Tall Tales from Kansas

continues to astound, amaze, and delight

High on the list of ordinary things that have occupied my time these last weeks have been morning walks, peonies, berries, and cats coming for visits.  

There have been storms moving through the midwest and the lakes and rivers are full. The geese take it all in stride and continue with their spring routines. 

Friends have been met with, conversations had, plans made, projects worked on, latte's and blueberry/vanilla scones savored.  Sitting outside on a morning in spring, when the sun is shining and the breezes are cool, can not be taken for granted.   

My bougainvillea and I were visited by a cardinal and the fountain got turned on this week.  No fuss, no muss.  I plugged it in and it took off.  

The ancient jade plant that lives indoors was trimmed and mini jade plants were started. Their future seems uncertain.  Sister assures me they will do well.  

This rose bush continues to astound, amaze, and delight me.

Finally, though we are used to tornado season, having lived in Kansas for a very long time, we are grateful to have been spared damage from the big one that touched down very close to Tall Tales headquarters on Tuesday night. Thank you all for your thoughts and well wishes.  

split the layer, fill it with frosting, and put whip cream on top version

When the word of the day is “yen”, and you already have a strong desire for a piece of homemade chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, you take it as a sign that one should be made.  At your house. 

So I did.  I used this recipe, and the cake itself was AMAZING.  Rich, chocolatey, moist.  

Unfortunately the frosting was a bit of a bust.  I followed the recipe so not sure what went wrong. It just never firmed up enough to actually "frost" the cake.  

Which in no way prevented me from enjoying it with the "frosting" spooned on top as it was served, 

or as Chris preferred with ice cream on top and no "frosting", 

or the split the layer, fill it with the "frosting" and put whip cream on top version. 

I am just getting started, as you can see.

with equal enthusiasm I might add

This is Silas.  We locked eyes on Saturday when I entered the farmers market.  He was looking at my camera.  My eyes were on the cinnamon roll. When I asked him what he was eating and what it tasted like he informed me "like a 'cimon' roll with frosting". Good answer Silas.

This week's offerings included the most incredible sweet peas, dulcimer music, and of course flowers.  

There were radishes and flower sellers in great tee shirts with nice smiles.  

Peonies came home with me.  Along with strawberries, peas, broccoli, kale, lettuce, cabbage, arugula, and asparagus.  

My favorite way to enjoy sweet peas by the way... is in their wrappings, strings removed, plain.  Except on a holiday weekend.

When they are best served up with some other raw veggies, greek yogurt with chili/lime sauce (cholula) and hummus on the side.  With pretzels and a "Fuzzy 360" to drink.  

For inquiring minds - A Fuzzy 360 is 2 oz of 360 Georgia Peach Vodka, orange juice, and a splash of sprite.  In whatever proportions suit your palate.  

P.S.  As I was leaving the market I noted that Silas had moved on from the "cimon roll" to dog-petting.

With equal enthusiasm I might add.  

whether you have siblings or are an only child

When I came across the poem below by Billy Collins, it made me more grateful than I already am (if that is possible), to have 2 sisters and a brother.  Below, in all our glory, lined up on the couch at our house in Spain on June 10th 1966. Bangs freshly trimmed by Angie.  Dottie with perfect hair showing why mom permed our ends, me missing 2 front teeth, Mary Ann looking extremely serious, Ray in suit and tie.

Whether you have siblings or are an only child, you will enjoy the poem.  I feel certain.  

Only Child
by Billy Collins

I never wished for a sibling, boy or girl.
Center of the universe,
I had the back of my parents' car
all to myself. I could look out one window
then slide over to the other window
without any quibbling over territorial rights,
and whenever I played a game
on the floor of my bedroom, it was always my turn.

Not until my parents entered their 90s
did I long for a sister, a nurse I named Mary,
who worked in a hospital
five minutes away from their house
and who would drop everything,
even a thermometer, whenever I called.
“Be there in a jiff” and “On my way!”
were two of her favorite expressions, and mine.

