Tall Tales from Kansas

as we ambled back along the same path

The next time you are in the Breckenridge Colorado area, put Hoosier Pass on your list of things to see.  The views are breathtaking. Every which way you look.  

It may be best to check it out once you have acclimated slightly to the higher elevation. If you are a flatlander like me anyway. It's pretty high up there at 11,539 feet.

There was snow across the trail about 1/2 way through the loop hike we selected.  As you can see above, part of our group went through the snow, part went around the snow, and some elected to do an out and back hike from that point.

I asked James to take a photo of me in the snow, then I gladly joined up with the out and back group. Sister and I did a hike through snow once. Long ago. When me and my knees were younger. Any my balance was better.  

Chris and I were quite content to examine the flora and fauna as we ambled back along the same path we took up.  

Gosh the mountains are beautiful. Note to self: go to Colorado more often!

 

playing with whatever you find on the trail

Hiking has been a big part of our family vacations for the past 24 years, since that  first trip to Red River New Mexico in 1995.

The cast of characters has changed over the years, but many things remain constant.

Like trouble finding the trailhead, and making do with what we find. 

Stopping for pictures along the way.

Playing with whatever you find on the trail.

Amazing views, peanut butter sandwiches with cherries for a snack, and specimen collecting.  

In the words of John Muir ..."between every two pines is a doorway to a new world"...

Amen to that brother.  Amen.  

out the window the lodge pole pines sway and whisper in the breeze

We interrupt this recap of Santa Barbara for an update from Colorado.  Where the flowers are dazzling, snow covers the mountain tops, and family hikes are being taken.

We are playing Farkle, cooking, and feasting on new taste treats like the roasted peaches with honey, topped with burrata, pistachios, and mint below. 

At the end of the day when I lay my head down to sleep, I look up and see the stars in a dark purplish-midnight blue sky.. and to my right, out the window, the lodge pole pines sway and whisper in the breeze. 

And everyone lived happily ever after.  The end.

by the time you read this

This week's celebration of the ordinary includes a morning walk, and the rose bush in the pot on the deck, from which I can harvest blooms to put in the vase purchased at a flea market in Budapest, on a seriously hot day.  I remember that day like it was yesterday, and every wrong bus we took trying to get there.  

Every time I glance up at it, while doing dishes at the sink, I am transported back there. And it makes me smile and laugh. 

There was also this vase of herbs, which are being grown in the container where we previously grew tomatoes.  Until the possums came.  And ate all the tomatoes. And we decided to grow rosemary, basil, parsley, oregano, and sage instead. 

By the time you read this I will be headed to California.  On an adventure with Mary Ann. Might be a photo or two posted here while I am gone, stories when I get home, feel free to follow on instagram.

whether you have siblings or are an only child

When I came across the poem below by Billy Collins, it made me more grateful than I already am (if that is possible), to have 2 sisters and a brother.  Below, in all our glory, lined up on the couch at our house in Spain on June 10th 1966. Bangs freshly trimmed by Angie.  Dottie with perfect hair showing why mom permed our ends, me missing 2 front teeth, Mary Ann looking extremely serious, Ray in suit and tie.

Whether you have siblings or are an only child, you will enjoy the poem.  I feel certain.  

Only Child
by Billy Collins

I never wished for a sibling, boy or girl.
Center of the universe,
I had the back of my parents' car
all to myself. I could look out one window
then slide over to the other window
without any quibbling over territorial rights,
and whenever I played a game
on the floor of my bedroom, it was always my turn.

Not until my parents entered their 90s
did I long for a sister, a nurse I named Mary,
who worked in a hospital
five minutes away from their house
and who would drop everything,
even a thermometer, whenever I called.
“Be there in a jiff” and “On my way!”
were two of her favorite expressions, and mine.

And now that the parents are dead,
I wish I could meet Mary for coffee
every now and then at that Italian place
with the blue awning where we would sit
and reminisce, even on rainy days.
I would gaze into her green eyes
and see my parents, my mother looking out
of Mary's right eye and my father staring out of her left,

which would remind me of what an odd duck
I was as a child, a little prince and a loner,
who would break off from his gang of friends
on a Saturday and find a hedge to hide behind.
And I would tell Mary about all that, too,
and never embarrass her by asking about
her nonexistence, and maybe we
would have another espresso and a pastry
and I would always pay the bill and walk her home.
 

one last look back at where we had been

Bandolier National Monument really requires no words.  

If you want to use one though, may I suggest majestic.

Inventive and ingenious would also work.

Let's not forget mystical.

A perfect day was this.

Concluding with my favorite thing to do at the end of a good tiring hike. Pulling out the peanut butter sandwich, apple, and carrot sticks which were packed before leaving home.  By the time you are ready to eat, the peanut butter has seeped into the bread perfectly, and the feet sigh with relief when you sit. There is simply nothing more satisfying.  

