Tall Tales from Kansas

it's going in our 3 ring binder wedding album

This past weekend, Chris and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. How is that even possible? 

We look pretty much the same as we did back then huh?

We celebrated simply here at home. Champagne on the front porch, a three layer cake (because occasions like this call for cake), and trying to remember just exactly what happened that day.

We flipped through the 3 ring binder that is our wedding album. We bought film for our friends and family and asked them to be our photographers. It worked. 

We went to the basement to look for our cake topper but were unable to locate it. Maybe by the 50th? But here is what I know for sure. THIS cake (made by my new favorite baker at Alchemy Coffee & Bake Shop) was fabulous. If you need a cake for a special occasion, I recommend them highly. 

But let me get back to the photos for a second. For some reason I find this shot of me throwing my bouquet extremely hilarious. 

Chris and I are now in possession of the 40th wedding anniversary plaque. It originated with Chris's parent in 1986, then went to Tom & Jan in 2011, Steve and Janelle in 2014, Mary and Ron in 2015, Dan and Ann in 2018, and now we are in possession of it until 2032 when John and Sheri will take it over. After that it moves to the next generation of Mulvenon's. 

Please let me remember exactly where I put the card and list that goes with it. Actually let me just tell you, it's going in our 3 ring binder wedding album. Please write that down somewhere in case I need to call any of you in eleven years.

number 3000

Happy Friday all.  As I sit down to write tonight, it's worth noting that this is the 3,000 post I have sent out into the world since the inception of Tall Tales from Kansas, almost 10 years ago. If you would have asked me at the time if I thought I had 3,000 posts in me, I think I would have said "maybe not?"

Through all the seasons and the beauty of each, the adventures, travels, culinary delights, books to discuss, my family stories, what I see at work, things that bring me joy or make me sad, I don't tend to think about the whole of it. When I walk upstairs after a day of work to sit at the computer and tap out what is on my mind, it is not generally planned out in advance. Sometimes, I start to write something and before I know it, things have moved in a much different direction than they were headed at the outset. 

It's kind of a funny thing, this blog. There is no specific purpose to it, other than to give me a chance to share my views on life. To tell stories, share the quirky/courageous/funny/complex individuals whose lives touch me daily at work, rhapsodize over my love of food/books/nature/art and craft, and anything else that pops into my unpredictable brain.

It has been a ride. I have met some very special people because of this blog. Individuals from across the globe whose paths would likely not have crossed with mine, if not for the world of the internet. For the friendships, the opportunities, the comments left that broaden perspectives, for all of this I am grateful. Thanks for checking in from time to time.

I wish you each a wonderful weekend. I am planning on doing as little as I can get away with, while sneaking in as much relaxation as possible. My formula for bliss. 

a baby raccoon and his 3 brothers (?sisters)

Everyday marvels #1 through #4

Firstly, on June 15th at 7am, while walking at the Lawrence nature center off Folks road, I encountered a baby raccoon and his 3 brothers (?sisters). All climbing a tree. Slowly. In single file. Amazingly wonderful to get to see this. 

Secondly, on that same day, when I pulled out off the garage I saw what I thought was a leaf sticking to the stucco of the house. But NO. It was a female imperial moth. Which I have never seen before. It was huge (maybe 6 inch wingspan). And furry/feathery.

Thirdly, here are the 3 robin eggs in their nest on the front porch. I grabbed this while mama was getting a drink. I don't like to get too close and make her nervous. Can you believe that amazing color?

Fourthly, the cone flowers are blooming. They always are coming up in new and unexpected spots. Which is a marvel unto itself. 

 Nature is truly astounding. 

not a combination that I would have normally considered nirvana inducing

While out galavanting around town, in my neighborhood, and all points in between hither and yon recently, these are the things that made me swoon.  A holiday place setting, a cat, leaves, the "everyday bowl" at the filling station coffee garage in KC (midtown location), and what may be the last of my roses for the season. 

Actually, I could wax poetic on the insane deliciousness of that everyday bowl for another paragraph or two. Instead I will just say that the combination of kefir, cooked quinoa, sliced banana, blueberries, toasted sesame seeds, spiced honey, and peanut butter is not a combination that I would have normally considered nirvana inducing. I was so wrong. It is my life's mission to inform the masses. Starting with you.  

until he started shooting the place up one day because he disagreed with something that was being said on the floor of the senate

Since it seemed to us everyone was dashing around recently, getting in their last trip of the summer,  Chris and I decided to jump on the adventure band wagon.  And take a field trip.  Even though we are decidedly not going back to school this week.  

We evaluated all our options within a reasonable driving distance, and picked... a tour of the state capital.  In Topeka.

Oh I can hear the groans from here.  

But since we don't have an ocean to drive to, or a mountain to climb, we made do.

The capital was renovated a few years back at the cost of something like 300 million bucks.  

We decided we should see what we paid for.  

If you are a fan of history and architectural details, you will find it enjoyable.  

Especially if your tour guide keeps on schedule, and tells you interesting tid-bits of information that she has picked up over the years.  Like the fact that the soldier who shot John Wilkes Booth worked at the capital for awhile until he started shooting the place up one day because he disagreed with something that was being said on the floor of the senate.  

We wanted to see the John Steuart Curry mural "Tragic Prelude" that depicts John Brown and the anti-slavery movement. 

And while it is impressive, my favorites of the murals were the ones on the first floor. 

These photos do not do justice to them.  They are by David Overmyer, a Topeka native, and represent significant events in the history of Kansas.  I loved the bold lines and colors.  When Sister comes to Kansas we are going to drive over and sketch them.  

Unfortunately, our timing did not coincide with the tour of the dome.  Chris was very disappointed because he really wanted to climb the 295 steps to the top (no elevator available).  We will go back for that.  The view of the city and surrounding country is supposed to be spectacular.   The figure on the top of the dome is Richard Bergen's Ad Astra Bronze, depicting a member of the Kansa nation.  

And that is the story of Chris and Carol's last big hurrah of the summer. Tomorrow we will resume regular programming.  

The end.  

showered with blessings

It's hard to believe that it has been 37 years since Chris and I walked down the aisle together.  Starting out on some sort of adventure.  I don't think anyone REALLY knows what they are doing when they get married.  Of course we THINK we do.  We know it all when we are young. 

It was overcast in Salina Kansas on this day in 1981.   Angie said we were being "showered with blessings", that it was good luck to get married on a rainy day.  Maybe she was right?  

What I know is the years have flown by.  And, it has been an adventure.  Filled with lots of laughter, plenty of give and take, and all the things that are part of a marriage that endures.   Happy Anniversary Crystal Vanon.  I think we are ready for whatever the future has in store for us.