Tall Tales from Kansas

how great she's going to be on drums

Marti let us know last week during our lunch outing, that she had been thinking we should start a band and call ourselves "Carol and the Huff Girls". I was immediately all in, to the point that I asked Marti if she wanted to be the lead singer or play either the guitar, bass, or drums. She locked on to the role of drummer straight away without blinking an eye. I jumped in next claiming the role of the head vocalist. When Jennifer came back from getting something out of the car, and we filled her in on the idea, she said she wanted to be front and center with the singing. I had to shut her down right away, telling her that was my role. She acquiesced to acoustical guitar without too much pushback, leaving Nancy as the bass player. Nancy countered immediately that she would play the tambourine and just like that, we had a plan worked out. 

I have let them all know that in addition to singing, I would begin to work on getting some gigs lined up for us. As soon as we have a schedule worked out, I will post dates and locations here in the event that you want to be in attendance. It's sure to be a rollicking good time. 

We went to 3rd Street Social on Main in KC for lunch. If you go, GET the TOMATO PIE. It's delicious and not your traditional pie filled with tomatoes. Think open-faced pie with heirloom tomatoes, arugula on top, plus melty cheese. OMG. Our funniest line of conversation was Nancy telling us that Marti had mentioned a dream where she was in a coffin holding something in her hands but she couldn't remember what it was. Someone said something like "what do you think it would be" or "what is something significant you would want it to be" to which Marti replied with her razor sharp humor "I can't remember anything, how could I know that?" To which we all busted out laughing. Marti's lack of perfect recall memory does not play a role in her extreme value to our girl band. Can you even imagine how great she's going to be on drums?

a time in the future when he will feel that it might be just the ticket

This visitor appeared on the front porch this week. His name is Barry.  He is one of the Harvey boys that lives a few doors down. We generally run into each other out back when I see him walking across the wall in back of my house and I rush out to speak to him, provide petting along with the muttering of sweet endearments... you get the idea.

But the front porch is GOOD. It's where Chris and I would have "family time" with Lewis and Clark all those many years ago. When they would jump up on our laps while we sat outside. Ahhh it was glorious.



Barry seems to like the front porch. There was no lap time on this day, but I hold much hope for a time in the future when he will feel that it might be just the ticket. Meanwhile, I have patience beyond anything you might imagine possible. When it comes to the love of a cat, they are the ones in the drivers seat. Best not to attempt to speed up the process.

On another note, did you watch the commencement speech Abraham Verghese gave at Harvard? Sharron told me about it. She tells me about many good things. I loved hearing his perspectives on why he loves this country, the great value of immigrants, and his hope that we will move through these times. 

 

We need stuff like this. Hope and cats. 

"it's a girl's prerogative to change her mind"

On a perfect spring day last week, my favorite lunch group got together for a rendezvous. The photo below, where everyone is sort of doing their own thing, was my absolute favorite. 

 

We sat outside, under an umbrella, had a really nice server who didn't blink an eye when I asked for fizzy water with some kind of an herb in addition to a lemon wedge in it, and we decided to sample the chocolate stout cake for dessert. Until we didn't. Then on second thought went back to the original plan because as Marti said "it's a girl's prerogative to change her mind". It was a very good decision. 

We talked and laughed and in general enjoyed each other's company. As we were walking out Marti came up with a quote about a perfect summer day, which I can't think of right now, but it might have been the one about "nothing so perfect as a rare day in June", but it also might not have been. The joy in that quote was not the accuracy of the words but their link to the perfect time we had just had, and that Marti is the one who said it. Simple pleasures make it possible to get through complex times. 

P.S. If you go to Rye this summer in Leawood, and the lemon artichoke soup is on the menu, GET IT. You will feel like you are on the Amalfi coast overlooking the turquoise blue water as you eat it. 

two hours of delightful conversation

A summary, in photos, of my sanity savers from the last few weeks.  Chief amongst them being the Huff +1 lunch where Marti started us out with a joke about being hard of hearing which had us guffawing and set the tone for the two hours of delightful conversation that followed.   

This pair of socks was finished, AND worn with my Birkenstock sandals on a chilly spring morning coffee meet-up.

You will forgive excess photos of the finished product. They turned out just I had envisioned in my mind and for the very purpose to which they were intended. Creative pursuits are such a comfort. 

The reading of kid books continues. I could not find Bats at the Beach Sharron, but Bats at the Library is wonderful.  Chris you told me about The Borrowers which I started last night, it's a great imaginative bedtime story.

The fringed tulips continue to beg to be stared at, so of course I comply.

My very own Iris are starting to bloom out in the back.  I am enjoying watching them, as well as the poking up through the soil of all the perennial cast members. 

Sanity savers are a thing. 

when your body is in tune with the cosmos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sigh.  

my wisest, most experienced, storm-weathered veteran of a friend, really got my mind right

Yesterday the Huff +1 lunch club met, and my inner storage of well-being, which had been darn near completely empty, was totally topped off. Meeting with my wisest, most experienced, storm-weathered veteran of a friend, really got my mind right. The truth is, it wasn't just about how Marti is handling the whole Trump disaster, but just being around her grace and wit. She feels like he has seriously "loused things up", deplores his total lack of civility, calls out that we can't ever know what is going on because he speaks out of both sides of his mouth, and yet... she continues to move through the world without letting him get in the way of her moments of joy. We had a good talk about how we need to point our disgust and anger at those who are attempting to dismantle the country and all that we have stood for, while doing our best not to take the bait and allow them to divide us. 

We met at The Restaurant at 1900 because we wanted to sample the wares of the award-winning chef. We were not disappointed. The food was uniquely imaginative and delicious. Plus... every single member of the front of the house staff were great - friendly, helpful, attentive but not hovering, it's not often that I am so knocked out by the service as well as the food. 