On the way home we pulled over to take in a few more views...

... including one last look back at where we had been. For perspective. 

especially when you have a pie maker like Christy around

While in Albuquerque, ordinary activities included taking walks, eating Christy's peach pie (sigh), exploring local coffee shops (Little Bear), and exclaiming over cactus flowers.

There was also evening light to be admired, more of those cactus flowers, and taking lots of photos together.  

Because taking all these photos can wear a girl out, we did not protest when Christy said (after making the peach pie) "I have enough crust to make another pie", then "do you want lemon meringue or chocolate?"

To which we unanimously replied "LEMON MERINGUE"!!!!

As I always say, ordinary moments are the best.  Especially when you have a pie maker like Christy around.

we filled up our eyes but did not empty our wallets

During a three day stay in Albuquerque it was windy, rainy, sunny, cool, warm, AND it snowed on the way to Bandolier. None of which spoiled our time together in any way.    

In Santa Fe there were plenty of things to delight us indoors. Tiles, geraniums, griddled polenta with red chile, chorizo, and poached eggs, friendly people, colorful surroundings.

The cathedral had a labyrinth to walk, was surrounded by blooming trees, and my favorite of all was the painted boarder that ran all along the walls. The colors!

The Georgia O'Keefe museum was wonderful. If you go, take the time to watch the short film at the beginning. To be able to hear her voice, see her tools, learn about her life, AND see her art was a complete experience.

There was no end of tempting treasures to buy along the street of Santa Fe.

We filled up our eyes but did not empty our wallets.

We did clean our plates at Cafe Pasqual's. Literally. It was a culinary extravaganza that I will be thinking about for some time to come. 

P.S.  Happiest of Birthdays to you today Dottie.

the land of enchantment

Today I am off to New Mexico. The land of enchantment, with bright blue skies, mountains, deserts, and red & green chile peppers.  Dottie and I are going to hike, drink coffee, eat peach pie, look at roses and iris, climb a mountain, discuss books, explore cliff dwellings, and maybe sit with our feet up.  If we feel like it.  

In other words, we are going to hang out together.  Doing sister things.  I will be posting some photos on Instagram if you are interested in our shenanigans.

while we ate pimento cheese on cucumber slices

Kentucky stories to follow in the days ahead.  For now let me say that the people we met have been friendly, the accommodations sumptuous, the food outstanding, the bourbon smooth, and of course there was watching Tiger win the masters today.... with brother, Chris, and Cheryl Jean, while we ate pimento cheese on cucumber slices and discussed all the subtle nuances of the game. 

In other words, a perfect time has been had by all.

eating dixie pie

Exactly one month from today, Chris and I will embark upon our voyage across Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and into Kentucky, where we shall meet up at a designated spot (if all goes correctly) with brother Ray and sister-in-law Cheryl Jean. Thus begins what for me is one of the most enjoyable aspects of travel. The pre-trip phase. The part full of ideas, planning, and loads of enthusiasm. 

This started on Saturday with Brother telling me about the tour of a distillery that sends it's bourbon (in barrels) on a ship around the world as part of the aging process. Who doesn't want to learn more about that? Which led to looking at a map, spotting a botanical garden and hearing about "The Hot Brown".  And just like that, the folder is filling up.  Maybe with more stuff than we will ever be able to accomplish. Knowing full well that in our family we change plans at the drop of a hat and absolutely never feel bad about skipping something in the name of 'enough is enough'.  

This phase of the trip, where the rooms have been booked and loose plans have been made, but no highway signs have yet been missed resulting in detours, or other foibles like that, may be my favorite part.  A local book store has been found to visit, with an art gallery around the corner, a cemetery to explore, a yarn shop to investigate... and the best part is we are driving. Which means I can buy as many books, paintings, skeins of yarn, and bottles of bourbon as I need. Eating Dixie pie, telling stories, and laughing are also on the list. Lots of laughing. Until we cry. And maybe howl. But hopefully not wet our pants.

he loves to go to local yarn stores with me

Happy Birthday Brother! I hope Cheryl Jean is making you an Angel Food Cake with maraschino cherry frosting like mom used to make every year on your big day.  I don't remember what kind of cake mom used to make for me, but for some reason I always remember what she made for you.  AND, I was always glad to see March 5th roll around so I could have a piece.  

Looking forward to seeing you in exactly 37 days for our big Kentucky adventure.  I hope we can find a suitable birthday cake to enjoy while we are there.  

P.S.  If any of you live around the area of Lexington Kentucky we NEED to know if there are things in the vicinity we MUST see.  Brother has already done all the research on the bourbon distilleries, but he LOVES to go to local yarn stores with me, antique shops, interesting coffee spots or bookstores, cool old downtown areas... you get the idea.  Send us the scoop. Please and THANKS.

the cake lovers guide to birthdays

Today my partner in life, crime, walking/hiking, cooking & cleaning, driveway clearing, movie watching, museum going, and about 100 other things, is having a birthday.  

