Tall Tales from Kansas

time enough for that after the beginning of the new year

Having this week between Christmas and New Year's mostly at home (as in not working), is foreign and quite pleasant. I have never had a job where business was closed during this week. Sitting around and enjoying the decorations and music feels luxurious. But also there is a part of me thinking "shouldn't I be getting ready for something?" I continue to enjoy looking at the pictures Dottie sent.  One below from Christmas 1979. I am impressed with Angie's placement of greenery over the mantle. We never talked much about our shared love of decorating for the holidays. Just another one of those things you don't think about until it's too late. 

Chris and I pulled the Clue game out of the basement and figured out how to play it with 2 people.  This after trying to play CaseFile on Christmas Day and finding myself thoroughly confused. Sometimes it makes sense not to muck up a classic with too many gimmicks. Says the great-aunt anyway.  As of 12/29 at 3pm we are nose to nose with our skills of reasoning and deduction. 

Today I poured the last bit of eggnog into a glass and toasted the month of December.  With the coffee chaser to make the whole experience last just as long as possible.  Sip sip slurp.

I have been reading short stories, finishing up a hat and some fingerless gloves, moving along slowly on my needlepoint, going to bed early, sleeping in until 7:30, staring at the tree, wondering what everyone else is doing, hoping NOT to see anyone start getting virtuous or productive yet. There will be time enough for that AFTER the beginning of the New Year. Right now I am leaning deep into some serious loafing and am finding it has its merits. 

 

wondering what could be wrapped up under the tree

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

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

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

the bunnies from Stockholm had to have hats

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

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

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

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

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

a little bit of Christmas'ing

It has been fun to do a little bit of "Christmas'ing" this past week. By that I mean getting together with a few friends to celebrate the season. It seems like it's been awhile since there was much of that. 

The Quails went to dinner down at Union Station which was dressed in all its finery. The atmosphere was warm and festive, the conversation was easy and nice, we laughed a lot, the food was wonderful, and a friendly passerby snapped this photo for us in front of the very pretty trees. Starting your meal with a small cocktail is recommended. The old fashioned was excellent.

The prairie makers came to Tall Tales Headquarters last week for a visit where there was guaranteed seating, comfortable chairs in front of a fireplace, free parking, and a nice selection of Christmas music playing overhead. It was fun to have people over when the house is decorated. It was also an opportunity for me to stretch my gluten free baking muscles.  

If you need a gluten free breakfast treat let me recommend the King Arthur flour muffin mix - which I turned into a cranberry orange coffee cake with the addition of dried cranberries, orange zest, toasted pecans - and on the top a sprinkle of more pecans and sugar in the raw. I also whipped up a glaze for the top but it really wasn't needed. It had a wonderful moist crumb that tasted exactly like a regular coffee cake. 

In the event that the coffee cake was a flop, I also made some energy bites that were advertised to taste just like snickers. Which they did not, they were better. More like a breakfast treat and NOT a candy bar. Recipe below. 

In the comments there was mention of things not turning out quite like they should, but for me the recipe was spot on. I followed it exactly and had no trouble at all.  I elected for the drizzle of chocolate instead of the dip. I also added a little bit of sea salt. Because I like sweet salty combo. I will make these again for sure - they will be a perfect workday breakfast accompaniment to the morning coffee at my desk.

Why I did not get any photos of the makers I do not know. Unforgivable, and it means I will have to have them over again soon. 

Helpful links: The Minimalist Baker - energy bites

holiday windows part 1

It seemed only right to show a daytime view of the festive decor to be found on Massachusetts Street this month, in downtown Lawrence. There is something for everyone, and I only did the west side of the street on this trip. 

Coming soon, the shops on the East side of the street.   

placed in strategic locations for maximum enjoyment

Just a few things that were done around here this weekend. None of them life-changing, none of them character-building, all extremely enjoyable. 

