Tall Tales from Kansas

paper tearing and knot tying tips

In gleeful anticipation of THE 2nd annual art retreat in Palm Springs in January, I set about last weekend to make a new visual journal to take with me. 

Mary Ann gave me some paper tearing and knot tying tips while she was here and then just kept sketching as she watched the amateur at work.  She only cleared her throat a couple of times when she thought I might be about to make a terrible mistake.   Just trying to be helpful you know. 

An art retreat is FUN.  

An art retreat with Mary Ann and Pam is REALLY fun.   

An art retreat with Mary Ann and Pam AND a brand new visual journal is ABOVE and BEYOND fun.  Thanks for the tips sister!  Thanks for the cover Pam!  See you in January.

the addition of pumpkin makes anything taste better

Once again this year I arose early on Christmas morning to make cinnamon rolls.  Last year my rolls were a bit on the doughy side.  I was determined not to make that mistake again.   

 

I allowed for more space between the rolls so there would be room for them to rise a bit after rolling out and still not be all jammed in there - thus avoiding the doughy center problem.

I used bakerella's pumpkin pecan cinnamon roll recipe.  I can't help it.   I am one of those people who thinks the addition of pumpkin makes anything taste better.   Did I mention the maple brown butter frosting?   The recipe called for a tablespoon of maple flavoring.  I did not want to completely overpower the brown butter so only used a teaspoon.  

I was completely satisfied with the way they turned out.  Chris made some smoky bacon to go with.   I was as content as the Christmas morning in 1968 when I got the Barbie doll that came with brunette, blonde, and red wigs.

And that my friends, is saying a lot. 

 

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the one, the only, christmas eve pumpkin roll

her excitement at looking forward to playing the game was enough

While Mary Ann was here Angie came over and spent some days with us.  Just hanging out.  Visiting.  Napping.  Looking at pictures.   She was very excited about the prospect of playing Monopoly. 

We didn't end up playing one of the usual marathon 4 hour games.  Pretty early on Angie said she was done.  It was too hard for her to remember all the things she needed to do.  No matter.  Her excitement at looking forward to playing the game was enough. 

It is possible to still love something you can no longer do if you hold loosely to the idea of doing it again while grasping firmly to the memories of the joy it gave you.   Good lesson mom. 

a little story about a company that stands behind it's products

This is an image that strikes fear and disappointment into the heart of all knitters.

Augh!!!!  The cable is no longer connected to the needle.    What the #*&+!!!  This is not supposed to happen.  Especially not with an expensive set of needles.   These are my Stiletto tip #6 US needles I bought from Signature Needles several years ago.  I am pretty sure I have extolled their virtues before.  Anyway... I dashed off an e-mail on the 22nd.  On the 23rd they replied with an apology, asked me to send a photo of the damaged needles, and said a replacement set would be shipped on the 26th because they were closed the 24th and 25th.  When I got home from work on the 26th these were waiting for me.  Merry Christmas to me!

I do not own stock in Signature Needles.  I do not know anyone at the company.  They have not asked me to be their spokesperson :-)  But seriously, if a small company like this can stand behind it's products and have such excellent service why can't all companies operate this way?  

we melted into 2 puddles of contentment

Because I only take my sister to the best places, we went to Room 39 tonight for dinner. The one down on 39th street by KU Med center. This is an under appreciated area of town. Completely magical at dusk with the lights and snow.

We dined on local cheeses, balsamic reductions, butternut squash spaetzle, herb encrusted sea bass, kale, goat cheese cheesecake with fruit compote and red wine syrup. Oh me, oh my. We melted into 2 puddles of contentment at the conclusion of our dining experience. Room 39 we officially bestow our highest praises on your dinner service.

she held very still, except when she fell asleep

Today Angie came over to spend the day in Lawrence.  Sister and I needed her to be our live model for the final installment of Sketchwars Wednesdays. 

She was a very cooperative subject.  She held very still.   Except for when she fell asleep.  Which led to the slightly different hand position in Mary Ann's sketch below as compared to my sketch above.

