Tall Tales from Kansas

a red letter morning walk

I ventured over to the arboretum for a morning walk the other day, simply unable to consider another "neighborhood" walk. This decision, a very good one as it turns out, offered me a lovely sunrise, followed by a walk through a field of sunflowers. Along with unobstructed views of fields and sky.

Listen, every morning walk is pretty good, but if you are like me, you feel the need to mix things up so you can fully appreciate the beauty of nature. Today, in addition to the blue sky, clouds, green grasses, and trees, I saw a great blue heron fishing and listened to the splashing of a fountain. 

Oh and there was also this nice batch of purple thistle. All in all, a red-letter morning walk. 

if you are offended by cursing ...

I have just spent a very enjoyable number of days listening to this group of essays, Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls, written and read by David Sedaris. This is a selection that I might not have normally picked out as something to listen to, but a good friend of mine recommended it so I jumped in. With both feet. 

Oh my GOSH! It was fantastic. So many topics that I could relate to about family, travel, relationships, and just living everyday life... but so hilariously. Near the end there were also a few essays thrown in where he assumes personas/perspectives that are radically different. I covered my mouth in something like horror, and cringed a time or two and kept going. These were the essays that made me think (and still laugh - at the absurdity - nervous laughter... are there really people like this out there?). I absolutely LOVED it. Warning - if you are offended by cursing you should not listen. If however, you can roll with a well placed vulgarity, David Sedaris knows exactly how and where to use them. 

P.S. if you listened to this, please tell me you too almost wet your pants when he was telling the story of the family in the airport and one of the young people was wearing a t-shirt that he read out phonetically every time he said it.  I was crying. 

I did not say "howdy pardner"

There were raincoats AND shorts at the market on Saturday morning. I had an umbrella in my basket and a rain hat on my head. 

He rolled out of bed, threw on the crocs, and went as he was. I approve. 

We will be having turkey clubs this week with one of these big, juicy, amazing, flavor-filled, heirloom tomatoes.

I did not say "howdy pardner" when I saw this guy enjoying his piece of watermelon. But I wanted to. Instead I just asked to take his picture and he was happy to comply. 

There was a truck bed full of corn right next door to him. 

I grabbed a couple of these Italian sweet peppers even though I am not 100% sure what I will do with them yet... other than add them to a salad I mean. Anything can be added to a salad to spice it up. In my book. 

Will you look at these bottle openers and ice cream scoop. Who needs one for Christmas? 

There were colorful bouquets of flowers to brighten up every room in your house, and/or delight anyone you might want to buy one for.

Here is what came home in my basket.  

The cake was Pina colada this week. Packed with coconut and pineapple, it was moist and very, very, very, tasty.

Take my word for it. 

I am into building bridges

Happy Friday night... "ahh the weekend at last" sigh the working folk. As a part time employee don't think I still don't appreciate a weekend. It's kind of engrained in us isn't it... a well deserved 2 days off after a long week of work. 

Here is a garden update - the Bougainvillea is thriving. Good ratio of blooms (brackets) to greenery with this awesome fuchsia color.

I have been listening to the speeches from the Democratic National Convention on my morning walks since I can't stay awake late enough to catch the headliners. I think my walking speed is picking up as I listen. Lots of energy in these talks. I am into building bridges, I want us all to do better, that said I had to get a new tee-shirt.

I love the clever mind that came up with this idea. Almost as much as I love the reaction of Gus Walz when his dad was speaking. 

I had to try the blackberry bramble latte at Barkers on Mass today. Blackberry syrup with a hint of mint "we usually serve it cold but can do it hot". I worried the mint would overtake the blackberry. Nope. It was the kind of good that made me make mmmm noises with each sip. You know what I mean. 