The mitten garland was hung from the mantle, things made/collected/gifted over the years were placed in strategic locations for maximum enjoyment, the pygmy forest and wee elves marched up the stairs from the basement and demanded their rightful place, felt garlands went over the table. 

While I was hanging it, I admired the poinsettia and the most interesting patterns in it's leaves. Christmas CD's were organized so I don't have to root through a messy pile every time I am looking for just the right one, and I bought supplies for baking. This may not sound like much to you, but it was a full 2 days work for me. 

what else the day may have yet to reveal to you

If Lawrence is on your destination list in December ... for a coffee, a lunch, a special present, or all of the above, plan your trip to coincide with dusk.

The Christmas lights are on and it makes Massachusetts Street just a little more magical. 

You never know who you might see.  It wasn't until I got home that I realized that I caught Santa pushing a baby carriage as he crossed the street on the corner of 9th and Mass. 

The regular street lights are pretty special too.

Looking in all the store windows with the lights reflected in them is so pretty. Really you don't have to buy a thing, the experience of the lights is all for free. Don't tell the downtown merchants association I said that, but it is so true.                                

I took all these photos around 5:40pm on Thursday night. It would have been better if I had been 10 minutes earlier to catch a bit of that purple blue dusk sky in the background. You take what you get though. 

If you are an early riser, and can get yourself to Mass street by around 7:10 am, the lights are really pretty then too.  With the added bonus that you are likely going to be the only person down there. Except for tomorrow! Tomorrow is the old fashioned Christmas parade that I think starts at 11 am. Unfortunately the wind is blowing like crazy tonight and the high tomorrow is only going to be 30 but feel like 20 and I don't think I am going to be able to go down and stand for even one hour. 

But I digressed for a second. If you are a morning person, do get downtown while the lights are on this month, take a stroll and look in some windows then get yourself to La Prima Taza which opens at 7:30 am on Saturdays, and have yourself a hot Indonesian latte (I like mine with half the usual sweetness) and think about all the wonderful things you have seen already and what else the day may have yet to reveal to you. 

Happy Friday, Happy December, Happy Holiday lights to all of you. 

it makes the whole house smell like Christmas

Chris and I went out to Pendletons Country Market on Sunday to check out the open house/holiday soiree that hold annually after Thanksgiving. The main draw for me is always the poinsettias. Their's are the best. Hands down.  

Here is the one I came home with, though I did love the cream and pink one above. Quite a lot. 

The second big reason we go out is to get some of this incredibly fragrant greenery. It makes the whole house smell like Christmas, even though you may have a tree that comes up from the basement each year. 

There were other vendors there with holiday wares for sale too. Lots of fun items to look at.

Some year I must try my hand at tending an amaryllis.

My FAVORITE thing at the whole place was this velvety-soft, shoulder-sitting, teeny-tiny kitty cat. Oh he was sweet. Unfortunately my photo did not do him justice.  

I will have to try for a better shot on a future visit. Which he agreed was an excellent idea by the way. 

a grand total of 19 dishtowels

On Thanksgiving at Tall Tales headquarters, the sun rose nicely after an early morning sprinkle, the bacon /date /rosemary /honey /goat cheese /cream cheese/ appetizer turned out perfectly, all 14 family members were in fine health and good spirits, Eleanor learned how to play Farkle, and we all got to make fools of ourselves with Alice the toddler.

Minimal photos were taken, there was not time in between the cooking, filling the water glasses, opening the wine, slicing the turkey, and eating the pumpkin pie. All my worries were for naught. The day, the dinner, the festivities went off without a hitch. Everyone pitched in to do the dishes and put everything away. We set a record this year using a grand total of 19 dishtowels. Yes, I counted this morning when I was folding them. 

