Tall Tales from Kansas

if I announce intentions somewhere

On this recent walk at the church of the glassy river, the birds were singing. Singing loudly.  Like really loudly. I am not sure what was causing this escalation in volume. Maybe it was something in me? Maybe it was a bird rally of some sort? Maybe the birds are sick of the authoritarian regime that is attempting to stamp out democracy? Who can say. Just raise your hand if you think the take-down of Senator Alex Padilla was reprehensible and we will be here together. Doing what we can. 

There were puffs of cottony fluff floating down all around from the cottonwood trees. It was super cool, like a slow motion video of snow superimposed on a normal time video of everything else. Close your eyes, I feel certain it will make sense to you.

I came upon a man man who told me I walked faster than he could run, and we both agreed to knock on wood and be grateful that TODAY we were suffering from no ailments/injuries that were keeping us from walking. 

There was some chalk writing on the sidewalk about people who have never known the joy of dancing in the rain. I swear I could smell rain as I read it.

These blooming cone flowers were icing on the cake. 

I was already pretty blissed out by the time I saw them. The good thing is I don't have a lid that automatically snaps shut after seeing so much good stuff. My storage for beauty in the world is limitless. Which is one of my super-powers. 

At the very beginning of this particular walk I always cross these railroad tracks. There is also a set of tracks on the other side of the river providing me with the sounds that always induce thoughts of train travel.

When am I going to get my act together and buy a ticket on the Southwest Chief to Santa Fe and tell Dottie to meet me there for an adventure? Sometimes if I announce intentions somewhere it makes me buckle down and do it. You can be sure I will keep you posted. In the meantime, I am just here, not letting the jackassery take me down completely. 

include lots of details please

How's everyone doing out there? While I continue to wobble between utter disbelief and fury over the daily headlines, I search for ways to cope and try to do my part to let my elected officials know I am waiting for them to wake up and do the job they were elected to do instead of cow-towing to the head buffoon. However, it is also important to say that we were not meant to live in a state of constant agitation. To that end, the walks continue. 

A shady path, some water views, the smell of wild roses beckoning up the trail... a trifecta of calm inducing sensory experiences. 

Last night we had "good wine night" with Dan & Ann. It's a new excuse to get together with your friends who like wine and crack open a good bottle. Ann made this insanely good brie baked in puff pastry with chopped pecans and honey on top. It's going to need to get on a regular rotation because I am still thinking about it.

Tonight we are going to pull up a movie on Netflix and lay around in our pajamas. Let me know what your holiday weekend plans include.  I love to live vicariously through others. Include lots of details please. 

perfect for a chilly spring morning

This morning I saw two herons gliding over the water as they followed the path of the river. It was magnificent. I don't generally look at the river so much as I walk by.  Instead, glancing in the other direction, searching for the long legged birds in the more shallow bodies of water. 

It was so good to see the water levels up at the wetlands, ducks paddling among the reeds, geese coming in for landings, startling the ducks which then take flight en masse. There were tree swallows flitting in and out of the houses along the paths and I heard an orchard oriole and the red-winged blackbirds. It was a little on the chilly side, but I wore my latest knitting finish...

The Sophie scarf which so many knitters have been making. I whipped this up in a combination of a Rowan felted tweed (sulfur) and some kidsilk haze in a silvery shade. I can appreciate the neat edges on this scarf. My compliments to the ingenious pattern writer (PetiteKnit). 

It's just a little bit of a scarf. Perfect for a chilly spring morning, and look how cute it looks all rolled up to go back in its place when not being worn. It's a very small satisfying knit. Which I am apparently getting into a lot lately. I already have another small neckerchief thing on the needles. More about that later. 

Helpful links: Sophie Scarf Pattern on Ravelry

in the woods, in the wild, the redbud is the winner

The redbud trees out in the woods, on the trails at Clinton park, are not ginormous amazing specimens. They are small and scrappy, popping up here, there and everywhere. They are native to these parts and add that unexpected pop of color right at this exact time in the Spring.

From further away, or right close up, with the lake in the background, or not. They are lovely. 

They made this walk memorable. You never can be sure what kind of year the flowering trees are going to have here in Kansas. This year, they are all competing to be THE star. In the woods, in the wild though, the redbud is the winner. Hands down.

color me excited

Tonight it's the pictures I took on various walks through the last days/week.  By the river, in the neighborhood, around a park. These are the things that caught my eye. All for your consideration.  

The first Lawrence farmers market is happening on Saturday, April 12th. Color me excited!

it bears repeating

Sometimes when I am out on an especially lovely walk, like this one, I am torn between "being in the moment" with it all, and wanting to share it. This day it was easy to snap a few pictures as I walked. In every direction I looked there was a masterpiece. 

There were song sparrows and red winged blackbirds out en masse. Singing. Chirping. Doing their bird things.

I got out to the wetlands just as the sun was coming up over the horizon. 

Clouds in the sky, clouds on the water. Facing the sun or with my back to the sun. It was all good. 

The swaths of color created by Mother Nature are the best.

I love this grouping of trees - strategically placed sculptures.

The paths mowed into the grasses are nice to explore.

