Tall Tales from Kansas

a whisper of fragrance that is perfection

It has finally come to me that the perfect description of the fragrance of stock (matthiola incana) is a combination of spicy red hots and vanilla. It hit me today as I was repeatedly sniffing each of the 5 colors I purchased at the store.

Sister has been painting stock out there in LA and going on about how wonderful it smells, which I completely agree with, so I just went to the store and got myself some today. 

It's probably my imagination, but I think the different colors have a teeny bit different fragrance. Is that possible?

This fuchsia color seems to be the mildest fragrance, the white the spiciest.

But really the bottom line is they make a room smell darn good. I put these upstairs in the art room.  When I get halfway up the stairs I smell them. Calling to me. Not overwhelming, just a whisper of fragrance that is perfection.    

that orange color just says cha-cha-cha!

In the very ordinary arena these days, we have taken to playing cards here at Tall Tales Headquarters. Specifically, Rummy and War. When us Moss's were kids we played cards. A lot. I think Angie told us to go amuse ourselves, and cards filled the bill.  Chris on the other hand, never played as a kid. High time he learn, said I. 

The lovely deck above was a purchase from the Hammerpress store. An extremely nice set of cards, uniquely interesting, from high quality card stock with a great finish that makes for good shuffling. If you are someone who enjoys shuffling... which I do. 

War (in cards) is easy and fun. The only bad thing is Chris has won every single game since we started playing last week. There is no strategy to it, it's pure chance, so surely my time is coming? It's especially fun when we get a double war (as shown above). 

This cardinal was out back chirping his head off this week. Clearly as glad as I am that it's warming up outside. 

Above is an example of my new knife prowess. I decided it was high time I learned to peel an orange with a knife like they do on all the cooking shows, then place it on the plate in slices instead of peeled segments. The appearance pleases me greatly, as does less pithy bitterness in each bite. I will likely be looking for more things to peel and slice. Beware. 

These are the very very pretty tulips from the grocery store this week. That orange color just says cha-cha-cha! Don't you think? They are holding me over nicely as I wait for bouquet after bouquet of local flowers from the farmers market. Which by the way, opens April 10th.

to evaluate the manner in which one approaches such a canvas

The moon was setting when I stepped outside recently for a walk. Do you step out the back door before a walk too? Just to "test the waters" and be certain the get-up you have selected to wear will provide the proper amount of warmth while being mindful that you also don't want to get sweaty.  I love a setting moon. 

Out the front door there was this. Coming up between the houses across the street and off in the distance. A rosy pink/orange/golden sun just coming over the horizon. Clearly I have done something right lately, for this kind of treatment from nature. 

The business end of this plow, that sits in a field by our house, has been repainted over the winter. I think. It was also lovely in it's perfect setting, backlit by the morning light. What would be most excellent would be to come upon the artist doing the painting. I would like to observe from afar.  In case I am ever faced with just such a challenge. 

Today I noted green stalks pushing up in the front garden. Bulbs! I keep meaning to plant more, for a bigger display, but it never turns into a priority at the right time. No matter, I enjoy the returnees and celebrate them like they were the Crown Jewels on display.  

Speaking of Crown Jewels... we just started watching season 1 of Downton Abbey. After hearing it discussed for so long, in so many circles, we have finally found the right time to watch. Smitten from the outset. I am ever so content at the thought of 6 seasons, all wrapped up like gifts, just waiting for me to open.   

I filled up all those spaces inside that needed replenishing

Last week when Joan and I met up for an adventure, I told her "tell Chuck you won't be home until at least 3:30, I have plans for us", without missing a beat, she assured me she was up for it. 

If you live in the KC area, and you go to Family Tree Nursery, you probably already know about the coffee spot that's there now (Equinox). Outside! With distanced tables! Among the plants! Some kind of a genius thinker put this plan together. Win-Win. 

After getting a couple of "blue moon" latte's we hit the road for a history lesson. 

We headed to City Hall, where I had planned for us to have a view of the city from the Observation Deck. Which, it turns out, has been closed since COVID hit. 

No matter. This extremely nice security guard and one of his buddies told us to go up to the 28th floor and look out the windows and then go to the 26th floor and look at the photos of all the previous mayors. 