Tonight I have picked out a silly Netflix movie to watch while we sit with our feet up and feel thankful for this life that we are living. Best wishes for smooth travel for all of you driving, flying, taking a bus, train, or perhaps even a boat home.

you are part of a community who gets it

Even though I am working part time these days, I did work today and am also working tomorrow. Working the 2 days before the holiday means planning the whole Thanksgiving thing out meticulously. It is important when you host to have lists. Lists upon lists. Cleaning lists, shopping lists, cooking lists. Cleaning began last week. Why do we feel the need to clean our house as if our family and friends are going to be going over things with a white glove? Why, in our minds, when we are cleaning, do we think our guests will find some fault, and get irritated in advance when no one has even walked through the front door? What is THAT?

We made charts with what we were each doing in the days ahead. Monday for me was silverware polishing, good china washing, all the glassware rinsed, dried, checked for spots, table linens inspected. Chris has been cleaning the garage, taking the screens down before the window washers come, vacuuming like a fiend, disinfecting the bathrooms!

Tonight he said, "when the guests leave on Friday we are going to sit on our butts and not do anything for 3-4 days". I seconded the motion and it carried. Then we decided that maybe if we did a deep cleaning 3 times a year when we are not on a deadline, it might be easier. Inside, even though I am the one that suggested it, I was laughing my head off. Clean without a specific reason to be cleaning? Sheer madness. 

All this to say, if you are hosting this Thanksgiving Chris and I are standing with you in solidarity. As you clean, as you cook, as you think about how many cocktails and glasses of wine you will have on the big day, please know that we have your back. We agree with every crazy thought in your head, we endorse your feelings of irritation. When you are about to explode, picture us in your head nodding, putting our arms around your shoulders, telling you what a good human you are, and finally, reminding you that you are part of a community who gets it. 

If I have missed some element of the travail that is hosting a holiday function, please add it in the comments. It will make me feel less like a small minded person. 

P.S. If you are someone coming to our house for Thanksgiving dinner, you are the person it is a pure joy to cook and clean for and we don't begrudge you the work one teeny tiny bit. 

you can see where my priorities lie

I lift my jigger of Bailey's Irish cream to all tonight in a St. Patrick's day salute.

Here in Kansas March Madness is in high gear. All my friends are glued to the games.  Maybe I will try to stay up and catch the Jayhawks at 9pm. But it's not likely. Tonight marks the beginning of a long weekend, I just googled how to ripen banana extra fast for banana bread baking in the morning, and my friend Marilyn showed me a pattern for a DOT quilt today that has me all kinds of excited. You can see where my priorities lie. 

It's supposed to start raining any minute now, and will continue overnight and all day tomorrow. Normally, at this time of year, I might be disappointed. But for some reason I am not. It's either because A) I know we need the rain and I am committed to the greater good, B) the whole slate of activities I have planned for the next 24 hours will keep me well occupied indoors, or C) I am learning to live in the moment.  

If you want to see the DOT DOT DOT quilt click here. But do so at your own risk. 

Santa, if you are listening, a light at the end of the tunnel please...

A jumbled bag of thoughts is what I bring for Christmas Eve.  I just reach in and pull them out. You take or leave as you see fit.  Options may include, and may or may not be limited to fruitcake, covid, and serious crafting.

Lets start with the fruitcake because the picture is pretty. I have unexpectedly turned into a fan of fruitcake this year.  Maybe when you reach the age where your palate is more refined it happens naturally? This one from Drakes has been a treat and will be added to the annual list of things I must do for it to really be Christmas. Angie, I am eating a piece for you because I know you would want me to. What's that? You want me to eat 2 pieces? Will do. 

No photos for the next topic, just a report that here in Kansas City our Covid numbers continue to rise. Yesterday we were up to 83 hospitalized patients. This wave is of the unvaccinated. Of these 83, 80 have not been vaccinated. Of the 19 in the ICU 18 are unvaccinated. Of the 14 on ventilators 13 are unvaccinated. As I said in an earlier post, I am done telling people to get the shot.  That doesn't work. The evidence is clear to me, but each must judge for themself.  I continue to be amazed that family members are so shocked by the severity of illness and how quickly one can deteriorate and die. It is very hard for someone who see's this to understand how it's possible so many people do not know the complete devastation that COVID can be when it is severe. Families question if we are doing all we can. What about X and what about Y? Are you using that? Can they be transferred somewhere else where they might have more to offer?  I avoid asking why their loved one was not vaccinated. It's not helpful when someone is grieving. Listening is best. Santa, if you are listening, a light at the end of the tunnel please. Can you get the elves working on that? 

