Tall Tales from Kansas

the beauty of the leaves balanced out some of the ugliness

The fall color this year has been stupendous. Red, yellow, orange. Bright leaves on branches, underfoot, against the sky, in front of houses, on a bench.  

Morning, mid-day, sunny, cloudy, at all times and in all conditions, they make me smile.

Nature, while unpredictable, can always be relied upon to lift my spirits. No matter the source of worry or trouble. 

They have been collected, pressed, pasted into my journal. 

When reflecting back, in years to come, I want to remember that the beauty of the leaves balanced out some of the ugliness of these contentious times. For me anyway.   

seeing and talking to farm animals

The Kaw Valley farm tour went on a few weekends ago, despite the pandemic. If there is a chance to see goats anywhere, you know I am going. Outside, masks on, no huge crowds, no hugging = safe in my mind.

The benefits of driving around on unpaved roads, depending entirely on your innate sense of direction (deeply flawed in my case) to get you where you need to go, on a sunny day, in Kansas, should never be underestimated.

Combined with seeing and talking to farm animals, it all felt like a giant infusion of immune boosting therapy.

P.S. I only do the talking to animals part when no one is within earshot. 

look as long as you like

I haven't made it out to either of the larger fields of sunflowers located near Lawrence this year, but that in no way means I have missed out. On everyday excursions I have spotted remarkable specimens in neighborhoods, on the table, in the morning light - from the front and back, newly opened and almost spent. 

Later in the day, as part of a bouquet, or standing tall along the bank of a river. 

Each and every one a masterpiece. No charge for admission, look as long as you like, no need to ask permission to photograph.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

And all along the way, cool cloud formations overhead.

... for good measure

The grasses of Rock Chalk park as witnessed by one lone walker at 7:30 am on a windy Sunday morning in September, 2020.

With one long shot thrown in for good measure. 

it's pretty much nirvana

I love discovering a new (for me) interesting area in Lawrence.  Most recently it was the Pinckney Historic district. Right up from Burcham park and the river trail. It makes for the perfect ending to a nice walk.

So many interesting houses to look at, with gardens.

And porches that looked "lived on".

It has historically been a neighborhood of "working class" people, across the street from the "mansions" of old west Lawrence. That's what I read anyway. 

I got a really nice vibe as I walked the streets. 

One of those "this would be a great neighborhood to live in", kind of feelings, which evolved into an imaginary journey about which house would be mine. If I moved in. It would be within close proximity to downtown and my new job as a shopgirl/barista/librarian/fortune teller. I could walk to work. 

When the endorphins are up in the stratosphere, after a great walk that concludes with a home/garden tour, it's pretty much nirvana. But that could just be me. 

I let the flying squirrels know

At Mary’s lake, in addition to water, there are nice woods with deep shade, and open meadows with flowers. There are also lots of unmarked paths between these spaces waiting to be explored. 

I did not expect the gentle sloping that got my ticker pounding as I went up and down, and up again, along the paths. 

You might also want to know that I saw a branch along the path that resembled a sleeping fox, and another in the lake that looked like a floating alligator. 

I also learned about cavity nesters, thanks to this helpful sign along the path. Another amble at this exact spot is planned for later this month. I let the flying squirrels know in case they want to practice their routines for an audience of one. 

a whole lot of good juju

Recently I did a deep dive into the Wishing Bench, situated at the intersection of 9th and Delaware streets in East Lawrence, not far from Decade coffee shop, which is still closed. Sigh. I have never taken my favorite coffee spots for granted but you can bet I am going to double down on my visits when they can safely re-open.  

But back to the bench. Even in the rain I enjoyed exploring all the sentiments, stickers, and ephemera

It was hard not to smile as I considered the sum total of all that was there. A mug, an extra swimsuit top, key chains, a tennis shoe, and a whole lot of good juju. 

rudbeckia hirta

When photographed in the kitchen by the sink, or on the table by the paper, with a blue tablecloth underneath, or no tablecloth at all, I am going to guess we can all agree that the Black-eyed Susan (rudbeckia hirta) is a heck of a flower. 

It's bold without being too flashy, or fussy, and they last a long time. 

