Tall Tales from Kansas

she told me I would get down on my knees and thank her

Weekends have a new freshness to them, when every Monday is not a work day. There is time for piddling. Selecting flowers for the first mini flower arrangement of the season, sitting on the front porch after pulling weeds. There is soil to be turned and amended, mulch to be laid, all in good time. 

My mind turns to thoughts of road trips to see Brother and Dottie and Sister. How would it be to jump in the car and go. Would I decide halfway to Albuquerque that it was a bad idea? No way to know except to try...

These are the week-old tulips right before I tossed them.  Let me age like a tulip please.  

I was a few minutes late for my date with the sun this week. It started without me, which was fine.

The tree sparrows are nesting in all the houses at the Baker Wetlands.



Green grasses are pushing up. 

Trails beckon and the wild phlox is blooming.



Oat milk lattes are a new favorite. Very creamy with a nice mouth feel. 

My finds from the beaches of California are sitting on my table and I am moving them around on different surfaces. It's addictive making patterns with different combinations.



In entertainment news, which you know will be old because Chris and I are the last one's to see whatever the new thing is. We started Atlantic Crossing last night. Gripping is how I would describe it. It is based on some thread of truth - how much I don't know, but I am seriously down a rabbit hole of looking up what was happening in Norway in WWII. We are watching on Amazon prime. There is only one season, 8 episodes. 

I was telling sister about it until she reminded me that she told me about it eons ago. She also told me I would get down on my knees and thank her when I followed her advice and watched Last Tango in Halifax and Seaside Hotel when we are done with this current series we are watching.

this sense of opening up

Spring weather in the midwest can translate to glorious skies. Here is a perfect example from last week. 

Looking up the river and across to the other side, the reflections of the remnants of the storm on the water were wonderful. 

Just straight up was pretty good too. 

Especially as I turned for home and the sky got blue. This year we have had a wonderful bloom on the redbuds which are native to the area. 

Really marvelous. 

This has not a thing to do with clouds or storms or redbuds, but the birth of a leaf is pretty cool when you can catch it. 

On this morning walk I ran into quite a few birdwatchers. They told me the migration websites had indicated conditions were excellent for spotting warblers. It's nice to talk to someone who is just completely delighted with what they are doing and happy to answer questions. 



After the walk there was time for a latte and playing around with my new brush pens. One of the nicest things about working part time is this sense of opening up, slowing down, making time for just hanging out. 

a box of whoppers

after a weeks worth of morning beach walks in california, easter sunday was a bit on the brisk side here in kansas this morning

but there was still good stuff to see and the bunny left me a box of whoppers in my basket

flowering trees and shrubs + candy + chris making easter dinner tonight = win, win, win

in true great-aunt Alice fashion

The very best thing about the snow on Thursday was not that it was pretty. Which it was. 

Nor was it the way this cardinal stood out among all the white and gray and brown.  Which it did. 

The BEST thing about the snow was when these 3 budding entrepreneurs rang the doorbell, shovels in hand, and asked if we needed the driveway cleared. Heck yes we need it cleared! Could we do it ourselves? Of course, but that is not the point. Not when you have 3 kids who want to make some money and are willing to work for it. 

They organized themselves quickly, one on the porch and front walk, the other two on the driveway. Within 25 minutes they had it cleared. I thought that was record time given that we had about 3 inches, and it was a bit on the heavy side.  We paid them what it was worth (more than they asked) and advised them (in true great-aunt Alice fashion) not to sell themselves short at the next house.

P.S. I might have told them to come back the next time it snows. Which could be tomorrow. 

wherever you are in the world

Happy Saturday ( or maybe Sunday by the time you read this) from Tall Tales Headquarters. I treated myself to the 12 dollar tulip bouquet from the grocery store today. Because I, like the rest of the world, am in need of comfort.  

I finished reading Crying in the H Mart last night. A memoir by Michelle Zauner, whose mom died when the author was in her early 20's. I think it was so insightful, at her young age, to realize that she may only have a short time with her mother, and she chose to go be with her for the last months of her life. I don't see a lot of people who do that. No judgement here, it's just hard when we are caught up in our own lives filled with work, kids, spouses, obligations... to just put all that on hold. 

Also, this book made me want to explore the entire world of Korean food. She describes it all so vividly, including how her mom taught her to appreciate it.  The book is recommended, if you are in a place where you are able to read about a daughter losing her mom to a terminal illness. Not everyone is right now. 

Is this photo below not the MOST adorable picture ever? I think it's the authors mother and aunt. 

On this regular Saturday there was a visit from my dearest of dear neighbor cats, Harvey. Talk about comfort. 

He was just enjoying the sun, sniffing the grasses, and was up for a giant squeezer hug from me. 

That's it tonight friends. Be well wherever you are in the world. 

moments of joy wrapped up somewhere inside it all

Over the holiday weekend, after it turned too cold outside for humankind, I made another mitten for the holiday garland, filled the bird feeder (twice), and examined the frost on the northeast facing bedroom window upstairs. 

Upon completion of those chores, sister and I did some Art Zooms where I engaged in tree painting and drawing, from ideas found on holiday cards and instagram. So many good ideas for having fun. 





After that I got the bright idea to hem up the new flannel shirt Dottie sent me for Christmas. You may think that's too many pins to use, but on an edge with curves, the more the better. For me. 



