Tall Tales from Kansas

My summer coffee cozy

Exactly 90 minutes after starting on my sewing project last night, I brought things to a close.

 

Just to be clear, a successful close.

 

And just to be on the safe side... let me tell you this is NOT a wrist band.  Although in a pinch, in the right setting, it might be fashionable.

 

This is my new summer coffee cozy.  If you want to make one yourself the free pattern can be found right here.   I love slipping one of these around my cup instead of using a cardboard sleeve.  I swear it makes my short cappucino taste better.  I think I might leave that sewing machine out for a few more weeks.  I mean since it's already threaded and all.

I like to start a project on an optimistic note

Sewing machine threaded.   Yes, I know I have 2 different colors of thread but I couldn't pick between them so I decided one of each sounded perfect. 

 

Potential fabrics at the ready.  I think pink and orange thread will go well with any of these selections.

 

Notions assembled for use.  In case I decide to throw some lime green in at the last minute.

 

Considering that I had kind of forgotten how to thread the machine because it's been so long since I used it, this new project that I think I can whip up in a few short hours could get a little frustrating.  But I am choosing to think all will go well.  I like to start a project on an optimistic note.  But seriously, can someone tell me why there are 7 of those thread holder thingies between the spool of yarn at the top of the machine and the needle?  That seems like a lot of holding to me. 

Edging the beds

 

Aughhhhh!   The most dreaded of all garden chores - edging the beds and applying more mulch.  Someone please spare me from this.  Why don't kids go door to door and see if you need this done?   To heck with the lawn mowing.  People like to mow their own lawns.  But bed edging?  Fugetaboutit!  No sane person likes that job. 

 

Then just as soon as you think you are done, ready to go in for some advil and an iced coffee,  who comes by?  That's right, the garden supervisor.   "Hold on a minute there missy, let me check that work".

 

"Alright that looks pretty good"  he says.   "You can go ahead and call it quits for the night ....

 

... as soon as you get done scratching me with that rake handle that is... a little more to the left please."

Summery kitchen towels are a requirement for the head dishwasher

 

Sometimes when I am out shopping I see something that I totally do not need but really, really, really, want.  Whenever that happens and the purchase price is quite reasonable (in my mind) I make the command decision to help the country out of this recession and flood the market with my currency.  Such was the case with these summery kitchen towels that I saw last week.  I think they go perfect with my latest hand knit dishcloth don't you? 

 

 

The rule in our house is that anything that keeps the head dishwasher happy, the head dishwasher should have. 

I'm a lunch toter

Are any of you fans of Mason Williams poems?  They're not deep meaningful poems.  They're snappy little numbers about everyday life.  Here's one of my favorites.

Them Lunch Toters
        by Mason Williams 

How about Them Lunch Toters,
Ain't they a bunch?
Goin' off to work,
A-totin' they lunch.

Totin' them vittles,
Totin' that chow,
Eatin' it later,
But a-totin' it now.

Look at Them Lunch Toters,
Ain't they funny?
Some use a paper sack,
Some use a gunny.

Ok - I'll stop there.... So I not only tote my lunch, I also tote breakfast.  I leave for work at 5:35 am.  Who can eat breakfast at that hour?  By 8:30 or 9:00am, when I have seen the most important people on my list for the day, I take my $2.75 and go get a small cappucino, come back to my office , pour some home made granola over the greek yogurt, drizzle with honey, stir, and for 15 minutes I am transported back to the small hotel in Amalfi where I first learned of the wonders of yogurt and cereal.

I have been making my own granola for a couple of years because it's so easy and it makes me feel like I could have been Hop Sings' assistant on the Ponderosa. 

 

If you want to join in, it's easy.  Just follow the 6 steps depicted below.

 

Take 2 cups of old fashioned oats and anything else you want, and mix it together in a bowl.  I like lots of different kinds of nuts, raisins, a little coconut, sometimes I use dried cherries or cranberries or raw sunflower seeds... whatever you have in the pantry.  Then mix 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup peanut butter and pour it over the mix to coat.  Pour it onto a cookie sheet you spray with pam or some such like that.  Put it in a 300 degree oven for 30 minutes.  Pull it out.  Give it a stir.  Turn off the oven.  Put the granola back in the oven for another 30 minutes (yes, with the oven off).  Stir at 15 minute intervals for even browning.  Remove from oven.  Cool.  Try not to eat it all at once.  You made it to take to work for breakfast.

