Tall Tales from Kansas

going to connect with my community

Next up in the "year in pictures review" are a set of photos from my 2015 Saturday morning visits to the Lawrence Farmers Market.   This was hard.  There was no way to pick only nine, so I allowed myself 14.  Being as I am the boss of the blog and all. 

The market is as much about the people and the feeling I get when I am there, as it is about the produce, flowers, and everything else you can buy there.   I used to tell Chris I was going to "connect with my community".  Which is exactly what it has become a way for me to do.  Ridiculously corny.  I know. But I feel like a nicer person when I am at the market.  I WANT to talk to strangers and smile at them.   Go figure. 

From the comfort of my little art room on the 2nd floor of Tall Tales headquarters, on this eve of the new year, I raise my glass of merlot to each of you. 

 

starting from the top left corner

The end of the year is a good time to look back.  Try to figure out where the year went.  Think about moments.  Little bits of time that were spent in utter appreciation of an instant that will not be here again.  While I don't always like carrying my camera with me, I will admit that I see pictures all around me.  All the time.  The world is a beautiful place. 

I am going to feature some groups of my favorites over the next few nights.  Loosely organized around a theme.  Here are nine of my favorite walks of 2015.  Starting from the top left corner and working to the right, then left across the middle, and back to the right you have... Lawrence, Palm Springs, Philadelphia, Oregon coast, Lawrence, Topeka,  Mendocino Headlands, Glass Beach, and finally the Ozark Mountains.

 

I think that's enough becauses

Even though it is past Christmas Eve, the traditional day for eating Barb's famous pumpkin roll, I made one the other day.  Because.  Because I needed to make one more pumpkin thing before 2015 comes to a close.  Because I miss not eating it annually with Barb.  Because I didn't make one last year.  And finally, because I love and adore it.  There.  I think that's enough becauses.   

I did get smart this year and use the KitchenAid since you have to beat the eggs for a whole 5 minutes to start the process of making it. 

While it was in the oven, I took out the thin kitchen towel that must be used to roll it up in while it's still hot.  The towel has to be sprinkled with powdered sugar which always makes quite a mess when the cake flips out onto it. I am not sure of the exact reason for the powdered sugar, but I dare not leave this step out. 

Six hours after starting the process I enjoyed my first piece.  You don't have to wait that long, but Barb always said it was better if you let it sit for awhile after you put it all together. All I know is the cake was moist and perfectly spiced and the filling was buttery cream cheese perfection.  Exactly as it should be. 

Recipe is here if you want to make one for New Years Day!  If you have a sponge roll-up cake that you make for a special occasion, please tell me about it.  I want to try my hand at another one.  

an extra piece of bourbon fudge

Because neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays mail couriers or Moss sisters from the completion of their appointed rounds... I applied the Yaktrax over my shoes today and headed out to see what I could see.   As it turns out, there was quite a lot. 

Except for the sound of the occasional snow shovel being used on a driveway it was nice and quiet.

I kept telling myself as I was walking in the cold that it was fun.  When the sleet hit my face I told myself it was an adventure.  As I was clearing the driveway for the second time I thought about how it was such good exercise.  Then I told myself I was going to have an extra piece of bourbon fudge for dessert tonight.  Which is just what I needed to hear to keep going. 

 

facetime sketchtime revisited

Yesterday, for the first time in awhile, my sister and I had a FaceTime SketchTime session.    It involved drawing each other, remedies to try if you think you are getting sick, and how I am the only person in the United States of America not watching Downton Abbey.

There was also cutting, pasting, and a discussion about our upcoming trip to Palm Springs for Art Retreat #4. Which is happening in less than a month!  Which reminds me, Pam's class is starting soon.  Have a look below and get yourself signed up.   Stat!

Painting Petals Sneak Peek from Pamela Garrison on Vimeo.

P.S.  The only reason I don't watch Downton Abbey is because it comes on at a time that is not convenient for me to watch.  I fully intend, someday, to sit down and watch the entire series.  When that happens sister(s) I will call you so we can discuss.

 

2 cute girls in tie-dyed shirts

Yesterday started at Tall Tales Headquarters with waffles accompanied by strong coffee, salty pork sausage, and lots and lots of syrup.  I then moved to the couch to have a third cup of coffee while I finished some important knitting.  I got into the shower at 2:30pm so we could go to Kansas City for a splendid dinner of more culinary delights.  My favorite was the cabbage rolls made by 2 cute girls in tie-dyed shirts.  Dan's dinner rolls and Chris's turkey came in tied for second.  I might have done a small bit of damage to the precisely stacked snickerdoodles as well.  

