Tall Tales from Kansas

Owen and Maya are beyond adorable

The Mulvenon family is on an adventure at Shenandoah National Park.

Hiking, cooking, talking, playing “Linkee”, getting to know Owen and Maya (the latest additions to the family) who are beyond adorable.  More stories to follow.  

when left alone to do it's thing

The other day, at the Baker Wetlands, there was a whole new cast of characters doing their thing. I am not sure what this particular flower is, but it's bright and really stands out.  It might be a type of milkweed? Note to self: consult the chart while you are out there next time. 

Button bush flower. Otherworldly. Fabulous. 

Wild hibiscus. 

While I can always hear the red-winged blackbird, dickcissel, common yellowthroat, Bell's vireo, and northern cardinal (thanks to the merlin app I am learning to identify the calls) the blooming things are ever changing. The prairie, when left alone to do its thing, does quite well.  Imagine that. 

Girl, Boy, Woody Nickel, Red, and the old man

Here is the latest finish for the membership of the Kansas Summer Reading Camp.  West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. My sister in law, Cheryl Jean, told me about it ages ago and I have finally gotten around to it.  It made for good front porch reading this week. 

It's the story of 2 giraffes who survived a hurricane and were driven across country, from New York Harbor to the San Diego Zoo, where the first female zoo director in the world (Belle Benchley) awaited their arrival. Twelve days on the roads of the US in 1938, with a ramshackle sort of trailer for the giraffes, makes for an adventure to be sure. Especially with a young man from Oklahoma escaping the dust bowl, a young woman dreaming of being the next Margaret Bourke-White, the animal loving zoo keeper trying to pull off the feat when he can't drive the truck, and of course... Boy and Girl - the giraffes. 

It is fiction but based on an actual event. I enjoyed the story and thought it was wrapped up really really well. There was a bit too much constant building to an event that happened in Woody Nickels past which made it hard to enjoy the journey at times. That said, I will recommend it easily. Especially if you love animals. 

When I asked Dottie if she wanted me to send it to her to read, she said YES, and also sent a photo of a giraffe she took while in Africa in 2010.  Our sister gets around.

it is ok to play with the little rocks

A recent rundown of routine events which are really nothing to write home about, but account for a large part of life, include having coffee while watching the birds on the old building right outside the window. Hopping, chirping, pecking ... normal bird stuff. 

Another great blue heron sighting, same body of water, same branch sticking up from the water, but facing a different direction this time. No less glorious the second time around. 

Quick pickling and corn shucking after the market. Sometimes when I do these things after the market I like to imagine that I am in a farmhouse in the middle of Kansas, living that life. For just a few hours though because, well, air-conditioning... 

A walk at the Baker Wetlands, where a new (to me) sign has been put up to warn of the dangers of playing on the rocks by the river. 



It IS ok to play with the little rocks though. 

Peach #2. I will attempt not to show you peaches 3 and 4 but I can't promise. They are so pretty. 

Finally, here is something I did not take a picture of - while wandering around the house, I happened upon my boxed-up wedding dress in the closet. It was packaged after the wedding 42 years ago, made a brief appearance when one of my nieces put it on for a lark at a shower about 15 years ago, and has been taking up space since then. It was dropped off at a donation spot this week, along with a box of unused, un-needed "decor" items. Ahhhh.... I feel like I have lost 10 pounds whenever I clear something out that someone else may need/want. 

his new sneakers had zippers in them

How about we start with Lorenzo today? Before I show you the tomatoes, peaches, cucumbers, sunflowers, okra, basil, sweet corn, and everything else at the market this weekend. Lorenzo first, because he had the BEST smile, pointed out to me that his new sneakers had zippers in them, AND then wanted to see the picture I took to be sure it came out good. I showed him, of course. 

Always buy your peaches from the vendor wearing their hat at a slant. If you can. 

The heirlooms right now are spectacular.  Get a load of the yellow/red swirl below.  

The grandson, from Lebanese Flower, was sporting a cool hat that he got while he was in Lebanon. He told me he just returned from spending a whole month there and meeting all of his grandfathers extended family who still live there. I told him NOT to take the hat off. Ever.

Cute dog in baby carrier alert. 

