Tall Tales from Kansas

no sign of foul play but the investigation is ongoing...

When putting away the holiday finery this week, which felt good by the way, I finally found these bottles that I have been trying to find for a whole year. Since they were put away in 2021 when I was decorating. At the time I distinctly recall telling myself, "this is a great place to put these".  Does that sound familiar? Please say it does. 

They were hiding in a box in the basement that did not get opened when putting stuff out this year. That means most of the stuff in that box was not missed and could be donated right? It's time. Time to sort through the holiday rick-rack and anything that doesn't have a specific memory of a time, place, or person who gave it to me, can be donated. It felt good to reunite the bigger bottles with the smaller bottles of sea glass and shells.

The tree was pulled apart and transported to the basement. 

As Chris (in his knee pads) and I struggled to wrap, tie, and replace it in it's bag, we joked about the headlines that could ensue if we were to experience simultaneous arrests or some other such catastrophe given our huffing and puffing to get the job done.  "Geriatric couple found dead after being alerted by neighbors that they had not been seen for days, no obvious sign of foul play but the investigation is ongoing...".

It's been awhile since I have seen the original Harvey boy. I think he may have left the building, but I will say that every single time I saw him this past fall, I picked him up, gave him a giant squeezer hug, and told him what a good boy he was and how much I loved him. Meanwhile, Alex (aka light Harvey) has been around a lot. He look like he is sleeping but he is on the hunt. For lizards. Lizards are his favorite. I do like his tail as "paw warmer" pose here. 

For you quilters out there... do you use a stripology ruler? I got this at the library after hearing about a class. I have only heard good things about them but will appreciate any input you have. It seems like a great tool for efficiency and accuracy when you have lots of strips and squares to cut. 

No good sunset on this day out and about, but there was a dried hydrangea bloom in front of that lovely old brickwork at Decade coffee shop. 

The flat white was most excellent as well. After I ordered I saw a sign that said they had "orange sipping chocolate".

It sounded intriguing and delicious but not at 8am. A perfect reason to visit later in the day sometime. 

holiday mugs were rotated

Instead of black Friday'ing, small business Saturday'ing, super savings Sunday'ing, and cyber Monday'ing, I did a little of this and a little of that these last few days. There was some putting away and some taking out. 

 The water was changed in the "cuttings to root" jar, holiday mugs were rotated.

A Christmas CD was played, the tree was brought up, a new knitting project begun.

Consequently, I did not get big savings, free shipping, or any of those other "one of a kind", amazing, offers. 

There was time though to enjoy a cranberry cinnamon whiskey sour. I tweaked this recipe to make it a bit less sour and thus more to my liking. This is a lovely holiday drink, perfect with a spiced nut or a plain pretzel. 

1 1/2 oz bourbon
1 oz cranberry juice
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
1 cinnamon stick

Throw all that in a shaker with ice, shake well, pour into a glass - unstrained, add a slice of orange for garnish and an extra cinnamon stick if you so desire. 

P.S. EVERYday is small business Saturday in my book. 

gardening with a cat is like playing bingo with a kid

Some random thing filling my days lately have included the following. Barry (the newest Harvey Boy) came over to help with some garden chores out back the other day. I took his picture, sort of like a "first day of gardening helper school" photo. Gardening with a cat is like playing bingo with a kid. You forget how much fun it is until your are doing it with an enthusiastic partner. Barry approaches everything in the garden like it could be a lizard or a grasshopper. 

Sixty degree mornings make for most excellent walks.  On this one I passed 2 birdwatchers wearing the cutest sundresses ever. It was reminiscent of seeing a woman riding a bike in a dress, with a basket on the front containing perhaps a loaf of French bread and flowers, maybe a book and a blanket, picnic for one? Oh joy. 

I made corn muffins. Because Chris told me the cornmeal was going to "expire" in October. Having a bunch of corn muffins in the freezer is as good as having brownies in the freezer. Either make a a ho-hum meal better. Not that  we ever have ho-hum meals here at Tall Tales Headquarters. 

These sunflowers are mesmerizing. As in I could stare at them for long periods of time. 

Like I said at the outset, totally random.

a fortitude enhancer of sorts

To recover from working 4 days in a row, over the weekend, which isn't really a lot but feels like a lot when you have entered the world of part-time work, here are the things I did. 

Basically, fruit, succulents, coffee with friends (wait that might have been before the 4 days in a row - a fortitude enhancer of sorts), zinnias, playing around with left over napkin scraps to see what can be created with them, and finally strawberry poke cake. Because it's summer, it involves jello and cool whip, and it is the perfect dessert after any meal. So say I. 

kind of like playing with your toys

Recently, a wild idea to soak all the treasures that are laid out on a tray in the living room popped into my brain. A bit of a wash to rehydrate was my thought.