When I came home, I laid down and took the best nap. Talk about a restorative day. Today I added Tracey Mann, Roger Marshall, and Jerry Moran to the contacts on my phone. It's so much easier to call them one right after the other that way. It's so hard to pick just one thing you want to talk with them about.  When I say "them", I of course mean their answering service. Today I asked them to stand up to to those attempting to make big cuts to medicaid, medicare, and social security, and consider the needs of the citizens of Kansas (whom they represent) who rely on those benefits. 

P.S. have you found yourself really savoring moments of ordinary kindness and decency lately? Like the young man at the grocery store today who thanked me for letting him sack my purchases? Or the fellow at the coffee shop yesterday who insisted I go ahead of him in line? 

we tabled that discussion when the cake arrived

My daily existence was brightened considerably this past week by a lunch date with Marti Huff. The Huff trio motored over to Lawrence so we could go to Merchants on Mass where we always start with the Brussels sprouts. This time we concluded with the "St. Louis style gooey butter cake". Oh Lordy it was good. I was going to look up what makes a gooey butter cake St. Louis style versus regular everyday style, but I forgot. Until just this moment. Since I need to go downstairs and jump into my yoga pants and head to class I will leave it to you all to investigate. 

When I touched Marti's hand during lunch she said "ooh your hands are cold" and proceeded with...

"Cold hands
Warm heart
Dirty feet
No sweet, heart"

A version I was unfamiliar with and as always, made me appreciate the vast intricacies of Marti's clever brain. 

Before you know it, we had discussed knees, feet, hearing, glare while driving, facials, glasses and cataract surgery, how fleeting life is, and darn it was time to leave. There was also a brief idea floated about improving our Spanish speaking skills - we tabled that discussion when the cake arrived. 

I hope each of you are able to spend time this week, engaging in the important things in life to distract you, no matter how briefly, from all the chicanery flying around out there these days. 

 

we laughed like a clan of hyenas

The Huff +1 lunch club just celebrated our first lunch of 2025.  Marti was decked out in a red coat, with understated black to complement, and her mom's brooch front and center.

We ate at Brown & Loe in the river market area. Super cool building, with a great bar to look at. It has the feel of a former general store to it, but that could just be my take. I got confused about the whole paying for parking situation down there and fretted that my car might get towed. When did paying for parking get so complicated? What happened to a good old fashioned meter that required you to feed it coins? And, while I am at it, a quarter would buy you an hour. OK, OK, I will stop protesting so called progress. 

As she examined the menu, Marti confessed to always wanting to try Osso Bucco, but in the end decided on the deconstructed chicken enchilada. We are going to investigate the best Osso Bucco in Kansas City and be sure to get her there soon. When you are 101 you don't put things off.  

As usual our conversation was stimulating, including the tale of the boy, Richard Connell, who lived in the neighborhood and used to come to the Huff house and watch the clothes spin around in the washer. I googled him to see what line of work he ended up going in to. Alas, I could not find him.  

There was a brief side conversation about phrases/words no longer used - such as "heed". I added "fruit of your loins" but Marti thought that had a high "ick" factor. I agree with her. I have no idea how it popped out of my mouth. 

When Marti forgot something she was going to say we told her it would likely come to her in the middle of the night when she least expected it. She whipped around and immediately said "what's your phone number" with the timing of a perfectly rehearsed comedy routine. We laughed like a clan of hyena's. Quick with a comeback that one. 

I shall report back in again, with another episode, as this amazing series of lunches continues.

everything you wish all holiday gatherings were like

Marti, Nancy, Jennifer, and I had a marvelous December lunch in Kansas City this week.  While we were at it we celebrated Marti's 101st birthday. It was a perfect blend of low-key, comfortable, spirited, and fancy - all rolled into 2 delightful hours. In other words, everything you wish all holiday gatherings were like. Why aren't they?

We discussed the galaxy, the possibility of other life out there... somewhere, the arc of Marti Huff's life and all that she has seen in her time on our planet. We had an interesting conversation about preferred pronouns and gender and how there is so much to learn there. We also drank wine and had a fabulous limoncello cake for dessert. When it was time to leave we agreed that IF we are all still alive in December of 2025 maybe we should spring for the $1100 bottle of wine on the menu? It's good to dream.

In other news, I love these folded paper stars on the walls at Barkers on Massachusetts Street in Lawrence right now. I am going to instruct Chris to look for directions on how to make them. We like a good craft project at our house.

Pretend like the photo below is from "Crime Scene Kitchen" and guess what I baked this week.

 

The grocery store flowers continue to delight. I didn't get a poinsettia (yet) this year. Nor did I get an amaryllis or a Christmas cactus. In addition to doing at least one kind thing a day, I believe in not doing something that you thought you would, should, could do. It brings a certain balance to life so we don't get ahead of ourselves. 

P.S. if you guessed I made pumpkin pie, you are correct. Pre-made crust - all in the name of balance.

I hope it's ok to say it was 100% delicious. There was a lot of lip-smacking noises going on when I was eating it. 

...it's been great!

To mitigate my anxiety about the upcoming election, I have recently bought 2 new fall candles because they were  "on sale" - apple cider and pumpkin spice. Aroma therapy is important. It's foolhardy to buy candles without smelling them ahead of time, but these are from candlefolk and I love their grapefruit + fig so much that I fell for the advertising. Hook, line, and sinker. 

Pie has been eaten. Pie is a cure for anything that ails you, both physical and emotional. Cherry for me, chocolate/peanut butter for Marti, Nancy and Jennifer both got coconut cream even though they recognized they should probably select different flavors - the mouth wants what the mouth wants. Don't argue with the desire of the moment by interjecting logic. 

