Tall Tales from Kansas

this half-pint zucchini peddler

Happy 4th of July from baby robin 1 and 2.  Twenty-one days ago there were three eggs in the nest, today these two look about ready to fly the coop.  I see them practicing their flapping routines when I walk by the window. Mother robin is standing at the ready, and is not putting up with any nonsense from me. I open the front door, she chirps, the baby birds duck down into the nest. 

This morning I wanted to put a few flags on the porch though, so I snuck out, quickly stabbed flags into flower pots, then went to my side of the porch.  To read. After about 30 minutes mom adapted and stopped chirping. 

Which allowed me to get a few photos.  From a distance. 

The observation of baby birds is endlessly entertaining. But there was also a market to get to today. The winner of the best 4th of July Face Mask at the market prize went to this woman. I think her name is Muriel and she sells excellent brittles at the holiday market in December. 

Her pickled okra and jalapeños were also carefully packaged today.

Madeline was back from college with a table FULL of blueberries and zinnias.

The people who are selling and shopping at the market are doing a really great job about masking and distancing.

Even this half pint zucchini peddler was in good form.

I think we have reached the peak of beautiful flower season here in Kansas. So much is blooming.

Sometimes just one arrangement per household isn't enough, and happily there is not a limit. Happy 4th of July from Chris and I. We hope wherever you are, the fireworks are as colorful and quiet as this one. 

for example, cause a cookbook to fall out of the shelf

In honor of Mother's Day, here's an oldie, from way back in 2008, after we had been out to play golf, and mom was anticipating a round of monopoly, followed by a Chris-made dinner. 

Happy Mother's Day Angie! In my mind we are having a re-do of this exact day in your honor. I have not decided for sure what we are going to have for dessert though.  If you have a request, send me a sign. For example, cause a cookbook to fall off the shelf, and land on the floor open to the page of the thing you are craving.  Like the time you called me and said "I need some peanut butter cookies real-real bad".  

And while I am at it. Brother sent this classic around today. It's from 1969, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. Lord, what a crew.  At least I wasn't the one wearing brown socks with brown loafers and shorts. 

P.S.  I still have that big glass float/ball. Which of you is a macrame/knot tying expert who knows how to remake a holder for it?  

ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-le-lu-oo-yah

Happy Easter from Tall Tales Headquarters, where I found a favorable ruling from the Kansas Supreme Court along with some chocolate malted eggs in my Easter basket this morning. They went quite well together.  

Temperatures are supposed to drop throughout the course of the day so I was also delighted to be able to get an early morning walk in. I sent my siblings a MarcoPolo in which I reminisced about going to church on Easter Sunday in Harrison Arkansas with mom in the early 90's, when all the women wore their best hats, and services ended with a rousing rendition of "Christ the Lord is risen today ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-le-lu-oo-yah". I sang it for them so they could get the complete experience.

A carrot cake for 2 was also made using this recipe except I added raisins and instead of the brown butter cream cheese frosting I used the Pioneer Woman's cream cheese frosting recipe that goes with her red velvet cake because it is so good and never fails to disappoint. 

Then I called my friend Mary Joan because I love to surprise her with FaceTime calls when she may have a few hairs out of place. I don't know about you guys, but I am finding it important to FaceTime, MarcoPolo, and/or Zoom regularly with my friends and family. 

And just because we are in the midst of a pandemic, I still find it essential to put out some bunnies and make mini flower arrangements. 

As soon as I post this I am going on the hunt for an old Easter movie for tonight's viewing. We watched "Meet Me in St. Louis" in the last few years and it was delightful. Chris suggested "Harvey", which I think sounds perfect.

it's an excellent dessert after pizza, pork fried rice, or salad

This happened the other day at our house. It was inevitable, so we made no attempt to fight it.

Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. FYI the photo above is shown with the amount of sprinkles that Chris prefers. Which is clearly inadequate.

It comes together lickety split, bake the cake, make the jello, poke the holes, pour the jello, whip the cream, sprinkle the sugar.  Recipe here.

It goes down real easy too, especially when the proportion of cake to whipped cream to crunchy sugar topping is just right, as shown above. 

Really moist, not overly sweet, a little bit tart, I could eat a whole line of the 9x13 pan. In one sitting. But restrict myself to a square. All things in moderation is a motto to live by. 

One could easily substitute whipped cream in a can instead of whipping it yourself, but I do like that drapey, soft, melty consistency of the freshly whipped.