How about a little Lawrence Kansas history lesson? This week marked the 161st anniversary of Quantrill's Raid on the city of Lawrence. William Quantrill was a leader of a guerrilla group of pro-confederates who attacked the town killing many unarmed men and burning homes and businesses. Lawrence was known to be supportive of abolition. There is an art and history exhibit up downtown at the Watkins museum right now. It's informative and small enough to digest in an hour. Also, not that it matters, Sylas and Maddie's ice cream store is directly across the street from the museum. I told Chris it's good to do things in your own town that you normally only do on vacation. The history AND the ice cream. They went together like peas and carrots, as Forrest Gump would say.

an experiential richness that can't be named

This week, at the August meeting of the Huff +1 lunch club, we tried to collectively recall, just how long we have been gathering for these luncheons. We each threw out a possible number, settling on somewhere between 4 and 8 years. 

Here we are at The Russell on main in Kansas City. I realized there has not ever, in the (however long) history of the lunch club, been a black and white photo of our group. Clearly an omission on my part. We had another enjoyable lunch with delightful conversation including the DNC, how it is that someone breaks into our homes at night and hides things from us, and the resiliency (or lack thereof) of humans when faced with hard things. A few podcast and book recommendations were shared, and Marti as always, amazed us with her knowledge of all things past and contemporary. 

After a review of the photo archives, I was able to find this photo from May 16th 2014. It may be that this was our first lunch, actually, the more I think about it, I am certain it was. Mom had died in February and it was at this lunch that I was officially "adopted" into the Huff family, after successfully completing all the application forms. 

As I reviewed my old planners, I realized that it was not until 2019 that we began to get really serious about getting something on the books monthly. Whoever decided that gets a medal, a badge, and a certificate. My friend Marti Huff brings something into my life that I can't get anywhere else. Don't ask me to identify exactly what "it" is. I can not. It's an experiential richness that can't be named. I'll leave it at that. 

If you go to The Russell in Kansas City, be warned it's loud inside... that said, the food is good, the seats are comfortable, and the carrot cake is out of this world and one slice will feed a party of four. 

the perspective of women and everyday people in the writing down of the meaning of words

My latest listen, courtesy of Libby from my local public library, is The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams.  This is a fictionalized version of the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary, wrapped up in the story of Esme. A young woman, raised by her father, who grows up in the Scriptorium where he works as a lexicographer. 

It makes me want to read more about the origins of dictionaries, and how the words have been defined, and by whom, based on what context. I had never thought before about the lack of the perspective of women and everyday people in the writing down of the meaning of words. 

Highly recommended. The Bookbinder of Jericho, the second book by Pip Williams, has been added to my list of must reads. 

P.S. let me not forget give a nod to Pippa Bennett-Warner, who beautifully narrates this audio version. 

I don't think so

I followed these two into the farmers market today at 7:30 am on the dot, sunny, 70 something degrees, pleasant, a most perfect Saturday morning. On days like this don't you wanna just smile and close your eyes and do some kind of freeze frame to bask in the goodness of this exact second?

There were big colorful celosia for sale, friends were catching up with each other, bouquets were all lined up for the taking... how to choose? 

A family having breakfast on the curb! Talk about wanting to freeze frame a moment. I love their genuine smiles and their spirits willing to go along with my request for a photo. 

But hold on! As soon as I rounded the curb there were these three. Look at those fresh faces and smiles and YES - ready to dig into their breakfast on the curb. Accompanied by pink lemonade? I think. Again they were so friendly and happy to comply with having a picture taken. 

There was okra - 2 colors in the morning sun. Plus apples! Yes, they are about 2 weeks early, but when things are ready you pick them. The farmer selling them said, "the birds say they are ready". 

There were a few more peaches at the Peters Family Farm booth and cucumbers and onion at Mellowfields farm.

Giant sunflowers were standing tall in buckets of cool water. I enjoyed watching the 2 little girls coming upon them. Such excitement on their faces. How to choose just the right one?