I drank many cups of hot tea to stay warm and tried to catch up on back editions of the the book review from the NYT. Sometime during all of that the idea of adding a tree to the pygmy forest worked it's way into my mind. 





The last very last page of Everyday Journal #7 was finished, a new one begun, and I took a photo of the Christmas tree for posterity. Do you recall where you have placed your Christmas tree in every home you have ever lived in? Nowadays, when we take photos of everything, most people could scroll back and look. But I can't remember where it was in our first home in Lawrence... back in the late 1980's. 







The tree was completed just in time for supper and now it's back to work tomorrow. Happy 2022 everyone, whatever it brings, there will surely be moments of joy wrapped up somewhere inside it all.  

isn't that a good thing

Tonight as we prepare to enter a new year, begin a fresh journey, one foot in front of the other, heading into the future... I can't help but look at a few good moments from the past year. So hard to only choose nine, and isn't that a good thing? 

Happy New Year's Eve from Tall Tales Headquarters where Chris is making pizza for dinner and our entertainment for the night is watching Holiday from 1938 with Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn. After the movie, a book is waiting by the bed. I hope your plans are ones that bring you the same sense of simple satisfaction.  

until I see the next one

The astounding-ness of the fall colors continues. Unabated. Undiminished. 

But the winds do blow, and soon the leaves will be gone. So my eyes are open, pictures taken with each blink, stored in the albums in my mind. 

The variety does not disappoint. 

I think each one is my most favorite, until I see the next one.

a person easily satisfied simply with the contemplation of creating

My very, very, very, most, most, most, favorite thing about having a few days off in my immediate future is thinking about all the things that I could do. Whether they get done or not, does nothing to diminish the absolute pleasure in letting my mind flip through all the potential options. 

A few things that have been occupying days off recently have included updating my inspiration board, delighting in autumn window displays, and fall flowers on the table. 







There was also setting the table for dinner guests, something not done in a very long time. Enjoying in-person conversation with family over a meal of ham and beans and cornbread.   



Watching the leaves turn and fall off the trees, saying goodbye to the bougainvillea for another year, and cutting down some of the dried zinnias also got done. Chores don't necessarily top the list of things I am excited to do, but it sure feels good to get them done. 

I also stumbled upon the image below from Lion Brand Yarn, which fueled my long held desire to make a granny square afghan or throw or blanket of sorts.



I quickly sent the image to the Prairie Makers to see if anyone else would be interested in a granny square discussion/project. We shall see if anything comes to fruition. As I said at the beginning of this post, I am a person easily satisfied simply with the contemplation of creating. The large rolodex of ideas in my mind has unlimited storage space available.  And that friends, is a very good thing. 

ready to move ahead into whatever this fall is bringing

A few things of note lately on the local front.  Dashiel is loving his new digs on Massachusetts street. 

The blueberry scones are almost as good as the orange cranberry scones from Chonky Treats. I can't help it, I have a bad habit of loving my first love best. 

My latest knitting project is happening right in time to blend with the Halloween color scheme on my table. 

La Prima Taza - maybe the oldest (and certainly one of the finest) coffee shops in Lawrence has opened it's doors again. If you go when it's hot get the "Iced Indonesian" and if it's cool outside ask for it warm - I personally like it "half sweet" too.  It's a treat. 

The Dahlias are going strong. With a few added zinnias to fill in as the week went on. 

The Halloween banner is up and the rest of the decor will soon follow.  I like sitting in my living room looking around at all the treasures made and collected through the years. 



Finally, in the last 7 days, I have received my annual flu shot, a covid booster immunization, and a TDAP injection.  I feel invincible. Nothing more than a sore arm with each shot. I am ready to move ahead into whatever this fall is bringing my way.  I am dreaming of adventures near and far. Even when they only happen in my mind I like thinking about them. 

when I did not wax poetic for so long about the file cabinets in my brain or my theories about a good life

I heard a line today from someone about how it is easier to recall memories that are unhappy while sometimes the good ones glide by and are lost.  I wonder if that is so. Maybe?  I know I can recall with absolute clarity various incidents when someone has "done me wrong".  I could recount very specific details to you, even years after the fact. 

Wouldn't it be great if we could go in for a mind cleanse? A procedure of sorts where you could isolate things you would rather just forget about... if only you could let it go. Think about the space that would provide for your good memories to breathe and emerge renewed, with greater color and depth.  

I am forever on the path of trying to look for the good in the everyday, thinking this will lead to a more peaceful, satisfied life. It's just so darn easy to get tripped up by things we can't do a thing about. At least not in the present moment.  

Now this Brookie, pictured above, is something I do have control over, that is simple and delicious, can be eaten in several sittings and I am pretty sure when I recall it in years to come it will have grown even more epic in flavor and pushed some bad stuff out of my head.

It's kind of an example of more is more. A sharp contrast to last night's post when I did not wax poetic for so long about the file cabinets in my brain, or my theories about a good life.  In case you are wondering, the Brookie is an unusual combination of a crisp chocolate chip cookie, a deep, dark, moist chocolate brownie, and cream cheese frosting all rolled into one attractive package. It's available from those Chonky fellows at the Lawrence Farmers market. I think we have 4 or 5 more markets until the end of the season in case you were wondering. 

sometimes less IS more

The combination of the these zinnias and this little gourd, with a very long stem, is the very definition of serendipity. 

