Tall Tales from Kansas

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.

finding your way to hang in there

Happy Valentines day friends.   You will forgive my lapses in posting as I struggle to think of things to say. How does one acknowledge all the hard stuff and keep moving forward. 

Looking at this old photo of Lewis on the table with conversation hearts, from way back in 2012... oh yes, that helps. Thinking about good things, trying not to ruminate too much on the bad, doing something to help where I can. 

Along those lines, there was an Art Zoom on Sunday. I was going to paint a whole page of cacti, but instead painted these stickers from my everyday journal. 

That Rebecca Ringquist had to go and post a photo of her Love Sampler on instagram which I of course had to get.  When will I stitch it? Sometime. How completely darling is that envelope with a heart painted on it that she sent it in? Love x's a billion!

McClain's had special cookies for the superbowl which were soothing in a slightly crunchy vanilla, with a hint of lemon, sugary way. 

Hope you all are finding your way to hang in there, however it works for you.

 

a lemon tartlet with whipped cream on the side

Along the lines of getting out, exploring, and making your own fun, as mentioned in my last post - yesterday I had lunch in Kansas City with the Huff's. We went to one of their favorites that I haven't been to in years - Andrés at 5018 Main St. This place has been around since the mid 1950's serving up Swiss-style confections. Yesterday I sampled the Quiche Lorraine, carrot salad, pickled beets, and a wonderful roll with butter - one of the best lunches I have had for awhile. Did I say it also came with a lemon tartlet with whipped cream on the side that was the perfect ratio of tart to sweet? Definitely worth a visit, if you can get the Huff's to go with you, all the better. Delightful company are they. 

I also went to the library to pick up a book and on the way out the door spotted this:

I had the best time getting these glimpses into the minds of others' perceptions of the pandemic. 

Maybe you are like me and can't handle long conversations about what it has been like. It's hard to listen sometimes when your own experiences are still right there. I have no energy for any debate about it. But this, this was different. 

As you can see, I was most taken with what kids had to "say" about it all. 

After looking at these, I might want to sit in a room with a bunch of kids and have them share their thoughts. Just what comes into their heads. Nothing programmed in by anyone else. 



High marks to the Lawrence Public library for this excellent project. 

pure love can ease a lot of hurts

There's a nice display of photos, found poems/collages, and individual reflections from the past year at the Lawrence Public Library right now.  I had not expected to be so captivated by it. 

This photo has to be my favorite. Pure love can ease a lot of hurts.





The Photographer - Jeff Burkhead has created a book: Our Pandemic Year in Photos - you can get it from him at [email protected] if you are interested.  The exhibit is worth a visit if you are local. 

crazy ritualistic dancing on Massachusetts street

Tonight, after work, before the rain, we sat on the front porch for 10 minutes before dinner. Because people it is SPRING, and sometimes in Kansas this season can be fleeting. As in only a few weeks so you gotta "get out there while the gettin's good". Someone said that, I think probably about spring in Kansas. OK, highly unlikely, but still.

The redbud's bud's are opening. It's a miracle. Everything is miraculous in the spring. 

Even the three tulips in my front yard seem stupendous. 

The vaccinated Huff girls (my adopted mother and sisters), came to Lawrence on Monday so we could celebrate the rite of spring. We did not do any crazy ritualistic dancing on Massachusetts street, but we did enjoy seeing each other and discussing easter traditions, Santa collections, books, Nancy's freakish ability to taste the difference between an original coke in a bottle versus a can, how succulents and other living things can be wintered over in a basement with grow lights, and how wonderful it was of them to bring me a piece of the famous blueberry coffee cake that is served every year for Easter at their family gathering. 

P.S. Chris is scheduled for his first vaccine tomorrow. I am more excited for this than I was for my own shot. Life is good. 

 

raising my glass to hope and health

While on my virtual art retreat this week, there were also lovely moments of just sitting, doing simple things. 

The satisfaction of hemming a top by hand, of recalling how to do a binding, of using up napkin scraps.

The honking of migrating geese overhead, Harvey coming to visit. 

Making muesli in the kitchen, morning sun hitting the clouds just so.

And on the very last day of my week off, being able to watch the inauguration. I have saved one last bottle of champagne for this very occasion, raising my glass to hope and health.  

that's how we are made

Some of the mighty oaks in our neighborhood are holding on to their glorious golden/yellow leaves with everything within them. When I walk underneath them and look up, it's as if I am in a cathedral. Seriously, what could be better? If you just whispered under your breath "10 degrees warmer today" I am with you. Kansas wind is serious when it blows. 

These temps combined with frosty mornings have me waiting until later in the day for walking. Sister and I are in agreement that jumping out of bed and heading for a walk early is our preferred modus operandi. But we adapt. That's how we were made. Even though we forget that sometimes. 