Sketchwars Wednesdays was born last year at Art Retreat #1.  No, we have not kept to it religiously and yes we broke all the rules originally discussed at the outset.   Still, it has been a lot of fun and kept me (the non-sketcher) in a semi-regular though still somewhat rusty practice of attempting to draw.  

I love Sister's version of the Klean Kanteen's.  I am going to try and draw them right now.  Just as soon as I fix a cup of tea, eat a sugar cookie, make sure my clothes are ready for work tomorrow, and I wash my face.  

 

she doesn't feel bad ... she just can't talk

 Merry Christmas from Tall Tales headquarters to all points North, South, East, West and everywhere in between.  

For those of you checking in for the Singing Moss Sisters Video... I regret to inform you that sister has a bad case of laryngitis she caught on the plane today.  It was brought about by an allergic reaction to the 2 wild birds that the ornithologist from UCLA was bringing to the National Bio and Agro Defence facility in Manhattan Kansas.   I can't say when she might recover.   Don't worry, she doesn't feel bad.  She just can't talk. 

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

There was a delightful (and not one bit frightful) barbershop quartet at Angie's place recently.  The music totally captivated her.  

One of my favorite things about Christmas is the music.  I have a lot of Christmas pageants, folk choir Christmas masses, and high school holiday concerts in my past.  That means I can harmonize to lots of songs and there is nothing I like better than singing along with Garth Brooks to "Silent Night" or to "The First Noel" with Suzy Bogus.  If either of them realized how much the addition of my alto part added to their performances they would likely re-record that old Christmas from the 90's CD - and include me of course.  

My sister is coming tomorrow.   I am going to talk her into singing a Christmas carol with me to post on the blog for the 25th.

I'll just be here waiting for Santa and trying to decide if Mary Ann would prefer to do Hark the Herald Angels Sing or The Little Drummer boy.   If this never materializes you know it's because she put the kibosh on it.

the perfect ratio of cocoa to marshmallow

Last year the whole reason I asked for a kitchen aid mixer for Christmas was because Cindy gave me some home-made marshmallows.  That was the first time I had ever had any and boy was I hooked.   Sunday I decided it was high time I tried them myself. 

I used the recipe from Smitten Kitchen and was glad to read her advice on things NOT to do when making them.  I used 2 tsps of vanilla and 1 tsp of peppermint flavorings.  I believe this provides the perfect amount of mintiness (if that is a word).  

This is me setting up for a hot cocoa party for one. 

I felt it was my job to figure out the perfect ratio of cocoa to marshmallow.  To save you the work.  I take my job seriously, don't ever think otherwise. 

The answer is 4 or 5 marshmallows to one cup of cocoa.  Depending of course, on whether you are having the cocoa for dessert or a meal. 

I left my flannel pajama top on

Sunday morning snow removal adventures!

I wore my too short jeans, left my flannel pajama top on under my seatshirt and coat, and made good use of the norwegian hat I knitted a few years back.  For my reward I informed Chris I needed TWO fried eggs this morning instead of just one. 

He agreed. 

tender and cakey and not too sweet

I haven't written any Christmas cards, have not bought any Christmas presents, and still don't have decorations on the tree.  BUT today I did set one thing right.  I made these. 

I know they don't look like much.  They are mishapen and lumpy and pale. 

But a little buttercream frosting and a sprinkle of colored sugar and they are transformed.

These are soft biscotti cookies.  I first had them in 1992 when the wife of one of my patients brought them up to us at the hospital.  They are tender and cakey and not too sweet.  The frosting is perfect and gets a little crust on it after you sprinkle the colored sugar on and let them sit for a bit.  Simply delicious with a cup of tea.  I have the kettle on and am going to have one as soon as I hit the "publish now" button.  Recipe included below should you feel the need to make a batch. 

thus establishing the accuracy of the label

Chris, my able-bodied assistant, brought this home tonight.  He likes a bottle of old vine zinfandel every now and again.  Me too.  He thought it would be perfect to accompany the macaroni and cheese we were having for supper tonight.   He was right. 