And maybe I'll just leave it at that tonight. Because sometimes less is more? 

how much my future self is going to love what I have done

Tonight it's pictures snapped here and there that are part of everyday life.  Regular moments that said "hey take a picture of me".  The moon setting out the back door in the very early morning. Cherry tomatoes on the counter. Blooming succulents. Mist rising from the pond on a 48 degree morning. Freshly washed dishes. The way this plant, whose name escapes me at this exact moment, has done so well all summer and seems to be getting pinker as the temperatures cool. 

Pretty soon (as in I should be doing it right now), the fall gardening tasks will have to be started.  Selecting succulents to winter-over, dumping out the pots of annuals, cleaning the pots before it gets cold, doing some weeding…. I always appreciate it in the spring when I have done a reasonably good job in the fall.  That's the thing - telling my current un-motivated self,  come April I will be paid back in dividends for the energy invested now.  I like trying to trick myself like that. Sometimes it even works. 

when planning an adventure in the mind the more detailed the better

Last night, in our imaginations, Dottie and Mary Ann and I planned a rendezvous on the Mendocino headlands. We were to meet at 6:30 am by the big tree in front of the white house and from there would proceed out to the trails that wind around the coast above the ocean.

After our walk we would make our way to the Good Life Cafe and Bakery where I would get avocado toast, Dottie the tofu stir fry, and either a strawberry danish or biscuits and gravy for sister. When planning an adventure in the mind the more detailed it can be the better. 

This was the walk taken instead. Which was equally glorious, though I would have appreciated the company of my sisters.





After a weekend of work it feels good to get up early and re-acquaint myself with the joys of an early morning ramble, especially when part of it involves a light sprinkle, and an encounter with 2 deer.

cloud study # 62

Sky with clouds. Sunday morning between 6:33 and 7:32 am. It was glorious.

Note to self: go outside and look up more often. 

I was raised to believe you can have more than one favorite of anything

This month's ordinary stuff has included walks,

Skimming through this wonderful book about birds which is packed full of little bits of things you have likely always wanted to know, in a format that does not get overly detailed and is beautifully illustrated. Check it out from your library to decide if you MUST own it. 

Evaluating the progress of the succulents that I thought would die from too much rain (they haven't) and showing them to sister who told me that my string of fishhooks was actually a string of dolphins. Which in hindsight seems pretty obvious. 

Wrapping packages, mailing cards.

Drinking latte's and bringing cold brew home. 

And... watching the moon, in the early morning. It's my favorite time to look at it. Except of course when I am looking at it at night, which is also my favorite time to look at it. I was raised to believe you can have more than one favorite of anything. 

I stopped in to pick up a loaf of seeded utility bread

A couple of real ordinary things that have made me smile lately include this sunflower upstairs by my computer. Just one. I like to rotate it 180 degrees, sometimes displaying the front and sometimes the back.

This mural on 9th street in Lawrence.

Swordfish served with cauliflower, squash, and saffron risotto. Pickled carrots and onion on top with micro greens. A dinner out with friends. Getting them in while the getting is good. 

A "skeleton" leaf seen on a walk. 

A wild riot of colorful zinnias snipped from my very own cutting garden. Truly there is nothing that feels more luxurious than this. 

Enjoying an iced coffee on the patio out back at 1900 Barker when I stopped in to pick up a loaf of "seeded utility bread". It makes the best toast for breakfast and is also perfect in the bread basket at your next dinner party. 

Helpful links: 1900 Barker

peace, love, and a whole lot of tamborine

Tonight I have some favorites with a slight twist to tell you about.
The first is the sun setting from my view above the clouds, on my plane trip home from Los Angeles, through a dirty window. Still spectacular.

Second is my new pajamas.  A "custom" set of capri pants with a short sleeved top from Print Fresh Pajamas. The thing is the short sleeved tops come with shorts but no capri pants. Unless you ask. Which I did, and they complied. How is that for great customer service.This print is called "camels courtyard", but I refer to them as "Midnight at the Oasis" as per the Maria Muldaur song from 1973. 

Thirdly is a new for me plant. Tillandsia aka the airplant. Which actually does need water to grow, but no soil. Sister had one and I saw several tucked in interesting places on neighborhood walks with gardens. It might become my new favorite plant, strategically placed alongside some sea shells and dried American lotus heads?  

New spins on old favorites. It keeps life interesting. Which is not essential, but does add a certain enjoyment to life.

P.S.  for those of you who NEED to hear Midnight at the Oasis - here it is, in the original, no twist. Still catchy. If this isn't emblematic of the 1970's, I don't know what is. Peace, Love, and a whole lot of Tamborine. 

I am going to NEED to know which of you remember this song fondly from "the day". I am picturing several of you in your hip hugger jeans, flowers in your hair. You know who you are. 

I hope in your life you will be lucky enough to be gifted a jar of strawberry butter

I am on hospital duty this weekend and won't make it to the market. Instead I present some favorite recent moments including poppies, clouds, and cardinals. 

I hope in your life (sometime) you will be lucky enough to be gifted a jar of strawberry butter. It's other-worldly in it's deliciousness. Not too sweet, with that hint of cloves and ginger, perfect on a well toasted bagel. It's not an apple butter substitute, nor is it a replacement for jam, it is something that can not be compared to anything else. It just IS simply spectacular. Thanks Meredith!