I wrapped his present early and put it on the table so he could think about what it might be.

The cake was also purchased in advance. We started eating it Saturday.

Birthday cake should be eaten on the day before the birthday, the actual birthday, the day after the birthday, and then each subsequent day until it's been consumed in it's entirety. It's a rule.

It's from the "Cake Lovers Guide to Birthdays". 

P.S. Isn't this 4 inch layer cake cute?  Perfect for a family of two.  If you live in the area, we got it from McClains Bakery in Lawrence.

hare-brained ideas that somehow turn out to be the most perfect moments

In the event that you do not have a sister who recently went to Venice

who believes in doing the unexpected

like deciding you should have a taste of Pannetone

but not any old Pannetone

no, one she bought in Venice

and carried home through the one day delay in London followed by Denver and finally to Albuquerque, where it was mailed to you in Kansas

So you could open it and taste for the first time in your life this amazingly light, slightly sweet, delicacy and feel like you were there with them.  If you don't have such a sister, I am sharing the experience with you tonight.  

Dottie, please never stop having hare-brained ideas that somehow turn out to be the most perfect moments for those of us who get to share in them. I am toasting you sister, from here in Kansas... to less logic and more magic. Thanks for reminding me to say YES to life.  

our zip-lining experience

Happy Happy Happy BIRTHDAY Sister!  I tried to use all of the best shots of you that I have through the years, including one of my favorite renderings.  There are so many I have done through the years, it was hard to choose.  

Hope you are doing something really fun tonight.  Looking forward to our zip-lining experience, to celebrate the event, when we are in Palm Springs together.  All the arrangements have been made.  Just like you requested. 

dreaming, planning, scheduling

Family favorites from 2018.  Good trips.  Good times.  

Great memories.  I don't know about you all, but I NEED to see my siblings regularly.  2019 has been planned out.  It includes multiple visits with each. There is nothing more enjoyable than dreaming, planning, scheduling, followed by doing, enjoying, and finally looking back on it all.  

a regular pour in a regular glass

Whatever else you have planned for the weekend, I hope you fit in some time for a special phone call or two.  

The kind you have to use the  wind phone for.    December is a really good time to use the wind phone.  For example I called Angie on it this week so we could talk eggnog.  Angie LOVED eggnog.  I don't mean just a little bit.  Whenever I get some, which I always do over the holidays, I think of Mom.  

So when I brewed up a pot of coffee and poured myself a "shot glass" of eggnog this week, I decided just because Angie is not present on the earth in her physical form, is no reason not to have an eggnog moment with her.  

She let me know in no uncertain terms that if she was having eggnog with me right now, she would want a regular pour in a regular glass.  And while I was at it, she'd like to sit in her usual chair in the corner by the fireplace, and would it be possible to see if Harvey could come over because she would like to pet a cat.  And so we did.  All that.  Plus some good laughs and just one tear.  

so technically it would be considered scenery

Humor me will you?  While I show just a few more photos from Lake Tahoe. Starting with the happy couple the morning after the exchanging of the vows. Gosh, if you are planning a destination wedding, this spot in the universe is amazingly beautiful in October.  

What a backdrop for photos.  Even just the casual shots caught in between the official stuff.  

There were many places close by for strolling in between wedding events. The perfect way to spend a few hours with your sweetie. I love all the happy couples at a wedding.

 

Did I mention the scenery already? Everywhere you look.  Seriously.

So we got out a lot to LOOK. And no one complained about group photos. Not one little bit. Nary a peep.    

Because I really appreciate a lovely table setting, and I suspect some of you do as well, I had to include this shot. Which has nothing to do with scenery.  Except it was so pretty and I was looking at it. 

So technically it would be considered scenery.  Right?   

I will have my people contact your people

Heading home soon and back to regular routines. But boy, has this opportunity to get out among the trees, water, and mountains been perfect.  Lake Tahoe, I think we might have future business together. I will have my people contact your people.  

one bear siting

All this + a wedding, one bear siting, and some mighty fine local coffee. Good times.  For sure.   

really pretty

We arrived.  And oh yes, it is pretty.

Really pretty.   

ain't love grand?

Chris and I are heading to Lake Tahoe in the wee hours of the morning.  Wedding bells are ringing for our youngest niece. 

Ain't love grand?  

We understand it's beautiful in that part of the country this time of year.  There may be a daily post card if I plan things right.  If not, you can follow along on Instagram if you are so inclined.  

new "old" memories to talk about

I had mixed thoughts tonight about sharing details on a blog about our annual ritual of visiting mom and dad's graves.  It is private, personal, and still painful in ways, and yet... it is such a part of each of us and I love that we do it every year.  