I am enjoying the spontaneous concept art installations I see on walks. Especially on the trail by the river. I named this one "painted tennis shoe on tree stump". Thank you creative people who do this. It's appreciated. 

I hope you all had a happy and safe holiday. While I am thinking about it... I may have shared this chart previously. But, with cold and flu season upon us, and with recent family gatherings, it could help sort out symptoms and guide you either not to worry, or to determine if you need to get a COVID test.  

I am not going to let myself worry about what the next weeks will bring in terms of numbers of cases, admissions, and deaths. I have jumped over all that to anticipating being vaccinated sometime in January. Fingers crossed.

This quote below was in the latest O Magazine. I cut it out and put it in the calendar/planner I carry with me all the time. It seems like such a healthy way to manage all the emotions that are circulating in the world right now. If you see me walking around with one hand out in front of myself and one hand over my stomach, you will know I am trying. 

That's all we can do. Thank you Hope Gaston from San Diego for sharing this bit of wisdom.  

a good way to approach the coming months

How about we discuss COVID today? Neighbor to neighbor. Across the back fence, or on the front porch. Grab a cup of coffee before you start reading. I'll wait.

I want to talk about how COVID is spreading now as opposed to early on in the pandemic, the hospital capacity situation, what's happening with vaccines, and what we should do about the upcoming holidays. I will try to stay on track with this outline

In the spring we heard about "clusters" of infection - in prisons, nursing homes, church services/funerals, and large gatherings. We still see this, but now the numbers are being driven by smaller gatherings in homes and communities - all communities. Small towns in more rural areas who early on had no cases, and did not feel the need to mask/isolate, are now struggling. Right now, Kansas has the fourth highest positivity rate in the country at 43.8% based on data from Johns Hopkins.

The community spread is also increasing the numbers of patients who are hospitalized. Yesterday in our hospital we had a total of 126 COVID patients - 84 actively infectious, 31 of those in the ICU, 12 of those on ventilators. The 126 also includes 42 patients who have "recovered" but are still too sick to leave the hospital. Non-emergent surgeries are being delayed to increase bed capacity for those who need those beds NOW. We are a hospital that routinely accepts critically ill patients from across a multi-state area who need a higher level of care than can be provided in their community. We are now not able to accept some of these patients. Can you imagine trying to decide which of 2 patients needs our care more, when clearly both do? The problem is we can't just put up tents or fixed wall facilities to get more beds. We must have the STAFF to care for the patients. There are over a hundred staff members who are unable to work because of COVID. They either have it, are awaiting test results, or are isolating/quarantining. All across the country hospitals are struggling with this, making it impossible for healthcare workers from one area of the country to travel to another area to help out, as seen previously in natural disasters. We are trying to figure out how we can transfer patients who no longer need our specialized care (but still must be in a hospital) back to their community hospitals to free up beds. Something typically not done. 

Vaccines are in the news. With both Pfizer and Moderna reporting promising results, work is underway to figure out the logistics of distribution and prioritization. Healthcare workers taking care of COVID patients will likely be in the highest category of need, followed by individuals in long term care/skilled nursing facilities, then essential workers, people who are at high risk of serious illness, and lastly the general population. These vaccines will require an initial injection, followed by a second injection several weeks later. The second injection must be the same vaccine as the first; they are NOT interchangeable. This is going to sound silly, but for vaccines to be effective, they must be given. We know some people do not believe in vaccinating themselves or their children. Please be very thoughtful about your decision not only for yourself, but for your household/community. At this time we do not know if these vaccines will need to be given annually (like the influenza vaccine) or perhaps semi-annually. Along those same lines, we know that being infected with COVID likely makes you immune from re-infection for about 90 days. This means that if you've had it you must still follow the same precautions as someone who has not been infected. 

Finally lets talk the holidays. Here are some guidelines for staying safe. Gatherings are best kept small - 4 at the most. Even at that, if you do not normally live under the same roof, you should be masked and maintain some distance especially while you are eating and your masks are off. Individuals coming home from colleges/universities are a worry - even more so if they are flying home. To quote Dr. Lee Norman of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, we need to "virtually carve the turkey" this year. Chris and I have cancelled our usual holiday extravaganza and will be dining alone. We are hoping to be able to take our usual turkey day hike outside with family in the area. Masks will be required, keep your distance, no hugging allowed, and bring your own thermos of coffee.  

