Tall Tales from Kansas

watching this video about a million times

It's Friday night here at Tall Tales Headquarters, where I have just finished taste testing one of the cocktails developed for my sister's Stitch*Bookery class.  After that I had a glass of wine with dinner, which means I am a bit more silly than normal about the upcoming weekend. 

This weekend's plans include gathering scraps for class, cutting out fish pictures, participating in the zinnia festival, coming up with color combinations for puzzle balls, eating blueberry snack cake, taking walks, and watching this video about a million times. 

If there is something going on that I have missed I am depending on you to tell me about it.

it's good to know you could wear it to a party if you needed to

At long last, time to block my SHINE scarf/shawl. 

It was a pleasure to knit and I was obviously in no hurry to get it done. 

The blocking wires were used for this one.  I wanted it to have nice straight edges and really wanted to open up the design. 

Actually, it seems fortuitous that I just got it done in time for my upcoming summer adventure. 

This scarf + July in the Pacific Northwest with my sister, on an island = perfection.  Wrapped around my shoulders and over my knees while drinking coffee and watching the sun come up/go down. 

I think it will go well with pajamas, jeans, t-shirts, and evening wear.  Which we won't need but it's good to know you could wear it to a party if you needed to. 

Swirled around my neck a few times while Mary Ann pilots our boat will also be an option.

 Link to details on the pattern and designer are here.  It is knit from 100% superwash merino wool.  Rivulet, from Island Yarn company.  Colorway is Arctic. 

 

pinching back my zinnias

If you like to do this...

and this...

and this...

...then you really NEED this.

Which you have probably already heard about, but in case it slipped up while you were napping, or on a trip to the moon, or working on your new on-line class... I call it to your attention now.  Because it is delightful, and filled with good information for anyone who has ever dreamed of having a cutting garden. 

Which I absolutely have, and this year actually did something about, in the sowing of cosmos and zinnia seeds. 

So far I have learned about pinching back my zinnias to have longer stems, which I knew about marigolds but didn't about zinnias.  The perfect book to look at before bed.  It has me dreaming about gardens.  Gardens without noxious weeds, where friendly cats roam.     

sometimes e x t r e m e l y simple things

All you "expert picklers" out there probably already know this, but I discovered something this week when I was making my first jars of pickled cucumbers and red onions.

I have always made enough pickling liquid to cover the contents of the jar even though several hours into "sitting" there is a gap of liquid on top as the vegetables get all settled into the jars. 

This week I decided to make less liquid and turn the jars upside down for awhile before putting them in the refrigerator.

And in the end I had 2 jars with exactly the right ratio of liquid to cucumbers and onions.  Simple things make me happy.  Sometimes e x t r e m e l y simple things. 

I used 2 medium cucumbers and one red onion.  1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 3T sugar, 1T kosher salt, some dill weed, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes - cook till sugar and salt dissolve, cool a bit, pour over vegetables. 

since I haven't figured out how to eat flowers for lunch, yet

This week it was ALL about the flowers at the farmers market.  And the really nice people selling them. 

I have it on the highest authority that we are at this moment, and for the next several weeks, in the height of flower season right here in Lawrence.

I plan to take full advantage, and fill all the available spaces in my life with blooms. 

Mere photos can not do justice to the abundance at the market this week.  All colors and textures were on display.

For the record, I did buy other stuff as well.  Since I haven't figured out how to eat flowers for lunch, yet.

And one last thing... you could get some therapy for your back at the market this week too.

Conventional or unconventional methods available.  At your own risk of course.  

a mass of chest high amazingness

On the way to the dentist last week, I stumbled into hollyhock heaven.  Who knew it was right here, on Vermont street, in Lawrence Kansas?

Mine did not come up this year.  Just part of the cycle of life in a garden  Maybe I will go get a couple of new ones tomorrow and pop them in the ground.  Sort of a fresh start.  No way you can walk through a mass of chest high amazingness like this and not want to at least try and replicate it. 

 

when I was a kid, first discovering the joy of going to the library

Ordinary Grace is a book you can get lost in.  You might find yourself wandering around the side streets of New Bremen Minnesota when you aren't even reading.  The story revolves around two brothers, Frank and Jake, and a series of life changing events that happened one summer.  Frank tells you the story as he looks back 40 years later.

This is the first book I have ready by William Kent Krueger.  It will not be the last.  It's wonderfully well written.  Highly recommended.

My streak of excellent reads in 2017 remains unbroken.   I feel like I did when I was a kid, first discovering the joy of going to the library, and every book was a winner. 

While I sat on the front porch this morning and thought about what to tell you about it, I listened to my fountain.  Four years into owning one, and having successfully replaced the pump twice, the thought of setting it up no longer strikes fear in my heart.

