Tall Tales from Kansas

this amazing jumpsuit

When you come to the Lawrence farmers market, if you have a question, head for the information booth where "the person in the know" may or may not be wearing this amazing jumpsuit, but I hope she is. It's spectacular.

This week I jumped up and down and clapped when I saw the mini gourds and decorative corn. 

The dahlias, zinnias, marigolds, and basil were perfection in this arrangement. 

Pumpkin Spice (complete with straw) was the cake of the week from Chonky Sweets and Eats and was going fast by 7:30am. 

I was delighted to see a new batch of dryer balls available for purchase. 

I have been using these for years to reduce drying time and static cling. I like to replace them every 3 years or so.  I have no idea if there is really a "life-span" for dryer balls, but in my house there is.  Also, are they drier balls or dryer balls? 

Get a load of these gnarly gourds.

I did not expect to find green beans this beautiful, but grabbed a bag to go with the chicken and rice Chris was making for dinner on Saturday. 

Kale and roasted butternut squash salad with cranberries and Thai dressing are on the lunch menu this week. 

The light was perfect on Karen as she wrapped up my flower purchases for the week. Bittersweet! 

Which by the way look perfect on my porch.  Did I tell you Chris had a ceiling fan installed out there for me? It's wonderful for stirring the air.  To keep things cool as well as for discouraging bugs. 



Purchases for the week are below. Bittersweet and mini pumpkins and gourds in the house means it's time to change the pillows on the rockers and the front door mat.  Maybe next week, out will go the geraniums, to be replaced with mums. It's fall, and I for one am completely delighted at the prospect of all that means.  

this writer skips the usual ploys

Happy all the Time is the story of Guido Morris and Vincent Cardworthy , two long-time friends, now into early adulthood, who meet Holly Sturgis and Misty Berkowitz. Somehow, each with their individual quirks, turn out to be the right people for each other. As in, the kind destined to spend the rest of their lives together.

This sounds simple, but Laurie Colwin, unlike so many others, manages to avoid the usual pitfalls found in stories about people who meet and fall in love.  It is instead, entertaining with unusual dialogue and situations that make you want to meet these characters, instead of rolling your eyes when you encounter typical romantic angst. She skips the usual ploys, leaving you wondering where things will go next in the relationships you are pretty sure will remain intact. 

This book doesn't fall easily into any category you might want to put it in. Unless it is that type of book you will continue thinking about for awhile after you have finished reading it. 

One last thing I enjoyed was this card that was tucked in the copy I got from my library. On the back was written "...this is one of my mother's paintings - I thought it was a good time to share...",  it was signed Jennifer.  I left it in the book for the next reader to discover. 

Highly Recommended. 

...this dot on the map

This week Chris and I went to Union Station in Kansas City to see Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. This exhibit, provides a history of the development of Nazi ideology and how the Polish town of Oświęcim became the place where over a million Jews and tens of thousands of others deemed inferior by the Nazis were murdered.  

This exhibit will be in Kansas City until mid January 2022. It is extremely moving, incorporating voices of survivors telling their stories, along with artifacts and photographs. You move through the different galleries at your own pace, with your individual device and headset that allows you to stop, start, or re-listen as needed. It is not be be missed. I will not attempt to describe it more than this. 

to have the most contrast in color value between the strips and the squares

Today the Prairie Makers got together to work on sewing projects. We had such an invigorating session last time, we decided to have another "meeting of the machines".  The photo below will not look like much to a regular sewist, but for me, gathering the sleeves and fitting them into the cuff band in a relatively uniform pattern is no small feat.

 

When I was considering how to best do the gathering after our last session, I discovered the existence of a Bernina "gathering foot". Which I promptly ordered, not realizing it was shipping from Istanbul. I love thinking about it coming to me from that wonderful city. 



It worked just fine and the next step will be gathering the neckline. But because I can never work on just one project at at time, there is also the update on the Spots and Stripes quilt.