While proceeding to place them in a bowl in the sink, it was fun to handle each piece, recalling the place where it was spotted, who I was with, reliving it all (to the best of my recollection).

I think reconnecting with the water was good. I know dusting the tray was needed.

This was good fun. Re-arranging a collection greatly enhances the enjoyment of having it. Kind of like playing with your toys, right?

no ceilings except sky is my request

Given our current heatwave here at Tall Tales Headquarters, I am letting my mind wander in many directions. For example if I could change my present circumstances, I would be resting at this very moment on cool sheets, the exact color of these peonies, the air fragranced lightly with their scent, in the far distance the sound of wind chimes, my bed would be out of doors, no ceilings except sky (or a canopy of leafy green branches) is my request, a slight breeze across the cheek for comfort. There may also be a purring cat resting by my side. 

Where is your mind wandering today? 

I'm running with it

Happy Sunday from Kansas, where my very brief "rose season" has commenced. I cut these earlier in the week. 

Here is what they look like today. Colors fading, still lovely and fragrant.  

These were snipped this morning while I was sitting out back, having coffee, contemplating what the day would bring. Thinking about Dottie and Christy flying home from Maui today. Chatting with brother on FaceTime. Enjoying videos of Sister's new kit kats - Iris and Otto. Oh what a pair. 

It's hard to believe my part-time gig has been in place for 2 months now. I stepped right into the new routine and haven't looked back. More time each week to do whatever ...  is hard to beat. When I go to work, I continue to feel in synch with the work flow and don't wish I was retired. This balance feels right.  I am enjoying the morning commute sunrises right now, which are the very best at the end of May and first part of June. 

I just finished Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout. An enjoyable read, and just like the first book, Olive Kitteridge, it's an interesting format - interacting with the main character from her own perspective but also the perspectives of others. Excellent for reading a chapter or two before bed. I picked this up months ago from a free library in Lawrence. Going to put it back there this week. 

My sewing machine got taken to the shop for it's annual physical since it hasn't had one since 2017. Where does the time go? It's funny when you can't do something how you want to do it even more than usual. While I was scrolling through instagram earlier today I saw a photo about a red and white quilt exhibit up in Lincoln Nebraska that is calling my name. Must investigate. The Joanna S. Rose Red & White Collection here's a link if you are interested and in the area. 

Dianthus have been harvested, and I also took advantage of my friend Pam's invitation to get some of her peonies this week.

Spring feels extra good this year. At least it does today. Which is what we are given so I'm running with it.

I never use more than one cup in the morning

It's been awhile since I posted a totally unconnected series of photos, where I try my best to tie them together into a central theme, complete with characters and a plot line you can follow from beginning to end.  So let me give it a go, pay attention or you will get lost. 

This is really good pear I ate for breakfast sometime in the last month.

It may have been the same day that this book cover caught my eye at the library. It seems like something I should check out, but at the time I was headed out the door.

Probably on my way to take this walk and I wanted to get going before the light changed, or it got too hot or too cold.

For sure it wasn't this day because there is no pear in the bowl with the blueberries and bananas on top of the oatmeal. But I took this picture to tell you that oatmeal season was HERE and obviously it still is. Remember if you have leftover cranberries they are really good on oatmeal. 

I was so invigorated after this breakfast that I finished the scarf pictured below. I got in such a toot to finish it in fact, that even though I ran out of yarn when I was binding off, I carried on anyway, using one of the other colors in the scarf which you can barely see in the right bottom corner. Epic fail. I knew it would bug me forever so I ended up ripping it out. The moral of that story is listen to your gut when it tells you something is a bad idea. 

Actually, as I think on it further this was not the day I ate the oatmeal because the coffee cup is different in the second photo. I never use more than one mug in the morning unless I drop and break the first one, and I still have both of these. 

The END. 

This post has no sequels.

I promise. 

I might start thinking I can do more than is realistic

On Friday, on the way home from work, I DECLARED to sister that I WAS going to accomplish 3 things this weekend. I let her know that I was telling her exactly what they were so she could ask me if I did them, thus holding me accountable to someone for achieving them. This method of announcing to someone what I was going to do, worked for me about 27 years ago when I wrote in a summer newsletter for the local chapter of a nursing organization that I was going to learn to ride a bike over the summer. Which I did. 