It's an excellent dessert after pizza, pork fried rice, or salad. I should know, I've had it after all 3 and will have more tonight after spaghetti and meat balls. 

The end.  Happy St. Patrick's Day to one and all, near and far. 

the low key - high reward plan

Happy hearts, cupid, flowers, candy, and cards day... to all my Valentines. 

We were going to dress up, go out, paint the town, you know the drill. Then we looked at each other and laughed. And decided for the low key - high reward plan. Pizza and a movie at home. A bottle of wine. Maybe a foot rub. Definitely a cookie for dessert. 

sprinkled liberally all through the house

Gosh I wish Valentines day would hurry up and get here so I could get off this ridiculous heart kick I am on. They had this package of fancy paper cut-out hearts at Paper Source and I simply could not pass it up. 

I sprinkled them liberally all through the house, on the table with shells and rocks...

pinned to the banner I had already hung up on the mantle...

and added to the inspiration board.  Along with the sequined heart.

I also found some vintage valentines when searching for more old Mason Jars at the antique mall downtown. 

A 2007 Valentine from sister, which has been hanging up for 13 years was re-appreciated.

And all of the hearts I have collected from Mary Stanley over the years are hanging up. Her hand stitched creations are one of a kind.  

Alas, my work-life has kept me from bringing to fruition all the heart ideas that have been in my brain, but even the possibility of making things sometimes is enough to bring my pleasure. 

Happy Kansas Day

Happy Kansas Day everyone from Tall Tales Headquarters.  I think this is what they term a "minor holiday"... but any excuse to celebrate the beauty of my state I feel obligated to share.

in your silk, taffeta, and heels

Happy New Year's Eve to all from the entire staff of Tall Tales from Kansas, where we are staying in tonight, eating beef & broccoli that Chris is stirring up in the wok, and watching a movie (or another episode of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel). 

Meanwhile, before the season totally gets away, here are a few more holiday window displays from downtown. As I review them I am hard pressed to recall why that snowman is not living in this house. 

I diverge momentarily from the windows to show you this display inside the toy store.  Oh such memories of all the hours of entertainment our spirograph kit brought us. You too?

And who does not love a paper chain? 

I can also completely get behind a glittery, sparkly, silver theme.  

This is a reverse window display - inside looking out. I liked the perspective better. 

Do tell me about all the dances, parties, and celebrations you are going to in your silk, taffeta, and heels. I will just be here in the flannel pajamas, smiling about how great it is to be this age, be at home, and for that to be so enough.  

actually though, I think he's got it

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

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

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

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

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

equally warm and well and content

Merry Christmas Eve friends!  

While I unwind from a long stretch of days at work (drinking wine and eating smoked Gouda cheese from Holland - thanks Christy!), Chris prepares our traditional December 24th dinner of shrimp pasta and garlic bread. This started back in 2004 when Angie moved up to Kansas from Arkansas. She always came over for Christmas Eve mass, then dinner, followed by sitting in front of the fire to open presents and tell stories of holidays past.  Like the year I stuck my finger in the pumpkin pie, or the time Ray and his friend Steve decorated the tree after we went to bed, or the year we had no tree at all because we were shipping out to Panama a few days after Christmas.  That year we each selected a chair in the living room to decorate with paper garlands, so Santa would know where to put our presents.

Tomorrow morning I am making pancakes and bacon for breakfast and will start the Christmas carols by 7:00 am. There will be time for sitting and staring and calling Brother and Dottie and Mary Ann so we can connect across the miles.

Candles will be lit, pajamas will be kept on.

A walk may be taken, or not. Mostly it will be low key, with dancing in the kitchen and maybe around the tree.   Right now I must refill my glass and make a decision between Scrooged and Love Actually to watch after dinner.  I hope whatever you are doing tonight you are equally warm, and well, and content.   

the annual bottle of eggnog was purchased

In between the parades, artist shows, farmers markets, and preparation for all things holiday related, there has also been time to delight in the unexpected, enjoy the snow, and start on the annual making of "snacks". 

A Quail plaza Christmas dinner celebration was also held. 

One of the best times of the holiday season. Our meal and service at the Capital Grille was exemplary. The company unsurpassable. Truly.

On a slightly less extravagant note, an old wreath was placed on the chair that came out of Aunt Alice's garage in Russell Kansas in 1996 and has lived on my front porch since. The annual bottle of eggnog was also purchased and on each day I am off I sit by the fire sipping it and my coffee.  Always side by side. Never mixed.

