Tall Tales from Kansas

with all the frosting and some sanding sugar plus tooth pick flags

You may or may not recall from last year that Chris gets ideas on the 4th of July.  Cake ideas. Cake ideas that are hatched following late night web surfing sessions.

When he first showed it to me and said "hey look at this", I said "don't be ridiculous".  In other words, we are not making that, no way, no how. 

Then I said "ok, maybe we could make it but not put all that frosting on it". 

To which he replied "of course, that's way too much frosting". 

So of course we made it.  With all the frosting.  And some sanding sugar.  Plus tooth pick flags.   Because it is after all a firecracker cake.  And the 4th of July only comes once a year. 

It's quite tasty, and despite my initial reservations, I am doing my part to eat my fair share.  Every night.  Sometimes with ice cream.

Chris would like you to know that it pairs well with a Miller Lite. 

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the annual tradition of the hanging of the flag bunting

the very definition of a perfect 3 day weekend

The memorial day weekend in Kansas started with storms and clouds and concluded with full on sun.  In between there was:  three card monty, snap dragons, and face painting in downtown Lawrence. 

The smitten kitchen's broccoli slaw was just one of the items on the menu.  Tasty, tasty, and tasty.   The perfect rescue from regular coleslaw.  Not that you need a rescue from regular coleslaw, but just in case.

I saw a man in a costume doing magic tricks while a boy on his dad's shoulders watched very closely. 

There was this sign which I knew you would want to see, and my backyard flowers in the vase from Rosendals Trädgård in Stockholm. 

What you don't see here is ribs, weed pulling, walks, banana pudding eating, vinca planting and travel discussions about slot canyon hikes and where to buy locally roasted coffee in Utah.  It was the very definition of a perfect 3 day weekend. 

to celebrate my Mexican heritage

The combination of warm sun, cool breezes, and the wild phlox in full bloom made for a perfect spring walk this walk.

The bluebird and the lady bug were a bonus. 

Happy Cinco de Mayo.  Right this minute I have Chris searching for the recipe for the chicken enchilada recipe we used about 2 months ago.  It was easy and delicious.  We are having it tomorrow night for Happy Seis de Mayo.  No reason to celebrate my Mexican heritage on just one day of the month.  Feel free to follow suit.  

darling for all boy or girl big or small

 

This morning over Easter breakfast, which in part consisted of jelly beans and chocolate eggs, Chris read me interesting facts about Easter.

Stuff like "ham or lamb?" for Easter dinner.  Either works by the way.

Things about dying Easter eggs and the significance of the egg and Easter through the years.  It's a good way to get kids interested.  Plus it has something to do with re-birth. 

And how the Stations of the Cross were used to tell the story of Easter to people who couldn't read.  I think that's right, my attention was starting to drift at this point. 

Did you now that red eggs symbolize the blood of Christ?  I think blue could be for water, green might be for grass, and purple for the color of velvet robes. 

What I do know for sure is they made a very tasty snack about an hour ago.  Deviled.  With a few dots of Sriracha on top.  Couple of pretzels on the side.  Mmmmm. 

The spring napkins came out today, and despite the fact that we have 12, I did in fact make more.

Because nary a one of the spring collection had a bunny on it.  A bunny with a carrot.

And you can see right there on the fabric it says "darling for all boy or girl big or small". 

What could I do?  There was already orange thread on my machine.  It seemed like fate. 

Hopefully your Easter has been equally eventful, and educational.  

P.S.  I know the majority of you read Mary Ann's blog, but the 2 of you who don't - go read it today.  There is a great picture of Ray and Angie, plus she writes about the concept of tsukumogami.  Something I have never heard of but it has me thinking.  In a very good way.  

so you go ahead and dive headfirst into the whole leprechaun spirit thing

When your last name is Mulvenon you take your St. Patrick's day "stuff" seriously.  

You buy the shamrock cookie embosser, you make the dough, you roll the dough, you press the dough, and of course you bake the cookies.

Then you make the special frosting, and color it, and apply it using frosting brushes.  In an artistic manner, that is pleasing to the eye.

Then when you are not looking your wife (who is Irish in name only) takes over icing duties, liberally applying sprinkes so you can't even see the shamrocks. 

So you go ahead and dive headfirst into the whole leprechaun spirit thing and make a "green and white".

And before you know it, things are out of control.   

Which matters not one little bit, because I can tell you I have already sampled, and am happy to report they all eat the same.  By that I mean good.  Real good.    

Happiest of St. Patrick's Days to you and yours!

 

hearts and flowers and kitties and candies

Happy red, and pink, and hearts, and flowers, and kitties, and candies, and bows & arrows, and flowers, to each and everyone of you on St. Valentine's Day.  And a nice piece of molten chocolate cake if you are into that sort of thing.  Which I definitely am. 

as long as it is within reason

Yesterday morning as I was flipping through instagram, I came upon a photo of Bob Walrafen ,taken by his wife Nancy, on their New Years Day hike.  I pointed it out to Chris and said "hey, we should go on a hike too".  He said "hmghf".  Which can mean:  a. absolutely, b. don't get crazy on me, c. how about tomorrow? or d. if we have to.