Chris and I will be spending the holiday alone. I am not comfortable being around young children who  can't get vaccinated and anyone at high risk for serious illness. They need to be shielded from this virus in every way possible. We will take a walk outside with vaccinated and boosted family members.  We will sing a few off-key carols. It will be perfect. Pajamas will be the dress code when we get home. 

In the crafting arena we are cruising on high speed around here! I got the idea that we should make snowflakes after seeing them hanging up in a coffee shop and at the library. Oh boy, they are fun to make, harder than you might think initially, but so entertaining. Let me mention that it is helpful if your partner was an art major in college, has an eye for detail, and can still recall from the 3rd grade how to make a German Christmas bell. 

I like them outside looking in as much as inside looking out. Plus, the shadows they make on the curtains are super cool. 

The pygmy forest has been set up and the wee jolly elves are frolicking in the trees.

 
I feel the need to make one more mitten to add to the garland before midnight tonight. 

I may or may not make it.  It’s fun to try though. 

In case you get the urge to fold and cut and tape, this video tutorial on making snowflakes was what we used: Papercraft snowflake tutorial

I hope you will read yourself a fairy tale right before you drift off to sleep tonight. Something magical and sweet. 

that was a long confession

If you, like me, have for the first time in recent memory, overwatered your lovely poinsettia, thus killing it slowly, and can not stand the reproachful glances it throws at you as you walk by it 40 times per day, you may want to do what I did yesterday. 

Apologize profusely. Promise to learn your lesson. Put it in the garage. And, go to the store and get some flowers. 

Add some red if needed. 

Put some baubles underneath on your mom's silver tray that needs polishing badly. The pom-pom's you weren't sure what to do with will go well here. 



Go to the basement and see if you have something slightly glittery to throw in the arrangement. 



Make peace with yourself and call it good.  Whew.  That was a long confession.  

on my list of people to interview next year at the market

There was something for almost everyone at the Holiday Farmers market this past Saturday in Lawrence. A craft table activity areas for kids - complete with supplies and elves to get you started, the Chonky sweets guys were there with not one, or two, but three beautiful cakes, and nearby a lovely selection of pears to balance the sugar and glitter.  

Local vineyards were represented, and to be clear, she was only having coffee at 8:55am. I was delighted to see Mellowfield farms with their amazingly flavorful and tender combination of lettuces along with kale and chard. I thought long and hard about a Christmas cactus which I don't have, but Dottie does, and I am always envious of how beautiful it is in December. 

These jars of fermented vegetables looked like jewels in glass. Note to self: figure out what one does with fermented vegetables. Put them in a grain bowl? A salad? On top of rice and beans? All three?

Best "dressed for the weather" award to her. 

This fellow had a great seat, and had the "lean move" figured out to maximize his viewing. 

I turned my disappointment about no kuchen bread this year, into an opportunity to try the chocolate babka, and while I was at it, decided this was THE year to get some Drake's Fruitcake - a Lawrence original. 

There was lovely greenery, wreaths, and pottery waiting to be snapped up for decorating and gift giving. 

Finally, there was a Santa you could visit with, but why would you want to see him when you could sit and have a conversation with her about making things? Imagine all the topics we could cover, the ideas that would be generated. She just got on my list of people to interview next year at the market. 

tall tales headquarters has been holidized

A field trip was taken recently to ensure, that prior to getting all the holiday ornamentation in just the right spot in the house, there were no additional items that needed to be purchased.  To refresh things. You know how it is. 

