Tall Tales from Kansas

to understand them as a part of life that come and go

After almost an entire month of not being able to walk without discomfort (which totally took the mental health benefits out of it), I have been back at it for the past 3 days. Church of the glassy river, Baker Wetlands, pond down the street... how I missed you. 

Oh the mysterious ways of the body and the reaction of the mind. What is this? When will it go away? What should I do to make it better? Is this making it worse? You know the drill.  Can we talk about aches and pains for a minute? Not to roll around in them so everyone will feel bad for us, but rather to understand them as a part of life that come and go. Often with no rhyme or reason... not one that we can pinpoint anyway.  A cloud that has blown in that will surely blow away is a great metaphor from Tara Brach (or maybe Pema Chödrön) for the suffering in life.

This has been a great wake up call for me on the importance of STRETCHING and making time for it before and after walking. The next time I am plagued with some unpleasant sensations in the body my plan is this: acknowledge, accept, and remember it's a cloud. Then I will speed dial my massage and physical therapists, who by the way are my "team" as much as my primary care doctor and all the "specialists" out there. Fabulous women these two. 

it was a 1 + 1 = 5 moment

This great blue heron was just one of the fabulous things I saw at the Baker Wetlands recently. I was able to get close (which is hard) and I had the Nikon with me. It was a 1 + 1 = 5 moment.  I love it when circumstances conspire for a good thing to happen. 

There was also this sunrise, geese honking as they took flight, and approaching rain. 

The American Lotus are only now just beginning to surface, in the form of their large leaves floating on the water. 

There was a turtle crossing the path, the beginning of the wild daisy's blooming, and a bird collecting materials to fortify a nest. 

I walked through a big puddle without getting my feet too wet, and made it to the car before getting completely drenched from the rain that overtook me on the way back. 





After all that,  I made a new friend at Decade Coffee Shop. 

Talk about a perfect morning. 

signs of love were spotted in various places

Sunday morning, at the church of the glassy river, there were frogs. A whole symphony of them. There were also 2 coyotes who crossed the railroad tracks.  One looked both ways before crossing, the other did not.  Cardinals were a blaze of color in the not-yet-leafed-out trees. 

One red-tailed, and one gray squirrel spiraled up and down and around a tree before parting at the bottom and each going their separate ways. Geese called as they flew overhead.

Signs of love were spotted in various spaces. It was a perfect reflection for the service. The church of the glassy river may be the best congregation I have ever belonged to. 

gazing into the middle distance

The red sunset maple is beginning the annual Spring transformation. 

Out in the "wild" there are not too many changes yet, still there are pops of green here and there. Before the eyes experience Spring though, there are the very subtle smells of Spring. Then ones that make you want to gulp in lungs full of this moist air. 

This week begins my transformation from a full-time worker to a part-time worker. I am filled with glee at the thought of more mornings to walk outside. More time to just be. 

I have many thoughts about what I will "do" with my time. I tell my mind to hush. Not to try and fill my days, but rather let them unfold. It's hard not to look ahead at the calendar and plan stuff. 





That was what full-time Carol did. Part-time Carol is going to try and spend more time sitting on benches. Gazing into the middle distance. Looking for whatever I might see.

a welcome back party, just for me

Daylight savings time was rung in around these parts with a wonderfully long morning walk.

There were blue skies, bracing breezes, tracks in the snow, woodpeckers tapping.

It felt like a welcome back party, just for me. Courtesy of Mother Nature.

All the presents were laying out, unwrapped, for me to enjoy. Just like I like it.

getting my tangled thoughts and dreams in order

March arrived today with no sign of lions in tow. Maybe this is the year she comes in like a lamb and goes out like a lion? A consultation with the Farmers Almanac may be in order. I am all about it, whatever the folklore or science says. An early morning walk was taken for the first time in what feels like months. It was Glorious with a capital G. 

No other humans in site, the wetlands were mine alone. My favorite way to enjoy them. 

Starting the day on a walk with myself, getting my tangled thoughts and dreams in order before moving on to the next order of business, always seems to make the day go better. 