So we finished our breakfast, which though it is not shown, also included a leftover waffle that was placed in the toaster and buttered (amazingly delicious), and laced up our boots.

We started out under cloudy skies, but as we went on the sun would occasionally come out and change the whole landscape. 

At the conclusion of our expedition, having had a most excellent time, we decided next year we should look and see what Nancy and Bob are doing on New Years Day, and copy them again.  As long as it is within reason. 

One year and one day ago.

last year they got in a hurry and Christmas Eva's neck got broken

At Tall Tales headquarters there is not a sharp line between the holidays and the rest of January. 

This means that the re-populated pygmy forest may remain standing for another month, in order to receive maximum sunlight, before it once again goes into hibernation. 

I made myself stop at seven additions to the grove this year.  Remnants from socks, ponchos, scarves, sweaters, and afghans.  I have enough corks to make countless more.  Maybe at knitting retreat in January I will need to teach Joan how to make them.  No home should be without it's own stand of trees. 

Meanwhile, in between finishing off a bottle of sparkling wine I am busy issuing tickets to all the Santa's who have gathered at the train station.  I must remember where they each came from so they don't get sent to the wrong point of origin. 

You will notice, with the exception of one, they all seem okay with waiting.   Last year they got in a hurry and Christmas Eva's neck got broken.  Which taught us all a lesson about taking our time.   The tree is still up, the wreaths are still fresh, the candles still burning. 

I am distracted by sunsets, and trying to decide which movie we should watch tonight (we saw Captain Fantastic last night - highly recommended), and reading my sisters blog post about Julio, which has me laughing like a hyena which is not a good thing when you have been finishing up a bottle of wine.   Happiest of New Years friends and family, I look forward to new adventures with you in 2017. 

 

just my kind of december 24th

Happiest of Christmas Eves to each and every one of you, from Tall Tales Headquarters and the merchants of the downtown shoppes, who decorated their windows just for YOU (and me). 

I do so love a window display.  Almost as much as I love being able to go downtown and do my last minute shopping from local merchants.  With nothing but a vague idea in mind, knowing I will find something that will be just perfect. 

Meanwhile, as I wait for Santa to arrive I am just knitting away on this long tube with leftover yarn.  It's going to be filled with something (maybe beans?), and be placed on the floor at the bottom of our north facing front door, to stop that draft that sneaks in when it's super cold and windy.  I got the idea from a Kristin Nicholas book.  She has a pattern for a beautiful one with tons of color that I want to make sometime.  For now this one will do. 

Presents are wrapped.  The desserts we are taking to Christmas day dinner are halfway done.  Chris is making shrimp pasta for supper, and some sort of silly holiday movie is on tap for tonight's entertainment.   Just my kind of December 24th.  

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things that can never be understood simply on the basis of the ingredients

I thought I made it perfectly clear

This morning, after one cup of coffee, I gathered, unrolled, measured, cut, wrapped, packed, sprinkled, and labeled.  Then I went to the post office.

 

And all the while there was a cardinal couple on this bush eating red berries.  You wouldn't know it, because every time I opened the door to take a picture they flew away.   I thought I made it perfectly clear that the price of those berries was a picture, but apparently they weren't listening. 

For the record, this in no way detracted from my feeling of incredible productiveness at having my post office duties done for the season. 

I decided to turn the poinsettia 180 degrees

Oh these December days are rushing by.    

In an effort to slow down time, I am doing everything quite deliberately.   For example, after "festivizing" an area I like to stop and eat some oatmeal, or knit a few rounds, or cut up some fabric, and then go back to look and make sure it's just right. 

Sometimes I change my mind and decide things need to be moved around. 

For example, after breakfast the other day, I decided to turn the poinsettia 180 degrees.   Who knew what a difference that could make?  These are the kinds of holiday decorating tips I like to pass along.   Feel free to share with others.  

seeing as how she modeled the cowl so nicely for me

The admission price to dinner at the Mulvenon Family Thanksgiving extavaganza was a photo.  Of them.  Taken by me.  In a cowl.  Or a hat.  Or both.  As you will see below, they were all quite agreeable, and posed nicely. 

Somehow Dan escaped my notice.   He's like that.  Flying under the radar.  In retrospect, I would have given him an out anyway seeing as how arrived bearing dinner rolls.  You know the kind.   Home-made, warm, very slightly sweet, tender, perfect for mopping up your plate because you are not about to leave a single taste of deliciousness on your plate.

This plate.  Which is clearly packed full of everyone's best culinary offerings.   Luckily the weather cooperated for the annual pre-turkey dinner hike, which allowed us to load up our plates freely, knowing our bodies needed to replenish the vast number of calories burned during the hike. 

Along the way we did a little hedge-ball bowling, coyote howling, and bird watching. 

After dinner Ann unveiled her assortment of desserts.  This year she added a "poached pear gingerbread" concoction.  Which was tasty in addition to being an impressive site.