The pillars of good infection prevention remain the same: wear a mask, continue to socially distance, wash your hands. This post is not meant to tell you what to do. Rather, it's what I think is a good way to approach the next months based on what is happening right now. Remember, this is a friend to friend conversation, one neighbor to another. It's based on my understanding of best practices to stay safe. I don't normally do this, but if this resonates with you, pass it on to your family and friends for a read. But only as my opinion, as a regular person, not a scientist, not a politician, just a citizen of the world.

a glimpse of the sanity and optimism I am hoping to see restored

This November we are having some warmer than "normal" days, which I am appreciating. It's great to be able to get outdoors for a bit longer and appreciate the last of the colors of fall.

With most of the leaves gone, I am noticing different things on my walks.

Sometimes I feel like I am walking through a museum. Everywhere I turn I see a masterpiece.

On Friday, when I was driving home from work, feeling sort of overwhelmed by the state of the world, I heard an interview on All Things Considered that gave me hope. It was with Atul Gawande, about a coronavirus vaccine. Though the interviewer asked a few questions that could have been responded to with politics and outrage, he instead focused on the new administration's plan to move forward and do their best. As I listened I had a glimpse of the sanity and optimism I am hoping to see restored in our country soon. 

Here is a link to the interview with a transcript if you are interested. It's only about 7 minutes long. Maybe you will find it helpful too. 

that sort of agitation right before slumber seems unhealthy to me

Last weekend, when the rain and I were racing to see if a 5 mile walk could be achieved before I got soaked, there was good stuff to see on the trail. Even though you wouldn't think it would be so on an overcast morning.

First let me mention the young man who was running in water sock/gloves. You know the rubberized kind with spots for each individual toe to fit in? I can only conclude he wanted to feel the earth beneath him more fully. Or maybe he left the house unprepared and pulled them out of the trunk where they had been stored since he did a river hike at the end of August? Sort of a make-do move?

Just past this newly cut corn, beyond the short silos, at the edge of a field I could see the golden lights of some industrial manufacturing plant through a misty haze of steam and clouds. My ears were occupied by the dogs at the farms who have set up some sort of a relay system, warning each other with a series of barks "hey someone's coming - look out for suspicious activity". For the nose - it was the smell of horses and freshly mown grass. All of these things, not what I would usually notice, all most pleasant.

But perhaps the best of all was this clever sign that I had not previously noted. On the door of a business across from where I had parked. 

It seems relevant to post this morning after what I hear about the debate last night. I myself could not watch so close to bedtime. That sort of agitation right before slumber seems unhealthy to me. Especially when all the news today is replete with analysis and soundbites. 

then I began to hear things white people say about racism

If I recall correctly, the decision to check out White Fragility was based on seeing something about it on instagram. So I requested it from the library and waited.  While I was "in line" I read some mixed reviews (links at the end of this post), which made me think about returning it before reading it, but decided to try it myself. 

As you see, I got the audio version and the overly cultured voice of the narrator (sorry Amy Landon, your voice is lovely but not right for this book, in my opinion) once again made me want to return it. That was strike 1. In the beginning I recall being very irritated by all the preamble about what we were going to hear/read about.  "Alright already would you just start!" was what I recall thinking. That was strike 2. Then I began to hear things white people say about racism that have come out of my mouth. Things that demonstrate my individuality. That make me different. So I kept listening.

Bottom line - there are some very valid points in this book. It has made me open my mind to broader perspectives of racism and to think differently about how we are socialized. This is not me telling you what to do. It's me saying I have work to do. Recommended reading.  

Helpful links:

John McWhorter's review of White Fragility.

New York Times feature on White Fragility. 

don't stand so

High marks to the person responsible for this sign on the Granada Theatre in downtown Lawrence. I do love a good sign. Especially when it makes me want to sing. And while we are on the subject of clever and music... 

Is it just me or are Jimmy Fallon and the house band (The Roots) AMAZINGLY talented? OK and STING too.

At the end of a crazy busy exhausting day I could come home and listen to this about 50 times and never, ever, get tired of it. This health care professional says THANK YOU for doing this essential work.

holding hands with you across the oceans and mountains and deserts

Tonight it's a hodgepodge of jumbled thoughts. Take what applies, ignore the rest.

Today, after my second full shift of working from home, Chris and I went out for a walk as soon as I closed up shop in my virtual workspace upstairs. When I saw this, I wanted to do a ZOOM sing-a-long with my siblings.  Oh give me a home, where the buffalo roam, where the deer and the antelope play..... I am going to open a meeting room with them tomorrow am and if they participate I will video us all singing together and post it tomorrow.  Do definitely hold your breath waiting for this.  Brother and Sisters - I will send you the lyrics tonight so you will be ready in the am. This is going to be fun. Take my word for it!

Have any of you considered what you will do if someone in your family is ill and tests positive for COVID-19 and you are caring for them at home? In case you were wondering about things, maybe this video below will be helpful?