An absolutely perfect morning. Did I say that already? It bears repeating. 

you can read it to your cat if you have one

Here in Lawrence, we are reveling over the arrival of spring. There is little that can compare to the head clearing benefits of a good strenuous walk in the out of doors. Andrea Gibson says it better... "every natural thing in this world is invested in the peace of this world. all that is good and gracious whispers, we are with you".

Keeping an eye where you are stepping, while you are looking and listening is also good. Nothing spoils a hike like a stumble over a root or a rock that results in a sprain or some other malady. Says she who has taken a few tumbles in her day. 

In the next several weeks, all this gray will be spring green. 

Or whatever other color appears first. 

For some reason the squirrels have left this long tulip bulb alone. It keeps coming back year after year. 

While I am mentioning tulips, didn't all these petals fall off in a pleasing arrangement?

I read about this book somewhere and had to buy it since it was not at the library. It's a delightful 10 minute read. You can stretch it out to 15 if you go really slow. 

It's a good read out loud book. You can read it to your cat if you have one.

when your body is in tune with the cosmos

This morning, before the big winds hit full force, I took myself over to Clinton Lake for a walk in the woods. It's been awhile since I got a good long hike in. The kind where afterwards you sit and stare into the distance, unfocused, because you are caught up in a post walk high. That's the best way I know how to describe it. That feeling where your body is in tune with the cosmos. 

I stopped to do a quick video of how Clinton Lake had momentarily been replaced by the sea and I was transported to the beach in Santa Barbara. 

I am finding it increasingly important not to get caught up in every single act of insanity being perpetrated by the gang of knuckleheads running our country right not. Don't get me wrong, I am paying attention to what is happening, making phone calls to my representatives in congress and the senate, and then making sure I do not get completely demoralized by it all. Which is hard. 

Today I listened to Tara Faughnan's keynote presentation from this year's Quiltcon. You have to pay for it so I have no link to share with you, but gosh it was good. All about valuing women's work as it relates to art and quilting, but really I found myself thinking about the work I do everyday at the hospital. I loved this quote from Tara ... "only I know how to do what I do", and the reminder to "value my work".  If you go to the Modern Quilt Guild site you can search it out if you want to. 

The other thing I listened to was the second podcast from Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson. It was about friendships, how we hold on to some, let some go, and the role of friends in our lives. I could listen to Michelle Obama talk about pretty much everything and love what she puts out there to consider. 

In other news, Chris made the most delicious chimichurri sauce to go over a steak the other night. I felt like I was eating at a restaurant. It is nice living with someone who you can say this to... "gosh that sure looks good, why don't you try and make it", and then they do.  

The big winner though in the category of "there are still GOOD things in life" was this photo of a great niece... 

I mean seriously??? I understand I am biased, but the cheeks and that expression on her face of being totally engrossed by something. It's all I can do not to get in the car and drive across the country to pick her up and squish her in my arms while I smell her head.

Sigh.  

time is a construct that really doesn't exist

Scenes from a recent walk at Loose Park, where there was sun, only a little wind, and the tantalizing smells of spring.  People were smiling and walking their dogs, kids tossed crumbs to the ducks, there was green no matter which way I happened to look. 

I started out the walk thinking about a recent quote I read somewhere... "... life pulls things out of you. At least occasionally expose yourself to unaccustomed challenges." I wonder if John Gardner (who wrote this) would refer to our current political environment as enough of an unaccustomed challenge. It's one way to look at things I suppose, though it does require a lot of spiritual centering to think that way. And then of course there is the "occasionally" part of that. It's difficult to contemplate how long things will stay on this course before some upheaval has to occur. What that may look like is hard to imagine. 

Given all that, the approach of being able to spend time in the out of doors, is truly something to luxuriate in.  

I for one am rolling around in it. I sat on my porch for the first time this season today. I lit a candle so I could pretend the victorian box, sister tells me is doing it's thing in her part of the world, is blooming here as well. I have an extremely vivid imagination and have been known to conjure up very impressive things, in my own mind. In this exact moment, which is all we have.  I had the best conversation the other day with someone about how "time is a construct that really doesn't exist". 

mother nature knows how to put colors together like nobody's business

The clouds were racing across the sky this morning. Casting alternating shadows with gray and blue skies along with golden and rust fields. It was glorious. Perfect for a Sunday morning walk. Geese overhead were the soundtrack. 

This lovely, several day respite,  of highs in the 40's had me out for a much needed walk. Don't get me wrong. I want it to be cold in the winter when it's supposed to be. But a few days every once in a while that are chilly but not face-freezing cold are so welcomed when they happen. 

This subdued color palette of grays, purples, pinks, blues, gold, rust, tans, browns is simply dreamy. Mother nature knows how to put color together like nobody's business. 

After a bracing walk, I headed home for chai tea in front of the fire. Usually a "coffee in the morning" kind of person, there was something about this hike that begged to be followed by a chai tea. 