Marti turns 101 this month! We have taken to telling each other when we part company "if this is the last time we see each other it's been GREAT!" Because, why not? It could be the last time any of us see each other. I may start using this as my standard good-bye. Only for the people who it would be appropriate for, the ones I cherish, not every Tom, Dick, and Harry. 

Back to the therapy part of this post - Do we need special pajamas for the holidays? Probably not. Will I need a set of hot pink Bagheera pajamas from Printfresh THIS year? Maybe. It's a "sorta, kinda, but not really" holiday print and while sitting on my porch this morning glancing at the news, if felt right to get them. See paragraph #2 ie.. not interjecting logic when anxiety and desire are at play. 

My last strategy for alleviating anxiety this week was weeding out my expired spices. It is something I have absolute control over and gives me a great sense of satisfaction/accomplishment. 

This was only phase I. The oldest one in the cabinet expired in 2015. Sister tells me they are "still fine" - that is the Angie in her. Brother and I are in agreement that if you are going to take the time to make something you should use fresh spices. 

Of all my strategies for reducing stress/worry, I must say the spice clean out was the most effective, and the cheapest.  

we declared her the best judge of which decade was actually the best

The Huffs +1 lunch club dined street side this week in Lawrence. We were intermittently serenaded by the sounds from a corner harmonica player. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, the breeze was nice. Nancy declared our spot the perfect vantage point to sit and drink beer all afternoon. Then she would hitch-hike home. 

 

Marti replayed lines for us from a Jack Benny routine. We got a little wistful for times gone by. Marti declared the 50's were the perfect decade, Nancy wondered if each age doesn't believe that "their own particular past" wasn't the best time to have been alive. However, since Marti (who will be turning 101 next month), has lived through them all, we declared her the best judge of which decade was actually the best. Through the lens of nostalgia we continued to discuss having to go to the library versus "googling" sources for school projects and requiring an analogue watch to take a pulse. In our defense we did not take it to the level of walking to school in 6 feet of snow - uphill both ways. Maybe it's just me, but I like being able to look back at my life from this vantage point, finally understanding what all those older relatives were getting at when they talked about the things they had been through that we would never be able to understand. 

Grateful to still have someone older/wiser than me to discuss all this with. One hundred and one next month, and such a delight to be around. 

P.S. the cauliflower tacos with pineapple salsa at Merchants Pub and Plate were delicious and I would guess that anyone (no matter the decade they remember most fondly) would appreciate them. 

if you want to replicate the experience

The Huff+1 lunch club went to Westside Local recently to check in with each other, do the "organ recital", discuss how it is still so heart wrenching to watch footage from 9/11, sample the avocado tacos, review highlights from the debate, and other extremely important things that elude me at this exact moment.

We sat outside, it was lovely, Marti won the prize for best dressed. She also kept us on the straight and narrow with her razor sharp mind, gently suggesting that maybe it was Cawker City that had the largest ball of twine (not Claflin) and letting Nancy know that she thought Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll was from one of his books and not a "stand alone" poem. Correct on both accounts. 

If you want to replicate the experience, make sure you get the elote tots as a starter and I will strongly suggest a Boulevard Wheat even though it may make you tired and require a nap be added into your afternoon agenda. There is nothing better than an afternoon nap, with a nice breeze from the fan, a light blanket, and no need to set an alarm. 

an experiential richness that can't be named

This week, at the August meeting of the Huff +1 lunch club, we tried to collectively recall, just how long we have been gathering for these luncheons. We each threw out a possible number, settling on somewhere between 4 and 8 years. 

Here we are at The Russell on main in Kansas City. I realized there has not ever, in the (however long) history of the lunch club, been a black and white photo of our group. Clearly an omission on my part. We had another enjoyable lunch with delightful conversation including the DNC, how it is that someone breaks into our homes at night and hides things from us, and the resiliency (or lack thereof) of humans when faced with hard things. A few podcast and book recommendations were shared, and Marti as always, amazed us with her knowledge of all things past and contemporary. 

After a review of the photo archives, I was able to find this photo from May 16th 2014. It may be that this was our first lunch, actually, the more I think about it, I am certain it was. Mom had died in February and it was at this lunch that I was officially "adopted" into the Huff family, after successfully completing all the application forms. 

As I reviewed my old planners, I realized that it was not until 2019 that we began to get really serious about getting something on the books monthly. Whoever decided that gets a medal, a badge, and a certificate. My friend Marti Huff brings something into my life that I can't get anywhere else. Don't ask me to identify exactly what "it" is. I can not. It's an experiential richness that can't be named. I'll leave it at that. 

If you go to The Russell in Kansas City, be warned it's loud inside... that said, the food is good, the seats are comfortable, and the carrot cake is out of this world and one slice will feed a party of four. 

he was instructed never to stay away so long again

On the top of the list of things that have brought me immeasurable delight this week, was a visit with Barry. Barry the neighbor cat who is one of the Harvey boys. I had not seen him for weeks and was wondering about him. Sick? Attacked by a coyote? Lost? You know the drill. Even when he isn't your cat, when you love him, you can become consumed with endless worry.

So when he appeared on the wall out back, I dropped everything and ran outside. Literally.

We had a wonderful catch up and he was instructed NEVER to stay away so long again. And furthermore if he came by and I did not come outside he was to MEOW loudly at the back door. 

Oh I do so love Barry. 

It is the simple things isn't it? 

shut the front door!!

Today the Huff + 1 lunch club met in Lawrence at Ladybird diner. Though I did not get a picture of my meal, I will describe it in full detail and you will get the idea. It was a seasonal special of fresh tomatoes, peaches, basil, honey, salt - all chopped up and scooped on top of a piece of 1900 Barker sourdough toast that was first topped with whipped ricotta. SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! It was the very flavor of late summer, and left plenty of room for a slice of strawberry/rhubarb pie à la mode.

