Tall Tales from Kansas

in your silk, taffeta, and heels

Happy New Year's Eve to all from the entire staff of Tall Tales from Kansas, where we are staying in tonight, eating beef & broccoli that Chris is stirring up in the wok, and watching a movie (or another episode of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel). 

Meanwhile, before the season totally gets away, here are a few more holiday window displays from downtown. As I review them I am hard pressed to recall why that snowman is not living in this house. 

I diverge momentarily from the windows to show you this display inside the toy store.  Oh such memories of all the hours of entertainment our spirograph kit brought us. You too?

And who does not love a paper chain? 

I can also completely get behind a glittery, sparkly, silver theme.  

This is a reverse window display - inside looking out. I liked the perspective better. 

Do tell me about all the dances, parties, and celebrations you are going to in your silk, taffeta, and heels. I will just be here in the flannel pajamas, smiling about how great it is to be this age, be at home, and for that to be so enough.  

love the perspective it brings

Along with the cookies, pies, cakes, and other assorted snacks I have been indulging in this month, there have also been grapes. Sweet, crisp, delicious. And so pretty in the morning light. 

Today I present the last "ordinary stuff" post for 2019. Things like a gnome on my kitchen window sill, a red pom-pom made last year, those 15 year old wreaths that go on the front windows each year, and winding a ball of yarn by hand. Anticipating what it will become.

Finally, with all the other ordinary stuff today, I leave you with this food for thought from the Sunday New York Times this past week. 2019 The Best Year, because I for one, love the perspective it brings.

so perfectly chosen were the words he strung together to make a sentence

Last month I told you the Lager Queens of Minnesota was a top contender for my favorite book of 2019.  It still is, but Virgil Wander has overtaken it by a smidge. It also takes place in the midwest - up along the shores of Lake Superior, in a small town, that you may want to live in, if you lived inside a book. It's a town full of nice people, except for one guy, but if I tell you everything you won't need to read the book.

Like the Lager Queen of Minnesota, it is a cozy winter read. It's full of nice, decent folks, including a kite-flying Norwegian named Rune. Leif Enger knows how to turn a phrase. Sometimes when I was driving I would have to rewind the CD to listen again, so perfectly chosen were the words he strung together to make a sentence. 

Enjoy. You can thank my sister Mary Ann for this recommendation. She told me about it. Mary Joan and Marti Huff you two will especially like this book. 

...as we anticipate with hope, the coming of a new year

If this is not a poem for NOW, as we anticipate with hope, the coming of a new year... well, I don't know what is.

We Are of a Tribe 
by Albert Rios
From American Life in Poetry by Ted Kooser, U.S. Poet Laureate

We plant seeds in the ground
And dreams in the sky,
 
Hoping that, someday, the roots of one
Will meet the upstretched limbs of the other.
 
It has not happened yet.
We share the sky, all of us, the whole world:
 
Together, we are a tribe of eyes that look upward,
Even as we stand on uncertain ground.
 
The earth beneath us moves, quiet and wild,
Its boundaries shifting, its muscles wavering.
 
The dream of sky is indifferent to all this,
Impervious to borders, fences, reservations.
 
The sky is our common home, the place we all live.
There we are in the world together.
 
The dream of sky requires no passport.
Blue will not be fenced. Blue will not be a crime.
 
Look up. Stay awhile. Let your breathing slow.
Know that you always have a home here.

actually though, I think he's got it

Yesterday we had just the most wonderful, sunny, blue sky, Christmas Day. Perfect for getting out for a walk... where I got to see a cute neighbor boy on his new scooter and his equally cute sister sitting in the driveway holding her new baby doll oh so protectively. While the littlest boy toddled around and greeted me with "Merry Christmas" in his best 2 year old lisp. So dear.  

It was a low key, pancake breakfast, unwrapping new slippers kind of day.

Chris made the Boursin potatoes to take over for the family dinner while I did more important things like deciding what bracelet and scarf to wear, and staring at the mantle.