I hope your December has started out well and you are doing all your favorite things, not getting overburdened by the duties of the holidays. 

so I did

Today it's more nature. Tree's, sky, leaves. At the very end of this walk, a red-shouldered hawk swooped down and landed on the railroad crossing sign at the exact second I passed by. It was glorious. What an amazing creature. I haven't had one get this close to me before, and just hang out. I swear he was watching me. It may have been a sign. One of those that you should interpret to mean whatever you need it to mean. So I did. 

as soon as the walking commences

As each one of these glorious fall days slips by on the calendar, I do my best to take hold of it. Wanting to put it deep in the internal file cabinet, to pull out and remember this winter. We are having a much longer than normal fall. No snow yet, no deep freezes yet. When I am lying in bed, on the days I don't go to work, it's a battle between the coziness of the bed and the pull of the out of doors. 

As soon as the walking (and looking) commences, I am GLAD to be out.

I collected leaves this week, some from the yard, some from walks. I always love looking back at previous journals where I have done this.

Do you put stuff in your journal I might need to know about? 

we should stick to spring and fall

During our days down at Big Cedar Lodge in the Ozarks, there was lots of time for walking outside. If there is anything more glorious than walking out in nature at the peak of a season, I don't know what it is. When it's a bit chilly for the morning walk, that is all the better. 

Dottie wondered out loud at one point, what it would be like to be down here in the middle of winter, in the snow. My answer was that it would likely be really great, we could have lots of fires, read books, eat soup, and look out at the beauty of nature... except that this is the part of the country that gets hit with lots of ICE in the winter. Once, many moons ago, Sister and I drove down for Christmas with mom and dad. Our drive coincided with what the papers called "The Storm of the Century". Worse drive of my life. Then the power went out after we got there and we had to move to a hotel that had a generator to keep Dad warm enough. Oh it was frightful. I still remember the slipping and sliding on the hills 25+ years later. Sister if you are reading this please provide your memories. I don't think I am exaggerating. 

I told Dottie I thought we should stick to Spring and Fall. Unless of course we can get the package where we are picked up in a monster 4 wheel drive vehicle, driven to our cabin, that has been fully stocked with what we need for cooking, and upon the conclusion of our trip are once again chauffeured home in the monster vehicle. 

everyone has a story

Yesterday Chris said October is just flying by! To which I replied that it was only just 1/2 over and he said yes but what has past, has flown.  What followed was another one of those discussions about how EVERYTHING is flying by... except for things you wish would fly by, and those are dragging. 

Turtlenecks and sweatshirts are the attire on walks. Soon the fingerless mitts will come out. I want to learn to read the rings on tree stumps. I bet there is a YouTube video on it. I'll put that on my endless list of things to investigate. Really I am just curious, I don't want to become an expert. There is only so much room in my brain for things that I need deep knowledge about. 

We will soon be headed down to Arkansas for the annual gathering of the offspring of Ray and Angie. Those of us who can make it will do our usual lunch with mom and dad at the cemetery, refresh the flowers, talk smack, cry, sip bourbon... that sort of stuff. 

My fingers are crossed that the maples will be spectacular this year. Anyway they are will be alright with us though. I have a few posts prepared in advance while we are away.  Sometimes blogging from the road seems like I might be missing out on what is right in front of me. Which I don't want to do. 

Gosh I met some nice people at work this week. All sick, some dying, some alone, some surrounded by family, all remind me not to waste the good moments we are given. It's so easy to get caught up in the minutia and overlook the obvious. 

P.S. I should not have a favorite, but how could I not prefer the 82 year old man who told the story about going to cooking school in Paris with Julia Child many moons ago? Hearing about things like this is the privilege I have as a palliative care nurse. Everyone has a story, we just have to ask the right questions to hear it.  

you can just take my word

Behold the humble Helianthus annus, the state flower of Kansas, commonly known as the sunflower. They are at the end of their season, and yet still so beautiful. If you are like me, you forget from one year to the next and are constantly amazed. Let's just leave it at that. 

I realize I repeat myself every year, but am unable to stop. It's my job as the lone writer, photographer, and editor on the payroll of this blog to report what I see right here, right now, no matter that you may have seen it last year. If you are like me, you forget from one year to the next and are constantly amazed. Let's just leave it at that. 

I had to throw some grasses (friends of the sunflower) in for good measure too. I am fairly certain the grasses and sunflowers living alongside one another each offers benefits to the other.  

It could also be what I will from here on out refer to as "the overstory effect". If you read the book you will understand, but it's not necessary.  

You can just take my word, based on a work of fiction, that plants are communicating with each other, and by extension with us.

a kaleidoscope of color

Tonight I offer a few glimpses of the glory of fall here in Kansas. The sweet pleasure of sun, blue sky, temps in the low 60's, the call of the birds, an occasional breeze. It simply can not be beat. It's the time of year when you are walking along and you think to yourself, in the exact moment it's happening, this is good, and you are grateful. 

I am deep into The Overstory by Richard Powers right now and am appreciating fall even more, if that is even possible. I guess you could call it beyond the beyond. To be able to delight in something deeper and deeper over time is a wonderful thing. 

It's a kaleidoscope of color. Complete and total zen. 

it was lying on the sidewalk as I walked by

Consider this a fair warning that we are about to embark upon the season where I post an excessive amount of pictures looking up at the undercarriage of trees. Maybe I should say up into the canopy? Both seem like they could be correct. Bottom line is it's the season of leaves. At least most of the time. Sometimes the leaves have gone but the structure is still interesting. 