One glass limit per setting. Usually. 

simple, complex, traditional, way out there...

Tonight I give you the first post of the season that will be dedicated to holiday window displays. Which is to say there will be more of them. These were all captured this past week in Lawrence. I am a fan of the festive downtown window. Simple, complex, traditional, way out there, I love them all.  

Right about now I should be attending to my own decorating, in the form of a tree that needs lit and decorated. But it's Friday night, which means there is a bottle of merlot to drink and pizza to eat. I hope you have something just as wildly fun and frivolous planned to kick off your weekend.  

a great way to open the holiday season

It's real difficult to limit the number of photos in a blog post when the subjects of the pictures are horses, and riders, in a parade. I shall endeavor to do my best but make no promises. 

And then of course there are all the people at the parade... keeping warm, choosing seats, carrying their frisbee, playing with signs, waiting for things to start.

There were young riders, older riders, middle aged riders, silly riders, and very serious riders. By serious I mean the kind who appeared very natural astride their horse.

If I was traveling any distance in a wagon, I would want these fellows in the driver and shotgun positions. They seem most competent. That said, this was an old hearse they were pulling, and I will not need that for my burial. 

Santa was there to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Mostly though, it's about the horses, and the kids who are excited to see them, and all of Lawrence coming out to smile and wave. Which is a great way to open the holiday season. 

in all it's vibrant speckledness

Every year when faced with the dilemma of poinsettia color selection, I struggle.

Then I always end up getting red. Because I am a traditionalist. Red. Red. Red. And no glitter on the leaves please. 

Also never white. No. No. No. Though I can see a place for them in a monochromatic winter wonderland decorating scheme. Which I don't have. 

Then of course there are the pinkish ones with all that marvelous green patterning, begging to be brought home and painted. 

This year though, this one came home with me. I couldn't help it. In all it's vibrant speckledness it called my name as I walked by and I whisked it up right quick before someone else named Carol could answer.   

Purchased at Pendleton's Country Market - the undisputed, most prize winningness, poinsettia producer in the area. In my humble opinion. 

Boo!

Tonights collection of carved pumpkins, in honor of All Hallows Eve, is brought to you courtesy of the amazingly talented students from the Kansas City Art Institute.  They are on display right now at the Crestwood Shops in Kansas City. 

I don't know how long they will be there. But the window shopping all along there is simply marvelous. Don't forget the best lemon cake in all of KC is at Cafe Europa. Oh and the tea shop is delightful. Plus the orchids were on sale at the florist as well.

Boo!

2 whole peanuts to one piece of "corn"

Since we both know that we each have already begun to eat the delightful combination of candy corn and salty cocktail peanuts, known as "October crack", I decided to go ahead and post a photo of it today.

Because this ridiculous (and simultaneously cute) container only comes out once a year, it seems fair to give it a full month out of the cupboard before returning it to hibernation. Can you refer to an inanimate object as hibernating? 

My preferred ratio is at least 2 whole peanuts to one piece of "corn", but of course that is a personal matter. Since the candy is made up of 100% sugar, it definitely needs the salt to balance things out.

Chris, head researcher at Tall Tales Headquarters, told me today it was invented in the 1880's by George Renninger and was at one time called "chicken feed".  I have included these facts here in case you ever find yourself in need of such knowledge while participating in a cut-throat trivia challenge.  

so he wouldn't feel like I was a dessert snob

Whatever else you have planned for your 4th celebration (if you have one), include this.

Or some semblance of this.  Brownies would do. So would a root beer float. This was Chris's idea. When he had a craving for white cake with white frosting with sprinkles and came home with a jiffy cake mix and a can of Betty Crocker ready to spread frosting. He is not a sweets lover. Hence this choice. That I will admit to eating my share of. So he wouldn't feel like I was a dessert snob.  Which I most certainly am not. 

we hope you are partaking in all

Because it involves being green, providing an excuse to use a lilting accent while saying things like "top o' the morning", and on account of our last name is Mulvenon, Chris and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy St. Patrick's Day.

The beer, parades, corned beef/cabbage/potatoes combination, and dancing a jig (or is is a reel?) aren't bad either.  We hope you are partaking in all.  Equally. 

perfect for a chilly winter night

Christmas retreats just as it comes on at my house.  Slowly.  Translated:  decorations are not coming down for awhile and more holiday photos will be posted.  