In addition, it mixes well with red clover (trifolium pratense) and zinnias (heliantheae).  

As pretty as they look on my table, they are even more spectacular when you come upon a mass of them outside in a garden or in a prairie meadow. Sometime in the next few weeks, if you live in Kansas you are surely going to come upon some. Put a jar, some water, and your clippers in your car now. For the meadow sightings. Not your neighbors flowerbeds. 

someone who treasures and displays the china of those who have come before

Sometimes I just like to drive around my town and look. Not "for" anything, just look. And pull over at will to investigate or photograph things that make me think, or smile, or wish, or hope...

I wanted to go up on the porch and move that blue cooler over 12 inches but I did not.  

I did however walk up to the flower beds when I thought I saw the neatness of this braided greenery, but needed to confirm. Oh. 

Clearly I need to make this spot the subject of a more thorough investigation. I could sense genius at work within. 

I wanted to leave the occupants of this house a note asking to please be invited to the next meal where they served something from one of these tureens. In said note, I would have included that I would bring a fine bottle of wine and do the dishes. It seems to me that someone who treasures and displays the china of those who have come before must be someone I would want to meet.

How's that for an extremely random beginning, middle, and end?

P.S. I wonder if they serve home-made croutons to sprinkle over the soup in this house? 

I wanted to hug her and ask if she would marry the child I do not have so we could be related

Upon entering the farmers market on Saturday, I encountered a mom providing a practical lesson in household finances to her daughter as she explained "well your allowance is $5.00 per week..." as they reviewed a menu of available treats and how much each cost.

These two had a clear division of duties - the guy on the left was the money man and the one on the right was the order retriever, and never the twain did meet. The mirror symmetry of their hands was a bonus.  

I of course had to have a conversation with the succulent/cactus grower, and despite the fact that I have a plentiful array of succulents already, needed to make a purchase.

Because I have been wanting a stacked crassula and he had one with my name on it. 

Below, is the recipient of the dad-gum cutest person at the market this week. Seriously, the dress, the shoes, the purse, the hair, the mask, the checked bag, and above all the way she held herself. I wanted to hug her and ask her if she would marry the child I do not have so we could be related. Instead I just asked to take her picture.

Below are my purchases for the week. Including that lovely bunch of dill that compelled me to make a batch of pickled cucumbers. 

Last week and again this week, I blanched the asparagus as soon as I got home so I can eat them cold for snacks or as part of lunch.  Blanch, chill, squeeze with lemon, sprinkle of salt before serving (if you like that sort of thing). 

Again this week there were peony buds. 

This week in a water pitcher, because it makes such a nice vase, especially when you are not serving water at dinner parties for anytime in the foreseeable future. 

P.S. in the name of full disclosure baklava and falafel also made it into the basket. To balance all that green. 

the nest recently vacated by the baby robins

Last Saturday I went walking somewhere I haven't been to in awhile. It's a place with steep inclines, old stacked stone fences, and wildflowers.

There were also big trees and some wide open spaces. I had the place to myself, so I practiced whistling bird calls. When you do this does it seem like they answer you too? 

This mass of wild phlox smelled heavenly as I walked by. Such a pretty flower.

As if that wasn't enough, there was also a babbling brook. As I write this, I have just talked myself into going back there tomorrow morning. To do this exact same walk. AND, see if the birds are really responding to my calls and I wasn't just imagining it.   

Speaking of birds...

I removed the nest recently vacated by the baby robins. I have it on my front porch and filled it with treasures collected from the earth. Along with a teeny jade plant and a special bird my friend Barb gave me many moons ago. 

if I call the Lucky Llama in Carpinteria and ask them if they can send a mango bowl to me in Kansas

This weekend I found a "new for me" trail to walk on in Lawrence. 

I've walked by the river before, just never on this trail. The rider of this bicycle provided reliable information before I got too far down the path... veer to the left, there's a pond, yes if you do all that you will get at least 2 miles in...

It's good to have signposts to watch for when embarking on a new trail.

In addition to tree-hugging squirrels, there were geese. With their goslings.

There were 2 fellows fishing at the pond. I did not disturb them.