We always start with the easy part.  Cleaning, trimming, taking out the old flowers, arranging the new.  Each person has a job.

And we always take a whole bunch of pictures.

Just because your parents are no longer with you, is no reason not to still include some part of them in pictures.  

Each year there are new "old" memories to talk about.  It's funny how we each have similar and different recollections about growing up and about Ray and Angie when they were sick.   

There are plenty of tears, as well as laughs, and in the end I think we all feel a little less heavy.  This year we brought our putters so Dad could put a little luck on them.  And there was a special rock direct from Lummi Island that Mary Ann wanted mom to have. 

Who knows how many years of this we will have left.  What I do know is that each year I feel myself able to talk about more things. And I feel incredibly lucky to have people I can do this with.  

So in the end, I decided sharing this was the right thing to do.  Because I think it's healthy to have rituals like this.  AND it's important to talk about death and how we help each other through it.  

 

who caddy fo' her daddy

Shortly after we began going to Big Cedar Lodge in 2014 to celebrate Ray and Angie's birthdays we started the Annual Moss Family Putt Putt tournament.  This year was the 4th official playing of the event.

 

This is all of us as we prepared to tee off.  Had I examined this photo carefully before we set off, I would have noted that look of ease and assuredness on Brother's face, and I would have stepped on his foot in order to handicap him slightly.  

Alas, I did not.  When he got a 5 on The Big Lunker hole, I thought I might be able to pull off a repeat of my win at the first annual tournament in 2015.

But my hopes were dashed with his hole in one on #5.  

This event was followed by a leisurely lunch at the Truman cafe, where we all carefully watched as the scores were tallied.

In the end, Brother brought it home with a 4 under for first place, followed by Dottie in second, me at third, Chris at #4, and Cheryl at #5. Dottie had the line of the day when, after sinking a long putt, she looked up and said "who caddy fo' her daddy?"

It brought us to tears laughing, and we haven't stopped saying it yet.  

a hint of woodsmoke in the air mixing perfectly with decomposing leaves

Today we returned from 4 days filled with talking, laughing, telling stories, making new memories, and mostly being together as a family. 

It was glorious. We stayed at the Lakeside Cottages at Big Cedar Lodge this year. There may be a bit less room inside than the other cabins, but the porches are covered and the view of the lake is very nice.

There were lots of walks taken. We do not take for granted the privilege of stepping out the door and being in this wonderful setting. The sound of the wind in the trees, geese flying overhead, and a hint of woodsmoke in the air mixing perfectly with decomposing leaves on the ground.  

Chairs await on the porch to rest our feet.

The flowerbeds and artfully arranged groupings of all things fall completely delight me, AND Dottie made a fire every evening while we were there. It's now officially official, the season of sitting by the fire in the mornings and evenings is upon us. 

anything else we can get into trouble doing

This morning we pulled out of Tall Tales Headquarters and headed south.  Brother is coming from Virginia by way of Oklahoma, and Dottie is flying in from New Mexico.  We are meeting up in Northern Arkansas to celebrate Ray and Angie's birthdays.  Photo below from last year's party.  

There will be some cemetery sprucing up, the 4th annual Moss Family putt putt tournament, hiking, cooking, eating, story-telling, blind contour drawings, Mexican train domino playing, and anything else we can find to get into trouble doing.  

P.S.  you guys all take goofy pictures at the cemetery too right?  Ray and Angie would expect no less from us, and in fact, would be disappointed if we did not act rambunctious and slightly disrespectful.  I can just hear mom right now .... "Carol you just have to make a joke out of everything don't you"... at which point I would guffaw and try very hard not to wet my pants.  

she was, and remains, the sister best suited for jobs like this

This past week marked 4 years since Angie died.   I read through all the Angie re-runs and laughed about the funny things she said, which she in no way intended to be as hilarious as I found them.  I recalled the trip to Dillard's to go bra shopping because she needed some new ones. 

All the Moss girls tried our hardest to get out of taking Mom to the mall.  Mostly because she would inevitably decide things had to be returned.  I always tried to get Dottie to do the returns when she was in town for a visit.  Which, by the way, she always did.  Mary Ann and I are in complete agreement that she was, and remains, the sister best suited for jobs like this.

Every one of you who has been through the death of a parent knows that time becomes irrelevant once they are gone.  Dad died 18 years ago and I still miss him the same way I miss Angie.  Mostly what I can say is that I remember the good times way more than the not so good.  I dwell less on things I might have done better.  

I love the ritual we have created of getting together each year on their birthdays to remember.  Making new memories wrapped around the old ones.  For sure, Ray and Angie would approve highly of that.  

becaus he knows I have a sweet tooth the size of North America

I know it's too late for you to drive over to Lawrence and get these candles for your Valentine dinner table, but aren't they superb?  We love everything about Waxman Candles.  

