Tall Tales from Kansas

the gnarly uneven loops and lines

With exactly 24 hours left in the month of November, armed with a nice selection of wool strips, and fueled by a ginormous piece of pumpkin bread,  I set about to finish hooking this little pumpkin. 

Once I got going, it was done in no time at all.  This morning I stuffed and stitched and found a place for him to live.

Despite (or maybe because of) the square-ish shape, the snaggle-tooth smile, and the gnarly uneven loops and lines, I am quite fond of this new addition to the mantlepiece.  

Thanks to Mary and Pam for the tutoring and inspiration.  If you ever get a chance to take one of Mary's classes you MUST do it.  I got supplies on line from Deanne Fitzpatrick and Karen Kahle.  I cut my strips from wool I purchased.  Pam tells me you can also get them already cut.  Leave it to me to do things the hard way.   

one shawl - 5 ways

I completed my Aranami Shawl back in May.  But now that it is cold enough to wear it, and all 5 of us who made one remembered to bring it to class the other night, I thought you might want to see all the colorways.  One pattern, 5 knitters, 4 different kinds of yarn = one shawl 5 ways.

I wish we could have taken these photos in the daytime when the light is so much better, but we just do the best we can.   You get the idea anyway.  I would love to see yours if you have made one.   Send photos!

number 519

I got all excited when I read in the paper earlier this month that a Sol LeWitt piece was coming to the Spencer Museum of Art here in Lawrence. 

You may or may not recall that when Mary Ann and I went to Spoleto, back in 2013 we stayed in his home.  It was called "the artists tower" but we didn't know anything about the Sol LeWitt connection at the time.  My sister is the one that did all the detective work and figured it out. 

This piece that was hanging by the window with a lovely view to the hills on the other side of town was my favorite. 

This grouping at the Spencer was very much in the same style. 

But the "big" piece was this work (#519) that was stretched across 3 walls.  It's hard not to walk in here and smile.  It's so simple.  Had I read the article more closely I would have made sure we came to the exhibit while they were doing the installation.  The "piece" is actually a set of instructions.  The work is then executed by other people. 

What I would really like to do is sit here for the entire time the exhibit is up and record the reactions of people as they walk in.  I don't want to have to listen to anyone talk about what they think of it, I just want to record their responses.   Then go back in time to 1977 to "Fine Arts" class at Marymount College and get Harley Elliott's take on it. 

All in all it was a most excellent way to spend a rainy afternoon. 

Gobble Gobble Gobble

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. 

this time it might be different

Knitting by the fire is the perfect thing to do when you are procrastinating cleaning your house before Thanksgiving.        

I am in the "just about done" phase of the aran wrap.  This part of the project has been challenging enough to keep my interest but not so complicated that it is frustrating.  A perfect pattern in other words.  

As of 10pm tonight I have a little less than 6 inches to go.  Then all that remains is putting the fronts and the back together.  Meanwhile I am trying very hard to ignore those 2 cakes sitting there on the table.  They might look like they are sitting there quietly to you, but let me tell you, they are screaming at me to be cast on some needles.  Screaming cakes is a common phenomenon experienced by many knitters as they are about to reach the end of a project. 

These are destined to become a hat.  A hat that I need for walking when it's as cold as it has been out lately. 

In my mind this particular hat is going to look good on me when it's done, though as a general rule I do not look good in hats. 

I have never knit anything with bulky pencil roving before.   I predict it will go quickly.  I am actually thinking of making Chris a hat too.   That way we can look like two matching pin heads when we are out shoveling the driveway this winter.   

When I mentioned I was thinking of making him one he said,  "hmm, that's nice".  I don't think he was really listening.  Sort of like I wasn't listening to him when he mentioned something about wishing I would pay as much attention to the dusting and vacuuming as I did to my knitting. 

when individuals in the party have a hard time walking in tandem

I present 3 ways to stay dry in the rain.

Way #1 - This umbrella should be used by one person and held down low so your shoulders stay dry too.  That's why it's clear, so you can see through it and not bump into people.   When two people try to use it, both of them usually get wet. 

Way #2 - This is the conventional umbrella that can be used for two people.  They can easily get caught by a good gust of wind which causes the fabric to come off the frame.  A very irritating problem, which can also lead to the holder getting wet.  

Way #3 - This method of protecting oneself from the rain is for the person who finds themselves unprepared for precipitation.   It is also best for groups larger than two or when individuals in the party have a hard time walking in tandem. 