The wild honeysuckle around the pond was plentiful. 

I can't resist a shot with a grain elevator in it. It's a Kansas thing.

And if my name was Dottie, you know I would have stopped here and done some swinging. I have that planned for the next trip. When I bring a book. Maybe. 

I am trying to find new early morning experiences. Ones that feel a bit out of the ordinary, to make up for all the "usual" types of adventures I have been cancelling. 

While I had been really holding on to the thought of getting to California at the end of June, I now realize, and have said out loud, that it's not going to happen.  Sister and I are thinking up activities we can do virtually. I wonder if they will laugh at me if I call the Lucky Llama in Carpinteria and ask them if they can send a mango bowl to me, in Kansas? 

Who among you has the exact recipe for the açaí bowl they make there? Send it post haste please. The one with mango and peanut butter...  

I LOVE my town

On a stroll downtown today, to take the pulse of the Lawrence community, while wearing our masks and keeping proper distance, here is what we saw:

Just exactly what you might expect. A little quirky, optimistic, colorful, cautious, innovative, kind, and of course generous. I LOVE my town. 

check, check, and check

Chris and I have a regular rotation of neighborhood walking routes, but we like to mix things up every once in a while by taking a short drive for some different vistas. Today our destination was up on campus, for the the big trees, hills, and the pond. A nice change of pace. 

Good signs, busy squirrels, trees, grass, clouds, and boys investigating ponds were all seen. Check, check, and check. It made for a perfect Sunday. 

it was me and the trees and the breeze

This Sunday, since all my usual places of worship (the churches of the holy bean aka my favorite coffee shops) were closed, I found myself giving thanks at the sacred spots shown below.  

All of these photos taken very early Sunday morning, when no one was about, it was me and the trees and the breeze. Spiritual uplifting accomplished. 

P.S. For the foreseeable future it seems that I will be going to the Blackjack Coffee House, luckily there is both indoor and outdoor seating, they serve a robust dark roast in most excellent mugs, and I don't have to drive to get there. 

to check on all my favorite trees, shrubs, and flowers

As the COVID-19 pandemic marches on around us, so does this.

Spring is apparently immune to the virus. Birds are chirping, grass is greening up, and trees are blooming. Yesterday, in one last attempt to support all my favorite local small businesses, I went downtown for a quick dash into 2 stores. Both closed. I thought they might be.

Healthcare providers like me have traditionally been limited in our ability to work from home.  Telehealth visits are changing that to some extent, but as long as I continue to be in my car going to and from the hospital, there will be time built in for stops to check on all my favorite trees, shrubs, and flowers. 

That's good common sense medicine.  

houses that look like they were freshly painted for an easter party

Signs of the imminent arrival of spring include the following:

A: a crocus siting

B: the appearance of pastel malted milk balls on the table

C: the upward thrust, through the mulch, of tulips

D: the sudden veering to the side of the road to take pictures of houses that look like they were freshly painted for an Easter party

E: pansies at the garden stores

All of these things signal that unmistakable pleasure brought about by the simple changing of the seasons. 

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.  

a good time was had by all

Getting multiple opportunities to see what our local creative types are up to is one of my favorite things about December.  Last weekend was the LOLA event - a local arts collective annual holiday show in Lawrence.

From gluten free products, to garlands, glass, lotions, and soaps... there was something for everyone.

I was especially delighted to see Sally Birmingham doing blind contour drawings! There was not time for me to sit for her a few weeks back at Bazarre Bizaar. But I reeeeaaaalllly wanted to. 

I made time this week. I am sure you will agree that she captured my likeness perfectly.

I like how it coordinated with my new hand woven kitchen towel made by the woman below, who also happens to be wearing a sweater she wove. A handmade woven garment is not something you see everyday.  

Dried flower arrangements, clothing, shoes, cards, and all other manner of unique items rounded out the show.

A good time was had by all. 

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. 

Chris convinced me that would not be in line with the holiday spirit the parade embodies

From today's old fashioned Christmas parade in downtown Lawrence, here are the Nicodemus county Buffalo Soldiers. They are always my favorite part of this parade. 