I myself, went all out for the occasion and baked a cake.

The recipe is from Smitten Kitchen's new cookbook.  I can get behind a simple, delicious, one layer cake for a household of 2 who can't eat a big family sized cake!

After ascertaining that my Valentine wanted a vanilla cake with buttercream frosting, I assembled supplies. 

I even sifted the powdered sugar and used waxed paper to keep the cake stand neat while frosting. 

Nothing is too much work for Chris.  Who actually really doesn't love desserts, but tolerates them because he knows I have a sweet tooth the size of North America.

Happily, since his birthday is February 11th, he gets plain red sugar on the top of the cake for the birthday, and hearts added for Valentines day. 

We are very practical people around here.  

slow, lazy, sweet

It's back to work tomorrow for me.  The last 4 days have flown by.  But I was making a movie in my mind as the moments clicked by.  The highlight reel includes but is not limited to the following:

Dottie sending me a photo of Angie giving me a Christmas kiss back in 2013.  Talking to Louise about being a bride on a farm in Kansas after World War II ... there was no indoor bathroom.  Eating Sean and Andrea's cabbage rolls.  Mary giving Morgan great-aunt Alice's engagement ring that she had made into a necklace.   Eleanor being excited to give everyone her handmade ornaments.  Talking to brother on the phone about our pumpkin pie recipes.  Charlie Orrico telling me "Merry Christmas sweetheart".  Poached eggs on english muffins with bacon on Christmas morning.  Chris surprising me with some cookbooks he knew I would want.  Sean giving his father and Chris giant wrapped boxes that contained Nerf Super Blasters.  To relive that Christmas when they got the "Johnny 7 OMA".  The gift that will live in infamy.

Slow.  Lazy.  Sweet.  Talk of an upcoming wedding.  Hugs all around.  Much to be grateful for.  

multi-tasking runs in our family

Today I puttered.  But efficiently.  If that is even a thing.  Which I think it is.  Three cups of coffee will kick low-key puttering into high gear.  Trust me.

Soup making, combined with a little decorating, followed by the annual bringing in of the hoses.  That got done too.  

All the while, I was putting new books on hold at the library, polishing my fingernails, wrapping a present, and playing a running game of words with friends with Brother while he baked cranberry-white chocolate-macadamia nut cookies.  

Multi-tasking runs in our family.  

until it's time for leftovers that is

Thanksgiving began in the customary way.  Bringing out all the china, silverware, cranberry server, gravy boat, and wine glasses from years gone by.  From the homes of all the Thanksgiving makers that have come before us.

The head turkey maker followed the usual routine, including stuffing the cavity of the brined turkey with clove studded oranges, apples, herbs, and an onion.

Our pre-dinner urban hike was amazing and included a rousing rendition of the hokey pokey beginning with "your right foot "and ending with "your whole body".  

There was also leaf kicking, stair running, arms linked around a tree, sculpture admiring, and a contest of "see how many bodies you can get on one tree stump".

The bells rang at their appointed time as we approached the Campanille and we watched the Jayhawks run through some drills in preparation for a big game this weekend.  

There was also Mexican train dominoes,  cocktails, an amazing dinner, trivial pursuit, and a "way too big but I couldn't help myself" piece of pecan pie for dessert.  

This morning, I am sitting.  Sitting and knitting.  Which may be all I do today.  Until it's time for leftovers that is.   

thanks for that mom and dad

I should have known at the outset, that Brother had some tricks up his sleeve, when he worked in a few practice putts before we started the 3rd Annual putt putt competition at Big Cedar Lodge last weekend.

Perhaps I should have paid more attention to Dottie's lazer focus as she lined up her shots as well.

I was distracted though. 

Before I knew it, Dottie had a hole in one...

Brother had smoked us all, and Chris came in second.

My coming in last in no way lessened my enjoyment factor. 

Before we left on Sunday, Dottie and I got up early to do the "Big Bear" hike.  The trail is no longer being maintained.  Which means we started on it anyway, but after 20 minutes thought better of it, knowing our time was short and getting lost in the woods is easy. 

The morning was still beautiful.  Heavy frost on the grass, steam rising off the lake, and lovely fall foliage.

In addition to all this, there was a heated Mexican train domino competition where the loser each round had to eat Halloween jelly bellies which included flavors like "dog food",  "stinky socks", and "spoiled milk". 

Good times.  Good memories.  Good family.  Thanks for that Mom and Dad. 

when you are trying to teach your brother a new move

It was another great trip to the Maplewood Cemetery this year.  Despite the fact that it was cold AND there were no knuckleheads (aka great nieces and nephews) with us, we still had some good family time. 

Brother attended to his grass clipping duties with gusto.

These two did their best to keep everyone in line.

Which can be difficult when you are trying to teach your brother a new move. 