It was my personal favorite of the 3 methods, and it has nothing to do with my lack of ability to walk in a straight line.  If you have ever tried to walk under an umbrella with me you are not allowed to leave a comment on this post. 

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. 

 

the fine art of very loose planning

Today I ditched all the other things I thought about doing yesterday and instead I went on an urban hike.  Whenever you finish working on a Saturday, in November, before it gets dark, when it is not cold or raining, and you are in Kansas City, it is BEST to go on a hike.  A hike on the plaza is nice.  No boots required.  

I spent a perfectly delightful 2 hours or so strolling around, walking in and out of stores, looking in windows, taking pictures, buying a few presents, and if that wasn't enough... at the very end of it all I had a baked maple pumpkin latte at Kaldi's Coffee - formerly known as Latte Land.   It was thick and creamy and completely delightful and not one bit frightful. 

Tommorrow I may do all that other stuff that I had considered doing today.  Unless I get another idea.  Which is very possible.  I am finally beginning to fully appreciate the fine art of very loose planning.  I am pretty sure I just heard my two sisters fall out of their chairs laughing over that one.  

no rules for the business of soul filling

"...perhaps it is time to stop, take a time out, take as long as it takes, and attend to the unaddressed business of filling our souls..."     Lee Stringer

That's what weekends were made for, and I intend to take it to the limit on this weekend before Thanksgiving.   Maybe some knitting, sketching, sea-shell re-arranging, reading, napping, a movie, baking, hooking, needlepoint, or none of the above.   There are no rules for the business of soul-filling. 

you might want to get a bag of each

Since Chris has never, in the 33 years we have been married, made "pigs in blankets" he decided tonight we should have them.  I always tell him that whatever idea he has for dinner is excellent.  He is cooking.  I am not a fool. 

Hebrew National hot dogs + Pillsbury crescent rolls = pigs in a blanket.   I like a whole grain mustard for dipping.  Chris is a ketchup and French's mustard guy. 

Clearly we are not above re-living our grade school cafeteria lunch days.  Listen, the whole truth of the matter is these were WAY better than I anticipated.   You could wrap anything in crescent roll dough and it would be good wouldn't it? 

I recommend serving them with a side of fritos.  Chris says potato chips are better.  You might want to get a bag of each.   I would further suggest that you consider having this as your pre-thanksgiving night dinner.  No fuss.  No muss.  I'm just saying. 

she is not a beer aficionado or a coffee connoisseur

As I was looking through pictures from the trip that Dottie and I took last month, I realized I have neglected to tell you about 2 things that have to do with pumpkin.  Two things you might need to know if you are having guests in the next 6 weeks or so.

Thing #1 is that the Pumpkin Ale from Buffalo Bill's Brewery is delicious.  It is the pumpkin ale I will be serving at our Thanksgiving festivities.  It is a pumpkin ale for the beer aficionado.  Chris even thinks it's ok. 

Thing #2 is that this is my favorite pumpkin flavored coffee.  I am not much into flavored coffee's these days, but I make an exception for this one.  It is smooth and delicious without being over the top on the pumpkin flavor.  It also makes a really excellent cold brew if you live in a climate where it is warm at this time of year.  As the coffee connoisseur in the family I give it 2 thumbs up. 

I included 2 pictures of Dottie in this post because A:  I liked them, and B: She is not a beer aficionado or a coffee connoisseur but she also approved highly of the pumpkin ale and the pumpkin spice coffee. 

P.S.  She received no compensation for the endorsements. 

because I have a family

 

"I have an advanced directive NOT because I am sick, but because I have a family."   Ira Byock

I heard this quote in a meeting today and thought it merited passing along.   Many of us will be spending time with family in the weeks ahead.  It's a great opportunity to have a conversation about what you would want done in the event that you could not make decisions for yourself. 

Here are a couple of resources that may be helpful to guide the conversation if you need them:

Caring Conversations

Advanced Directives Forms 

I recommend starting the conversation when you are lingering around the table over that last glass of wine before you start the cut-throat mexican train dominoes competition. 

a character flaw that I have learned to live with

A couple of years ago I believe I found THE perfect pumpkin pie recipe.  Two years later I still have not found another recipe that surpasses it.  I love and adore pumpkin pie.  If pumpkin pie was a man I would divorce Chris and marry it.  In other words, I am completely serious about my deep and abiding affection for, and devotion to, pumpkin pie.  

