Tall Tales from Kansas

come little leaves said the wind one day...

Tonight it's a few favorite recent moments. Great moments, some brief, some longer, just the things that make life sweeter.  Lets start with a lunch out shall we?  I am giving Wheatfields high marks for a most excellent lunch with the Huffs last week.

The quiche, salad, sandwiches, bread, all delicious and I haven't even gotten to the lemon tart, the carrot cake, and the panne cotta. Marti told me about her old neighbor C.J. Doney, AND how her grandmother, every October, would recite this poem to her... 

    "Come little leaves, said the wind one day
    Come o'er the meadows with me and play;
    Put on your dresses of red and gold,
    For summer is gone and the days grow cold..."

Can you imagine anything more wonderful, than at 98 years old having this memory of your grandmother? Me neither. Except now I have THIS memory of Marti Huff reciting it in Wheatfields and every single trip there (especially in October) moving forward will be better for it. 

Somehow I missed uploading this purple daikon and watermelon radish (from Mellowfield farms) photo into my market post. No matter, now you have seen it. Once again, Mother Nature on display in her absolute finest. Which brings me to the butterfly on the zinnia out back before the cold snap. 

For a bit of complete escapism, with lovely characters, scenery, and a sweet story line, you may want to watch Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris.  Trailer embedded below for your viewing pleasure. We watched it on Amazon Prime for less than three bucks! 

The mums on my front porch below. I took 3 old pillow cases that were no longer fit for use, slit them up one side, and covered each pot with one. Secured on the side with a clothespin, voila! - they survived the frost.

Finally, real quick, Ohio street is where I "leaf peeped" after the farmers market this week. The colors this year are unrivaled. I think I say that every year. I always mean it too. 

When I looked up and saw the light in the leaves, it was like the a shot from a movie where some kind of a vision or spectral sighting happens. It didn't, but it sure could have. Right there on Ohio street. 

the joy of walking on a non-paved surface

A recent walk at the Lawrence Nature Center off Folks road. There are nice woods as soon as you get to the trailhead which is just past this field below. Lots of ups and downs to get the ticker pounding. If you take every loop possible, it's only about a 45-60 minute walk, but it's glorious. 

After you enter the woods you leave the rest of the world behind.  There are rarely more than a few other walkers on the trail. On this particular morning, as I was almost done, I came upon a mom and her 2 kids. They had baskets and were collecting stuff that caught their eye. The mom told me her daughter (maybe 5 years old) was "going to make a potion", with her treasures, her brother (maybe 18months) was gathering indiscriminately in large quantities. High five to that mom for stretching the imagination of her children in nature. AND by (I think) reading her kids books about potion making :-)

Oh the joy of walking on a non-paved surface, having to plant your feet carefully, working on balance, good therapy for those of us in our 60's.  

October, please slow down. I need to cram so much into your remaining 5 days. 

yes, you can have the bed

Yesterday was Angie's 94th birthday. Last night in my dreams she came to see me. Here is my end of the conversation. You figure out her part. 

 

Well yes, actually I went when I was back at Marymount for the reunion. Uh-huh, that was the one and only time in many years. Oh yes, when I was there she reassured me I was "saved". What do you mean what do I mean "she". Of course God is a woman. It used to be a man, but with all the stuff going on these days, the big head honcho decided it was time to put a woman in charge. Yes, I am serious. I would have thought you would have known this. Oh really, the weekly bulletins don't include this stuff? What's in them then? Ok, just a simple question, I am NOT trying to get you to divulge secrets of the afterlife. 

I know! Isn't it great!!! I will tell her you specifically asked about them. Yes, Iris is named after Iris Carrington from Another World. What do you mean she doesn't like to talk on the phone? That was in the old days. Try her tonight. Actually do they have Marco Polo where you are? Maybe you could see if someone will show you how that works. Yes it's easy. Yes, much easier than the Presto machine. 

Yes I called the hospital and the doctor and told them the chocolate pie was coming and they better take good care of him. I'm not being silly, don't worry, we all know you love him best. We got over that years ago. I don't know if they do stuff like this where you are, but maybe you could make some cheese and onion enchiladas for the person in charge of the outcome upstairs.  Yes I know you are praying, but it can't hurt to grease the wheels a little more. 

One more thing, want to come with me on a long train ride? No, I haven't forgotten where you are. You can still come, see if you can get a 16 hour pass so you can board with me in Lawrence and go all the way to Albuquerque. Listen there is no harm in asking. That's what you always told us.  Yes, I think we have a private bathroom in the sleeper car. Yes, you can have the bed. 

Then right before the dream ended the scene changed to the usual one when I would leave her cottage and go out the back door into the garage.  She closed the screen door and I got in my car to pull out, then I honked the horn and she jumped. She shook her finger at me and I laughed like a hyena.