I am here to tell you, that the 2 most important things on the list did get done. #1 haul old Christmas tree out of the basement and to the good will store - I have been intending to do this since we got a new tree last year. I would have photographed it sitting in the box by the door but I had to beat it out of there once I got it out of the car. If you have ever dropped something off at the good will on a Sunday morning when they are not "officially" open you know why.  

#2 replace water pump in fountain on front porch which went kaput a few weeks ago and I have ignored. The thing about this job is that it requires a fountain tilter/supporter and a pump/cord grabber. I assigned Chris to the pump/cord grabber position, which he managed swimmingly so he also got assigned the job of applying and smoothing the caulk. 

Once it dries, we will know if this job, that seemed to go much easier than I thought it would, was in fact successful. 

#3 was to start sewing this blouse that has been cut out for well over a year. Maybe two? The prairie makers are meeting near the end of August for a sewing day and I really wanted to have this done before that date so I can concentrate all my efforts on a quilt that day. 

Somehow, doing all 3 things seems wrong at this moment, late on Sunday afternoon. I might start thinking I can do more than is realistic. But mostly, I feel the need for a nap right about now, and I do have my priorities straight when it comes to the importance of resting and restoring. 

making mosaics can be addicting

State of the garden. Details: Sunday, July 11th at 6:05pm. Overcast skies. 75 degrees. 

Because making mosaics can be addicting and I must show them to someone.

sometimes all five feelings at once

When this clematis was planted I was informed it would sleep, creep, and finally leap - in regards to it's growth pattern.  This year it is doing whatever comes after leap. Some kind of massive move forward. Whatever that's called.

The buds before they open are as interesting as the flowers and never was there a more tenacious climber than the clematis. 

On a drive to work one morning last week the clouds moved over momentarily to let in some splendid shades of pink and yellow and blue. Oh it was lovely. I wanted to turn to the right, drive south rather than east, instead of going to work - drive into an unplanned open-ness. 

On a walk Sunday there was this remnant of a robin egg resting next to a yellow leaf. It was more turquoise than turquoise, it that's possible.

Knitting needles were picked up and a project with linen was begun. More as it progresses. I haven't knitted with linen before, it's different, but interesting and I kind of like it. 

Fresh asparagus dropped in boiling water for a minute, followed by an ice bath, a squeeze of lemon, and a shake of salt. 

These moments have not one thing to do with each other, except that they were all random. Snapshots from days that made me stop, or think, or be glad, or wishful, or appreciative. Sometimes all 5 feelings at once.  

they are worth the drive

Important things (not really) that happened last weekend.
#1. I pulled out Angie's rolling pin to crush the graham crackers for the crust for the first key lime pie of the year. The red handles help the crumbs be more uniform. Trust me on this. 

#2. The fuchsia dianthus started blooming.

#3. Cards/letters were written. 

#4. My favorite pew at the church of the glassy river was open when I arrived for services. 

#5. The stars aligned and Wheatfield's bagels (which they only have on Sundays) were purchased. Oh. My. Goodness. Toasted with plain cream cheese, they are worth the drive. 

#6. White lilacs were in the farmers market bouquet chosen for the table. 

#7. Corn muffins from America's Test Kitchen were made to go with the last batch of chili in the freezer from this winter. 

It's likely I have provided this recipe in the past, but if not, it's below (in really tiny print but if you click on it and print it, you can read it without a magnifying glass). They freeze really well. 

In addition to going very well with chili, they are also a fine accompaniment to any spring/summer soups you plan to try this season.

sitting there on my old beat up cutting board

A few things to highlight in the world of ordinary these last weeks, starting with my take on the mini flower arrangement at work, gathered from the dietician's "kitchen garden" at work. No one is there really early in the morning to catch me "poaching". Chives, oregano, parsley, and strawberry plants. It was what was blooming.

There is also this new vintage Santa that has come to live with my Santa's. It's from the collection of Marti Huff and will be absolutely treasured by me for years and years to come. A prize beyond measure. 

Tulips growing in my garden. They remain ever faithful, going on 12 or 15 years now. 

Speaking of tulips, the ones from the market last week deserve one more look.

I copied an idea from Sister and am drying a few of these petals to put in my everyday journal. 

There could be nothing more ordinary than a cut orange for breakfast with a scone, but seriously people, how beautiful is it? Just sitting there on my old beat up cutting board. 

How about a Kansas sky at sunrise? With a loaded lilac bush waiting by my car, perfuming the air as I stretched, at the conclusion of the walk. 