A family of girls was heading in to the market when I was leaving. My eyes spotted the smallest girl with her doll first, then I noticed the older daughters' cute earrings, followed by a smart mom with her coffee.  

We are hitting "full bounty" season at the market. So much good stuff is ripe.  As you can see, my basket was full.

My new try this week was the "Go-Green" juice from Thuy of Juice Garden. I got bold and asked her name this week because I like her and I can't keep referring to her as the juice lady.

It is GOOD (for you) and surprisingly the thing that really makes it is the celery. Who knew?

The minute I got my basket unpacked, after I sat on the porch for a few minutes, I peeled this peach and threw it in the bowl with the blueberries, put yogurt and granola on top, and all was right with the world. 

amazing bread, complex flavors, multiple textures

The Huff + 1 lunch club got together this week in Lawrence. We went to Barkers on Mass (the old Alchemy coffee space downtown) and were not disappointed with their vittles.  Avocado toast, Turkey Club, a Muffuletta with mortadella.  What's not to love about a sandwich with amazing bread, complex flavors, multiple textures? Not one single thing, that's what. 

As always, we had no end of topics to discuss...  how even at 99 we still talk about "watching our weight".  This was while we were taste testing a bag of black truffle potato chips compared to the mediterranean herb chips.  Which led to my story of the truffle risotto in the small restaurant in Spoleto with Sister. It was accompanied by red wine, crusty bread, and every single bite was followed by a sigh of delight.  Clearly we do not let watching weight interfere with our enjoyment of food. Then we talked about making dinner for a family these days, as compared to when Marti was making meals for her family of 4 when the girls were growing up. Every single topic you can think to talk about is more interesting with Marti there to give her perspective. 

Have you ever had your iced tea shaken? As in a cocktail mixer with ice, then poured into a tall cool glass? It gets a nice head of foam on it and it's extra tasty good. I swear when you lift the glass to take a sip the aroma is more pronounced and gets your taste buds ready for it. We have decided, after our experience with the shaken tea at Barkers on Mass, we are all going to start shaking our tea at home. 

just in time for vacation

On a recent walk I was entertained by daisy's and geese. Why don't I have daisy's in my garden? They are hardy, come back every year, look wonderful in a vase, and on and on and on. Must plant some. Next year. 

I love watching geese at the rotary arboretum. Especially when they have goslings around.

Some are assigned guard duty, while others doze with their bills tucked up into a wing. They never mind standing on just one foot, and will certainly give you a dirty look if you look like you are getting too close. 

Five months after my hip replacement I am back up to my former walking speed just in time for vacation.  The Mulvenon's have, since 1995, taken trips every 2 years until Covid came on the scene. That's 15 trips! It's hard to believe, but so many good memories of those trips.

We like to get a place near a national park and this year it's Shenandoah National Park.  IF any of you have a MUST DO hike there, that would be suitable for a crowd that ranges from 75 to 2 years old... do let me know. Please and thanks. 

happy making

Here is my latest project finish.  "Not Your Basic Blue Bag" - though as you can see, I did make it in blue. I thought the fabric was just perfect.  Why are bags so much fun to make? 

The pattern is by Kelly Lautenbach - www.itsjustsew.com and I also saw the pattern on Etsy

I found the pattern well written and easy to follow. 

I also managed to get the walking foot with the seam guide attached all by myself.  Why don't I use this every single time I quilt anything? It really does make the layers glide more easily. 

Binding was cut using my new-ish Stripology ruler. The pattern did not call for bias binding, but doesn't everyone want their checks to be cut on the bias?

The exposed seams with binding are so pretty to look at on the inside of the bag. 

This is my Japanese screw punch that I haven't used since the last time I made a book/journal using book board.  It works great for leather. 

Let's be honest, I had a wee bit of worry about attaching the leather handles... but they were easy and make the bag look "professional". In my opinion.

Ta-Da!

All ready for its maiden voyage. This is going to be perfect for taking to the coffee shop, to a friends house for an art date,  or on a prairie makers day. 

There will be more of these in my future. Maybe with some pockets inside for my phone, planner, keys? 

Useful links: Sarah's Fabrics is where I bought the pattern, fabric, leather etc... and also got help choosing a binding. If you live in the area they have a couple of bags in the shop you can look at and drool over.  This is the smallest size. The pattern has 3 options. Happy Making!