It's harder to stay in your head when the geese are flying overhead, the hawks are watching, and the red-winged blackbirds are calling to each other.

my normal dose of winter escapism

One of the many wonderful things about living in the midwest, is that sometimes, in the middle of winter, there will be a sunshiny morning like this one, with temps in the 40's, and you can take a walk that makes you feel like you have broken free after a long confinement. Yes, I know there is no room for complaining here. We have NOT had a bad winter at all. But still the early morning hours, when I like to walk the best, are not conducive to venturing out on most days. Not so on this day though.

I had planned to be in California over this long weekend. Alas, for the second year in a row we have cancelled our in-person art retreat. Last year we had some virtual sessions, and this year sister and I have done a few art zooms, but I will say I do so miss the opening ceremony at the Huntington, followed by days surrounded by piles of sketchbooks and messy paint palettes scattered about.

Maybe next year? We shall see.  There are no chickens being counted before they hatch around these parts. Which by no means should be taken to mean that I am not hopeful. In the meantime, special mornings like this are being substituted for my normal dose of winter escapism... as depicted below from January 2020. 

and if it's slightly warm when eaten

I have decided the colors of the grasses in the winter are the same as the colors of the warm winter spices. Ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves. 





I want to to call the grasses red, until I see the red berries and that just seems confusing. "Rusty red" sounds like an old car and doesn't convey the softness of the grasses.  





Warm winter spices though... that is perfect in my mind. Often while walking on a chilly morning, I am considering what to have for breakfast with my coffee when I get home. In the winter, anything with ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, or clove is perfect, especially if it's in the form of a quick bread, and if it's slightly warm when eaten. 

the consistent pattern of the sunrise and sunset

In addition to making snowflakes, Chris and I have been busy playing cut-throat games of gin rummy (I am ahead), battleship (he is winning more than losing), watching movies (White Christmas is as good the 5th time as the 1st time, especially when there are at least 3 years in between viewings), and whenever the weather allows there are early morning walks for me. If I was to pick the one thing that has helped me retain my sanity in the last year, it is regular contact with nature while walking.

The consistent order of the sunrise and sunset brings me much solace. 

magnificent to watch

On this walk last week the wind was blowing in the 50 miles per hour range. Later that night it was up to 80 miles per hour. The wind is a powerful force. 

The white area you can barely make out in the photo above is a mass of gulls on the water. It was amazing to watch them and the geese dipping and diving and landing and taking off. Who knows what it was all about. It was magnificent to watch. 

After a cold cold weekend, we are expecting highs in the 60's for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Guess who is planning a hike? One for each day. Can you think of a better present?

Noah the chalk artist

The opportunity for pleasant walks in the winter can be iffy here in Kansas, where on any given day we may have rain, snow, tornadoes, ice, wind, or sunny/balmy conditions. Sometimes all in the same day. 



This walk was a good one, made even more fun because of the random chalk illustrations by Noah.  I smiled when I saw the snowflake. I LOVE it when people leave bits like this on a trail. I can't help but imagine them while they are making marks. 



The evergreens and berries were beautiful.  I read a great quote recently about the great out of doors “…nature creates form but it also destroys it, and it’s the balance between the two that suffuses nature with such peace…”.  I hadn't thought of it like this before, but it makes good sense. 

I wonder if Noah has been to all these places, or dreams about them? Perhaps he is imprinting his intentions to get there? I like closing my eyes and imagining him there, maybe he will leave an illustration of Lawrence Kansas when he visits. 





This post-walk butterscotch latte was perfect. Smooth, warm, buttery, a touch of salt… it took me back to the days when we were kids and sometimes got a piece of butterscotch candy, individually wrapped in a piece of golden cellophane.  



If you are coming to Lawrence over the holidays, and need to pick up a loaf of bread, stop in at 1900 Barker (amazing breads) and try one of these while you are there. 

While you are at it, check out the window display at Ruff House Art downtown at 729 Massachusetts. I like to give you guys ideas to put on your lists... nothing as exotic as Sydney, Mt. Everest, or Paris, but still.... 

in all of the costumes she wears

The season of tree's with naked branches is upon us. 



I wish I could remember who it was that said they thought trees were so much more interesting without their leaves because you could more clearly appreciate their essential structure... or something like that.