Tonight we may play the Holiday edition of "spot it", watch a movie, and drink evening eggnog. Our nephew Sean has made it a mission to perfect his recipe, and I find that it's important to drink many glasses in order to provide proper feedback. Actually though, I think he's got it. But I won't tell him that quite yet. 

Adding potato recipe since Dianne asked - we peeled our potatoes, otherwise, followed recipe exactly.

equally warm and well and content

Merry Christmas Eve friends!  

While I unwind from a long stretch of days at work (drinking wine and eating smoked Gouda cheese from Holland - thanks Christy!), Chris prepares our traditional December 24th dinner of shrimp pasta and garlic bread. This started back in 2004 when Angie moved up to Kansas from Arkansas. She always came over for Christmas Eve mass, then dinner, followed by sitting in front of the fire to open presents and tell stories of holidays past.  Like the year I stuck my finger in the pumpkin pie, or the time Ray and his friend Steve decorated the tree after we went to bed, or the year we had no tree at all because we were shipping out to Panama a few days after Christmas.  That year we each selected a chair in the living room to decorate with paper garlands, so Santa would know where to put our presents.

Tomorrow morning I am making pancakes and bacon for breakfast and will start the Christmas carols by 7:00 am. There will be time for sitting and staring and calling Brother and Dottie and Mary Ann so we can connect across the miles.

Candles will be lit, pajamas will be kept on.

A walk may be taken, or not. Mostly it will be low key, with dancing in the kitchen and maybe around the tree.   Right now I must refill my glass and make a decision between Scrooged and Love Actually to watch after dinner.  I hope whatever you are doing tonight you are equally warm, and well, and content.   

See how I made myself feel all better?

Please don’t think I’m not really glad the snow is done for awhile, that the driveways and sidewalks have all been shoveled, and that it is supposed to warm up a bit before Christmas Day.  I am totally down with all three of those things.  Almost as much as these 3 things that also came as a byproduct of the snow.

And that concludes my Wednesday night rhapsodizing. Which is sometimes necessary when your foot hurts after a hard day at work. Wine and a fire are also helpful. As is a bowl of stew with warm bread and butter on the side.  See how I made myself feel all better?  

the annual bottle of eggnog was purchased

In between the parades, artist shows, farmers markets, and preparation for all things holiday related, there has also been time to delight in the unexpected, enjoy the snow, and start on the annual making of "snacks". 

A Quail plaza Christmas dinner celebration was also held. 

One of the best times of the holiday season. Our meal and service at the Capital Grille was exemplary. The company unsurpassable. Truly.

On a slightly less extravagant note, an old wreath was placed on the chair that came out of Aunt Alice's garage in Russell Kansas in 1996 and has lived on my front porch since. The annual bottle of eggnog was also purchased and on each day I am off I sit by the fire sipping it and my coffee.  Always side by side. Never mixed.

One glass limit per setting. Usually. 

a Kuchen party for one

My very first stop at the Holiday farmers market this past weekend was for Kuchen bread. After waiting for an entire year, I was more than ready for a loaf and I was not one bit shy about marching into the place 10 minutes before it officially opened to snatch it up. Angie would have been so proud.

Two loaves were purchased this year. Come late February, when it is cold and dreary, and no celebrations are in site, it will be just the pick me up I am needing.  

The bread was well balanced by the addition of 2 bundles of this amazing kale.

The woman who gave me my change told me about the "kale with white beans and bacon" soup she had just made with it. Drool.  

Greenery and ornaments were in abundance.



As were nice families. This fella in the middle gets my vote for best hair AND best smile at the holiday market. I think his parents agree with me.  

Best baby in a red onesie, with father in red hat below.

My very favorite supplier of socks was present. I wanted to take those earrings right off her and put them on but I didn't want to interrupt her mathematical computations.  

Next year I am putting a big festive thing-a-ma-jig on my hat and I am going to rock it like no body's business like this lady did this year. I loved her style.  

Honey was stocked up on.

Cookies were purchased. Because look how beautifully they are decorated. And so carefully packaged. 