 

Note to self:  If you are going to make granola early in the day at least comb your hair and put on some lipstick before you go taking your picture to post on your blog.

One of my favorite spots to sit

I think you have caught glimpses of this spot on my front porch when I have placed drinks out here to photograph.  It happens to be one of my favorite spots to sit. 

 

I like to sit here after I work in the garden.
I like to sit here while I watch my husband mow the yard.
I like to sit here while I think about what flowers I am going to snip and put in a vase.
I like to sit here and write in my journal.
I like to sit here and drink a martini.
I like to sit here and put my feet up and look at my freshly polished toes.
I like to sit here and watch the clouds go by.

You get the idea.  It's a nice spot for just about anything you want to do while you sit.  There's another rocker with a high back right next to it.  It's good in case you need to let your head fall back and take a snooze.  Sometimes all that sitting can wear a girl out. 

They all spell s-u-m-m-e-r

One of these things is not like the other.  One of these things just doesn't belong.

 

Except that they are all pink-ish, and they all spell s-u-m-m-e-r, and it makes me feel good to look at all of them. 

Oh I do love a nice spa pedicure.  There may be something that feels better than a nice salt-scrub rubdown on your lower legs and feet on a friday afternoon after a long week of work, but right now I can't think what it would be. 

Rock on Coffee Girls!

 

Today between meetings I was on assignment.  Working to get another of the things on the "52 by 53" list done.  Plus I hadn't been to a new coffee place for awhile and it was time.

 

Fresh baked goods under glass domes sitting atop an orange sideboard.  Orange chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.  I'm getting a good feeling.... 

 

If this nicely foamed, perfectly roasted cappucino had been served in an orange cup I would have moaned out loud.  That's probably why they don't do it.  This assignment was pure pleasure.  I set up my writing, knitting, drinking, station and spent a delightful hour looking out the window and listening to some pleasing tunes in the background.  You know just loud enough so every once in a while you get the urge to sing along but not loud enough to make you get those irritated squinty frown lines between your eyes. 

What with the orange color and the vintage Bob Dylan "like a rolling stone" I was transported back to the 60's for a minute (or ten).   Rock on Coffee Girls!    

My next month of drive time "reading"

I spend roughly 6.666 hours a week driving to and from work.   I use this time very productively;  talking things over with myself, rehearsing my American Idol try-out number, and listening to audiobooks.   I love that I can request/reserve books from the public library and go get them when I am notified they are awaiting pickup.   My next 30 days of drive time listening has been carefully planned out. 

 

I am currently on the last CD of "The Postmistress".  I have read books about WWII, but mostly from the perspective of the Jewish people and their experiences in the ghettos and concentration camps.  Most of my previous reading has not been fiction.  This novel has a character in London during the bombings and it makes me want to read more about this time period.  I am a HUGE fan of "Pillars of the Earth" and "World Without End" by Ken Follett so I am going to delve into WWI with his latest "Fall of Giants".   In between these two selections I have thrown in "Blood, Bones, and Butter" to get a break from reading about war-time.   Plus, it came highly recommended and you've got to love a title like that. 

Knitting class project

I am part of a group of people who get together regularly to knit.  I guess I should just admit it.  My name is Carol and I am a knitter.  Sometimes the members of my group get all fired up and decide we should do a "class project".   This little number got into our heads week before last. 

 

We each decided it would look as good on us as it does on Ann.   Color selections were made.   Yarn started flying off the shelves.  Patterns were purchased.  A pact was signed.  Everyone bring a guage swatch to class next week and be ready to start!   

 

A guage swatch is important if you want your sweater to come close to fitting you the way you think it's going to fit in your mind.   Luckily we have a teacher who is a guage swatch expert.  She kindly advises us when we might want to do another swatch with a larger/smaller size needle if we want to be satisfied with our finished product.  Always a gentle suggestion, given with a smile. 