We discussed whether we needed to buy the new ", la" t-shirts which are beyond clever, the olympics and the amazingness of the athletes, and what we have been up to that is exciting. Having lunch with these 3, which you could be tired of hearing about is about as exciting as I want to be right now. Look how pretty Marti looks in her dress, jewelry, and belt - despite the heat and humidity. 

I hope you are scheduling a lunch date right now with your best pals. If they have pie on the menu, get some. 

it was a moment

Gosh Dottie and I had a good visit this past week in Concordia. Spending time with Mary Fran... one of the most amazing humans I have had the pleasure of meeting in this life. The kind of person who looks directly at you when you are speaking, who is so absolutely present, who hears without speaking. A gentle, original, rare, soul. 

We stayed at "our" little house on state street, in the shadow of the Motherhouse - the home of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia. I told Dottie "the little house on state street" would be a wonderful title for a book. I don't know what the storyline would be, but maybe it would have something to do with sneaking into the motherhouse at night, climbing all the way up to the 5th floor, and making our way to the room with the window at the very top.  

We roasted carrots, fixed eggplant with garlic, oregano, and tomatoes, made big salads, scooped up hummus on cucumber slices, sipped cold white wine. All delicious. 

There were morning walks and a visit to Jitters coffee on the main street downtown.

There was lots of time spend sitting in the shade outside, watching the wind blow through the trees, observing squirrels, and a large population of black bunnies who are present in a specific area in town. I must look up the story of how they came to be. Pet who escaped, reproduced, and now is the head of a colony? There also happens to be a lovely garden at the Motherhouse with rows of zinnias, among other things.

Of note, while I was there I had a piece of the MOST delicious pie I have ever had in my life. Raisin cream - a simple custard with a touch of nutmeg, plump soft raisins, meringue topping, perfect pastry crust. Oh my it was good. Like something you would eat at your relatives kitchen table at a farmhouse in Kansas with gauze curtains blowing in the breeze and the sun going down in the west. It was a moment.

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia Kansas are the women who started Marymount College in Salina where I went to nursing school. I feel very blessed to have been under the tutelage of such smart, compassionate, no-nonsense, women who showed me what it was to care for others, always striving for excellence, and standing up for what is right. 

if you live close, check it out

This is a public service announcement for those of you who live in the vicinity of Lawrence Kansas. The Huff + 1 lunch club took it on ourselves to check out Aunt Netter's cafe in LeCompton Kansas, with the goal of investigating the pie. 

We each consider ourselves to be somewhat of an expert in what it takes to make a good pie. With each of us differing slightly based on our individual tastes, but with a full understanding of what makes a truly good pie.

The brought the pie to the table first, while the rest of lunch was being prepared. We ALL approved of this move. As you can see we took this assignment seriously. The cherry, dutch apple, coconut cream, and peanut butter/chocolate were ordered. 

There are lots of good spots to take photos in LeCompton by the way. AND the people there are friendly! But let me get back to the pie. We collectively rated the cherry and the peanut butter chocolate as a tie for #1. They are such different pies it's hard to say one is better than the other. Both absolute perfection - tart cherries, substantial crust that was cooked perfectly. The peanut butter chocolate was just pure heaven. Sweet and creamy but not overly sugary. The coconut cream was also divine with lots of toasted coconut on top and the apple was a good, honest, by the book, apple pie. Apples not mushy, not too much cinnamon - excellent crust. 

Marti and I decided that if this was the last lunch we ever had together, we went out with a bang. If we get another chance though, we are coming back. I want to find out when they are serving lemon meringue although the peach must also be sampled. 

If you live close, check it out. Heck, if you live far, check it out. 

Useful information: Aunt Netters Cafe in LeCompton

Marti makes me want to "up my game"

This week there was lunch at Blu Hwy with my favorite 100 and 1/2 year old, and her 2 side-kicks Jennifer and Nancy. 

(I couldn't decide which of these 2 photos I liked the best so I enclosed both)

As I was snapping away, before they drove away, making sure to get just the right shot, Sarah walked up and wanted to know if she could be in the picture too...of course we said! Marti Huff is a magnet. Anyone who is within a certain radius just wants to get in on the action.  

Marti makes me want to "up my game", she sets a high bar in the friend category. Interesting, thoughtful, intelligent, she always has something sparkling to contribute to the conversation. Plus the fact that she always looks so great. How do you do that at 100 1/2?

We discussed when the blue chariot might be coming for us, the normal condition of occasional grumpiness, the wonder of travel to a foreign country, the timing of joint replacement surgery, delighted in a really good deviled egg, commiserated over the bad luck of a tree falling on your house, debated what makes a good carrot cake, and in general enjoyed each other's company. 

I am already looking forward to our June meet-up. 

the pleasure of the cutting and arranging

For today I give you the joy of friendship in the form of peonies snipped (with permission) from the garden of a friend. 

What could be more delightful?

The pleasure of the cutting and arranging, the generosity of the giver, the softness of the pink petals in all their shades. 

Sigh. I love the underneath side of them as much as the top. 

Thanks again Pam for sharing your abundance. 

she's a gem

Recently, there was this. A 2-hour laugh fest, accompanied by good food and intelligent conversation that left me with things to thoughtfully ponder when we departed. It was wonderful.

Let me briefly mention the tacos which I had not previously tried. I had the paprika roasted carrot tacos with pickled shallots, feta, and crispy toasted almonds - they use Yoli (local KC company) avocado oil tortillas for these and they are incredible. I am a tortilla snob, having come from a home where mom used to make them for breakfast when we begged her. Damn these were good. We also sampled the tiramisu tres leches cake that was out of this world. If you think tiramisu must be made with ladyfingers; think again. 