Right before dinner I carried the bottle upstairs to see if it would inspire a blog post.  Thus establishing the accuracy of the label.   I think it worked.  

P.S.  Macaroni and cheese accompanied by Writers Block zinfandel and the I Love Lucy Christmas Special in color was the perfect solution for my the snow/ice day that did not materialize.   Every single time I see Lucille Ball stomping the grapes in Rome to "soak up the local culture " I laugh like a hyena.  Tonight was no different. 

 

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uova y asparagi

snow day fantasy # 753

If the weather forecasters are correct, and the freezing rain starts after midnight, depositing a treacherous layer of ice on the roadways, thereby rendering them unsafe to drive... I have a plan.  It should involve shovels, boots, coats, scarves, kitty litter and ice axes.

But instead it revolves around lighting the christmas candle,

making breakfast,

and starting a new book in front of the fireplace.

I hope I never outgrow the "snow day - school cancelled!" fantasy.  It is so delicious just imagining the sheer luxury of it. 

perfect for the person who has everything

Who doesn't have one of these classic photos?  The kids home for Christmas.  Mom insists we gather around for a picture.  Mary Ann clearly has someplace better to be.  Dottie's wearing a dress!?   Cheryl is wondering why she is thinking about marrying into this family.... everybody smile!

I came across it when I was going through stuff at Angies.  I brought it home with a few other valuable items.  I can always use another pin cushion and synthetic feather duster.

But the real winner in the photograph below is best explained by reviewing this post.

Another example of how indispensable twisties are.  Come to think of it a packet of these would make a great Christmas present.   Perfect for the person you can't decide what to get because they already have everything.  Reasonably priced, easy to wrap, and so useful.  You heard it here first. 

unspeakably delicious

In case you were like me, and operating under the paradigm in which home-made marshmallows only went in hot chocolate, I seek to inform you otherwise.

When I was given this delightful packet last night containing 2 home-made honey marshmallows and a selection of hot chocolate and hot tea I thought to myself ... marshmallows in tea?  Who does that? 

So I put my skepticism aside and dropped that marshmallow right into that cup of lemon ginger herbal tea.  Oh!  The things that happened to that marshmallow.

When paired with the home-made Nordic butter cookie, unspeakably delicious.  

to acknowledge that it is a part of life

A few weeks ago I heard a presentation about social media and how those of us who work in palliative care should use it as a tool to reach the public. Everyday I have conversations with individuals and families about end of life care. BUT I have never had a discussion with over 800 people about it before! I want to thank each and every one of you who added to the richness of the conversation by sharing your perspectives and asking good questions.

I intend to continue to share my personal perspectives as my family moves through these hard times. Not as medical advice, but simply to acknowledge that it is part of life.

Somehow sharing the sadness helps. I found that out when my sisters and brothers arrived on the scene to prop me up. Taking a few moments to enjoy the sunset yesterday was pretty restorative too. I ate a home-made soft biscotti cookie with pink icing and sprinkles while I watched... and that my friends, is good stuff.

toast has come to town

I ambled into the Black Dog Coffeehouse the other day to see what kind of special latte they were brewing up for the holidays.  Last year (or was it 2 years ago?) they had a sugar cookie latte that was perfection.  

I found this instead.   Toast!   At a coffeehouse?

Oh yes.  Toast at a coffeehouse.  But not just any old ordinary toast.   This is the king of toasts... and there were choices. 

I selected the cranberry walnut and Liz decided on the pumpkin.  Then we settled in and waited. 

Blackdog you have reached a new pinnacle of "sublimeness" in my book.  I hope this is going to be a regular item on your menu.  If not you may have a riot on your hands when my sister comes to town for Christmas and I bring her here for toast. 

