Those of us who live in the deep South have learned that early morning is the best time for such activities as walking the dog, mowing the lawn, and going to the market. 

Debbie Bissallion, manager of Rudy’s Happy Patch Market, notes a definite trend in customer shopping. She says, “We have noticed that many of our customers visit our market during the early morning hours. I try to arrive at work a little earlier to help customers who are waiting to shop.”

One such customer is Brenda Jennings, a retired educator in Sumter County. We caught up with her on a recent visit to Happy Patch.

“I love to shop here,” Mrs. Jennings said. “But the noon day heat is unbearable. I like to pick over Jim Buchanan’s tomatoes. I like to pick over Jim Buchanan’s tomatoes and plan my use of the beautiful vegetables.”

In the photo above, Brenda Jennings compares tomatoes, perhaps looking for the perfect size for a tomato sandwich or other summer meal.