But my favorite was the repeat of the cherry pie she brought last year.  Complete with lattice top, a nice firm crust, and a juicy tartish/sweet filling.  This has now become a MUST to all Thanksgiving dinners, in the same way as Mary's cranberries, Dan's rolls, Sean & Andrea's vegetables, Tom & Jan's potatoes, and Chris's turkey.  I am the mastermind behind it all and am therefore not required to have a standard.  This year I added kale salad with butternut squash, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds. 

It was a lovely day that ended with some time in the art room with Eleanor.  Who, may I say, takes after the Moss sisters in her love of cats and obvious artistic talents.  Even though we share no common genetic material.    

I feel there will be more shared sketchbook time with this one in my future.  Especially seeing as how she modeled the cowl so nicely for me.  

I even asked the horse to make an appearance again

November is officially here.  Cold, gray, skies and gale force winds.  Before it hit this week, Chris and I had time to get in a hike. 

Just a little scouting expedition prior to the planned hike on Thanksgiving day.  Before dinner.

A little reconnoitering if you will.  So we know when to turn left, when to turn right, and when to proceed straight ahead. 

It's important that an hour hike take just an hour when there is a turkey in the oven at home.   One of us might start to get a wee bit testy if the other one strays from the agreed upon plan.

Rest easy all.  You can count on us.  We got this hike down.   No maps needed.  The route has been committed to memory. 

I even asked the horse to make an appearance again if he can fit it into his schedule.  He is taking it under advisement. 

Onward ho.  Thanksgiving here we come. 

 

a gold star for how straight his sprinkle lines were

Monday, Chris and I had a flag cake competition.  It went something like this.

After mixing, baking, pouring, and cooling for three hours, we each assembled our preferred decorating ingredients.

Each competitor was given exactly 6 minutes to put something together to present to the judges.  Of which there were two.  Me and Chris. 

Luckily there were two categories you could enter.   Red & Blue Berry or Blue & Red Sprinkles.  Above is the berry winner, below is the sprinkle winner. 

Chris also got a gold star for how straight his sprinkle lines were.   I would have worked harder on straight lines myself but really just wanted to get the judging over with.  So I could taste it. 

Listen, you pour strawberry jello over white cake and throw some whipped cream on top and you can't go wrong.   Simple summer fun at it's finest.  Recipe for flag cake is here.   Any white cake mix will do, and we kept it simple with whipped cream in the can for the topping and no pudding.   

 

because it's that good

It was a red, white, and blue themed weekend around our house.   There were drives, movies, naps, cake, flowers, and flags.  Everything you need for the 4th of July. 

If all that wasn't enough, there was this on the Writers Almanac today.  Copied below for you convenience.  Because it's that good. 

Preface to Leaves of Grass
by Walt Whitman

This is what you shall do: Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown or to any man or number of men, go freely with powerful uneducated persons and with the young and with the mothers of families, read these leaves in the open air every season of every year of your life, re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul; and your very flesh shall be a great poem and have the richest fluency not only in its words but in the silent lines of its lips and face and between the lashes of your eyes and in every motion and joint of your body.

 

as we Moss kids like to say

Today, despite the snow, we held the annual Easter-egg dying contest.  Chris being a believer in the Paas kit that comes complete will all manner of tra-la-la for dying and adorning eggs.  While I tend to come from the food color, vinegar, drop-em-in and forget about-em school of coloring. 

While I think it is clear which eggs are superior, the bottom line is they all devil the same.   Angie would have approved highly.  Lip-smacking good as we Moss kids like to say. 

 

in case any leprechauns break in the house while we are at work tomorrow and decide to be making us a wee bit of an Irish cake

The other day I got it in my mind that we needed some St. Patrick's day treats around here.   This whole green dessert business started in 2014 when Chris thought we should have a shamrock cake.   Which turned out to be a very very good idea, I must say. 

I used Martha's sugar cookie recipe, which was a snap, and when they were cool, we frosted, sprinkled, dotted, and in general made a great big mess of the kitchen floor with a lot of flying decorations.  Oh it was fun!

When all frosting was done, and the kitchen was back in order, we selected the three cookies that looked like they had been decorated by 6 year olds and gobbled them up right quick.  Just to be sure they were good enough to serve to guests should any come over.   On all the cooking shows they say you should always taste your food before serving.  

The bad thing is that tomorrow is St. Patrick's day and I might finish eating all the cookies today.  That would mean no shamrock sweets after the "bangers and mash" we are having for supper tomorrow night.   Happily there are still plenty of sugary sprinkles around for decoration in case any leprechauns break in the house while we are at work tomorrow and decide to be making us a wee bit of an Irish cake. 

cupid approved

Happy Valentines Day from Tall Tales headquarters where, in between hugging and kissing & hanging up hearts, we are eating as much Valentines Funfetti cake as we can. 

Carol and Chris tested, Cupid approved.  

