Tall Tales from Kansas

all the twists and turn of life

The Kansas summer reading camp, with just one member, that meets on the front porch of my house, on an irregularly regular basis, is going strong. For some reason, the reading bug has hit me hard and shows no signs of stopping. This is my latest finish. Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Dark, 576 pages of pure enjoyment, read nightly until I just couldn't stand it and had to carry it outside with me for a daytime reading session in addition to before bed. 

Recommended to me by both Sharron and Marti, I felt relatively certain I would like it. It's the story of Agnes and Polly, two women whose friendship began as children and has continued into their 80's. It's about their families and their lives split between Philadelphia and the coast of Maine, but mostly it's about Agnes and Polly and all the twists and turns of life. This is one of those books you love for the story, the characters, the setting, and the writing. 

Highly recommended. 

filling my head with lots of ideas

At the recent KC Regional Quilt Festival, I was inspired by these works of art.  Names of makers included when I have them.

This is "Nancy & Mike's Anniversary Quilt" by Molly Huntley.

Did not get a name for the one below but it's beautiful.

Below is "Fiery Interlude" by Donna Holloway. 

I was so impressed by the unusual colors in this one - "Crayola Challenge" by Doris Conrad.

How about this self portrait by Luke Haynes made from used clothing? Nothing short of amazing. 

There were multiple vendors at the show, with lots of tempting ideas to try.  

Just a few more - these were also at vendors booths and kits were available. 

I so enjoyed a few hours strolling through these quilts and booths. Filling my head with lots of ideas and just admiring the creativity and work of all these Quilters. 

while she was reading it she thought of me

This is Barry.  He is the newest of the "Harvey Boys". He has been on the scene for over a year now, and we have officially bonded to the point where he will roll on his back and hang with me when I am out in the garden. Sometimes he even likes to try and sneak in the back patio door when I open it to talk to him. He is a complete squish bomb, dear, love, kit-kit. In other words he makes my world better. 

These are some recent peonies. They too make my life fuller. 

While I am at it, this is some recent mail from Marti and Nancy.  Can I tell you how happy it made me to open this mail, with this newspaper clipping, and a note? Here's the thing, I love that while Marti was reading this she thought of me, and took the time to cut it out and send it to me. Not many people do that anymore. Angie used to cut out articles to send to all us girls. She would underline things in red - several times, with instructions to pay attention!! The other mail is a post card from Nancy. She rescued these from her mother-in-law's house after she died. Joanne had obtained them in the 1970's on a trip to Europe and never got around to sending them all. Oh what a pleasure to get a postcard that someone in the 1970's thought was special enough to bring home, and then someone else rescued 50 years later, and is NOW sending to ME. 

Last in a line of life enhancing pictures is this bouquet. How do people live without flowers?

my atmospheric view

This was a recent trip out to the Baker Wetlands.  The purpose of which, was to check the status of the American Lotus area.  It has suffered from our shortage of rain in the last several years. Instead of my usual drive over and walk towards the East, I drove East and walked in towards the west. 

It was early and the mist was coming up from the water. When I turned around to look East, I was well pleased with my atmospheric view. An opening scene for a book needs to be written from this. The plot, main character, and other little particulars have yet to be worked out. Minor details. 

Wild roses were blooming, cobwebs were present, a birdwatching couple pointed out a deer to me. 

There are SOME lotus starting to rise from the depths of the water. It's the cycle of life. Every year is different and you take what you get in the present moment. 

This was a lovely morning walk. My feet got wet, because I did not put on the waterproof shoes I have for this very purpose. Happily my feet are tough - plus I had dry socks in the back of the car. Placed there for just this occasion. It's good to always have a plan A and a plan B. 

a spiffy little summer read

Oh I just hate that I am done listening to The Maid by Nita Prose. This is the story of Molly, a maid at the Regency Grand hotel in NYC. Her gram, who raised her, died recently and she is adapting to living on her own. She is a uniquely delightful, quirky, character, who see's the world through a very literal lens. 

She finds Mr. Black, a hotel guest, who is not a very nice person, dead in his bed. Then we are left trying to find out how to absolve Molly of the crime, which she is most certainly innocent of. There is a great cast of supporting characters including Juan Manuel the dishwasher, Mr. Preston the doorman, Giselle - wife #2 of the dead man, and Rodney Stiles the bartender - who may or may not be her friend but Molly has a hard time seeing beyond the "blue pools of his eyes". 

Wonderful main character first and foremost, fast moving story with short visits to the past to get to know Molly better, and just a spiffy little summer read. Highly recommended. If you can listen, do so. The narrator really adds to the personality of Molly. 

they were perfect cut up on top of the kale

Oh the Delphiniums were a perfect start to the farmers market this morning. Tall, stately, blue/violet, simply lovely. 