I am zipping along on my squares and continue to be quite entertained, getting a few squares done at each sitting. 

With the "stripes on stripes" squares below, it is fun to experiment with pairing the different colors, my preference seems to be to have the most contrast in color value between the strips and the squares.

On a day off, it is so great to engage my brain in things like gathering material, pairing pleasing colors, and just everything NOT related to work. On a related note, last night at knitting class, my friend Dianne brought her autumn cross stitch projects to show me. It took me back to how I so enjoyed doing that years ago. 

Stitching on over dyed linen was something I would never considered, but seriously how cool is this?!

when planning an adventure in the mind the more detailed the better

Last night, in our imaginations, Dottie and Mary Ann and I planned a rendezvous on the Mendocino headlands. We were to meet at 6:30 am by the big tree in front of the white house and from there would proceed out to the trails that wind around the coast above the ocean.

After our walk we would make our way to the Good Life Cafe and Bakery where I would get avocado toast, Dottie the tofu stir fry, and either a strawberry danish or biscuits and gravy for sister. When planning an adventure in the mind the more detailed it can be the better. 

This was the walk taken instead. Which was equally glorious, though I would have appreciated the company of my sisters.





After a weekend of work it feels good to get up early and re-acquaint myself with the joys of an early morning ramble, especially when part of it involves a light sprinkle, and an encounter with 2 deer.

watch the 2 cats who live in peaceful co-existence with the chickens

I don't know about the rest of you who "suffer" with allergies, but this year has been one of my sneeziest in recent memory (yes, sneeziest is the superlative form of sneezy). This has me ready, dare I say it... for the first freeze. Then I remember the zinnias, which are still looking good.

Which means I have to show you these. 

The vase above is from a flea market in Budapest, the one below from a botanical garden in Sweden.

This tall pottery vase is from the Lost Coast Found antique store in Ft. Bragg, California. A local potters early work? A rare treasure?  I love to collect small bottles, jars, and vases from my travels. 

Happy Weekend all.  If you are in the vicinity of Lawrence and looking for some morning coffee and a pastry may I suggest you stop in at 1900 Barker? Get yourself a morning bun and go sit on the patio out back. It's shaded by trees and you can watch the 2 cats next door who live in peaceful co-existence with the chickens. 

Helpful links: 1900 Barker
 

the sun, the sky, the sunflowers

Early morning sunrise at the Baker Wetlands is hard to beat. Oh the sky, with all those colors, it never fails to get me. 

The sunflowers are blooming right now. Not a field of those giant headed ones, but I think you will agree they are equally wonderful. Especially at 63 degrees, when you and the birds have the place completely to yourself.

This silky fluff emerging from an open milkweed pod was putting on a show, just for me.


As was this big giant spider that I was grateful to spot before I walked into it's web. 


It's hard to know where to look, in the morning light everything is fine.

As I circled back to where I started, the sky was a bright blue, the perfect background for the impossibly perfect sunflowers, in all phases of bloom.

I didn't make it to the lotus pond, so captivated was I by the sun, the sky, the sunflowers, and of course the grasses. 

In the realm of all the things one can hope for, the thing I most want, is to never cease to be stopped in my tracks by nature. 

I don't know that I necessarily agree with all of that, but it is a good story

I made a special trip to the post office this morning, to get 15 more minutes of listening time in, and reach the conclusion of The Last Thing he Told Me by Laura Dave. It's a good listen. Rebecca Lowman is the narrator and has a great voice. If I had been reading, I would have plowed through it a bit faster, instead of chewing slowly, and giving it the attention it deserved. 

On the back cover it says it is a "...riveting mystery, certain to shock you with it's final, heartbreaking, twist..." I don't know that I necessarily agree with all of that, but it is a good story, well written, which keeps you wanting more. The characters are likable and the ending satisfying without being predictable or trite. Recommended. Especially if you have a road trip coming up. 

the marriage of a biscuit texture and a muffin flavor that needs no embellishment whatsoever

Here are the contents of my market basket from Saturday. The treat in that brown bag shall be discussed later.  