In Kansas our governor (who is a rockstar by the way!) has extended our mandatory stay at home order through May 3rd.  It was disheartening to learn that Kansas is the 3rd lowest state in the US in terms of numbers of coronavirus tests done.  All the more reason for us to be staying at home.  

I wish you all flowering fruit trees and blue skies with white puffy clouds. No matter where in the world you are social distancing, I want to extend my thanks to those who have reached out to me here recently, I am holding hands with you across the oceans and mountains and deserts.

keeping our loved ones close in new ways

As a new week begins, let me give you a glimpse into how things stood at the end of last week at my hospital in Kansas City.  We continue to have an average of 25-30 COVID-19 positive patients in the hospital and roughly half of those are in the ICU - mostly intubated. There also continues to be 25-30 patients who have been tested and are referred to as PUI - persons under investigation.  We have had deaths and have also had people who have been able to be liberated from the ventilator and discharged.

Overall, in the metro area, the number of patients admitted to the hospital who are COVID-19 postive continues to slowly increase.  It's too early to know where we are on the curve. There is no evidence that it has flattened. In our facility we are prepared for a "mild to moderate" surge. We are ok on amount of PPE but continue to be very judicious with use.  An area of greater concern is the potential for/likely shortage of medications required to keep patients sedated and comfortable while on breathing machines.  

There are still no FDA approved medications for COVID-19 though we continue to use hydrochoroquine and azithromycin following specific protocols. The use of convalescent serum is also being investigated.  

There remains much that is unknown about this illness. Patients are staying on ventilators for weeks instead of days. Generally when someone is on a ventilator for longer than 10-14 days a tracheostomy is done to prevent further damage to the vocal chords and allow for longer term weaning from the vent. We are not doing tracheostomy's right now because surgery on a COVID-19 patient poses significant risk for transmission of disease.  In addition, once a patient gets a trach they have significant ongoing aerosolization of secretions, and this creates a constant high risk for transmission of the virus.  We have seen patients who seem to be getting better precipitously take a turn for the worse, and some patients we thought would not survive, suddenly improve.

We are treading water, trying to be realistic and prepare families for potential deaths, while also understanding their need to hold on to the potential for a miracle. 

What we do know is that it still makes the most sense to continue our current state of social distancing, being vigilant to avoid transmission, washing hands, working from home if we can, reaching out to others virtually, keeping our loved ones close in new ways. 

the trifecta of of holy water, frankincense, and myrrh

I do NOT engage in political discussions on this blog. BUT, I am going to have to respectfully insist that those responsible for overturning the Kansas governor's ban on gatherings of larger than 10, on the basis that it is a violation of religious freedom, please instead go to church - instead of coming to the hospital if they become ill. 

Those of us on the front lines of the pandemic, who have witnessed the death of individuals whose illness can be traced directly to contact from a church gathering, can not understand the logic behind politics as usual. Not in the face of science and the evidence that social distancing will help decrease illness and death.

While I can not enforce it, I would like to absolutely insist that those individuals who insist on attending services and not following social distancing guidelines, who subsequently become sick and infect countless others, shelter at home and utilize the trifecta of holy water, frankincense, and myrrh and forgo standard treatment with hospitalization, oxygen, and perhaps an opioid.

If this seems harsh, and I realize it does, please imagine your sister, brother, spouse, or child as one of the ICU providers I witnessed this week working tirelessly, at tremendous risk to themselves, to resuscitate a patient who ultimately died.   

Thanks for allowing me to rant. Just a bit. 

P.S.  in case you hadn't heard what our legislators have been up to - read about it here.

P.P.S.  I also want to say that the vast majority of religious organizations in this area, have already cancelled services voluntarily.

it is hard to believe we are discussing this - and not in the theoretical sense

Today I thought I would share a bit about what it's like to be working at a healthcare facility in the middle of the United States these days.  All experiences and thoughts are mine alone. Other parts of the country, other hospital departments, and other individuals perspectives will almost certainly vary.  

On Friday, at a morning briefing with medical leaders, we learned that we have a total of eighteen COVID + patients in the hospital, 10 are in the ICU, 6 are on ventilators. We have 22 additional patients "under investigation". By today, 3/31 these numbers will have changed.

Elective and non-urgent procedures/surgeries are being postponed. This will enable our hospital to increase capacity to meet the needs of patients we expect to be treating in the days and weeks to come, AND help ensure we have the personal protective equipment needed to care for those patients.  I would guess we are at about 60% of our normal capacity presently; which makes it feel eerily quiet in the hospital right now.

Temperatures are checked when you come to work. Visitors are not allowed except in very specific circumstances. Isolation precautions are being re-evaluated and we are all following very specific guidelines for how we protect ourselves with different categories of patients. We have had hospital employees who have tested positive but are all related to community spread, not patient contact. 

