Tall Tales from Kansas

wondering what could be wrapped up under the tree

Happy Christmas Eve from Lawrence Kansas where there has been lots of puttering today. Walking to and fro, looking at this, thinking about that, moving an ornament from one location to another on the tree, nibbling on a peanut butter cookie,  Marco Polo'ing friends and family, refilling the bird feeder for my feathered friends.

Dottie started us out early in the day by sending a photo of Mary Ann by the Christmas tree in 1972.  This led to more photos of Christmas' past. It's nice to have a family historian who can take us down that winding path to the Christmas celebrations of our past. So many details I can't really remember, other details very sharp in my mind - like exactly where the tree was located in our house in Spain and how mom had laid out our presents from Santa, and just what it all looked like when Dottie and I snuck out of bed very very early in the morning to peek. Colored lights from the tree and filtered light from the patio coming in. It was pure magic for a kid. 

I hope you are all safe and warm, not stuck in an airport somewhere, but rather sitting around with those you love talking about days gone by, maybe wondering what could be wrapped up under the tree in that one particular package that you have been shaking. Sweet dreams to all. 

the bunnies from Stockholm had to have hats

Happy Winter Solstice to all from Tall Tales Headquarters where we are preparing for the deep freeze that is approaching, along with snow, gusty winds, and all other manner of fearsomeness. It puts me in mind of the Druids in days of old, celebrating the yule around a roaring bonfire, telling stories and sipping on sweet ale. Ok they may have been doing more than sipping. But isn't it interesting how the Winter Solstice and the celebration of it came long before Christianity. 

I am not working tomorrow, thus am not overly concerned about the approaching snow, instead I am focusing on this photo that came up today in my pictures from December 21, 2013. Garrett and Gavin were almost 4 at the time. Nine years later they are taller than their mother. I do not understand the algorithm that puts up photos randomly for me to see, or that strings together little movies of photos from the past and presents them for my viewing pleasure. I like them. I think of it as an old time picture album that falls down off the shelf and says "hey remember this!"

In other business, cards are waiting to be written and addressed. 

Maybe tomorrow in between making some peanut butter cookies this will happen? I went to the grocery store today for dates and I swear they were pumping baking aromas out through the ventilation system. It smelled insanely good. Like you were sitting at a table in a big kitchen somewhere and all your favorite Aunts from Louisiana and Texas were baking for the holidays. I am going to make these in honor of mom who sometimes called because she really NEEDED some peanut butter cookies. 

For some reason, while sitting on the couch last night, it came to me that the bunnies from Stockholm had to have hats to keep their ears warm before the temperatures plummet. I will sleep better tonight knowing this has been taken care of. 

both Dottie and Ray on the good juju duty

On my last day in LA, Iris was still not sure about who I was and what I was doing walking around her house acting like I knew her.  However, after she saw Otto rooting around in my suitcase, trying to take my t-shirts out, she decided she would get in on the action by simply sitting on top so I could not open it again.

Then she looked up at me and indicated that perhaps if I stayed 2 more days a pet would be allowed. Meanwhile Otto said I didn't need to worry about her, he would continue to play with me, allow petting and kissing, join me on the floor for daily stretching sessions, and sit on the table to watch me work in my sketchbook.  

Oh it was fun playing with a rambunctious cat, and trying to tempt a shy one. Being in a house with 2 cats was completely wonderful. Especially when the other person doesn't mind one single bit if you make a complete fool of yourself talking to them. 

We had a warm hike on my last day there followed by a nice sit on the porch. 



Since we are constantly bombarded with tales of the foibles of travel, it would be wrong of me not to tell you that I had nary a problem on this trip. No cancelled flights, no delays, no obnoxious seat mates, good parking spot in the garage, excellent shuttle service.  I did have both Dottie and Ray on the good juju duty which I am certain helped. The benefits of a travel whisperer can not be overstated. 

It was a delightful short getaway with walks, naps, cats, and general hanging around  with no scurrying or hurrying. My favorite kind of trip. And I haven't even told you the part about sister cooking fabulous meals while I sat at the table and stayed out of the way. 

we sat under an umbrella in the coolish morning

Maybe you saw some of the photos of how crowded the beaches were on the Santa Barbara Coast over the Labor Day weekend? Let me tell you, at 7:10am it was just the two of us, a fisherman, some paddle boarders, a couple of dogs taking their owners for a stroll, pelicans, shore birds, rocks, shells, and whatever else the tide washed in.

We examined it all closely as we filled our lungs to their maximum capacity with cool ocean breezes. Completely fantastic. I picked up a collection of feathers to fill a page in my journal. 



After the walk we high-tailed it over to Pierre LaFond's for a big cup of French roast and a cinnamon rose. We sat under an umbrella in the coolish morning and let our beach time sink in deeply as we watched the comings and goings and speculated on the "story" of each person we saw.

and thanked our lucky stars for shade

Sister is always showing me photos of things she see's while on her walks in LA. Stuff I want to see. So when I am there, morning rambles are a must. Here are the things we enjoyed on our first morning.

Fabulous trees in the morning light. A Frank Lloyd Wright house. Big bunches of cactus. 





We sat in the garden behind the Gamble house in Pasadena and pretended it was ours. We stretched on their comfortable benches and admired architectural details. 







Sister showed me her favorite house and I investigated up close. I wanted to go and sit at the table and chairs on the hidden front porch and have scones with clotted cream but alas no one answered the door when I knocked. No matter, we went and had iced coffee and wonderful vegan fennel/maple sausage biscuits at the Little Barn Coffee House in Mount Washington and thanked our lucky stars for shade. 

Iris is still thinking about it

At 5:59 am on Saturday we hopped in the car and left the city of angels for the cool breezes of the coast.  When you’re this close to the beach the pull of the sounds and smells of the ocean are strong.

In a short 70 minutes we were out of the car, beach shoes on, hats at the ready. OH MY!  That’s the best I can do right now to describe how it feels for a Kansas girl to be at the shore.



As you can see The Moss Sisters are together for a quick few days of adventuring. Yes, it is the hottest time of the year in LA. Yes we have to get up at the crack of dawn to take walks. But here’s the thing…. 