We discussed a multitude of topics including whether you should check or carry-on your bag when traveling internationally. Which of course led to a discussion of comfort vs. fashion, and how many times you can wear a pair of jeans before you wash them (more than you think). There was also the importance of choosing your words carefully in so many situations - this after Nancy stated something really eloquently and of course with Marti - the Queen of Words at the table. After this we got off on how some people (me) have a face that can not disguise what they are thinking, and how you can learn to set your face properly in certain situations. We also talked about COVID and how our world seems to have moved on from this, though it is still here in so many ways - and whether this is something we are biologically conditioned to do in order to get through many hard, life-altering, experiences.  

There was also a good laugh about feeding the wrong parking meter on Massachusetts Street and how easy it is to do that. I will refrain from saying if this was a theoretical discussion or if someone actually did this.  

Every single time the Huff + 1 lunch club gets together, I am so grateful that I have Marti Huff in my life. She's a gem. 

Sally Rand the famous Fan Dancer

The Huff + 1 lunch club ventured into the wondrous world of Thai Cuisine this week at Bamboo Betty's in Kansas City. Our taste buds were all awakened in a most pleasing manner, not too hot, not to mild, we "goldilocked" it just right. Spring rolls, noodles, rice, curry, warm roti, and finally sweet sticky rice and mango with some insanely delicious coconut cream ...

Please do your best to ignore the table which was definitely not "styled" and instead concentrate on the smiling faces. Marti entertained us with tales of the 1933 plane ride, when she was 10 years old, that her dad "pulled strings" to get for them to travel from Cincinnati to Chicago. Think bench seats on the sides of the plane and no seat belts. This was also the trip when for whatever reason, her parents allowed her to accompany them to see Sally Rand the famous fan dancer. Maybe they knew that it would make a great story when their daughter was 100 years old. Somehow, whenever I am with Marti, and she tells these stories from her past, her history somehow becomes part of my history. Does that even make sense? All I can say is it is wonderful, and I am grateful. Grateful that as she reminded us... when the days dwindle down to a precious few these golden days I share with you... I think that's right. 

I wish that everyone could have a Marti Huff in their life. But since that's not possible, I will continue to report on our regular lunch adventures, including the always delightful, never ordinary, topics of conversation. 

with a centenarian in the mix

I do so hope you can stand one more "holiday meet-up" post. Because this is an important one. It's the only one with a centenarian in the mix. Which, as you know, lends an air of significance beyond compare. The Huff +1 lunch club met on the plaza and were joined by Meredith and Devin as well. Marti was looking festive in her red coat and sporting her mom's brooch that may or may not have been an unsigned Eisenberg. 

We talked about Christmas stockings - what was put in them in the 1930's, the 1970's, and today. We discussed memorable Christmas's - like the year long ago in Chicago, when Marti was growing up and a dreadful boy who lived in her building grabbed her Grace Putnam doll, Lillian, and smashed her on a concrete ledge breaking the head into a million pieces. Oh! what a dreadful child that Tommy McCartney was and I am not ashamed to say I do hope he burned in hell for that move. Unless of course he did something wonderful with his life to make up for that terrible act of unkindness. There was talk of holiday menu's and Marti's gingerbread that Jennifer remembers fondly.

We ordered a "chocolate bag" for dessert - a wonderful concoction of a vanilla mouse with fresh fruit, all encased in a chocolate bag that you break open to enjoy.  The expression on Meredith and Jennifer's faces tell you what you need to know about it. No exaggeration. It was spectacular - a perfect dessert for 5 to share with just a tiny taste for Devin. 

Gosh we had fun. Our bill may or may not have been picked up by an older gentleman sitting at the bar who insisted that it would be his great pleasure. You decide if that is A. a complete lie, B. a partial truth but we wouldn't let him, C. an absolute fact.

The end. 

we just pick right up where we left off

Last Saturday I made a 24 hour whirlwind trip to Omaha Nebraska to visit my college roommate and dear friend Peggy. Whenever I see Peggy and my closest college friends, I marvel that it has been 42 years since graduation, AND that when we get together it's like we just rolled out of our tiny beds in Antionette Hall at Marymount college, and are walking to class, for a meal in the dining hall, or down to the Village Gate for a pitcher of beer. We just pick right up where we left off. 

What a pleasure it is to have such "easy" friends. People you can just be with where the talk flows, the values are similar, and we like doing so many of the same things. All of this is something not taken for granted. The more life passes by, the more I treasure time with the best people in my life.

These pink and bronze colored poinsettias at the Lauritzen Gardens were amazing. What a fun thing to do on a blustery day. We repeated our candle making experience from last year, went to a local yarn store, ate fabulous sushi, drank good wine, enjoyed the best breakfast casseroles and chocolate mint cookies, and before you know it I was back in the car driving to Lawrence. 

The perfect fake pom-pom to go on top of this hat which I made last year but really needed something to complete it, was found while I was there. Pom-pom's look best on the hats of the under 7 and above 60 crowd. I am delighted to fall perfectly into this niche. 

This amazing tree made of jillions and jillions of poinsettia plants was something to behold. I have warned Peggy that the 24 hour trip might sound crazy to some, but it's the perfect way to make sure too much time does not go by between visits. In other words, you never know when I might be back. She rolls with it. Just like when I was typing away on the electric typewriter at 3 in the morning, finishing some case study for nursing class, while she was trying to sleep ... many moons ago. 

 

if you are in any way related to, or know Jim Sharp

As I scrolled through pictures today of my friend Marti Huff, I noted that we have been having regular lunches together for about 5 years now. As with all things we measure in hours, days, months, and years, it simultaneously feels like a good long time and like it has gone by in a flash.

This week we ventured out East to Independence Missouri to celebrate the occasion of Marti's almost 100th birthday. Her real birthday is next week, but when you are turning 100, and you have lived a rich, full, life, there are many people who want to celebrate with you on this grand occasion. Nancy made us a reservation at Ophelias on the square and we had a lovely time. As we always do. 