Today, while on a walk in the neighborhood, I found a tiny red leaf. It was lying on the sidewalk as I passed by.  I bent over to retrieve it to place into my everyday journal. A sign of things to come. A keepsake to remind me of the moment. 

one of those mornings where you remind yourself of your good fortune

On a recent excursion to the blue trail at Clinton Lake, to see if there were any migrating white pelicans to be spotted, I was stopped in my tracks when I looked up to see 3 deer staring at me while I stared back at them.

It was a lovely experience. I whispered and coo'd to them, telling them how beautiful they were, and after a few magical moments we each went on our way. Me, all the better for it.

I did see turkey buzzards overhead in the tree's airing out their wings and snowy egrets on the far shore. No white pelicans. It may be too early for them.

It was a perfect 52 degree morning, with blue skies, and fallen leaves on the path. It was one of those mornings where you remind yourself of your good fortune and promise not to be ungrateful by having any complaints about your lot in life.  

Upon the recommendation of a like-minded reader, I have stared listening to The Overstory by Richard Powers. At a mere 1 hour in (total of 23 hours of listening), I find myself hooked. As a lover of trees it seems like a good fit. 

Best wishes for your own deer encounter on a trail near you. Soon.

they all played their parts as written

I am going to try NOT to clutter up the unfolding of this perfect morning with a lot of descriptors. Because really, it's difficult to access just the right combination of words to describe how lovely it was. Suffice it to say that it was exceptionally good. How's that? 

The sunrise, mists rising from the wetlands, birds, breezes, spider webs, water on the grasses, and the beginning of the changing of the leaves all played their parts as written.

a red letter morning walk

I ventured over to the arboretum for a morning walk the other day, simply unable to consider another "neighborhood" walk. This decision, a very good one as it turns out, offered me a lovely sunrise, followed by a walk through a field of sunflowers. Along with unobstructed views of fields and sky.

Listen, every morning walk is pretty good, but if you are like me, you feel the need to mix things up so you can fully appreciate the beauty of nature. Today, in addition to the blue sky, clouds, green grasses, and trees, I saw a great blue heron fishing and listened to the splashing of a fountain. 

Oh and there was also this nice batch of purple thistle. All in all, a red-letter morning walk. 

a mood altering hike

This morning I went on a mood altering hike. One of those where somehow you see in the woods all the metaphors for life... why did this tree fall and not that one? Examples of all of the unanswerable questions we ask ourselves daily, displayed in nature. 

There were cobwebs and mud but also a temperature of 60 degrees with no humidity. It was glorious. 

When I say mood altering, I am referring to that amazing feeling that is sometimes experienced after a good massage or a great yoga session. Where all the systems in your body are tuned to the same network and your mind is peacefully blank. 

The kind of synchrony within that seeps out a little and you feel a sense of fondness and gratitude for everything around you. It's a wonderful feeling. 

There was evidence on the trail in multiple spots of hedge ball (osage orange) feasting.

The parking lot happened to be empty when I got to my car so I could just sit, space out, enjoy the feeling, get a stretch in, drink some water. A perfect start to a Friday. Happy weekend everyone!

When I reached the Village of Blockley

This mornings walk, where I went up a hill, through the woods, looking over fences and searching for the path.

The soundtrack was bleeting sheep and the call of the wood pigeon.

I looked into back gardens, peered into windows, appreciated the flower pots and boxes.

When I reached the village of Blockley, I did an about face and came home. Enjoying the scenery just as much from this perspective. 

sipping iced coffee with the fan overhead

Best thing #1 about starting a morning walk early is watching the sun climb up higher in the sky and noting how every minute changes happen. 

Thing # 2 is of course that it starts out cooler, and by the time you are getting hot and sweaty,  you are thinking about the fact that it is now the season for iced coffee, and you are at the tail end of the walk. 

All the wild things are blooming at the wetlands. Each in their own time. In this season before all the yellow things start, there is a lot of color out there on the prairie. 

The Indian Paintbrush is spectacularly bright.  

It seems like this will be a decent year for the American Lotus out at the wetlands too. 

Thing #3 about starting out early on a morning walk is how quiet the neighborhood is when I am back home and sitting on the porch. Sipping that iced coffee with the fan overhead stirring the air, in that "zen" phase, before I start thinking of what I "should" be doing, instead of enjoying what I am doing.  

I am working to keep top of mind this valuable advice from Winnie the Pooh.... "don't underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering." 

big, small, medium-sized, and every way in between

On this, the night before the last day of the month of May, I am thinking that THIS has been the BEST May ever in my whole life. Despite the storms, which have been many, the trip to the basement to wait out the tornado warning, Chris staying up late to watch the radar... it's been so beautiful. 

The hikes in the woods have continued, as have the walks on the trail by the river, and the strolls in the neighborhood. Each with its own charms, ALL with flowers along the way to admire. 

Unfortunately the thistle got mowed down along the path the day after I took this photo. No matter. More will come. You can't keep a thistle down. 