And now that the parents are dead,
I wish I could meet Mary for coffee
every now and then at that Italian place
with the blue awning where we would sit
and reminisce, even on rainy days.
I would gaze into her green eyes
and see my parents, my mother looking out
of Mary's right eye and my father staring out of her left,

which would remind me of what an odd duck
I was as a child, a little prince and a loner,
who would break off from his gang of friends
on a Saturday and find a hedge to hide behind.
And I would tell Mary about all that, too,
and never embarrass her by asking about
her nonexistence, and maybe we
would have another espresso and a pastry
and I would always pay the bill and walk her home.
 

a most agreeable sort of day

The walking, looking, picnicking, adventure we had planned yesterday went off without a hitch.  Plan #1 to go to the Konza Tall Grass Prairie was scrapped in favor of a trip in the other direction, away from the storms (at least for the time frame we had planned) to Powell Gardens.

It was humid.  Which you would think I would be used to living in Kansas, but the first really humid day of the year is still an adjustment.  Then you remember we have deodorant and showers, and deal with it.  

We were greeted by giant alium. Always a good sign.  Closely followed by dogwoods and giant bronze bunnies.  

Then came curving stone/rock walls with plants tumbling out of them and tall purple iris.  

There is not a show-stopping display of roses here, but I did find them throughout the gardens and thoroughly enjoyed looking at them.  

We are still in peony season here, though they have been beaten down a bit by the rain. They have a lovely area full of peonies in the perennial garden.  

If I was going to be buried when I die, I would want someone to plant a whole bunch of peonies right on top of me.  

There were woodland trails covered in shade and throughout the gardens were spots for pulling over, sitting down, and having a look around.  

There was an area with fountains, water plants, and plenty of inspiration for whatever kind of garden you have.

Right before we left I spotted this succulent pot on steroids. I have already planted my strawberry pot full of succulents.  But I am now wondering if I don't have a second pot somewhere in my garage that may also need to be planted. Can one have too many succulent pots?  I think not.  

Most importantly, there were NO mosquitos on our adventure, it did not rain while we were there, and there were table and chairs inside the lovely visitors center that were perfect for a picnic.  Of sorts. AND they had local honey for sale in the gift shop! All in all, a most agreeable sort of day.

a threesome of Chihuly floribundas

Harvested today,

in between showers,

was this threesome of Chihuly floribundas.

There may be words adequate to describe their beauty, buy I can't locate them right now.

with time for just that thing that makes life sweet

Tomorrow Chris and I are setting out for a spot somewhere in a 90 mile radius of Tall Tales Headquarters, where it is not raining, we can take a long walk in lovely surroundings, and have a picnic lunch. Given that we are in the middle of spring storm season, it is unclear if we will accomplish all these things. But, plans are in motion.  Hopes are high.  Meanwhile here are a last few photos from my time in New Mexico.  

Here's to long weekends unfolding before us.  With time for just that thing that makes life sweet. For you.  

spreading out my quota of beauty in a most satisfying manner

My haul from the market this week. 

The purple cauliflower is amazing to behold.  The color and patterns can be stared at endlessly.  

Though I debated displaying them both in the dining room, in the end I just put the flowers on the table.  The purple cauliflower went in a salad with kale, broccoli, yellow peppers and other assorted items for lunch this week. Thus spreading out my quota of beauty in a most satisfying manner.  

The peonies and stock, which both smell amazing, but do NOT clash with each other, make sitting at the table a sheer delight.

I shall dedicate myself to sending more correspondence of the written variety in the coming months.  Thus allowing me to spend time in the presence of summer bouquets. Which seems a worthy endeavor.    

if you could have heard her talking to that wooden duck

Saturday at the farmers market was dominated by flowers, rain, boots, umbrella's (up and down), and amazing produce.  Not necessarily in that order.

My favorite of the week is below.  

If you could have heard her talking to that wooden duck, while petting it and then trying to pick it up to cuddle it, you would have thought so too.  Life does not get better.  

her love of cultivating a space that brings one such pleasure

This dianthus has been faithfully hanging onto the rock wall in back of our house for something like 7 or 8 years now.  Each year I wonder if the fuchsia waterfall will return... and it does.  

