Tall Tales from Kansas

plant based eating at it's finest

 Lunches for the last week of May, made from selections from the farmers market this past Saturday. 

Beets were roasted and cauliflower transformed into bite sized pieces. 

 

Then mingled with the kale from Mellowfield farms. 

Raisins and quinoa added in for texture and flavor.   Plus the last of an orange pepper that was sitting in the refrigerator waiting to be used.  

A little apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, sea salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, for dressing.

Chopped, roasted almonds to be added immediately before consuming, for maximum crunch.  Plant based eating at it's finest. 

if you are a James Corden fan

If you have been taking yourself a bit too seriously lately, may I suggest a dose of Peter Rabbit?

Yes, I know it's been out awhile, but we just got around to watching it the other night on demand.  We found it to be pure entertainment.  For entertainments sake. 

We saw the preview for this when we went to see Coco at the theatre.  I have been bugging Chris about it ever since.  He finally gave in.  I can be like a dog with a bone when I get an idea in my head. 

P.S.  If you are a James Corden fan, you will love it.  Don't even get me started on Carpool Karaoke. 

every star needs a supporting cast

For Memorial Day I present peonies.  Specifically, Festiva Maxima.  Discovered at the market this past weekend.  I don't always know the names of peonies.   I think they are all lush, amazing, and wonderful.  

A few years back Coral Charm showed up on my radar.  Since then I try to remember to ask Karen the names of any that make my knees go weak.

Truth be told, Festiva Maxima would not be so spectacular on her own. 

Without the others surrounding her to highlight the uniqueness of that hint of fuschia in the center at the edges of the petals.

Every star needs a supporting cast.

 In addition to admiring peonies from every single possible angle, we also did some weed pulling, lawn mowing, statuary water-proofing, mulch spreading, hamburger eating, and movie watching this weekend. 

But none of those pictures compared to the peonies.   

Not even close.  Trust me. 

they belong on your dinner plate 4 out of 7 nights all summer long

Each weekend the farmers market gets better and better as we move along in the growing season.

Competition for space in the basket begins.  Mindful packing is the rule. 

This is the time of year when peonies are bought first thing and walked back to the car before I can move along with the rest of my business. 

Running neck and neck with my excitement about the peonies, was my delight in these!

Small, perfect, Kansas-grown, strawberries.  AND a long weekend to enjoy eating them with blueberries, bananas, muesli, and milk with a drizzle of honey and a BIG cup of coffee for breakfast. 

There were cute girls in hats buying kombucha tea at the market and red, red, red, tomatoes.

The butterhead lettuce was like a museum exhibit in it's perfection.  Minus the price of admission.   

This cute pup checked out my overflowing basket with approval as I paid for my sweet peas.

When I saw them I was immediately transported back to Lummi Island, and the "self-serve" flower stand right up the road from our house.  I of course had to have some.  

Along with the last of the asparagus, beets, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, kale, and 2 tomatoes.  I wasn't going to get tomatoes.   But I couldn't help myself. 

They are like pickled cucumbers, in that they belong on your dinner plate 4 out of 7 nights all summer long. 

Sigh.  I know I say this every week, but it truly WAS a perfect Saturday at the farmers market this week. 

endlessly fulfilling

What is going on around my house right now.   From a gardening perspective. 

Every single time I go to sister's and see all her succulents I stamp and sputter and bemoan the fact that I can't have that look in Kansas.  So I am trying anyway this year. 

Along with the usual cast of recurring characters.  Dianthus and hostas that return each year in their respective locations. 

A whole bunch of zinnias have been planted as well.  From seeds.  Because they did so great last year, and kept me with a full supply of cutting flowers to bring inside way into the fall. 

Cutting and arranging.  Just as good as cooking and eating.  Endlessly fulfilling.   

it just looks so pretty in the jar

When I spotted the first cucumbers of the season at our market, right next to a lovely bunch of dill, I knew my favorite summer side dish would be made this week.  

Because it is so easy to make, so easy to serve, and it goes with every single thing on your menu in the summer. 

It's particularly tasty next to a bowl of cottage cheese accompanied by your favorite crackers.   Served with a chilled glass of fume blanc.   

I was especially happy to find that dill.  I haven't been able to successfully grow it myself.  Besides tasting wonderful, it just looks so pretty in the jar.  Don't you think?   

a resident cat to pet

Last week on a quick pilgrimage to the Kauffman Gardens I was treated to a feast of flowers.  Including allium, iris, a stray rose or two, peonies ready to bloom, and dogwoods dropping their petals. 

There was also the resident cat to pet and lots of spots to sit; for soaking in the quiet splendor.  Afterwards, there was a trip to a favorite coffee spot. 