All of these things made me very, very, happy.  I talked to Ray on the phone when we got home and he shared with me that the proper way to eat a jam filled thumb-print cookie (according to Katharine Ray Watson - aged 2) is to use your finger to remove the jam to eat, then replace the cookie on the tray for someone else.  I only pass it along, in case you don't have a Katharine Ray around to learn this important lesson from. 

a play set that included nail polish and blue eye shadow

Sitting in front of the fireplace tonight, after a traditional Christmas Eve dinner of shrimp pasta.  Thinking about Christmas's past and Christmas celebrations going on far away.   The last of the presents have been wrapped and it's almost time to dive into bed.  I am going to see if I can dial in a dream from Christmas of 1966 when Dottie and I snuck out of our beds in the middle of the night and went in to look at the splendor that was the tree with presents underneath.  That might have been the year I got a play-set that included nail polish and blue eye shadow.   All I know for sure it is was wonderful.   

Sending out to each of you that happy feeling that is Christmas morning when you are a kid.   

if you have a tendency towards obsession

At my present rate of speed, it is likely that I will get exactly zero cards written out before Christmas day.    I set all this stuff out for inspiration last weekend, but decorating the tree got in the way.  I still hope to sit down on Christmas morning and send out a card or five or seven.  If YOU get one, you will know you are loved.

If you don't get one, it may be because of this. 

Last year I had a serious obsession with making a pint sized forest of Christmas trees.  This year I chose to display them on top of my candle sticks and I love the way they look there.  So much so in fact, that I am going to make exactly two more.  On Christmas Eve.  While Chris is cooking supper.   I think if I just make two more it will be out of my system... for good.  Here is the link to the post where I talked about how to make them.  Don't start if you have a tendency towards obsession.  You will never be able to just make one.  It can't be done.   

that would just be sacrilege

Today as I sang the alto harmony to "Silent Night" with Garth Brooks and to "The First Noel" with Suzy Boggus I was taken back to the music room at Balboa High School- circa 1974.  We practiced all semester for the Christmas music program.  Our teacher (whose name escapes me) laid down on the floor one day in class and had someone stand on his abdomen so he could demonstrate proper use of the diaphragm with breathing while singing.  Clearly it made an impression on me since I can still visualize it 40 years later. 

One of the best parts of this season, for me, has always been the music.  From The New Christy Minstrels singing "Beautiful City", to Celine and Andrea knocking out "Oh Holy Night", to Brenda Lee "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree", and Jose Feliciano's "Feliz Navidad", it's all good.   This may sound strange but "Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel" sounds especially good with the acoustics in the shower at my house.   No one has a better version of "I Saw Three Ships" than Judy Collins and "White Christmas" should be left to Bing Crosby.   Tell me what your favorites are... and please don't say that any rendition of "Santa Baby" is better than Eartha Kitt's.   That would just be sacrilege. 

 

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

one ridiculous fox and his snowman friend who would not take no for an answer

This week I combined  a red I-cord and a crocheted chain of green and taupe yarn to form the support for the mini mitten Christmas banner. 

Knitting mini mittens is very, very, very, fun!  I think the red and taupe is my favorite... until I look at them all, and then I can't decide. 

In addition to the knitted mittens, I added some hand made mitten ornaments I bought at Bizarre Bazaar and one ridiculous fox and his snowman friend who would not take no for an answer when I tried to explain this was a mini mitten garland. 

In retrospect, it seems to me the big tailed fox and frosty do add an extra element of fun to the banner.   I may yet add a few more mittens.  For now I am enjoying it just as it is.  Enjoying it a whole lot. 

 

it goes just as well before a gourmet dinner as it does with slices of longhorn cheese and triscuits for a 4pm pick-me-up

I bought holiday cocktail napkins recently.  I am a sucker for holiday cocktail napkins, and believe in using them up during the defined season.  No sense in holding them over until next year.   With this in mind, I came home and looked through my cocktail recipes in order to find what will be my "go-to" holiday cocktail for December 2015. I decided  upon the Snowdrift.  A lovely combination of citrus and almond with hints of vanilla. 

In the event that you want it to be your "go-to" holiday cocktail for this month, here is the recipe:  2 parts vanilla vodka, 1 part amaretto, 1 part sour mix.  Pour into a cocktail shaker, shake vigorously, and strain into a martini glass. 