This was on a nice sunny day downtown on Massachusetts street.  Strolling for last minute gifts.

If you are like us, and are not done with Christmas either... and have not seen Christmas in Connecticut, We're No Angels, While You Were Sleeping, or The Lemon Drop Kid... they are delightful holiday movies.  Silly. Corny. Funny. We rented them all this year (from Amazon).  Perfect for a chilly winter night.  Even better with a bowl of chili and a corn muffin on the side.  If you ask me.  Which you did not.  

Merry Christmas greetings

 

Just a few more December photos today, and Merry Christmas greetings to one and all from Lawrence Kansas.  

on this most lovely of nights

While I tip-tap away on this keyboard, upstairs on the second floor of Tall Tales Headquarters, Chris is busy making shrimp pasta and American garlic bread.  Christmas Eve is upon us and with it, the tradition we continue in honor of Angie who looked forward to this meal each and every year.  

Meanwhile, in Venice, new traditions are being made.  Dottie just sent me a video of Adeste Fideles from the midnight mass at San Marco Cathedral.  It fills me with memories of so many Christmas times gone by.  

Wherever you are, whatever you celebrate, whomever you are with, we wish you safe travels, good eats, warm beds, and sweet dreams, on this most lovely of nights.   

 

less is not better than more

Up from the basement.  Out from the cabinet under the mirror.  Things are emerging from their storage spaces.  

The pygmy forest and the wee elves, together again.  Balancing on the candle sticks collected through the years.

I plan to make time to do another elf this year.  I think my ability to pick up and knit the wrapped stitches on short rows has improved and I can craft a better face on these guys.  Maybe.  That does not mean I will love the first ones any less.

At this point I asked Chris if he thought I was going overboard.  He said definitely not.  So I am now in the process of placing the Christmas mouse collection strategically among the knitted pieces.  Always mindful of the motto that less is not better than more when it comes to stuff like this.  

who will be most festive of all on Christmas Day

Getting together with friends you somehow don't see as often as you should, because life gets in the way, is a Christmas gift to myself.

Running into Stephen Green who happened to be taking photos in the area and snapped one of Liz and I in front of the Kauffman Center, was a happy coincidence.  

When talking about what we should do with our day, I said "lets look at pretty things".  And so we did.  

Pretty Christmas tableau's at Trapp and Company on Main, along with this super-soft neck and shoulder wrap that I could not talk Liz into buying, though it is perfect for her.  It might still be there if you want it.  It was the last one though, so you better be quick.  

Pretty doors and windows on the plaza (and why didn't I notice that plaid neck wrap when I was taking this photo and go into the store and buy it?).  

There was also this guy playing drums in his car, with the windows down, on the plaza, which was pretty hilarious.  

Supplies for making pretty banners and these eye-catching Christmas party necklaces at Stuff in Brookside.  Guess which one I bought?  Hint... I will be the most festive of all on Christmas day at the Mulvenon family gathering.  Totally out of character but I could not help myself.  This is what happens when you are with your friend, laughing about all the things you use to do and all the things you can't remember.  You forget who you are momentarily and imagine yourself as someone who can carry off this look.  

A pretty tree with blue furry flowers that could not live at my house but was fun to look at, and this pretty AND delicious salad eaten sitting at the counter, while we watched all the activity going on in the kitchen at Webster house.

There were multitudinous amounts of pretty table linens at Pryde's.  One of my serious weaknesses.  One kitchen towel was purchased.  I did NOT buy this perfect pink tree that we discovered out on the back porch upstairs.  It needs a kid's bedroom to live in if you happen to have one.    

Nope.  No pecan bars either.  But look how perfect they are.  Very pretty. 

What I did come home with was a great sense of well-being.  One that comes from spending a nice day with a friend; sipping a turkish latte, zipping here and there, trying to recall the names of stores that are gone, Liz telling me about the "2 wreath fountain trick", resolving not to let a whole year go by before we see each other again.  

Yikes!  One more pretty thing.  I know I have already gone on too long, but they are so pretty and you MUST see them.

I almost had to be resuscitated when I saw how cute they were.  I am thinking of adopting the entire group.  

how to smile like a proper elf

Chief among all the things I love most about this time of year are these.

And these, and these, and these.

When you can get them at a place where you can also have a rendevous with a frisky feline, well that's a bonus.