Leaves or no leaves, evergreen or never green, I do love a towering tree.



I appreciate the natural world in all of the costumes she wears. 



Yep. Sometimes after a walk I like to sit and think about what I have seen. 



Sometimes I don't think at all, I just sit. The aroma of this Currant Tisane blend tea from Hugo Tea was intoxicating. The perfect accompaniment to a quiet sit.

the benefits of connecting with nature

For me, a little solitude in the woods, is the perfect antidote to the excesses of the season.  Open 24/7. Free for all, no coupons needed. No signs or flashing lights.

The Japanese practice of forest bathing is rooted in the benefits of connecting with nature. In the woods we breathe in phytoncides which boosts our immune system... and that is GOOD medicine.  Enough said. 

to explore, see, smell, hear

Sandwiched between atmospheric images of trees, sky, and clouds, on this recent walk, there were also leaves, water, paths, unusual berries on a vine, and one special sign. Affixed to a post. Meant for anyone who took the time to see it.

For the ability to get out into the world, to explore, see, smell, and hear, I am most grateful. 

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. 

all right there just waiting for me

Somedays, on a walk, when you least expect it, all the stars line up, for the most perfect of perfect experiences. Last Sunday was one of those.  

From the sun coming up under the bridge, walking on the wet grass to the edge of the river, the pink mist rising into the cool morning air, falling leaves, golden morning sun, peeling bark, all right there just waiting for me. 

the Moss sisters have a policy about not engaging in risky, potentially injury-inducing, behaviors

We had the best sunrise, cloud display, blue sky goodness, all rolled into one last weekend. It was simply spectacular. A non-stop award winning movie playing out right in front of me. At one point I passed a field of birds all chattering simultaneously and then they stopped completely, all at once, in unison, like an unseen conductor had just lowered the baton. Fascinating. 

The lotus pond is done for the season. I did not scramble down into the muck for a dried seed pod though I was tempted. The Moss sisters have a policy about not engaging in risky, potentially injury-inducing behaviors, when we are on solo adventures.







This last photo is to remind me to tell you about another use for these pesky masks. I have been wearing one lately on my long morning walks to cut down on my ragweed exposure. Guess what? It works! 

the sun, the sky, the sunflowers

Early morning sunrise at the Baker Wetlands is hard to beat. Oh the sky, with all those colors, it never fails to get me. 

The sunflowers are blooming right now. Not a field of those giant headed ones, but I think you will agree they are equally wonderful. Especially at 63 degrees, when you and the birds have the place completely to yourself.

This silky fluff emerging from an open milkweed pod was putting on a show, just for me.


As was this big giant spider that I was grateful to spot before I walked into it's web. 


It's hard to know where to look, in the morning light everything is fine.

As I circled back to where I started, the sky was a bright blue, the perfect background for the impossibly perfect sunflowers, in all phases of bloom.

I didn't make it to the lotus pond, so captivated was I by the sun, the sky, the sunflowers, and of course the grasses. 

In the realm of all the things one can hope for, the thing I most want, is to never cease to be stopped in my tracks by nature. 

with a bit of spicy vanilla syrup

A recent walk in Lawrence started out under cloudy skies, and progressed to a drizzle that quickly sputtered out and was completely manageable with the aid of a hat. No umbrella required. I am a "let's just try" person. As in, maybe it will just rain for a few minutes and be fine, if not I can race back to the car. This philosophy has opened the door to many good experiences that would have otherwise been missed.  

This latte, with a bit of spicy vanilla syrup, which I have never tried before, was perfect for the after walk reflection. The syrup tasted like it had a hint of cayenne in it. Wonderful for a cloudy morning. While I was sitting there looking out the window at Alchemy, I noticed that the new sign is up on The Raven Bookstore's new location on Massachusetts street. 

I look forward to walking through the doors for the first time to see the new space. I am uncertain of the exact date of the opening, but it will be this summer, I think. I want to walk up to the door with my eyes closed and have someone guide me through the entryway, then after I am completely inside open my eyes like a kid on Christmas morning. Wouldn't that be marvelous? 

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. 