I do love a good field trip. 

Because Chrissy said I should and she is RIGHT

Kudos AGAIN to the fabulous Lawrence Public Library for obtaining (all the way from Schaumburg Township District Library in Schaumburg Illinois) another requested book for me via inter-library loan.  That's north of Chicago!  A total of 563 miles from Tall Tales Headquarters.  How great is that? 

Dead Lions by Mick Herron is #2 in the Jackson Lamb series.  I listened to Slow Horses first, on the recommendation of Chrissy West, who has never led me astray with her selections.  Once again, we find ourselves plopped down in the middle of the MI5 rejects,  who, under the direction of Jackson Lamb, still manage to get into the middle of the action.  Dealing with sleeper cells of Russian agents from the cold war and the like.

This series is highly recommended.  You MUST listen if possible.  Because Chrissy said I should, and she is RIGHT. 

monday

Because sometimes you love a picture so much, you don't want to run the risk of messing it up with any words.  

this event was not scrutinized as closely as Harry and Meghan's wedding

When everyone else was getting up early to watch "the wedding" Saturday, I too arose and selected an outfit with care.

For my big event of the day. 

The farmers market.

Where there were wedding-worthy flowers and the freshest of vegetables.

With guests properly attired for the occasion,

including the random appearance of a fascinator,

and George and Amal had nothing on this cute couple, who were selling THE most beautiful heads of cabbage. 

 

A selection of baklava, was purchased in lieu of wedding cake,

along with a few other necessities. 

Unfortunately this event was not scrutinized as closely as Harry and Meghan's wedding, but I did my best to bring it to you, and will continue to do so.  Rain or shine.   

the perfect casual spot for a drink, a laugh, a meal, and 2 orders of Brussels sprouts

The Quails went to the Pressed Penny Tavern recently to celebrate a birthday.

Quail Nancy's birthday to be precise.  She is our resident beer expert.  But that is NOT the reason she selected Pressed Penny for her celebration dinner.

No.  We went for these.  These Brussels sprouts, which we have all agreed are the best in Kansas City. 

They are fried but not greasy, topped with smoky prosciutto pieces, candied lemon, chopped walnuts, sea salt, and a drizzle of honey. 

Full disclosure, we ate 2 servings.  You will too.  When you go. 

I hope you get this exceedingly delightful man to wait on you when you are there.  He's another reason to visit. 

Let me not forget the smoked hummus. Crazy good. 

Joan laughed at me and asked if I was feeling like a horse when I ordered the "grain bowl" for my entree. 

But she stopped laughing when she saw how amazing it was. 

Pressed Penny is a very friendly place.  These guys live just down the street.  One of them may be related to a quail. 

I hope they have their version of key lime pie when you visit. It's tart and creamy and you will want to lick the serving dish but you can't because you already licked the Brussels sprout dish.  Once is understandable.  Twice is inexcusable unless you are in the privacy of your own home. 

Good choice Nancy.  This is the perfect casual spot for a drink, a laugh, a meal, and 2 orders of Brussels sprouts. 

to see if they will reproduce in numbers

This oriental poppy, planted two years ago, is coming on strong this year.   It was a "bare root" specimen I ordered on line, and am glad to see it really seems to be thriving.

The flowers "hatch" like birds from this little "egg" and viola!  An amazing flower. 

Makes me want to set up camp right beside it, so I don't miss a single stage of the unfurling. 

The flowers don't last long, but they are spectacular when in bloom.

Even after the petals fall, they are pretty amazing.

I am thinking there are seeds inside.  I must harvest and sprinkle around to see if they will reproduce in numbers.  Like the poppies Jeanette gave me did .   

 The delights of gardening experimentation can not be over-stated.   Happy Friday all!

showered with blessings

It's hard to believe that it has been 37 years since Chris and I walked down the aisle together.  Starting out on some sort of adventure.  I don't think anyone REALLY knows what they are doing when they get married.  Of course we THINK we do.  We know it all when we are young. 

It was overcast in Salina Kansas on this day in 1981.   Angie said we were being "showered with blessings", that it was good luck to get married on a rainy day.  Maybe she was right?  

What I know is the years have flown by.  And, it has been an adventure.  Filled with lots of laughter, plenty of give and take, and all the things that are part of a marriage that endures.   Happy Anniversary Crystal Vanon.  I think we are ready for whatever the future has in store for us. 

simple pleasures abound

Here are some things that have been going on around here, that I may (or may not) have already spoken to some of you about.

We saw this turkey at Henry's Plant farm.  His feather tricks were mesmerizing.  

There was also this buggy.  From days gone by.  Gosh but I wanted to root around in that building.  Real bad.   I resisted.  My self control is legendary. 