 

You will not have a hard time identifying our teacher below.  She might be thinking about our last class project....

 

... can you tell who has to re-knit their guage swatch?   

Since several of you asked... if you want to join in on the knitting fun here is a link to the Yarn Barn (our local yarn store in Lawrence Kansas) with the pattern and details.  class knitting project

 

"52 by 53"

Inspired by this, and because I like to copy many things that I think are good ideas, I developed a list I call "52 by 53".  Fifty two things I want to do before I turn fifty three that is.  Exactly one month into the list I have knocked 6 things off already.

 

The way I see it that makes me ahead of the game.  I will admit, it took me some time to think of 52 things to put on the list.  Some of them are pie in the sky that might not get done.  Others are things I really should do.    One or two things I can't wait to do.   So listen, if you are planning to visit me any time soon get ready to join in.  Don't worry.  Nothing on the list is painful. 

My dad, the daredevil

 

I didn't learn how to ride a bike until I was 35 years old. Why is a long story... but it includes living in Greece and getting stitches.  I used to dream about being able to ride though.  So one summer my sisters taught me.  Many years and many falls later I can negotiate my way around ok.

The photo I don't have is of my sisters who broke my new bike in, demonstrating their superior skills - "look sister, no hands",  they said as they took off down the sloped driveway!   Then my dad had to get in on the action.  In slippers, no helmet, and cigarette in hand he cruised up and down the street with a smile on his face.  Afterwards we sat in the old lawnchairs on the driveway while he told us about learning to ride as a kid on the bike that had no chain so you had to push it up the hill, coast down, and hope for the best. 

Harvey doesn't go for martini's

Today the bougainvillea started to show signs of life.

 

Which is good because the alium's were attacked last night by a strong wind.   They were on their last leg anyway, but still, I do hate to see them hang their dried out heads so.

 

While I was out back someone came over and started flirting with me

 

Then he decided to stop flirting and keep the snakes away while I captured the bee balm in a nice light.  As an assistant to the garden supervisor he must work when needed.  Even if it's not a regularly scheduled shift.

 

After work we shared a beer on the front porch.  

 

Harvey doesn't go for martini's. 

 

Stories that need new ears to hear them

Can you stand just a few more shots of New Mexico?  These will be the last until I go again.  Oh, I'll be back.  I left those spirit birds there so I could find my way.    And maybe one of these hand thrown mugs that feel so right in your hand you know they were made by someone who understands this is as critical to the enjoyment of the moment as what is actually in the cup.     

 

I left my phone number on the windshield of the truck.  I am waiting for the 85 year old owner to call me so we can set up a ride and he can tell me some stories that need new ears to hear them. 

When my will power has gone to sleep before the rest of my body

I have a powerful sweet tooth.  Actually I have a set of powerful sweet teeth.  In other words, I regularly hear sugary treats calling to me from the kitchen to come and have just a taste.  This happens most frequently at night.  When my will power has gone to sleep before the rest of my body and I am vulnerable to attack.  

With that in mind I have come up with a late night banana concoction (which comes in 3 versions) that is the perfect companion for late night chimps working on projects. My sister will be sharing with you a few other FTB class cocktails that are perfect for daytime drinking. 

Version #1 contains coconut rum which is bit on the strong side.  BUT, if you like coconut and want to try it I have included the necessary information below. 

 

Version #2 is the Vanilla Baboon - I think it's my favorite...

 

Version #3 is the Chocolate Monkey - it might also be my favorite...

 

Here is the recipe with variations included:

1 oz banana liqueur
1/2 oz creme de cacao
A couple of spoonfuls of vanilla ice cream for the Vanilla Baboon. Use chocolate ice cream for the Chocolate Monkey.
If you like the flavor of coconut and want to give version #1 a try add 1/4 oz coconut rum.  I used 1/2 oz the first time I made it and you completely lost the banana flavor.
Mix the banana liqueur, creme de cacao, and ice cream in a martini shaker and stir with a spoon until the ice cream is pretty much melted and well mixed.  Then add some ice to the shaker and give it a good shake to get it cold.  Strain into small glass, and sip away as you watch the FTB videos.  Warning your laughs may sound a bit "ape-ish" after 2 drinks.  Close the door so your families won't be concerned about you. 