Clinic visits are being cancelled and we are moving to a "Telehealth" system. The structure and processes for these visits has been in the planning stages and it was predicted it would take 12 months to get up and running.  Over 800 visits have happened in the last week.

There are no FDA approved therapies for patients who test positive at this time. Some treatments are being used on a trial basis with very specific criteria. Most of the care we are providing is supportive. This means doing everything we can to help the patient get through the episode of illness- while having no specific remedy. 

We are reaching out to colleagues across the country and the world to see how others are handling specific situations. We are talking about the need to have conversations with people to determine their preferences for care in light of COVID-19. Would they want to go on a ventilator? How long would they be willing to stay on? Who will their decision maker be if/when they can not speak for themselves? This is especially important for older patients with other chronic illnesses, but really everyone should be talking about it. We have all seen accounts of young, previously healthy individuals who have become critically ill and died as a result of this disease. 

Planning is in place for how we will deal with potential shortages of medications for comfort if this becomes a reality. It is so hard to believe we are discussing this - and not in the theoretical sense. 

Meanwhile the moon continues to shine in the western sky as the sun goes down. Venus is currently making an appearance alongside. I only know this because Sister has instructed me to "GO LOOK!". So I do. 

                                                  The Sunday night sky as seen from Tall Tales Headquarters.

marmalade cats are good therapy

Hello there three day weekend. I have plans for you. Starting with part 2 of the very close examination of the budding habits of all the trees in the state.

After that I will focus on birds, their unique calls, and why crows chase each other like a couple of kids on a playground, except in the sky.

Then I will review recipes to figure out what to do with the last bags of frozen blueberries and tomatoes in the freezer. It is highly likely they will be turned into tomato soup and blueberry snack cake, but you never know, I may change my mind. Though even now I am thinking about how nicely they would go together for next weeks lunches. It is really important to have a nostalgic, delicious, lunch to look forward to these days at work.  

Two weeks ago I kept thinking "well ok, bad things are happening, but surely this will turn around".  I am the eternal optimistic always looking for the bright side. 

All this week I have been waiting for the other shoe to drop... while still hoping that it won't... but how can it not? The future seems uncertain in so many ways. And yet, tonight I am grateful that the members of my family are safe, that all my team members are well, and of course for the chance to rest and renew this weekend. As soon as I hit the "publish" button, I am going outside to look for a couple of orange cats to play with. Marmalade cats are good therapy.

I am touched by any little thing recently

Earlier in the week, while I was enjoying the tulips on my table.

The ones that replaced the daffodils.

I heard a bunch of honking horns, so I did what you, and any other naturally curious person would do, I jumped up to see what was what (without knocking over the tulips I might add).

I looked out the front windows and saw a group of cars driving around and around, waving and honking. A few of the cars had signs that read "we miss our schools". For some reason it gave me a lump in my throat and I ran out to the front porch to wave in appreciation. And solidarity. When I came back inside my voice was quavery as I told Chris about it. Such a small thing, but for some reason connecting in a teeny moment, across the social distancing, felt perfectly right. 

It was like seeing the picture of the labryinth on sister's blog, and reading the poem Kitty O'Meara wrote that she posted. I read it to my office mate's this morning and I cried while reading it. I couldn't help it. I am touched by any little thing recently. Maybe you too? 

Way back in 1979 when I was a very young nursing student, Sr. Evangeline Thomas told me "you have the gift of tears". I assured her it was more of a curse than a gift that I cried so easily. But she just smiled at me. Smart woman. 

I am giving myself lots of grace these days. And buying tulips when I must go to the store. 

thank you Kansas for making me proud

Can I just comment on the confidence boost I received from the governor of the state of Kansas – Laura Kelly - boldly stepping out, as the first state in the country, electing to close ALL schools in the state for the remainder of the year? Yes, I understand the hardships it will impose on families. I also understand that the times we are in call for measures that even one month ago would have seemed crazy. Decisive leadership, relying on experts for guidance about the right things to do is what will get us through this pandemic. Which brings me to Dr. Lee Norman, the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. 

We don't need business (politics) as usual. Statements from leaders that only serve to advance their agenda or support their "team" will not be helpful.  Thank you Kansas for making me proud.

because troubled times call for it

Even though the other day I spoke about being quarantined in a somewhat lighthearted manner, please do not confuse me with someone who doesn't take what is happening right now seriously. This new Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is changing how we live in the world everyday. I am not going to tell you how you should respond to the disease, there are plenty of experts out there offering advise on how to stay safe and providing recommendations for things you should and should not be doing.  