While we are on the topic of butter... how about this buttery yellow? Deep inside these white/pink peonies.

The fountain got turned on last week. Always a good moment. This particular pump is on it's 3rd year... maybe? I better order another one while I am thinking about it. I am so sad that our water garden store in Lawrence closed it's doors this year. It was so great to just walk in there and talk to someone about what you needed... and they could HELP you. 

While I am on the front porch, what is it about taking a cutting and trying to root it and start another plant from one you already have? 

Angie used to do this all the time. Sister takes cuttings too and so does Dottie. I'm sure it's not just a Moss thing. When it comes to plants, the urge to propagate is strong. Apparently. 

when it's hot enough to have to turn on the air conditioner to sleep at night

Way back in April when the Magnolia trees were blooming, and the sun was shining, I took these photos. But forgot about them.

I figure there is no reason not to put them up now.

I was going to tell you about the great ice cream sandwich I had for dessert tonight but I ate it before taking a picture. So you just pretend you are sitting in a glider looking up at these blossoms eating whatever your favorite brand of ice cream sandwich is, and call it good.

Consider this a public service announcement - when it's hot enough to have to turn on the air conditioner to sleep at night, it's time to stock the freezer with ice cream sandwiches. 

P.S. also, clearly this is a dogwood tree and not a magnolia, if anyone is keeping track of such things.

on the hit parade of the ordinary

On the hit parade of the ordinary this week, here are the top 8 on the charts.
A tiny flower arrangement,  

a Chinese fringe tree, 

a breakfast, 

an evening sky, 

rain on plants, 

a solitary coffee shop visit, 

this year's crop of iris, 

and just one more of Pam's peonies.

The End. 

P.S. I am also grateful for all catastrophes that might have occurred this week that were avoided. When you work in healthcare, you often think "that could so easily be me or my friends/family". The older I get, the more often I pause to breathe in and out and be grateful for my good fortune in THIS moment. 

buds on the new redbud tree were observed every few hours

This weekend was occupied with very important things that needed to get done. I was all prepared to complete my part of the work on the taxes until I heard the deadline has been extended until May 17th. This caused for a change in plans. No sense in being done early. 

Battleship was brought up from the basement. Have you played recently? Good clean fun. What's not to like about sinking your opponent's ships? 

A few areas in the flower beds were cleaned up. Last year's blooms clipped from the oak leaf hydrangea.

A mind clearing walk was taken. 

Biscuits were made. The kind that rise high, with many flaky layers. 

Biscuits were eaten. As is. The tops are brushed with butter before baking and the addition of honey, jam, jelly, more butter, would be superfluous. For me not to want honey on a biscuit is saying something. 

The buds on the new redbud tree were observed every few hours. Because I am beside myself at the thought of them blooming. 

We also watched Robin's Wish this weekend. A documentary about the discovery, after his death, that Robin Williams had Lewy Body dementia.  Definitely worth watching. It focuses much needed attention on the tragedy that is dementia and the accompanying symptoms. 

the not so ordinary, ordinary review

These eggs are not for Eastering. They are just for peeling and eating. Ready whenever I get a hankering for an egg, or need one to throw in some tuna salad. But do not, for one minute, think that just because they are not for decorating does not mean they are not pretty. As is. Completely unadorned. I love the way the light reflects off their smooth, shiny, wet, surfaces.

Chris photographed this cardinal recently out back. Notice how he captured the underneath side of the tail feathers.  Purple/blue with a pleasing pattern formed by the layers. 

It's daffodil time and I could not leave the grocery store without a bunch. Or two. 

The red sunset maple has started its transformation from buds to leaves. It's an annual, multi-step, routine, process. 

A green oxalis jumped into my basket this week. You have to get them while you can around these parts. I love a purple one for the front porch but wanted a green one this year too. Because why not. 

And that wraps up this edition of the not so ordinary, ordinary review. Brought to you by regular me, in celebration of consistent, reliable, average things that make life better.

throwing my desires out into the universe

This goldfinch and I had a staring contest the other day. So unusual that he did not take flight when I quietly crept  outside to take his picture. You can see he still has his winter colors on... but they are beginning to turn. We have been doing our best to keep these visitors supplied with fresh food all winter. 

Visitors that have been a wonderful distraction, and reminder that life goes on, no matter what. I told him to keep coming back and I will make sure Chris keeps filling the feeder. 

Which also reminds me that it's time to put up the square wreaths that go on the front windows in the spring. The ones the Robin's prefer to build their nests upon. 

Today it got up to 60 degrees here in Lawrence.  After 13 below last week. It's crazy. Crazy wonderful to think that spring is around the corner. I am dreaming of porch sitting. Wondering if my little redbud tree will have a good flowering this year. Thinking about traveling somewhere soon. Looking forward to regular visits with my Quail friends. Imagining the days when I can get up to watch the sun rise on a morning ramble. Hoping all my favorite coffee shops in Lawrence will re-open for my kind of Sunday morning church services after a walk. Sometimes just imagining that all this might be possible in the coming weeks and months is enough. 

In the face of no answers, conjuring up all the things that are good about the world seems right. Some might call it delusional, for me it's just throwing my desires out into the universe... all the better to make them happen. If you believe in that sort of thing. Which I do. Today. 

a sturdy, farmhouse cake, with a tart lemon flavor, moist crumb, and buttery undertones

Yesterday, when our temperatures dipped into the single digits, and it was generally unpleasant outside, we tucked ourselves in, cozied ourselves up, and stayed put.