If you have been reading my blog for awhile you know that I generally substitute frozen lemonade for sour mix.  I decided today to try my hand at making up a batch since I had plenty of lemons and limes on hand. 

Shoot!  I should have done this way before now.  It's quite simple and much smoother (less tart/bitter) than the frozen lemonade.   

Recipe for sour mix: 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar - mix in pan and cook until sugar dissolves.  Add 1/2 cup each of freshly squeezed lime juice and lemon juice - both strained before adding to sugar/water mixture.  Mix together over heat and then remove and cool.  Strain again (I used cheesecloth the second time) and put in container of your choice.  Store in refrigerator.  This ended up making about a cup and a half. 

The Snowdrift martini.  Suitable for serving at all holiday functions this year.  It goes just as well before a gourmet dinner as it does with slices of longhorn cheese and triscuits for a 4pm pick-me-up.   

a Huff family Christmas Carol performance

Today I made merry in Lawrence with my adopted family.  The Huff girls.  When your mom and sisters are far away for the holidays it's nice to have a mom and 2 sisters who can stand in at the drop of a hat. 

 

Half of us feasted on the egg salad on toasted rye with avocado, pickled radishes, and arugula.  The other half slurped up spoonful after spoonful of spinach and potato soup with gruyere cheese and home-made croutons.  But, since we are family we all reached across and grabbed bites from one another. 

We discussed my mitten garland and Marti brought fire-breathing dragon mittens she made many moons ago.  See the delight on her face?  I wish you could have heard the sweet memories those mittens brought back in Jennifer and Nancy.  THIS is why people knit.  This right here. 

We also ate pie.  Pear/cranberry with walnut streusel, coconut cream, black bottom pecan, and blueberry rhubarb.  If you are going to the Bluebird Diner downtown on Mass street in Lawrence Kansas, you MUST eat pie. 

We discussed the sweetness of being a grandmother (great aunt, great grandmother), places to go antiquing, why it's a good idea to bring home your leftovers even if it's only 2 bites worth, and other important things like that. 

In doing all of this we crossed 6 things off the Christmas Rules list. 

If only I had thought for us to do a Huff family Christmas carol performance then it would have been seven! 

 

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the clouds parted, and the angels sang their approval

I am also pretty sure it was ok for me to reach across the table

he seems a lot happier surrounded by some green and red and blue

When I arrived at the post office this am at 10:06 there were only 13 cars in the parking lot and 8 people ahead of me in line.  I concluded my business at exactly 10:14 and with extra time on my hands came home, went outside, and cut some greenery.  

I felt like train boy (2nd cousin once removed to pea pod boy) looked very alone up on the window sill in front of the sink.  I normally don't have any flowers to cut and bring in at this time of year, but I do have some holly bushes and spartan junipers.

I went outside, did some snipping, and came back inside and went to work. 

Maybe it's just me but I think he seems a lot happier surrounded by some green and red and blue. 

Not sure why I hadn't thought of doing this before.  It's a shame not to have those pretty red berries in where I can enjoy them when it's way too cold to sit on the porch. 

 P.S.  Thanks for your suggestions about printing postage and having it picked up by the post office.  Who knew you could do that?  Not me!

I will give you seven jars of soup

To balance out the chewy gingerbread cookies in my diet, I made creamy cauliflower soup the other day. 

Cauliflower soup in the winter needs to be spicy and hearty so I went with this one as opposed to this other one.   They are both delicious.  

I have packages in the car all ready to go to the post office in the morning.  If you have already been to the post office this season, and your mailing is all done, I will give you seven jars of soup if you come to my house and pick up mine and do it for me.   I am so serious about this. 

the minute I hit the done button

While I am busy shopping on-line, on the busiest shipping day of the year, because I kept putting it off thinking I had plenty of time... you can glance quickly at one photo of holiday decor.  

I will be rewarding myself with 2 small spicy gingerbread men the minute I hit the "done" button.  I suggest you do the same.  With whatever holiday cookies you have on hand.   In the event you have none around, 5 green and 5 red M&M's will do nicely.   Speaking of red and green M&M's ....

 

 

if you are the person who took all my cookie cutters I would appreciate it if you would leave them in a box on the front porch

This weekend, in addition to getting the tree up, I decided it was high time I made some gingerbread cookies.  The kind you roll out, and use cookie cutters, and royal icing on.