Happy Happy Happy Birthday mom! 

something called a butterkin squash

I felt like a kid in a candy store at the farmers market this weekend. Thoroughly immeshed in the spirit of the season, I made my way through the gourds and the last of the flowers.







At about this point I ran into my future self examining the sweet potatoes. I didn't talk to myself because I didn't want to risk potentially altering the trajectory of my future. The thought that I could still be coming to the farmers market in 20 years delights me. 

The nice couple at this booth put my pumpkins back so I could drive over and load them after I was done shopping. Very helpful.

The father daughter duo sharing one Halloween costume caught my eye. She was quick to point out that the hat was actually hers by the way. He was just momentarily borrowing it. 

Juniper Hill farms had some giant white pumpkins and something called a "butterkin" squash.

I am thinking it will taste very much like the butternut squash, but it's important to test these things for oneself. Isn't it? I am also curious about which one will be easier to prep before roasting. 

The back of my car was pretty packed by the time I got home Saturday. 

Sunflowers and dahlias makes up my last market bouquet for the season. 

They are a splendid bunch. Especially on the Halloween inspired table quilt that my sister in law Ann made for me. I am a sucker for Halloween and fall decor. Which leads me to the last photo from the market.

I mean there were candy pumpkins on top of the pumpkin spice cake. Of course I had to get some. 

PS thanks for the FIX typepad.

fingers crossed

Dear faithful readers:

It is with much irritation that I tell you Typepad and I are exchanging texts on the "help" line because my photos are not loading to my blog posts. Such aggravation. As soon as their engineers come up with a fix, I hope to be back in business. In the meantime I am trying very hard not to stomp my feet or throw a hissy fit. Only because it won't help. If it would, I would be putting on the hissy fit of all hissy fits. Truth be told, with my background in theatre, and flair for the dramatic, I think I could put on an Oscar-worthy performance. Gnashing of teeth included.  

To get my mind off it, I am going to eat chicken enchiladas for supper and watch Mrs. Harris goes to Paris.

Fingers crossed for swift resolution.

 

I did not lie on my back in the leaves and look up

Last Saturday morning, on the way home from the farmers market, I turned left off 9th street onto Mississippi. It's one of my favorite streets in the city for enjoying the colors of fall.  It did not disappoint.   

I did not lie down on my back in the leaves and look up, only because getting back up would have been tricky. But I did kick some leaves just to hear the scraping crunch and to unleash that wonderful smell into the air. I leaned over like I would if I was stirring a pot of stew on the stove and breathed in deeply. 

I don't know what you have planned for this fall weekend stretching ahead of us, but for me, there will be more of this. And maybe a little of that. 

for someone who loves words for the sake of words

For the person who loves the pictures as much as the words, who likes to run their hands over the pages and read very slowly, right before going to bed... here is a suggestion for you. The Lost Words by Robert MacFarlane, illustrated by Jackie Morris. This is not a lengthy book, I made myself space it out and savor it, and even so was through it in 3 nights. 

Just for a quick glimpse of what you are in store for, some of my favorite pages are below.

Be warned it is a large and heavy book, but with a pillow to prop it up in bed, it was perfect. Thank you Sharron for this recommendation. I would not have found it on my own.

P.S.  This is a book for someone who loves words for the sake of words more than words being strictly for making sense and following rules. 

bought years ago at the grand bazaar in Istanbul

A hodge-podge view of the transition from summer to fall, in no particular order. Flowers left in the garden for the birds makes me happy. Seeing birds partaking of them makes me double happy. 

Nearing the end of the Zinnia season.

Neon Pothos clipped and brought in for wintering over. It did so great in pots with the caladiums this year. Hopefully it will root easily and I will not forget to add water to the jar over the winter. 

Halloween banner and other "trip-trap" put on the mantel.  

Jade plants and dracaena trifasciata pots moved back inside and gourds arranged on porch along with fall pillows.  I bought these years ago at the grand bazaar in Istanbul. They are badly faded, not meant to be left outside, but that's where I love them best. Maybe next fall will be the year for new pillow covers. There are so many fun fall and Halloween fabrics. 

Old cross stitch hung up.

It's time for pumpkin baking too, as soon as that last piece of banana bread has been consumed. Maybe I need a piece right now? I just saw a recipe somewhere for a hot toddy too. With honey and camomile tea - it called for Rye but Bourbon sounds better to me. Is it just me or is Fall feeling especially delightful so far this year?  

seasonal living

Today it's another fall walk. With these colors and temperatures and my thankfulness to be out and walking, I don't want to waste a minute of this time. Filling up all my storage banks of excellent morning walks for those days to come when it will be "face-freezing" cold and I won't want to stick even a toe out the door. Unless I have to.

