Tall Tales from Kansas

throw all the "shoulds" out the window

This morning I washed blueberries, made coffee, measured oats, and had breakfast. 

When I was done with all that, I looked at pictures from In a Mexican Garden.

I imagined I was sitting in a rooftop terrace garden in San Miguel de Allende and it was sunny.  The Jacaranda trees were in full bloom all around me and I could fee the warmth rising up from the terra cotta tiles of the patio.   I was so deep into my fantasy I could almost taste the creme de frijol soup my sister and I were planning for lunch.     

I also finished listening to Winter of the World since the library sent me a message this week telling me I was going to be charged the "lost book" fee if I didn't get it back.    I learned all sorts of things about WWII that I hadn't been aware of.   If you are a fan of historical fiction you will not want to miss this one.   

After ALL of that I made chili for supper tonight. 

All in all a pretty darn good day off.  

Somehow I did not get to the revision of the review of literature I had planned.  Nor did I start on my taxes.  Some days you just gotta throw all the "shoulds" out the window and do what you need to do.    

I absolutely loved my neon cowboy

I am tired of looking at white.  All this snow was exhilerating, exciting, and entertaining. 

Now I am just exhausted by the cold, the shoveling, and the white knuckle driving. 

How's this for an antidote?

I absolutely loved this Neon Cowboy rose.  It up and died on me summer before last.  I am going to have to find another one to take it's place.  Looking at this photo right now is the only thing that is going to get me through until Spring.   That and knowing I have the day off tomorrow.  Oh the extravagance of a Thursday at home alone. 

friendly but somewhat serious

I am always one week behind my Sister in our friendly, but somewhat serious, sketching challenge.

This week I would like to blame my lateness on the snow.   Plus Chris has a cold and I have to take care of him when I am not at work.  Fetching advil, making chicken soup, ensuring his kleenex supply is adequate.  

This takes me back to the days when I wrote those "please excuse Carol..." notes for myself when I needed to be absent from school.  To save Angie the trouble.   All on the up and up of course. 

who says a pie has to be pie shaped

Sunday morning I was faced with a dilemma.  I had a key-lime pie monkey on my back... and the element in our oven burned out Saturday night.  In case you haven't seen a burned out element, I enclose this picture.


Oval pie.  Small oven.  Perfect.

 
In case you are wondering how to cut your oval pie - I geometrically mapped this out and found it the most pleasing. 


Who says a pie has to be pie shaped? 

 
When you have a key-lime pie monkey on your back, any shape will do. 

rough and ready turned 3!

Snow clouds on the horizon tonight.  More blizzard conditions are expected Monday and Tuesday.  I have duly noted all the lessons learned from last week and am prepared for my journey tomorrow. 

Including the Twix bar .  Thank you Caroline for calling that oversight to my attention. 

In the meantime, February 23rd was a milestone in our family.  Rough and Ready turned 3!  Hard to believe how much they have grown since starting their journey into the world at just over 1 pound. 

Thanks brother for sending the photos.  I did notice that the only one that was not blurry was the one where Krissy was holding Garrett (or is that Gavin).   How hard could it be to get a 3 year old to pose for a clear photo :-)

who knows what colors are coming up next

Remember those soothing tan and gray balls of yarn I showed you a few weeks ago?  The ones that were going to become the next square of the lizard ridge afghan?  I did not imagine it was going to turn out like this.   I would never have guessed turquise and pistachio were hiding in there. 


I am not complaining mind you.   This might be my favorite square yet.  That old adage "you can't tell a book by it's cover" certainly applies to balls of yarn too.    The beginning of square #7 is below.  I started it today.  Who knows what colors are coming up next.  

That's what I am loving about this afghan.  Each square is a new little project.   I am totally captivated with it right now.    I just want to sit and knit all day long... and let's face it, with all this snow around I see no reason not to give in to the impulse.   

leaning forward in the car when you are hoping to make it up a hill

Snow is pretty when you are inside the house looking out.  When you are warm and cozy and not trying to negotiate the perils of uncleared side streets. 

Do you find yourself leaning forward in the car when you are hoping to make it up a hill?    Do you also mutter the universal snow prayer... "come on, come on, come on...."?   I can't help but believe these measures influence the vehicle to have an increased upward and forward momentum. 

I used my new fair isle headband for the first time yesterday while I cleared the back patio so Lewis could go outside without disappearing in a drift.    It's a keeper.   The stranding in the back makes it super warm.   I will take it with me today when we head out on our adventure to rescue my car.    More on that story as it unfolds. 

a shovel should remain in the trunk of your car

Traffic in Kansas City yesterday am, courtesy of Reuters.   I am happy to report I was not one of those cars.  I left home before the snow started and made it in just fine.  However, my car did not make it home, which means today is the 3rd time in 28 years of commuting I did not make it to my appointed rounds.   

Not a bad track record all in all.  I did learn some things from all of this:

1.  If you have a co-worker who lives in Lawrence and you get her car dug out it is wise for the two of you to go home together in that one car and leave the other behind.