Available greenery for your front porch fountain too?  Bonus on top of bonus.  

When I spotted the elf in the greenhouse I thought I was hallucinating.  Until she spoke.  She clearly got an A+ in the "How to Smile Like a Proper Elf" portion of her training.

Here is the poinsettia we selected.  It's a "Noel Red".

This one did not come home with me.

But we have several future dates planned.  Thanks Pendleton's Market for another year of great produce, plants, flowers, butterflies, pumpkins, kitty petting, and all around good times. 

sugarplums did dance in my head while I slept

If you are not a girl between the ages of 5 and 12, you may not love what I am going to show you today.  But then again, even I can look back and imagine how it would be to walk in to J'adore in Brookside and see this at that age.

Heck, I think it's pretty spectacular at the tail end of my 50's.  

Colorful, sparkly, bright, and happy.  I could pull up a chair and just sit for hours.

Maybe sip on some hot cocoa and nibble on a shortbread cookie, while waiting for Santa and his elves.

Oh the sheer delight of all that pink!

This is one of my Kansas City favorites at Christmas time.  I highly recommend a visit if you live in the area.  When you get done inside, skip across the street to Heirloom Bakery and Hearth.

You might need a cookie while you sit down and let all you have just seen sink in.  

Or you might do what I did and get a big bowl of curry vegetable soup and a kale squash feta scone.  And then I drove home and took the most pleasant of naps.  And yes, sugarplums DID dance in my head while I slept.  

when these big guys clip-clopped by

The Old Fashioned Christmas parade happened on Saturday, in spite of the rain.  

It didn't stop the festivities.

But it did make for lots of umbrellas.

And other sorts of shelter.  It's important to make do, when you have to.  

Victor was not deterred by rain overhead or underfoot as he proclaimed "They're COMING!"

Little Miss Red Coat, was also in the "fie on rain" camp and let nothing interfere with her festive look.    

There is something very special about this parade. Low tech. Nostalgic.  

You could feel the street vibrate when these big guys clip-clopped by.  

Chris and I decided that babies and little doggies had the best seats in the house this year.  

When the umbrellas went up and stayed up, about 30 minutes into the festivities, I told Chris my eyes had seen a sufficient number of horses.  Which was code for "I'm ready to go".  Which he of course immediately understood.  I like it when my date knows when I am ready for coffee, oatmeal, and a fireplace.    

in order to render a thoughtful, complete, review

This year's turkey day hike was the BEST. Mid 50's for temps, sunny, breezes, we did not get lost, no one sprained and ankle, and we got home in time for Chris to get the turkey out of the oven.

But I am getting ahead of myself.   

Coffee and a leisurely setting of the table is how things started out for me, while Chris tended to turkey duties. Then we slipped on our jackets/vests and headed out of doors.  

Getting out for a walk before dinner is my favorite part of Thanksgiving day. Taking a break from the kitchen chores before everyone arrives sets a good tone for the day.  Not to mention the appetite building.  

It wasn't a long hike.  Just a few miles.  Enough to be able to pay proper homage to the Thanksgiving day pies prepared by Ann without worrying about caloric intake.

My personal favorite was the pecan/pumpkin, followed closely by the regular pumpkin, but let's not forget the apple with a hint of lemon that was also divine.  I had to have some of each in order to render a thoughtful, complete, review.  If someone is going to go to this much work on dessert, it's the least I can do. 

as we thought about Ray and Chas

Chris and I went downtown today for the Veterans Day parade.
 

Things got started off with a fly-over.  No matter how many times I see one, I am always simultaneously impressed and choked up.  

There were people walking and riding and smiling and waving.  

 Mostly we wanted to show our respect and gratitude as we thought about Ray and Chas (our Dads) on this 100th anniversary of Armistice day.  

ready to see a unicorn on my porch

Banners are hung.  Pumpkins are out.  Front porch light is on.  Kit-Kats, Snickers, and M&M's are ready to be handed out.

Hurry up kids!  I am ready to see a unicorn on my porch.  

Or maybe a ballerina, or Spiderman, or a robot.  I am not picky.  

We are equal opportunity candy hander-outers here.  

I searched all over the bag of candy corn and could find no similar claim

If you haven't done it yet.  It's high time.

To mix yourself up a batch of Halloween goodness.  

Brother called the other day so we could discuss the ratio of peanuts to candy corn.

We like to discuss important culinary matters like this in the Moss family.  