There was this lemon meringue slab cake to make and heels to turn. No matter that the only color of reinforcing yarn I have is not a perfect match for these socks. It will remind me in years to come that I made them during the depths of winter in a pandemic and "made do". 

I haven't made socks in a year or so. It does make me feel especially clever when these non-intuitive aspects of knitting are accomplished successfully. 

There was also a ZOOM early birthday celebration for Chris and Ann. We each made our own cheeseboard, opened a bottle of wine, discussed exercise programs and ring lights and a new gluten free bakery, played the intitial game, and decided that this was a perfectly acceptable way to celebrate.

But back to the cake. It has been calling my name since I saw the photo on the magazine.  

It did not disappoint. In fact, it exceeded my expectations. A sturdy, farmhouse cake, with a tart lemon flavor, moist crumb, and buttery undertones. The meringue is life-changing. I do not believe I am overstating that. This recipe will be my new go-to meringue for Aunt Mabel's chocolate pie. It is thick and smooth, slightly sweet but not overbearing, the perfect consistency, it sticks to your lips when you take a bite causing you to lick them repeatedly as you murmur "mmmmm". 

Recipe enclosed in link above so you don't have to take my word for it. 

it seems like you should have an answer for that sometimes

The most productive thing I did on Sunday was flip the calendar from January to February. Yes, I roasted Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, made lunches for the week, paid the bills, sent out some mail, and changed the sheets. But I didn't really "do" anything. 

You know how on a Friday when everyone is so looking forward to the weekend and you are asked "what are you DOING" this weekend? It seems like you should have an answer for that sometimes. I am going to start making up responses. Things that are believable and possible but totally fabricated. Then I am going to write a book about it. It will be appropriately titled, This: 52 Completely Fictional Accounts of Weekend Plans. 

Other things of interest:
1. We watched the last episode of Poldark on PBS. I was thoroughly satisfied with the wrap up. 
2. Sister told me about Blackbird, a movie about a woman who has a debilitating terminal illness, and elects to take matters into her own hands while she is able. Free on Amazon Prime. Sister and I differed a bit in our opinions about some aspects of it, but completely agreed we liked it. 
3. There was a really interesting article about smell in the NYT magazine this weekend. Link follows if you are interested. COVID and the sense of smell. 

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.  

the 5 day reset

I just completed my annual 5 day "re-set" program. You know, one of those things you challenge yourself to do for the heck of it. So you can see if your fortitude will win out over your desires. My re-set relates to eating and consists of trying to go very low calorie for 5 days in a row, no alcohol, plant based foods, and then at the conclusion resuming my usual eating habits but maybe being a bit more mindful of what I am putting in my mouth.

Food and I have a mostly healthy relationship but as with everything in life we also have our problems. I could never commit to giving anything up completely. The second I feel deprived things can go off the rails. Except with the 5 day re-set. That is a personal challenge to myself.

One of those things that is under my control, unlike so many things in the world.  The ability to focus my attention towards things that help me. That's what these seemingly unrelated photos all are. 

Strong emphasis on nature and the out of doors. 

Plus the indoor puttering and rituals that reflect the seasons. 

A good candle, fun matches, and a nice tablecloth can be very conducive to a healthy session of daydreaming.  

If you are someone who likes to collect yourself at the beginning of the year and do some kind of re-set, renew, recharge, I hope it sends you off in the direction you are aiming for.   

In a sturdy boat, with a spare oar, and a map of the stars to guide you. 

text messages and phone calls all ignored

In the first week of 2021, when I have not been working, I have occupied myself with an exploration of poetry.

As in reading, and also doing my own version of newspaper black-out poems, in the style of Austin Kleon.  Have you tried it? You must. It's fun in an unexpected way. Meaning the interesting finished product (I just circled words I liked without thinking how it would end up), as well as the pleasure of blacking out the unwanted words. The polka dot tape was my own idea. 

Maximum enjoyment is being derived as well from the neighbor kids' snowman,

and the filtered sunlight coming through clouds and bare branches on the day we cleared the driveway.

Red and white and green are still in evidence here at Tall Tales Headquarters. In the form of flowers as well as a house that remains fully decorated. 

There will be time enough in the days to come to slowly pack it all away. Work days are full of hurry and urgency. Much to accomplish, with only so many hours in the day. When I am at home, I feel the need to move in 3/4 time to make up for that. 

Today I was still for a long time as I read this WONDERFUL article that Dottie told me about. Text messages and phone calls, all ignored. While I sat, captivated once again by the writing of Ann Patchett. 

the world needs more talking empathic reindeer

The days after a holiday are best for "cozying in". Settling on the couch, only doing just what you feel like, when you feel like it. Staring into space, napping, you get the idea. 

I made a teeny tiny mitten and hung it on the garland over the fireplace.

Then I looked at a new cookbook and picked the first recipe I was going to try in it. 

Because I was not yet ready to get up from the couch, I next worked on a regular sized mitten and flipped through all the wonderful photos in the calendar from Dottie. 

Then we batted around what to have for supper, settled on chili, and I made cornbread. It's going to snow in the next few days. Leftover chili will be just the thing after a commute home on a blustery day. 