2.  When it's going to snow more than 6 inches you should drive the 4-runner to work.

3.  A shovel should remain in the trunk of your car from October to April. 

4.  If you pack a bag in case you might get stuck at work, don't walk off and leave it by the door.

5.  The threat of a parking ticket should not stop you from parking in the garage in a blizzard.

6.  There are a lot of cute young people living around the med center who think it's fun to help two mature women get their car "unstuck". 

I wish I had gotten the names of the couple who helped us out... along with their photo!  What was I thinking not having my camera on me at a time like this?   Oh yeah, item number 7 on the list... safety first. 

when a cat wants something

I left my "around the house" sweater on the bed unattended yesterday.  I should have known better.  Within 3 minutes it had been claimed.    When a cat wants something don't try to take it from him.  Not unless you have some of those thick gloves falcon trainers use. 

No telling when I will get it back.  

peals of laughter that rival the monkey cage at the zoo

Sketchwars Wednesday Week #5. 

I want to think of some explanation for this.  I really, really, really, do. 

But as you can see there are no words.  Only peals of laughter that rival the monkey cage at the zoo. 

perfect for wrapping up in when the wind is howling

With wind gusts up to 40 miles an hour (I am not kidding), this came in handy today.   The  Umaro throw is pefect for wrapping up in when the wind is howling and you want to lounge around and catch up on your flipboard reading. 

On Saturday morning I took out the instruction manual for the steam cleaner and got down to business.  It did a fine job of blocking for this big (50" x 67") project.  Much easier than soaking and spinning which is what I usually do.  I am considering getting some blocking wires though for the next time I do an afghan.  I like the edges to be nice and straight which means using a gazillion pins.  If you use wires let me know what you think.     

I like that the cream color does not in any way detract from the beautiful pattern and will go perfectly anywhere I decide to use it. 

This is the largest piece of knitting I have attempted.  The size 15 needles and bulky yarn makes it go pretty quickly though.   Harrisville heathered bulky yarn is what I used, in case you were wondering. 

I love it when I finish a project... mostly because it means I am going to start a new one (or two). 

 

hey cookie, rustle me up some breakfast would ya?

Chris was a chuckwagon cook in a former life.  He tells me he's distantly related to Wishbone but can't remember exactly how.  When I get the hankering for some huevos rancheros he is always willing to oblige.  This morning the batch he made was perhaps his best effort yet.  

Here's the basic recipe.  Chris always modifies it based on what we have on hand - that's what you gotta do when you're on the trail with no trading post in site and a few dozen hungry cowboys to feed. 

We had plenty left over so they are on the menu again for tomorrow morning.   It's a little known fact that beans were one of George Washington's favorite foods, so it will be a fitting start to our Presidents Day. 

the perfect accompaniment to a banana for a portable breakfast

It started to snow right before I went to bed last night.  This morning the cone flowers all had hats on.

We got started early on the honey-coated/sesame-covered, almond replication experiment.  I have found from past experience, it's best to attend to important tasks first before more mundane matters (like laundry) get in the way.   I googled a recipe and came up with this.  The next time I will use less honey and even more sesame seeds.  I used the whole container shown below versus the 1/4 cup the recipe called for.  I also toasted my sesame seeds in a skillet first. 

I wanted more sesame seeds to adhere to the almonds but think I will need an industrial conveyor belt with a shaker and a sprinkler in order to achieve that effect.   No matter.  These are GOOD.  I am thinking they will be the perfect accompaniment to a banana for a portable breakfast.

Someone braved the snow to come over for a visit.

The Harvey boys are not put off by a little snow.   Not when there is sun out and the possibility of playtime.   They declined the offer of an almond, but did want me to know they smelled good. 

important friday night tasks

It's Friday evening.  6:43 pm.  I had a most lovely day at work.  I met a 92 year old man who was entrusted with carrying a secret document across enemy lines in Italy during WWII.  He told me the story of how a young boy helped him pass safely across a beach filled with land mines so he could make it back to his ship.  You may be able to imagine something nicer than sitting by a bed listening to stories like this.  But I can't.  He also told me I had nice teeth. 

Tonight I am giddy with delight at the thought of a 3 day weekend.  Chris is downstairs fixing dinner.  It smells divine.  I tried to take a picture of his famous garlic bread but the light is bad.   Another time. 

Instead here is what I am doing.

Messing around.  Drinking wine.  Important friday night tasks.  Thinking about how I am going to try and duplicate the sesame covered, honey coated, almonds I tasted from Trader Joe's this week.  Yes I know I could just go and buy some, but what fun would that be?  It will be plenty fun if my idea doesn't work out.  But only then. 

I plan to figure out how to turn on the new fangled steam machine that Chris bought for cleaning so I can use it to block this afghan that I finished on Sunday night. 

After I finish that I am going to work on this. 

And when I get done with all that I'll probably start writing a novel .    On a Friday night with a 3 day weekend looming ANYTHING is possible. 

be mine

The best Valentines are sweet and simple with a bit of nostalgia thrown in.  I think this one meets all the qualifications. 

Lewis left this out for me this morning.   He put it right next to his food dish so I would be sure to see it when I fed him.   

pink and sweet

Within me there lives a girl who loves swirly pink and red with orange polka dots, and all things cakey sweet and pretty.  Happily, on Valentines Day it is acceptable (perhaps even required) to admit to your love of all things pink and sweet.   