I went, I looked, I admired, I calculated carefully, filled myself up with the holiday spirit, picked up a very few necessary items, came home, went to the basement and brought the boxes upstairs.  I am happy to report that as of 10:20pm on 12/11/21 Tall Tales Headquarters has been holidized. 



Other holiday spirit-building activities  have included sipping on eggnog with the morning coffee and meeting friends to make pom-poms.  



There is always room in EVERY home for the addition of another pom-pom garland. This is the perfect way to use up extra bits of yarn and it's extremely enjoyable to see how the different yarns look when made into pom-poms. The ones you least expect (sock yarn!) look really great. These are perfect in the place of bows on presents as well. If you are making pom-poms too, please tell me what you are doing with yours so I can copy. 

P.S. all the photos of the holiday decorations are from Jadore in Brookside. A delightful spot for getting in the holiday spirit. 

thinking back on, and looking forward to a pleasant experience

The annual poinsettia acquisition has been pulled off.  Without a hitch.  

I almost went for the subtle variegation and pinkish quality of the one above, but you know in the end the bright, bold, red won me over. 

Does this mean I am a purist at heart? Or would traditionalist be a better choice of words? 

While shopping for the poinsettia, I did not get the wreath above, nor the bowl below but will have one more opportunity next weekend at the holiday farmers market. They both are so lovely, and both vendors will be there (I think).

Other holiday events have included the annual Quail Christmas Soiree that involves a gift exchange of sorts.  This year we were challenged to select a gift that began with the letter "N" and in case you are wondering what starts with an "N" that is “Christmassy” -  Jamie is modeling the NIGHTCAP that she received. 



There may have been a smoked old fashioned to start the festivities off. Cocktails did not need to start with an N but if pushed, orange in Spanish is naranja, and yes that is a slice of peel used for garnish. 

My other holiday gathering happened with the Huffs for lunch in Lawrence, where the only gifts exchanged were the pleasure of good company, wonderful stories, and some amazing Brussels sprouts. You really should try them at Merchants Pub and Plate on Massachusetts street. At the very end of our meal we scheduled our next visit - thus extending the good vibe out into the space/time continuum. Thinking back on, and looking forward to a pleasant experience hardwires it into our brains. I just read about that. 



Permanently altering my mental circuits to make them less vulnerable to attacks by outside sources as well as my own worries and doubts is my new therapy. It can be challenging. Luckily there are poinsettia's, quails, and Huffs. 

something for everyone at Bizarre Bazaar

It's been good to see the return of some of Lawrence's holiday events this year. Crossing my fingers that they are able to continue through this month of December. 

Bizarre Bazzar is always a favorite and I was delighted to see the amazing work of Liza MacKinnon - who had the paper dresses on display earlier this year at the library. The 3 dimensional sculptures are something to see. Delicate but sturdy - breathtaking. 

Her hat... what can I say? 



The attention to scale and detail is precise. I did not ask her but I bet she "played dolls" when she was a kid like no other. 

It's hard not to resist a clever magnet but I did not get the one for Chris that I wanted to.  You know which one. However, if I had been reading them all closely I would have absolutely gotten "Pam Demic" for Pam. 

Yes, there will be a Dolly Parton angel on my tree this year. Thank you Jeannette Bryant for this. 

Cards from Angie Pickman of Rural Pearl studio were stocked up on. Plus a sticker from my new everyday journal. I LOVE her style, colors, composition.



Jenny Allen's textile art was new to me. So imaginative. 





This woman's beadwork was spectacular, I thought the pencil art was so clever - who doesn't love a pencil? And finally one of my favorites is always the recycled sweater creations. Fingerless mitts and head bands are a must for walks. 







Something for everyone at Bizarre Bazaar. Do tell, what sorts of artistic events like this are happening in your hometown?

Cori has gaming in her blood

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

Same with all the eating utensils.



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

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



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



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

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

no reason not to cover all my bases

A few of the Thanksgiving preparations taking place around here include the following.

Final menu decisions being made. 