I have trouble making up my mind about some things

For New Year's Day, since it's cold, and there's not a lot of color outside, I present a selection of my favorite flowers photos from 2015.  All of these are from my garden, gardens of Lawrence, or flowers purchased from Karen Pendleton at the Farmers Market. 

I think that wraps up the photo collages from 2015.  Unless I decide differently and show you my favorite baking photos, drink photos, knitting photos, and sketching photos.   I have trouble making up my mind about some things. 

I think that's enough becauses

Even though it is past Christmas Eve, the traditional day for eating Barb's famous pumpkin roll, I made one the other day.  Because.  Because I needed to make one more pumpkin thing before 2015 comes to a close.  Because I miss not eating it annually with Barb.  Because I didn't make one last year.  And finally, because I love and adore it.  There.  I think that's enough becauses.   

I did get smart this year and use the KitchenAid since you have to beat the eggs for a whole 5 minutes to start the process of making it. 

While it was in the oven, I took out the thin kitchen towel that must be used to roll it up in while it's still hot.  The towel has to be sprinkled with powdered sugar which always makes quite a mess when the cake flips out onto it. I am not sure of the exact reason for the powdered sugar, but I dare not leave this step out. 

Six hours after starting the process I enjoyed my first piece.  You don't have to wait that long, but Barb always said it was better if you let it sit for awhile after you put it all together. All I know is the cake was moist and perfectly spiced and the filling was buttery cream cheese perfection.  Exactly as it should be. 

Recipe is here if you want to make one for New Years Day!  If you have a sponge roll-up cake that you make for a special occasion, please tell me about it.  I want to try my hand at another one.  

2 cute girls in tie-dyed shirts

Yesterday started at Tall Tales Headquarters with waffles accompanied by strong coffee, salty pork sausage, and lots and lots of syrup.  I then moved to the couch to have a third cup of coffee while I finished some important knitting.  I got into the shower at 2:30pm so we could go to Kansas City for a splendid dinner of more culinary delights.  My favorite was the cabbage rolls made by 2 cute girls in tie-dyed shirts.  Dan's dinner rolls and Chris's turkey came in tied for second.  I might have done a small bit of damage to the precisely stacked snickerdoodles as well.  

All of these things made me very, very, happy.  I talked to Ray on the phone when we got home and he shared with me that the proper way to eat a jam filled thumb-print cookie (according to Katharine Ray Watson - aged 2) is to use your finger to remove the jam to eat, then replace the cookie on the tray for someone else.  I only pass it along, in case you don't have a Katharine Ray around to learn this important lesson from. 

a play set that included nail polish and blue eye shadow

Sitting in front of the fireplace tonight, after a traditional Christmas Eve dinner of shrimp pasta.  Thinking about Christmas's past and Christmas celebrations going on far away.   The last of the presents have been wrapped and it's almost time to dive into bed.  I am going to see if I can dial in a dream from Christmas of 1966 when Dottie and I snuck out of our beds in the middle of the night and went in to look at the splendor that was the tree with presents underneath.  That might have been the year I got a play-set that included nail polish and blue eye shadow.   All I know for sure it is was wonderful.   

Sending out to each of you that happy feeling that is Christmas morning when you are a kid.   

that would just be sacrilege

Today as I sang the alto harmony to "Silent Night" with Garth Brooks and to "The First Noel" with Suzy Boggus I was taken back to the music room at Balboa High School- circa 1974.  We practiced all semester for the Christmas music program.  Our teacher (whose name escapes me) laid down on the floor one day in class and had someone stand on his abdomen so he could demonstrate proper use of the diaphragm with breathing while singing.  Clearly it made an impression on me since I can still visualize it 40 years later. 

One of the best parts of this season, for me, has always been the music.  From The New Christy Minstrels singing "Beautiful City", to Celine and Andrea knocking out "Oh Holy Night", to Brenda Lee "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree", and Jose Feliciano's "Feliz Navidad", it's all good.   This may sound strange but "Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel" sounds especially good with the acoustics in the shower at my house.   No one has a better version of "I Saw Three Ships" than Judy Collins and "White Christmas" should be left to Bing Crosby.   Tell me what your favorites are... and please don't say that any rendition of "Santa Baby" is better than Eartha Kitt's.   That would just be sacrilege. 

 

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trying to decide if Mary Ann would prefer to do Hark the Herald Angels Sing or The Little Drummer boy

a Huff family Christmas Carol performance

Today I made merry in Lawrence with my adopted family.  The Huff girls.  When your mom and sisters are far away for the holidays it's nice to have a mom and 2 sisters who can stand in at the drop of a hat. 

 

Half of us feasted on the egg salad on toasted rye with avocado, pickled radishes, and arugula.  The other half slurped up spoonful after spoonful of spinach and potato soup with gruyere cheese and home-made croutons.  But, since we are family we all reached across and grabbed bites from one another. 

We discussed my mitten garland and Marti brought fire-breathing dragon mittens she made many moons ago.  See the delight on her face?  I wish you could have heard the sweet memories those mittens brought back in Jennifer and Nancy.  THIS is why people knit.  This right here. 