I will tell you that I absolutely can NOT get on board with the man who told me this week "that coronavirus is God's work - it's him telling us to pay attention to what is important and come back to him". I have categorized this take on the pandemic in the "complete and utter nonsense" category. Delusions abound in chaotic times.

I can also not get behind the people who say they are going to "carry on with life in the usual way". This kind of thinking will contribute to the spread of disease and increase the risk of critical illness and death for those in high risk categories. Please educate yourself if you must travel, considering how your choices will affect those you love. 

Toilet paper stockpilers... quit it. Enough said. 

Choosing to stock up on books from the library before they decide to close however, is a whole other matter. Reading books at home is on the list of things the CDC says you should do if you are forced to spend time in quarantine .  What I mean is it should be on the list. 

If I may be so bold, I am also going to encourage baking a St. Patrick's Day Lime Poke cake or something else completely ridiculous. Because troubled times call for it.

Buying daffodils and placing them in strategic locations around your home to make you smile is also highly recommended.  

we proceed with life as we know it for the time being

In the event that house quarantine becomes a thing in the future, there may need to be a slight reduction in the amount of True Vine Ranch blueberry jam that is being lovingly spread on toast today.

However, until such time arises, and because as of last inspection there remained 3 jars in the pantry, we proceed with life as we know it for the time being. 

This laissez faire approach to life also includes the frivolous burning of candles simply for atmospheric and aromatic purpose without a shred of necessity.

helianthus annus

It's officially sunflower season in Kansas. According to me. Based on what I am seeing at the market and along the by-ways.

Wanting to try and get a sunrise (or right around that time anyway) photo, I catapulted out of bed at 6:25am one day this week and headed for the closest field.

Unfortunately, it was a cloudy morning. BUT, as luck would have it, I was the only person there. Just me. And the Sunflowers. Which was glorious. 

There were some crickets, birds, and a stray grasshopper or two. None of whom wanted to be photographed.

In the sun, in the shade, on a cloudy morning with a tinge of pink in the sky, facing east, or heads down, anyway you look at them, sunflowers are pretty special. I am so grateful to the farmer who planted this field and made them accessible. 

even though I have no way to give you pot pie to go with them

At the September meeting of the Quails we drank wine and beer, celebrated a birthday, talked about what Nancy was going to be wearing to her daughters wedding this month, and then the discussion totally jumped the tracks when someone said "what about the Catholic Church?"

At which point we all let loose with our individual feelings.  I should say that for me personally, having 2 glasses of wine, always greatly loosens any sense of decorum I may at one point have had, and results in public use of my salty sailor vernacular.  If any of you Quails are reading this, know that I am trying to work on this, though you would not have noticed any improvement during this discussion. 

When it comes to discussions about the Catholic Church I can get pretty hot headed.  This latest report on child sexual abuse in Pennsylvania is no exception.  I think at the very heart of my anger is my perception of the lack of women involvement in the highest levels of an age old institution run by men. You should know that it frustrates me beyond belief that in this day and age there are still not women priests in the church.  When I read responses from the church to this report that say "the Catholic Church of today is not the same" as the one when this child sexual abuse occurred and was covered up, every instinct within me wants to shout "THE HECK IT's NOT!"  

I don't know why I felt the need to express my opinions about this topic today.  Maybe because of my dream the other night where someone told me I had the chin of a nun?  Dottie I wish you could have been at our Quail dinner to lend your thoughts and expertise on this issue.  As it was, it felt right to be talking about this out loud, in public, and have the waitress chime in with her opinion as well.  

The beef and mushroom pot pie with an incredibly flaky crust stood up quite well to the discussion by the way.    I hope any of you reading will add your thoughts on the subject, even though I have no way to give you pot pie to go with them.  

P.S.  in the name of full disclosure I consider myself to be an "enlightened catholic"

I wanted to touch them

If you live in the area, and are planning to come to Lawrence for anything before Thanksgiving, here is something you should check out. 

On the west campus, at the Dole Institute, there is an exhibit that highlights the role of the wives of soldiers who were missing or prisoners during the Vietnam war. 

It's a small exhibit, but powerful and informative. 

It is worth the 30-45 minutes it takes to go through and read and listen. 

This is the first time I have been in the Dole Institute.  It's an impressive bit of architecture. 

It also happens to house two pieces of the World Trade Center.  I wish they hadn't been enclosed in glass.  I wanted to touch them. 

peonies first, safety second

Eyes were on the sky Saturday morning at the farmers market. 

For extremely good reasons.  Wind, wind, and wind!

It was literally "blowin' up a storm".  Which we are used to in Kansas.

Feet were on tent poles, canopy saving moves were being made, and all hands were on deck to avoid umbrella disasters. 