I needed to meet Iris and Otto. While they are still kittens. So far, Otto, has succumbed to my cat whispering charms.  Iris is still thinking about it. I tell her resistance is futile. She follows my every move closely from the safety of her favorite basket.

p.s. excuse any formatting glitches that are bound to occur when posting from the iPad. 

and learned to make killer corn on the cob on the grill

Are you guys all back to big family get togethers? I can't recall when all the Mulvenon's last met up for family fun. Maybe 2019 when we did a family trip to Breckenridge? Beth and Carl's recent drive out from Philadelphia prompted this picnic in the park. Which is why you are being subjected to family photos. 

The grandkids are getting taller than their parents and grandparents, but they still like to play. 



Alice isn't too tall yet, she's still a wee one and she thinks pushing the bigger kids is the most fun. 

All us old folks look the same. In our minds anyway. 





I don't know how these nieces and nephews turned into adults, and learned to make killer corn on the cob on the grill. But there you have it. 

Dylan is still 8 in my mind and I don't know what he thinks he is doing dating.



Meanwhile, back at home, these sunflowers are so pretty you have to look at them again. Always seeking to inform, I looked up a name for them. It seems they are called "strawberry blonde". 







Consider that your factoid for the day. 

if you don't have a friend who is almost 99 years old

Things I am appreciating, enjoying, investigating. That's what this post is about. 

If you don't have a friend who is almost 99 years old, can I suggest you go out and find one? Then be sure and schedule regular meet-ups to talk about important stuff - like getting over the part of us that always thinks we should be "doing" something. Marti Huff makes life better and I am grateful to this day that she wrote up a contract to make me an honorary member of the family.  

In the enjoying arena, unless you have a field of zinnia's of your own (though other flowers would also work),  you can not imagine the sheer pleasure of going out to cut every few days and putting together fresh arrangements. Whatever strikes your fancy gets cut.

Below I am appreciating AND enjoying this short cooler spell we are having which makes needlepoint on the front porch wonderful. At all times of the day. The natural light is the best. 

It's about to be full on bougainvillea time here. When it's hot and sticky and things are melting and fading, it is at it's finest. 



I requested my local library buy Finna by Nate Marshall, sometime in the last year. I think I mentioned it here before. You know how when you read a poem that touches something in you, a shared experience that somehow the poet has found a way to say that makes you want to shout YES! This isn't that book or that poem. This is a collection of words and sentences put together in a way that touch you for a whole lot of other reasons. I do not have the words to do it justice. Just go get it.

Then settle in for a lesson on language. HIGHLY recommended. 

start holding your doughnuts using her method

This weekend I had the best time taking Johnny and Annette to "my" farmers market. It's hard to know what others will think of something so dear to me, so familiar, so part of my life. It's like anything else you share with someone, hard to know if your taste's will coincide. But I think they liked it. 

They are in the area to visit family in Kansas and Oklahoma. It has been a true delight to have them here. Meanwhile, at the market, things are getting colorful!







The doughnuts remain ever popular among all the visitors. This connoisseur today told me they were "good" AND when asked what her's tasted like said "doughnut".

She did not say "duh" afterwards. But I could hear it in her voice. I don't know what you are doing today, but whatever it is I hope it makes you as happy as she looks in this photo. I also hope you start holding your doughnuts using her method. 

The market at 8:30 am is busier than my usual 7:30am time, and the music is lively. It could be that I should check out the market at different times in the morning. Except that I missed my usual bag of mixed lettuces... though I can not complain since there was arugula to be had.

I also got there in time to get the first piece of the last one of this week's cakes from Chonky treats and sweets.  Blueberry/lemon, one of the world's best flavor combinations. 

he got a little lonely up there

This is a photo of Dad taken back in the mid 1990’s. He was on the way back home after spending 2 months up on Big Sheep mountain in Montana (or Wyoming?). He had seen an ad in “Working Sheepdog News” for a shepherd and he thought it sounded interesting. There was a discussion with Angie, a bag was packed, Lash and Katy jumped in the truck, and off they went.

It was pretty much the sheep, the dogs, and his horse up there and we could tell he was glad to be back among his people, telling stories, socializing.  After he retired from the Air Force, dad followed his dreams wherever they took him, whenever he could. 

Happy Fathers Day dad, thanks for putting that sense of adventure in all of us.

P.S. Working Sheepdog News is a real publication, at least it used to be. That's where he also got wind of the need for border collies and someone to train them in Brazil. But that's another story for another time. 

us Moss kids love our out of door spaces

Before leaving for the Farmers Market today, I ventured outside to check on things. See what needed my attention... you know the drill. Fan went on, candle was lit, pillow fluffed, coffee sipped. Then I started thinking about how interesting it is that ALL us Moss kids love our outdoor spaces, just like Angie did. 

It's endlessly fascinating to watch the light and how it changes from one minute to the next. Did she watch the light? 





Listening to the birds and the fountain, a tiny cutting was potted, a mud dauber nest was vigorously dislodged using the handle of my broom, geraniums were deadheaded. 







Thoughts drifted in and out. Plants were checked on.







Before you know it all desire to leave my space had vanished, and thus the Farmers Market was missed.   

The End. 

you are so loved, already

Here's a quick update on the happenings at Tall Tales Headquarters this Memorial Day weekend.

I fell hook line and sinker for these groupings of fat quarters at Sarah's Fabrics in Lawrence - Here There batiks by Marcia Derse. 

This neck warmer, which is in no way needed right now, came off the needles and got blocked. It turned out exactly as expected. I asked the chair to model it for you and it was most obliging. Thrown over the head no extra looping, lays perfectly, wonderfully soft. Pattern is the Ensata Cowl by Amy Van de Laar from Brooklyn Tweed. Yarn is Peerie (fingering weight) also from Brooklyn Tweed. Colorway is Treehouse and is a bit greener than it looks in this photo. This yarn is a dream to work with. 



Because something always has to be on the needles, I started this Color Affection wrap by Veera Valimaki using these yarns that were in my stash and seem to go together pretty will... time will tell. Pattern available on Ravelry. 