From a brief on-line search ... the nickname Buffalo Soldiers was given to the Black Calvary by Native Americans who fought in the Indian Wars, and eventually became synonymous with all African American regiments formed in 1866. The Buffalo Soldiers were originally members of the 10th calvary regiment from Ft. Leavenworth Kansas. 

More photos to come. Right now there are Christmas CD's to rummage through, wreaths to repair and hang, porches to sweep, pillows to fluff, barbecue to eat, old holiday movies to watch... you get the idea. 

P.S. Sorry about that announcer screwing up my video. I wanted to go fiddle with the dials on his sound system so it would stop working but Chris convinced me that wouldn't be in line with the holiday spirit the parade embodies. 

before you know it my bag was full and my money was gone

My very most favorite thing about Bizarre Bazaar this year in Lawrence has got to be the artists. Seriously.

Of course there were the works of art too. In all shapes and sizes. Including the toothpick figures below and those tie-dyed scarves, which I have been meaning to add to my collection for several years now.

And what about this!?!?!?!

Or this? Brother I got you one of these hats, I am just showing you now so you can know it's coming early because of the winter snowstorm headed your way. 

But back to the artists for a second. Lawrence is full of amazing talented people.

Who are happy to smile for you. 

There was also music, flowers, scarves for dogs, and a super cute hairstyle that I was exceedingly envious of.  

I spotted glamorous friends, and one of my all time favorites - cut paper artist Angie Pickman of Rural Pearl Studio.

Her work is so lovely and imaginative. 

Before you know it my bag was full and my money was gone. Holiday shopping has begun, in the pleasantest of ways. 

in the meantime there is this

I am taking advantage of every sunny fall day we have. Building up a bank of days to look back on as it gets colder and the walks outside are not quite as enjoyable as they are right now.  

Clinton Lake, and the Saunders Mound trail to be more specific, was my destination recently.  

I was on a mission to collect some "hedge apples/balls" to put in a basket on my front porch.  Along with some gourds. Just because.  

Hedge ball trees aka Osage Orange trees are plentiful in this area, and their fruits are especially handy to pick up on the way to the trailhead. 

On the way back to the car. A man I saw said, "what are you doing with those things? I have always wondered". I was going to make up a big story about how I had a special recipe and cooked them up every Thanksgiving as a side dish, but I didn't. He liked my idea of using them as decorations though.  

The view of the lake from the top of the mound was really pretty.  I love layers of grasses, in different colors, along with trees and water. 

I also got to look at this bug house again. Building one of these is in my future. Sometime. 

In the meantime, there is this.  

to sow we must open our fists

Given my love for murals, you would think this one from right here in Lawrence Kansas would have been featured previously.  I am rectifying the situation today.

It was created in 1996 by Dave Lowenstein, on what was at the time, The Community Mercantile.

It is located at 9th and Mississippi in what is now a liquor store - Cork and Barrel.  

Apparently it was almost removed in 2001, but that process was halted when the citizens of Lawrence spoke up.   It was restored completely in 2013 by Ashley Laird.

It is beautiful, vibrant, and with such a great message.  If you drive by to see it, there is also a lovely, small community garden right next door.

Just another recommendation for when you come to visit.  

did you know they sleep up in trees?

The most exciting thing we saw at Henry's Plant Farm recently was not this peacock. Though he was impressive.

Nor this pot. Which was beautiful.

Nope, it was not this cat, which I spied when I was looking at the pot above. And, who was completely squishy and adorable.

Not the bee balm, not the squirrel, not the way the meadow beyond this greenhouse was framed in the doorway.  

No, to the goats, but they were certainly frisky.

It was not the geraniums, however amazing their leaves.  

It WAS this!

Two tiny brand new baby peacocks that hatched 2 days prior to our visit!  Suffice it so say we were excited to see them.  Only 2 days old and already up and walking and doing "peachick" things.   



More regular visits will be in order.  To check on their development and expand our general knowledge about peafowl.  For example, did you know they sleep up in trees? The things you can learn on a weekend, at a farm, in the country, in Kansas.  

with the sun on your skin but it's not hot

All that stuff I have said in the past about fall being the best for walking?  Wrong.