Marti told us about Jim Sharp, a young man whom she considered to be attractive and worthy of her attentions. She did not say she had designs on him, but it was implied. Anyway, when he came to pick her up for their first date, as she carefully picked her way out to the car across a treacherous field of slick pavement, she hit a patch and went down, leaving her legs knifed straight out in front of her, beneath the body of the car. Oh the indignity of it all, and to think 80 years after the fact, it still makes a good story.

Next was the story about how the milkman was the person who taught her how to drive. Her dad was a traveling salesman and away from home regularly so the milkman took her under his wing and gave the lessons. He went so far as to back the car out of the driveway, prior to commencing, so she would not have to learn how to back up before they had covered the basics of going forward.

One of the best things about spending time with Marti is these snippets of stories she shares of times gone by. You can't make this stuff up. We ate good food, discussed the fleetingness of life, and shared some apple tart tatin that was divine. You must have dessert when you are celebrating 100 years of a life WELL lived. 

P.S. though it is very unlikely, if you are in anyway related to, or know Jim Sharp please let him know that Marti Huff does recall that first date, but she kept the rest of the details of the evening secret. 

a mysterious man named Maurice

As Marti inches closer to 100 the Huff +1 Lunch club continues to meet on a monthly basis for good company, good eats, good talk, and in general to celebrate the fact that we are all still kicking around and should in fact be grateful for just that and for each other. Even if we don't hear as well as we used to and some of us like to put our pajamas on as soon as we get home - and eat our dinner in them. 

We discussed the necklace Marti was wearing that she got at:

A: an open market in Marrakesh in 1957 when she was on a scouting trip for her antiques business and met a mysterious man named Maurice.

B: a little store somewhere and it was most inexpensive.

You get to choose which it was. A girl has to have some secrets. Even at the age of 99.9

a back stage Johnny

On Friday, in Lawrence, there was a meet-up of the Huff + 1 lunch club. Back to the usual membership, Marti decked out to the nines, and me bringing 2 cameras to be sure I got at least one picture of her in her black dress with pearls. She shined, I snapped, no one complained. It was glorious.

There are any number of restaurants to go to on Massachusetts street in Lawrence, but one of our favorites is Merchants Pub and Plate, where you can make a reservation (it's busy on Fridays in downtown Lawrence!), the food is always outstanding, and they have a nice crisp sauvignon blanc on the menu.  

Because Sister and I are going to The Cotswolds, and Marti's father hails from England, we had things to discuss. Starting with Agnes Rosina King - Marti's grandmother who was a woman of the stage, and Marti's grandfather who was a "back stage Johnny". I have told you about her grandmother before and how she was a showgirl. But this week Marti brought with her a listing that Rosina had compiled of all the venues where The Mikado played in 1884. How fabulous to hold something like this in your hand and consider what Agnes must have been thinking/doing when she made this list that she kept tucked in a prayerbook. We also discussed Agnes's brother Gunning King who it turns out was a painter of great renown. 

When I told Marti how much I enjoyed thinking ahead to what we would do and see she said "anticipation is sometimes sweeter than realization" - a quote from Percy Mayberry Franks. So true. 

We discussed how Nancy and Jennifer came by their names, and this might have involved the story of a former friend of Marti's who was known in later years to venture out of the house, early in the morning, in her nightgown. We also discussed how one must NEVER pull up in the driveway and honk the horn when picking up a Huff girl for a date. 

Finally, as we were almost ready to go, Marti had us all on the floor laughing (guffawing actually) when she recited this old tongue twister for us...

Marti catarty
Ti-aligo farty
Tea-legged, Tall-ag-ed,
Bow-legged Marti

Then she repeated it with each of our names and we laughed even harder.  By this time it was 3pm and the restaurant was clearing out so no one minded a foursome of ladies, clearly having an extremely entertaining lunch. 

I am coming up with a list of questions now for our next outing... stay tuned. 

a quilt of lunches

The other day, the Huff lunch club met. It was actually the Huff lunch club plus 3 minus 1 and one of the plusses was a teeny tiny sweet great grandson who slept in his stroller and paid us no never mind as we feasted and gabbed. How it is that I missed getting a photo of Devin, Meredith, and Marti is beyond me, but that's the honest truth. Stuff happens. It gave me the opportunity to go back and review lunch photos from the last few years, pick my favorites, and piece them all together. Like a quilt. A quilt of lunches. 

Marti told us about a neighbor she had when she was a single working girl. His name was C.J. Doney and he was quite a character... one of the things he was most known for was "never issuing a noun without a God Damn before it".  As in the "God Damn stools" at the Harvey Diner at the old Union station that were apparently quite uncomfortable if you had hemorrhoids. I'll say it again, it's a joy having someone bring history to life with tales of times gone by. She also introduced us to this little ditty as a commentary on our current run of hot days ... "we'll weather the weather whatever the weather whether we like it or not". I wish I would have gotten a video of her rendition, but you should know Marti has perfect pitch, along with all her other talents.  

an almost imperceptible click of a connection

A recent walk at the church of the glassy river.

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

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

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

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

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

Kathy Saylor it was so GOOD to meet you

I rolled out of bed this morning with a goal of getting to the Baker Wetlands before the sun came up too high, before it rained, and before I got caught up in any monkey business around the house. What follows is a true tale (not a tall tale) of the most unexpected, delightful, coincidental meeting at... of all places... the grocery store, where I went when I left the wetlands. Bear with me while I get there. 

First of all there was bee balm, a nice cloudy sky, and all manner of yellow flowers starting to bloom. 

There were signs of more water at the wetlands and forgive me but the bee balm. 

The grasses are always beautiful, and I came upon a new area with American Lotus blooms.  Hurrah. 

The cat tails are taller than me.

And what about this Queen Anne's lace right before it opens? The wonder of nature.