I snuck up to get a shot of the Slow Rise doughnuts on display. If I was going to get one, it would have to be the smoked peach and hot honey chèvre ... but the line was much more manageable at Chonky Sweets and Eats and I do recall how good the Elderberry Lemon cake was last year. 

This little "posey bouquet" at Moon on the Meadow was the sweetest thing ever. 

Here is what I came home with this week. I may have gotten too many lemon/ginger/cayenne immunity shots... but can you have too much healthy goodness? 

I don't think so. 

... and have a most pleasant afternoon

Right now, Wicked Little Letters is "playing" on Netflix.  Should it be playing or showing? Does one word originate from the stage and one from the movie theatre? I have always been a lover of words, and am currently reading a book about the making of a dictionary which has me thinking about so many of the words we use everyday. But before I veer too far off course, let me steer myself back to the purpose of this post.

Wicked Little Letters is about an investigation to get to the bottom of who is writing very dirty (as in full of the MOST colorful foul language you have ever heard) letters to some of the people in the village. It is actually based loosely on a true story. 

Anyway, Chris and I LOVED it. Mary Ann and Dottie also were smitten. My brother went to bed before it was over but his wife loved it. So, with high marks by 5 out of 6 viewers I must recommend it to you. 

Olivia Coleman and Jessie Buckley are so good, but my favorite may have been Anjana Vasan as "Woman Police Officer Moss".  And it is not just because of her name. Can I recommend that you pop some corn, get a sharable bag of M&M's or your favorite movie candy, a Dr. Pepper, get all cozy/comfy in your favorite place to watch TV, and have a most pleasant afternoon? 

Then let me know what you thought.

he was instructed never to stay away so long again

On the top of the list of things that have brought me immeasurable delight this week, was a visit with Barry. Barry the neighbor cat who is one of the Harvey boys. I had not seen him for weeks and was wondering about him. Sick? Attacked by a coyote? Lost? You know the drill. Even when he isn't your cat, when you love him, you can become consumed with endless worry.

So when he appeared on the wall out back, I dropped everything and ran outside. Literally.

We had a wonderful catch up and he was instructed NEVER to stay away so long again. And furthermore if he came by and I did not come outside he was to MEOW loudly at the back door. 

Oh I do so love Barry. 

It is the simple things isn't it? 

working undercover as a professor of philosophy

I am so enjoying reading books these days that take place in England. Such is the case with # 8 in the Maisie Dobbs series "A Lesson in Secrets". Another quite enjoyable listen for me. Maisie in on assignment for the crown in a college in Cambridge, working undercover as a professor of philosophy. It was nice to catch up with Maisie's trusty assistant Billy Beale, consider the relationship developments with Masie and James Compton, learn that Chief Inspector Robert Stratton is making a career change, and meet Dr. Francesca Thomas who seems like she may be destined to make an appearance in a future story.

There was also foreshadowing of WWII and the beginning of worry regarding the Nazi regime. Another good story from Jacqueline Winspear.  

As soon as I finished this, I picked up a copy of The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald.  Sister is reading it right now and tells me it's good. It's on the bedside table for before slumber reading. It's about a woman who opens a bookstore in a small town in ... wait for it... England! I am just at the point where the bookshop has opened for business. So far, so good. 

it was fabulous

It's tuberose time at the farmers market in Lawrence. Tall, beautiful, fragrant, impressive. The Pendletons also had a colorful array of peppers this morning at their spot... but the wreath! Oh the wreath, it was a stunner. It made me think of fall, and reminded me how much the birds liked the dried sunflower head I left for them on the porch through the winter. This year maybe a wreath? 

The little tomatoes... in all the shapes and colors were splendid. 

This fella got a great explanation from Thuy (Juice Garden) regarding all the varieties of juices that were available... then his mom bought a 5 pack and they were on their way. The explanation made me re-think my original selections. I was going to go with the pineapple/orange but ended up with the beet/carrot/lemon/green apple/ginger/parsley plus a strawberry/watermelon. Thuy also told me how good the Turmeric water with lemon and ginger is hot once it starts to get cold. 