I'll tell you what I told him.  That is a personal preference, but mine is a 2:1 mix of peanuts to candy corn.

What is not negotiable, in my book, is buying some off brand of peanuts or candy corn.  And by the way, did you notice in photo #1 that right on the front of the peanut can it says they are "heart healthy"?

I searched all over the bag of candy corn and could find no similar claim. No matter.  It's Halloween.

Now that you have been provided with all the details, go forth and mix.  And eat.  And smile.  Boo!

"...well you have the chin of a nun"

It's been a tranquil, lazy, Labor Day weekend here at our house.  Full of things like using color wheels, taking walks, setting the table for dinner guests, and putting a vase of zinnias on every surface in the house.

An extra day for piddling around seems like the most luxurious of gifts.  We drank an excellent bottle of wine and ate peach cobbler accompanied by velvety smooth sips of Irish Cream.  

I also had a wild and crazy dream about being in an art/craft store with Sister and Pam, trying to find some kind of stencil that was simply not to be had, and then almost getting into a fight with a 47 year old lady with a red face and a pony tail who thought the three of us were nuns and when I told her I had been married for 37 years she said "well you have the chin of a nun".   If you are an analyzer of dreams, do tell me what that could possibly mean.  

she loved bachelor's buttons

Happy Mothers day to all my favorite mothers out there.  You know who you are. 

This little bouquet at the market was a special hello to me from Angie. 

She loved bachelor's buttons (aka centaurea cyanus and cornflowers).  I have a vivid memory of her coming to help me plant flowers at the very first house we bought in Lawrence in 1985.  We planted some of them on the side of the house.  Afterwards we sat on the steps out front. We were hot, tired, and immensely satisfied with our work.

The fact that these came in a tall mason jar and had anemone's tucked in alongside was a bonus.

We often (as in almost always) need several bouquets at Tall Tales headquarters.  Because we can, so we should.   I told Chris the other day that since I am now 59 years old he should "expect to hear a lot of wisdom coming out of this pie hole".   The necessity to purchase multiple bouquets at the farmers market is one such example. 

with a side of leftover salty ham

Happy Easter from Tall Tales Headquarters here in Lawrence Kansas.

Where, despite the sleet and snow and the loss of the Jayhawks last night, we are moving ahead with tradition.

Which means that Chris is making orange marmalade glazed ham and borsin potatoes and I am setting the table and in charge of the asparagus. 

I did not forget the bunny napkins.  I think we will use them all month in an effort to bring Spring to mind in spirit.  I am happy to report my chest cold/sore throat has left.  Unfortunately it left a head cold/drippy nose in it's place.  I have resorted to bourbon and multiple one hour naps during the day to drive the last of the illness off.  For some reason, I believe that I am immune to all illness and am always caught off guard when I am forced to realize that I am, after all, a mere mortal and subject to ails and infirmities. 

Next step after hot tea, advil, sunshine, flowers, massage, naps, and bourbon is lots and lots of jelly beans.   

With a side of leftover salty ham. 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are very practical people around here.  

it looks like a big Valentine to me

Signs of the approach of the feast of Saint Valentine abound.    

While I was taking in all the pretty windows downtown, I went looking at Stitch on Needlework Shop to see if they had a Valentine themed Lori Mitchell character.  To add to my "collection".  As you see below, I did not leave empty handed.

Seriously, look at that hair.  You would have had to have her too. 

When I saw these postcards, I decided to make up for not sending Christmas cards by dropping a few love notes in the mail.   

I did not buy any bags of candy, but I appreciated them. 

The lovely pink sunset the other night has not a thing to do with February 14th, except it looks like a big Valentine to me. 

And it was completely free.  And it made me catch my breath.  And if I could bottle it up and send it to you I would.  As it is, the photo will have to do. 

 

holding a steaming cup between your hands and inhaling deeply as part of the ritual

If you run across some of this as you are shopping for your valentine, you might want to snap it up. 

It's surprisingly tasty.  Surprising as in how good can chocolate tea really be?  I am an Earl Gray, Bergamot, English Breakfast, Chamomile, kind of tea person... thought lately I am heavy into a peach/ginger blend as well as a lovely coconut brew.  I am also currently investigating the healing properties of turmeric tea, but I digress.  Suffice it to say that this tea is exceedingly nice to sip on.  Holding a steaming cup between your hands and inhaling deeply as part of the ritual takes it right over the top.  Better be sure and get a little tin for yourself.  I did.  

slow, lazy, sweet

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

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

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

not your traditional Christmas movie but oh it’s good

Overnight a dusting of snow.  Perfect for a Christmas Eve early morning walk.

