Tall Tales from Kansas

the last ordinary days of 2023

I've been on a bit of a mitt making bender of late. Such a pleasure to work on a project that goes quickly. The more of these I make, the more I realize there is such a difference in the wearability of a pair of mitts based on the yarn. That seems silly to say, but until making a lot of them, and wearing them over the years, it didn't strike me how well some hold up as compared to others.  It's hard not to buy yarn based on color alone, and I do love a hand dyed yarn, but Brooklyn Tweed's Arbor is a rock star in the durability arena. It is also wonderful for showing stitch definition. 

I am continuing to enjoy the heck out of lighting all my candles. What is it about candles and atmosphere? They make a space so cozy. One with a good fragrance, accompanied by multiple non-scented's is how I roll.

On a loosely (go with me here) related topic, Dottie has an amazing Christmas cactus that blooms like clockwork every December. Each year I tell myself I will get one. This tropical that I am wintering over from the front porch is my stand in for that. It's holding up well indoors. So far. The pink in the leaves is unexpected and so nice in the light. 

Lemon Ricotta cookies, a pumpkin pie, and Ina Garten's gingerbread was the extent of my holiday baking this year. The cookies are the perfect bite of something sweet after a holiday meal - not too much, not too heavy, and lemon is always a favorite of mine.

This gingerbread is dense and bold. I put extra candied ginger in it and that combined with the rum soaked raisins make this almost have a bit of a fruitcake vibe to it. Popped in the microwave for a few seconds to warm, a generous amount of whipped cream on the side, and you got yourself a wonderful winter dessert. 

In case you can't tell I am into full "kicked back" mode. Taking in the last days of the year with leisurely abandon. Wanting to make sure I don't miss out on the last ordinary days of 2023 and any potential moments of bliss. 

Helpful links:

Lemon Ricotta Cookie recipe

Ina Garten's Old Fashioned Gingerbread

tell your window stylist they did an exceptional job this year

It seems to me, that midway through the holidays (though I see trees already on the curbs awaiting pickup), IS the perfect time to visit the holiday windows on Massachusetts street in downtown Lawrence. 

I want to rap on the glass of every single window and then stick my head in the door and say "tell your window stylist I think they did an exceptional job this year". Then I would go on my way, hoping they pass my message along. 

Even the barber shop windows look festive. 

If you come to Lawrence  to see for yourself, be sure you stop at Barkers on Mass and order up a Rosemary White Mocha - it comes with a torched homemade marshmallow... need I say more? 

If you can get this exact seat, by the windows up front, you can look out at the lights. If this seat is taken, may I suggest a seat closer to the back where they call out your name when your food/pastry order is ready to be picked up. I love looking at what comes out on each plate and who orders what. The other day, I spied a thick piece of toast slathered with ricotta and topped with some kind of a berry jam that looked insanely delicious. I have the same theory about holidays that I do about food. They should be enjoyed ever so slowly, savored. Not all at once, but rather with careful anticipation about when you may go and partake of them. On your own timeline, and no one else's. 

Jesus at the bowling alley

The other day I embarked on a full-on rummage through the archives of this blog, searching for a poem that I NEEDED to read. NOW. Despite the fact that it was a thoroughly enjoyable ransack, re-discovering posts I had not thought about for many years, I did not find the poem for which I searched. I had already tried googling unsuccessfully (who can remember titles of poems?). Next up were the journals, art, everyday, travel... none was exempt. Surely I had recorded it there. Bupkis.

Then - Eureka, I tried a different google search and it came up. I of course am posting it here for you, because though you don't realize it, you might need to read it. It's fantastic. Now I am off to purchase the book of poetry it came from. Thus preventing another rummage in my immediate future. Besides which, I feel there will be other treasures in the book, waiting for me to uncover. A person who could write a poem like this, is a member of my tribe I need to know better. 

Heaven on Earth

by Kristin Berkey-Abbott

I saw Jesus at the bowling alley,
slinging nothing but gutter balls.
He said, "You've gotta love a hobby
that allows ugly shoes."
He lit a cigarette and bought me a beer.
So I invited him to dinner.

I knew the Lord couldn't see my house
in its current condition, so I gave it an out
of season spring cleaning. What to serve
for dinner? Fish—the logical
choice, but after 2000 years, he must grow weary
of everyone's favorite seafood dishes.
I thought of my Granny's ham with Coca Cola
glaze, but you can't serve that to a Jewish
boy. Likewise pizza—all my favorite
toppings involve pork.