Clearly spring walks are the best.

When the redbuds are blooming. 

And the new grasses are shockingly green, and it feels good to be out of doors, with the sun on your skin, but it's not hot.  

simply sublime

Last week the magnolia trees around Lawrence started to bloom.  On a cloudy day, they were sweetly beautiful.

Three days later, with a bit of sun and blue skies, they became more showy.  In a "hey look at me!" kind of way.

I circled them, surveying from all angles

When across the street, I spotted some pink.

As in pink magnolias.

In front of a yellow house with a porch swing.

Simply sublime.  The end. 

snowpeople of Lawrence

Today I present the Snowpeople of Lawrence.  Courtesy of all the cold weather snow sculptors, who made them for our enjoyment.  

I love their imagination and felt it only right to showcase their work!   Bravo.  

life lessons from Marti Huff are the best

In keeping with my goal of spending more time this year with important people, I had lunch with my adopted family today.

Because Angie and my sisters are not available to meet me for lunch at the drop of a hat, Marti, Nancy, and Jennifer volunteered several years ago to fill in for them when needed.  

We met at the Ladybird diner on Mass street.  Which I had thought was closed on Mondays but it wasn't, oh joy.   

Excuse me while I insert photos of the egg salad over arugula on buttered rye toast with avocado and pickled radishes as well as the chicken with corn salsa sandwich and finally the avocado toast which also happens to feature roasted mushrooms, butternut squash, and a couple of over medium eggs. I just want to be helpful if you need assistance making your choice when you come to Lawrence next.  All three delicious.  

We discussed things like the wisdom of knowing how to light your gas stove when the electricity goes out, or how smart it is to have a kerosene lamp at the ready for such occasions as well.  

Even if your daughters might worry a bit about such things.

Life lessons from Marti Huff are the best.  

The Ancho Cherry pie is darn good too and the hot coffee kept coming. 

They posed for the obligatory photo in front of the window without complaint, despite the cold.

And then, way too soon, lunch was over, and they were on their way. But not before discussions were opened for a repeat date after the spring thaw.  

And just like that 2019 is off to a rousing start.    

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.  

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. 

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.    

a necklace fashioned from a shaving brush

One of my favorite events of the season was last weekend. 

Bizarre Bazaar.  The 30th anniversary actually.  The woman who designed the t-shirt was telling me how there was an artist who had chicken foot ornaments at the very first event.  Oh dear.  

Fear not.  I have NONE of those to show you.  But how about a pet tag necklace, or some smiling cat blocks, or a super cool basket made by Cheryl from Eudora.  

Pottery is always a good choice.  For some reason I never think I have enough.

If you are looking for a gift for the person who has everything, may I suggest a painted hand?

This stylish woman simply needed to have her photo taken.  

This retired librarian talked to me about her intricate ornaments and how she makes them all year long, except for a few months when she concentrates on her other artistic ventures. 

Its not often that you get to enjoy the sound of a good accordion.  It was perfect. Music makes every event better.

Who had a spinning top toy as a child?  We did!

Above is one of my favorite artists.  I have purchased pins and tie-dyed socks from her over the years.  The sculptured bowls were new this year.  

For originality how about a necklace fashioned from a shaving brush, and who doesn't need a cute pin?

Oh I could go on, but I will end with a few of my purchases

I had to draw the line somewhere.  I needed to reserve some funds for the holiday farmers market which is coming up in a few weeks.

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.  

slowing my roll long enough to stop doing and just BE

Spectacular is the best I can do for the colors of THIS fall season in Lawrence Kansas.  And it doesn't seem like enough.  

The colors followed us home from Lake Tahoe.  Before we left there  was not much to write about.  

This last week though, the leaves sat up and took notice.  Giving Lake Tahoe a serious run for it's money.  

All this amazingness right here in my own town.  All for free. All it cost was slowing my roll long enough to stop doing and just BE.  

if one of you swears by paca poo

Part of the fun of the Kaw Valley Farm Tour is having the opportunity to buy locally produced goods from the farmers.

Things like fabulous gourds, pumpkins, mums, bittersweet, eggs, and mums.