I continue to struggle with making the crust look good but am sold on the combination of butter and shortening for the best texture and flavor.  This time I even tried the recipe that calls for vodka because one of you had asked me if I had ever tried it and I hadn't yet. 

I will use the vodka crust recipe again.  Excellent texture to the crust and boy did it brown nicely.  Never mind that the edge of the crust broke off and had to be re-affixed to the pie with whipped cream.  

I know I have said this before, but I will say it again.  Pumpkin pie freezes great if you wrap the pieces individually.  Chris is not much of a sweet eater.  It's a character flaw that I have learned to live with thanks to the freezer. 

There is just no reason not to bake a whole pie for yourself when you can freeze the pieces and enjoy them for weeks to come.   No reason at all. 

no sense in rushing the red and green without giving orange it's full due

It is officially cold here.  As in snow flurries and frigid temperatures.   The kind of chilly weather that makes it important to eat a hearty breakfast before donning your gloves, headband, 2 pairs of socks, turtleneck, fleece, and jacket before going out to walk because you are now a slave to the 10,000 steps a day thing. 

On other fronts, I took out orange stuff today in preparation for the holidays.  The holiday that comes before Christmas.   No "Ho-Ho-Ho" is happening here at Tall Tales Headquarters until after Thanksgiving. 

No sense in rushing the red and green without giving orange it's full due. 

taylor barn

One of the best things about the holidays here in the midwest (and probably where you live too) is the opportunity to visit places that you don't get to explore everyday.  The Taylor Barn in Lawrence has an "open barn" every year that features the work of local artists.  This year, they had special security provided by an experienced barn cat.  He kept an eye out for any potential intruders as he hopped from window to window.  I for one, felt extremely well guarded and did not fear for my safety the entire time I was on the premises.  

the advice which I believe should be considered life changing

Joan and I went on a scouting expedition to Succotash the other day.

I had been once before when it was in the City Market area, but it had been a long time.  Way too long as it turns out. 

The woman who took our order had meticulously applied lipstick and a to die for upsweep.  But do not for one minute think that she was just another pretty face. 

It was she, who suggested when we ordered the 7 layer citrus cake for dessert, that we consider starting with it as an appetizer.

Appetizer?  Cake?  Certainly not.  Much better for dessert we said to each other.  Not wanting to hurt her feelings though, we took a few bites when she brought it to the table.

Which led to a few more bites.  Which led to our conclusion that she knew exactly what she was talking about when she suggested we begin the meal by awakening our appetites with dessert.  

Joan had the monte cristo sandwich which is served on french toast and has the perfect blend of smoky ham and sharp cheddar. 

I had the chicken salad along with the tomato soup and as you can see I cleaned my plate despite the 7 layer citrus cake appetizer.

We saved just enough of the 7 layer cake appetizer (which on the day we were there had 8 layers by the way) to polish off our meal. 

If you are in the area you MUST consider a visit.  In addition to a most excellent meal, the atmosphere is great, and the service first-class.  Not to mention the advice which I believe should be considered life changing. 

the advice which I believe should be considered life changing

Joan and I went on a scouting expedition to Succotash the other day.

I had been once before when it was in the City Market area, but it had been a long time.  Way too long as it turns out. 

The woman who took our order had meticulously applied lipstick and a to die for upsweep.  But do not for one minute think that she was just another pretty face. 

It was she, who suggested when we ordered the 7 layer citrus cake for dessert, that we consider starting with it as an appetizer.

Appetizer?  Cake?  Certainly not.  Much better for dessert we thought.  We didn't want to make her feel bad though, so we took a few bites.

Which led to a few more bites.  Which led to our conclusion that she knew exactly what she was talking about when she suggested we begin the meal by awakening our appetites with dessert.  

Joan had the monte cristo sandwich which is served on french toast and has the perfect blend of smoky ham and sharp cheddar. 

I had the chicken salad along with the tomato soup and as you can see I cleaned my plate despite the 7 layer citrus cake appetizer.

We saved just enough of the cake so polish off the meal with a few more bites of the 7 layer cake (which on the day we were there had 8 layers by the way). 