Garlands hung.



Shakers washed and filled with fresh salt and pepper. 

Windows washed.

Holiday doo-dads dug out of the basement.

I found a penny in the parking lot of the grocery store and picked it up the other day. Angie always picked up the stray coin. "Find a penny, pick it up, all the day you'll have good luck". I am carrying it around in my pocket with the hopes that we will have a new water heater installed before Thanksgiving. Not generally one to believe in superstitious practices, I see no reason not to cover all my bases. In the meantime, Chris and I have perfected the art of heating water on the stove for bathing, hair washing, and doing the dishes. Mustering through adversity builds character. 

Chris believes in making them every year

Although St. Patrick's day has come and gone, I would like to report that we continue to enjoy shamrocks and shortbread here at Tall Tales Headquarters.

As soon as the weather warms up a bit, the shamrock will head out to the front porch. The cookies on the other hand, will be long gone by then. There simply is nothing better than a crisp edged, buttery, firm/chewy center, shortbread cookie. Period. End of story. 

P.S. I love that Chris believes in making them every year. 

P.P.S. recipe below if you are interested. 

telling stories of our most romantic moments of the past 40 years

Happy Valentines Day from the deep freeze that is Lawrence Kansas today! 

Chris and I are staying warm today by eating chocolates, dancing the jitterbug, and telling stories of all our most romantic moments of the past 40 years.

I tucked and stuck and called it good

Sunday Art ZOOM focused on hearts for me.  Kind of like the tree's I got addicted to around Christmas time. When I find something that appeals to me, I like to work it. For all it's worth.

Watercolor, ink, scissors.

I was going to sew them together for a garland, but I have another idea for that, so I tucked and stuck and called it good.  For the moment. 

a frivolous distraction that occupies the mind and raises the spirits

Before embarking on tonight's post, let me thank each of you who left a comment on yesterday's post. I want you to know that those of us doing this work feel the immense gratitude from our patients and their families. Every single day. It is all the thanks we require. Sometimes I consider not sharing these stories. Mostly I don't want you to think I am doing anything more than being a good nurse. On the other hand, its important for people to know what it's like on the front lines.  I don't know about you, but when I read all the stuff in the paper and online it's hard to absorb it. What I CAN understand is the individual stories that illustrate the very difficult and unusual time we are living through. And, I do want you to know what that is like.

Now lets move on tonights business... a great coping mechanism.

Valentines Day decorating, much like Christmas decorating, is a frivolous distraction that occupies the mind and raises the spirits. 

Do I need to make a Valentine colored dishcloth? I certainly seem to think so. The nice thing is I am using the pattern given to me by Louise Berndt, who sent me down the path of dishcloth making when she made some for me several years ago. I like to think of her living on in my house, from way out there in western Kansas. 

Actually, as I look around at all the "heart" stuff in my house right now, I see great memories of other women. From the quilter in Germany, to Mary in Santa Barbara, to Pam's hearts and flowers from art retreat, to the hearts I used to get at the gift/coffee shop at unity village when the knitting retreat was held there and we would sit  around drinking chai latte's, knitting, and laughing. Always laughing. 

Here's to pink, red, hearts, flowers, yarn, and lots of talented women. 

random moments from 2020

Tonight, I am looking back through this year in my photos. 

Zinnias, hikes, sunrises, projects completed, baby birds growing, a good crop of poppies... it's been a year. Tomorrow I am going to sit down and finish the last 2 pages of my everyday journal and begin a new one. It seems right that it is time to close that one and start fresh. 

But right now this is going to be quick. Because in 10 minutes it's time for the Moss siblings from Virginia to California and all points in between to do a NYE ZOOM with cocktails and maybe a game.

We have ice and snow in the forecast for tomorrow in Lawrence. I have all the blankets and pillows out. Chris and I are going to build a fort in the living room and stay in our pajamas all day long.  