55 minutes later I was back at the car, heading to HyVee for blueberries, a lemon, buttermilk, all the makings for a blueberry breakfast/snacking cake. So... I am walking through the aisles and all of a sudden a woman with a very stylish haircut and nice glasses says to me "Carol?", and I say "yes" as I try to think of who she is because she does not look familiar to me. I flip through the rolodex in my brain - family member of a patient I took care of?, have I taken a class with her in the past?, but nothing clicks. Then she says "I'm Kathy Saylor from around Pittsburg, I have been reading your blog for years, my daughter just moved here and I came for a visit and was so hoping I would run in to you."  Seriously, how completely FUN was that? That the timing of our trip to a grocery store would have our paths literally cross. I was so happy that she said something to me (despite the fact that I had my waterproof black shoes on, red shorts, a somewhat dirty white t-shirt, and crazy hair). We chatted for just a few moments and each went on our way. 

Sometimes, when you least expect it, life presents you with little gifts, moments that are unbelievably simple and perfect. Kathy Saylor is was so GOOD to meet you.

P.S. Marti Huff if you are reading, she told me to tell you HI!

a friend who can bring a moment in a well-lived life to the present...

This week marked the first 2023 lunch gathering with Marti Huff, my favorite nonagenarian. We met in Lawrence at Merchants Pub and Plate where we were able to get our favorite table and start with an order of the famous Brussels sprouts as an appetizer. 

Some of us had hot tea to drink, some had a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, some had a beer and a cup of hot tea. I leave you to guess who had what, just know that Marti Huff is not holding back on enjoying the indulgences of life. As we awaited our meals we discussed things. Important things. There was sharing of strange dreams, with our take on what they each meant, and how a weird dream can leave you feeling unsettled even after you wake up and realize it didn't happen. What is that? 

One of the best things about having a nonagenarian friend, is that they have history to share. Interesting history. Marti brought this photo from when she was 9 or 10 at school in Chicago and learning to type.  She is on the right, second from the front, with her perfectly ironed (by her mom) puffy sleeved blouse.  Note that all the boys wore ties and knickers. She could recall most, if not all, of the names of the kids in this class! How glad I am at my age to have a friend who can bring a moment in a well-lived life to the present so we can all "experience" what it was like.  

We discussed introversion and extroversion and how Nancy loves nothing better than to sit at the breakfast table with a bunch of strangers at a B&B and TALK to them. Marti, Jennifer, and I shudder at the thought. 

After an almost solid 2 hours of serious catching up, we parted ways, but not before scheduling a date for February, where we have discussed the warm comfort of Austrian cuisine (Grünauer) versus sampling the tamale's at Carniceria y Tortelleria San Antonio, which a patient of mine recently told me was well worth the risk of aspirating and dying should he not be able to swallow safely. 

We will keep you posted. 

to be conjured up in a dream that unfolds in its own time

In addition to the loafing discussed yesterday, I have been occupying myself with conjuring up ideas. When the mind is restful there is so much conceptualizing that can occur without the schedules and deadlines and all of that other baggage that is actually planning. Planning without the troublesome need to actually DO anything = dreaming.  

I have been on the hunt for Kantha cloth because the look of it makes me happy. When sister and I went to Lummi island some years ago, the cute little cottage that we stayed at had a lovely swatch of Kantha cloth on my bed. 

Then, when I took a class at KC Maker Studio a few months ago there was a woman (who it turns out was the owner of the joint) wearing a jacket made out of Kantha cloth and I wanted to steal it off her back. Instead I inquired after the pattern. Unfortunately they were out of the fabric at the time and while I did see a few sources on line... this is something I actually want to be able see before I buy it. 

When I saw they had gotten more in this week I dashed over and bought a few pieces in order to be sure I get the patterns and colors I want in just the right spots on the jacket.  Ha ha ha ha! Did I actually say that? In my defense, remember this is all a dream.

Can you imagine wearing a jacket made out of these colors? In the first photo above, there is a red and green piece that at this exact moment is living on our bed. It has a hipster Christmas vibe to it. I am hoping there is a bit of the yellow with the birds on it below left over for a pillow. 

Here is the pattern that may or may not be used to make the jacket. Loose and swingy, just my style. 

Every single scrap of fabric not used in the jacket will be saved for some other project yet to be conjured up in a dream that unfolds in its own time. 

it makes dusting such a pleasure

On an October adventure in Kansas City, my friend Mary Joan and I stumbled across this marvelous little shop, Homesong Market. 

If you are local, or here on an adventure, it's in Brookside at 6213 Oak Street. There are many interesting local shops in Brookside. You could spend the whole day there if you start at the Roasterie Cafe, check out the shops, go for a neighborhood walk, and then have lunch. 

There were many items to love at this spot (handmade brooms!) but the thing I could not resist, that I remain most excited about, is my feather duster. 

Don't laugh! It makes dusting such a pleasure. I think the idea of a feather duster snuck into my head when I was watching Mrs. Harris goes to Paris and when I saw them in the store I knew it was meant to be.  

P.S. In case you are wondering, Susan Hubbard (of Geneva Lake Wisconsin) invented the feather duster in 1876. It's important to keep useless facts like this around in your head, you never know when they may come in handy. 

Helpful links: homesong market

I did not lie on my back in the leaves and look up

Last Saturday morning, on the way home from the farmers market, I turned left off 9th street onto Mississippi. It's one of my favorite streets in the city for enjoying the colors of fall.  It did not disappoint.   

I did not lie down on my back in the leaves and look up, only because getting back up would have been tricky. But I did kick some leaves just to hear the scraping crunch and to unleash that wonderful smell into the air. I leaned over like I would if I was stirring a pot of stew on the stove and breathed in deeply. 