If you are in the area you MUST consider a visit.  In addition to a most excellent meal, the atmosphere is great, and the service excellent.  Not to mention the advice which I believe should be considered life changing. 

the drawing of Greta's Cubed Egg Igloo

I just finished listening to Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket) and illustrated by the wonderfully imaginative Maira Kalman.  I am so glad that I read the back cover thoroughly and learned that all of the illustrations were included in the audio version in a PDF on the last disc of the book.

This is important because while I could picture the egg-cuber in my mind, it was not until I saw the drawing of Greta's Cubed Egg Igloo that I could fully understand where the cucumbers fit into the whole equation.  And no, I do not plan to make one anytime soon, but in the event that I should need such a recipe, I would certainly want to make it look just like the one in the book.  

After the story ends there is a GREAT conversation on the CD between the author and illustrator about how the whole collaboration came together.  I would have thought Maira did the illustrations after hearing the story but actually she wanted to draw small objects that would fit in a box and Daniel wrote the story around that.  How crazy genius is that? 

Highly recommended.  Great little read.  It will make you wish you had handled your last break up just the way Min did.  Even if it was 35 (or more) years ago.  Dear Annie:  please tell your 15 year old daughter I am awaiting her next recommendation.

a good apron that is pretty and has a pocket for a kleenex

If you are going to be making a pumpkin pie anytime soon I hope you have a special apron to wear.  An apron with red poppies all over it, and a ruffle, and rickrack, and nice long polka dot ties to make a big bow at the back with. 

I love a good apron.  A good apron that is also pretty is a bonus.  A good apron that is pretty and has a pocket for a kleenex and is sturdy enough to stand up to a few good hand wipings AND was made by a dear friend - especially for you ... now that is a special apron.  Thanks Mary Joan!

perfect complement of blue skys and orange/red leaves

Just when Chris and I were thinking that this was not going to be a good year for the leaves on the Red Sunset Maple in the front yard, this happens. 

I am very glad I took these over the weekend.  Before the gale force winds hit and blew all the leaves off the tree.  The perfect complement of blue skys and orange/red leaves is hard to beat.  Especially in the early morning light. 

you aren't going to boo-hoo through the whole thing

I am not sure where I have been that I hadn't heard anything about Me Before You until my friend Joan told me about it.   In the event that this is the case with you as well, consider youself alerted to the fact that it is a thoroughly engrossing read.  I am going to warn you that it will make you cry (in the NY times book review I believe they referred to it as a "real weepy").  

I am only saying this right up front because if you are like me and you like to take a book on a plane that will absorb you to the point that you forget you are on a plane, but don't like to cry in front of total stangers (if you can help it), you won't want to read this on a plane.  You aren't going to boo-hoo through the whole thing.   But you probably will at the end.  Don't let that keep you from reading it. 

in keeping with my own personal authoritative guide

Beets are super easy to roast.  Cut off the green tops, soak them in water and clean them off a bit, rub a little bit of olive oil on them, stick them in a pan with a lid or wrap them in foil, bake them at 400 degrees for an hour or until fork tender, let them cool a bit and rub the skins off. 

They will make your hands a lovely shade of magenta.  For your labor you will have a nice bowl of beets you can eat as is, or do other things with.  Like make a beet salad by taking some greens and tossing them with a balsamic vinaigrette and topping with sliced beets, goat cheese, and toasted walnuts.  Completely delicious. 

And after all that Chris said "I took a bite, they taste like dirt".  To which I replied "hmm I guess that means more for me". 

This is my vegetable bible.  Anytime I don't know what to do with a vegetable or how to cook a vegetable I always find the answer here.  It's probably not a necessary resource in the internet age, but I always like looking at it to be sure what I read on-line is in keeping with my own personal authoritative guide. 

it is hard to match his level of enthusiasm for the beets

After missing the farmers market for the last 2 weeks I was bound and determined to get there today.   Cut flowers are gone, replaced by some nice dried arrangements though. 

There was a noticeable drop in the number of vendors, but that somehow did not impact my spending one bit.  I found plenty of good things I needed. 

I am going to make some kind of a salad for tonight with that lettuce and those beets.  Chris is jumping up and down right now with sheer excitement at the very thought of that. 