Be safe out there ... but don't let that stop you from blowing your horn! 

making frog-eye salad, reading the paper, doing some knitting

Scenes from our pandemic Christmas Day. It was quiet, simple, peaceful. Except for the one cut-throat game of holiday "Spot-It" which I won 32-24. 

Writing out cards, making frog-eye salad, reading the paper, doing some knitting, prepping the Brussels sprouts, holiday music in the back ground with all the favorites on a non-stop rotation.

FaceTime and Marco Polo's with the family. Wishing I could have some of the waffles with blueberries Dottie was making for breakfast in Albuquerque as well as some of the Mac and Cheese with bacon Brother was making in Virginia. AND that I could have been on the morning walk that Sister took in California. 

Tonight I am feeling restful and content. Not taking any of these creature comforts I am blessed with for granted. Sending out to every single one of you, who take the time to read, my very best wishes of the season. 

as they say in the state of our birth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

where there are no hard/fast rules only loose guidelines

Since next week is Christmas, which I know well in advance because the date does not change from year to year like some holidays, 

I finally broke down and got all the boxes organized, packed, and shipped, yesterday.

Which means they will still be on time because they are holiday presents, and technically the holiday extends through January 1st. Who wants all their presents at the same time? Best to have them spaced out. 

The combination mitten/soft ornament garland was hung over the fireplace as well.  I believe there will be time to add at least one new knitted mitten for this year. I love nothing better than a satisfying quick knit which makes me feel accomplished. Plus it's fun to experiment with small quantities of leftover yarn. 

There was this cream of wheat, Bartlett pear, yogurt, and walnuts in a red dish one morning and doesn't it just look like Christmas in a bowl? If you have ever had similar thoughts and paused to take a photo before eating, it is completely normal. In my universe anyway, where there are no hard/fast rules only loose guidelines.   

And while I am on the topic of Christmas, we watched The Bishop's Wife this week and were wonderfully entertained. 

Chris and I agreed that it is the BEST holiday movie we have watched so far this year. Now I want to find another one that I haven't seen in the last 3-5 years that is just as satisfying. If you know of an obscure one that I may not discover on my own, do tell me about it. 

a christmas miracle

This week at "my" hospital in Kansas City, I had the pleasure of taking care of a very nice man from a really tiny town in the middle of nowhere, a little ways south of Amarillo Texas. He came to us because no place any closer to home could meet his needs, and we happened to have an ICU bed. 

We patched him up, and he recovered the best he could. Which meant he was stable and didn't need our high level of care anymore, but as is often the case in these situations was stuck here, 15+ hours from family, and unable to get home in a private vehicle. In addition to COVID and other complex medical issues, he also has dementia. Which means he had a very hard time understanding what was going on. 

We puzzled over this, made lots of phone calls, scratched our heads, dug deep, and finally one of our BRILLIANT social workers (Cathleen) came up with a plan. She figured out a way to get him an air ambulance home, using a grant their town had received for taking care of patients "displaced by the pandemic". When I went in to tell him he was going home yesterday, he started to cry. He told me he didn't think he would ever get to see "them" again. In addition to his wife, daughter and son, he was badly missing "coco" the dog. 

Getting patients to a lesser level of care (ie back home) from a higher level of care (our hospital) is one of those incredibly difficult things that is often cost prohibitive for families, and it is not covered by insurance. When this all worked out in a way that I still can't believe, I told him it was a Christmas Miracle and he agreed it must be so.

As we learn new things from taking care of patients during this pandemic I hope this problem is one that can be solved for more people in the future, because isn't it as important to return someone to their family as it is to send them far away to try and fix them? 

we all know who should be wearing which mask

What all the hip couples will be wearing at this years extra small holiday parties. 

Alternately, there is this version. 

To be clear, we do NOT recommend mask swapping unless you are wearing another mask underneath, and laundering/ironing in between wearings. Besides, we all know who should be wearing which mask. It is hard to change one's essential nature, though many will try at Christmas. 