The foliage was beautiful

Stories were told.

Pictures were taken.

Bourbon was sipped.

And in the end our work was done. 

hang it if you got it

 We are headed South early in the morning.  Time for the annual pilgrimage to Harrison to celebrate Ray and Angie.  Dottie is coming from the west, Ray and Cheryl are coming from the East, and Chris and I are coming from the North.  Converging at precise, predesignated coordinates.

In the meantime, I leave you a hodge-podge of photos from my holiday decorating.  Including the donning of hats and sweaters by Swedish bunnies. 

I abide by the "no area should be left unadorned" decorating policy.  In other words - hang it if you got it.  See you in a few days. 

somehow Dottie got her hands on it

If you are very lucky, you have a Dottie in your family.  The keeper of the files.  Guardian of the family stories.  Ready with a fact or a picture when you need it.

When I was in Albuquerque Dottie showed me Aunt Fanny's prayer book, and an old photo of she and her friend in their swimming costumes, hair undone, complete with baby on hip.  Wow. 

I also had a chance to read a letter our dad had written to his sister after his father died.  Dad was only 25 at the time and Mom was about to give birth to Dottie.  All the way across the world in Hawaii - which meant he couldn't attend the funeral and be with his sisters and brothers and mom.  That's a rare opportunity.  I am grateful that Aunt Ola kept it, and her family didn't throw it away after she died, and somehow Dottie got her hands on it.  And could locate it at a moments notice because of her most excellent filing system. 

guides like Dottie and Christy

Where do I begin to explain the balloon festival?  As I said to Dottie and Christy after we had been on the grounds for about 10 minutes.  "Oh this is something you have to experience to really get the magnitude".    

And the color.  And the spectacle that is all those balloons lifting off the ground.  One after the other.  

And no collisions.  I guess because of the balloon referees?  What do you call these guys & gals that seem to be in charge of helping clear the path of ascent?

Besides "cheerful, friendly, and cute" I mean.  Because they were all that too.  While keeping everyone in line. 

Everyone was looking up and smiling.  Imprinting the color for when it is needed on a drab winter day. 

Let me not forget to mention the green chili breakfast burrito.  It was the perfect antidote to that chilly morning wait for the bus ride out to the festival grounds.  I don't know this guy's name, but if you go next weekend I hope he makes yours.  He made mine, and it was a big old mess of spicy, warm, green chili, scrambled egg goodness.   

I hope if you get to the balloon fest, you have guides like Dottie and Christy.   Who will hold your coffee so you can take photos, are skillful at working their way through the field, make sure you don't get lost, and will take you home for an afternoon nap if you need one.     

Which I surely did. 

Oh Albuquerque

In addition to hiking and ballooning, there was some fine dining done in Albuquerque last weekend.  Dottie flat out did some amazing cooking while I was at she and Christy's home.   

Perhaps most unforgettable was this plate of goodness.  Ye'abeshe Gomen (Ethiopian Collard Greens), Pumpkin Curry with Chickpeas and Kale, and I didn't write down the name of the lentil dish.  My palate appreciates exotic flavors.   

I cleaned the plate shown above and then went back for seconds.   A meal like this demands it.  Besides, there was walking planned for later.   

Strolling past adobe and cactus and ristras on a pleasantly cool October evening.  Peeking in to courtyards, catching glimpses.

Picking out places to check out more carefully on my next visit. 

Oh Albuquerque.  There is a lot to like about you.  And I haven't even gotten to the balloons yet.  But I will. 

the very definition of complete contentment

When I told Dottie I was coming for a visit, she gave me lots of options for things we could see and do.  I informed her that the only "musts" were seeing her house, the balloon festival, a hike in the mountains, and eating some green chili's.  To that end, on Friday morning we headed to the Tree Spring trail in the Sandia Mountains.   

I give high marks to this trail for the gradual ascent and variety of things to see.  What you can not get from these photos is the incredible smell of the decomposing fall leaves. 

The joy of a walk in the woods can not be overstated.  If you can also see aspens turning colors, feel the cool of the shade and the warmth of the sun, hear the wind as it moves through the trees, and walk in companionable silence with your sister at the same time... well that is the very definition of complete contentment.

a break in the space-time continuum

Somewhere, in a random photo album, I have a picture of myself with my very first car.  A '64 Chevy Belair that I bought for $100.  A very good buy.  I am certain it had nothing to do with the fact that I was purchasing it from my then "boyfriend".  It could be started without the key, you just had to turn the metal around the slot where the key went in.  Very handy.  As long as I was the only one that knew this. 

This is me today.  Saying goodbye to my 9 year old Camry.  Prior to handing over the keys I carefully took Angie's sunglasses, gloves, and lactaid tablets out of the glove box.  I will transfer them to my new car.  In case on a sunny or wintery or ice-cream kind of day at some point in the future, a break in the space-time continuum happens and I turn around to see Angie sitting in the co-pilot seat of my new ride.  

the Bohemian Pilsner was especially restorative

Twenty two years ago when the Mulvenon clan went on the first "family vacation", the tradition of hiking was born. 