In the end, I made us an all-dessert buffet.
We played Scrabble and Uno and Yahtzee
and listened to Bill Monroe.
Jesus has a healthy appetite for sweets,
I'm happy to report. He told strange
stories which I've puzzled over for days now.

We've got an appointment for golf on Wednesday.
Ordinarily I don't play, and certainly not in this humidity.
But the Lord says he knows a grand miniature
golf course with fiberglass mermaids and working windmills
and the best homemade ice cream you ever tasted.
Sounds like Heaven to me.

 

greetings and best wishes

Happy December 25th to each of you from Kansas... where Chris and I are doing meal prep for tonight. I am in charge of Brussels sprouts, salad, and dessert - he's got the ham and potatoes locked in. We are spending a quiet holiday on our own, watching movies (thanks for telling us about Jingle Jangle Chris - and did we really think A Christmas Story was that funny in 1983?) eating good cheese, drinking wine, playing cards, sitting by the tree, knitting, Marco-Polo'ing, FaceTiming, taking naps, finishing up Christmas cards. 

That old paper mache bell is from Christmas in Hawaii. It first appears in photos on the tree where dad is holding Ray, mom is holding Dottie, and she is pregnant with me. Those bells have moved all around the world, have been batted off the tree and chewed on by all our cats through the years, and are still going strong. 

Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, whomever you are with, we send greetings and best wishes to you. 

With love, Carol and Chris

with a centenarian in the mix

I do so hope you can stand one more "holiday meet-up" post. Because this is an important one. It's the only one with a centenarian in the mix. Which, as you know, lends an air of significance beyond compare. The Huff +1 lunch club met on the plaza and were joined by Meredith and Devin as well. Marti was looking festive in her red coat and sporting her mom's brooch that may or may not have been an unsigned Eisenberg. 

We talked about Christmas stockings - what was put in them in the 1930's, the 1970's, and today. We discussed memorable Christmas's - like the year long ago in Chicago, when Marti was growing up and a dreadful boy who lived in her building grabbed her Grace Putnam doll, Lillian, and smashed her on a concrete ledge breaking the head into a million pieces. Oh! what a dreadful child that Tommy McCartney was and I am not ashamed to say I do hope he burned in hell for that move. Unless of course he did something wonderful with his life to make up for that terrible act of unkindness. There was talk of holiday menu's and Marti's gingerbread that Jennifer remembers fondly.

We ordered a "chocolate bag" for dessert - a wonderful concoction of a vanilla mouse with fresh fruit, all encased in a chocolate bag that you break open to enjoy.  The expression on Meredith and Jennifer's faces tell you what you need to know about it. No exaggeration. It was spectacular - a perfect dessert for 5 to share with just a tiny taste for Devin. 

Gosh we had fun. Our bill may or may not have been picked up by an older gentleman sitting at the bar who insisted that it would be his great pleasure. You decide if that is A. a complete lie, B. a partial truth but we wouldn't let him, C. an absolute fact.

The end. 

with a likely Academy Award nomination in her future

Earlier this week the Prairie Makers met for a December coffee. Ann brought all the holiday things she has been making for show and tell. We were delighted to "see" it all. You know makers gotta touch, turn inside/out, ask questions, and in general thoroughly immerse ourselves in the process of how things were made. Oh it was fun!  

Bags, sweater ornaments, table runners (we have asked Ann if she can bring a table runner to all future coffee dates because it made the table so festive), pillow covers and a finished quilt.

Pam and I held out our empty hands to demonstrate that we have been "thinking" about making many things but none of them have quite advanced to the state of a work in actual progress yet. As in something that can be shown and not just talked about.

It's important to have makers and appreciators in every group. Pam and I are very effusive admirers. This month, Ann clearly filled the role of prolific, clever, artistic, creator with a likely Academy Award nomination in her future.  

It's always fun to gather with other creative types. Please tell us if you and your band of merry makers have met for the holidays and what was on your agenda.

well, he's welcome to come over

This morning, while waiting in line to buy my baguette and country French loaf at Wheatfield's, I remarked to the woman in front of me how wonderful it smelled with all the bread coming out of the oven. She agreed enthusiastically, and said "I bet your house smells good too", to which I replied "well it's going to later on because I am making gingerbread". She said "I am going to bake an apple pie", so I told her that was Chris's favorite and she told me "well, he's welcome to come over". We agreed that eating was one of life's great pleasures and then talked about how we have to keep walking (a lot) in order to eat all we want. 

