of any recent crisis…can you?

September 11-13

Shifting Gears

Farm to Table is a great event with great food that celebrates the work of our local farmers, crafters, and artisans in a laid-back atmosphere that has just enough elegance to make it really special. There’s just enough bidding wars over auction items to keep the event from being stale but not enough that there are fistfights. Guests love it because of all these things and because it is truly a great evening spent supporting the DeSoto Farmers’ Market.

This year we are shifting gears though, and it is going to be different!

September 19

Great kids activity

It will be different this year because what isn't! We're going to have a great Cycle Parade though. Kids, bikes, and helmets need to be at the farmers' market pavilion to line-up for the parade at 9:45 AM. Masks will be required for all participants over 2 years old. Be sure to come early for a free helmet and fitting. After we safely parade down Main Street and return to the market, we'll award a prize for the best decorated bike, learn how to track down holes in leaky tires, and enjoy a popsicle.

Theme for decorating is (of course):

All things COVID; flatten the curve, not your tires!

What if it rains? Kids just go home stinky after riding in the rain!

Courtesy of Julie's Eats and Treats

One Pan Parmesan Pork Chops and Veggies

Ingredients

• 1 lb bone-in pork chops about 4-5 chops
  
• 16 oz baby red potatoes cut into 1'' in pieces
• 16 oz green beans trimmed
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme or 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 5 garlic cloves minced
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl combine the olive oil, thyme, garlic, pepper, salt and Parmesan cheese.
   
3. Brush about 1/2 of mixture on the top of the pork chops. Place pork chops on baking sheet.
4. Add the potatoes and green beans to the Parmesan mixture in the bowl and mix until combined. Place veggies on the baking sheet with pork chops.
5. Bake 20-22 minutes then broil for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is golden and the pork is completely cooked through - reaching an internal temperature between 145 degrees to 160 degrees F. Let rest 3 minutes.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition

(These might seem a little high, but keep in mind that the recipe makes a whole meal.) Calories: 713kcal; Carbohydrates: 29g; Protein: 63g; Fat: 37g; Saturated Fat: 14g; Cholesterol: 180mg; Sodium: 1039mg; Potassium: 1556mg; Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 5g; Vitamin A: 1295IU; Vitamin C: 27.6mg; Calcium: 540mg; Iron: 3.9mg.