Our most recent holiday movie selection was Blizzard. Thank you Jaihn for this suggestion.  I had never heard of it. It was sweet and wonderful, AND free on Amazon Prime. The world needs more talking, empathic, reindeer who help young girls in need. 

your bag of antidotes to counteract badness

After reading the Sunday NYT this past week, and specifically Julia Rothman and Shaina Feinberg's weekly column on money in the business section (Scratch), I have decided an early post pandemic vacation destination will be Brooklyn.  To see Iris the bra-fitter. Seriously. How can you read this and not feel the need? Since Dottie and Mary Ann and I all want to go to New York, I guess I will have to see if they want fittings too. In which case, we may need an entire day. 

In my mind I planned out the whole trip while I had coffee by the Christmas tree. 

This frivolous wool gathering left time for just a short walk in the afternoon, where the light on the cottonwoods against a blue sky was pretty great.

After that, the very last of the garlands that go on the light fixture over the dining room table, were precisely placed to achieve the effortless jumbled together look. 

In the long run, all that matters is every time I walk by it, or glance at it from across the room, it makes me happy. Another antidote to the chaos of everyday life. I subscribe to the philosophy that your bag of antidotes to counteract badness should be small enough to be portable, but large enough to get you out of a variety of funks. 

necessary shields that can be drawn upon as needed

The best of the regular stuff these last days has included:

Deciding this yarn and this pattern should go together. Both have been in my possession for years but for some reason didn't find each other until this week. It's funny how "stuff" can get buried and rediscovered. I am having the best time with the #2 double points.

A campanile walk on a cold late morning, no one around. Just me and my frosty breath.

The pumpkins have been properly stored away and a fond farewell said to the one from the farmers market that served as a perfect base for an arrangement of the best of the fall foliage. 

The Christmas table runner came upstairs to grace the table for the month and the holiday mugs have made an appearance. 

 Every year it's like opening the best presents again. 

I am making the MOST of every second of outdoor time. This vine creeping up this tree with those red berries was a little moment of perfection. I took it in deeply, like every other one of the things I described above. Necessary shields that can be drawn upon as needed to deflect any situation that calls for it.  

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.  

uneventful days are so under-rated

A day off after working the weekend, sleeping all the way until 7am, finishing reading the Sunday paper, these are the things that make life sweet. 

At the end of the day a nice sunset right out back, chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes for dinner, and reading a good book in bed... what could be better? Normal, uneventful days are so under-rated. 

halloween napkin optional, but highly recommended

My halloween started with a walk by the light of a very full moon in the west which gave way to a lovely sunrise in the east. Temps in the mid 40's, light breezes, the thought of 3 days off ahead. I'll take all that over a bucket of candy anyday. 

Especially when you are making baked pumpkin oatmeal for breakfast.

With lots of warm fall spices that get toasted along with the oats and pumpkin before baking. 

Then topped with pears, apples, walnuts, greek yogurt, and a drizzle of bourbon syrup. Coffee on the side. 

Halloween napkin optional, but highly recommended. 

There was also a lovely art ZOOM with sister, Sharron, and Joyce with a surprise cameo appearance by Dottie. While they all sketched I worked on my napkin scrap creation. There is much satisfaction to be gained from moving squares of fabric around in different configurations.

Topics of conversation included, but were not limited to the following:
Bicycle safety, why "family standards" are always the preferred recipes at the Thanksgiving table, and our unanimous agreement with the idea that "the world will be saved by beauty".  

I hope you spent your All Hallows' Eve in an equally satisfactory manner. 

P.S. I could not resist one more shot of the pumpkin oatmeal from a different angle. 

right at this exact moment on a chilly Sunday evening

"Show and tell" worthy photos from the past weeks that I haven't gotten around to showing and telling about include: a super sunset, the Harvey boys in full on hunting mode, a morning walk in Lawrence, exciting news about The Raven Bookstore, and cool trees. 

Right at this exact moment, on a chilly Sunday evening, while I click away on the keyboard, Chris is making meatloaf with mashed potatoes and succotash. Dinner roll with butter, served on the side. I hope your weekend is concluding in an equally warm and nourishing fashion. 

which may or may not look like I think they will

Some of the very routine (some might say unexceptional - but they would be wrong) things that have gone on around here recently include finding a cool speckled feather on the Kaw Valley farm tour,  

Chris making a batch of bierochs, 

the first hedge ball siting of the fall, 

what may (or may not) be the season's last vase of zinnias, 

the fall garland coming out of the basement, 

selecting new fall nail polish colors (which may or may not look like I think they will on my toes),

and red leaves that floated into my hand (not really) on a hike. 

It's shaping up to be an AMAZING fall season.

are spiders like knitters who follow a pattern?

It's the time of year for candles, getting out the fingerless mitts, and flipping through magazines with fall images. This combined with zinnias that are still blooming, and an afternoon high in the low 70's, is the perfect time of year. The best of 2 seasons mixed into a transition. 

The jeans have come out for morning walks, at the wetlands mist rises from the water in the cooler air.

The spiderwebs are everywhere. Do you suppose they are like snowflakes? As in no 2 exactly alike; or are spiders like knitters who follow a pattern but incorporate some individual uniqueness as they spin? My money is on the latter.

Last week gardeners were preparing to put in the mums at Kauffman gardens, while the Cannas were still in bloom at Loose park.