I love a quick moment of connection like that. Gem. 

These are some of the recent walks taken to get me through the holiday gingerbread, pumpkin pie, egg nog, and extravagant meals out with friends... happily the walks this year have been as enjoyable as the holiday treats. I am noticing much less birdsong at this time of year and though the landscape color palette is very different, it's no less wonderful... spread out before me to enjoy. 

in all the stages of light that cross the dining room table

A sure sign that Christmas is just around the corner is the emergence of the wee elves and the tiny trees.  When I put these all out this year I said to myself, "there is not room on this table for one more tree or elf".  But when I look at the photo I see a glaring empty spot in the middle in the back that could certainly use a tree.

Speaking of tree's... though I initially said to Chris, "let's have only lights on our tree this year, no need for decorations", clearly I changed my mind. Next year we'll just do lights. 

The poinsettia is thriving 14 days into the acquisition.  Which means we have figured out each other's needs. In all the stages of light that cross the dining room table throughout the course of the day, it is beautiful. 

The Quails celebrated Christmas with a dinner at Union Station. We laughed, marveled at our long, enduring friendship, unpacked our bags with each other, ate some wonderful food, thoroughly enjoyed the decorations, and before we knew it, the night was over. 

A list of movies to watch is being made, menus are being planned, games and nosh plates are being considered. Should the bourbon/bacon/onion jam go with cheese platter or by itself with cream cheese, crostini, and a crisp white? All important decisions. I love the anticipation of holiday relaxation and festivities as much as I enjoy the actual events that make up the holiday. 

we just pick right up where we left off

Last Saturday I made a 24 hour whirlwind trip to Omaha Nebraska to visit my college roommate and dear friend Peggy. Whenever I see Peggy and my closest college friends, I marvel that it has been 42 years since graduation, AND that when we get together it's like we just rolled out of our tiny beds in Antionette Hall at Marymount college, and are walking to class, for a meal in the dining hall, or down to the Village Gate for a pitcher of beer. We just pick right up where we left off. 

What a pleasure it is to have such "easy" friends. People you can just be with where the talk flows, the values are similar, and we like doing so many of the same things. All of this is something not taken for granted. The more life passes by, the more I treasure time with the best people in my life.

These pink and bronze colored poinsettias at the Lauritzen Gardens were amazing. What a fun thing to do on a blustery day. We repeated our candle making experience from last year, went to a local yarn store, ate fabulous sushi, drank good wine, enjoyed the best breakfast casseroles and chocolate mint cookies, and before you know it I was back in the car driving to Lawrence. 

The perfect fake pom-pom to go on top of this hat which I made last year but really needed something to complete it, was found while I was there. Pom-pom's look best on the hats of the under 7 and above 60 crowd. I am delighted to fall perfectly into this niche. 

This amazing tree made of jillions and jillions of poinsettia plants was something to behold. I have warned Peggy that the 24 hour trip might sound crazy to some, but it's the perfect way to make sure too much time does not go by between visits. In other words, you never know when I might be back. She rolls with it. Just like when I was typing away on the electric typewriter at 3 in the morning, finishing some case study for nursing class, while she was trying to sleep ... many moons ago. 

 

I do not know how she captured the inner world of the main characters

I am struggling with my description of this novel, Housekeeping, by Marilynne Robinson. It is the story of 2 young girls who come to live with their grandmother after the death by suicide of their mother. It takes place in a small town in Idaho, on a lake, with a train that runs through it. After the grandmother dies, they are cared for by 2 great aunts and then the sister of their mother who had not been around for many years. 

Marilynne Robinson uses a lot of words in her writing. It is at times hauntingly beautiful and at times I found myself thinking "what the heck! where is this going? and could you please speak more plainly". I almost stopped reading at one point. I do not know how she captured the inner world of the central figures in the story, in what to me, seems a most accurate way. Finally, here is what I will say about it... this is a book that I will not forget the plot of, nor will I forget the 2 main characters. I will also never look at a transient person in the same way again as I consider what might the circumstances of their life have been that led them here. 