Mother Nature at work

I am now up to the year 1932 in the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear. In this installment - Among the Mad - Maisie is working with Scotland Yard and Detective Chief Superintendent Robbie McFarland to identify the person threatening to wreak havoc on the city of London, if the British government doesn’t do something to help the soldiers from the First World War, who have not been able to return to their “normal” lives after their experiences at war. They are under a timeline and the plot moves quickly. 

I remain a fan of this quite enjoyable series. Maisie’s character continues to evolve as she settles more deeply into her work and home. Her assistant Billie Beale, her friend Pricilla, and her dear father also make appearances in the story.  A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Above are yesterdays morning snippings. There is nothing more fun than arranging flowers harvested on a stroll through the garden.

These sunflowers are from the friendship garden by the school near our home.  All these blooms are on one thick “jack in the beanstalk” type of stem.

Here’s a leaf that wandered into my path on a morning walk. The architecture of this specimen is amazing. Mother nature at work.  

stories about what we dream about making

Last week the Prairie Makers met to make stuff. Really, just the idea of getting together and making something changes the chemistry in my brain and makes me excited. We met at Ann's so she could give Pam a long-arm quilting lesson. Every good lesson starts with practice, and lots of laughing. 

While they discussed strategies, I worked on my bag.

I had started it at home, because I was too excited to wait. I also tend to be a little on the slow side. 

Ann is working on a purple quilt and has marked her rows with special pins. She actually did not get much sewing done herself. This is what happens when you are the expert. People NEED you. 

Pam got right down to business and before you know it, this baby quilt, for a "bee-themed" shower was quilted and the binding was attached. 

The consistent stitches are amazing to me. 

I may have to try this sometime myself. But today I kept to the bag.

Pam and Ann had some finished quilts to share ... I am always and forever inspired by their work.

There was of course coffee, some treats to eat, stories about what we dream about making, lessons we have learned from projects of the past, and on and on. It was just all about making. We headed out, not knowing that in a few hours of being home we would be hit by serious thunderstorms. 

While the sirens sounded, the rain came down, and the winds blew, I sat on the couch and attached the top binding by hand. 

All the while, keeping an eye on the redbud tree out front and willing all the limbs to stay attached to the tree.

P.S. There will be more details about this bag including pattern etc as soon as I get a chance to tell you. 

 

let your own lemon barometer guide how much you add

Being back in the kitchen baking, pickling, and cooking, feels like a return to "normalcy".  Is there such a thing?  I think we all like to believe there is.  Anyway, it's just good to be doing stuff, without thinking it's hard or feeling too tired. 

Not that I need a blueberry lemon snacking cake, but it's a summer thing. Something I think should be typical. 

FYI, I cut up the whole cake and froze it in individual slices to pop in the oven for convenience on any day it sounds good. Because some mornings, after a walk, you ask yourself it a piece wouldn't be just the thing right about now... and when your other self answers saying "well there's some in the freezer", it feels a teeny bit miraculous. 

We all need a good miracle now and then, even if we orchestrate it ourselves in advance.  

 

Helpful links:blueberry snacking cake recipe

P.S. the recipe calls for a teaspoon of lemon zest, which in my opinion should be upped to the zest of one whole lemon, you let your own lemon barometer guide how much you add.  

an almost imperceptible click of a connection

A recent walk at the church of the glassy river.

Smooth water with amazing clouds reflecting back, blue sky, green trees. 

Then I came upon this. A great blue heron sitting on a branch, looking into the depths, just there, waiting for me to come by and notice him. I stayed and watched for a bit, until he lifted a long leg and very gracefully scratched his neck which made the crown feathers on the top of his head stand up, and then he rose, spread the wings tucked the legs and went about his business. It was a hallelujah kind of moment. 

When I got back to my car, I used the short wall in front of this flower bed to lean against and stretch. Wall assisted down-dogs and up-dogs are oh so pleasant with daisy's to look at. I could have stayed for longer... 

...but coffee was calling. Time for a nice sit to think about all I had seen and heard. Especially that great blue heron, which I put in a special box in my brain. It has a big W on the top of it for Wonderful. 