My wonderful local bookstore, The Raven, won Publishers Weekly bookstore of the year and I couldn't be prouder. Yay for local bookstores and all those who shop there.

Strawberry season will not be lasting much longer... I am taking advantage of every local strawberry I can eat. 

Fabrics are being washed for cutting, pressing, sewing.

Succulent pots were planted out back today. All caution to the wind. Do what you want. It may work out, it may not. Angie's plastic birds that have lost their wings were added to the mix along with shells, rocks, and other morning walk finds. 

Amidst all the sadness in the world right now, the Mulvenon's have welcomed Maya Louise into the family. Hope springs eternal. Welcome to the world baby girl, you are so loved. Already. 

Life is unfolding, we are partaking

Todays rambles started by the water and then veered off in new directions. Things call, we follow. 



If you ever run across a pistachio cream croissant in a pastry case you are going to want to try it. If it has rose petals on the top, all the better. Sister preferred the pistachio loaf. You can’t go wrong with either.

While we ate, we enjoyed life going on around us. There was excellent people watching for entertainment - friends greeting each other, spontaneous coffee dates.  Delightful store windows full of fanciful items. 

We wandered through Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden near by, where the coral trees are in full bloom. There was a forest of acanthus, some fine Morton Bay Fig trees, a very fit couple doing yoga, and a smiling 18 month old sitting with his mother on a blanket who was fascinated by the garbage truck across the street.

Sweetshade trees covered in yellow and white blossoms fill the air with a fragrance that is a cross between plumeria, jasmine, and Victorian box.  Sigh. 

The days slide by. We tell them to slow down. We sit with dear people, making art, sharing stories, eating corn and cheese arepas with tomato soup and apple slices.

Nice strangers offer to take our picture and we agree. Life is unfolding, we are partaking.

patron saint of nervous travelers

Neighborhood walks in the city of angels are not to be missed. The air Friday morning was heavy with fragrance. Jasmine mixed with rose, lavender, citrus, and maybe it’s my imagination but did a bit of Victorian box stick around just for me? I thinks so. All this is especially nice since it was 33 degrees and raining when I left the house Friday morning in Kansas.

While sister toiled away at school, Wyatt and I spent time together. Then, after my walk, I got into her refrigerator and found a perfect lunch to eat out on the front porch.  Me and the birds. Sheer heaven. Hopefully she wasn’t thinking that was going to be part of our dinner tonight. 
Happily none of my imagined travel catastrophes came to past… things like the car breaking down on the way to the airport, not being able to find a place to park in the underground garage, terrible seatmate, not finding my reserved shuttle at LAX. I never worry about the actual flight, just all the details around it.  I usually schedule Dottie to send all her good “ju-ju” my way on travel days and it always works. She does it for me for free, but I think she could start a business. I can see it now… “ex-nun, hospice chaplain, patron saint of nervous travelers”…. I am going to call her about this! It’s such a good service it would be a shame not to share it. On a limited basis of course, and only when I don’t need her myself. 

Dan and Ann said they thought it was probably Ryan but I know better

Spring is in the air. Well it was in the air last weekend, before the snow, when I had yellow tulips on the table.

This "Spring-ish" blouse was pulled out of line and placed on the sewing table surface for completion. The unfinished project pile is shrinking. New ideas are running rampant in my mind. I do not tamp them down. 

Ryan and Kristen came by for a visit. They brought bottles of fine Italian wine that was served at their wedding, we toasted, laughed, celebrated, told stories, it was completely marvelous.

Neutral fabrics were purchased for pillow projects. Choosing neutrals is harder than you might think.

We got PEEPED for the first time in years. Dan and Ann said they thought it was probably Ryan but I know better. 

The ducks were walking on frozen water at the wetlands.

These are the things that happen in the Spring, which I know does not start until March 20th, but this whole "spring forward" an hour with the clocks thing starts Sunday in the wee hours of the morning... so we might as well just do it all at once. If you ask me. Which you did not.



 But aren't the tulips pretty? 

music and art and cupcakes and birthdays and the power of imagination

This morning on the way to work I heard a story on NPR about the beneficial effects of art and music on people who have had brain injuries. What stuck with me from all of this, was when they were talking to soprano Renee Fleming about the results when she performed in an MRI scanner. They demonstrated that it was not singing, but imagining singing that had the largest effect on her brain. Isn't that fascinating? 

All of my colleagues will attest to my belief in the power of singing with/to patients. Just this week we saw a man hospitalized with a serious stroke. He had been agitated and was not responding to providers who were interacting with him. When I busted out my best Johnny Cash imitation in a rousing rendition of I walk the Line - he smiled! A few minutes later I gave Kitty Wells a try with Ring of Fire. Once again, he smiled. Listen, I am no music therapist and I do not pretend to be one but I see no reason not to use all the tricks at my disposal when assessing a patient and their ability to interact with me. 

So bearing all of this in mind, on a Friday night, I hope each of you write a list on your arm this evening (or in the morning) of the things that you are going to imagine doing this weekend. The things that will give your brain just the thing it needs to light up. As for me, I am going to look at these books and then close my eyes and consider all the things I may decide to make.

Or I might stare out this window again, to the old building next door, and dream about something I want to do.

And finally, on a family note, let me be the first to wish you a Happy Birthday Brother! I hope the cupcakes are perfect, with just the right amount of frosting, and a moist tender crumb.  Whatever you do, I hope you are as happy as you look here in this photo with mom and dad, before the three of us girls came along. 

he doesn't roll his jeans up anymore

Tomorrow Chris is reaching a milestone in ages. I won't say which one.  

He doesn't roll his jeans up anymore, nor does he express himself with wild dramatic gestures like he did when he was younger, but he does still wear gray sweatshirts. We are having a dance party for 2, a private chef is coming to make us dinner, and then he will open the mountain of presents that are wrapped and waiting for him in the living room. Or, we might just have pizza and watch some TV as per our usual Friday night routine.  I provide options, he gets to choose since it's his birthday.  

something about a buttoned up romper

Tonight it's a shout out to Sister on the occasion of her 59th birthday a few days ago.  Which gives me the opportunity to share this photo of her in Athens Greece, circa 1964.