I will be most interested in the thoughts of anyone of you who have read it. I will be doing some lighter reading next. Who has favorite holiday reads? Titles in the comments please, and thanks!

 

Santa even does some shopping there

Although I missed the Holiday Farmers recently, I did make it to Bizarre Bazaar for a little holiday inspiration. 

There were groups of friends looking, talking, discussing the best choice for each person on their respective lists. 

Love her style, cards purchased. 

The blue and yellow mushroom!  Yes please.

I LOVE seeing the artists/makers sitting with their creations. I wanted her jewelry and scarf too, but settled for the bag. 

These two were like elves laughing joking , making merry.

I distracted their boss by taking his picture so they could continue to carry on with their merry making. 

The bazaar is held at the local community art center and the kids art up on the walls was a joy to look at. 

These 2 sisters each got a new baby doll, which they were clearly quite taken with, although the one in front was ready to go and push the button to make the crosswalk light change. Pushing buttons is important. 

The holiday lights are up downtown on Massachusetts street. Always a fun sight from Thanksgiving until the end of January. Plan your visit accordingly. 

Enjoying the lights as you have dinner downtown is a must. The stores are usually open late during December as well. 

it stops drinking when it's had enough

We had some snow last week or so... it melted. It sure was pretty. Especially since 3 kids came to the door and asked if we wanted them to shovel the driveway. Always yes to that. Our backs and their wallets agree it's a great business arrangement. 

Before the snow, when it was just cold, the oak leaf hydrangea was decked out in fall colors.  

Eggnog in the morning season is in full swing. You might imagine the picture would have steam rising from the coffee and the eggnog glass would be full. But the thought to take the photo came to me only after I had indulged. Sitting by the fire in the morning, feet up, candle lit, thoughts drifting, it's wonderful. 

The poinsettia this year is an especially good one.  I am watering it from the bottom. It stops drinking when it's had enough so I don't kill it.

 

The moon the other morning looked like this out the back door. There are so many things to swoon over. Everyday, something different. 

The mitten garland went up, maybe I will add a new mitten this year. The option is always there. 

It's my mission to make it to all my favorite coffee shops in December to see what clever holiday latte they have hit upon. 

When I cradle the warm mug in my hand and bring it to my mouth, inhaling the aromas of the holiday, invariably I will say "this one is the BEST yet"... and I mean it every time. Sincerely.  

some wonderful "gems"

How did December get here so fast? Sometimes as I go about the daily routines of life I get caught up in the moments and forget the days and weeks and how quickly they go by. For the most part, I consider that a good thing - the keeping focused on the moments part especially. 

I just got back from some lovely days in Richmond Virginia visiting brother and his family. We talked, laughed, remembered, ate good stuff, rested, took in sites, cried, had some wonderful "gems" - moments of pure delight, and then before you know it I was back home again. 

Checking out the coffee/pastry scene is always a must - I can highly recommend Sub Rosa Bakery (photo above) a small delightful shop where we sat next to a 2 year old girl and her father who lived in the area. The morning buns were flaky, sticky, not too sweet, melt in your mouth good.  

We visited "Dances with Wool" - a local yarn store that was wonderful. Brother sat and visited with a woman who turned out to be the owner who worked in the Chesterfield school district for many year, and they had mutual acquaintances. Gem. Inspiration was all around in this excellent shop. 

I made it to Alma's, which has been on my list, and found these small framed studies by Annabelle Wrigley that I had been hoping to see. Love her use of color and free-wheeling piecing plus quilting. Gem x 2. 

Ironclad coffee also got high marks. They were playing an excellent selection of Christmas music in the background. I found the perfect table for taking it all in. 

Strolls through neighborhoods were taken. All the ginkgo leaves sat below their trees like skirts. Fabulous. 

We got to attend an Italian dinner served family style at Caffespresso. We ate wonderful things we normally may not order from a menu (Brandacujun, Trofie with Pesto, Ligurian Style chicken, Ricotta Pasta Frolla cake) each course paired with the perfect wine. We met Lou the biology professor/researcher who did field research in the Yucatan peninsula and Alaska. Gem. 

Brother and I made more memories to make up for the things we can only vaguely recall now.  It's funny how when you are a kid, you don't think much about your brothers and sisters as such dear friends. As an adult, I am completely aware of my great good fortune in having 3 siblings that are excellent human beings that I LOVE spending time with.

Thanks for a great 4 days brother!