Move over scones, lemon pound cake, and biscuits.  Toast has come to town!

a good talk on preferences for care at the end of life

Several weeks ago I began to tell you about transitioning Angie from an independent living apartment to the memory care unit in her retirement community.   Since then all the Moss kids have been arriving in waves to help hold down the fort.  I don't know if it's the right thing to have one of us try and be there regularly, but it feels too hard not to do that.  Everytime one of us walks in her room the response is exactly the same ..."oh Carol (Dottie, Ray, Mary Ann) I was just praying that one of my children would come to visit".   Who knew the Moss bunch would one day be the answer to a prayer? 

The hardest piece of this whole thing has been for the daughter part of me.   Realizing that I can just do my best; understanding what we are facing can not be fixed.   The palliative care nurse part of me however, does know there are some important issues that must be addressed.  Such as making it very clear to Angie's caregivers what her goals are.  It occurs to me that most of you don't have my background but from your comments it is clear that many of you have been through this with your parents.  For those of you who have not I want to share a few things.  AND I hope some of you will join in this conversation with what you have learned from your experiences. 

Angie wants to be comfortable.  She does not want to go to the hospital or undergo aggressive tests.  Procedures and interventions can always be offered but I know they will not fix her dementia and they may increase, and possibly prolong, her suffering.  The last time we went to see her primary care doctor we had a conversation about what mom would want to do in the event that she were dying.  She let us know she wanted us to "let her go".  She does not want attempts made at resuscitation.  This is important for the staff at the care center to know.   If she can not swallow safely she still wants to be able to eat for comfort reasons.  If she gets pneumonia she wants to have her symptoms treated but does not want to go to the hospital or have IV antibiotics.  She does not want a feeding tube.  She also has an "outside the hospital DNR" form on her record.  This is for her protection and ensures that if 911 is called for some reason they will not attempt to resuscitate her (which they are normally obligated to do if they are called).  

These are the basic points that make up a good talk on preferences for care at the end of life. I share my mom's preferences as examples only.  What is right for one person is not right for another.  The important thing is to talk about it ahead of time so you know what is the right thing for YOUR loved one.  

Just one more thing... Angie is not actively dying right now.  She may live for another year or even more.  But I do know she is on the road to dying.   As the palliative care nurse in the family it is my job to be looking ahead for roadblocks and make sure they don't cause needless suffering.  As soon as I think she is eligible, I will also get hospice involved for the added support they provide even for someone being cared for in a nursing facility. 

 OK - time for me to stop talking... and for you to start.

 

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learning a new dance

the undeniable star of the show

I went shopping for poinsettias today.

I always end up buying red ones, and this year was no different, but dang if this one didn't almost make me break with tradition.

As beautiful as it was though, the Christmas cactus was the undeniable star of the show. I did not buy it because it was so beautiful. I wanted it to live longer than it might at my house. I have not had good luck with keeping them from year to year. This one needs the hands that have been tending it to continue to do so.

Meanwhile my fabric pumpkins continue to play prominently in the decorating scheme.

I'm keeping them out until we get the tree up. Chris, the tree man, says this weekend for sure. I told him not to hurry on my account. As soon as it's up, I will have to get it decorated. I like thinking about decorating it better than the hands on part.

choose to be remarkable

While on Southwest Boulevard in the Crossroads Arts district in Kansas City I stumbled upon my motto for 2014.   I like the reminder that we do get to make the choice.  

Inspiration comes in the most unexpected places. 

as in romaine, hibiscus, and aspen

I took a picture of that fiestaware mug this past week and it made me need more green.  As in romaine, hibiscus, and aspen.    I am pretty sure some of those mugs are going to be living at my house... soon. 

the one, the only, christmas eve pumpkin roll

Dear Barb:  I am confessing right now that I cheated and made the Christmas Eve pumpkin roll on December the 8th. 

I got it flipped, rolled, frosted and re-rolled with no breakage. 

I didn't run into any trouble eating it either.  I made it in honor of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  Let's face it.  Without that there wouldn't be a Christmas Eve.   Right?