 

I think it was just I see you

It was an hallelujah, amen, praise-the-almighty, sunrise at the Baker Wetlands on my walk last week.

If that wasn't enough the wild roses were blooming.  Right out in the middle of nowhere, sprawling bunches of them.  Bees were buzzing all over the blossoms.

I took my favorite shortcut over to the heron hangout to see if the American lotuses were blooming yet.  Along this path were many dragon flies. They did not disturb me.

The lotuses are getting ready. Lots of rounded leaves floating and buds rising from the water, none open yet. Maybe next week or the week after.  There is a special spot and a method I use to collect specimens if needed.  It has not yet resulted in me falling in the water. It will be employed again this year when the time is right.

The grasses are pretty too right now.  New green among the old heads. Really glorious. 

As Dottie said when I showed her the sunrise photo on Sunday - "a real communion that ridiculous catholic bishops cannot deny anyone".  So true. 

P.S. As I was nearing the end of my stay, I looked up and saw 2 great blue herons whose paths crossed mid-flight. They acknowledged each other and went on their way. I do not know what was communicated. I think it was just "I see you".

reflections in the water and the scent of wild honeysuckle vine

The Yucca plants around the Keepers of the Universe statue down by the river in Burcham park are blooming. They look especially nice in the early morning light. 

Everything looks good in early morning light. 

Even the cottonwoods that are on their way to falling into the river. 

I love this old stump of a tree that met a similar fate at some point in the distant past?

Waters rise and fall, trees too. I don't know if there are seeds in all this cotton coming down, that restart the process of birth of a tree, but if you have allergies, bring Kleenex in your pockets. It's thick right now. 

Other highlights on this walk included reflections in the water and the scent of wild honeysuckle vine. 

As I came back to my car through the neighborhood I noted some great yard art. 

I especially loved the place of honor this trusty bike had earned after years of good service. If you look closely you can see the current bike hanging up inside the screened in porch. I think they talk to each other when no one is around. The new bike telling tales of todays' rides while the old one shares the epic adventures from the past. 

a lovely and fragrant arrangement

The wild daisies are blooming in Lawrence right now.

They are perfect in a setting like this, popping up in the best places.

Indulge me while I show you just one more.

It's turning into full on summer here. That means it's already hot by mid morning. 

My walks are generally done by that time. I like to isolation of the trails around 7am best.

Just me and the daisies, and the bees enjoying the thistles.

Which have very stickery stems by the way. 

I did not pick any of them. The daisies were another story.

A few of those did come home and were paired with some basil for a lovely and fragrant arrangement. All photos from Rock Chalk Park if you want to see the daisies and thistles for yourself. 

muskrats swimming through ponds

When one comes to the Baker Wetlands the price of admission includes getting your shoes wet and muddy. Sometimes your pants too, but it's a small price to pay for the opportunity to watch a cavorting blue heron with a long, thin, black, plume/feather that starts at the top of it's head and floats freely to the back of the head... and 3 snowy egrets doing acrobatic maneuvers over the lotus pond that will be blooming in June. 

You can see the leaves/pads sitting on the top of the water and shoots starting to poke through as well. 

My gortex lined trail hikers keep my feet dry even though the shoes get wet. One of my best purchases of the past year. When I come to a spot like this on the trail, I plunge ahead.  

I love the sparkling wetness on all plants and grasses. 

If you bring your binoculars you'll be forced to slow down and observe the thighs of great blue herons (they are an orange color), as well as the grazing habits of ducks. It is so interesting how their heads move up and down and back and forth as they forage. You can see a lot of things with binoculars that you can't see with your regular eyes.

But there are plenty of things to be seen with your regular eyes too.  On Saturday I discovered a new spot where Pied-billed Grebes and Least Bitterns nest.  Some nice Eagle Scout built a bench and a pergola out there so you can sit quietly and observe them. I will have to figure out when their nesting season is. 

This one morning of sunshine amidst all the recent rain felt like something really wonderful. I tucked every minute I was out walking in it up into my memory banks... along with the bunnies hopping along the trail, spiders spinning webs, the snake that jumped back into the water as I walked by, and the muskrats swimming through ponds. 