We also ate pie.  Pear/cranberry with walnut streusel, coconut cream, black bottom pecan, and blueberry rhubarb.  If you are going to the Bluebird Diner downtown on Mass street in Lawrence Kansas, you MUST eat pie. 

We discussed the sweetness of being a grandmother (great aunt, great grandmother), places to go antiquing, why it's a good idea to bring home your leftovers even if it's only 2 bites worth, and other important things like that. 

In doing all of this we crossed 6 things off the Christmas Rules list. 

If only I had thought for us to do a Huff family Christmas carol performance then it would have been seven! 

 

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the clouds parted, and the angels sang their approval

I am also pretty sure it was ok for me to reach across the table

the minute I hit the done button

While I am busy shopping on-line, on the busiest shipping day of the year, because I kept putting it off thinking I had plenty of time... you can glance quickly at one photo of holiday decor.  

I will be rewarding myself with 2 small spicy gingerbread men the minute I hit the "done" button.  I suggest you do the same.  With whatever holiday cookies you have on hand.   In the event you have none around, 5 green and 5 red M&M's will do nicely.   Speaking of red and green M&M's ....

 

 

if you are the person who took all my cookie cutters I would appreciate it if you would leave them in a box on the front porch

This weekend, in addition to getting the tree up, I decided it was high time I made some gingerbread cookies.  The kind you roll out, and use cookie cutters, and royal icing on.

I did a mash up of the Pioneer Woman and Smitten Kitchens recipes.  I like my gingerbread cookies spicy.  So I used more spice (SK) but I wanted them a bit sweeter so I used the amount of brown sugar in PW's version.  I left out the maple extract in PW's because I didn't want it to overpower the molasses flavor and did not put baking powder in because ... well I don't know for sure but I didn't want them to rise so I thought it best. 

If you are like me and haven't had your kitchen aid long enough to remember that there is a reason there is a guard for the bowl.  Consider this your reminder.  While I was chilling the dough I searched for cookie cutters and found a misformed tree shape, a biscuit cutter, and a tiny fox.    If you are the person who took all my cookie cutters I would appreciate it if you would leave them in a box on the front porch.  No questions will be asked. 

Bottom line is this was a lot of fun, and since I bought new cookie cutters I will be doing it again.  I need more practice on the decorating.  I do not need more practice on the eating.  Last night when I was sitting in front of the fire munching on a cookie and sipping some hot tea, I asked Chris, "when did I become an old lady who likes molasses cookies that are chewy?".   He said "well it didn't happen overnight".   I made no reply. 

 

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things that can never be understood simply on the basis of the ingredients

just like the recipe said

just past the crunchy phase

it could not be shipped in the mail

Today was the Holiday Farmers Market, the last official market of the season.  It opened at 9am and was already packed at 8:55 am when I arrived.  There were Christmas present ideas galore there.  I found something for everyone I needed to buy for.   I leave it to you to decide what I got for whom.

Dottie and Mary Ann you should feel free to trade among yourselves if you don't like what I picked out for you.  You on the other hand brother, you can not trade, because I picked out the best present ever for you.  You are going to love it.  I am pretty sure it will be the most unique present you have ever received. 

It could not be shipped in the mail so I am having it driven out to you.  Since it might not get there until mid-January I am showing it to you today. 

 

if you have attempted making your own pajamas

Window shopping for Christmas ideas in downtown Lawrence.  

Raise your hand if you have attempted making your own pajamas please. 

a hidden clue in some sort of parade shenanigans

The Old Fashioned Christmas Parade in downtown Lawrence is mostly about horses.  But it's also about finding a place to watch the horses, and history, and smiling, and waving.  There are also the buggies, carriages, little ponies, hats, dogs, costumes, and finding things to do if you are bored and need a break from watching horses.  I could go on and on and one but I will let these photos do the rest of the talking today. 

I am not sure if this message was a hidden clue in some sort of parade shenanigans.   A mystery to be puzzled over.  I'll let you know if I figure anything out.

Thanks to Chris who took all the photos downtown at the parade today.  He was on special assignment for me while I went to my regular job.  Just looking at the pictures tonight got me in the mood to consider taking down the pumpkins tomorrow.   And maybe listening to the Mills Brothers while I get out some red and green stuff.

well worth braving the weather for

Handspun, ornaments, and cat cards were a few of the things came home with me from the 2015 Bizarre Bazaar today.  

Everyone was bundled up and smiling.  Happy the weather wasn't worse which would have totally spoiled this wonderful opportunity to see local artists displaying their pillows, soap, needle felting, tie dye, knitting, quilting, painting, drawing, pottery, and jewelry. 

I have been looking for some hand spun yarn since the knitting retreat last year and haven't been able to get my hands on any.  When I saw Rae Finch there with a few skeins I jumped quick. 

I have said this before and I will say it again.  I love seeing people who make art proudly displaying their work.  This excellent event happens every year the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  I know I will forget to tell you in advance again next year, so mark your calendars now.  It is well worth braving the weather for.  