Followed by a honey latte and time spent unleashing a few thoughts into my journal. I think it is likely there are a lot of thoughts going into journals right now. About a lot of things. The pandemic has affected things that I did not foresee. It helps to work things out by writing. 

I just gave the inspiration board a bit of a facelift. Some things stay, some things go. Paintings from artists always appreciated.

living in the moment at it's finest

During the pandemic I have worked from home about 5 days. I can't decide if the best thing about working from home is:

A. A lunch that does not come out of a bag.

B. A very quiet office with a window.

C. The aroma of freshly baked shortbread cookies wafting upstairs.

D. The ability to observe the growth of the tulips while on the way to the bathroom.

Or possibly the extra hour of sleep obtained with the elimination of the commute.

But when push comes to shove, I am going to have to say the pumpernickel toast with cream cheese, hot sauce, a freshly sliced tomato, and a fried egg is hard to beat. 

It could be the best lunch I have ever had. At least it tasted like it at the time. Living in the moment at it's finest. That's what this lunch was.  

that orange color just says cha-cha-cha!

In the very ordinary arena these days, we have taken to playing cards here at Tall Tales Headquarters. Specifically, Rummy and War. When us Moss's were kids we played cards. A lot. I think Angie told us to go amuse ourselves, and cards filled the bill.  Chris on the other hand, never played as a kid. High time he learn, said I. 

The lovely deck above was a purchase from the Hammerpress store. An extremely nice set of cards, uniquely interesting, from high quality card stock with a great finish that makes for good shuffling. If you are someone who enjoys shuffling... which I do. 

War (in cards) is easy and fun. The only bad thing is Chris has won every single game since we started playing last week. There is no strategy to it, it's pure chance, so surely my time is coming? It's especially fun when we get a double war (as shown above). 

This cardinal was out back chirping his head off this week. Clearly as glad as I am that it's warming up outside. 

Above is an example of my new knife prowess. I decided it was high time I learned to peel an orange with a knife like they do on all the cooking shows, then place it on the plate in slices instead of peeled segments. The appearance pleases me greatly, as does less pithy bitterness in each bite. I will likely be looking for more things to peel and slice. Beware. 

These are the very very pretty tulips from the grocery store this week. That orange color just says cha-cha-cha! Don't you think? They are holding me over nicely as I wait for bouquet after bouquet of local flowers from the farmers market. Which by the way, opens April 10th.

all you want on a saturday

Rain interspersed with bright colors. 

Sometimes that's all you want on a Saturday.

light hearted evening loungewear is a thing

Recent events that warrant reporting include:

1. I have a ridiculously large amount of love for this painting in the new 2021 calendar from Paper Source, not just because of the gray cat, though that surely is part of it. There was just such a good feeling that jumped off the page at me when I flipped January over and spotted it. All the books, the yummy blending of paint. We love what we love, who can explain it.

2. I have discovered that colored pencils are fun to take out of their container and arrange in pleasing patterns.

3. Have I mentioned that I am now the proud owner of a pair of unicorn pajamas? Light-hearted evening loungewear is a thing. I am monitoring the website in case they come out with a design with cats, owls, or sheep next. But please the exact same fit which is perfect for my 61 year old physique. That may be a word only used to describe the male body, but I like it. I know "athleisure" wear is all the rage these days, but I'll keep my jeans in the daytime and pajamas in the evening every time.  

4. I am going to have to try my hand at this punch needle thing.  The chairs of my very old dining room table, found by Aunt Alice in a chicken shed somewhere out in western Kansas in the 70's, refinished with her very own hands, and given to us right after we were married, NEEDS cushions. That's what I think, and feel certain Alice is smiling as she considers me building on her legacy. Who has done this and who knows where to buy the "inside part stuffing/foam" for them?  Maybe it says in the book by Arounna Khounnora (bookhou). If you have purchased it tell me what you thought of it please. Her Instagram feed inspires me greatly.

Do tell me what has captured your attention lately. In case I need to investigate for myself. 

which may be a first in the history of this blog

You have probably consumed all of your holiday leftovers by this time, but if there is still some stuffing hiding in your refrigerator, you may want to try a "Leftover Holiday Salad". Yes, Chris looked somewhat askance when I told him I was making this, ELEVEN days after Thanksgiving. He has a more delicate constitution than I and is not a proponent of the "if it smells ok, it's ok" rule, which I follow. 

So the key ingredient is your leftover stuffing which should be cubed and placed on a cookie sheet (sprayed with olive oil) in a 400 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Key ingredient #2 is dried cranberries that you are going to pour some red wine vinegar over and get a quick pickle on them. Twenty minutes is plenty of time. 