Did you notice my "outdoor candle" by my book?  I love candles.  Why not have one outside too?  Especially if it keeps the bugs away and reminds you of the friend who gave it to you. 

In other news this morning, the first morning glory has bloomed, Harvey is lying in wait amidst the marigolds ready to spring on any unsuspecting passerby, and my cone-flowers are flourishing.  Happy Friday!

good value for your money

The things that I like best about this weeks bouquet from the farmers market, in no particular order are:  they fit well in the Ken Klostermeyer pottery pitcher, the flowers rise up to meet the fabric pom poms hanging over the table, the amazing blues, the bright yellows, the fact that no one will notice a hole in your tablecloth with flowers like that to look at, and finally that every time I look at them they make me happy. 

That's what I call good value for your money. 

 

there isn't a bad vantage point

If you don't have seeing the hoodoos at Bryce Canyon on your bucket list, you might want to add it.  For all the reasons noted below. 

 

Starting at the top and winding our way down into the canyon, first along the Navajo Loop trail and then hooking up with the Queens Garden trail, was a great way to experience these amazing formations.

At first I thought the view from the rim of the canyon was most spectacular, but after hiking down into them I changed my mind.  The majesty of them seems greater when you are looking up at them. 

Looking at them straight on is pretty good as well.   Let's face it, there really isn't a bad vantage point.   

We drove into Bryce Canyon and parked at Sunset Point, did our hiking, emerging from the canyon at Sunrise Point, and then strolled along the rim back to our car.  Though its hard to tell from the photos, we left our house early and started hiking by about 8:30 am.  This was about a 3 hour hike.  We stopped in the shady spots along the way to enjoy the sights as much as to rest.  No need to rush when you are on vacation. 

I think I have come to my last post about Utah.  Maybe.  A few details if you are interested.  We rented a ginormous house in tiny Alton Utah which is conveniently located about halfway between Zion and Bryce Canyon.   It worked out perfectly for a family that likes to do their own cooking.  E-mail me if you want details and are looking for a place that can accommodate 30 people.

a great way to eat blueberries that is more savory than sweet

While the combination of kale and blueberries might seem strange to some...

... you throw some yellow peppers and feta cheese into the mix and you got something happening.

Something unexpectedly tasty.

I used my usual kale salad dressing on this:  3 T of olive oil, 2 T apple cider vinegar, 2 T honey, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp sea salt.  Shake all this together in a mason jar and pour over salad.  I used 2 bunches of kale and maybe 2 cups of blueberries.  I also added toasted slivered almonds when I served it.   A great way to eat blueberries that is more savory than sweet*.  My definition of a perfect work lunch.  

*Not that there is anything wrong with blueberries and sweet.  In fact, that is why I bought 2 containers.  A blueberry snack cake will be made this week as well. 

P.S.  If you use blueberries in some unexpected way - send me a link! 

my refrigerator is full of greens

There were lovely flowers to celebrate my return to the farmers market after a two week absence, plus blueberries from my favorite blueberry growing family. 

Madeline's zinnias have also returned to the market.   The very essence of the colors of summer. 

Conversations were happening.  I think these two were talking about how to flip omeletts or it could have been a friendly debate regarding the preferred method of boiling eggs. 

There were some lovely onions, which reminds me I have not made any pickled cucumbers and red onions yet this year.

I saw these angel wing begonias and broke my vow NOT to do any this year after the past two years where they have looked good for about 6 or 8 weeks and then gone down the tubes.

If any of you are angel wing begonia experts do give me your advice.  I have tried to be especially mindful not to over-water, but maybe that is it?  I have always had them in pots on my front porch where they get a bit of morning sun but shade in the very hottest part of the day.   

Couples had not stopped holding hands in my absence, and cute girls are still bringing their pups with them as meander through the booths.   Which makes me very happy. 

Basket contents above.  My refrigerator is full of greens and I am glad to report that in Lawrence Kansas, all is right with the world again.

the Bohemian Pilsner was especially restorative

Twenty two years ago when the Mulvenon clan went on the first "family vacation", the tradition of hiking was born. 

Now the majority of the family are hiking enthusiasts.  Give us a map, a half of a peanut butter sandwich, plenty of water, and we are good to go.  This year was no different. 

Six of our group decided we had to do Angels Landing, a strenuous, 5 mile hike, with a 1500 feet elevation gain.

This trail is not for the faint of heart, or anyone who has a fear of heights. 

Once you pass Scouts Landing, you notice the chains, which are to help you haul yourself up and to hold on to while you climb.  I, for one, made good use of them.

The view from the summit is pretty spectacular.  In truth though, this was a hike I wanted to do as much for the sights, as the challenge.  I thought I could make it, but there was a part of me that wasn't sure.  I wanted to test myself and luckily so did some of the "kids". 