As I sat and thought, while holding my coffee with both hands, letting the warmth seep into the stiff joints, song after song kept coming on that I thought was wonderful. Sort of a honky-tonk, Americana, folksy, genre - but not anything that could really be pinned down. I asked the Barista (young, creative, free-spirit) if it was a station. She told me it was her play list. I told her I LOVED it, and she said "thanks". I did not tell her that my dad would have loved it, I did not say "wow that is so unexpected", I did not ask her if her parents loved music and had helped form her taste. But there was an almost imperceptible click of a connection that formed, and it was good. 

It does alleviate some of the sting of that defeat

The Stromanthe Triostar, planted on May 19th, watered with only distilled water, and misted (with the same) a few times a week , is doing better than I imagined it would be 6 weeks in. I just threw salt over my left shoulder, spit on the ground twice, and lit a candle so as not to jinx myself by mentioning it. 

I am most excited by the new leaves sprouting. Meanwhile the caladium, neon pothos, and tradescantia zebrina are taking off like gangbusters. 

I just clipped some of the trailing tradescantia and popped it in a jar of water. What I learned last year, is that they will start to root in the ground outside of the pot if they get too long. I will start a new pot with the clippings when they root in a week or so. Sister and I discussed today how fun it is to start a new plant from an old plant. Angie always did that. 

We have had some lovely sunrises here lately. June and early July seems to be the time they coincide perfectly with when I am commuting to work. Every day should begin with something beautiful to look.  

I finally cleaned, filled, and turned on the fountain this week. Later than usual but since I am the boss of the fountain around here I get to do what I want with it. The sound of splashing water while I sit on the porch morning, noon, and early evening is a treat.

After brother recently stole my certain victory in a words with friends game, he felt bad and sent me a bottle of lemon drop mixer. From this little bottle of lemon deliciousness you can whip up a lemon drop martini or a lemon drop spritzer in about 20 seconds flat. They are both delightful and most enjoyable to sip on the front porch. It does alleviate some of the sting of that defeat as well. In case you beat someone real bad at something, and feel guilty about it, you can get on line and order them a bottle from Stonewall Kitchen. Oh, one last thing, it goes very nicely with the Mediterranean Feta spread which is great on a crostini or a plain old saltine cracker. 

I saw all the flowers above at a nursery on a recent trip and did not buy any of them but thought they were all lovely.  That buttery colored coneflower is so PRETTY. But what I have learned about the "fancy" coneflowers, is they don't always come back from year to year and they don't spread like the regular old pink variety. 

OK, I think that concludes everything I have to report for the last week or so that falls into the completely mundane category. 

we sat on the porch and snapped beans

Today the market post starts with the unpacked basket photo, which will immediately convey that it was a good Saturday at the market. 

Let me introduce Benjamin next. He was on the job for the first time Saturday - in the all important "re-stocker" position. He listened very carefully as he was being instructed in the details of what he was to accomplish. And when he was done, smiled nicely for the photo. 

Sweet corn made it's first appearance on Saturday, and it looked mighty fine. 

I did snatch up an heirloom tomato for club sandwiches some night this week.

Strawberry lemonade cake seemed like the perfect dessert for that, as well as after the Chinese barbecue fried rice we are having tonight. I think it could be the universal dessert. 

There were lots of flower choices... and a bucket of dill that would look lovely on any dining table. 

What about some Colocasia Esculenta for a pot for your porch? These specimens were beauties.

For juice this week I selected Grapefruit Bliss (grapefruit, apple, orange, ginger) and was gifted a bottle of Turmeric Water. Sister said last week that she thought it would taste bad - wrong, wrong, wrong. It was mild and refreshing AND I love thinking it's good for me as I drink it.

There were beautiful little potatoes for any old thing you might want to do with them... potato salad, hash browns, roasted potatoes, a small baked potato opened up and topped with sour cream, chives, and how about some smoked salmon? 

The musicians were making everyone smile, especially the folks behind them who were lined up for doughnuts. 

When I got home, after putting the flowers on the table, I sat and snapped my green beans. I have one very vivid memory of being about 8 years old and visiting dad's sisters in Louisiana. We sat on the porch and snapped beans with Aunt Ola.  It was something I had never done before. Our beans always came out of a can or the freezer when I was growing up. I love that even though I can't remember names of things I use everyday, that memory is so strong. The older I get the more I appreciate those lines of connection. 