There is nothing better than a 65 degree morning with the sun coming up over the market. It lets me know for a moment, that all is right in the world. 



I love a good crop of marigolds. They always put me in a Dia de los Muertos frame of mind which makes me want to watch Coco again this year. 

You know I snagged a nice bag of arugula, there will be time in the coming weeks for the acquisition of apples and pumpkins.  







Linda had on the most amazing blue/green "butterfly" glasses, and THE smile to go with them. 



These bundles of drying grasses, flowers, and branches were simple and beautiful. 



This week was the week I decided it was time to try some sourdough bread from the Peters Family Farm. 



Since I am writing this post on Sunday night, I can tell you that it was everything sourdough should be. Dense and flavorful, it made perfect toast for breakfast and was equally good with butter, garlic, parmesan, salt and pepper, under the broiler with dinner. 

I loved her flower toting method that allowed for continued hands-free shopping. Sometimes you spot the bouquet you want and don't want to trust it will still be there after the rest of your shopping has been wrapped up. 



I myself was a sucker for the bouquet with pink dahlias this week, they went quite well with the orange zinnias that were already on the table.  



Last but absolutely not least is this cranberry orange scone from Chonky Sweets and Eats. Several weeks ago they told me how good their scones were, this week I tested. I am a HUGE scone fan. In my mind the perfect scone is the marriage of a biscuit texture and a muffin flavor that needs no embellishment whatsoever. The raw sugar on top provided a wonderful crunch. I was told it would be perfect as is, but if I warmed it in the oven for about 5-10 minutes it would be even better. Which was excellent advice. This was one of, if not THE best scone I have ever eaten. Well done. 

on page 13 of the guide to looking good in any situation

Apparently I was in an orange frame of mind when I went outside to snip flowers last week.

With a dash of yellow and a stem of sage, placed on top of a cupcake platter for extra height, I liked them just fine.

They are only surpassed by the front porch arrangement this week which consisted of big, bushy, blooms, of bright colors.

Again with the color transitions... 

Upstairs by the computer there was this,

and in front of the sink, these. 

On a completely unrelated topic... at this exact moment I am texting with a friend - we have nothing to wear to the "cocktail party" we are going to tonight. I am trying to convince her that we should wear halloween costumes and she doesn't seem to think that will work. As for me, I am going to adhere to what is written on page 13 of the guide to looking good in any situation, "...the key to feeling confident in what you are wearing wherever you go, is not looking in the mirror after you are dressed, and believing what your mind tells you when it says you look great".

faces full of expectation for the fun they would have

At the Smoky Hill River Festival this past weekend, there was something for everyone. A piece to fit what each of us considers "art"... the hard to put your finger on magic that lifts your spirits and makes you go "ahhh" when you see it. 

These sisters won the award for best coordinated hats and shirts in the youth category. They were headed to the children's section of the festival when I caught up with them... faces full of expectation for the fun they would have there. 



This fellow had on glasses I have not previously seen on a face and whose exact purpose may have been to reduce glare, but I could be wrong about that. 



She won the award for the most joyful, enthusiastic, exhibitor at the festival.  



Our time at the park was perfect. The weather was nice, there were no crowds to fight (or bugs), and we were mostly in shade during our visit. 









There were musicians performing all over the park which kept things lively. In the old days, when Chris and I lived in Salina, we would bring chairs and blankets and camp out for the day, moving from stage to stage. It's nice to just sit and listen when you have the whole weekend to spend. 



Suzie was drawn in by the mingling aromas of stir-fry, smoked turkey legs, barbecue, and some kind of waffle sandwich, but ended up settling for a lemonade. 

Annette and I both thought these linen blouses were lovely and I may yet regret not trying one on. 

Peggy admired this colorful pottery and we discussed how we currently have more mugs than will fit in our designated cup cabinets at home. I am not sure when we became so practical, but sometimes it's nice to appreciate without having to acquire. 