I did a mash up of the Pioneer Woman and Smitten Kitchens recipes.  I like my gingerbread cookies spicy.  So I used more spice (SK) but I wanted them a bit sweeter so I used the amount of brown sugar in PW's version.  I left out the maple extract in PW's because I didn't want it to overpower the molasses flavor and did not put baking powder in because ... well I don't know for sure but I didn't want them to rise so I thought it best. 

If you are like me and haven't had your kitchen aid long enough to remember that there is a reason there is a guard for the bowl.  Consider this your reminder.  While I was chilling the dough I searched for cookie cutters and found a misformed tree shape, a biscuit cutter, and a tiny fox.    If you are the person who took all my cookie cutters I would appreciate it if you would leave them in a box on the front porch.  No questions will be asked. 

Bottom line is this was a lot of fun, and since I bought new cookie cutters I will be doing it again.  I need more practice on the decorating.  I do not need more practice on the eating.  Last night when I was sitting in front of the fire munching on a cookie and sipping some hot tea, I asked Chris, "when did I become an old lady who likes molasses cookies that are chewy?".   He said "well it didn't happen overnight".   I made no reply. 

 

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things that can never be understood simply on the basis of the ingredients

just like the recipe said

just past the crunchy phase

it could not be shipped in the mail

Today was the Holiday Farmers Market, the last official market of the season.  It opened at 9am and was already packed at 8:55 am when I arrived.  There were Christmas present ideas galore there.  I found something for everyone I needed to buy for.   I leave it to you to decide what I got for whom.

Dottie and Mary Ann you should feel free to trade among yourselves if you don't like what I picked out for you.  You on the other hand brother, you can not trade, because I picked out the best present ever for you.  You are going to love it.  I am pretty sure it will be the most unique present you have ever received. 

It could not be shipped in the mail so I am having it driven out to you.  Since it might not get there until mid-January I am showing it to you today. 

 

stem removal is not for the weak of hands

Today we are interrupting the month December for a brief return to November.  And the pumpkins.

More specifically, the stems of the pumpkins.

I wrestled with most of this bunch for one hour today.

Stem removal is not for the weak of hands.

I used big knives and little knives and was very careful not to slice through any parts of my own anatomy.

It wasn't easy.  Surprisingly, the little pumpkins were very hard.   I thought "big warty" was going to be really tough, but it ended up being one of the easier ones.

This stem below, which I really wanted the most, was exceedingly difficult.

It ended up breaking, despite my best efforts but I still have a large piece of it that may end up being usable.  What can I say?  You win some, you lose some.

In the end I have 8 stems we can work with to create our velvet pumpkins.  I will be taking a full 800mg of ibuprofen before I go to bed tonight, so my hands will work tomorrow.  Its very important for your hands to work well on Saturday.  And Sunday too for that matter.  

 

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the other P food

she is not a beer aficionado or a coffee connoisseur

morris bellamy is deliciously bad

I first told you about Bill Hodges, Jerome Robinson, and Holly Gibney back in August.  They were the "good guys" in the Stephen King Novel "Mr. Mercedes".  In part two of this trilogy, they are once again called upon to help a couple of exceedingly likable kids who find themselves in a bit of a sticky situation.   You are going to like Pete Saubers and his sister Tina as much as Bill, Jerome, and Holly. 

And not to be outdone by all the good characters, Morris Bellamy (the bad guy) is deliciously bad.  By that I mean he is a bad, bad, dude, but he also has some crazy good lines of dialogue.  So while you never, ever, are on his side, you do somehow seem to follow his terribly illogical thinking and are at times a bit sympathetic feeling towards him.   Get this book.  Be careful if you are driving while listening.  I found my speed increasing as my heart rate went up. 

The third book in the series, End of Watch, is scheduled for release on June 7th.  I will be counting down the days and plan to be first in line to request it from the library. 

if you have attempted making your own pajamas

Window shopping for Christmas ideas in downtown Lawrence.  

Raise your hand if you have attempted making your own pajamas please. 

I left it all right where it was

This is as far as I got with getting out the red and green this weekend.  It's embarrassing to admit but true. 

On Sunday morning I had great intentions.  I rounded up all the orange stuff so I could walk it downstairs to the basement for storage, when I was overcome with a case of serious fatigue.  The thought of putting away, dusting, vacuuming, and getting out the Christmas stuff wore me out.  So I left it all right where it was (and it remains yet tonight)...  

... and I headed for the couch, put my feet up, and made a mini mitten instead. 

Good idea huh?   Mini mitten making is oh so much fun.  I have completed 8 so far.  I am thinking 12 will be plenty for a garland.  Or maybe 14.  