All along the way there were points where we passed people coming down as we were going up and vice versa.  This required a bit of maneuvering.  We encountered some of the nicest people ever.  Lending a hand, offering an encouraging word, it was seriously good stuff.  One woman from Germany in particular had the strongest grip and made sure I knew that she "had" me. 

This hike is right up there with the Beehive trail (Acadia National Park) in terms of being memorable.  Except this one was much longer and that was 16 years ago. 

For the record, Walters Wiggles are unique and exhausting.  As hard on the knees on the way down as they were on the lungs on the way up.  If you go to Zion, and do this hike, I strongly recommend you visit the Zion Canyon Brewing company in Springdale when you complete your odyssey.  I found the Bohemian Pilsner especially restorative after the 4 and 1/2 hour trek... that I would do again in a heartbeat.   

a slightly crooked smile and a look that goes straight through me

My heart was pierced by a 4 year old in Utah.  A 4 year old named Cyrenna.  Who asked me what my name was before she told me she needed help.  She has a teeny tiny voice and likes stick on tattoos.   And thinks she can cut things out with my very sharp knitting scissors all by herself. 

It seems like just yesterday when her father told us (as we were driving through KS in 90+ degree heat) "it's sweaty in my leg pits", or that he needed "a cold cold cold cold cold drink of water with lots of ice" one night in (I think) 1983 or '84 when we were spending the night in the middle of the hot summer and he happened to be laid up with a badly broken leg.  I swear it feels like that was just yesterday. 

This.  This right here.  This serious face with a slightly crooked smile and a look that goes straight through me.  This is what family vacations are really about. 

James and Cori kept their shoes on the whole time

If you go to Utah, and you want to see some bighorn sheep, head for the Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park.  We didn't actually see any while hiking, but when we were driving away from the trailhead, 3 of them popped up on the rocks right above the road.  They are experts at holding still and blending into the landscape so you have to be watching like a hawk.  You would have thought we had seen an elk, a mountain lion, and a peregrine fountain.  One sitting atop the other.  Bremerton musician style.  That's how excited we were.  Don't look for them in any of these photos though.  I was driving. 

We chose this hike to do early on in our trip because it's not too long (only a mile), did not have much elevation gain, and we thought it would be good to help us adjust to the altitude... before moving on to conquering mountain tops.   

It was rated as moderate and I believe that was accurate.  You will notice there are places where the drop offs are fenced - helpful if you have kids in your party. 

Kids who like to explore, and be adventurous, and even a little daring. 

There was much to see on this trail, cool cave areas, sweeping views of the canyon below, gnarly tree trunks, and the bare feet of a hiker from Atlanta Georgia. 

James and Cori kept their shoes on the whole time.  Kansans and Missourians are very sensible that way. 

a serious pink and fuchsia geranium kick

While I was in Utah my garden grew.  Cone-flowers, lemon balm, coreopsis, marigolds, and lavender make a mighty fine bouquet.  Especially in a turquoise mason jar.

My poppy patch went to town.  Seriously flamboyant this year.

Harvey came over and we visited for a whole morning.  He had lots of questions about Utah and everything we had done while we were gone. 

After we planted the tomatoes I made the last pansy bouquet for the year and the first marigold arrangement.

Coming home and getting back into my groove is as enjoyable to me as a good vacation.  I am on a serious pink and fuchsia geranium kick which shows no signs of slowing down... and I see no reason to step on the brake.   

 

plenty enough treasure to look at without getting cold and wet

In the event that you are taking a trip to Southwest Utah anytime soon, I am going to tell you about the things we did there.  In case you want to repeat.  Or not. 

This is Larry.  Our ATV tour guide for the trip to a slot canyon.  I have wanted to walk through one for a long time and this was a great way to do it. 

I had exactly zero desire to drive the ATV.   That was Chris's job.  BUT if you do not have a driver in your party - no worries.  They will drive and you can ride. 

If you were to hike from the trailhead to Peek-A-Boo Canyon, in the sand and sun, I am thinking it would be pretty miserable.  Unless you are going at a cooler time of year of course.  By doing the ATV we were able to stop and take in a few sights as well as walk around and through the slot canyon.  And really enjoy the beauty of it. 

Oh and it was beautiful.  And amazing.  Unlike anything in nature I have seen before. 

The colors and the sweeping curves of the walls of the canyon are impressive.  Our party of 6 was joined by a man and his 3 boys (from McAllen Texas Dottie!).  It was a peaceful and quiet walk through the canyon with Larry telling us a few things, but not going overboard.  The perfect kind of guide. 

 

We walked all the way through to the end and then turned around and came back.  Perfect. 

We also stopped at a very cool underground lake.  That we did not dive into to see if Montezuma's treasure might be buried there. 

There was plenty enough treasure to look at without getting cold and wet.  Besides the experts have already looked there.  Or so legend has it. 