Which we did, and found enjoyable as well as informative. I did not know that Kansas City was "chartered" in 1850. But now I do. The building has a cool Art Deco style with interesting details. A return visit when the deck is open will be planned. 

Next up - the West Bottoms and a trip to the new (to me) Hammerpress location.  I do so love all things letterpress and this store never disappoints. 

We drove among the warehouses and spotted places to return to on some "first Friday" when most of them are open. Antique stores, art spots, places I couldn't say what they were... all interesting looking. 

We cruised by the Crestwood shops to see what was in the windows. 

Then a stop for lunch at Aixois. Which by the way, has the best French onion soup. Their drink menu looked intriguing and when it warms up, cocktails on the patio will be happening. Gosh it was good to get "out" just a bit.  in a way that can only be met in the company of a dear friend. 

P.S. Less you think I am out and about and behaving indiscriminately, Joan and I have both received vaccines (me as a health care provider, she as a volunteer vaccinator), are well versed in social distancing, and are masked up. All the spots we visited had mask requirements, and they were well enforced. 

I could smell the beginnings of spring

At 7:29am, under a dense fog advisory, with temperatures holding steady at 38 degrees, and NO wind... outdoor walking season resumed in Lawrence Kansas today.

Birds were singing, no other humans were about, a squirrel ran up a tree and then came back down. It was GLORIOUS. Cobwebs that I did not realize had formed in the recesses of my brain were blown out. I could smell the beginnings of spring. 

number 3000

Happy Friday all.  As I sit down to write tonight, it's worth noting that this is the 3,000 post I have sent out into the world since the inception of Tall Tales from Kansas, almost 10 years ago. If you would have asked me at the time if I thought I had 3,000 posts in me, I think I would have said "maybe not?"

Through all the seasons and the beauty of each, the adventures, travels, culinary delights, books to discuss, my family stories, what I see at work, things that bring me joy or make me sad, I don't tend to think about the whole of it. When I walk upstairs after a day of work to sit at the computer and tap out what is on my mind, it is not generally planned out in advance. Sometimes, I start to write something and before I know it, things have moved in a much different direction than they were headed at the outset. 

It's kind of a funny thing, this blog. There is no specific purpose to it, other than to give me a chance to share my views on life. To tell stories, share the quirky/courageous/funny/complex individuals whose lives touch me daily at work, rhapsodize over my love of food/books/nature/art and craft, and anything else that pops into my unpredictable brain.

It has been a ride. I have met some very special people because of this blog. Individuals from across the globe whose paths would likely not have crossed with mine, if not for the world of the internet. For the friendships, the opportunities, the comments left that broaden perspectives, for all of this I am grateful. Thanks for checking in from time to time.

I wish you each a wonderful weekend. I am planning on doing as little as I can get away with, while sneaking in as much relaxation as possible. My formula for bliss. 

well worth the month or so I waited my turn for it

Here are my latest "kid book" favorites.

First there is The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse, by Charlie Mackesy. It is lovely for it's sweet and tender message of goodness about a friendship, between ... you guessed it, a boy, a mole, a fox, and a horse. It is a visual treasure. Written out in script, illustrated in a deceptively simple appearing style with watercolor and ink.

Thanks for telling me about it Jennifer, it was well worth the month or so I waited my turn for it at the library. I will by copying his watercolor style for some time to come.

My next report is about Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk. 

It's a story about right and wrong and navigating your way through the world as an 11 year old girl. I won't say more than that because I don't want to give things away. Well written, not too "preachy", with a good message. I absolutely adore the cover of this book.

I bought this one at my local bookstore and will enjoy reading it again in years to come. 

Both Highly Recommended. Simple stories for complex times. Have I said that already recently? It bears repeating.
 

throwing my desires out into the universe

This goldfinch and I had a staring contest the other day. So unusual that he did not take flight when I quietly crept  outside to take his picture. You can see he still has his winter colors on... but they are beginning to turn. We have been doing our best to keep these visitors supplied with fresh food all winter. 

Visitors that have been a wonderful distraction, and reminder that life goes on, no matter what. I told him to keep coming back and I will make sure Chris keeps filling the feeder. 

Which also reminds me that it's time to put up the square wreaths that go on the front windows in the spring. The ones the Robin's prefer to build their nests upon. 