And of course, one of my favorites.  Special alpaca dryer balls.  

They also had other things I did not need.  Though I did find them interesting and unusual.

If one of you swears by paca poo as fertilizer I will get some for sure.  Next year.   

come rain or come shine

We made it out to 5 of the farms on the 14th Annual Raw Valley Farm Tour over the weekend.  These photos are from both Saturday and Sunday.  It's a marathon.  Fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the ride.  I don't think any commentary will be needed.  

Driving out through the fields of Kansas.  Even on an overcast day, is pretty good.  

Thank you to the following farmers we visited for opening up their places to us.

Coal Creek Farms
Vesecky Family Farms
Pendleton's Country Market
Blue Morning Glory Farm
Henry's Plant Farm

If YOU want to experience the Kaw Valley Farm Tour, mark your calendars for the first full weekend in October.  You won't regret it.  Come rain or some shine.   

a downpour is another story

Hello and Happy Friday night from Kansas, where I have just come in from snipping what could be the last bouquet of zinnia's for the season.

Rain is forecast for the next 2 days.  Between 90 and 100% chance.  Who knows what havoc that could wreak on these sturdy troopers that have brought me an amazing amount of joy all summer long.  As you may be able to see, there is mildew forming on the foliage now.  Just part of the process.  

I am bummed about the rain only because this weekend is the area Farm Tour and we have tickets in hand.  Farms to visit picked out.  Rain coats are at the ready.  We won't be scared off by a sprinkle.  A downpour is another story.  

little half-pints with red hair in high top tennis shoes

 Fall festivals/arts & craft shows are starting in my neck of the woods.  Slightly cooler days (by spells), friends gathering, you know the drill.  

All sorts of good things to look at.  People.  Crafts.  Music.  

Pumpkins, big trees, and little half-pints with red hair in high top tennis shoes.

Baby goats (or is that a lamb?) and halloween banners.  It doesn't get any better.  

And so it starts, the yearning for fall and every little thing that comes with it.  

the opportunities for photos are endless

Labor Day weekend is typically the time to see sunflower fields in full splendor here in Kansas.  There was some worry that this year would be a bust because it's been so dry, but a few good downpours in the last month seemed to have set things right.    

 

Chris and I made our way out to one of the fields closest to us recently to check things out.  

There is something about seeing all these specimens en masse that makes you smile.

Seriously, you can't help yourself.

As you might suspect, the opportunities for photos are endless. 

We of course availed ourselves of the opportunity.  

 I like that they supplied a saw for the "cut your own corn for fall yard decoration" option that you could participate in.  

This field had some very tall specimens growing, as well as a shorter variety with multiple flowers on each plant.  There were also some medium tall sunflowers with big giant heads.   

I love them all.   Even if I can't tell you their real names.  

P.S.  If you live close to Lawrence, this field is at 923 E. 1450 Road, Lawrence.   The field you hear about more often in the area is Grinter's Sunflower Farm - it is located at 24154 Stillwell Road, Lawrence.  We haven't been there this year so can't speak to what is happening there.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

some are better than others

A summer walk by the lake in Lawrence = sunflowers, grasses, and lots of birdsong.

While walking, I spied for the first time, a white wooly worm.  Someone said that means we'll have blizzards this winter?  

There is a great bench at the end of this walk.  Perfect for letting all the the rambling thoughts I have had while walking coalesce into something.  Or not.   I don't know about you, but I have a LOT of ideas while I am walking.   Some are better than others.  All warrant exploration.   

I distracted them with the camera while Chris grabbed the rose bush and ran

This is a Chihuly Floribunda.  Planted at Tall Tales Headquarters this week. 

I spotted it at Henry's Plant Farm when I was wondering about.

I had a nice chat about it with this nice lady who looked like a rose expert to me.  We discussed the dreaded "witches broom virus" and whether or not it only affects knock out roses (it doesn't) and if there was a rose that was immune (there isn't).

Because I can't live without roses, and even though it may eventually become diseased, it was purchased and planted.

And yes, there has already been a cutting brought inside.  I might have to go back and get another.