P.S.  A huge THANKS for all your suggestions regarding my stem saving caper.  If you are interested in this project too, go back to the comments from yesterday.  Jeanette left a link to the tutorial on making the velvet pumpkins AND instructions for successful stem saving. 

hoping one of you can give me some help on a matter of great importance

Today's post is the first in this new category called "useful information".   Because I want to be helpful.  So, when I learn something that is life changing, or may be of some slight assistance in your everyday life, you will be able to easily locate it on the blog.   

My first tip today is in the category of slight assistance.  Many years ago I received a copper watering pot from a dear friend.  It remains one of the best gifts ever.   It doesn't leak and get water all over the rug and table when I am watering my houseplants.   I like it so much that I decided I needed another one for the plants upstairs.  The place it came from is long gone, but Chris located one on ebay for me and it arrived this week.  It needed to be cleaned. 

 A thorough investigation of copper cleaning methods ensued and while I was debating using lemon or vinegar someone said "why don't you just use the Bar Keepers Friend?"  I decided to do a cleaning comparison to save you the trouble.

I started with the Bar Keepers Friend and it was so easy I never got to the lemon/salt method.   Which leads to useful information tip #1 - Save your lemons for garnishing drinks.  Use Bar Keepers Friend to clean copper. 

Tip #2 is in the life changing category.  I am so very sorry it has taken me this long to appreciate the sheer pleasure that are flannel lined jeans.  In case you are like me and have never tried them before, and you live in a cold climate, GET SOME.  I ordered 1 pair and liked them so much I ordered another pair so I would have something to wear when pair number 1 was in the washer. 

In exchange for those two tips I am hoping one of you can give me some help on a matter of great importance.  What is the best way to remove these stems intact so I can use them next year when I attempt to make velvet pumpkins with dried stems?  Thank you in advance. 

a hidden clue in some sort of parade shenanigans

The Old Fashioned Christmas Parade in downtown Lawrence is mostly about horses.  But it's also about finding a place to watch the horses, and history, and smiling, and waving.  There are also the buggies, carriages, little ponies, hats, dogs, costumes, and finding things to do if you are bored and need a break from watching horses.  I could go on and on and one but I will let these photos do the rest of the talking today. 

I am not sure if this message was a hidden clue in some sort of parade shenanigans.   A mystery to be puzzled over.  I'll let you know if I figure anything out.

Thanks to Chris who took all the photos downtown at the parade today.  He was on special assignment for me while I went to my regular job.  Just looking at the pictures tonight got me in the mood to consider taking down the pumpkins tomorrow.   And maybe listening to the Mills Brothers while I get out some red and green stuff.

Sunset 11.21.15

Because I am not ready to put away Thanksgiving decor, or say good-bye to the 11th month of the year, here is one last November photo for 2015. 

Sunset - 11/21/15.  Tall Tales Headquarters, Lawrence Kansas.  

cut and move a hundred times before pasting

Avert your eyes if you have no time to waste. 

Because one could spend countless amounts of time re-arranging bits of cut paper on a blank page.

If you have equal preference for both sides of the paper, so much the better.

Once you get all this stuff out, you might as well make a big batch of pieces of paper that you are sure will not go together.

Because invariably you will find a pattern with them all that you do find pleasing.

So much fun.  Who knew?

And I have not even begun to manipulate the background. 

This my friends, is just to show you that cut and paste can quickly turn into cut and move a hundred times before pasting. 

I knew no good would come of it

While it is true that I currently have 3 knitting projects in the works, it is also true that there is always room/time/desire to start something else.  Which I did.  This week.  Because I saw this pattern for an advent calendar garland made of teeny tiny knitted mittens.  Teeny tiny knitted mittens are extremely cute.

I also happen to have this bowl of Julia Yarn sitting around waiting for me to do little projects with.  I am not intending to make an advent calendar.  I am however planning to make a garland of mittens to hang on the mantel.  This yarn is a dream to work with and you know when it's by Kristin Nicholas the colors are to die for.

I was going to make all solid colors but then had to go and mix things up a bit.  It's fun to see how they come out.  Each mitten takes a little over an hour to do.

I am going to stop when I have the right amount of mittens for my mantle.  Or I get tired of making teeny tiny mittens.  Whichever comes first.

I might have to mix in a few mitten ornaments I bought at Bizarre Bazaar.  Or not.  There could be a few buttons attached as well.  Maybe.       

This is what that Halloween Banner has led to.   I knew no good would come of it.