Two years ago, as we were moving into our charming, lake view apartment on a quaint little corner of Lake Merritt, I got this email from a friend:

I am a sensible Southern woman.  I was a high school cheerleader, I went to college on academic scholarship, I have a business degree.  But I heart chickens.  I really, really love our urban flock of a dozen, multicolored, heritage chickens.  Even the sly ones that are hard to catch and put back in the coop.  Even the dumb ones that'll lay an egg while running to catch a worm.  I just love 'em!

Each week we attempt to stay within a budget at the Farmer's Market.

With some creativity, I can keep the weekly trip under $20. However, we occasionally splurge on some of the great meats, cheeses, jams, honey and other items with a $10+ price tag. Last week, it was almond flour at the Jack London Square Farmers Market.

Last Saturday I went to the Grand Lake Farmers Market with a budget.  I had $17 and I did not want to go by the ATM because the market would be closing in 15 minutes. 

I went quickly by each vendor I knew I could count on.  Apples, oranges, collards, brocoli, cauliflower, carrots.  At the apple stand I filled up on the $0.50/lb box for drying apple chips.  When