Right about that time Helen the potter walked by in her wonderful Mola vest and we found out that we had both lived in Panama and her brother might have known Ray &/or Dottie.  I am telling you it is a small world.  

Then as I walked by Karen's painted gourds I saw my favorite baklava makers,

who happened to be in close proximity to the gnomes.

By this time my basket was full, so I bid a fond farewell to the holiday farmers market for another year, 

and headed for home with my treasures. The instant the basket was unpacked, the toaster was plugged in and I called to order a Kuchen party for one. 

it's just how I roll

We have had some marvelous pink and blue sunset skies here lately.  Chris took these photos the other night, since I am generally driving home when these things are happening. He is on retainer for just these purposes.  

As a bonus (at no extra charge) he also went downtown this week and picked up my finished needlepoint.  I am pleased with how it turned out. The woman at Framewoods did an excellent job stretching it just a bit more to get it squared up. 

Now I have to figure out what piece I will start on next.  I don't know why I have to be sewing, knitting, and stitching/needlepointing something all the time, it's just how I roll.   

 

simple, complex, traditional, way out there...

Tonight I give you the first post of the season that will be dedicated to holiday window displays. Which is to say there will be more of them. These were all captured this past week in Lawrence. I am a fan of the festive downtown window. Simple, complex, traditional, way out there, I love them all.  

Right about now I should be attending to my own decorating, in the form of a tree that needs lit and decorated. But it's Friday night, which means there is a bottle of merlot to drink and pizza to eat. I hope you have something just as wildly fun and frivolous planned to kick off your weekend.  

a good time was had by all

Getting multiple opportunities to see what our local creative types are up to is one of my favorite things about December.  Last weekend was the LOLA event - a local arts collective annual holiday show in Lawrence.

From gluten free products, to garlands, glass, lotions, and soaps... there was something for everyone.

I was especially delighted to see Sally Birmingham doing blind contour drawings! There was not time for me to sit for her a few weeks back at Bazarre Bizaar. But I reeeeaaaalllly wanted to. 

I made time this week. I am sure you will agree that she captured my likeness perfectly.

I like how it coordinated with my new hand woven kitchen towel made by the woman below, who also happens to be wearing a sweater she wove. A handmade woven garment is not something you see everyday.  

Dried flower arrangements, clothing, shoes, cards, and all other manner of unique items rounded out the show.

A good time was had by all. 

sweet mother of all things good

For the first December 2019 "regular stuff" post, there is red & green, an uncommon use for pumpkin butter, knitting updates, and an old movie recommendation. 

Along the same lines as last year when I encouraged you to use your leftover cranberry sauce on your oatmeal, this is for the last few swipes of pumpkin butter you have left in the jar... 

Blueberries and apple, topped with cream of wheat, followed by pecan butter, greek yogurt, and sprinkled with toasted pecans.  Sweet mother of all things good... it is delicious in a creamy, spicy, crunchy, warm kind of way. No toast needed on the side, but I won't stop you if you want some.  

This means that 2 sleeves and the left front are done, and the right front has been started. I may be able to wear this before the end of January.  Which may sound like a long time away for some of you... but not for a slow knitter such as myself.  

Lastly, if it has been 27 years since you have seen this, watch it again! Chris and I laughed ourselves silly watching Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern as the "bad guys". Seriously, it is still hilarious. Even when you know what is coming. 

a great way to open the holiday season

It's real difficult to limit the number of photos in a blog post when the subjects of the pictures are horses, and riders, in a parade. I shall endeavor to do my best but make no promises. 

And then of course there are all the people at the parade... keeping warm, choosing seats, carrying their frisbee, playing with signs, waiting for things to start.

There were young riders, older riders, middle aged riders, silly riders, and very serious riders. By serious I mean the kind who appeared very natural astride their horse.

If I was traveling any distance in a wagon, I would want these fellows in the driver and shotgun positions. They seem most competent. That said, this was an old hearse they were pulling, and I will not need that for my burial. 

