Peek-a-boo. Sunset farmers market in Asbury Park. 8/8/20. All photos by Paul Goldfinger, Blogfinger.net ©

Jersey corn: the best. Blogfinger.net

Preserves and piri-piri sauce. And smart talk by women with a truck.  Blogfinger.net.

Girls in their summer clothes. Asbury market— squeezing the goods. Where’s his mask?   Blogfinger.net

Editor’s note:   Despite all the rulings by the Governor, human instincts bubble to the surface and spill over.   The lively attendance at this farmers market shows that folks want to get out.

The idea to  wear  masks and to distance  when outdoors is a problem for many;  some seem to think that one or the other is sufficient, and sometimes they are right, but not always.

Distancing on the streets of the Grove is easy,  but not so much as  when walking downtown.  The boardwalk and the beach are iffy, depending on the congestion.  I drove through Belmar yesterday, and distancing seemed quite good, but their beach is huge. However at sidewalk cafes, it isn’t very good among teenagers.

Here at the  Asbury Sunset Avenue farmers market, masked compliance is exceptional, but the intermingling of people is sort of unavoidable as when someone steps next to you to reach for a zucchini or leans over to find you a good tomato.   But such brief encounters don’t seem to be so risky, especially if the parties are wearing masks.

However being at this market feels good because it reproduces the  impression of normalcy, and the people there seem happy. They are relaxed with their kids, their dogs, their friends and good Jersey produce.

It reminds us that the good will of citizens sharing their worlds with others must be accomplished in our country where we are used to freedom.

And how to balance the times of our lives while protecting health remains a challenge, but the people will help decide, not just politicians.

—Paul Goldfinger, MD.   Editor Blogfinger.net    8/8/20.

PAUL ANKA:  “Times of Your Life”