Kathy Saylor it was so GOOD to meet you

I rolled out of bed this morning with a goal of getting to the Baker Wetlands before the sun came up too high, before it rained, and before I got caught up in any monkey business around the house. What follows is a true tale (not a tall tale) of the most unexpected, delightful, coincidental meeting at... of all places... the grocery store, where I went when I left the wetlands. Bear with me while I get there. 

First of all there was bee balm, a nice cloudy sky, and all manner of yellow flowers starting to bloom. 

There were signs of more water at the wetlands and forgive me but the bee balm. 

The grasses are always beautiful, and I came upon a new area with American Lotus blooms.  Hurrah. 

The cat tails are taller than me.

And what about this Queen Anne's lace right before it opens? The wonder of nature.

55 minutes later I was back at the car, heading to HyVee for blueberries, a lemon, buttermilk, all the makings for a blueberry breakfast/snacking cake. So... I am walking through the aisles and all of a sudden a woman with a very stylish haircut and nice glasses says to me "Carol?", and I say "yes" as I try to think of who she is because she does not look familiar to me. I flip through the rolodex in my brain - family member of a patient I took care of?, have I taken a class with her in the past?, but nothing clicks. Then she says "I'm Kathy Saylor from around Pittsburg, I have been reading your blog for years, my daughter just moved here and I came for a visit and was so hoping I would run in to you."  Seriously, how completely FUN was that? That the timing of our trip to a grocery store would have our paths literally cross. I was so happy that she said something to me (despite the fact that I had my waterproof black shoes on, red shorts, a somewhat dirty white t-shirt, and crazy hair). We chatted for just a few moments and each went on our way. 

Sometimes, when you least expect it, life presents you with little gifts, moments that are unbelievably simple and perfect. Kathy Saylor is was so GOOD to meet you.

P.S. Marti Huff if you are reading, she told me to tell you HI!

go with me on that logic

Summer things happening around here include the beginning of the weekly quick pickling of cucumbers and red onions. No summer would be the same without them. 

The coneflowers are looking good in the garden. I do love that the birds carry the seeds all around the garden and you never know where a good crop is going to pop up from year to year. 

First vase of zinnia's, cut from the seeds that volunteered up from last year. 

A decidedly "unsummer" thing is the making of granola, because for some reason it sounded so good and I needed to have some with blueberries and yogurt for breakfast. I only made a small batch. Just to satisfy the craving. Because I could. 

The sunflowers from last week's market are looking nice on the table. 

Oh, and another decidedly summer thing was this glass of white sangria that I had while out with the Quails at the Pressed Penny Tavern in KC a few weeks ago. 

It was tasty. If you live in the area and you decide to go, be sure and start your meal with the Brussels sprouts. They are the best. Seriously good. If you like a Reuben, they make a good one. Mary Joan ordered one, Jamie and I went for the polenta, but then ended up eating 1/2 of Joan's reuben. 

And one final more "summer" thing... I was driving over for a massage earlier today and Castles in the Air by Don McLean came on. Lordy it's been a while since I heard that. Music from the 70's always reminds me of Panama and the beach and summer. Go with me on that logic.  Happy memories. 

 

flower power

The farmers market was popping this morning. Explosions of color everywhere, thanks to the flowers.  Lots and lots of beautiful flowers.

Since it is "American Flowers Week", it seems only right to devote this post to flowers. And all the people who love them. Flower Power! That was a saying way back when... wasn't it?

I also needed honey today and since Anthony was not at the market, I was happy to find this local honey. 

Did I ever report back to you that the pure watermelon juice was very very good? I almost got it again today until I saw "summertime" and had to try that. 

How about these beautiful heads of purple cabbage? If I didn't already have plans for the kitchen today I would have to grab one and whip up a batch of red cabbage with apple and bacon and onion...

But back to the flowers. 

Did you know there was such a thing as a "tassel flower"? That beautiful little cluster of orange flowers that look ... well, like tassels?

These ladies told me about them, while they were wrapping up my sunflowers.

Here is what came home with me today.  

Except you couldn't see the bourbon brown butter cake so here it is below, for those of you who love the Chonky Bakers as much as I do, and want to see what they make each week. 

It was good to be back at the market today after missing last Saturday. It always throws me off kilter a bit when I miss my weekly fix of mingling with my people.