Barb's Famous Christmas Eve Pumpkin Roll

3 eggs, 1 cup sugar, 3/4 can pumpkin, 1 tsp lemon juice, 3/4 cup flour, 1 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 cup chopped pecans.

Beat eggs for 5 minutes on high.  Add sugar, pumpkin, and lemon juice.  In another bowl sift all dry ingredients and add to pumpkin mixture.  Grease and flour a 16x11 jelly roll pan or cookie sheet.  Pour batter and sprinkle pecans on top.  Bake 15 minutes at 375 degrees.  While hot, flip onto towel sprinkled with powdered sugar.  Roll with towel and cool for 3 hours. 

Filling:  6 oz cream cheese, 4 oz butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla.  Mix until fluffy, spread filling on cake, roll back up, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to eat. 

Enjoy!

a uniquely delicious dining experience

I finally got around to taking Dottie to Cafe Gratitude while she was here to see Angie.

They are an organic plant-based restaurant but anyone can find something to LOVE on their menu. 

After much internal debate, I selected I am Humble.

Dottie went for I am Fortified.

We ended our dining experience with a chocolate macaroon ...

...and left feeling delightfully satisfied.    Next time you are in Kansas City and want a uniquely delicious dining experience head for this place on Southewest Blvd.

friday night in downtown lawrence

It is cold across the midwest tonight.  Face freezing, teeth numbing, eye watering cold.  We ate with our coats on and drank wine for medicinal purposes.  

Happy Friday!  

severed finger from carving accident

Sister:  I found your other coded message.  Not to worry.  I have already packed the white staedtler for the 2nd annual art retreat in January.  

I ate a few M&M's this time and cracked the code within 83 seconds.  Bring Your Eraser!  You thought I wouldn't get it didn't you?

P.S.  Dottie's flight was cancelled because of snow.  When she finally gets here tomorrow I have a bunch of outfits picked out for her to try on.  I am going to do a photo shoot so we will have lots of pictures of her to draw when you come back this way again.   

to prevent the great horned owl nightmares

Sister headed back to sunny California this afternoon.  Just in the nick of time.  She was not cut out for the cold weather that returned with a vengence today.  

 When I got home tonight I found this strange message in her wake.

I am working on de-coding it right now.  I think it means she thinks I should wear more red lipstick and my overbite will be less obvious.   

It could also mean she thinks I should give Dottie M&M's before she goes to sleep tomorrow night to prevent the Great Horned Owl nightmares that plagued her while she was here.

Code breaking is hard work.  The replacement of one peanut butter M&M with a plain M&M in a complex sequence can totally change the meaning. 

Quail Christmas

I don't know what I would do without my Quail friends. Luckily I will never have to find out. Of that I am very, very, very, sure.

hatched, ordered, completed, framed, and hung

It is very rare that an idea is hatched, ordered, completed, framed, and hung within a 4 month period.  But here is the evidence for your consideration.  

I am very pleased with how the rabbit turned out.  So much so that I might have already started another needlepoint project.  Just a little something to work on when I am not knitting.  It's good for the hands to be forced to use the different muscles required by another craft.  

Cross-training for the hands.  Very therapeutic for the mind as well. 

 

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Stunning. Amazing. Bold.

behold the squares for August, September, October, and November

to ensure our vitamin D levels are in the therapeutic range

Thanksgiving leftovers and a little sketching was how we ended our day yesterday.   Sister gave the maple-pecan phyllo pie her nod of approval.  

Today we explored more of the common areas at Angie's place.  We have found what we believe to be the most comfortable chairs in the place.  Pillows provided. 

There was also a lovely patio area protected from the wind with abundant sunshine to ensure our vitamin D levels are in the therapeutic range.    Angie comandeered the Jackie O. sunglasses and I am not sure she is planning to give them back. 

Meanwhile Chris was at home smoking a brisket for supper and we have more art therapy planned for tonight.

Counting.  My.  Blessings. 

 

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angie gives the shrimp pasta the "thumbs up"