P.S. All masks made by the one and only Marilyn Parker. 

an ode to pie

In case you were wondering, which you probably weren't, but pretend like you were, because I want to tell you about it. The thanksgiving pumpkin pie was very good.

The crust was not soggy or underdone, but nicely browned through and through. Crust is important. 

There was just the right amount of filling. It was not flat, nor did it overflow the crust and create a mess in the oven. There was a proper mouth-full in every bite. 

This pie was gently seasoned with fresh ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It was not "spicy", nor was it bland. Not too sweet and it did not leave me wanting anything different. Whipped cream is of course optional. I find myself liking a bit of it these days. 

Finally, the texture is not rubbery or too soft. It is not a pudding nor is it a flan. It's a perfect creamy smoothness that can stand on it's own, yet melts in your mouth. Thank you for listening to me wax poetic over one of my very favorite things about thanksgiving. The PIE. 

Which brings me to my VERY favorite thing about thanksgiving... the hike in the morning. Even though we cancelled our family dinner, we did hike with family in the area. Outside in the sun and 40 degrees, it was nice to say Hi after so many months. 

A good hike before the meal makes me feel virtuous. It gives me license to indulge myself with no guilt. Tom and Jan have volunteered to find the Christmas Day hike for us in the Kansas City area since there will be no big family gathering for that either. It's a great way to see family with much less risk of passing the virus between us. 

For entertainment, after dinner, Chris and I watched Grumpy Old Men, our first "holiday" movie of the season. I do hope the rest of our list turns out to be as entertaining as this was. Light and amusing, it required neither heavy thinking or Kleenex. Though at the very end when they showed out-takes of Burgess Meredith running one scene over and over, I did laugh till I cried. 

bottle #4 is a wild card

In the days before Thanksgiving, the pumpkin pie was made. When it's a celebration for two, my usual pie making expert will not be bringing her beautiful pies. Therefore I must buckle down, woman-up... aka whip one up myself. I used my "go-to" recipe from Cooks Illustrated. 

What makes this recipe great is the use of fresh ginger and the addition of sweet potatoes along with pumpkin. If you are wondering, the vodka above is for the pie crust. They said to use it so I did.

It looks promising. We shall see on Thursday. 

The Farkle Zoom practice round went off without a hitch. The Moss's will be having a cut-throat tournament stretching from Virginia to California as part of our Turkey celebration. It's a good game to play on ZOOM.  We all raised our hands and took the "on my honor I will do my best to follow all the rules of this game even though it would be easy to cheat when playing virtually" pledge.  Rally hats required. 

In other news, I made a new friend because I switched up my walking routine in order to make the pie in the morning. What's not to like about a friendly face like this?

Cuttings from a walk were put in the "holy water" bottle that reminds me of Angie. 

Here is the yarn for my next project. More details to come, but isn't that a lovely color? I might start it after dinner tomorrow. Perhaps while watching a movie. With my feet up? 

Any and all suggestions for favorite holiday movies are requested. Please!

P.S. I have discovered they make champagne in 6.3 oz bottles. Chris procured a 4 pack for me. Bottle #1 was raised in a combination birthday/whew I made it through the day toast tonight, bottle #2 is slated for sipping while cooking and maybe a little cheese/nosh pre-dinner appetizer on Thursday, bottle #3 is on the menu with orange juice for a Saturday mimosa along with avocado toast, and bottle #4 is a wild card. 

this amazing work of her's to add to my collection

My halloween decor, which I take great pleasure in putting out,

while totally adequate,

could not be described as something to write home about,

until, my sister in law Ann, sent me this in the mail last week.

It's called "Trick or Treat Street" and is from the Missouri Star Block - Vol. 17, Issue 4. Carefully pieced, wonderfully quilted, fabulously colorful, it makes me deliriously happy. Ann is an excellent quilter. I delight every year in bringing out the table runner and Christmas tree skirt she made back back in the 1990's. Now there is also this amazing work of her's to add to my collection. 

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.