We have previously discussed the therapeutic benefits of a good mind clearing morning walk. I recently read something about how good it can make you feel to clean out a drawer. That resonated with me. One drawer - that is so manageable. It has been added to my "do this" list. Something to do that can clean away clutter while sweeping away unwanted chatter in the brain seems like a real win-win. 

Enjoy your last day of May. I would love to hear how you spend it. Big. Small. Medium-sized... and every way in between. 

whatever fills your bucket

The wonder that is spring continues here in Kansas. A slight chill in the air early in the day. Perfect for the morning mind clearing stroll. 

I read that bird migrations are occurring across the midwest and I heard a man with binoculars exclaim to a fellow birder that he had seen a "Nashville warbler" the other day. 

On this morning I heard a yellow warbler, a cedar waxwing, a least flycatcher, a tufted titmouse, and a northern cardinal. At least that is what Merlin tells me. Sometimes I like to know what I am hearing, though mostly I just like to listen. 

I hope I never lose an appreciation for the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world. All for free and always changing. Something new to ponder each day. 

My friend the blue heron was not in his favorite fishing spot on this morning. But I have spotted him nearby.
I hope you are getting just the right amount of whatever fills your bucket this Spring. 

counting my blessings

These 50 degree morning walks are one of the great pleasures of spring in the midwest. Made even sweeter by the knowledge that they will only be possible during this short window of time, before it gets so much warmer, making the walks less pleasant. Don't get me wrong, you can still walk in Kansas in the summer but you have to get up much earlier. 

On this particular walk there was the wild honeysuckle that caught my nose as I brushed by. 

So pretty in the morning light. The honeysuckle likes the temps and sunshine right now too. 

Below is a shagbark hickory bloom - which I would not have known except for the ID feature on the iPhone. I have never noticed them before. They look like some kind of a lily except leaves spring from the inside. Fascinating. 

By the time the walk was over I was in a very blissful state.

Blue sky, sunshine, no bugs yet, coolish temp, honeysuckle, a porch sit waiting when I get home. This is me counting my blessings. 

enjoying the zen of the moment

Chris and I went out to the Konza Tallgrass Prairie recently for a walk. It sounds funny right? Walking/hiking on the prairie? But it's a lovely way to understand that the plains of the midwest are not all flat. There are rolling hills, creeks, rises and falls, wild turkeys, trees, grasses, birds...

While we were out walking I wondered aloud about how many miles the pioneers heading west in wagon trains covered during a day. Chris said he thought maybe 20. Gosh, can you even imagine? We are so used to being whisked wherever we go, and grumbling if things get off track. 

The vista's from even a small rise are so beautiful. To stand and turn 360 degrees and have unobstructed views of the horizon is amazing. 

When we got to the first cut off, meaning we could loop back now and get in a shorter hike Chris said "I thought we'd do the Kings Loop like we did last time".  He got no argument from me, we kept walking. 

As we headed down from the rise there were trees along the creek bed, we heard the chirping of an Eastern Meadowlark and a Tufted Titmouse. 

As we drew closer to the trailhead we agreed our trek was plenty long enough and were glad we hadn't chosen the longest walk. Back at the car we opened the back, sat down on the tailgate, took off our boots, washed our hands, and proceeded to have lunch. The MOST delicious home-made ham salad sandwiches you have ever eaten in your life. There is no meal that is more relished than the one had in the out of doors, after a hike, listening to the sounds of nature, and just enjoying the zen of the moment. 

If you live close and love to hike/walk you might enjoy these trails. I have added a link below with details about how to get there etc. 

Helpful links:  Konza Tallgrass Prairie information

when, while, if, we can

The only problem with Spring is that it's the perfect time to walk, weed the garden, AND sit on the porch. Forcing one to pick between all these wonderful activities leaving some undone. Right now the walking is winning out on all fronts. 

I just can't get enough of it. Being out in the world, not too many people around, birds, breezes, the world coming back to life after the winter.  

This week I bought a new pair of Hoka's because I have completely worn down the tread in my non-work pair that I use for walking on paths as opposed to trails.  

I went for a pair of Bondi's just for the heck of it. Though I will admit to having my eyes on a pair of strawberry pink Clifton 9's as well. I read something somewhere about it being good to mix up your walking shoes. Like I need an excuse to take care of my feet and joints. 

Eventually, I will make time for all things Spring. What a glorious thing though, to wake up with such choices. Here's to taking advantage of the things we love - when, while, if, we can. 

why does that sound so wonderfully delightful

A new pair of lightweight, waterproof, ankle-high, boots have been purchased for the trip Sister and I are taking to the Cotswalds this summer. The trip where we trek across fields and meadows familiarizing ourselves with the countryside and all the breeds of sheep in England. 

There will also be gardens to see, small hamlets to peruse, and of course pubs to visit. Sister and I have discussed the pros and cons of what to wear on our feet. An extremely important decision because there will be one small carry on bag that must also include journal paraphernalia.

On this trip to the wetlands recently I verified that they do indeed stay dry in a muddy field, protect the ankle when one steps in holes, and are perfectly comfortable. 