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.   

trust among the sky workers

Sometimes, on a morning walk, the sky is astounding. All shades of blue represented with hints of purple, white, pink, gray, and gold. All colors other than blue were simply there to make the blue look better. What teamwork and trust among the sky workers, all united in one mission, for us creatures down here to look up and appreciate their perfect harmony.

I have paid more attention this year to the variety of ways the leaves on different trees appear in the spring.  The one below unfurled itself and opened recently. Still in the process of becoming. 

Even the lowly dandelion, can be appreciated for it's complexity on a morning such as this.

 

But mostly on this day it was the sky. With the redbuds getting second billing on the marquee. 

in the middle of breathing in and breathing out time

I love it when I wake up at 6:15am on a day when it is supposed to be raining. But it's not. And for some reason, I am the only person that got the advance notice of the change in plans from the weather gods. 

Just me and the birds on this morning, a couple of worms working their way from the sidewalk to the grass, no one talking - and when an inner voice raises it's hand to speak, I tell it we are still in the middle of breathing in and breathing out time, and there will be time later, if they must make a comment. 

they were all holy

Sunrise, a great blue heron with legs stretched behind takes flight, three deer crossing the path pause to watch me as I pass, a chorus of red winged blackbirds, the golden sun on the grasses, the unexpected color of a blooming redbud, a marshy area full of chirping frogs, spotting the first wild phlox in the woods.

These are all the sites and sounds I encountered at the Baker Wetlands on Sunday morning. They were all holy. 

an atmosphere of expectation

A recent walk on a foggy morning. It was magical. A muffled sort of hush all around, even the geese were muted, spider webs dripping. 

Sun behind the mist trying to break through. An atmosphere of expectation.

Who says all these shades of gray are not interesting? Not me. 

At the end of the walk my hair not covered up by a ball cap was very damp and my eyelashes were wet. My face felt clean and fresh, as if I had just had a spa treatment, for free, in the out of doors. It was completely delightful. 

This is the Burcham Park trail in Lawrence, it goes by the church of the glassy river, and winds around behind Lawrence Memorial hospital. Worth a visit if you live in the area. 

a-good-reason-to-spring-forward-if-ever-there-was-one

On my first outing to the levee trail this spring, a dog decided I needed a walking companion. He joined me about 5 minutes in and stuck with me until he found some better 4-legged companions. 

The horses came up to the fence when I walked by. Reminding me yet again that a carrot does not take much room in a pocket and why is it that I can't bring them one. This Saturday. For sure. 

The fields are mowed and look ready for something. Planting? Re-emergence of something? Laying fallow this year? 

This vegetable gardener has begun her work. How orderly and beautiful is her plot. 

On Saturday, because of the time change, I will be able to walk out when the sun is just coming up. A good reason to spring forward if ever there was one. The older I get the more sunrises I want to experience. Magical elixirs to be consumed regularly, good for anything (and everything) that ails a body or a spirit. 

like someone who has been deprived of a necessary life force

The best way to describe my recent emergence back into the world of outdoor walking/hiking, is that I feel like someone who has been deprived of a necessary life force, who may not have realized how much they were missing it, until they have access again.

By the river, up on campus, in the neighborhood, every step is full of delights. Which I am gobbling up.

Tom has agreed to bring hot water in a thermos so everyone can wash their hands before lunch

The Kansas City/Lawrence area contingent of the Mulvenon family has formed a walking cooperative. What this means is that on a regular basis each family will select a hike, pre-walk it to be sure it is acceptable, determine a date for the group to go, send a message about it (including detailed instructions for getting to the trailhead), and generally assume responsibility for organizing.

It's a given that lunch will be included, everyone brings their own. 

If there are any fairy crossings on the hike, the organizer must point them out and provide a brief history.

For the time being, in large groups, masks will be worn. Tom has agreed to bring hot water in a thermos so everyone can wash their hands before lunch. He came up with this idea on his own and we let him know that next time it doesn't have to be boiling hot. Medium-warm will suffice. 

Dan happened to bring a thin, chewy, ginger/molasses cookie to this hike and mentioned that he had a new cookie cookbook with 365 recipes. These cookies were so good, we voted and decided that he was to supply cookies as dessert for all hikes this summer. Even for those hikes where he already has organizer responsibilities. 