I am always envious of the weather in California, but I do so love "seasonal" living. Summer porch sitting, spring flowers, fall leaves, winter fires. 

the essence of fall in a cake

The days of fresh flowers at  the farmers market are dwindling... this coming week we have morning lows of 26 and 29 in the forecast. Which makes these fall bouquets even more beautiful. Though truthfully, everything seemed pretty fabulous at the market today.  

The very first thing I did was snatch up 3 pots of mums from the Pendletons and take them back to the car, before I carried on with my appointed rounds. If I can, I always get geraniums and mums from the Pendletons - they are healthy, beautiful, and long-lasting.  

These wreaths made up of dried pods, flowers, and grasses were also splendid. I may need one to leave on the porch all winter. 

It was flannel shirt and jacket weather this morning for me, but I dig the pink shirt, sweater, boot, combo she was sporting. 

This dog got in line with everyone else for donuts today. One of these days I am simply going to have to break down and get one. All those people can't be wrong. Right?  Anyway, that dog was clearly ready to defend his position should anyone try to cut in front of he or his owner. 

This fresh ginger sure is pretty. Makes me want to get out the wok and get some stir fry going. By "me" I actually mean Chris of course. But he is smoking a brisket and making burnt ends tonight. Which I am not going to turn my nose up at. No siree. 

My contribution to the meal will be washing dishes and this caramel apple cake for dessert. 

This fellow was our entertainment today. He was putting it out there. Doing his thing. 

These are the mums that came home with me. 

I also loaded up on gourds, a nice big butternut squash, and a bag of lettuce mix. 

You wanted to see what my piece of cake looks like on the inside didn't you? 

Loaded with apples, moist, with a buttery almost smoky frosting. The essence of fall. In a cake. 

I would have definitely welcomed you

Dottie sent me this poem today. It's a must share. Also, it seems just the thing to accompany these photos from my walk on the trails at Clinton Lake this week.  

How I go to the Woods
 by Mary Oliver

Ordinarily I go to the woods alone, with not a single
friend, for they are all smilers and talkers and therefore
unsuitable.

I don't really want to be witnessed talking to the catbirds
or hugging the old black oak tree. I have my way of 
praying, as you no doubt have yours.

Besides, when I am alone I can become invisible. I can sit
on the top of a dune as motionless as an uprise of weeds,
until the foxes run by unconcerned. I can hear the almost
unbearable sound of the roses singing.

If you have ever gone to the woods with me, I must love
you very much.

I was alone on this walk, but you were with me in spirit sisters, and had you been in the near vicinity, I would have definitely welcomed you. 

one day a stranger knocks on the door

My latest audiobook listen is We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson. It's an oldie. Written in 1962, it was Jackson's last work before her death in 1965. 

It is the story of Constance, Mary Catherine, and Uncle Julian who live in a big old mansion and are essentially cut off from the world after an incident that occurred 6 years prior. Mary Catherine ventures into town for supplies twice a week and is teased mercilessly by the people in town. One day a "stranger" knocks on the door and life as they know it changes. This is an interesting, well written, unusual story, and I enjoyed it very much. It kept me well entertained on my drive to and from Salina last weekend. AND it has me wanting to read some of Shirley Jackson's short stories and other works. 

it's all wonderful, amazing, and fleeting

Nothing can compete with the beauty of the bougainvillea in September and October in Kansas. It takes the heat and just keeps pumping out the blooms. If you are wondering, no - it does not survive the winter. It's an annual in Kansas and I get one every year for the back deck. 

The Zinnias are waning but I think they are lovely as they fade and decline. The butterflies, ladybugs, bees, and other insects think they are great right now too.

These will get plucked and torn open and the seeds allowed to settle into the soil here in the next week before it gets too cold. Last year this ensured a great crop of returnees and I am hoping for the same thing next summer. 



I have yet to get mums and pumpkins for the front porch, but... I have roasted my first butternut squash of the year. Completely fabulous eaten right off the roasting pan or thrown into salads along with whatever else you want to add. The weather is changing here and it's about time for butternut squash bisque as well. 

These early fall days are the BEST for morning walks. The leaves above and below, the smells of the earth, it's all wonderful, amazing, and fleeting. I grasp each day with all my senses and let the magic sink deeply into my bones. 

...the more I value the roots that were started at Marymount College

This past Friday night I zipped over to Salina after a days work and met Peggy, my old college roommate, for the centennial reunion at  Marymount College of Salina. Under a harvest moon, late at night, it was the very definition of atmospheric. 

I hadn't really planned to go, but Peggy's sister, who also went to Marymount - a 1972 graduate, was on the planning committee and eventually made us see the error of our ways.  Here we are below, in front of Antionette Hall, where we lived for 4 years in a teeny tiny room with 2 beds, a small desk area with a chair for each of us, the communal bathrooms down the hall, and the phone booth right outside our door. We thought it was the nearest thing to heaven on earth. 