Now to figure out what one alternate pair of shoes can double as house-kicks and work for casual strolling about.  The search has begun. 

With just under 2 months until we leave, there is no time for dilly dallying. Today we discussed train schedules and delighted at the thought that we will be in Paddington Station. Why does that sound so wonderfully delightful? 

For inquiring minds per the comments here is a photo of the boots I referenced above - Keens.

getting off course is different than being lost

When I ventured onto one of my favorite hiking trails for the first time this season, I was delighted to see the wild blue phlox have started blooming. 

There was also green grass and a few shrubs and trees with leaves though the majority have not budded out yet.

The trees are smart. They know when to do their thing, and that in Kansas we are susceptible to a hard frost right up until the first of May. 

There is something very wonderful about being alone in the woods. You, the birds, the trees, some squirrels, maybe a deer or two. 

At this nature park area they have added a few more trails since I visited last. They intersect with the ones I am very familiar with, so I decided to try one out, even though they are not really marked yet. I mean you can see the path, but the "correct" way is not yet clearly marked as you proceed on the trail. Which leaves open the possibility of taking a wrong turn and perhaps getting just a bit off course. Let me clarify that getting off course is different than being lost.

With all the navigation tools at our disposal these days it seems right that every once in a while we should just wander. Testing out whatever sense of direction we individually happen to have, and just explore. Even if we might get a wee bit confused and maybe even miss our haircut appointment. Which by the way, I did not. 

it's resting spot awaits

This morning, on my walk by the river, the water was calm. A woodpecker way up high was tapping out a message, spring green was up and down and all around, I heard a train whistle, and felt the coolness of the air on my skin. 

There were red bud trees, geese flying low over the river, and quiet birdwatchers with binoculars at the ready. 

Concentric rings spread out from the geese as they dipped their heads into the water, searching for a bite. A large turkey buzzard soared on a current overhead.

Three caps from bottles of screw-top wine were left on a bench where the friends who drank them last night watched the sun set as they listened to the birds from this very location. 

The great blue heron has not returned to the pond, but its resting spot awaits. 

A thoughtful woman in her gray hoodie sat, sketchbook open, contemplating her approach to the bridge and the sunrise in her drawing. 

These were the things I saw at 8:07 on the Saturday before Easter at the church of the glassy river where nature was adorned in all its magnificent finery. 

After all this, I sat at the Sunflower Cafe/Bike Shop on Massachusetts and sipped on a blueberry latte (sounds weird but it was perfect) and considered all I had seen. Each thing pressed onto a page in my mind that can be referred to at will when a big dose of endorphins is needed. 

don't say you don't

Goodness the days have slipped by since my last post. Spring is simultaneously here and still on the way. We have a hard freeze forecast for the coming week - fingers crossed that all the emerging buds and perennials will be ok. I have a serious case of spring fever and have been visiting all my very best hiking spots. 

The great blue heron's favorite sitting spot.

First foray to see if the white pelicans are in residence. 

Cattails at the wetlands.

The church of the glassy river. 

I love how the bark on this cut log look like petals on a flower. 

Did I mention the birds? Oh the birds the birds the birds. They are busting out in song all over and are always in tune. Perfect pitch actually. Sometimes I try to fool them by responding to their calls with a whistle of my own. You do it too. Don't say you don't. 

well, he's welcome to come over

This morning, while waiting in line to buy my baguette and country French loaf at Wheatfield's, I remarked to the woman in front of me how wonderful it smelled with all the bread coming out of the oven. She agreed enthusiastically, and said "I bet your house smells good too", to which I replied "well it's going to later on because I am making gingerbread". She said "I am going to bake an apple pie", so I told her that was Chris's favorite and she told me "well, he's welcome to come over". We agreed that eating was one of life's great pleasures and then talked about how we have to keep walking (a lot) in order to eat all we want. 

I love a quick moment of connection like that. Gem. 

These are some of the recent walks taken to get me through the holiday gingerbread, pumpkin pie, egg nog, and extravagant meals out with friends... happily the walks this year have been as enjoyable as the holiday treats. I am noticing much less birdsong at this time of year and though the landscape color palette is very different, it's no less wonderful... spread out before me to enjoy. 

The American White Pelican trail

This is the perfect Thanksgiving hike that wasn't. Because of 2 days of rain that would have made it a muddy mess on the day it was to be hiked. It had everything required to make it enjoyable. 

 

Water views, leaf covered paths, and most exciting of all - a siting of American white pelicans on 2 consecutive days. 

There was a nice table for sitting or using to stretch, followed by a forest of trees whose leaves have left for the season.  

It was well marked and a good ticker pounder if you wanted it to be. 

Not to worry, this hike, now named The American White Pelican trail, will be hiked on the next "warm-enough" day when it it not snowing or raining. It's nice to have a back up trail all ready to go, that will be sure to delight all who decide to venture out with me. 

crabby appleton's

Another option for Turkey Day hike might be Rock Chalk Park. It was quite lovely this week when I scouted it out. If only Thanksgiving was going to be sunny and between 45 and 5o degrees. Partly paved and partly rough trails through the woods/prairie, part sun, part shade. There are a few steep grades that might not be appreciated though. 