Looking seriously good here sister. There is something about a buttoned up "romper" that is so stylish. 

 

Cori has gaming in her blood

Thursday morning every water goblet and wine glass at tall tales headquarters was washed in anticipation of the global wine tasting that we decided should be a part of Thanksgiving dinner this year.  At the end of the night, every glass was washed again and now it seems like it would be a shame not to use them all again very soon, before they build up a layer of dust between uses.

Same with all the eating utensils.



I like setting a table, using the tableware and linens that has been gifted or entrusted to my care by all the members of the family who came before me and cared about such things.

Getting out the cranberry dish and the gravy bowl that to the uninitiated eye would look like something picked up at a garage sale. 



Or the glass pitcher that Aunt Critch gave me sometime in the late 90's that she said had belonged to her mother. The one that I wrapped carefully and carried on the plane from her house on South Daisy avenue in Pasadena. 



We had a lovely time celebrating together, a smaller group than normal, but it felt BIG. James made the cranberries this year and will now be required to bring this recipe annually.  Dan remains the supreme ruler of the rolls. Tom and Jan can not be replaced in the salad arena. My new recipe for Brussels sprouts was just so-so and will not make a return appearance. Chris made his best stuffing yet and Ann, as usual, pulled out all the stops in the dessert arena - pumpkin pie, apple pie and fruitcake that was full of nuts and fruits but not the usual candied fruits. So, so, so, good. 

Trivia games were played, Farkle was introduced to new players, who by the way, beat the pants off the old players by scoring 1500 points right out of the gate on the first roll.  Cori has gaming in her blood. Stories were told, memories re-played, and before you know it the day was at an end. There were not visions of sugar plums dancing in my head as I drifted to sleep, but the pumpkin spice whipped cream definitely made a showing.

Cheryl presenting us with another of her wonderful nosh boards

I think this may be my favorite photo from our trip to the Ozarks this year.  It was taken by a very nice lady with the kindest voice ever. She had also pulled over to take advantage of the light and the view. While I generally tend to resist the offers of others to take a photo, preferring the challenge of the set-up shot, she did us right.

But this one of brother could be a close runner up.

Or how about Dottie always trying to get the photo. Coaxing us (to no avail) to pay attention and fly right. She is beyond patient.

On second thought how could I not pick this one of Cheryl, presenting us with another of her wonderful "nosh boards"? Complete with the smoky bacon jam. 

I should have warned you at the outset that this post contained gratuitous family photos. But those of you who read regularly, know this happens when family trips are taken. So while I am at it…

…this one of Chris and I with the pumpkins has to be included as well. This might be the end of the trip to the Ozarks photos, though I reserve the right to change my mind.

the right spot, on just the right dates, with all the right people.

Walking in October in the Ozarks is pretty good. Early morning, middle of the day, evening time, around the place we stayed, up at Big Cedar, down by the lake. Such a pleasure. I never take for granted the ability to jump out of bed and go... knowing that I may not always be able to do that. 

When I see open spaces like the one above, it takes me back to days long gone, riding to the farm with dad and Barney, going to feed the cows. 





Walking on familiar paths remembering all the walks taken in the past on these trails, watching the turtles with the knuckleheads.







I found a new area this year back in a neighborhood, high up, overlooking a finger of the lake off in the distance. 



The mist rising off the water was spectacular on this morning. A man I met walking told me to keep going until I saw this view, "it's my favorite, you will be glad you did". He was right. 









Tonight the emails are flying back and forth. Plans being made already for next year. It's important to get just the right spot, on just the right dates, with all the right people. 

in thanks to Ray and Angie for setting us off on the right paths into the world

Over the last 7 years, we have perfected the ritual and the art of spending a day at the cemetery with Ray and Angie.

On our initial visits it was a "dusting off" of the headstones, weeds were pulled, stories were told, tears were shed, and away we went.

Maple Leaf Cemetery in Harrison Arkansas is a pretty spot though and we have learned as we have gotten older, to just hang out and appreciate it.

The trees, while not as spectacular as some years, were still lovely. This year the sky was blue, temps were in the upper 60's, there were light breezes, and shade was ample. 

Now in addition to "dusting" the headstones we give them a good spray down and scrub out whatever is growing in the letters and the cracks. The old flowers are removed, and new fresh arrangements are made. We stuff rocks in among the stems to keep them secure, and amazingly enough they always are there the following year. If you would have told me 20 years ago that I would be leaving fake flowers on my parents graves each year I would have asked you what you had been smoking. Fake flowers? No way! But everyone does it at this cemetery and I just love the way it looks. 

A new golf tee is left for dad and a twist tie for mom, a few rocks and sea shells, and then it's time for the traditional shots of bourbon, raising our glasses in thanks to Ray and Angie for setting us off on the right paths into the world.

Photos are always taken. Lots of photos. Then we get out the cooler, settle into our chairs, and have lunch. Right there. At the cemetery. With mom and dad. We used to go someplace for lunch, but this is SOOOOO much better. We have the best table, our sandwiches are always perfect, and no arguing about who is picking up the check. On the side are chips, grapes, pickles, pretzels, carrots, apples, and a couple of oatmeal raisin cookies for dessert. 

It's always the best part of our trip. Followed closely by the annual Moss Family Putt-Putt tournament, which I might have already mentioned that I won this year. 

All our long gone family members remain with us in the stories we tell and the memories we have.  Dottie had such a great idea when she suggested 7 years ago we start this ritual. I don't know how long we will do it, but I am pretty sure until there is just "one post left in the fence"... or however that saying goes. 

P.S.  As we were leaving the cemetery this year, I spotted this concrete pup sitting faithfully at the corner of a plot. High marks to the person who did this. 

to come up with something equally irritating to say to me next year

Us Moss's just returned from Northern Arkansas/Southern Missouri for the annual celebration of Ray and Angie's Birthdays, the clean up at the cemetery, and spending time hanging out together.  Brother and I will tell you that the other essential part of this trip is the annual Moss Family Putt Putt Tournament. Which by the way, we take very seriously.

