To market, to market ...?

When I went to the market this morning I was surprised to find it all locked up and like a ghost town. Very odd. I'd never seen it like that. I had to go to a small fruit/vegetable shop fairly near to home. While purchasing a few items I said to the shop owner: "I just went to the market and it was all empty and locked up."

What he told me in response reminded me of this Mother Goose rhyme:

To market, to market, to buy a fat pig,
Home again, home again, dancing a jig;
To market, to market, to buy a fat hog;
Home again, home again, jiggety-jog;
To market, to market, to buy a plum bun,
Home again, home again, market is done.

"This is what I've heard," he said. "I'm not sure how true it is, but I wouldn't be surprised. Where are the health authorities in this country?! They closed down the market because of a health hazard. HUGE RATS!"

To market, to market to buy a fat rat ...

Dolly

My new market bag (only $3TT)

Today when I went for my morning walk I carried my camera with $43 dollars in my camera bag ($3 for Saturday newspapers and $40 just in case I went to the market). I did end up in the market and bought a few things. Since I hadn't carried my market bag, I had to buy one. I find this one quite funky, with its hearts and stars.

Upon leaving the market I saw the old woman who sits in that spot. I stopped and asked her her name.

She replied: "Dolly." (Oops, I'm now realising I didn't tell her my name). Then she said: "How you going, baby? You is the one who said you woulda help me with my foot?" She lifted up her skirt and showed me her left foot. "It mashing up."

I realised she meant her sneakers were mashing up and not her foot when she asked me if I have any old size 7 sneakers at home that I could spare her. She then mentioned that there were sneakers on sale in the market for $20. I had only $3 left on me (for papers), but told her I would see what I could do for her. She is there until 10 a.m. today.