The craving for a BLT for dinner persists, but if Chris said we were having chili and cornbread tomorrow I would not complain. 

Last night I had crazy mixed up dreams about going around at work to check the status of the coffee and coffee filters in all the break rooms, then it morphed into making sure there was toilet paper in all the bathrooms. Jeez. I am fairly certain there is not a seasonal reference there, perhaps just the transition between sleep and waking. Combined with the need for coffee and the call of nature?   

in a private car, on a journey to a place you have been longing to visit,

Below are the five random regular things I most want to share with you this week. They are not rank ordered. I sprinkled them from the camera and this is how they fell out.

The incredibly fragrant rose I liberated from a bush at the park, where I sat with my "orange blossom" latte, after a walk. 

My new favorite "mask up" sign, seen downtown, on the door of the Dusty Bookshelf, on Massachusetts street.

The red-headed woodpecker, spied overhead on a walk, when I just happened to have the Nikon with me. I have not previously seen a woodpecker whose ENTIRE head was red. 

This latest vase of zinnias which are still producing like gangbusters. I have already told you to plant some of these next summer right?

The curve of this railroad track. Can you look at it and not imagine being onboard, looking out the window, while you sit in a private car. On a journey to a place you have been longing to visit, notebook open ready to write about what you will see and do, because you don't have to bother with driving. Knitting beside you if your hands want to do something. 

I think before I die I must take a long train ride west. To see what I can see. 

a 6 oz carton of vanilla yogurt sitting in my refrigerator at this exact moment

In the ordinary domain over the past weeks, here is what has gone on: 

I discovered that in addition to the little free libraries, we have this in Lawrence.

The bougainvillea out back is anything but regular, August/September is when it shoulders the work of making the deck look good.  

I have not checked out the Quarantine Cat Film Fest yet. But seriously I have it on my to do list. Because I am an active member of the cat video fan club. 

Sandwiched between rain on caladiums I am dreaming of stitching projects, inspired by one of my thrift-store table runners. 

And while sitting at that same table, staring at the table runner, I came across this photo of the "11 carton cake" which I have no business whatsoever making.

Except for the fact that there is a 6 oz carton of vanilla yogurt sitting in my refrigerator at this exact moment that wants to be transformed into a cake of exceptional deliciousness. 

I am going to distract myself by staring at zinnias and see if the urge will pass. If it does not, that will mean the cake baking was meant to be. 

celebrating the commonplace

Tonight its a jumble of topics, loosely pieced together with a beat up roll of yellowing scotch tape instead of thread. Photos will not necessarily match content, except in my mind. 

First of all and before I forget - I just discovered this: Diving In - the podcast
In this episode Louise and Virginia (the hosts) discuss The Dutch House which I loved. It was like being part of a book club but with my own refreshments and I didn't have to contribute to the dialogue (unless of course I wanted to and then I interrupted at will).  Plus they talked about 2 other Ann Patchett books that I haven't read, but now want to. Win. Win. Win.

A big dose of pure LOVE in the form of a visit from a cat. I would not trade these random occurrences for anything. In the whole entire world. 

Pressed flowers taken out to put into the everyday journal. All from morning walks. 

The discovery of ALL the Little Free libraries in my town. We have many. Very fun to drive by, have a look, drop off, pick up. No membership card required. I am sorry if you were behind me when I was driving around trying to figure out where some of them were. 

Flowers in front of the sink.

You can not imagine my glee when a bird that looked just like this one flew across my field of vision on a recent walk. NEVER seen one with a turquoise looking belly before. This photo is from eBird and it identifies it as an indigo bunting - non breeding male.  

And with that, let me wrap up tonight's episode of celebrating the commonplace. I hope you will find a bird, a flower, a book, a cat, and if you are lucky, all 4 to enjoy this weekend. 

if you need extra crunch

Some of my favorites from the last several weeks.  Walks, flowers (outside, on the table, by the sink), and my pick for "best flag hanging on a porch in Lawrence" for the 4th of July.  

It's not officially summer until at least one of Janelle's key lime pies has been made. Situation remedied recently. If you ever find yourself short graham crackers when making a pie crust, you can substitute granola in a pinch. FYI - granola absorbs less butter than the graham crackers do. I also thought about using pretzels. Does anyone routinely make a pretzel crust for a pie? If so, give me the 4-1-1 on that. 

When it's blueberry time in Kansas, they can and should be eaten as much as possible. In a salad with orange peppers, celery, and Napa cabbage with a fruity vinaigrette is the perfect side dish for whatever you are fixing for supper. 

Throw on some roasted pepitas, if you need extra crunch. 

noticing all the ways that things can be good

This caladium, this drink, this walk, this bouquet.

Each had me thinking THIS is the BEST one of "these" I have ever grown, made, taken, bought.

Don't you love it when you feel that? Even when you have been there and done that so many times before.  It's funny how one tiny element of an experience can change it and make it new. And thereby, make you feel glad to be alive to experience it, in that moment. Noticing all the ways that things can be good. It's a thing. 

color me EXCITED

Happy Friday night from Kansas! Here are some of the regular things happening around our pad lately. First up, I channeled my inner Mary Joan and made a new wreath (out of an old wreath) for the front porch. It hangs on the old chair I got out of Aunt Alice's garage in Russell Kansas sometime around 1995.