How beautiful are these tomatillos? Especially with the peppers in the background. I must remind Chris it is time for a batch of his green enchiladas that incorporate tomatillos. 

I was delighted to see these peaches today at the Peter's Farm booth.  Mrs. Peters told me that they got these from Illinois because there are NO local peaches this year. She explained to me how the buds on the trees set in late January or early February and we got a really cold snap at that time, which put an end to the local peaches in this area for the year. I appreciated them having the one's from Illinois. Summer without peaches just isn't right. 

They had all the onions at this booth. Green, red, white, yellow, shallots. 

Rainbow carrots sounded like they would be good roasted ... again. Two baskets please. 

How about these delicate tiny bouquets? The perfect thing to go on the tray with your pot of tea and biscuits for afternoon tea. 

Hot dog girl was strolling around this morning.  Keeping things on the up and up.  She's a superhero in disguise. 

Yes of course to the peach cake. 

I did not get these succulents that look like rocks, but I did get a small anacampseros which I will show you as soon as I add it to the post of succulents out back. But seriously, how darling are the these? 

Here is what came home with me. I went a little overboard at Lebanese Flower. Falafel, tzatziki, lebanese beans, baklava, plus a couple of cucumbers to go with from Mellowfields farm, right around the corner. Actually, along with the roasted carrots this is a complete meal. 

After I got this all put away, I heated up the Turmeric/ginger/lemon water and sat on the front porch with my hands wrapped around my mug. It was fabulous. 

a mood altering hike

This morning I went on a mood altering hike. One of those where somehow you see in the woods all the metaphors for life... why did this tree fall and not that one? Examples of all of the unanswerable questions we ask ourselves daily, displayed in nature. 

There were cobwebs and mud but also a temperature of 60 degrees with no humidity. It was glorious. 

When I say mood altering, I am referring to that amazing feeling that is sometimes experienced after a good massage or a great yoga session. Where all the systems in your body are tuned to the same network and your mind is peacefully blank. 

The kind of synchrony within that seeps out a little and you feel a sense of fondness and gratitude for everything around you. It's a wonderful feeling. 

There was evidence on the trail in multiple spots of hedge ball (osage orange) feasting.

The parking lot happened to be empty when I got to my car so I could just sit, space out, enjoy the feeling, get a stretch in, drink some water. A perfect start to a Friday. Happy weekend everyone!

I am dis-collecting

Happy August friends. How is it that yesterday I was looking forward to summer plans and now summer is winding down? The nature of time is a slippery concept to grasp. That theoretical discussion will have to happen another time though. Today let's talk "collecting" shall we?

As I have entered the 6th decade of life I find myself doing very little collecting. In fact I am dis-collecting. Not a word, but it could be. I like it better than downsizing or getting rid of. Actually maybe it should be de-collecting?No matter, the bottom line is there will be items that I will forever be unable to walk by without picking up. As evidenced by the feathers gathered in the Cotswolds.

It's the same with stones and shells.

There is something about the gifts that nature leaves about for us to put in a pocket, tuck in a bag, a remembrance to bring home to be enjoyed. I have rocks and shells from all over the world. Literally. 

Sister laid out her feathers every day when we got home from our excursions. I love the way they look on this window sill in the kitchen of our cottage in Broad Campden.

This one below may be my favorite...

But what about these? Some will be put into the travel journal, others will be added here and there around the house, maybe on the front porch, wherever they "fit". 

Today, in addition to looking at my feathers, there was a coffee shop visit for some journal writing and fresh vases of zinnias were brought inside. 

I even managed to put a bit of oil on the table. It always looks so good when I do that. It seems that wood can absorb an endless supply of oil.

This weekend I am working so all of you go to your Farmers Markets and send me pictures of what you get. Please and thank you :-)