The Smoky Hill River festival is generally held the first full weekend of June every year in Salina, Kansas. It has been disrupted the last several years by COVID. It was good to see things get slightly back on track. I don't know what will happen next year, but if you are interested in attending, here is a link you can go to for details as they become available. 

when it was lovingly tended by Sr. Julia Stegeman

In 1977 at the tender age of 17, I set off to begin the journey into adulthood at Marymount College in Salina Kansas.

In addition to a fine education in the art and science of nursing - overseen by Sr. Mary Leon Pirotte, CSJ - there were important life lessons learned in the company of my friends Annette, Michele, Peggy, and Suzie. 

Four of us were recently able to get together and make some new memories as we did our best to recall details, and tell stories ... "who all went on that night raid?..." from our formative years. 

In addition to exploring Salina (Seraphim bakery makes a mean loaf of sourdough & Scheme Pizza remains top notch), attending the Smoky Hill River Festival (more on that later), playing pitch, drinking wine, and eating amazing meals at our Airbnb, we also discussed world events/problems including how they could all likely be solved if we were in charge. 

Peggy and I did not purchase these hats so if you are interested they are available in the antique mall at the corner of Iron and Santa Fe. Don't all of you fight over who gets to buy the one I am wearing. I am available to help with proper placement and hair styling if you want to replicate my look.  

Unfortunately our alma mater closed in 1989 and access to most of the buildings is no longer possible, unless you have a special pass key. 

The mail room hours have not changed in 40 years - FYI. 

The old book store still has a gym flooring.



The chapel has apparently been de-commissioned, but appears much the same as it did when several of us got married there.

The sunken garden does not look as lush as it did when it was lovingly tended by Sr. Julia Stegeman, but nevertheless we appreciated what it provided us. 

Thank you for coming along with me on this self-indulgent trip. Maybe it has provided the impetus for you to contact all your college friends and plan a reunion of your own. We have not figured out how it is that fate brought, and has kept us together, all these 40+ years, but we do not for one second take it for granted. 

enjoying the journey

Last week the Prairie Makers got together to MAKE for the first time in a long time. We converged on Ann's house, sewing machines in tow, projects in mind, support at hand. It was wonderful. 

I never cease to be amazed by the talent, knowledge, and initiative of this group. It spills over on to me, providing the push and the help I sometimes need to feel confident and go forth.

All the fabrics for this quilt were purchased a few years ago, cut out at least a year ago, and have been sitting quietly waiting for me to pay them some attention. 



With Ann's guidance, I was quickly able to piece a square, and once the first was done, I was off and running. You will see above I have made good use of this ledge at the top of the stairs to lay out what I believe will be the best color combinations for each square. Oh joy. 



It's quite nice to have someone warn you in advance of pitfalls to avoid. I also need help with basics like - which way is best to press the seams and what's the standard seam allowance for quilting again?

There is something quite meditative about carefully sewing then pressing each square. At this moment 7 squares are finished. I am enjoying the journey. Quite a lot. This pattern is available from Sarah's Fabrics in downtown Lawrence. The fabrics are from Kaffe Fasset. I have said this before and I will say it again, the women at Sarah's are incredibly helpful and I feel certain they will be able to answer any questions. 

I feel terribly lucky to have people who I can knit, sew, embroider, dream, create, problem solve, AND drink good coffee with. Aristotle was referring to a group of women makers I am sure when he said "the whole is greater than the sum of it's part's".  

have vases, will use

For this week's zinnia post, I headed outside to take some pictures in the garden, to give you a sense of the crazy riot of color and variety out there. 

The butterflies, hummingbirds, and even the goldfinches seem to like the zinnias. They make good "waiting stations" for the bird feeder. 

These lavender to orange transitions are some of my most favorites. 

Having a vase of flowers on the front porch, might be considered unnecessary, but it makes me feel content, and with no shortage of product... it has become a fixture.

No surface is safe around this house. Have vases, will use!