Then it was home to make a deep dish pumpkin pie with fresh ginger, yams, and heavy cream.

This is my “go to” pumpkin pie recipe.

 Deeply rich and flavorful without being overly spicy.  It also has a smooth creamy texture.  

The crust is not a thing of beauty but it contains the filling perfectly and is not soggy.

I will be ready for a piece while we are watching Seven Brides For Seven Brother’s tonight.  It’s not your traditional Christmas movie but oh it’s good.  

I hope you are cozy and warm tonight.  Wherever you are.  Whomever you are with.  Whatever you are doing.   

if you bring frosted sugar cookies to work

This.  This right here.  This is the meaning of Christmas. 

Call me shallow, call me real, call me a sugar cookie lover.

Call me anything you want if you bring frosted sugar cookies to work.  If they are bite-sized and made by one of my favorite  mother/daughter duos.  Well that’s all the better.  I gave Blake (pictured behind Nancy and looking innocent) fair warning that I would be monitoring how many cookies he ate to be sure he didn’t get more than me.  Let’s face it, when frosted sugar cookies are involved we all revert to our childhood. Where siblings fight over who gets the most.

the genius behind all the handmade, home-grown, products

The Holiday Farmers market was today in Lawrence, and it was splendid.

Decorations, produce, gift ideas, and tempting treats.  It was all there.

I fell in love with the chickens at DoGood Farms and getting to meet the genius behind all the handmade, home-grown, products is something I enjoy about this annual event.

These iced molasses cookies caught my eye and I brought one home for dessert tonight.  Crunchy outside, chewy centers, just the way I like them.

More garlands for the tree on the front porch were also procured.  It is simply not possible for me to walk by any kind of garland without partaking.  

hat's off to the organizers of this event

Today, under overcast skies, we made our way downtown for the Veterans Day parade. 

I did my best to keep a stiff upper lip, but confess to some tearful moments. 

Our dad was in the Air Force, and we moved all over the world growing up. 

We changed schools regularly, and learned to make new friends quickly. 

It was a good way to learn about life.  And the world. 

There were veterans from all branches of the service marching or riding today. 

My hats off to the organizer of this event.  It's the first time since 1968 there had been a parade in honor of Veterans in Lawrence.  

It was good to have a fitting venue to offer our appreciation.  

went to work gussying up the house

You likely have a place you wander through for ideas, before you go up to your attic or down to your basement to get out the Halloween, Thanksgiving, or general "fall" labeled box(es) or bag(s).   For me it will always be J'adore in Brookside.   

Just that little push to get me going.  A glimpse to get the ideas percolating. 

It's a feast for the eyes.  Orange, brown, yellow, green, halloween, pumpkin, thanksgiving, everything fall you could think of and more.  I came straight home and went to work gussying up the house.   And I do mean gussy.  In the very best sense of the word. 

settle in for a serious snacking session

I am sorry to do this to you.  But it's time.

To gather supplies.

Measure out ratios.

Combine them to mingle the flavors.

And settle in for a serious snacking session.  Happy Friday.  

with all the frosting and some sanding sugar plus tooth pick flags

You may or may not recall from last year that Chris gets ideas on the 4th of July.  Cake ideas. Cake ideas that are hatched following late night web surfing sessions.

When he first showed it to me and said "hey look at this", I said "don't be ridiculous".  In other words, we are not making that, no way, no how. 

Then I said "ok, maybe we could make it but not put all that frosting on it". 

To which he replied "of course, that's way too much frosting". 

So of course we made it.  With all the frosting.  And some sanding sugar.  Plus tooth pick flags.   Because it is after all a firecracker cake.  And the 4th of July only comes once a year. 

It's quite tasty, and despite my initial reservations, I am doing my part to eat my fair share.  Every night.  Sometimes with ice cream.

Chris would like you to know that it pairs well with a Miller Lite. 

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the annual tradition of the hanging of the flag bunting

the very definition of a perfect 3 day weekend

The memorial day weekend in Kansas started with storms and clouds and concluded with full on sun.  In between there was:  three card monty, snap dragons, and face painting in downtown Lawrence. 