P.S.  We booked our trip through Kanab Tour Company and were pleased with the overall experience. 

baby butts make everything better

Before I fall into bed tonight, I am reviewing a few photos from our Utah trip.  Family vacations are about hanging out.  Building memories.  Trying new things.  Eating amazing food prepared by a family of chefs. 

Telling stories.  Singing songs.  Taking walks.  Providing instruction on how to eat a cherry without swallowing a pit.   

I mentioned eating fabulous food already but it doesn't hurt to repeat myself. 

And of course, let's not forget baby butts.  Baby butts make everything better. 

...in a field we could not reach

Sometimes a poem provides an explanation, an insight, a shared comfort that science can not.  This is one of those. 

My Father, Dying

by Joyce Sutphen

It was hard work, dying, harder
than anything he’d ever done.

Whatever brutal, bruising, back-
breaking chore he’d forced himself

to endure—it was nothing
compared to this. And it took

so long. When would the job
be over? Who would call him

home for supper? And it was
hard for us (his children)—

all of our lives we’d heard
my mother telling us to go out,

help your father, but this
was work we could not do.

He was way out beyond us,
in a field we could not reach.

 

From the Writers Almanac, June 1, 2017

suffice it to say the hoodoos are spectacular

Today our hiking/exploring took us to Bryce Canyon.  The Navaho trail specifically.  Part of it was closed for repair, which actually turned out to be ok.  We followed a different loop back up and saw things we hadn't planned on.  

More about these hikes when I get home.  For now, suffice it to say the Hoodoos are spectacular. 

such excellent hiking companions

This morning a crew of 6 left the house at 6:10 for Zion National Park.  Destination - Angels Landing.  It was strenuous, long, and exhausting.  And it will go down as one of the best hikes I have ever taken.  

It's such a great feeling to tackle something that is going to be really hard, that you hope to complete but aren't sure you still have it in you.  The sense of accomplishment is pretty sweet when you succeed.  Great suggestion Dana.  It was everything you said and then some!

Thanks Gary, Morgan, Ryan, James, and Cori for being such excellent hiking companions.  

Getting a whole new generation indoctrinated into the tradition

Southern Utah is majestic. With impressive views, red rocks that sometimes look purple and pink, slot canyons where the temperature cools, and oh I could go on and on. Instead I will show you a few photos from my phone for now, more when I get home. 

Meanwhile, we'll just be here exploring. Hiking. Filling up our eyes. Making memories. Getting a whole new generation indoctrinated into the tradition.

if the spirit moves me and the wifi cooperates

By the time this post is published I should be in Utah.  Where about 30 members of the Mulvenon clan will be gathering for a week long vacation.  There will be some hiking, cooking, sitting, drinking, story-telling, and the like.   Janelle has games planned, the details of which are top secret. 

I hope to be sharing some photos here at Tall Tales, but blogging will require the spirit to move me and the wifi to be cooperative.  I have prepared in advance a few posts with important information completely unrelated to Utah that will pop up while I am gone.   I will also be posting on Instagram. 

In the meantime I leave you the peonies from last week's farmers market to look at.  

By the time I get back to the market, it could be that there will be no more peonies to be had.  But I am crossing my fingers and holding my breath for a coral charm or two. 

every kind of good you want to feel after a spiritual connection

This past Sunday I went to services at the "Church of the Next Door Neighbor Cat".   I was just going for a simple walk, but then I started to pray that I would see a cat.

And lo, one appeared.  So I took it as a sign to stay awhile. 

There was singing and petting and hugging and they put that whole "sign of peace thing" from regular church to shame. 

As I was leaving I felt uplifted, inspired, better about the state of the world in general and mankind in particular, in other words every kind of good you want to feel after a spiritual connection.  I like a church you can wear shorts to.  One where you can hear birds singing.  And don't get in trouble for talking.  Even in a ridiculous high pitched cat loving voice.  

books that were whispering to me as I sat in the chair

No vacation packing has been done for the upcoming family trip to Utah, but I can report that vacation reading has been secured.  I ventured out to The Raven in downtown Lawrence over the weekend with a list of 8 potential buys, narrowed down from the 54 potentials on my "books to check out" list on my phone. 

I pulled the three they had on hand and settled in for that "start reading and you will know if you should buy it" trial.  

Only problem is, all three seemed to want to come home with me.  So I went searching for the tie breaker.  My feline helper. 

Who could not be persuaded to leave his post.  He takes his job seriously.  He had his eye on a suspicious character across the street and told me to take a ticket and he would get back to me, if he had time.   I did the sensible thing, and bought all three.  One for family vacation to Utah, one for vacation with sister in July, and one because you should always have a back up. 

I did not allow myself to turn any pages in the animal book, nor in any other books that were whispering to me as I sat in the chair.   Three books can be justified.  Four would take more work.