 

you have nothing to lose but your dignity

Sketchwars Wednesday - Week #4



If you haven't found your own personal drawing partner yet I don't know what you are waiting for.   You have nothing to lose but your dignity.  

P.S.  James, the next time you come over please remind me to show you the pictures we drew of each other on July 7, 2001.  

my version of the grapefruit cake

I made my version of the grapefruit cake this weekend.

It was good, but there was something better about the way they did it at You Say Tomato.   I can't quite put my finger on it.  The way I see it I have 2 options.  

#1:  Try and get a job at the restaurant and quietly observe their methods

#2:  Go to You Say Tomato everytime I want grapefruit cake

I am contemplating the options from every possible angle and trying to come up with the most prudent choice.  It may take me awhile to decide.

a dab here and a dab there

The comic strip journal (aka the palm springs art retreat journal) got a cover tonight.  I cut up the back of an old math book to make it.  

While I had the table cleared off I went ahead and got the paints out.

I still have some spots that need a dab here and a dab there.   You should be aiming for somewhere between over-the-top and downright gaudy in this kind of journal.  I think I am juuuuust about there.   

for his amusement and swatting pleasure

Today the paper calendar hearts, and the cut up felted-purse hearts, and the felt balls on bakers twine, and the pink glass hearts on old trim, all got together on the chandelier over the table.

The Valentine party is now ready to begin.  Lewis thinks this mobile/sculpture was created soley for his amusement and swatting pleasure.   There have been no casualties to date, but the night is young. 

any of those other tricky body parts

Today is national "draw your phone" day.  If you haven't done it yet, it's not too late to put pencil to paper and capture the likeness of your phone for posterity. 

I like drawing my phone.  It doesn't have a nose, or ears, or any of those other tricky body parts.

he has no taste when it comes to cake

If you are contemplating what kind of a sweet treat to make for Valentines day, I have an IDEA!

Behold the grapefruit cake!  I enjoyed every bite of this delectable cake lusciousness last week at You Say Tomato.  It's simple combination of unexpected flavors made my heart skip a few beats.  I don't have the recipe but here is how I am planning to make my version of it.  

One white cake with a crumb texture somewhere between a pound cake and a layer cake.  Slice the layers in half and frost with a buttercream frosting to which you have added a macerated grapefruit segment for the flavor and color.  Gently place grapefruit segments between the layers.  Slather some more frosting on the top and if it runs down the sides that is fine too.  You can serve a conversation heart or two on the side if you want to "valentine it up" a little bit. 

I told my sweetie about it and he did not seem excited.  I can't help it if he has no taste when it comes to cake.  I will buy him a Hershey bar.  I think he will find that an acceptable substitute. 

find your button tin and thread your machine

The great valentine caper continues!

You better start cutting up your old calendars, and get out that lace trim your sister gave you 6 years ago.  Find your button tin and thread your machine.  This is a matter of some urgency.    The time for heart making is now!

mid-day, nearly sunset, early dawn, dusk

 One tree + sky + clouds + light = many amazing combinations.

ideas while under the influence of nelly

Date:  Monday, February 4, 2012
Time:  7:29 am
Place:  Black Dog Coffee House, Lenexa, Kansas.

Today I threw caution to the wind and dove straight into February.  My drink selection  had just the faint aroma of strawberry and a soft whisper of white chocolate.   Perfection.  It earned Cupid's seal of approval. 

As I sat,  people came in for coffee on their way to work.  I basked in the sheer luxury of not being one of them and savored a morning that will never again unfold in exactly this way. 


Then I came home and strung felt balls on bakers twine.   I'm not sure if it was my Valentines drink or Pam's garlands that had me in the mood to decorate.  All I can say is this is just the beginning.  I had several ideas while under the influence of Nelly.  

a weekend spent doing all things knitting

If you can not go to the island of Fair Isle (somewhere around the Shetland Islands north of Scotland) to learn their traditional hand knitting techniques, learning at a knitting retreat has to be the next best thing. 

Figuring out how to hold a yarn in each hand and go back and forth between them as you carry the yarn is challenging, but do-able.  I learned that what starts out very awkwardly can become much more comfortable.  I will want to try this again now that I have figured it out, but small projects will be fine.   I don't see any Fair Isle sweater knitting in my future. 

Probably my favorite part of the weekend is getting to see what all these talented knitters have created.  Only another knitter can truly appreciate the work that goes into some of these projects.   This year we were also treated to a fashion show featuring the work of a local knitwear designer.   I picked out one of her patterns to try out myself in the coming year. 

Thank you once again to The Studio for this weekend in the middle of winter that I look forward to all year long.   

Tonight while the rest of America watches the Super Bowl, I will be very content to organize patterns and yarns and update my chart of needles - refreshed and rejuvinated from a weekend spent doing all things knitting.

happy hour starts in 23 minutes

The Studio Winter Knitting Retreat has begun!

I've already started spotting future projects with my name on them. Happy hour starts in 23 minutes. It's Friday. Need I say more? Life IS good.