These eggs are destined for some spicy huevos rancheros on Sunday morning which I am delighted about.   Almost as much as Chris is about the salad tonight.   Though truth be told, it is hard to match his level of enthusiasm for the beets.

to catch all those crazy good drippings

If you decide to check out 3 books about French Cooking the next time you go to the library,

And if you decide to put them by your bed to look at before you go to sleep,

and if you find yourself waking up at 2am looking for the endive, pear, and rouquefort salad with toasted walnuts and a dijon vinaigrette,

or the lemon chicken served over croutons to catch all those crazy good drippings -  don't say I didn't warn you not to do it.

Looking at cookbooks before bed is a v.v.v.v.v. BAD idea.  

But while I was doing it I did find a recipe for these rosemary cashews.   They are served warm and will lend a certain je ne sais quoi to the traditional chex mix appetizer spread on Thanksgiving day at chez Mulvenon.  

Recipe is here if you want to pretend that you are a knowledgable french host too. 

St. Vincent

Thank you Loretta!  For telling me to go see St. Vincent.  You were right.  I laughed.  I cried.  I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of watching Bill Murray bring Vincent to life.  Highly recommended.  Very highly. 

Did I mention that Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts, Chris O'Dowd and Jaeden Lieberher were all excellent as well?   Nice movie for the holiday season.  Enough said.  

can an iPhone be called inanimate?

When I was down in Arkansas a few weks ago with Dottie, she told me about the free pedometer she had downloaded on her iPhone.   Oh I have heard all aout the 10,000 steps and how you should try and get them in each day for maximum health benefits.  And yes, I have seen the wrist bands, and before that the bicep straps, and the clip things you could wear to keep track of all your activity.  Not for me though.  Unh uh. 

Until I tried the free app that is.  Now I find myself trying to take the stairs whenever possible and walking the long way around at work to get somewhere.

Because of this I have been renewing my relationship with my raspberry Nike's and am back to walking in the neighborhood on my days off. 

I am trying to lure Chris down the trails as we check out sites for the Thanksgiving day hike.  Me and my free pedometer app.

All for the sake of seeing the green confetti shower when I hit the 10,000 steps.  Can I be that easily bought off?  Ha!  Apparently so.  Me.  A sucker for the positive feedback supplied by an inanimate object. 

I suppose there are worse things.   Come to think of it, can an iPhone be called inanimate?

reserving judgement until I see them all

I have been busying myself lately with the task of locating the perfect Turkey day hike.  For the last 4 or 5 years we have been to the same place so I decided it would be important to mix it up a bit this year.  

This spot is under consideration for many reasons, not the least of which is the plentiful supply of hedgeballs for bowling.  But... I have several others slotted for investigation in the coming days and will reserve final judgement until I see them all.  

My other important job is preparing a turkey day cocktail, which in the past have included these, as well as this one.  This year I have been sampling pumpkin ale's and hard ciders with the thought that they would pair nicely with the chex mix appetizers.  I am still thinking on this though.  No reason to make a snap judgement.   

Chris and I take our job as the hosts of the official Mulvenon Thanksgiving Day festivities very seriously.   Nothing is left to chance.   If we can help it.  The weather has thus far eluded our control.   That does not mean we don't continue to try.  

a full day for a sunday

Raise your hand if you got up this morning at 8am, slightly irritated that you had slept that late, then looked at your phone and remembered you were "falling back" today so you high-fived yourself, made a pot of coffee and went and sat in front of the fireplace.   I also got out the fall kitchen towels, opened a new jar of pumpkin pecan butter for breakfast, and surveyed the damage to my geraniums. Rather a full day for a Sunday. 

There were a few parts of the geraniums that did not get zapped by the cold.  I decided to take a few cuttings and try rooting them indoors as starters for next year.  Angie used to do this.  Mary Ann does too.   There is a good possiblity that I will give up on them before it's time to plant them in the spring.  Just like there is a good chance that those succulents I brought in from the front porch will start shedding their leaves all over the place and not survive until next summer.  But I may also surprise myself.  I'll let you know mid-February how it's going.  

the sound effect that you hear in movies when the door to heaven opens

Since you saw the first tomato of the season, I just knew (rightly or wrongly) you would want to see the last nine tomatoes of the season. 

I did not make fried green tomatoes, or green tomato and ham soup, or a tomato pie.  Nope, nope, and nope.  Instead I chopped them all up and put them in a pot.

I added onion, rosemary, garlic, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper and instead made another batch of this.

Now it's sitting in my refrigerator and every time I open the door I hear the sound effect that you hear in movies when the door to heaven opens.  Angel music.  I am completely serious.