The photo taken at the beginning of the round, shows each face full of hope, optimistic that THIS year we will be the one who prevails.  



The winner, upon conclusion of the match, is allowed full gloating rights, which you see above. Brother is recounting the scores, checking my math, to be sure that he did in fact come in second place to me.

Pumpkins are the other important part of this trip.  Lots and lots of pumpkins. Pumpkins here, there, and everywhere.  





Carts full of big pumpkins, little pumpkins, white, warty, green, yellow, gray, stripey... all of them wonderful.







It is also customary at the end of the match to remind the person you beat by one point, that if they practice very diligently for the next 11 months, next year they may be the one taking the trophy home.



I don't think Brother was comforted by my remarks, but he has the next 300 plus days to come up with something equally irritating to say to me next year. IF he wins. 

coffee, wandering, laughing - more from Alba Quirky

On the way to the East Fork of the Jemez river, Dottie and I pulled off the road in Jemez Springs, for coffee.  You won't be sorry if you stop at the Highway 4 Cafe & Bakery, get a 12 oz latte, and then wander around a bit to see what you can see.  You will have exactly enough time to finish this drink before you get to the trailhead. 

Another coffee place I feel warrants a visit is in the vicinity of downtown Albuquerque - Humble coffee. You can get a blue-corn blueberry doughnut to go with your drink if you want. Cool signs, good seating, not busy on a weekend morning! 

Afterwards you can stroll around and soak up the atmosphere.

The day I got to Albuquerque, Dottie took me up to the Sandia Crest Trail for a quick hike and a lovely vista of the city. A great way to start the trip. The temps were cool up at 10,000 feet, and when you have come from the humidity of Kansas, that feels simply wonderful.

We laughed like a couple of hyena's when we finally reached this trailhead... I had asked Dottie "how long until we get there" several times along the way and she assured me it was "just around the corner", when in fact she was not sure about that at all, but she saved that bit of info until after we arrived. If you have a sister, you can understand these kinds of uncontrollable fits of laughter.

the moss sisters are nothing if not crazy lucky

If you are ever around Albuquerque and feel like a hike that involves the sound of water, a meadow, wild flowers, butterflies, a cow or two, lots of trees, and the perfect combination of sun and shade, go to the east fork of the Jemez river - Conchas trailhead. The photo below is the canyon that will reward you at the conclusion of your hike. As long as you don't mind wet feet, you can cross the stream and park your butt on a rock and look for as long as you like. 

Gosh it was pretty. 

As we neared the end of the walk, the clouds turned dark and the thunder started to boom. There were cool breezes that felt delicious on our skin. 

In case you don't make it, here is a 30 second clip of our sit. 

By the way, as soon as we got our shoes off, got into the car, and turned onto the highway, big fat drops hit the windshield. The Moss sisters are nothing if not crazy lucky. Which we know, and are immensely grateful for. 

 

the itinerary was ever-changing to fit our needs

Dottie and I had a marvelous time in Albuquerque over the last days. We did all sorts of exploring in town, in the mountains, and all around. 

So much to see. The itinerary was ever-changing to fit our needs. Plans made. Plans cancelled. Items put on the list to explore the next time I visit.  

The only "must" on this trip was spending time with Dottie. Oh, and getting to taste her vegan spinach artichoke dip which I swooned over. Then I got up off the ground, went back inside, and got a little more. Because when you are sitting outside with just an umbrella between you and the New Mexico sky, a nice breeze is blowing, and you are sipping on wine and hanging out with good people, a second helping is warranted. 

with time included for naps, sitting, staring, and popsicle eating

Tonight, just a few more photos from my whirlwind trip to see Sister recently. Here we are on a neighborhood ramble through the Mount Washington area.

We did a lot of strolling through neighborhoods. So many gardens to admire, gates, fences, houses, yard art... all exciting for people who love nothing in the whole world better than homes and gardens. 

Sister's succulent pots above. Guarded carefully by Corky Lynn. One night when we were sitting out front, she bounded off the porch and launched herself right over Wyatt as she chased an intruder out of the yard. Nothing gets by the Missus. 

About 3 or 4 years ago Sister took me to The Kitchen Mouse for the first time. Now we go every single time I am there. I always get the exact same thing. Jo's breakfast sandwich - griddled millet toast, fried eggs, arugula, avocado, chipotle cream... 

The jacaranda trees were still blooming. Purple puddles of petals under trees. Divine. 

You gotta love a good paint job on a car. 

Here is one of those examples of air plants I saw incorporated into unique plantings that were tucked here and there. 

Succulent pots and California Pepper trees at Arlington Gardens.

We were looking up and down and all around, everywhere we went. 

There was also time for a small bit of blind contour garden gnome sketching. It was a lovely trip. Everything I wanted out of a quick get-a-way, with time included for naps, sitting, staring, and popsicle eating.

pure-deliciousness-on-a-plate

Early Thursday morning I hopped a plan out of Kansas City to Los Angeles, where I am hanging out with Sister.  Delighting in the discovery of random works of art, taking walks, petting cats, eating interesting meals, and appreciating gardens.

In other words, just all the usual stuff you do when on a long 3 day weekend.  And, if you think the combination of charred cauliflower, harissa tahini, medjool dates, mint, dill, and pistachios isn’t something you would consider eating. Think again friends. Pure deliciousness on a plate. 

pet as many cats as you can everyday

Happy 67th wedding anniversary to Ray and Angie. Tonight Chris and I are having tostada's for supper, and eating it on the Franciscan ware that was their wedding china. 

It is hard to comprehend how Dad can have been gone for 21 years and mom for seven. What the pandemic has taught us all, if we didn't understand it fully before, is life is fleeting. We are grabbing it for all it's worth while it lasts. Appreciating where we have been, and what we have.

Life is short. Buy flowers. Eat cake. Drink wine. Read books. Visit family and friends. Take naps. Sit on the porch. Make stuff. Pet as many cats as you can every day. 

Please add your contribution to the recipe for a full life in the comments.

it's going in our 3 ring binder wedding album

This past weekend, Chris and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. How is that even possible? 