The kohlrabi while not nearly as beautiful is certainly interesting. This is something I have never purchased, nor eaten to my knowledge. If you have a favorite recipe, do share.

The small buds of the Queen Anne's lace, in their spiral configuration, were also eye catching. 

A string of pearls to add to the succulent pot out back is something that was actually on my list of things to look for.  Check.  

The mini heads of romaine were adorable and perfect for my needs this week. The woman who helped me said she was cutting the heads in half, grilling them for a few minutes and drizzling a caesar dressing on top. How delicious does that sound?

Just when I thought things couldn't get better looking, there were these zucchini blossoms. 

Sunflowers are showing up at the flower vendors. I always marvel at all the different varieties. 

By this time, I was rounding third about to head to the Chonky's for a piece of cake when I realized I had no people pictures yet... and right there before my eyes loomed the most unexpected, unsuspecting group of fellows just waiting for me.  Oh I love it when I happen on something like this. Not only did they say YES to my request for the photo, they had the best smiles and were very nice. 

Once again, with my faith affirmed in the people who come to the market, I went about my business. Two bunches of carrots for roasting.

A piece of honey apricot cake because I have never tasted it before and apricots + honey has to equal something tasty.

New to me this week, is the turmeric water with ginger and lemon as well as peanut butter/nutella protein balls. there was also a loaf of bread topped with oregano to go with the hummus from the Lebanese flower. Along with the roasted carrots, red beans and rice, and a kale salad that's what's on the menu for supper tonight. 

P.S. I roasted the carrots with just a little olive oil, balsamic, and an herb/salt/wine mix my nephew Sean makes and gifts me every year. They were perfect cut up on top of the kale. OK, the were also good right out of the oven dipped in the hummus, with a sip of cool white wine on the side. 

a pony tied up to a hitching post

On a recent walk through Old West Lawrence, I saw a pony tied up to a hitching post, roses, and the best ever pride flag. Not to mention the interesting houses.

You have to love the person who tied up the pony so he would not stray.

The pride flag caught my eye from down the street.  I should have known it was going to be on Pam's porch. The best thing is that each color fluttered in the breeze independently of the others. I told her I would have to copy it.

A perfect morning walk. Something for the body, calming for the mind, a smile for the pony, a sniff of the rose, and an idea to spark the creative spirit.  

I gotta find an 8 year old to go with me

A recent hodge hodge of things you may or may not need to know about... 

the oak leaf hydrangea is having an especially good bloom this year, the geraniums are getting used to their pots,

the Japanese fern was really happy after our recent rains... 

the delight of a really good latte at a favorite coffee shop...

...and the quirkiest of things I have been meaning to tell you about is the cereal bar I discovered when I went to get a refill on my new favorite cold brew at the Java Break in Lawrence.

The thing that kids dreams are made of. Cereals - you get to pick 3, plus all sorts of interesting toppings,

as the sign says... "eat that mutha down". I gotta find an 8 year old to go with me. 

the delight of a Bavarian strudel

The Huff women + 1 (me!) met recently for lunch at Grünaeur in Kansas City. Ever since I went to Walgau with sister, and especially since the Huff's told me about a meal they shared there, I have been feeling the need to sample the German cuisine they are known for myself.  

Marti told me about her Aunt Florence, who used to take her for a peanut butter sandwich accompanied by a chocolate milkshake when she was a young girl growing up in Chicago. Aunt Florence used to work in a millenary shop, but when she saw the way fashion was headed (hats going out of style) she went to beauty school. This resulted in Marti being the subject of her practice for occipitofrontalis facial massages and manicures. What luck. 

Let me get back to the meal for a second though. Jennifer had the Schnitzelsemmel accompanied by pommes frites. 



Nancy ordered up the Schweinsbraten - as did I. Needless to say, to-go boxes were needed. The red cabbage was sweet and sour with a hint of apples and a spice I can't put my finger on. Divine. 

I'm not done with Aunt Florence yet though... included in her long line of accomplishments was a stint as a chocolatier at Andy's candies which turned into Andes candies. After Marti moved away from Chicago and got married and had 2 little girls, Aunt Florence used to send them Easter dresses - frilly things, velvety materials, just the kind of dress you remember 60 years after the fact. Oh what a joy to have an Aunt Florence in your life. 

We concluded our meal with a sharing of the Apfelstrudel while we interviewed Marti Huff about #1 what advice she would give her 21 year old self, and #2 what was the best advice she has ever received. Since I know Julia Louis Dreyfus is not going to interview her, I decided to myself. 