Tomatoes have been selected, purchased, and planted.  All by Chris. 

Dottie had a birthday!  This is from when she and Christy and I were at the balloon fiesta in October.  Relaxing with some New Mexico Pinon coffee.  Nothing better. 

We have been to every plant farm/green house in the Douglas county.  Twice. Okay, maybe three times. 

They are like living museums. 

Masterpieces everywhere. 

If it were up to me, we would go every weekend.   Oh wait, that IS what we do. 

Porch sitting sessions have been happening on days off.  Plus some days when I get home after work. 

The view is never bad. 

Plants have been placed in pots in the front garden for some elevated pops of white under the shade of the Japanese maple.  The roots from that tree have really taken off and it's hard to dig a hole to plant things there.  Fingers crossed for success.  Recommendations from fellow gardeners on how they have handled this situation appreciated.   

Fountain is on. Simple pleasures abound.  I am savoring them.     

she loved bachelor's buttons

Happy Mothers day to all my favorite mothers out there.  You know who you are. 

This little bouquet at the market was a special hello to me from Angie. 

She loved bachelor's buttons (aka centaurea cyanus and cornflowers).  I have a vivid memory of her coming to help me plant flowers at the very first house we bought in Lawrence in 1985.  We planted some of them on the side of the house.  Afterwards we sat on the steps out front. We were hot, tired, and immensely satisfied with our work.

The fact that these came in a tall mason jar and had anemone's tucked in alongside was a bonus.

We often (as in almost always) need several bouquets at Tall Tales headquarters.  Because we can, so we should.   I told Chris the other day that since I am now 59 years old he should "expect to hear a lot of wisdom coming out of this pie hole".   The necessity to purchase multiple bouquets at the farmers market is one such example. 

you know my mom don't you?

 There were clouds and a few sprinkles this morning at the farmers market.

Along with this amazing cauliflower.

Girls in cute outfits.

Bouquets for your mother.

 

Men, prepared for rain.

Eggs.  From hens.  Some of them young. 

Flowers.  Not designated for any specific person. 

Microgreens.

JT's flowers.

Hanging beets.

And more flowers, because there can never be too many. 

But the very, very, very, BEST thing that happened at the market today was this.

This boy, coming up to "Mrs. Pendleton" and saying "you know my mom don't you?"

And when she said "yes", he asked "what kind of flower will she like the best?" When she steered him to the basket of bougainvillea, I agreed wholeheartedly. 

Dear recipient of the bougainvillea:  I hope you like your flowers.  I sure like your boy.   

giant rabbit buying extravaganzas

Geraniums in their pots means that summer is really here. 

All my selections this year are in the most amazing shades of pink I could find. 

With a little trailing something or other added for interest.

And to give the rabbits a bit of camouflage.  Though it would take an oversized elephant ears to hide that BIG rabbit.  But he asked to come home with me last year and how could I resist? 

Happy Friday.  Best wishes for weekends filled with porch sitting, zinnia planting, blueberry picking, flower arranging, and giant rabbit buying extravaganzas. 

in the brightest floral pattern we can get our hands on

If you like color, patterns, paint, flowers, cats, yarn, pottery, and sheep.  You will want to check out this book.

I am thoroughly enjoying flipping through the pages, reading about the kernels of ideas that sparked the explosions of color and patterns in the home of the amazing Kristin Nicholas. 

It makes me feel bold. Adventurous.  Like there needs to be a trip to the paint store scheduled.  Soon.    

Right before I drift off to sleep I find myself reaching for this book.  Such pleasant images to start my dreams.  Rubbing my hands across the wonderful paper that this book is printed on is a bonus. I don't know why my hands have to get involved in the experience.  But they do.   

If you need this in your library, order it directly from Kristin.  Because we need to support the creative people who inspire us, with our dollars in addition to our praise and appreciation.  Here is the link if you are so inclined Kristin Nicholas Designs.

P.S  Joan when are you coming to help me recover the chair in my art room in the brightest floral pattern we can get our hands on?

the neighborhoods are dressed in their Spring finery

The dogwoods are on parade in the Kansas City area right now.  Sensational is the word that comes to mind. 

Call a friend, slip on your sneakers, the neighborhoods are dressed in their Spring finery.  Just waiting for me.  And maybe for you? 

the best hummus maker in all of kansas and his cute grandson

Last weekend at the farmers market was perfect.  No wind.  No rain.  And all my favorite things in abundance.   Like farmers with pigtails. 

Asparagus so fresh that you don't need to cook it.  This is the time of year to just give it a rough chop and throw it on a salad. 

Cosmos ready for me to plant in the front garden.  The ones I got from Vinland Valley Nursery last year were perfect and warranted a repeat. 