We look pretty much the same as we did back then huh?

We celebrated simply here at home. Champagne on the front porch, a three layer cake (because occasions like this call for cake), and trying to remember just exactly what happened that day.

We flipped through the 3 ring binder that is our wedding album. We bought film for our friends and family and asked them to be our photographers. It worked. 

We went to the basement to look for our cake topper but were unable to locate it. Maybe by the 50th? But here is what I know for sure. THIS cake (made by my new favorite baker at Alchemy Coffee & Bake Shop) was fabulous. If you need a cake for a special occasion, I recommend them highly. 

But let me get back to the photos for a second. For some reason I find this shot of me throwing my bouquet extremely hilarious. 

Chris and I are now in possession of the 40th wedding anniversary plaque. It originated with Chris's parent in 1986, then went to Tom & Jan in 2011, Steve and Janelle in 2014, Mary and Ron in 2015, Dan and Ann in 2018, and now we are in possession of it until 2032 when John and Sheri will take it over. After that it moves to the next generation of Mulvenon's. 

Please let me remember exactly where I put the card and list that goes with it. Actually let me just tell you, it's going in our 3 ring binder wedding album. Please write that down somewhere in case I need to call any of you in eleven years.

a reminder of Angie's back yard in Harrison

This morning, before I took a walk, and watered the zinnia seeds, and dug up some red husker penstemon, and filled the car with gas, and got a massage, and took a shower, and met Joan for an adventure, I took a million pictures of the iris in my garden.

I love how they reliably return each spring, emerging from their parchment-like wrapping, some years more bountiful than others. Always a reminder of Angie's back yard in Harrison, coming up along the back fence, where she could see them from the patio where she loved to sit and drink coffee, and admire the fruits of her labors. 

baby necks are just so darn kissable

The Mulvenon family hiking club got together last weekend for an exploration of the trails around Lake Lenexa. Most of us have been vaccinated, some still have a week to go before "full immunity" has set in. Hence some masked and some not. 

We wondered around the lake, through the woods, and over a dam. 

All in all a very enjoyable outing. Time to catch up on what is happening with everyone. In person. Somehow conversation is so much more enjoyable when you are not each having to mute and unmute.

But the highlight of the day by a LONG shot, was getting to meet Alice. In person, for the first time. She is already walking and has teeth and it is so strange that it took a whole year for us to be able to welcome her to the family. She took it all in stride. Even when I sneaked up on her and kissed that neck.

Because lets face it, baby necks are just so darn kissable.   

...what their idea of a perfect day was

Brother had a birthday recently. He probably thought I would do a blog post about it, so I fooled him and delayed it until several days after his birthday. Mostly because Dottie sent me this photo yesterday and I love it so much.

Yes, it illustrates the fact that brother has come a long way, Happy Birthday brother. Suspenders are a good look for you. But also, look at Angie! So stylish, hair so pretty, gold hoop earrings in, jaunty scarf around her neck, belt around her impossibly small waist. And while I am at it, how about Tia Tencha (Ortensia) and Tia Tere (Teresa) - in their dresses, thick hair perfectly coifed. Posing for the camera. Not knowing that 65 years later their great niece, who wasn't born at the time, would be showing it on a thing called the internet. 

It's so interesting as I get older, how much I want to spend about 30 minutes or so with long gone relatives. People I can't recall ever meeting, but have heard about and seen in pictures over the years. I want to hear their voices, listen to just a bit of their "story". What they did, who they loved, what their idea of a perfect day was. Wouldn't that be something? I realize that I would quickly forget most of it, but if Dottie was there she would remember, she the keeper of the family history, who always responds to my requests for photos and details. Thanks Sister, this one is superb. 

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. 

you might wake up and think it was all a dream

Yo Sister!  Happy Birthday!  I hope you are going to be up and ready when the magic bus stops in front of Moss Cottage tomorrow morning to pick you up.  We are going on an adventure.  Stopping anywhere in the world you want to visit for a total of 24 hours. 

There is no need for sleep on the magic bus. We will be infused with boundless energy for the entire 24 hours. The driver is very friendly. She will smile and answer questions if you ask, but won't monopolize the conversation. She will just turn the wheel in the direction of the destination we name, and we will be there.  I let her know in advance we will want to visit our most favorite spots on the Amalfi coast, the coffee house in Sweden (she knew the one even though I could not recall the name - she says there are many requests for that spot),  the rooftop vistas in Portugal, the boat ride at night in Paris, the Sczechenyi baths in Budapest... you get the idea.  

If you prefer we can keep it simple and recreate the grand tour of California - with the addition of lunch on the front porch of our favorite cafe on Lummi Island and of course a ride on the Whatcom Chief ferry. Anywhere you want to go, we go. 

You will be dropped into your bed exactly 24 hours after we start. You might wake up and think it was all a dream. But we will know better. 

as they say in the state of our birth

Dottie and I were both born in Hawaii. Way back when. Before it was a state. 

She's been back to visit several times and LOVES it there. 

I always say I want to go back, but have never made it happen.

Sometimes she sends me flowers from Hawaii. A unique treat.

They are colorful, exotic, amazing in every way. From the top all the way down to the stems in the water. 

Every single  thing about them is special.  At Chrismas time they are especially wonderful.

Thanks Dottie, and as they say in the state of our birth, Mele Kalikimaka!

the wherewithal to recall and execute rabbit ears

A few more glimpses of days spent in the Ozarks. It was a perfect blend of sunny days with blue skies and cloudy/rainy days.  Time for walks and time for playing Farkle, Scattergories, and Mexican Train dominoes. 

Someone in my knitting class (which hasn't met for many moons) mentioned baking a whole pumpkin that had been seeded then stuffed with bread and cheese and baked. Does that not sound dreamy? When I saw all the pumpkins around I wished had thought to make it while we were on vacation. I have it on my list of things to try before next October so I can see if it's "worthy" of a Moss family gathering. 

This was a lovely scene on one of our morning walks. A lone fisherman, in a perfect location, enjoying the moment. 

This was a perfect escape from the last 9 months. No television or other unworthy distractions. We all recognize that we are living in the most uncertain of times and counted our blessings for yet another chance to be together.