The smitten kitchen's broccoli slaw was just one of the items on the menu.  Tasty, tasty, and tasty.   The perfect rescue from regular coleslaw.  Not that you need a rescue from regular coleslaw, but just in case.

I saw a man in a costume doing magic tricks while a boy on his dad's shoulders watched very closely. 

There was this sign which I knew you would want to see, and my backyard flowers in the vase from Rosendals Trädgård in Stockholm. 

What you don't see here is ribs, weed pulling, walks, banana pudding eating, vinca planting and travel discussions about slot canyon hikes and where to buy locally roasted coffee in Utah.  It was the very definition of a perfect 3 day weekend. 

to celebrate my Mexican heritage

The combination of warm sun, cool breezes, and the wild phlox in full bloom made for a perfect spring walk this walk.

The bluebird and the lady bug were a bonus. 

Happy Cinco de Mayo.  Right this minute I have Chris searching for the recipe for the chicken enchilada recipe we used about 2 months ago.  It was easy and delicious.  We are having it tomorrow night for Happy Seis de Mayo.  No reason to celebrate my Mexican heritage on just one day of the month.  Feel free to follow suit.  

darling for all boy or girl big or small

 

This morning over Easter breakfast, which in part consisted of jelly beans and chocolate eggs, Chris read me interesting facts about Easter.

Stuff like "ham or lamb?" for Easter dinner.  Either works by the way.

Things about dying Easter eggs and the significance of the egg and Easter through the years.  It's a good way to get kids interested.  Plus it has something to do with re-birth. 

And how the Stations of the Cross were used to tell the story of Easter to people who couldn't read.  I think that's right, my attention was starting to drift at this point. 

Did you now that red eggs symbolize the blood of Christ?  I think blue could be for water, green might be for grass, and purple for the color of velvet robes. 

What I do know for sure is they made a very tasty snack about an hour ago.  Deviled.  With a few dots of Sriracha on top.  Couple of pretzels on the side.  Mmmmm. 

The spring napkins came out today, and despite the fact that we have 12, I did in fact make more.

Because nary a one of the spring collection had a bunny on it.  A bunny with a carrot.

And you can see right there on the fabric it says "darling for all boy or girl big or small". 

What could I do?  There was already orange thread on my machine.  It seemed like fate. 

Hopefully your Easter has been equally eventful, and educational.  

P.S.  I know the majority of you read Mary Ann's blog, but the 2 of you who don't - go read it today.  There is a great picture of Ray and Angie, plus she writes about the concept of tsukumogami.  Something I have never heard of but it has me thinking.  In a very good way.  

so you go ahead and dive headfirst into the whole leprechaun spirit thing

When your last name is Mulvenon you take your St. Patrick's day "stuff" seriously.  

You buy the shamrock cookie embosser, you make the dough, you roll the dough, you press the dough, and of course you bake the cookies.

Then you make the special frosting, and color it, and apply it using frosting brushes.  In an artistic manner, that is pleasing to the eye.

Then when you are not looking your wife (who is Irish in name only) takes over icing duties, liberally applying sprinkes so you can't even see the shamrocks. 

So you go ahead and dive headfirst into the whole leprechaun spirit thing and make a "green and white".

And before you know it, things are out of control.   

Which matters not one little bit, because I can tell you I have already sampled, and am happy to report they all eat the same.  By that I mean good.  Real good.    

Happiest of St. Patrick's Days to you and yours!

 

hearts and flowers and kitties and candies

Happy red, and pink, and hearts, and flowers, and kitties, and candies, and bows & arrows, and flowers, to each and everyone of you on St. Valentine's Day.  And a nice piece of molten chocolate cake if you are into that sort of thing.  Which I definitely am. 

as long as it is within reason

Yesterday morning as I was flipping through instagram, I came upon a photo of Bob Walrafen ,taken by his wife Nancy, on their New Years Day hike.  I pointed it out to Chris and said "hey, we should go on a hike too".  He said "hmghf".  Which can mean:  a. absolutely, b. don't get crazy on me, c. how about tomorrow? or d. if we have to.

So we finished our breakfast, which though it is not shown, also included a leftover waffle that was placed in the toaster and buttered (amazingly delicious), and laced up our boots.

We started out under cloudy skies, but as we went on the sun would occasionally come out and change the whole landscape. 

At the conclusion of our expedition, having had a most excellent time, we decided next year we should look and see what Nancy and Bob are doing on New Years Day, and copy them again.  As long as it is within reason. 

One year and one day ago.