By the time we got there in 1977/78 we had card keys and I don't think there was a curfew anymore. I don't recall that being a problem anyway. Peggy's sister and her friends were "campused" in 1970 for sneaking out of the chapel windows, and being unable to get back in, were forced to stay out until 6am when the dorms opened, at which point they were spotted by someone who reported them. Peggy's mom was able to retrieve the letter that was sent home to the parents informing them of this behavior, so her dad (who would likely have come and brought her home) was none the wiser. 

The Coyle sisters above after mass in the chapel which was part of the weekend experience. Marymount had a fabulous music and theatre department in addition to the stellar nursing program - the alums put on quite a performance with the music for the service. It was fun to see people we went to school with and catch up on what they are doing now. It was also great to see some of the Sisters of St. Joseph, the order that started the college in 1922. 

Above with Sr. Mary Fran Simons, who graduated from MMC in 1960. I haven't got the words to describe what a stellar human she is. You will just have to take my word. There are amazing women in this community and the influence they have had on all of us runs deep.  

In addition to being able to see the dorm, we saw the fine arts building and relived our moments of glory in student directed shows. There was a quick glimpse into the gym, a great tour of the administration building, and we walked all over campus saying "remember when we..... " at all the spots we walked by. I am not a reunion attendee by nature, but I am so glad I did not miss it. The older I get the more I value the roots that were started at Marymount College and have been nurtured through the years by all we learned there, from each other, about what is important in life.

the creativity involved in her denim transformation pieces

October is for fall festivals with tents of artwork to stroll through, tempting aromas from food trucks in the air, kids playing in the grass, tunes from the bandstand making me hum, perfect weather conditions, it's all good. 

Chatting with the artists about their work.  

These Kansas City scenes in watercolor were lovely.

Yes, I do need another canister for something. Don't I?



I especially loved all the fiber art on display at this fair. 

I had to buy a scarf from her, because even though I have so many I have forgotten them all, she had one that will be perfect with a favorite fall sweater and jeans. I admired the creativity involved in her denim transformation pieces.  Fabulous. 

Nothing like a good festival/art in the park to spark the maker in me to get out some materials and try my hand at something. 

hoping the corners are perfect

Just in time for the last bouquets of zinnias from the garden, I have gotten around to finishing up this table runner. 

I love doing bias binding. Making it, attaching it, folding it over, using clips, hoping the corners are perfect, hand stitching it down. 

This little project was an absolute pleasure to work on. No pressure, cut some strips, arrange and re-arrange, add the neutrals, quilt this way and that. It's like playing with paint on a canvas. 

Can you tell I love how it turned out? 

There may need to be a uilt with this fabric in my future. It's good to mull these things over in your mind. But seriously the colors in this fabric collection are dreamy. 

For inquiring minds, this collection of fabrics is called "Here There" batiks by Marcia Derse. I got a set of fat quarters and made napkins for my niece from them. The remnants from a set of napkins always begs to be used, especially in a collection this lovely. Happily, there is still enough for a pillow. Maybe? If you are in the Lawrence Kansas area, Sarah's Fabrics on Massachusetts street carries this line. If not, you can always order from her website.

miss sparkly sequin sleeves

In October, there is a rule about pumpkin photos predominating in all blog posts.  You have been so advised.

This past weekend there were also mums and nice sprays of decorative corn on display at the farmers market. 

It's time for autumn squash recipes, and in the event you have not heard about pump-culents I am here to inform.  See photo below. 

This big fella was in line for an iced latte, his cute handlers were going for something a bit warmer. 





I snagged a bag of "mean greens" that are getting dressed simply with a mustardy vinaigrette to go along side the crock-pot roast beef, potatoes and carrots that are on the menu for tonight.  Spelt garlic biscuits on the side. Did I tell you that mix turned out well? Oh it did indeed.  

If you prefer flowers in your pumpkin instead of succulents, never fear. There were plenty to choose from.

More gourds if needed for your front porch or table decorations. 

Yes please to these lovely, simple, arrangements of dahlias. 

Big sister was pointing out to all in attendance that her brother was going rogue, she seemed to enjoy him running so she could get a ride. Right on sister!

Little miss sparkly sequin sleeves was all snuggled up with mom, her treat safely in the bag, ready to eat when they sat down. 

Here's my haul this week. You already know what I am doing with the greens, sourdough toast is on the breakfast menu all week, butternut squash is getting roasted for work lunches alongside falafel. 



It's my favorite time of year at the market.  Did I already say that last week?  I am too lazy to go back and look. October you are simply the most glorious month of all. Marti Huff and I are in agreement on this, so it must be so.