The Bridge To Terabithia

Jesse Aarons is an artistic but misunderstood boy. He is growing up in a crowded house with four sisters and a serious father. Leslie Burke just moved next door. She is independent and creative; the only daughter to a pair of writers. The two kids are unlikely friends, but find common ground in the fact that they are both outcasts. Together they create a secret world in the woods filled with fantastic creatures and a castle which they will rule as King and Queen. They overcome the bullies at school, the struggles at home and build a strong friendship but can the lesson carry them through tragedy?

The stress that home provided Jess was something that he needed to learn to deal with better. The Aarons’ house was obviously too small for their size family and their livelihood was mentioned a couple times throughout the film. The Father maintained a greenhouse which provided them food to eat as well as some extra income. He would sell the fresh produce to the local Farmer’s Market.

Riverside County there are a number of different Farmer’s Markets available throughout the year. The Riverside Certified Farmer’s Market meets every Friday, “rain or shine” according to their website (http://www.riversidecfm.com/). Doi’s Farmers Market is a small family owned store and historical Asian American site in Riverside. They also have a smaller fruit and vegetable stand just down the street. The address is 3300 La Sierra Avenue, here the Doi family sells produce they have grown themselves or from other local farmers. Every Saturday between 8 am and 1 pm you can stroll around the Downtown Farmers Market – Riverside. Stands are set up in the pedestrian mall between 5th and 6th St. (http://www.riversideca.gov/arts/farmers-market.asp).

You can find all sorts of things to buy at a farmer’s market. Plenty of stands have locally and seasonal grown fruit and vegetables for sale. Many of the items, if not all, are organically grown and free of pesticides. Expect to see items besides vegetables for sale as well. Many markets have snack booths, fresh cut flowers for sale, gift baskets, craft items and around Halloween expect to see a pumpkin patch.

Be sure to pick up some freshly picked organic tomatoes and leafy basil while at the market to make this Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad.

Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad

Ingredients

1 Pound heirloom tomatoes, sliced
8 – 12 Leaves of fresh basil
2 Teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 Teaspoon balsamic vinegar
½ Pound fresh mozzarella, sliced
Salt and pepper

Preparation

Slice and layer tomatoes and mozzarella, tear pieces of basil leaves and spread over each layer. Sprinkle top with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Finally use a small dash or two of salt and pepper.