 

the rain has started and the temperatures are dropping

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Tall Tales Headquarters where the rain has started, the temperatures are dropping, and the first big weather event of the season is looming large.   The perfect excuse to stay put, eat leftovers, play scrabble, and knit.   Life is good, and I am grateful. 

I came to my senses and ordered what I needed to make them

In anticipation of a large crowd here for Thanksgiving this year,  preparations for the big day have begun.  So far I have added a festive leaf garland to the gourds that have been hanging up since last year, artfully arranged a few pumpkins here and there, and I got the roasting pan down so Chris could make his famous "snacks". 

This treat is only made once a year according to the exact specifications of Chris's dad, a world renowned "snacks" making expert.  It's best not to ask what is in them. 

The annual polishing of the silverware was checked off the list today.  A full 9 days ahead of time, instead of waiting until the night before. 

I also happened to come across this recipe that King Arthur posted on Instagram in the last few days.  Will someone please tell me how on earth I am supposed to try and resist making these?  I added their photo below so you can see what I am talking about. 

I showed it to Chris and told him I was NOT going to make them because we do not need them hanging around the house along with all the other treats.  Then as soon as he left for work I came to my senses and ordered what I need to make them.   Someone needs to determine if they taste as good as they look.  It might as well be me. 

the beneficial effects of coffee talk and future adventure planning

Last week my friend Mary Joan and I got together for some pre-holiday coffee talk.  We met at Starbucks for a PSL (to boost their lagging sales this year) with plans to wander around after that and try to get into some trouble. 

She brought her needlepoint (Kaffe Fassett's red chinese peony) to show me and I brought some yarn and needles to give her a double point needle knitting lesson. 

After discussing books, our hair problems, and how it is absolutely inconceivable that we can be the ages we are, we headed out to see what we could see.  

Joan quickly spotted items to add to her Thanksgiving table setting and then we found reminders of Mama Thompson and Angie at J'adore in Brookside. 

We also committed to saving the stems from our pumpkins this year and getting together next October to make velvet pumpkins like these.  There will also be a walk in the woods in our immediate future so we can forage for giant pine cones to spray and use in our Christmas decor.  Last but not least Joan has put it on her to-do list to find a class we can take to learn how to re-upholster furniture.   She has assured me that it will be quite doable.   

The beneficial effects of coffee talk, and future adventure planning, with a dear friend, before the rush of the holidays can not be over-stated. 

 

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crossing my fingers that it holds strong and does not go all gooey on me

take my word for it, I tried enough of them to know

The pumpkins have been arranged out back, the rabbit and basket are holding their gourds, a jack-o'-lantern with crows has been added to the pea pod boy-marigold tableau, and I have put all the wartiest pumpkins by the front door. 

All of this means we are ready for Halloween.  Which for some reason I thought was Friday night.  Which it most certainly is not.   Is this not the best EVER super cool gross warty pumpkin?  I had to fight a lady for it at the pumpkin patch but I though it was well worth the indignity. 

I tasked Chris with going and getting Halloween candy before all the good stuff was gone.  He did a fine job selecting a nice combination of browns, and yellows, oranges, and tans. 

Don't bother buying any of those little snack bags of bite sized Kit Kat's.  They are horrible.  Dreadful really.   Take my word for it.  I tried enough of them to know. 

six pumpkins and a big bag of gourds and 3 party pumpkins later

We almost didn't make it out to Schaake's this year.  So much going on at this time of year.  Things to do.  Places to go.  People to see.  But the call of the pumpkin patch is strong. 

I told Chris we would make a very quick trip.  I think I said "we'll just go really early on Sunday and I'll grab some gourds and the pumpkins that are already picked, we don't even have to go out into the fields."

But then we got there and I said "well maybe we should just look at the fields and get one from there".

It's a good thing we did, because if we hadn't, I would not have overheard the 5 year old girl trying to convince her dad that she neeeeeded a pumpkin to keep in her bedroom.  And them him trying to tell her why that was not a good idea.  And her asking "but why?" after each argument he laid out.

Six pumpkins and a big bag of gourds and 3 party pumpkins later, I was loaded up and ready to go.   For the record... a very good time was had by all. 

I have been known to go as high as 1:4 depending on the time of day

Consider this your reminder.  If you have not yet taken down the "official" Halloween candy container, and filled it with the requisite autumn sugary/salty treat... it's time. 

If you wait much longer, the candy corn in the store will be past it's "best by" date which will lead to an inferior end product.  And do not be tempted to get the pumpkin spice candy corn to use in this mix.  At best, it is ok on it's own, but is not the perfect complement to the salty peanuts that the regular candy corn is.   

I stick to my recommendation that the ratio of candy corn to peanuts should be a 1:2 mix but I have been known to go as high as 1:4 depending on the time of day.

There may also have been a few times when I put it in my mouth so fast that I lost count of the ratio.  I try not to let that happen too often. 