Rest of ingredients are variable - I used chopped romaine, chopped smoked turkey, some roasted broccoli, chopped apple, and a few walnuts. All of this in whatever ratio works for you. Dressing was leftover from the Thanksgiving slaw - 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 T maple syrup, 4 tsp. dijon mustard, 1/3 cup finely minced red onion, 1/2 tsp kosher salt.  Mix it all together and let it sit while so flavors mix nicely. This was an excellent dressing which I will make regularly for dressing any kind of greens.  

I am already planning to make a pan of stuffing in February sometime, just so I can make croutons out of it. They really are that good. This salad has superseded my previous favorite way to use leftovers which was the toasted bread, cream cheese, turkey, cranberry sauce, sandwich AKA the cranky turkey.

Thus concludes the leftover post, which may be a first in the history of this blog, and is rightfully filed in the completely mundane category. Please feel free to share your dirty (or not) leftover secrets in the comments. 

I took a wonderful picture with my mind

This birdhouse was hanging up at the Airbnb we stayed at when we went to the Ozarks. I coveted it. I still covet it. If one of you knows where I can get one just like it please let me know. Otherwise Chris is going to have to do his best to imitate it. It could be the perfect pandemic project for him this winter. Though he might have a different opinion.  

As for me, I will be knitting. Since I finished my sweater I am fantasizing about my next big project. Meanwhile there are lots of small, 1 skein projects, being worked on. 

This moon was setting the other day on a walk. I love a setting moon. It has nothing to do with projects. At this time. 

There are plenty of ideas for projects in the most recent issue of making. If you love yellow, check it out. 

If you like cold weather, we have had our first frost (and snow) here in Kansas. I kicked myself for not having the Nikon with me when I saw the lovely outline of crystals on the leaves on this morning. 

But I took a wonderful picture with my mind, and a passable photo with the iPhone and called it good. 

how have I gotten through all these years without discovering your charms sooner

Featured this week in the usual, ordinary, commonplace, and regular activities of daily living I present the following:

Collected on a hike.

Cut from the garden.

Made in the kitchen.

Seen in the sky.

Eaten for breakfast.

Everything bagel with plain cream cheese how have I gotten through all these years without discovering your charms sooner? 

my needs are few

Three things about last weekend that sustained me through the week and have me looking forward to the coming weekend include the following.

1.  This cup of morning coffee. With the Sunday paper.

2. This spectacular sunrise, 7 minutes from home.

3. Sitting around watching this pot of succulents grow. 

I am a simple person. My needs are few.

ordinary and miraculous live side by side

Happy Friday all. Tonight it's front porch/back porch, fog, and my first zinnias from the seeds that volunteered up from last year (plus a coneflower, plus mint, plus Thai basil).

With clouds + shadows on hostas thrown in for good measure.

Because ordinary and miraculous live side by side, in much the same way that joy and sorrow can both be sweet, I sometimes get mixed up about what is regular and what is amazing. But let me be very clear... the bottom 3 photos, while only so-so in the quality category, are wondrous in content. 

The eggs have hatched, feeding is underway. There has been some fretting on my part when the mama seemed to be away from the nest "too much". Like I would know what is "normal". Fingers crossed. 

all in the name of keeping things balanced

Roses from my garden in a vase from a shop in Ft. Bragg, pandemic mail art deliveries, visiting cats, sunrise walks, clever signs, peony buds opening on the window sill, and an illustration cut out of last Sundays NYT's are among the things that have delighted me this week. 

We are headed into summer here. Hot humid days means rising early to tend to anything that must be done out of doors. Cool showers in the afternoon, reading under the soft whir of a ceiling fan, all in the name of keeping things balanced. 

drifting on a soft current

When you are on a walk do you make up stories? For example ... about how you walked up this lane and turned to the right and on the porch sat a friend that you were delighted to see.  But in greater detail... as in the house was a white wooden structure with a deep wide porch, with two gliders (complete with cushions) to sit on, and the sun was at just the right angle to keep you a little warm in the coolness of the morning. 

And there was a nice table between the chairs with a tray that had an old fashioned silver coffee service with a pitcher of cream and a glass bowl with sugar cubes, as well as a basket with a hand embroidered cloth covering freshly baked cookies for your friend and scones for you.  And you sat there and talked about how life could be so hard some days but with moments like this you believed you could get through. Then a fluffy cat walked by and rubbed on your legs and plopped it's head down on your friends foot. And there was nothing else you had to do the whole day long. Unless you wanted to, and if you did you could just get up and go, no explanation needed.