Marti wanted to think about her responses to the above questions so we agreed upon a discussion at the next meeting of the Huffs + 1 lunch club. 

Even though it was very bright outside when we left, I forced them to pose once again for me, with the famous Western Auto sign in the background. Marti looked so pretty that a second group photo was warranted. I am sure you will agree.

P.S. Our conversation also included Miriam Haskell costume jewelry, because when you are at a lunch with the Huffs you never know in which direction the discussion will lead. But it is NEVER boring and always mind expanding. 

I got industrious

The bouquets of flowers at the farmers market yesterday were plentiful. 

Something for everyone. 

And for planting in the garden... how about this? The blue/lavender combination was stunning. 

Gray skies and a forecast of showers for the morning didn't keep anyone away. She was ready with hat AND umbrella.

This future farmer was all business, lining up the bunches of carrots, organizing the broccoli and beans in their baskets. 

Tomatoes are showing up at the market, time to get out the Duke's mayo, the smoky bacon, crisp lettuce, and some fresh sliced bread.

This week I stopped by Roxy's bakery, where I normally get everything bagels, to try a new item - pretzels!

They were perfect Saturday afternoon with a mug of beer and some whole grain mustard for dipping. 

Hummingbird cake! A concoction of banana and pineapple with that wonderful turquoise fondant icing and a nice piece of candied pineapple on top. Moist and delicious. 

These two women with their flowers, jackets, and wonderful smiles caught my attention and NEEDED to be photographed. 

As soon as I got my basket unpacked, I attended to the rainbow chard. Stems removed, a nice soak, onions, cherries, olive oil out of the cabinets. 

30 minutes later, 3 small containers of bitter greens with sweet onions and sour cherries.

Then I got industrious and cleaned all my lettuce at once. 

This is the bouquet of flowers for the table this week. It made me think of the sweet bundles of flowers that were at the roadside, self-serve, flower stand on Lummi island. I snatched it up when I saw it. 

The end.

the sort of book that got me hooked on reading when I was young

This is my latest listen on the Libby app from the Lawrence Public Library. The Lions 0f Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis. I finished it in about 5 days because I could not stop listening. It's one of those back and forth stories - alternating between the early 1900's where a woman is living with her husband in an apartment in the NYC public library (he's the superintendent and it came with the job), and the 1990's with a librarian trying to find her way in work and life. There is a connection between the women, which you suspect, but aren't informed of right away. 

What I liked about this book is I wanted to keep listening to find out what happened. It's the sort of book that got me hooked on reading when I was young, plot driven, but with good characters and an interesting setting. A very enjoyable summer read if I do say so myself.

Recommended. 

the daddy long legs on a flowering bush

Below are all the things that have amazed me on my recent walks. From the tree that continues to slowly sink into the river all the way to the daddy long legs on the flowering bush.

I am committing myself to more neighborhood walks, garden gazing, and the like.

Bachelor buttons always remind me of Angie. She loved them. We planted some together on the side of our very first house in Lawrence way back in 1985. 

This birdhouse was sweet. As I passed by I imagined a parent/child duo hanging it up together. 

Last but not least is the long legged spider on the flower.

I am reading the NYT 5 week newsletter series about walking - "awe walks", finding amazing things on a regular day, on a regular path, in your very own town. Good stuff for your mental health. 

the gift that keeps on giving

The poppies under the redbud tree out front are blooming. I love their very delicate stem, that bud that hangs there so heavy, then one day, like magic they open.

This year I have more deep red and fewer pink. But the one below is a stunner. 

I am always happy when I see these coming up.  Over the years, the birds have spread them around to the back and side as well. A pop of red is welcome in any location in my flower beds.  These poppies are the gift that keeps on giving. I think of you every single year when they bloom Jeanette. With gratitude. 

... our hopes, needs, and desires, shape what we see in the world...

This is my latest non-fiction read. Not something I would have probably picked up on my own but a colleague mentioned it to me and it sounded really interesting. 

Shankar Vedanta does a wonderful job providing evidence in the forms of studies and specific examples of how self deception can at times play a functional role in our lives. At the same time, all forms of self deception will not be helpful and the bottom line is the book provides a great framework for understanding the beliefs of others and how they shape choices in life. 

It sounds really simple to say that our hopes, needs, and desires shape what we see in the world but somehow reading this book provided insight on a deeper level and has made me think more about what is behind some of the decisions that I see made in end of life care especially.

Another part of the book that was interesting to me was a part which described how normal individuals have unrealistically positive views of themselves and exaggerated beliefs in their abilities to control the environment around them.  So reading this you might think that would be a bad thing, but it can also lead to less fatalism.