Since I came up with the idea, and named the group, I am assuming the role of chairperson. Which means I have no power, no further responsibilities, and get more cookies than anyone else. It's a pretty good gig if you can get it.  

What is it about eating a lunch outside, after a walk, that makes it so tasty?

Even though Spring doesn't start officially for another 2 weeks, I have dived in head first into the season. It is so marvelous to be outside, to feel soft air on skin, air that doesn't make you shiver and race for the nearest refuge.

To walk on a trail where before you know it there will be green leaves and wild roses.

On our walk we were perfectly content with stacks of rocks, blue skies, freshly cut trees whose stumps look like flowers. 

We discussed this bridge and how old it was. Coming to no certain conclusions. 

90 minutes or so later we were back at the car, by a lake, munching on peanut butter sandwiches, a fuji apple, barbecue potato chips and water. What is it about eating a lunch outside, after a walk, that makes it so tasty? I have no answer for this either, but I intend to take full advantage of THIS spring season by having as many picnics overlooking lakes, woods, fields, and the like as possible.  

P.S. if you live in the KC area, this walk was at Shawnee Mission Park. Lots of places to walk there... as long or as short as you like. 

to evaluate the manner in which one approaches such a canvas

The moon was setting when I stepped outside recently for a walk. Do you step out the back door before a walk too? Just to "test the waters" and be certain the get-up you have selected to wear will provide the proper amount of warmth while being mindful that you also don't want to get sweaty.  I love a setting moon. 

Out the front door there was this. Coming up between the houses across the street and off in the distance. A rosy pink/orange/golden sun just coming over the horizon. Clearly I have done something right lately, for this kind of treatment from nature. 

The business end of this plow, that sits in a field by our house, has been repainted over the winter. I think. It was also lovely in it's perfect setting, backlit by the morning light. What would be most excellent would be to come upon the artist doing the painting. I would like to observe from afar.  In case I am ever faced with just such a challenge. 

Today I noted green stalks pushing up in the front garden. Bulbs! I keep meaning to plant more, for a bigger display, but it never turns into a priority at the right time. No matter, I enjoy the returnees and celebrate them like they were the Crown Jewels on display.  

Speaking of Crown Jewels... we just started watching season 1 of Downton Abbey. After hearing it discussed for so long, in so many circles, we have finally found the right time to watch. Smitten from the outset. I am ever so content at the thought of 6 seasons, all wrapped up like gifts, just waiting for me to open.   

I could smell the beginnings of spring

At 7:29am, under a dense fog advisory, with temperatures holding steady at 38 degrees, and NO wind... outdoor walking season resumed in Lawrence Kansas today.

Birds were singing, no other humans were about, a squirrel ran up a tree and then came back down. It was GLORIOUS. Cobwebs that I did not realize had formed in the recesses of my brain were blown out. I could smell the beginnings of spring. 

a piece of pumpkin bread to go with

On Sunday's walk at the Lawrence Nature preserve there was not one other car in the parking lot. Not one other person on the trail. Nary another human voice did I hear. For the duration of my walk.  But there were jumping, scampering squirrels,  

and trees,  

and paths,  

and growing things, 

and sculptures, 

and the fragrance of fall moving into winter. 

These paths, covered with leaves and lurking roots and rocks, are my favorite. The slight incline makes my heart beat faster.

Just as I neared the end of my ramble, the sun came out.

The sky turned blue. 

The clouds, fluffy and soft, went from gray to white. 

And then, if all that wasn't enough, at the very end there was the long shot finale.

Followed by a cup of coffee and the Sunday papers at home. Maybe a piece of pumpkin bread to go with. It doesn't get better. 

P.S. Happy Birthday to you Marti Huff. I am glad in the dice roll of life, our paths crossed. 

who's making what this year

This was my recent "scouting expedition" for a turkey day hike. We haven't hiked at the wetlands before on Thanksgiving. Something new is always fun. The potential for getting lost (highly unlikely) always adds an element of excitement to a hike. 