While I am at it, I will also admit that sometimes when I am on one of my extremely early morning walks, when no one is around, and I might be listening to music, I occasionally get the urge to lift my arms and move them like I am a bird drifting on a soft current. In case you were wondering, I do not make wild bird calls or hoot like an owl. Not out loud.

I believe in giving my mind free reign to wander in any direction it needs when it is outside of the confines of work. Over the years I have come to appreciate a good solo walk as the best springboard for all sorts of adventures. 

then I remind myself that is unnecessary

Three things that I enjoyed this past weekend were: store bought flowers, reading about war time journals in the Sunday NYT, and discovering that I really do actually like fresh raspberries. Especially with meuslix or yogurt for breakfast. I have in the past thought they had too many seeds. It's good to continue to expand your food horizons at any age. Sister said "blackberries are next". I told her I was drawing the line there.  

There were also puffy white clouds with sunshine, a short period of rain, and the ongoing parade of blooming things to make it all pretty much good.

I got sucked into looking at recipes for savory quick breads, because. Just because. Sometimes I find myself just sitting and staring when I could be "accomplishing" something. Then I remind myself that is unnecessary.

When/if I do decide to make some savory quick bread because it sounds like it would be good right out of the oven, slathered with butter, and accompanied by a glass of wine, I will be certain to let you know. So you can join me as a card-holding member of the "because movement". 

sweet, funny, a little madcap...

In case you are interested, incubation continues on the front porch of Tall Tales headquarters. The porch has been divided and agreements signed. Chris and I stay away from the nest, the robin avoids the rocking chairs, especially at cocktail time. 

The Japanese maple turned on the charm overnight this past weekend. It's just splendid. 

A Japanese maple leaf in the right light is just about one of the most beautiful things there is. Amen to a whole lot of beauty right now. 

The oak leaf hydrangea is pushing out new leaves like nobody's business. I think the maple and it are competing for some kind of award. 

Out back this statue from Angie's garden stands guard over a small bunch of tulips that were planted way back in 2008. I don't know why they have not been eaten by squirrels or how they keep performing when most of the rest that I have planted over the years have stopped. I am grateful. 

By the way, we did end up watching Harvey on Easter. Just the kind of viewing needed during Coronavirus times. Sweet, funny, a little madcap, and of course it's got Jimmy Stewart in it.  What more needs to be said?

 

follow my lead and do them all

This morning after cleaning off the table, drinking a cup of coffee, and making sure the redbud tree out front had suffered no ill effects from the "hard" freeze overnight, I FaceTimed brother. 

I told him I was about to spend $195.00 on a pair of mail order shoes that I could not try on, and wondered what he would do in this situation. Truthfully, I was thinking he would talk me down. He responded "well sister, I have two schools of thought on that". He noted we are older, our feet our important, we have always been of the mind that it's ok to pay "good money" for quality things, and dad used to tell us to buy the best in terms of our golf shoes.  I stopped him before he presented position #2 so he wouldn't change my mind. The one he had just helped me make up with his 4 salient points.

Once this critically important decision had been made, I took a photo of the cauliflower I was about to roast because it seemed really beautiful to me. On my quick walk today I noted the appearance of the yellow flower that blooms after forsythia and daffodils. 

Tonight we are watching Yours, Mine, and Ours with Henry Fonda and Lucille Ball. 

The garden, talking to your family, making questionable decisions, ordinary beauty, looking at the bright side of things you cannot change, and a good dose of old fashioned humor are all examples of the coping skills I am employing today. Along with a dinner of Chris made salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, a crusty roll with butter, and a generous glass of cabernet. I can recommend each of these things individually but really encourage you follow my lead and do them all. Substitutions that satisfy your personal preferences are encouraged. No extra charge. 

about our personal owl siting

The other day in the middle of refilling my coffee container with a bold rich blend of Italian Roast (the motorcycle on the front and the memory it evoked of the motorcycle riders we saw in Bavaria had nothing to do with my selection), Chris hollered from the laundry room - "hey look at this, come here!"

So I of course dropped everything, ran in there, and he pointed out a big owl sitting on top of the lamp-post right in front of the house. Which of course made me run for the camera, acting as though I had never seen an owl in my entire life.

Which is completely not true - Sister and I just saw some last year at the Douglas Family Preserve in Santa Barbara - but I digress.

He was as curious about me as I was about him and he swiveled his head around to follow my movements. He did not swoop down and land on my head, or snatch my hat, or anything dramatic like that. Still it was a moment that needed recording. Though I will admit, to seeing how some individuals could think I am going overboard about our personal owl siting. 