P.S.  For the record I would like to point out that we made our first batch of this highly addictive combination last year on September 20th.  That said, I feel a lot better about my little binge episode this afternoon. 

since a Halloween banner has a shorter shelf life than a pumpkin

On my way upstairs today to get the wool to make the pumpkin to put on the mantel in the house that jack built in the living room, I decided instead to do another project. 

That's just how my mind works.  No straight pathways.  Many crooked side streets.

I saw this ridiculously cute banner hanging up in Sara's Fabrics downtown a few weeks ago and decided to make one myself. 

It came with all the components except directions, so I had to wait to talk to my sewing mentor Mary Joan, before I messed up the whole thing because I have never used fusible web before. 

Since a Halloween banner has a shorter shelf life than a pumpkin, it seemed only right to get this done first.

What is it about a banner with cute Halloween fabric that is so irresistible?  If I figure it out I will let you know, but I think you will understand when I show you the finished product.  If it turns out according to plan that is. 

the annual tradition of the hanging of the flag bunting

Fourth of July in the Midwest means dressing up your house for the holiday.  These were my favorites in Lawrence this year. 

After driving around taking all these pictures, I got out my own favorite 4th of July decoration, the holiday themed cocktail napkin, and proceeded to the porch so I could supervise Chris on the ladder.   

And just like that, the annual tradition of the hanging of the flag bunting was accomplished. 

things that can never be understood simply on the basis of the ingredients

Pumpkin-pecan cinnamon rolls with browned butter icing were on the breakfast menu again this year over the holidays. 

For me, making pumpkin-pecan cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning is certainly about the warm, sweet, buttery, frosted treat at the end.  But more than that, it's about the smell of the yeast, it's the elastic feel of the dough in my hands, it's using moms rolling pin and Pat's sifter, it's remembering who was here last year when we ate them and wondering who might be here next year. It's about the spode christmas plates they are served on.   It's about drinking a cup of coffee while I wait for the dough to rise. 

It's about the idea of a cinnamon roll.  The feeling of a cinnamon roll.   Kind of like Alice's sugar cookies in the round needlework holiday tin, or Aunt Lois's biscuits mixed by hand on the countertop, or Chris's shrimp pasta.  These are things that can never be understood simply on the basis of the ingredients.  

You know that saying "the whole is greater than the sum of the parts it's made of" ?    I am pretty sure the person who came up with that was referring to cinnamon rolls.  Cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning probably. 

PSPPR

Yes, I know it's after Christmas.  I can't help it.  I am still deep into my part time seasonal work with the forestry service.   The creation, care, and tending of pint sized pines.  What follows is the pint sized pine progress report (PSPPR).  Told as briefly as possible.

First there was one.

 

 Then there were two.

Number two left the house so I had to make another number two because number one was lonely.

 Then I decided an odd number was needed so now there are three.

Correction - there were three.  Until I decided I should try to make a snowy-white pint sized pine.

And just when I thought I might have it worked out of my system, I realized I have this remnant of green yarn that won't be good for one single thing other than a green tree.

So once the emerald-green pine comes off the assembly line,  I will turn in my resignation to the forestry service and shut down the pine making factory. 

Maybe I will go into the Santa carving business.   Just to even out the tree to Santa ratio.

Somehow I think learning to carve a Santa might be harder than knitting a tree.   I'll probably put that off until next year.  Give myself some time to ponder over it.   

If you missed it the first time, the link to the pint sized pine pattern is below.

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while drinking hot chocolate to stay warm

the butter police

One of the best things about the holidays are the discussions that come up around the dinner table and over appetizers.  

Like this year when Andrea admonished Bryce for buttering his ham and he told her there were no butter police in the area to stop him.  Then she told him that in fact there were butter police and she was going to turn him in.  Which prompted Chris to get out a business card and tell Bryce that he was actually a special agent in the butter division of the police department.  Bryce took the card, carefully examined it, handed it back to Chris, and informed him - "there are no B's anywhere on that card so that can't be true".  

the head elf in charge of rubbing the feet of all the tired cooks

Feliz Navidad!  Wishing each and every one of you the wonder and joy that is the spirit of this season. 

May all your dreams come true - including the one where at the end of the day after all your guests have gone home, there is a knock at the door and the head elf in charge of rubbing the feet of all the tired cooks and dishwashers announces that he is ready to begin your one hour reflexology session. 

Photo credit:  Chris Mulvenon

56 years and lots of handling later

December 1958, in a little house on Wilder Avenue in Honolulu Hawaii.  This was the Moss family before Mary Ann and I came along.  Mom was pregnant with me in this picture.  On that Christmas tree are what I have always called the "Hawaii Christmas Bells" - just because that's where they came from. 

56 years and lots of handling later, those bells from Hawaii are still going strong. 

They have survived all of us kids and every cat we ever had, including Lewis and Clark who really put them to the test.   Those bells were their favorite ornaments to swat at as they wandered by the tree innocently.  

The best part about having a Christmas tree is sitting down and staring at it, after it's decorated, while you sip a glass of wine, and remember all the stories that each ornament holds. 

the only thing these candy cane corns are good for

In case you are like me (and Chris)...