Here's hoping, for many years to come, one of us will always have the wherewithal to recall and execute rabbit ears in at least one picture. The life extending benefits of juvenile behaviors have not been documented in the medical literature, but I feel certain there is a strong correlation. 

While I am at it, Happy Birthday Dad. For your birthday dinner we are having ham with grits and red-eye gravy, slow cooked collard greens, and cornbread. Dessert as you already know, will be banana pudding, eaten right on your dinner plate since you never did believe in dirtying a plate unnecessarily. Besides, you might need a few more bites of salty ham while you are having dessert, the dinner plate allows space for that too.   

the germ squad (Chris & Cheryl) along for frequent disinfecting

The Moss clan has just concluded yet another annual trip to Arkansas, where we engaged in tombstone scrubbing, story telling (including many repeats), and leaf appreciating.

There was another installment of the annual putt putt tournament, with Brother declared the winner this year since he won the practice round and it was too cold to play on the day the championship match was scheduled. 

My favorite part of the trip may have been cleaning up the headstones, putting out new flowers, setting up chairs, spreading out a blanket, and having a picnic lunch at the cemetery. 

A highlight this year was that we rented a bigger place so we could have more space for distancing inside, a great deck for sitting, and a kitchen to do all our cooking at home. Dottie made mom's enchiladas which tasted exactly like mom had made them herself. Brother prepared his world famous risotto, and Cheryl made this insanely addictive Do Nothing Cake. The Moss's never go hungry on vacation. 

I think I already mentioned the leaves? 

We all raised our glasses of Blanton's in a toast to Dad, and a special shell and sea glass were left from mom. Some years the rocks, shells, golf balls, and other tokens are there the next year. Most times not. We still like leaving them. 

I will be very honest in saying we were all hesitant about this annual trip. But with modifications, masks, being outside a lot, and the germ squad (Chris & Cheryl) along for frequent disinfecting, I think we did ok. 

P.S.  Happy Birthday Mom, from all us kids. Yes, we are taking care of each other... just like you taught us. 

a splendid spot for a walk

The timing of the annual Moss pilgrimage to the Ozarks coincided perfectly with the colors changing this year.  As you can see.  

A splendid spot for a walk.  With your sister. On a Wednesday morning in October.

many a golf club has been cleaned sitting in that very chair

This past week, using his stagehand and technical theatre background, Chris replaced the webbing on a lawn chair.

The appropriate placing and setting of grommets is a skill with many useful applications.  

It was at my insistence that one of the old strips be retained. Because as much as this is about re-using, and not replacing, it is more about the fact that this "antique" has been in the Moss family for many, many years. Ray and Angie would always pull it out and sit in the driveway or out back at their house. Many a golf club has been cleaned sitting in that very chair by dad, and mom brought it along when they came to visit so she could supervise any gardening chores. 

I gave Chris an A+ for completion of this job in a timely manner, and with great skill.  It will be traveling with us to the cemetery in October. 

There was also the beer for a job well done. It is important to reward and recognize hard work. Especially when you may have ideas for other things that could use his skill and attention. 

actually it was most excellent

Dottie stopped by Thursday night on her way from Albuquerque via Phoenix, then back to Albuquerque, up to Santa Fe, then Raton, with a little Colorado and Oklahoma thrown in for good measure before a stop in Concordia Kansas, a visit to Kansas City, and finally to Lawrence. Where it was weird to see your sister in a mask in your house. Until we had to take them off to eat fried chicken salad, garlic bread, wine, and Aunt Mabel's chocolate pie. I felt it was only right to ensure she was adequately nourished before rousing her before sunrise today to see some of my favorite walking spots. 

It was a wonderful morning. The great blue herons and snowy egrets got my message and put in appearances.  As did a swimming turtle, lots of snails, and all the spiders made sure the place was well decorated with banners. After our hike we stopped for a latte at La Prima Taza (a Lawrence classic that remains open though no inside seating). We looked in windows, said hi to a cat, sipped our latte's and then walked over by the river. 

We packed 2 days worth time into 18 hours, and it was good. Very good. Actually it was most excellent. 

actually though, I think he's got it

Yesterday we had just the most wonderful, sunny, blue sky, Christmas Day. Perfect for getting out for a walk... where I got to see a cute neighbor boy on his new scooter and his equally cute sister sitting in the driveway holding her new baby doll oh so protectively. While the littlest boy toddled around and greeted me with "Merry Christmas" in his best 2 year old lisp. So dear.  

It was a low key, pancake breakfast, unwrapping new slippers kind of day.

Chris made the Boursin potatoes to take over for the family dinner while I did more important things like deciding what bracelet and scarf to wear, and staring at the mantle.

Tonight we may play the Holiday edition of "spot it", watch a movie, and drink evening eggnog. Our nephew Sean has made it a mission to perfect his recipe, and I find that it's important to drink many glasses in order to provide proper feedback. Actually though, I think he's got it. But I won't tell him that quite yet. 

Adding potato recipe since Dianne asked - we peeled our potatoes, otherwise, followed recipe exactly.

served with steaming cups of hot coffee and a big cloth napkin

I recently featured Aunt Mabel's chocolate pie here. In that post I mentioned how my dad's sisters also made exceptional biscuits. When we were growing up, and went down to Provencal or Shreveport (Louisiana) to visit, at most meals there were biscuits, and always a tin of Steens Cane syrup to drizzle on top.

Honey is what I put on my biscuits, but I do like a good "syrup cake" made with Steens.

It's kind of like gingerbread - a warm, spicy, dark, rich, moist, cake. But a bit less sweet.

I like it best for breakfast. With plain greek yogurt and fruit with a drizzle of honey and chopped walnuts. In my next life, when I have a bookstore with a coffee bar, this selection will be available during the months of October and November. Served with steaming cups of hot coffee and a large, thick, cloth napkin. Because when cake is this tall, and must go in your mouth alongside the fruit and yogurt, it's a big messy bite. 

If you want to make this, please use the recipe below. It's from the Steen's cookbook. If you google it you may get one that adds sugar in addition to the syrup as a sweetener, and that is just not a "real" syrup cake. 