Cilantro to sprinkle on enchiladas for our Cinco de Mayo fiesta.



The best hummus maker in all of Kansas and his cute grandson.

Grab yourself a tub of this and a pound of fresh asparagus and you got yourself a meal. 

These daffodils were not only beautiful, the had the most divine fragrance. 

Win-Win. 

I honestly couldn't pick just one of these photos to show how lovely they are.



Super healthy looking tomato plants.  But I needed Chris for this purchase.  We went out to Pendleton's after the market and made our selections.    



This perfect looking head of broccoli, like the asparagus, is tender and fresh, perfect for dipping. 

 Farm fresh eggs will be hard boiled to go with the spinach. 

And of course some soulful singing.  I came home with a very full basket. 

For a weeks worth of local eating!

in a charming cottage with a garden and drink cups of tea

Friday morning at 5:47am I finished the last chapter of The Shell Seekers.  It's hard to fully describe the immense sense of well being experienced while listening to this story.  A thoroughly satisfying experience.  All my senses were fully engaged as I listened.

It absolutely confirmed the need for Sister and I to go to the Cotswolds.  To stay in a charming cottage with a garden and drink cups of tea, and listen to the church bells, and see sheep, and make scones, and gather flowers that we will arrange loosely in old pitchers that will be placed  outside on tables where we will sit.  I need to tell Sister to please find a cottage with a Mrs. Plackett who will ride over on her trusty bicycle and polish the furniture, hoover the rugs, and make fruit cake for us.  

This book is most highly recommended.  If you can listen that's all the better.  It's going on my list of all time favorite's. 

I distracted them with the camera while Chris grabbed the rose bush and ran

This is a Chihuly Floribunda.  Planted at Tall Tales Headquarters this week. 

I spotted it at Henry's Plant Farm when I was wondering about.

I had a nice chat about it with this nice lady who looked like a rose expert to me.  We discussed the dreaded "witches broom virus" and whether or not it only affects knock out roses (it doesn't) and if there was a rose that was immune (there isn't).

Because I can't live without roses, and even though it may eventually become diseased, it was purchased and planted.

And yes, there has already been a cutting brought inside.  I might have to go back and get another.

There were several that caught my eye. 

Luckily I did not have to get into any shoving matches with anyone over the chihuly.

These two hecklers tried, but I distracted them with the camera while Chris grabbed the rose bush and ran. 

A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.  Especially when it comes to rose bush buying.

a 4 year old "foodie" who wanted to be sure I knew what his favorite item on the menu was

If you are in the Kansas City area, do yourself the favor of paying a visit to McClain's on Gregory sometime.

I cruised on by last week with THE Thompson girls.

Their avocado toast is to die for.  The sprouts and feta give it a unique spin and the whole grain toast is robust and chewy (I am forever in your debt for telling me about this Emily). 

But you could always go with this. 

Or pick something entirely different off the menu.

There was a 4 year old "foodie" there who wanted to be sure I knew what his favorite item on the menu was.  Unequivocally. 

While you are there you can pick up a cake.

Or take a self portrait in their window.

If that happens to be your thing. 

If you are lucky, maybe the Thompson girls will still be hanging out. And will offer to take you on an adventure.  

it will be important to familiarize ourselves with the noodle and dumpling specialties

Those of you who follow my sister's blog know that she has just completed her Bavarian travel journal.  You may also know from the post she did before this last one, that she mentioned her next task is to make MY Bavarian travel journal. 

Which, is an ENORMOUS gift that I am truly grateful for. So, in an effort to repay her in a small way, and try to pull my weight on The Great Alpine Adventure, I went to see Dashiell the bookstore cat the other day. 

I went in search of some way I could contribute.  I mean other than (for once) our destination kind of being my idea, since I sent her a postcard in 2009 and mentioned we should go to Germany to see the Alps and rent a Volkswagen to drive around in.

Of course she did find the place we are renting and pick the town we are staying it.  But still.

I did some searching on-line and found a cool map of the town and surrounding areas so we won't get lost while driving or hiking along in the countryside. I am an extremely good map reader and navigator. 

I also (with the help of Dashiell) located a small German phrase book.  Because you know it will be important to familiarize ourselves with the noodle and dumpling specialties and be certain we are ordering what we want. 

These illustrations will also help me get up to speed on map making in general.  A few weeks spent practicing mountains, trees, pretzels, and beer steins will certainly come in handy when we begin to document our travels in earnest.

What we have learned over the years of traveling together is you need one person who provides all the options (sister), one person who makes the final decision (me), one person who generally goes along with whatever (me), and one person who reserves the right to make last minute changes to the agenda if the spirit moves her (sister).