Plus the golds and blues are sure pretty right now. Who among us doesn't need a reminder that the world remains a beautiful place.

Wearing my new gore-tex lined shoes for trail walking, I got adventurous and took a few turns off my "usual" route. My reward was a lovely view of the river and an alternate way to the lotus ponds.

Which are of course looking very different right now. As are the cattails below. I happen to think the dried lotus pods and the burst open fluffy appearance of the cattails are just as interesting in every phase of their life-cycle. 

I just read that the shoots and rhizomes of cattails are edible. But I am going to pass on looking for a recipe for them to add to the turkey day feast. Speaking of... who's making what this year? Let me know if your family favorite should bump something off my menu which includes: turkey, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes/gravy, thanksgiving slaw, some other green vegetable (maybe), cranberries, rolls, and pumpkin pie. Just because there are only 2 of us is no reason to diminish the celebration. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

and get right down to the business of having fun

If you want to join me in the morning we are getting up early.  Putting on some boots (so our feet stay dry), and going to see the sun, the moon, and some spiders. 

Along the way we will pass by the American Lotus flowers. Which are done blooming but continue to fascinate with their amazing round leaf blades that are big enough to baptize a baby in.

After all that we will walk over by the boardwalk for a glimpse of some long legged birds practicing their maneuvers.

There is usually at least one. Sometimes two. 

What I really need are a couple of curious kids who like early morning adventures to go with me. We could look through binoculars, search for nests, catch frogs, release frogs, stop for sips of hot chocolate, sit on logs, tell stories, sing made up songs, and get right down to the business of having fun. If you know any, tell them to put on their backpacks in case we find stuff to bring home, I'll be by at 7am and promise to have them home at noon, ready for a nap. 

the inventive mind of the person who wove this project into their school curriculum

This week, on a neighborhood walk, I met Maze, Treeburt, and Jeeuaf. 

 

On my way out I it was too early and I didn't see them, but on the way back home I noticed something in a wooded area that normally isn't there, and I went over to examine more carefully.  

Yep, three trees, all with names. Labeled for your convenience. I love the inventive mind of the person who wove this project into their school curriculum. Science? Reading? Art? It could cover all three easily.  

I hope the kids that did this know how much I appreciated it. On a morning walk, moon overhead, it felt like something straight out of a movie.

Sort of like these pinkish clouds over a yellowing field. Listen, some days it's just magic and you go with it. Gratefully. 

marveling at what I saw

Walking in nature in October, and really anytime, is a balm unlike any other. Soothing in a way that makes me feel better not just about myself, but the world in general. If there is a better reason to get outside than that, I can't think what it might me.

Sometimes there are also bonuses, like the two deer with soft brown eyes that passed by me along the trail, or the clouds and the many shades of blue that was the sky on this fine morning. 

I want to bottle up these walks, in the event that in years to come I can't take one at will. Instead I will look up to my shelf of carefully labeled bottles and open just the right one, and be transported back to the very day on the label, once again living the experience of moving along the trail, marveling at what I saw.

Wouldn't that be the nicest?

that sort of agitation right before slumber seems unhealthy to me

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

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

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

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

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

with a multi-grain monster cookie thrown in for good measure

This morning, at 8am when it was a glorious 59 degrees, with filtered sunlight, Chris and I headed west to the Konza Tall Grass Prairie to walk the Kings Creek Loop trail.

For those of you who only see Kansas from interstate 70, let me tell you it is more than flat grassland. This hike starts with a nice rise and has some wonderful vista's - pasture, planted fields, small towns and a river in the distance, all very picturesque. 

We have done this hike several times over the years, and each time we return I am reminded just how peaceful it is. Today there were monarchs floating on the currents, tall grasses that look like a moving ocean when seen from a distance, and of course sunflowers.

There are creeks that run through the prairie, with wooded areas that follow along the path. Today we saw a flock of wild turkeys down there. Running and foraging.  

The remains of the Hokanson Homestead are fun to look at, I always like to imagine what it would have been like to live in the middle of this great prairie 100 years ago. 