Now the majority of the family are hiking enthusiasts.  Give us a map, a half of a peanut butter sandwich, plenty of water, and we are good to go.  This year was no different. 

Six of our group decided we had to do Angels Landing, a strenuous, 5 mile hike, with a 1500 feet elevation gain.

This trail is not for the faint of heart, or anyone who has a fear of heights. 

Once you pass Scouts Landing, you notice the chains, which are to help you haul yourself up and to hold on to while you climb.  I, for one, made good use of them.

The view from the summit is pretty spectacular.  In truth though, this was a hike I wanted to do as much for the sights, as the challenge.  I thought I could make it, but there was a part of me that wasn't sure.  I wanted to test myself and luckily so did some of the "kids". 

All along the way there were points where we passed people coming down as we were going up and vice versa.  This required a bit of maneuvering.  We encountered some of the nicest people ever.  Lending a hand, offering an encouraging word, it was seriously good stuff.  One woman from Germany in particular had the strongest grip and made sure I knew that she "had" me. 

This hike is right up there with the Beehive trail (Acadia National Park) in terms of being memorable.  Except this one was much longer and that was 16 years ago. 

For the record, Walters Wiggles are unique and exhausting.  As hard on the knees on the way down as they were on the lungs on the way up.  If you go to Zion, and do this hike, I strongly recommend you visit the Zion Canyon Brewing company in Springdale when you complete your odyssey.  I found the Bohemian Pilsner especially restorative after the 4 and 1/2 hour trek... that I would do again in a heartbeat.   

a slightly crooked smile and a look that goes straight through me

My heart was pierced by a 4 year old in Utah.  A 4 year old named Cyrenna.  Who asked me what my name was before she told me she needed help.  She has a teeny tiny voice and likes stick on tattoos.   And thinks she can cut things out with my very sharp knitting scissors all by herself. 

It seems like just yesterday when her father told us (as we were driving through KS in 90+ degree heat) "it's sweaty in my leg pits", or that he needed "a cold cold cold cold cold drink of water with lots of ice" one night in (I think) 1983 or '84 when we were spending the night in the middle of the hot summer and he happened to be laid up with a badly broken leg.  I swear it feels like that was just yesterday. 

This.  This right here.  This serious face with a slightly crooked smile and a look that goes straight through me.  This is what family vacations are really about. 

James and Cori kept their shoes on the whole time

If you go to Utah, and you want to see some bighorn sheep, head for the Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park.  We didn't actually see any while hiking, but when we were driving away from the trailhead, 3 of them popped up on the rocks right above the road.  They are experts at holding still and blending into the landscape so you have to be watching like a hawk.  You would have thought we had seen an elk, a mountain lion, and a peregrine fountain.  One sitting atop the other.  Bremerton musician style.  That's how excited we were.  Don't look for them in any of these photos though.  I was driving. 

We chose this hike to do early on in our trip because it's not too long (only a mile), did not have much elevation gain, and we thought it would be good to help us adjust to the altitude... before moving on to conquering mountain tops.   

It was rated as moderate and I believe that was accurate.  You will notice there are places where the drop offs are fenced - helpful if you have kids in your party. 

Kids who like to explore, and be adventurous, and even a little daring. 

There was much to see on this trail, cool cave areas, sweeping views of the canyon below, gnarly tree trunks, and the bare feet of a hiker from Atlanta Georgia. 

James and Cori kept their shoes on the whole time.  Kansans and Missourians are very sensible that way. 

baby butts make everything better

Before I fall into bed tonight, I am reviewing a few photos from our Utah trip.  Family vacations are about hanging out.  Building memories.  Trying new things.  Eating amazing food prepared by a family of chefs. 

Telling stories.  Singing songs.  Taking walks.  Providing instruction on how to eat a cherry without swallowing a pit.   

I mentioned eating fabulous food already but it doesn't hurt to repeat myself. 

And of course, let's not forget baby butts.  Baby butts make everything better. 

suffice it to say the hoodoos are spectacular

Today our hiking/exploring took us to Bryce Canyon.  The Navaho trail specifically.  Part of it was closed for repair, which actually turned out to be ok.  We followed a different loop back up and saw things we hadn't planned on.  

More about these hikes when I get home.  For now, suffice it to say the Hoodoos are spectacular. 

such excellent hiking companions

This morning a crew of 6 left the house at 6:10 for Zion National Park.  Destination - Angels Landing.  It was strenuous, long, and exhausting.  And it will go down as one of the best hikes I have ever taken.  