Right when I got to Mimi's booth her sign came clattering down, and it was time to head home.  When I described in dramatic detail (sound effects included) the experience to Chris he said "well it's a good thing you came home when you did...  safety first".  To which I replied "no, actually it's peonies first... safety second". 

Happily, Karen was there this morning so I could make my purchase.  About an hour after I got home things blew over in my neighborhood and I went out on the front porch for coffee.  While I was sipping I came upon this great read, which I pass along in case you would enjoy reading it with your morning coffee tomorrow! 

we take care of the ordinary business of living

Today, in the words of  a former co-workers father,  "I climbed back into myself and carried on".

To be more specific, what I did was make a pumpkin pie and look at pictures of Garrett and Gavin and K-Ray.  In my mind I constructed long elaborate stories for them and we told each other "knock-knock" jokes.   There was hugging involved. 

I talked with my friend Mary Joan.   Plans for a get together were confirmed for next week.

Chili was taken out of the freezer for dinner tonight.  Images were cut out and photos were printed to glue in my 2017 calendar/planner. 

I sat in front of the fire and knitted, returned a book to the library, and prepared for the window cleaners who come tomorrow.

Because this is what we do when things don't turn out the way we planned.   We take care of the ordinary business of living and continue to do the work that must get done.  And we eat pumpkin pie...  while remaining hopeful. 

 

those of you who are perhaps a bit less enamored with fall

Today, on the autumnal equinox, it seemed right to try out another knitted pumpkin pattern.  And so I did.  I used leftover bits of yarn.

The pattern was a bit fussier than the extremely simple one I did previously.  Lots more stitches and increasing and decreasing and the like, but it does add an element of realism to the finished product.  Even though my stem looks a thimble.  

And now there are two.  Until I try the next one.  I have one more pattern to go.  There are 3 contenders on the shortlist of the "best knitted pumpkin pattern".  I intend to declare a winner. 

For those of you who are perhaps a bit less enamored with fall and all things pumpkin, I give you this perspective on the season.  I do so enjoy a clever read.  I intend to go back to the archives at McSweeney's (which I added to my Feedly) and read every other article ever written by Sarah Hutto.  

we should have gotten some salty fries to go with it

You know how when you get older and you think back to some of the things that you thought were so delicious way back when, and then you go back and taste them again and wonder how you could have possibly thought that?   Something like, say a Shamrock Shake from McDonalds.  Where you never, ever, eat now because you prefer to spend your calories on something that tastes better and is more nutritionally sound. 

Yesterday Chris and I decided to try one.  Just to see if it was still that perfect blend of mint and vanilla with neither flavor overpowering the other.  OR, to determine if it had never really been that great, and nostalgia was just making us think that it had been.   While we were out looking at cars, he veered into the drive through and ordered one up for us - without the whipped cream on top and without the maraschino cherry because I swear they didn't use to have those.

I took one taste, looked at Chris, and said "crap, this is really good".  Then he took a taste and said "we should have gotten some salty fries to go with it". 

I hate to say this, but the Shamrock Shake is in fact, even better than I remember it being.   We have made a pact to limit ourselves to only two a year.  Which means we can still go back in the next 9 days and get another one. 

it was and we didn't

We had vanilla cake with vanilla icing at our house this week.  On Sunday.  For the Golden Globes. 

For a spectacle like this award show, it's important to go all out.  Treat it like a party in other words.

And what's a party without cake?   

For the record, I would just like to  say it was Chris's idea.

Except for the sprinkles.  That part was totally my idea, even if I came up with it at the last minute.

And yes, we did cut it at 3pm.  To taste it to be sure it was light, fluffy, and delicious and did not need to be thrown away and started over.

Which it was, by the way, (light and fluffy and delicious) and we didn't (throw it away and start over). 

Happy 92nd Birthday

Before the hard freeze hit this past week, I got real clever,  and brought in this geranium from the front porch

...and gave it a haircut

...so I could take some cuttings to root for next year's front porch geraniums.

I hated to do it because it was so pretty (even though it doesn't look like it after the haircut), but it would have died completely in the freeze. 

I am enjoying the last of the blooms indoors now, and come next spring I will have two geraniums to put in pots on the front porch.   

I know I could buy big huge healthy geraniums next year but this is a special geranium from Arkansas.  I am on a mission to see how long I can keep it going.  

P.S.  Marti Huff the geranium above is for you.  Happy 92nd Birthday.  When are we getting together for lunch? 

Gosling alert!

A quick update to let you know that I continue to check on the goslings regularly.   They appear to be getting plenty of rest, are eating the prescribed amount of grass, continue to perform like champs in their swimming maneuvers (baby geese have very big flippers), and .... from what I can see, they have started to sprout feathers!