In about 20 years when we are rocking on the porch talking about the "old days when we lived through the coronavirus pandemic"  Chris will probably reach over and poke me and say (in a very excited tone) "and remember that day we saw the owl?", and I will pat his arm and say "yes honey"... like old folks do.

P.S. you knew I was going to show you a photo of this man on his Vespa didn't you? I was also going to show you the photo of the chocolate/cherry Bavarian torte we had with coffee at the cafe we were sitting at when we saw this. But that would have been going too far.  

if the rest of 2020 turns out to be this productive/instructive

Sometimes when I start making photo collages, it's hard to stop. I made this one the other day when I made the one of some of my favorite moments. All these moments were lovely too. 

I would also like to report on two other things I accomplished the day I arranged photos into a pleasing grid.

#1: Got rid of the fake tree in the basement (neither Chris or I have any memory of) that we had before we got the one we have now which by the way, we may (not today) need to replace because a whole section of lights isn’t working and has been deemed “unfixable”. 

2: Opened a bottle of champagne even though I was only going to drink several glasses with orange juice for breakfast and the rest went to waste. 

If the rest of 2020 turns out to be this productive/instructive it's going to be a BANNER year. 

in the manner I am most capable of at the moment in time when I am undertaking it

After contemplating how in 2020 I could strive to be better, kinder, healthier, more productive, less frivolous, neater, and more fit, I have decided instead to just keep on my present path. Waking up each day, tending to what needs done, in the manner I am most capable of at the moment in time when I am undertaking it. Which is why this post was sorted into the "completely mundane" category. Also because there is not a "totally lame" category. But one could be added. I could certainly strive to do that in 2020.  

Below are some of my most favorite moments of 2019. All accomplished despite my imperfections and foibles. Somehow confirming my plan for the coming year. 

Happy New Year!

noticing the color and the light

I have corn and green Chile on my mind and am searching for THE perfect recipe that uses these ingredients for Thanksgiving. In my mind it is a "plain-ish" side dish. No cheese or binders, not a casserole. Just corn, roasted hatch green Chile, some onion, salt & pepper. Before I just throw all that in a skillet and call it good, please let me know if you have a favorite recipe like this in your Thanksgiving wheelhouse. And if so, please share the recipe.

I'll just be here waiting. Watching as the leaves finish falling. Noticing the color and the light, how the green grass pushes through. 

she provided the reassurance I needed to just go for it

The list of completely ordinary things that have been happening around here lately includes pressing leaves, baking an acorn squash, buying store flowers, and washing blueberries. 

Leaf looking continues to provide much delight, especially when cats follow you as you look, sometimes threatening to climb trees.

The Fall 'over-the-table-light' adornment was put in place, and perhaps my greatest accomplishment was the wet-blocking, or stretching, or whatever you call the process for getting your needlepoint back into a somewhat square shape so you can get it framed.  

I will admit to being a bit nervous about it, but I followed the same principles used for blocking knitted items, after I checked with Joan (who has done this about a million times). She provided the reassurance I needed to just go for it. Sing it with me now ... ♫ that's what friends are for.

as clearly as if I had photographed them

On a recent early morning stroll, I walked by this pond, and took a picture.

Three things that I did not take pictures of were:
1.  A giant spider in the middle of a lacy cobweb that was covered in morning mist
2.  The woman walking three dogs with wagging tails, who waved at me merrily, as she continued to talk to the pups who appeared to be hanging on her every word
3.  The small grove of tall cottonwood trees whose leaves were being rustled (vigorously) by the morning breeze 

If you close your eyes, I am certain you can see it all in your minds eye, as clearly as if I had photographed them.

the clerks in the filing department of my brain

I like my Sunday New York Times served with a side of flowers. Or two. 

After a walk. With the coffee brewing. Coming back and forth throughout the morning. Giving proper time for one bit of reading to be stored away for retrieval before beginning a new topic. The clerks in the filing department of my brain are slow deliberate workers. If rushed, they put things where they don't belong or drop files on purpose. Both of which are best avoided. 

whichever of you is a turtle expert do tell me

The zinnia's were planted 5/30, the seeds germinated on 6/1, they survived the inch of rain that fell in a one hour time frame on 6/3, and this is what they looked like on 6/5 when I did my after work garden inspection rounds.  The larger one you see in the back is a volunteer that came up from last year.  I have about 6 or 7 of them too.  

Stuff like this excites me.  The red husker penstemon below are at their peak right now.  