It's such a great feeling to tackle something that is going to be really hard, that you hope to complete but aren't sure you still have it in you.  The sense of accomplishment is pretty sweet when you succeed.  Great suggestion Dana.  It was everything you said and then some!

Thanks Gary, Morgan, Ryan, James, and Cori for being such excellent hiking companions.  

Getting a whole new generation indoctrinated into the tradition

Southern Utah is majestic. With impressive views, red rocks that sometimes look purple and pink, slot canyons where the temperature cools, and oh I could go on and on. Instead I will show you a few photos from my phone for now, more when I get home. 

Meanwhile, we'll just be here exploring. Hiking. Filling up our eyes. Making memories. Getting a whole new generation indoctrinated into the tradition.

if the spirit moves me and the wifi cooperates

By the time this post is published I should be in Utah.  Where about 30 members of the Mulvenon clan will be gathering for a week long vacation.  There will be some hiking, cooking, sitting, drinking, story-telling, and the like.   Janelle has games planned, the details of which are top secret. 

I hope to be sharing some photos here at Tall Tales, but blogging will require the spirit to move me and the wifi to be cooperative.  I have prepared in advance a few posts with important information completely unrelated to Utah that will pop up while I am gone.   I will also be posting on Instagram. 

In the meantime I leave you the peonies from last week's farmers market to look at.  

By the time I get back to the market, it could be that there will be no more peonies to be had.  But I am crossing my fingers and holding my breath for a coral charm or two. 

at a truck stop, with grits on the menu

I am thinking about my Dad on Memorial Day.  Knowing if he were here he would be camped out on the lawn chair in back, watching Chris barbecue ribs, sipping on a bourbon and orange juice, telling us a tale of some adventure in Brazil or maybe on Big Sheep mountain, or about when he was traveling in his younger days playing baseball. It's just as likely he would just sit.   Enjoying the breeze while imagining his next road trip. 

Dad liked to get in the car and head out on the open road.  With a destination in mind, but open to the possibility of a sudden change in plans.  Dottie and Mary Ann take after him in that arena.  I am exactly like him in that when he was hitting the road he liked to leave early.  Super early.  Like 4 in the morning.  With a thermos of coffee in tow.  After watching the sun rise, maybe a stop for breakfast.    At a truck stop, with grits on the menu. 

My older self would love to have a conversation with him now.   We would forgo all the stuff about things we wish we would have done differently.  Instead he could tell me more stories about when he was a kid growing up, we'd talk about how great the grand kids are, and discuss if we should head east or west when we hit the road in the morning.  

all you have to do is pack the picnic basket

Here is a sampling of what was in my mailbox this week.  First up is this hand made book from Mary Ann.  The master book maker.   Complete with an image of yours truly from days gone by.   Quirky and delightful to puzzle through just how it opened and went back together.  You will notice my sister wondered if I was up to the task of following directions.  I was. 

Then came a fresh supply of labels (also from Mary Ann) which I adore and could certainly print myself, except that her printer is way better than mine.

My copy of the blurb book of our trip to the Amalfi coast also arrived.  Ah.  Such good memories.

Dottie sent me this book.  Beautiful and interesting.  I will share more about it when I have completed my exploration through each page. 

Last, but not least, was this message from sister.  Many would struggle with the meaning, but given my training in code breaking it was not to difficult to transcribe. 

It means "We are going to rent a boat on our trip in July".  "I am taking care of all the details, all you have to do is pack the picnic basket".

the Angie re-runs #8 - call your mother

This post originally ran on 3/22/14.  It falls loosely into the Angie re-run category, but since I am the boss of the blog and make the rules, I am labeling it thusly.   

the ability to convey meaning through the use of inflexion

Angie used to call frequently and leave messages on my voice mail at work or the answering machine at home.  They always went something like this:

"Carol, it's your mother, call me right away". 

She never qualified the nature of the emergency that required a call back ASAP.   But I always got the idea that it was SERIOUS because of the tone of her voice.  Mothers are experts at cultivating the ability to convey meaning through the use of inflexion. 

I will admit to getting darn irritated when she would call and leave these messages at 7am on Saturday or while Chris and I were right in the middle of eating supper. 

So... when I saw this window display the other day I felt like I had received a message from Angie.  I think she was letting me know she had landed at her destination and was figuring out how to use the new communication system.   If she holds true to form, I suspect this will be the first of many messages. 

2017 update:  I can happily report that the messages have indeed continued.  Sometimes in dreams, sometimes when I find words coming out of my mouth that she said, or sometimes when I inexplicably do something she used to do - like this morning when one of the Harvey boys meowed at the back door, and I went outside with my coffee, and I stuck my finger in my cup to see if he wanted a taste, which he did, exactly like she used to do with her dogs Moxie and Foxie.  Go ahead, roll your eyes.  I know it's ridiculous.  I didn't mean to do it.  It just happened.  On Mother's Day.