And of course we brought lunch with us. There is a wonderful scenic overlook several miles from the trailhead and the few times we have been there it's never crowded. We opened up the back of the Subaru, and reveled in the richness of our view, while we ate.  I swung my feet in the breeze - is there anything more delightful than releasing your feet from the boots after a hike and putting on the Birkenstocks?

P.S. Krissy please tell Joe about this. The Subaru, hiking, Birkenstocks, trifecta with a multigrain monster cookie thrown in for good measure. 

a vulgarity that starts in "girly cursive" and ends with a smiley face

On a recent walk by the river, instead of going left, I decided to go right. Under the bridge, away from the corn fields, to see what was over there.  

It turns out, there's quite a lot. Including but not limited to a new view of the river from a boat ramp area.

Cool street art under the overpass of the highway. Forgive the curse words, but I found this all very creative. 

You gotta love a vulgarity that starts in "girly cursive" and ends with a smiley face. I have been trying to call to mind a picture of the artist. 

There was a new path that looked interesting and will require further investigation.

And all along the way, cool cloud formations overhead.

glimpsing in me what the future may hold for her

This was my Labor Day walk. It's the only photo I took. Which does not mean I did not encounter many interesting things along the way.  

At the very outset of the walk I cursed myself for forgetting my hat in the car, but then I smelled wild honeysuckle though I can't be sure it wasn't autumn clematis because I was too far away to identify the flower.  Anyway, I was diverted by the pleasantness and walked on.

Next up, I spied an orange cat racing and jumping, fleeing from a dark gray cat that was in hot pursuit. The marmalade cat (who is the principal character in this scene) made it safely up to her deck after a mighty leap onto the railing. No fight ensued leading me to believe that there was a cat door she glided through. Into the waiting arms of her mama no doubt, who likely told her that was the very last time she was going to let her out.  She would stick to this rule for approximately 3 days.   

Immediately after this incident an older woman passed me riding her bicycle. She had a beauty shop hair-do. The kind that gets done once a week at a regular standing appointment time. She was wearing an animal print long sleeved rayon blouse that was blowing in the breeze. On her feet were black SAS shoes and her pants were slightly rolled up to reveal sheer black knee highs instead of athletic socks. She was proceeding at a slow steady pace as if she could ride for many miles and intended to do just that.

As she disappeared into the distance in front of me, I hoped that in 10-20 years I would be the one on the bike and there would be someone on the trail, glimpsing in me what the future may hold for her and being very glad for the possibility of it. As was I, today.

The end. There is no moral to this story. 

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. 

Yesterday’s hikes were lakes, today there were rocks, streams, waterfalls, and chipmunks. And flower boxes in downtown Estes Park, which is not a hike, but still ...

While I hunt and peck this out on the iPad, Chris is searching for a lunch spot for us tomorrow.  Burger, beer, riverfront, outdoor seating. Let me know if you know just the place. 

everywhere you turn

Chris and I are up in the mountains of Colorado, doing a little hiking, enjoying the scenery. Which is pretty good, everywhere you turn.  

We are in the middle of trying to pick a hike for tomorrow at this exact moment, which is code for - that’s all for now folks.  I have to get my vote in. 

do this again before the month is up

Last week I decided to visit the Saunders Mound trail at Clinton Lake. With all these new walking places I have discovered, I have neglected a few old favorites. 

It is as glorious as ever.

Pink clouds, big trees, sunrise over the water, a pretty deer, sunflowers in the morning light, and of course the lake.

We have a date to do this again before the month is up. I don't think it will be a hardship, but I will say the grasses are super tall right now, and the spiders are weaving some human catching webs across the trails. I am going to wear a bee-keepers helmet and a long sleeve shirt the next time. Which will hopefully cut down on the number of spaz attacks I have when I walk through one of them because I am not paying attention.

lightning flashed, thunder rumbled, rain fell

Purple skies are a bit less common in the sunrise hours in my experience. Perhaps, as with many things, it is just that my attention is only now drawn there, allowing me to experience this when it could best be appreciated. All photos taken with my iPhone, no editing needed.

Forty-five minutes into this walk lightning flashed, thunder rumbled, and the rain fell.

I love a morning that begins with an unexpected treasure. The unpredictable ending was a complete bonus.