The false blue indigo and poppies also did their things this week.  

The columbine collection out front is looking good this year... and the iris out back bloomed again despite the fact that they have not been thinned out, and sorely need it.  

The task that gave me the most pleasure yesterday was buying and planting the geraniums.

Yes, three different colors were selected for maximum vibrancy. I'll let you know later in the summer if it was a mistake or not. 

Other "pot news" include these for under the Japanese maple out front.  Last year the plain white begonia's just didn't do it for me so the 2019 edition includes a few other things for maximum interest. Bougainvillea has also been planted out back.

This continues to be a "wettish" spring which has kept me from sowing the zinnia seeds, but has not prevented my regular walks.  Trying to outfox the rain keeps things interesting.

Finally, this miniature rose (diamond eyes) planted last year has come back like gangbusters.  Perfect for putting in little vases.

Dottie and Mary Ann and I do regular Marco Polo's of our flowers and plants with each other. Ray has even begun to get in on the action. Such fun to see how different our plots all are.  Angie was a lover of her garden.  We have all taken after her in that way. In other ways too, but I am especially grateful she passed on her love of cultivating a space that brings one such pleasure. 

one last look back at where we had been

Bandolier National Monument really requires no words.  

If you want to use one though, may I suggest majestic.

Inventive and ingenious would also work.

Let's not forget mystical.

A perfect day was this.

Concluding with my favorite thing to do at the end of a good tiring hike. Pulling out the peanut butter sandwich, apple, and carrot sticks which were packed before leaving home.  By the time you are ready to eat, the peanut butter has seeped into the bread perfectly, and the feet sigh with relief when you sit. There is simply nothing more satisfying.  

On the way home we pulled over to take in a few more views...

... including one last look back at where we had been. For perspective. 

especially when you have a pie maker like Christy around

While in Albuquerque, ordinary activities included taking walks, eating Christy's peach pie (sigh), exploring local coffee shops (Little Bear), and exclaiming over cactus flowers.

There was also evening light to be admired, more of those cactus flowers, and taking lots of photos together.  

Because taking all these photos can wear a girl out, we did not protest when Christy said (after making the peach pie) "I have enough crust to make another pie", then "do you want lemon meringue or chocolate?"

To which we unanimously replied "LEMON MERINGUE"!!!!

As I always say, ordinary moments are the best.  Especially when you have a pie maker like Christy around.

we filled up our eyes but did not empty our wallets

During a three day stay in Albuquerque it was windy, rainy, sunny, cool, warm, AND it snowed on the way to Bandolier. None of which spoiled our time together in any way.    

In Santa Fe there were plenty of things to delight us indoors. Tiles, geraniums, griddled polenta with red chile, chorizo, and poached eggs, friendly people, colorful surroundings.

The cathedral had a labyrinth to walk, was surrounded by blooming trees, and my favorite of all was the painted boarder that ran all along the walls. The colors!

The Georgia O'Keefe museum was wonderful. If you go, take the time to watch the short film at the beginning. To be able to hear her voice, see her tools, learn about her life, AND see her art was a complete experience.

There was no end of tempting treasures to buy along the street of Santa Fe.

We filled up our eyes but did not empty our wallets.

We did clean our plates at Cafe Pasqual's. Literally. It was a culinary extravaganza that I will be thinking about for some time to come. 

P.S.  Happiest of Birthdays to you today Dottie.

what we all want out of life

Albuquerque was lovely in every possible way.  Mostly time spent with Dottie and Christy.  More to come on that later.  Tonight I just want to tell you about the book I finished up on the flight there. 

Less is a meandering, globe-trotting, love story that somehow flows easily across the pages.  With reflections on relationships, aging, and what is important in life.  It’s about memories and the circular nature of our experiences in the world, and what we all want out of life.  But told in a most unusual way.  If that sounds interesting to you.  You will like this book.  I did.

And then I left it with Dottie, so she could dig into it too. I love passing on a good read.  

as the alium and bridal veil branches looked on in amazement

This arrangement was swooped up at the farmers market last Saturday. When I was not in New Mexico, like I am today.