There were several that caught my eye. 

Luckily I did not have to get into any shoving matches with anyone over the chihuly.

These two hecklers tried, but I distracted them with the camera while Chris grabbed the rose bush and ran. 

A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.  Especially when it comes to rose bush buying.

the person who decided to plant these trees and place the benches strategically underneath

Last week, before the snow fell, when the skies were blue, I ventured out to check on my favorite star magnolia trees. 

They don't live in my yard, but that did not stop me from sitting on this perfectly positioned bench to look upward.

I actually examined them from every angle, and found all to be quite pleasing. 

I do not know the name of the person who decided to plant these trees and place the benches strategically underneath them.  I hope whomever it was, knows what good work they did.  

Seriously good. 
 

the perfect environment for thinking

The Sunrise Project has moved in to the former Sunrise Garden Center on 15th street in Lawrence.   Its a gathering place. 

A spot to meet, talk, dream, create, and grow.   You could also read if the spirit moved you.  Even if you didn't bring anything with you, there were books on the shelves.  And games.  Interesting conversations swirled around me.  

It was the perfect environment for thinking, writing out cards, and staring off into space. 

All while enjoying my first latte made with coconut milk.  Because its important to explore new taste sensations.   And the really friendly barista asked me if I wanted to try it.  

and that would have been a tragedy

The snow and single digit wind chills did not stop us from our appointed rounds earlier this week.  We decided to each pick a new sweater pattern to work on together in 2018.  Something to stretch our skills.  Challenge our ideas of what might be too hard for us.  

To the Yarn Barn we went.  For the annual sale.  Thank goodness we did.  If not we would have missed this photo op.  And that would have been a tragedy. 

how angels flap their wings

While I wait for Chris to edit the photos he took at the “old fashioned Christmas parade” last weekend, I present the best of what you can do with your iPhone.

It was a beautiful day and the crowds were plentiful.

There were ladies in red capes riding big horses and one lady in a blue dress riding in a carriage drawn by a teensy weensy horse.  We spotted the remnants of holiday appropriate breakfast snacks, consumed while waiting for things to get started.

This little miss and her dad were having a fine time.  She showed me how angels flap their wings in between giggling and shrieking with delight.  

And of course there was Santa.  Because it just wouldn’t be an old fashioned Christmas parade without him.  

the best spot in douglas county for poinsettias

We went over the river and through the woods today.  Or more accurately, down 15th street, through the fields, and across the railroad tracks. 

To the best spot I know of in Douglas county for poinsettias and greenery.

There was all manner of other finery out there too.

But oh the poinsettias.

I came home with the most spectacular red one out there.  If you want to get the second most spectacular red one, Pendleton's will be open until December 7th.  They will also be at the holiday farmers market next weekend.  Which happens to be  one of my favorite events of the whole year.  I need all hands free for this extravaganza.  Hence fresh wreaths and poinsettias must be purchased ahead of time.  

More info on the holiday market here

a view like this should be lingered over

The Christmas lights are up in downtown Lawrence, and things are “oh so festive”.

I told Chris tonight we MUST get downtown this month and go out for dinner.  We will sit at a table by a window and bask in the glow of all these lovely lights.

There will be cocktails and appetizers and we might take an hour to decide on the entree.

Because a view like this should be lingered over.  

If you live in (or near) a “smallish” town with Christmas lights, promise me you will do likewise.  

a concrete slab dedicated by the class of 1948 ... for dancing

As the host house for Thanksgiving, part of our job, in addition to making the turkey and stuffing, is to select a nice hike for Thursday morning.  We went scouting the other day for a new option for this years ramble.  We take our job seriously at Tall Tales Headquarters.

We  went looking for a place with leaves, grass, and excellent views.  

It's important for the hike to be do-able for all skill levels, and not so long that the turkey burns up in the oven while we are gone.  I think it's good to have the possibility of getting lost as a feature, but not all family members agree.   This urban hike on the KU campus will fill the bill this year.  Trees, grass, lakes, the Campanile, and we even found a concrete slab dedicated by the class of 1948 ... for dancing.  Guess who is going to be doing the hokey pokey on Thursday?