The adult geese continue to amaze me with their diligence.  Always watching over the developing baby geese.    

I have no idea when they are going to be able to spread their wings and fly but boy I will miss them.  Happily, from what I read, they return to the same spot every year to lay their eggs.   Oh joy. 

the REAL story of the problems with Typepad

You may have heard that there are problems with posting to, reading, and commenting on Typepad blogs.  Just between you and me what I think happened is the weekend crew at Typepad headquarters decided to have themselves a little Easter fun this past weekend.  It started out nice and orderly like this:

 

But then a certain someone dipped their egg into the yellow cup just when someone else was going for the yellow and that led to a big mess that was fueled by someone else shaking up the vinegar and spraying it all over the place and some of it got on the Typepad motherboard accelerator.  Seriously, I'm pretty sure that is exactly what happened but no one wants to admit something like that.  A call has been placed to Penelope Garcia to see if she can get them out of this mess.

Easter shenanigans of all kinds have been forever banned at Typepad. 

we live in a social media world

I read this column in last Sunday's paper with interest. 

When I first started my blog in April 2011, I was uncomfortable taking photographs in public.  I went about it very surreptitiously.  Almost embarrassed to be doing it.  Kind of like the first time you make up your mind to wear bright red lipstick.  I felt like an imposter. 

Those days are mostly long gone.  My camera is now my friend.  We like to go out together in public.   When I see something that makes me go "oh", I tell my camera and together we decide on a good angle.  I am very respectful of the object of my lens and never make a fuss about snapping a shot.  Sometimes I will ask before taking a photo;  if I get an inclination that I should.  I have very seldom been told no.  

Be it good or be it bad, the bottom line is we live in a social media world.  I have always thought that you should not have the expectation of privacy if you are hanging out in a public venue.   I guess I can understand if someone thinks maybe you are going to use their picture inappropriately, and for sure I understand parents who might not want their kids picture taken for that reason as well.  What do you think?  Discuss amongst yourselves and get back to me on that one. 

reviewing my choices while waiting for the cinammon rolls

I might be missing out on something by not going to the polls on Tuesday to vote. 

But I gotta say that sipping on some coffee and reviewing my choices while waiting for the cinammon rolls to come out of the oven beats the heck out of standing in line.  

Bras Across the Kaw

"Bras Across the Kaw" is a breast cancer awareness event that has gone on for several years in Lawrence.  I missed getting a photo last year so drove to the bridge over the Kansas river this past Saturday morning to get a shot.  

I was not expecting this.

To say I was moved to tears would not begin to express the emotion I felt as I walked slowly across the bridge all by myself on a chilly October morning reading each of these messages.   It's a powerful tribute. 

celebrate Octoberfest

Chris brought home a fine selection of beer today so we could celebrate Octoberfest.  He reminded me that fall is about things other than baking and mums and leaves. 

Hey, I am an equal opportunity celebrator.  I like beer too.  Just as long as I can have some pretzels and spicy mustard with it.   I was really wanting one of those big, soft, warm, yeasty, pretzels you can get at the market in Budapest.   But I made do. 

the difference between an equinox and a solstice

The official first day of fall began today at 9:49 am Kansas time.   I mentioned it to Chris at breakfast and he started looking it up (once a researcher, always a researcher).  He then proceeded to give me a tutoring session on the autumnal equinox.   I got something about the sun lining up with the equator and equal hours of light and dark and then the cream of wheat with blueberries and brown sugar took over and I tuned him out. 

What I do know is that I like the shadows created by the angle of the sun at this time of year.

I am happy to see the leaves turning on the Japanese maple out front, and I am in the mood to bake snickerdoodles and gingerbread.   

Even though the science behind the changing of the seasons is over my head, and  I don't exactly know the difference between an equinox and a solstice, my internal clock is somehow in alignment with it.   

I am enjoying each and every last day of the zinnias before they are zapped by the frost that is coming soon.   Today when I went out to cut them there was a big fat yellow spider right on top of the yellow zinnias.  Never seen one like that before.  I hope I don't dream about it crawling into my ear tonight.  I would NOT enjoy that.  Not one bit. 

eating foods that begin with a P

Hey!  I just got a hot tip on the BIG game tonight.  Angie has called her bookie and put down some cold hard cash on the Patriots.  She is convinced they are going to win.  To seal the deal she has purchased all the appropriate snacks...

Yes - Popcorn, Pizza, and Pistachio ice cream.  I hope all of you are eating foods that begin with a P at your super bowl party too.   I may not have shared this with you previously, but Angie knows her stuff when it comes to predicting a winner. 

She's already figuring out what she is going to spend her winnings on.   She does NOT believe in the "don't count your chickens before they hatch" philosophy.