Such a wonderful, reliable, care-free, flower that is easily spread but not overly invasive. 

Something else surprising and exciting this week was a turtle spotting in my yard. 

I have never noticed those bright orange markings on a turtle before.  Whichever of you is a turtle expert do tell me... is this common? Maybe I just haven't seen enough turtles yet in my life. In which case, I better start doing more looking.  

Thistles are blooming right now too.  

These are not in my garden, I pluck them as soon as I see them coming up there. But I certainly can appreciate them on a walk.  

Particularly when set against a nice blue sky.  

cutting, making, looking, tasting, and appreciating

Instead of going to the St. Patrick's day parade on Sunday we stayed home and trimmed the rose bushes, played with the Harvey boys, made shortbread cookies, and arranged daffodils.

Cutting, making, looking, tasting, and appreciating.  It was simply marvelous.  

not one bit ridiculous

Today is about some of the ordinary moments that occurred around PS Art Retreat No. 7, and are continuing today, at home. 

Routine things.  Like going to breakfast with your sister.

Or writing in the Blurb books that she made.  To keep track of our anything but customary adventures.  

Appreciating pom-pom sculptures and mosaics in the sidewalk.

Admiring the artistry of bakers and illustrators. On display for anyone to see as they carry on with the regular habits of daily life.  

Noticing the enchanting among the ordinary is a habit worth cultivating. 

Another basic activity on all trips to LA is the walk through of Sister's garden. This includes explanations of where cuttings came from, where they have been most recently transplanted from, how they like/dislike their current location, where they will be moving to in the future.   

I came up with a good plan this year as she was taking me on a tour of her succulents.  

I decided I would load up all my pots, drive them to her house in October, and leave them at Moss Cottage to winter over.  

Then, I will return in my chariot and pick them up in May. Good idea huh?

Not one bit ridiculous.  

Today, instead of a piece of that sweet potato loaf that you saw in photo #5 above, which was very delicious by the way, blueberries and pears were served up.  The perfect way to start this completely commonplace Saturday, and with that, I raise my coffee to you in salute of the ordinary.  

anything else would throw it over the top

This week's rundown of everyday, ho-hum, minimally interesting things that have been happening around here.

Mason jars hanging in windows in downtown Lawrence.

Altocumulous clouds in the sky at 3:15 in the afternoon.  

The front porch fountain.  Sans water.  Getting festivized.  

Discovery of a new side dish/salad/perfect lunch. I better stop there. Anything else would throw this post over the top and out of the category of completely mundane. Which would mean changing the category.  And I ain't got time for no nonsense like that.  

Helpful links:

Cauliflower Green Bean Roasted Chick Pea Salad

 

to assess consistency between boxes

This week's ordinary activities that were quite enjoyable, in spite of their routine-ness included (but were not limited to) studying the growth of the front porch succulents, 

 

marveling at teeny tiny roses, 

walking, 

cutting and roasting a butternut squash,

washing the farmers market lettuce for salads, 

prepping for dinners this week by making side dishes ahead of time, 

appreciating this amazing blue, 

putting together a collection of the smallest zinnias in a juice glass to go in the window in front of the sink so I can look at them while I wash dishes, 

observing what was growing on this railing, 

and finally, and I really hate to put this in a post I have categorized as completely mundane, checking out this box of animal crackers.  Just to be sure the taste still measures up in the new "cage-free" packaging.  

You'll be glad to know it does.  Actually I think they taste even better.  But just to be sure, Chris purchased several packages, so that we might assess consistency between boxes.    

if only all my clothing purchases worked out in such a serendipitous fashion

Sometimes, when you play your cards just right, you come home with something that goes with everything you already have.  

Like this past weekend.  When I had just THE vase for my farmers market bouquet.

AND, it went perfectly with the table runner that was already on the table, saving me from rummaging, shaking, trialing, and the like.  

If only all my clothing purchases worked out in such a serendipitous fashion.  Oh the time and aggravation it would save me.  

The thing is, I bought this arrangement because I loved the unexpectedness of the succulents and the cool green of the hydrangeas.  That seems like a formula that would not translate easily to wearables.  Unless I decide to only wear green.  Which could work, come to think of it.  

does it get any better?

Three random things that made me happy this week. 

A rabbit mug, kid writing, and dark chocolate.  Does it get any better? 

I added the category of "completely mundane"

It has come to this.  Photos of bok choy, mushrooms, knitting, and the beginnings of tax preparations.  Attending to the necessary. 

You will notice that I added the category of "completely mundane" in order to have a spot where this post could even be filed.