Sister and I had a long distance audiovisual sketch session and I drew "brothah Paul". He's not really our brother but we call him brothah and he calls us sistah. Extremely long, winding story with too many details that are only funny when told in person. 

I boiled some really pretty eggs.

Flowers were cut and arranged. I have not previously used blue false indigo/baptisia as a cut flower. Why not?? 

Chris and I have been walking. My hair continues to grow. 

The Pandemic Mail Art project has begun. That means sister sends me kick ass mail art and I display it. I am not required to return in kind.

The poppies out back are still blooming and the pods are almost as pretty as the flowers. 

P.S.  I have my basket, money, and camera all lined up by the door so I can be the first person at the Lawrence Farmers Market in the morning. It's the first market of the season - delayed from the usual early April start because of COVID-19. Color me EXCITED!

he never asks me for anything and is receptive to all my overtures

Three notable moments from this past week included the following:

1. Harvey coming to visit me on the front porch one morning. How is it possible to love a cat that is not your own as much as I love Harvey? He is like the very, very, very, best neighbor I could ask for. He doesn't talk much. His visits are regular but short. Lastly, he never asks me for anything and is receptive to all my overtures. 

2. Coming upon a patch of blooming chives in the school garden by our house on an afternoon walk. 

3. One pound of Pendleton's asparagus, freshly picked, and just about ready for a super quick cook and a squeeze of lemon. The best accompaniment ever to a Sunday dinner - especially with a crusty roll and a glass of wine on the side. 

future escapades await

These are some of the funny, tasty, pretty, fancy, healthy, shady, purpley, things that have been going on around here of late. 

A coloring book from my niece Krissy who is all too familiar with the Moss sisters penchant for a certain word.

Chris made bierocks. These may have been his best batch yet.  The remaining photos require no explanation.  

These Columbine were grown from seed purchased at a small garden in Lincoln City, Oregon a few years back. They have really done well in this shady spot, and I love the deep purple color combined with all the other blue/violet/periwinkle things growing in this location.  

Happy Friday friends. It's going to be a quiet night here in Lawrence. Pizza and The Call of the Wild on demand. We are permanently operating in "low key" mode. Which truthfully is not all that different from non-pandemic times, though I will admit to seriously missing hanging out with my friends - in person, going on adventures, doing things women enjoy doing together. All in good time... future escapades await. 

oh me and oh my it's sweet

On the list of extraordinarily, regular things, that are keeping my head in a good space this week are reliable tulips I can see from my kitchen window, breakfast, a blooming bush I can never remember the name of, doing the kids crossword puzzles in the NYT, a Japanese fern emerging from the ground for another year, eating a leftover pancake as toast, and finally finally finally.... well go see it for yourself, at the very end.

It's not a great photo, and truly it's a face only a mother could love, but oh me and oh my it's sweet. 

as she goes about the business of worm wrangling

Saturday things. Beginning with that teeny tiny little baby bird beak that you have to look really hard to see.

Second in importance is the return of flower arranging with whatever is blooming in the yard.

Thirdly was the savory quick bread monkey I got off my back. It will be good in the lunchbox this coming week. Glad I tried it. Not sure this recipe will be repeated, but I did thoroughly enjoy a slice spread with soft cream cheese, for an early afternoon pick me up accompanied by the last of the morning coffee over ice.

The first Iris have started to bloom, if one of you wants to come buy and pull all those weeds growing amongst them that would be just great.  

Meanwhile, I'm just going to hang out on the porch, with the robin, who doesn't seem a bit disturbed by my quiet presence as she goes about the business of worm wrangling. 

 

what's your name

In between feeling "vaguely unsettled" at work and isolating at home, there are still a whole lot of ordinary moments happening. Some that I took pictures of include: a drink on the porch, the walk around the block, a handwritten card in the mail, an unusual sun/cloud thing, and the grocery store tulips.

Things that went un-photographed include a 4 year old boy, that is a daredevil on his bike, and who sometimes wears his mom's sunglasses, who hollered "what's your name?" at me from across the street. I found out his name is Owen by the way, and I think we may become fast friends from a distance. Questions from curious children who will take my responses at face value and allow me to make up all sorts of stories feels like a good thing. From 6 feet away. With a mask on. After washing my hands. And only for about 2 minutes. 

the amazing pot of pansies I am going to plant

The resilience building activities (also known as routine regular stuff) that have been done of late include: admiring the houses of Lawrence enhanced by the shadows of trees, 

watching very sweet (and I do mean SWEET) movies on demand at home (I will also admit to being glued to an episode of the Andy Griffith show in which Gomer Pyle enlists in the Marines and meets Sgt. Carter), 

enjoying a trip to Decade at non-peak hours and sitting in the corner (what is it about shared community even when keeping your distance and doing your own thing that makes it feel "right"?),

dreaming about the amazing pot of pansies I am going to plant and put on the porch as soon as it warms up just a bit, 

and enjoying the occasional amazing Kansas sunset. 

In other news, we have cancelled our trip to fly to Virginia to see brother. There will be time for that later. In addition, work carries on as you might imagine it would at a major medical center. There are tighter visitor restrictions, patients with COVID-19 are in a special unit and cared for by staff that are not caring for other patients, I feel great confidence in the leadership of our hospital and the ongoing steps we are taking to keep our patients safe.