... and can't tell by the label that these red, white, and green "candy corn" taste like mint,

... I will tell you they do.  It was an entirely unpleasant experience when I popped one of these in my mouth expecting it to taste like a regular candy corn.

The only thing these candy cane corns are good for is taking to work and putting in the communal candy dish.  Which I made Chris do, since he is the one that brought them home knowing full well that we have already exceeded our 2 bag limit for the year. 

when calculating the amount of time and tape you will need to get your wrapping done

Today I proceeded to gather, wrap, box, and mail most of the Christmas presents that need to go over the river and through the woods to those that are far away. 

I am fairly certain my family will not notice that I only "wrapped" the top of the boxes and that I used old Christmas cards as "labels". 

By getting to the post office before the 12th of December I think I may have set the bar too high.  This is my way of saying - don't expect it ever to happen again.   In future years, know that I will return to my usual slovenly pattern of late gifts and cards.  

I also learned an important lesson.   You will want to know this.  It's similar to the pythagorean theorum except instead of triangles and a hypotenuse it deals with time, tape, and wrapping.   When calculating the amount of time and tape you will need to get your wrapping done, always add 1 additional hour and 1 extra roll of tape.   No matter how much "cushion" you build into the process ALWAYS adjust to my specifications. 

You are welcome.  I hope you find this useful. 

my approach to life and gingerbread house construction

Every holiday season I get an idea that maybe this will be the year I make a gingerbread house.   In my mind it seems like it would go so well.  The gingerbread would be sturdy.  The icing would dry hard.  The candy would stay exactly where I place it.  You get the idea.  The house might look something like one of these.

When I look at all of them I think my favorite is the last one.  I could never show that much restraint though.  If I am going to make a gingerbread house there are going to have to be some gumdrops, cookies, sweet tarts, kisses, marshmallows, pretzels, peppermints, ice cream cones, Mike & Ike's, life savers, twizzlers, and plain old sugar cubes.  My approach to life and gingerbread house construction leans more to the go big or go home philosophy, than the keep it simple principle.  

All photos taken at the Gingerbread House auction in Lawrence last weekend. 

things you can learn when trying to take a picture

Saturday morning I got up early to go and take pictures of the Christmas lights in downtown Lawrence.  In order to get good pictures of Christmas lights, it has to be a little bit light and a little bit dark.  This is a very fleeting time frame.  One must be armed and at the ready.  I left the house at 6:45 and was parking on Massachusetts street at 7am. 

The cars were lined up on both sides of the street already in preparation for the annual old fashioned parade.  Who knew there was so much activity downtown at 7am on the weekend?  Not me.  There were people in restaurants ordering breakfast.

I came upon a group of women getting in their morning run.   It sounded like they were having fun.  I wanted to ask them if I could join them but then I remembered I have bad knees and it's best for me to stick to walking. 

By 7:20am the sky was lightening up. 

Did you know that barber shops are open at 7am?  And that men are getting their hair cut at that ungodly hour of the morning? 

The things you can learn when trying to take a picture.  Of Christmas lights.  In December.  Between 0700 and 0732 am. 

in my elf outfit singing "jingle bell rock" somewhere in the vicinity of 8th and Massachussetts

The windows in downtown Lawrence are getting all gussied up for the holidays.   If you live in a town (instead of a city) you know the magic that is main street at Christmas time. 

If you are in the neighborhood, you must stop by and experience it for yourself.    I'll just be here in my elf outfit singing "jingle bell rock" somewhere in the vicinity of 8th and Massachussetts.   I will understand if you pretend you don't know me. 

a long line of love

In preparation for the annual turkey day celebration at Tall Tales headquarters, I did some baking today.  After which I finally took down the Valentine garland over the dining room table and put up the "rest of the year" garland.  Then I located Eleanor's cranberry serving dish, Angie's gravy boat, Great Aunt Alice's extra chairs, and Aunt Critch's water pitcher which she says belonged to her mother. 

It's important to have a long line of love at the Thanksgiving table. 

crossing my fingers that it holds strong and does not go all gooey on me

It's important to tend to your porch pumpkins that have frozen and unfrozen before they become so soft that when you lift them they turn to goo and ooze all over your porch.  Mine are now in the yard waste bags slotted for pick up tomorrow.  Except for one or two that is.

I went to the store today and got a few fresh carnival squashes and a buttercup squash to go with the gourds and one last warty pumpkin and squash I bought at the pumpkin patch a month ago.   I need some kind of Thanksgiving vibe for the porch so I dumped them all in the fountain along with some other stuff. 

While all the neighbors were putting up Christmas lights today I put out my battery operated candle and some more orange stuff.  If I knew any Thanksgiving songs I would have sang them very loud while I was doing it. 

This might be my most favorite pumpkin of any pumpkin I have ever bought.  I love that orange/gray color.   I am crossing my fingers that it holds strong and does not go all gooey on me before Thanksgiving.  I would hate for Chris to have to clean up that mess.