I love the look of a crabapple tree after the frost has zapped it. The fruit is still so pretty.  We refer to them as crabby appletons. 

I am having the best time trying to find the perfect hike. Why haven't I done this in the past? A good scouting run makes so much sense. 

a nice medium hike if you will

Right at this exact moment I am meant to be doing something in preparation for Thanksgiving. Which in a way this. I am trying to decide which hike will be the best to take on Turkey day, and this requires a test run. A walkabout of the trail to be sure that it will be just the right one. Not too long or short, neither easy or hard, a nice medium hike if you will. 

If the hike has a well worn path, filtered sunlight, red leaves, and hedge apples, so much the better. 

A nice place to stand, stretch, rehydrate, and bliss out after a hike is also good. 

This one might be it. North Shore trails at Clinton Park, more specifically the white trail. But others are still being considered. 

flying in, flying out

The other day on a Marco Polo, one of my fellow midwesterner friends said she did not think she could ever leave the midwest, because of the beauty that is fall. Fleeting though it is, and sandwiched between extremes of heat and cold, I agree with her 100%.  This was a recent morning walk with a chill in the air, with mist rising up from the water at the wetlands. 

I was so happy to see more water than has been present of late in the wetlands. The ginger, nutmeg, toast, cinnamon/sugar, porridge,  colors of fall are so lovely, especially when combined with the smells of the leaves and grasses. 

There is no better way to begin a day, than with a walk such as this. 

I hope we have a wet winter and continue to replenish the water for the migrating birds. It was really wonderful to see the geese on the water again. Flying in, flying out, calling out to each other. I don't know what they are communicating, but I love to hear it. 

in all sorts of situations

As we move closer to winter, every single fall walk, is being cherished. Savored. Knowing the days of wearing a heavier coat, hat, gloves, and flannel lined pants are at hand. This walk was a few days back. It was glorious in its' goldenness. I think that's a word. 

On my way back to the car, a boat with eight women rowing passed by on the river. They glided along the smooth water in perfect synchrony. It was a thing of beauty. They made it look effortless. I wanted to be on the team. But just for a few minutes. It's fun to imagine oneself in all sorts of situations, understanding of course that we only picture the good parts of it and know that nothing is ever as perfect/easy as it may seem. But it feels nice to close your eyes for a bit and put yourself in an alternate reality ... sometimes.

does that not sound perfect

In the midst of a run of cloudy, chilly, days recently, there was this lovely day of blue sky and sunshine. It made me want to get in my car and head to the mountains. Any mountains. Close mountains if possible. To walk in the woods and smell the essence of fall. 

And maybe I would take a pile of books, then in the evenings after a day of walking, I would stretch out, sit on the porch, drink some wine, eat some chicken corn chowder that Brother would have made and arranged to be shipped to my remote cabin in the woods, and then head inside to sit by the fire and read. 

Does that not sound perfect? 

migration patterns of great blue herons

As summer turns into fall, I am pleased to see that my flying friend, the great blue heron who catches his/her dinner at this little pond at one of my favorite walking spots, continues to be in residence. I am not certain if he will stick around all winter or not. This is not something I have paid enough attention to in the past. I guess it depends on how harsh the winter is? If you are a migration expert, do give us the scoop. 

Look how pretty the "cones" on this cypress tree are. I read somewhere that each cone can hold about 30 seeds. 

I await the input of the bird experts, in the meantime, I will just be here, wallowing in the fall. 

I welcome it with open arms

Gray mornings, blowing winds, subdued colors. All of these things have me wanting to immerse myself in sweaters, flannel, socks, boots, corduroy. I want to wear the fall - rust, orange, tobacco, honey, amber, brick. I want to have warm coffee, smoky bourbon, bold dark cabernet. These are all the things that flitted through my mind as I walked at the wetlands this week. 

I suppose if it were fall all the year long I would wish for it to change, but as we enter this season every single year, I welcome it with open arms. Everything about it.

a three pinch morning walk

On Sunday I turned around to look at the dam about 3 minutes into my walk and saw a pink sky that was reflected in the water, all overseen by the setting moon. I pinched myself.

Twenty minutes later in front of me was this. The sun rising up behind some trees, across the fields, burning off the mist, creating a golden arc. I pinched myself again.

Forty five minutes in to the walk over to my right were these clouds and layers of pinkish, purple, gray, green. Yes, another pinch was needed.  To be sure I wasn't dreaming.  

A 3 pinch morning walk is an amazing thing.  But wait... when I got back to my car I had the back opened up and was doing some stretching followed by sitting and drinking water when 2 women walked by, about to commence their walk. They were holding small cups of coffee in one hand and croissant in the other, I complimented their good taste, recognizing the pastries came from 1900 Barker. In response they smiled hugely and said "this is how we walk". How great is that? 

all of these things I saw

On this recent, early morning hike, the Baker wetlands were cocooned in a light mist, making it the perfect place for a walk that showed off the artistry of all the overnight, spinning spiders. It was so quiet, except for a few honking geese, and the occasional call of western meadowlark.