So much to think about in this book. I am going to return it to the library today, but it may be one that I need on my shelves to re-read every so often. Highly recommended.  

packed with wonderful fruit flavors

One of my very favorite things at the farmers market is when the Pendleton's bring buckets of peonies and you can pick your own stems.

So, when I walked up and saw this, I stopped in my tracks, deviated from the strawberries being the first stop, and picked my 10 stems. 

I walked them back to the car so I would not be impeded in any way as I carried on with my business. 

You don't often see a bike at the market, but how handy would that be for storing all your purchases.

Especially if you needed a couple of heads of bok choy for your stir fried dinner tonight - maybe with a garlic/ginger/hoisin sauce? Throw in some broccoli, snow peas, tofu, and peanuts? I am making this up as I go along. 

I thought for sure these 2 were talking about soil enhancement methods using compost, but turns out it was a discussion about music. 

Next stop was for greens, and aren't these bundles of chard beautiful? 

When trying to figure out what kind of juice to get this week, I got the thumbs up from these experts on the watermelon. So I went with it. 

Luckily there were enough slices of Pride Cake left so I did not have to arm wrestle the little girl below for the last piece. 

Of course I would have let her go first if there had been just one. At least I think I would have. 

It might look like pure fluff, but it is packed with wonderful fruit flavors. While I am at it, I got a jalapeño cornbread muffin from the Chonky bakers a week or so ago that was killer. Really moist and buttery but with prominent jalapeño flavor that was not too hot. I got another one Saturday. It's important to have things like this in your freezer that can be brought out at a moments notice when you need something special with your dinner. 

No bunches of calendula came home with me, but aren't they pretty? Maybe next week, a bunch to put by my bed so the health benefits can soak into me by osmosis while I sleep. 

add this stop to your itinerary

Heads up all you gardeners out there. Here is the next big trend you are going to see in the best gardens everywhere.

Yes, flower boxes, on swings, hanging from trees.  How cool does that look? As you can see if you look down the row of trees, there were multiples of these swings at Kauffman Memorial Gardens in Kansas City this week when I went. I love the organic look of the rope and unfinished plank that is the swing. I will have to return to see how they do as summer advances. 

This garden is on the smaller size but is always SPECTACULAR and must be visited regularly, because things are always changing. The orchid area, which has been locked for awhile was open. There is a new Kit Kat living here. Her name is "Busy" and she is feisty. I think the house has been locked to give her a chance to acclimate to her new environment. I am looking forward to getting to know her better. 

These gardenias were beautiful, fragrant, waxy, such a delight to see and smell. 

This garden is located near the country club plaza and always warrants a stop when I am in the area. If you are planning to be in the city, and haven't been before, or it's been awhile, add this stop to your itinerary. You won't be sorry. 

if any of you are friends with her, please give her this tip from me

I think these gnarly looking beets from the farmers market last week are so beautiful.

I simply washed and trimmed them and roasted them in the oven. They have made my salads this week extra interesting. 

This week's peonies - just as nice as last week's crop. 

I have been waiting and waiting for cherries to get to the store and finally yesterday I found these. They are quite tasty but not (in my opinion) as good as the Rainier cherries, which I hope to find around here soon. 

Why is it so much fun to put them in your mouth, pop off the stem, and work that pit out? And if you are sitting outside and no one is around, seeing how far you can spit it. 

I am still thoroughly enjoying the Julia Louis-Dreyfus podcast Wiser than Me. Today I listened to the interview with Ruth Riechl, who had some great tips for those of us following behind her in this thing called getting older. 

I can use all the help I can get.

P.S. What I really want Julia to do is give Marti Huff a call and interview her. If any of you are friends with her, please give her this tip from me. 

 

I was tempted to snip some

This week we crossed the Reinisch Rose Garden Topeka off our list of places to visit.  We have lived in Lawrence since 1985 and I LOVE roses but for some reason we have never been. 

If you went expecting to see roses like you see at the Huntington in LA or really any place in California, you would be disappointed. 

But as you can see they do have some decent specimens and I was taking in deep breaths of the nicely perfumed air the whole time we were there. 

There was also this.

I think a green heron though I could be wrong. He had his eyes focused intently on something in the lotus pond. 

Something other than the flowers that is. 

We decided they could use a cadre of volunteers to do some weeding, and funding to do a bit of refreshing on the fountains and pools. 

Again, it did not detract from my enjoyment of the roses they had. 

The garden is located within Gage park which was established in 1899. 

I do love these big heavy old fashioned roses. 

There was a frog on site monitoring things along with the green heron. I told him it was shady under the big trees and maybe he wanted to consider a change in location but he wasn't interested in my opinions. 

These peach roses may have been my favorite. I was tempted to snip some but did not succumb to my desires, doing as the sign suggested and only taking pictures.