P.S. If you come to the bookstore I will be operating in my next life, and order this for breakfast, do not be one bit surprised when I serve it up to you in a big ol' southern accent. And as I walk by with a pot of coffee (because I will be able to cook, serve, answer questions about books, run the cash register, and pet the cat all at the same time) I will not ask you if you want a refill, I will instead ask "you need another swoller o' coffee?" 

Cheryl and Dottie tend to be most cooperative

While we were down in southern Missouri/northern Arkansas, in addition to cemetery sprucing, curvy road driving, scenic point stopping, beer/wine drinking, and story-telling (as if that wasn't enough) we also went to the place we used to put our toes in the water along the Buffalo River.  It was right where we left it when last Angie, Mary Ann, and I visited sometime in the mid 1990's.

As beautiful as ever, I might add.

The annual Moss Family putt-putt tournament was held for the 5th year. Brother tried to intimidate us with scowls and trash talking about how he has reigned supreme the last 2 years.

All to no avail.  

Chris won this year, setting a new low score for the tournament. As the winner, he paid for lunch which is written into the bylaws of the event.   

A trip was made to the butterfly palace, triggered by stories about the time Angie and Sister went many moons ago, which had always made me want to visit.  

Fierce Mexican Train dominoes and Farkle competitions were held. We keep score. And follow the rules (ha!).

And if all that wasn't enough, we also sat for a group photo. Or two. Possibly three.

Which I tell Brother and Chris, every year, they will be happy they have later, so "just be quiet and go along with it". Cheryl and Dottie tend to be most cooperative; understanding the value of such things.  

while you are at it, pick up a jar of chow-chow

We went to the "Ozark Grand Canyon" aka the "Arkansas Grand Canyon" when we were down that way a few weeks ago.  The views are spectacular, the signs informative, and the photo ops plentiful.

After you recover from the super windy roads you had to travel to get to this scenic point, go into the little store and get yourself a bottle of water or cold pop for one dollar. While you are at it, pick up a jar of chow-chow to accompany the next cheese plate you put together.  

we have a back up plan, that includes loppers

The pumpkins and mums were as pretty as ever at Big Cedar Lodge this year. For a true fall lover like myself, it is pure paradise. 

We always love to go on walks/hikes there, and while we are walking, recall all the other walks we have taken there through the years. This is what happens when you get older. If it hasn't happened to you yet... it will.  

On the second day of our visit, I asked Dottie "do you want me to tell you the plan for the walk today or shall I just take you?" My plan was for a good looooong walk and I didn't want to scare her, but on the other hand, I thought she might want to know what I was thinking. 

The next day she did the same thing to me except her plan was even better. She took me to the trails they used to maintain in the woods which (much to our chagrin) are now closed. Except, we found our way through much of it anyway - it was earlier in the year and there were less leaves on the ground, so it was easier than last year. 

Dottie is going to write them a letter about the trails, and how important it is for people to get out in the woods. Back to nature, on a trail. She is a good writer.  I foresee them wanting us to come down and share our ideas with them. Probably they will end up wanting us to plan the trails and lead the hikes. But if they do not, we have a back up plan. That includes packing loppers. The high performance kind. 

P.S. let's just keep this among ourselves for now.     

that is the sign of a life well lived

These last few days, while down in Arkansas, Dottie and Ray and I have had numerous discussions about Aunt Mabel's chocolate pie.

Mostly about how delicious it was and how vividly we remember her making it for us when she came up from Louisiana to visit us in South Carolina, sometime around 1968 or 69. 

As soon as we got home from the trip, the recipe came out for a test run.  It has been many many years since I made it.  

Aunt Mabel is seated to the left of Dad in the white wicker chair. Aunt Pauline and Aunt Lois are to the left of her. Dad's sisters loved their baby brother. There was nothing they wouldn't do for him. Including making things like fried chicken, biscuits, and pie.

Thanks for you help with the meringue Christy. It's good to have a pie maker to consult when needed.    

This is NOT a gourmet chocolate pie. What it is is simple, wonderful, easy, and full of love from Aunt Mabel. 

If you want something fancy, don't make this. If you want something special, do make this. 

If 26 years after you are dead and gone, someone remembers that you made really good chocolate pie, and left amazingly generous portions in the pot for your nieces who were licking the pot, I would say that is the sign of a life well lived. 

Recipe below as it was told to me by Aunt Mabel.  

mom and dad loved to dance and would have highly approved of this

We just got back from the annual pilgrimage to Arkansas to spruce up the cemetery and be together as a family, remembering times gone by, re-telling stories, making new memories.

Cheryl is the chief flower arranger.  

Brother trims the grass and is in charge of bringing the bourbon. This year he also brought music. Which he has been instructed is to be done every year. Without fail. 

Chris is the headstone cleaner.

Dottie, the photographer.

As head supervisor in charge of everything I was moving to fast to be photographed. We all did some leg-shaking as well. Mom and Dad loved to dance and would have highly approved of this.  

A golf tee was left for dad, a twisty for mom, and the special white rock Sister sent from Lummi Island was still there too.

Then it was time for one more story, followed by brother complaining about the picture taking, and finally glasses were raised in thanks for all Ray and Angie have done (and are still doing) for each of us. 

Over the years this ritual has become a comfort to all of us. Knowing we can count on this time together, building a tradition that will continue for as long as we are able.  

there are 83 I am sparing you from

Between us, and our 4 cameras, we took exactly 87 pictures of the three of us.  This one is my favorite.

I will try not to post more than 3 more of the remaining 86. That would mean there are 83 I am sparing you from. 

Today we are fanning out to the south, the southwest, and the west. Foibles associated with travel have already begun. I am doing my best to be mature about it. 

Seymour Hiney

Collections from Mendocino. From the tide pools, the garden at our house, the beach, and the trails along the headlands.

Julio, the barista at the Good Life Cafe and Bakery, continues to delight with his coffee art and the manner in which he calls out your name when it’s time to pick up your drink.

Tomorrow I swear I am going to tell them my name is Seymour Hiney.