Today it got up to 60 degrees here in Lawrence.  After 13 below last week. It's crazy. Crazy wonderful to think that spring is around the corner. I am dreaming of porch sitting. Wondering if my little redbud tree will have a good flowering this year. Thinking about traveling somewhere soon. Looking forward to regular visits with my Quail friends. Imagining the days when I can get up to watch the sun rise on a morning ramble. Hoping all my favorite coffee shops in Lawrence will re-open for my kind of Sunday morning church services after a walk. Sometimes just imagining that all this might be possible in the coming weeks and months is enough. 

In the face of no answers, conjuring up all the things that are good about the world seems right. Some might call it delusional, for me it's just throwing my desires out into the universe... all the better to make them happen. If you believe in that sort of thing. Which I do. Today. 

eight lovely, warm, crispy, soft, nutty, scones

The toasted oat, maple/nut, scone above came about recently because of snow. Glittery snow. 

Which of course made me think of sparkly sugar.

And it was all downhill from there. 

Oats were toasted with pecans, chopping was done, an egg was mixed with cream and milk, my hands got all sticky, a mess was made.

But at the end of all that, there were eight lovely, warm, crispy, soft, nutty, scones. 

Which make a fine breakfast on their own, but can also be joined by mangos and blueberries with greek yogurt on the side. The coffee is not negotiable, though in a pinch tea would also be perfect. 

Delicious right to the last crumbs. Which of course were eaten as well. Then the dishes were done. 

If you are not a fan of a glaze on top, it is not required. 

They freeze well. Recipe below if you are interested.

I make these and lemon cherry scone once every few years. These in the colder months, the lemon cherry in the spring or summer. I like to imagine sitting outside at an English cottage garden when I am eating them. To be able to dream is a wonderful thing. 

Click on it to make it bigger. 

 

I have no answer

This is another COVID story. It's a hard one. Don't read it if you can't take another single bit of sadness right now. The thing is, these losses matter. Whenever I hear or read about someone thinking the number of deaths related to COVID are inflated, or the virus "isn't real", I am compelled to share what IS happening. 

At the end of January, I told you about a young brother and sister in our hospital. Twenty six and twenty nine. At that time one was on a ventilator and the other soon to be. Their mother dead as well from COVID, though these 2 children didn't yet know it.

These siblings have had all the complications we are seeing with COVID patients. In addition to the devastating lung injuries, they have had gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney issues, and blood clots.  They have both received every therapy for COVID we have to offer. Despite all of this, one died last week. 

While they have been hospitalized my mind has wondered if it was possible that these 2 souls could be communicating with each other. Siblings, dying, several rooms apart, no family here in person. I know it's the stuff that movies are made of, but I want to believe somehow that there IS a connection. That they are supporting each other, that their mom is whispering words of comfort to them from wherever she is.

Meanwhile, the sibling who remained in ICU, on the ventilator, continued to have oxygen saturation levels dipping into the 20's and 30's. Sometimes with coughing, sometimes for no apparent reason, this means the nurses race into the room, disconnect the ventilator, "bag" her until the sats climb back into an acceptable range, then back on the ventilator until the next episode. Her body keeps trying to die. Her family holds on to hope. Her lungs so damaged from the virus. 

Then one morning this week, I pull up the list of patients on my service, and see she died overnight. The one grace in all of it, is that 6 members of her family were able to come and see her before they removed her from life support. 

The prolonged suffering of this family as they held on for all they were worth was so painful. Would it have been better if the mom and her two children had all died at once? Which suffering would be "easier" to bear? It is not a lie to tell you that I let out a long sigh when I saw she had died. Is it my suffering I wanted to end? Was it my desire to see the suffering of the family stop? There comes a point when you know someone is just not going to make it. You gently tell family you are "worried" they will not get better. They ask "isn't there any other medicine you can use?" 

Since 1981 I have been taking care of people who are dying, comforting families, managing symptoms, this is unlike any previous experience. How can one make meaning out of this? What is the lesson, the legacy? I have no answer.

P.S. this post is not meant to reflect on me in any way, please don't comment about the work I am doing. this is about the people who are sick and dying. if you want to comment, please add your "story" about the losses you have seen/experienced.

P.P.S. thank you.

I saw the poster below hanging up in the hospital a week or so ago. I couldn't resist posting it. I love a clever sign maker.