On mornings like this I am knocked over the head with my extreme good fortune at being right here, right now. 

As the sun rose, the sunflowers were a spectacular side show to the main attraction that were the webs.

Get a look at the size of that bumble bee.  





Other sites included the white flash of a deer's tail as he sprung out in front of me and crossed the path and snails carrying their shells to who knows where.  

your own personal choice of words

Another recent glorious walk here in Lawrence. When I turned around, this scene, framed in perfection, demanded to be photographed. 

I could search my brain for all sorts of adjectives to describe this walk, as well as the resulting sense of deep satisfaction when I was done, but I will leave it to your imagination and your own personal choice of words. 

opening up this state for you to see

If you were coming to visit Lawrence Kansas and wanted to know what to do while you were here, one of my first recommendations would be to head for the Baker Wetlands.  For a walk. Wide open blue skies, wonderful native plants, a doe and her fawns, and likely a great blue heron is what you would see. The prairie is our mountains, beaches, desert, red rocks. It is our area of natural beauty.

Some people come to an appreciation of the prairie slowly. Not me. As someone who has tromped all over the world, I know a good thing when I see it. 

People who see Kansas as a state to cross on the way to Colorado, haven't ventured off the highway much. Since April 2011 when I started this blog, it's been my mission to 0pen up this state for you to see. There's a lot.

the end

the views into the valley were especially nice

Shenandoah National Park did not disappoint. With multiple hiking trails, for all skill levels, and easy access to the trailheads off skyline drive, where you could also stop at many points to just stare off into the distance, it was just so easy to enjoy. 

The weather was perfect, the trails well maintained but not overly crowded, lots of shade overhead, and fragrant flowers blooming. 

The views into the valley were especially nice for someone from Kansas who doesn't do a lot of looking down into valleys... 

The hikes we picked were moderate, which were plenty challenging enough for me.

If you go, you will want to stop at the visitors center and pick up a book with a listing of the hikes, where they start, the total distance, a rating, and some good tips for the specifics about the trail. We found it to be helpful. 

Owen and Maya are beyond adorable

The Mulvenon family is on an adventure at Shenandoah National Park.

Hiking, cooking, talking, playing “Linkee”, getting to know Owen and Maya (the latest additions to the family) who are beyond adorable.  More stories to follow.  

when left alone to do it's thing

The other day, at the Baker Wetlands, there was a whole new cast of characters doing their thing. I am not sure what this particular flower is, but it's bright and really stands out.  It might be a type of milkweed? Note to self: consult the chart while you are out there next time. 

Button bush flower. Otherworldly. Fabulous. 

Wild hibiscus. 

While I can always hear the red-winged blackbird, dickcissel, common yellowthroat, Bell's vireo, and northern cardinal (thanks to the merlin app I am learning to identify the calls) the blooming things are ever changing. The prairie, when left alone to do its thing, does quite well.  Imagine that. 

just in time for vacation

On a recent walk I was entertained by daisy's and geese. Why don't I have daisy's in my garden? They are hardy, come back every year, look wonderful in a vase, and on and on and on. Must plant some. Next year. 

I love watching geese at the rotary arboretum. Especially when they have goslings around.

Some are assigned guard duty, while others doze with their bills tucked up into a wing. They never mind standing on just one foot, and will certainly give you a dirty look if you look like you are getting too close. 

Five months after my hip replacement I am back up to my former walking speed just in time for vacation.  The Mulvenon's have, since 1995, taken trips every 2 years until Covid came on the scene. That's 15 trips! It's hard to believe, but so many good memories of those trips.

We like to get a place near a national park and this year it's Shenandoah National Park.  IF any of you have a MUST DO hike there, that would be suitable for a crowd that ranges from 75 to 2 years old... do let me know. Please and thanks. 

an almost imperceptible click of a connection

A recent walk at the church of the glassy river.

Smooth water with amazing clouds reflecting back, blue sky, green trees. 

Then I came upon this. A great blue heron sitting on a branch, looking into the depths, just there, waiting for me to come by and notice him. I stayed and watched for a bit, until he lifted a long leg and very gracefully scratched his neck which made the crown feathers on the top of his head stand up, and then he rose, spread the wings tucked the legs and went about his business. It was a hallelujah kind of moment. 

When I got back to my car, I used the short wall in front of this flower bed to lean against and stretch. Wall assisted down-dogs and up-dogs are oh so pleasant with daisy's to look at. I could have stayed for longer... 

...but coffee was calling. Time for a nice sit to think about all I had seen and heard. Especially that great blue heron, which I put in a special box in my brain. It has a big W on the top of it for Wonderful. 

As I sat and thought, while holding my coffee with both hands, letting the warmth seep into the stiff joints, song after song kept coming on that I thought was wonderful. Sort of a honky-tonk, Americana, folksy, genre - but not anything that could really be pinned down. I asked the Barista (young, creative, free-spirit) if it was a station. She told me it was her play list. I told her I LOVED it, and she said "thanks". I did not tell her that my dad would have loved it, I did not say "wow that is so unexpected", I did not ask her if her parents loved music and had helped form her taste. But there was an almost imperceptible click of a connection that formed, and it was good.