It was promptly unpackaged, stems re-cut, and placed in a vase.

On the table. 

Where I could watch those amazing peonies open slowly.

As the alium and bridal veil branches looked on in amazement.

Stunning, stunning, and stunning.

And to think, this is just the very beginning of peony season.  

if you can limit yourself to just once a day

For your entertainment, enjoyment, and delight; while I am away visiting Dottie for a long weekend of "sistering", I present this video. I suggest you watch it nightly.  If you can limit yourself to just once a day. 

Thanks for showing it to me Marilyn!

the land of enchantment

Today I am off to New Mexico. The land of enchantment, with bright blue skies, mountains, deserts, and red & green chile peppers.  Dottie and I are going to hike, drink coffee, eat peach pie, look at roses and iris, climb a mountain, discuss books, explore cliff dwellings, and maybe sit with our feet up.  If we feel like it.  

In other words, we are going to hang out together.  Doing sister things.  I will be posting some photos on Instagram if you are interested in our shenanigans.

a greenhouse full of them ready to be adopted

Oh we are having a glorious Spring here in Kansas.  Cool mornings and nights. Both sun and rain in equal measures.  Perfect conditions for plants that are coming back or starting out fresh.  

More succulent pots again this year.  

A new knockout rose for the deck.  For summer long blooms in the hot Kansas summers you can't beat it.  

New Columbine coming up from seed I bought at a little garden in Oregon a few years back.  

I love how this false blue indigo (baptisia australis) rises straight up through the mulch like nobody's business. Soon it will be time to get the geraniums for the front porch.  

There is no site more beautiful than a greenhouse full of them ready to be adopted.  

the chapeau of the week

This week at the farmers market, when a man that I did not get a picture of, was exclaiming over a ginormous 4 pound sweet potato, the man below told him (with an air of authority which I admired), that when his people were traveling across this country many years ago, they told stories of yams "so big you could sit on one while you roasted one over the fire".   

These are the kinds of things I go to the market for. Stories I am not going to hear anywhere else.

I also enjoy observing the methods by which people make their selections at the market.    

The minute these two came into view my radar went up.  Hand knitted sweaters!  

And then mom turned around to reveal hand knit sweater #3.  Plus a had that had been made for his overall-wearing brother that was holding up well.  The woman told me her mom made them, from yarn she got at Yarn Barn downtown, AND if I wanted the pattern she would get it to me if I gave her my e-mail.  I love my town.  

Asparagus for eating, a bunch of herbs for planting, and doggies for petting were also on the agenda.

Oh, and lastly one baby rocking the winner of the "chapeau of the week" award. 

someone at the table MUST get the hot brown

Because the Kentucky derby is tomorrow, and since there are photos which have yet to be shared from our trip, and on account of I just feel like it, here is another post about our time on the Bourbon trail.  

My favorite distillery might have been Kentucky Artisan Distillery. It was small, personable, and the Jefferson Reserve is mighty tasty.  We also enjoyed visiting Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve.  

While you are in the area DO NOT MISS a visit to The Brown Hotel and get yourself to the lobby bar just as soon as you walk around and explore for a few minutes. Order up a Manhattan and someone at the table MUST get the Hot Brown. They invented it. They do it best.  Enough said.  

They have hats in the gift shop.  Try these on after your Manhattan.

This part of the country is beyond picturesque.  

If you go, and stay at the Lawrenceburg Bed & Breakfast, and get the front bedroom, this robin might be sitting in her nest.  Waiting for you.  Especially if you go in April.  

Which I highly recommend.  Happy Weekend everyone.  

in a way that only fresh flowers brought in from the out-of-doors can do

For the last two weeks the dining room table has been graced with the presence of lovely bunches of lilacs.

In addition to being beautiful, they make the house smell so lovely. In a way that only fresh flowers brought in from the out of doors can do.  

Oh, and by the way, if your clusters of flowers start to look droopy... dunk them in a sink of cool water and recut the stems at an angle.  Then make a cut through the bottom of the stem to open it up a bit and pop them back in a vase filled with fresh water. It works, just like the lilac lady told me it would.