If you don't have ice cream, use a bit of half & half instead and throw in some chocolate syrup if you want the chocolate version.  Don't have half and half?  Open a can of sweetened condensed milk and throw in a spoonful of that - add more ice to the shaker and mix it well.  You can call this version the Dulce de Monkey.  Use your imagination and do be sure and share with us any brilliant successes!

 

No drinks were wasted in the making of this post.  I tasted and consumed them all.  In the end, Chris, my husband, the egg dying expert, liked chocolate best.  I still haven't decided for sure.  I'm not quite done licking the last drop out of the glasses yet.     

I lived with a troop of monkeys for a short time in a previous life

I wasn't going to show this because it is not one of my finer moments.  But then I thought I should show it since most people only need to see it once to avoid future occurrences.

 

And since I did NOT forget to plant zinnias this year and I have now harvested baby orange #1  the pain of the hollyhocks on the ground is somehow less acute. 

 

Now I must get back to the lab.  I have to continue experimenting with my last drink recipe for the FTB class my sister has starting in a few days.  It might have banana liqueur in it.  Maybe a smidge of creme de cacao.  Perhaps a hint of cream?  I must work out the final details and get some tastings in before I go to bed.  Here is what I do know for sure.  I learned the basics of this recipe when I lived with a troop of monkeys for a short time in a previous life.  Some people called it a circus, but monkeys prefer to call themselves a troop.  And they know their banana recipes. 

Note to self: Hollyhocks are top heavy flowers

While I was gone the bee balm and the purple cone-flowers decided to get busy and do their thing.

 

 

These native plants thrive on neglect and have a fairly long bloom season.  Hollyhocks however are a different story.  Would someone please tell me why I can NOT remember they are TOP HEAVY flowers and need to be staked?  Do I think they are going to get lighter as they get older?  This is the second year they have laid on the ground once the blooming starts.  Maybe if I put some sort of support out there in the middle of winter I'll remember?  Can someone out there just send me a message on May 20, 2012 and tell me to strap a "cross your heart" on the hollyhocks?  

Spirit Birds

We worked in a few hikes while in the Taos area.   Sunny with cool breezes.  I can't think of more desirable conditions for hiking.

 

Have you seen "Spirit Birds" before?  I hadn't.  They made me stop and stamp my feet I was so delighted with them.  When I do this the people I am with just walk away and pretend they don't know me.  I can't help myself though.  Really.

 

There were poppies as big as your whole hand there.  These were just outside of La Lana Wool in Taos.  I think they planted them because they knew I was coming and I adore poppies.

 

Here are the things that worked their way into my suitcase and had to come home with me.   Oh and just enough coffee to brew a pot of "Taos Cow blend" for the first pot back at work tomorrow.  Kind of a transition if you know what I mean.

 

"El Irrigador"

 
A few more photos from New Mexico...

 
so many beautiful things to see...

 

just along the side of the road.

 

Remember I told you I was going to go and check out the "Des Montes Folk Art Gallery"? 

Well the picture I didn't get there was of Floyd Archuletta.  That man you see in the print above is his father - "El Irrigador".  He is 92 years old and still gets up everyday and works in the fields.  Floyd has been painting him in this working pose for many years.  There were 4 artists displaying their work in the gallery.  I saw several pieces I would have liked to bring home with me.  But my purchase was made from the moment I met Floyd and he told me the story.  We shook hands after the deal was struck.  I like looking right into the eyes of an artist and expressing my appreciation for their work.                                                  

We are definately not in Kansas anymore

 

Ristras  

 

Adobe walls with sky blue wood frames

 

A trio of singing senoritas

 

We are definately not in Kansas anymore. 

Talking to important people you don't get to see everyday

There are certain things that it's nice to do when you are away from home, out of your normal routine.   Like watching the sun come up while you sit outside where it's a bit on the cool side but you don't care because you have a nice warm cup of coffee in your hand and you are NOT going to work today.