Santa was there to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Mostly though, it's about the horses, and the kids who are excited to see them, and all of Lawrence coming out to smile and wave. Which is a great way to open the holiday season. 

Chris convinced me that would not be in line with the holiday spirit the parade embodies

From today's old fashioned Christmas parade in downtown Lawrence, here are the Nicodemus county Buffalo Soldiers. They are always my favorite part of this parade. 

From a brief on-line search ... the nickname Buffalo Soldiers was given to the Black Calvary by Native Americans who fought in the Indian Wars, and eventually became synonymous with all African American regiments formed in 1866. The Buffalo Soldiers were originally members of the 10th calvary regiment from Ft. Leavenworth Kansas. 

More photos to come. Right now there are Christmas CD's to rummage through, wreaths to repair and hang, porches to sweep, pillows to fluff, barbecue to eat, old holiday movies to watch... you get the idea. 

P.S. Sorry about that announcer screwing up my video. I wanted to go fiddle with the dials on his sound system so it would stop working but Chris convinced me that wouldn't be in line with the holiday spirit the parade embodies. 

in all it's vibrant speckledness

Every year when faced with the dilemma of poinsettia color selection, I struggle.

Then I always end up getting red. Because I am a traditionalist. Red. Red. Red. And no glitter on the leaves please. 

Also never white. No. No. No. Though I can see a place for them in a monochromatic winter wonderland decorating scheme. Which I don't have. 

Then of course there are the pinkish ones with all that marvelous green patterning, begging to be brought home and painted. 

This year though, this one came home with me. I couldn't help it. In all it's vibrant speckledness it called my name as I walked by and I whisked it up right quick before someone else named Carol could answer.   

Purchased at Pendleton's Country Market - the undisputed, most prize winningness, poinsettia producer in the area. In my humble opinion. 

a perfect holiday whodunnit

We started our holiday movie season with Knives Out on Saturday. It's a perfect whodunnit. Clever, tongue in cheek entertainment, with a stellar cast of actors in what I would say are "different" roles for them. From the ambiance of the mansion, filled with quirky objects, to the masterful interpretation of the classic roles necessary for a good murder mystery, it does not disappoint. 

A little bit mad-cap, slightly far-fetched, but in a way that could be followed to the perfect conclusion. We loved it. Salty popcorn and Dr. Pepper recommended on the side. Or whatever your favorite movie snack is. 

an amazingly luxurious bit of ordinariness

Up this week in the "ordinary chronicles" there was all of this.

A perfect latte in a wonderful spot where I heard "Stuck in the Middle with You" for the first time in maybe 30 years.

A glorious sunny day sandwiched between cloudy and blustery ones.

A leftover piece of that almond-poppy seed cake with cranberry glaze, served with a cup of Meyer lemon Chai tea.

And finally, the lights are on in downtown Lawrence. Kind of an amazingly luxurious bit of ordinariness, if I do say so myself.  

P.S. in case its been 30 years for you as well. Sister and Pam this is going on our playlist for art retreat 2020. 

in all it's splendor

Before I begin the trips up and down the basement steps, taking down the orange, bringing up the red and green, there had to be this.

One last compilation of the best of fall, in all it's splendor.  

before you know it my bag was full and my money was gone

My very most favorite thing about Bizarre Bazaar this year in Lawrence has got to be the artists. Seriously.

Of course there were the works of art too. In all shapes and sizes. Including the toothpick figures below and those tie-dyed scarves, which I have been meaning to add to my collection for several years now.

And what about this!?!?!?!

Or this? Brother I got you one of these hats, I am just showing you now so you can know it's coming early because of the winter snowstorm headed your way. 

But back to the artists for a second. Lawrence is full of amazing talented people.

Who are happy to smile for you. 

There was also music, flowers, scarves for dogs, and a super cute hairstyle that I was exceedingly envious of.  

I spotted glamorous friends, and one of my all time favorites - cut paper artist Angie Pickman of Rural Pearl Studio.

Her work is so lovely and imaginative. 

Before you know it my bag was full and my money was gone. Holiday shopping has begun, in the pleasantest of ways.