 

Or veer off the road when you see a cool sign and go investigate.  Yes, you have time, you are on vacation. 

And maybe best of all getting to talk to important people you don't get to see everyday.  Like "rock experts" who can explain to you why each piece in the collection is important and should be lined up just so. 

 

 This particular expert also taught me how to make a straw out of a twizzler.  How is it that I didn't know something so important? 

Tomorrow it's on to Santa Fe, Chimayo, the Georgia O'Keeffe museum,  and the Museum of International Folk Art.  Well if we get one of those done it will be a successful day.  Truth be told it's hard to leave a mountain retreat where you can sit around and do a little stitching and come up with new martini recipes all day if you want to.

 

Where I happen to find myself this week

There is a lot to do at a Farmers market.  Things like haggling over prices for example.

 

Or buying a pretty basket to tote your purchases around in.

 

Maybe you want to get some input into your future in time to alter the course of your life if needed. 

 

There's always the option of a dramatic puppet show.

All the while being serenaded off and on by a couple of troubadors.

 

Mingling through here made for a very entertaining morning in Taos New Mexico, where I happen to find myself this week, soaking in the beauty of the high desert country.

Meredith where are you?

Lewis and Clark like the vet ok but they don't love him.  They especially do not like to spend the night at his place.  Whenever the cat carrier comes up from the basement (indicating an impending sleep-over) the wailing and gnashing of teeth begins. We were able to avoid this kitty trauma in the last year because we discovered Saint Meredith.  Meredith would come over and feed, reassure, and pet the kitties when we had to be away.  Meredith is in Boston this summer on a BIG adventure.  I don't want to make her feel guilty or anything...

...but the boys were looking over their shoulders the whole way to the vet today and I swear I heard Clark say "Meredith, where ARE you?

The everyday journal

I have an art journal, a garden journal, a golf journal (yes really!), and an everyday journal.  I like to keep track of the things I enjoy.  The only problem with so many journals is that I always have things I want to be doing in them.  The good thing is I am on my own timeline which means essentially there is no timeline.   I do love it when I do a little catching up in them though.  Get down some thoughts and ideas before I forget them.  Things like how good that chocolate caramel candy from Paris was.  Or what a particular day was like.  Just the little details of everyday life that I am sure I will find fascinating to read in another 10 years.

 

I like to slap in some visual interest.  Things I see that make me get silly and talk in a funny voice like this cute, cute, cute, big, fat, red bird.

 

Who doesn't need a picture like that in their everyday journal?  No one that's who.

 

Not that I was every really concerned

The first 2 years after I planted this Oak Leaf Hydrangea there were no blooms.  Not a hint of a speck of a bud.  I examined it regularly.  Daily, maybe  2-3 times some days, but never 4.  Year 3 there were some pathetic blooms.  I considered giving it a blood transfusion or moving it to a different location, but held off.  Year 4 there were some decent blooms.  This brings us to year #5.

 

These have all the hallmark characteristics of fabulous blooms.  Well worth waiting for if I may say so myself.  Not that I was ever really concerned.  I just pretended like I was.  I think plants do better when they sense a little angst on the part of the head gardener.  It makes their success that much sweeter. 

Unfortunately we couldn't rustle up a tyke...

Summer in Kansas is not the time to knit.  But when babies are coming knitting is called for.  My husband's brother's wife (hereafter referred to as my Sister-in-law, Ann) and I always try to team up and do the sweater, sock, hat thing when a baby comes.  It's always best when I get to do the sweater and she does hat and socks.  Her hats tend to be a bit more imaginative than mine AND she has a pom-pom maker.   I may have lied this time and told her it was my turn to do the sweater.  If I did do that, I was only thinking of the baby. 

 

Unfortunately we couldn't rustle up a little tyke to model this outfit for us.  So this is as good as it gets.  We selected winter white for this Colorado baby who should look pretty cute in it come October when the snow starts to fly.   Now that I know she's a girl though you can bet there will be something pink and orange getting started any day now.   Olivia Lorraine I can't wait to squish you.