I don't know what you have planned for this fall weekend stretching ahead of us, but for me, there will be more of this. And maybe a little of that. 

hello Barry

Please do not be fooled by this first photo and think this is another post about zinnias. It contains zinnias but it is about something much more important. It's about what is in the right bottom corner of the first photo.

Trying to blend in among the zinnias. That's Barry. He is a Harvey boy. Over the last 6 months he has been very wary of me, despite the fact that his older brothers think of me as their adopted cat mom.



Today all of that changed. We had "first contact". First contact of the serious petting kind. He has approached before but only sniffed then backed away.



Today there was the sniff, the lick, the brushing against my legs, the head butts on my hand with the petting, the PURRING. It was magic. 

The rest of the summer and fall look very promising. For lots of kitty love. 

What could be better than a cat in your zinnia bed? Nothing. That's what.

that almost metallic silvery glow.

Sunday morning, while having breakfast at the table, I noted the pre-snowstorm tulips were shedding their petals.

Later that evening, in the last of the setting sun, I was compelled to take more pictures.  I love how you can see the lines in the petals and that almost metallic silvery glow. 

When Mother Nature made the tulip she knew what she was doing. I have gotten way more than $12.75 worth of enjoyment from this bunch. 

Another glorious site on Sunday morning, as the sun was coming up, was a flock of 11 - 12 gulls flying very high overhead. The pink morning light was reflecting off the underside of their wings and white breast feathers, and as they flew they twinkled like golden pink lights in the sky. It was astonishing. I stopped to be amazed and attempted not one photo, knowing I could never capture the essence, and not wanting to miss a second of just looking. 

my ongoing love affair with Harvey

A conversation:

Me: Harvey! (in high pitched squealing voice)

Him: Oh, hello (in refined, slightly bored cat voice)

Me: come down here at once and let me pet you!

Him: sorry looking for lizards or other unsuspecting creatures right now.

Me: but you are yawning and look tired, you can sit on my lap.

Him: that's an act, I am on high alert.

Him: come to think of it, I am a little sleepy, you climb up here and pet me. Bring me a treat while you are at it. Make it something good.

My ongoing love affair with Harvey and his brother Alex continues. Unabated, despite the winter break. 

pure playtime joy

The tree thing, started on January 1st, continued on into January 3rd. It moved from watercolor, ink, cut... to cut out trees from old calendar, add newspaper, fire up the sewing machine. 

Then out came the toned gray paper.  Why not? Before you know it there was a small forest. 

Which begged to be set up on the water color pan before going back to the inspiration board.

These Caran D'Ache crayons have not seen the light of day for many moons. They will get more play time this month.  For sure. As will those colored pencils. 

It's hard to say exactly what it was that made these trees so much fun to me, but it was pure playtime joy. I want more of that feeling all year long. 

And while I am at it, more French toast with blueberries and raspberries on top because it was incredible. Bacon on the side. Cause you got to have the salty with the sweet. It's a balance thing.  

warning - you may find yourself unable to stop

On the morning of November 4th, at the University of Kansas hospital in Kansas City, the APRN's on the palliative care team were taught how to make origami book marks by Marilyn.

She brought really pretty 6x6 squares of paper, and proceeded to give us precise instructions. With gentle coaching, we all succeeded. 

The soothing, distracting, benefits of putting your hands and eyes to work on a simple task like this can not be overstated.

In the event that you find yourself in need of inner calmness or composure, I recommend it highly. Google origami bookmark and have at it. Warning: you may find yourself unable to stop. 

the amazing geometric perfection of this sunflower

It was hard to walk by the Dahlias at the market last Saturday, but on my exploratory first pass I knew was going to have to bring these sunflowers home. 

They were trimmed, popped into an old water pitcher, and placed on the table.

They were turned this way and that, admired from every angle.

Then I sat right down with a cup of coffee and started reading the paper, in between staring at the amazing geometric perfection of this sunflower.

for my personal enjoyment alone

Inspired by my inherent love of cutting and pasting, and this wonderful issue of Uppercase magazine and all the glorious ways to use scraps...

... today I hauled out some "stuff" and proceeded to play around with my new planner/calendar.

I always get the "school" version of a new calendar, starting with September because us dreamers typically begin making plans for the the new year now, and want to start writing things in.  This year I got a slightly larger version of the calendar.  By mistake, but I am trying it anyway. 

Here are the last 5... some more embellished than others. Using all the beautiful imagery available in the world gives me great pleasure. It seems wrong not to use it, for my personal enjoyment alone. 

Old photographs, found items, stickers, images cut from magazines. Such fun to put together.

Saved notes from Pam that have been living on my inspiration board will of course be incorporated. And you will notice that Sister's hand drawn labels are always used as well.

I hope you are equally occupied with some creative, simple, diversion today, and that you are following my lead by having a local shrub with club soda as a refreshment on the side. 

oh heaven help us all

It feels like this far into October there should be more photos of orange stuff on this blog. That means today is catch up day.  Pumpkins, gourds, mums.  All jumbled up together, solely for the purpose of celebrating orange-ness.  

Which reminds me I have not made a pumpkin pie yet this year and it's high time to correct that.  And speaking of baking and fall things... did you see this recipe for frosted snickerdoodle bars? Oh heaven help us all. 

where the light makes them sparkle and shine

I am not sure what it is about "collecting" that appeals to us humans. Looking. Finding. Gathering. Joining. Collating. Re-arranging. What I do know, is that very small collections give me the most pleasure. Nothing to weigh me down.

Easily sorted by color.

Arranged with little effort on the small, slightly rusty, metal tray Aunt Critch told me was a family heirloom.

Mixed up and reformed into a circle, 

then back into a square,

and finally into an atypical blooming botanical.

Then back in their tiny containers, in front of the sink, they go. 

With the flowers, where the light makes them sparkle and shine. Just like when they were in the cove on Glass Beach rolling in and out with the tide.  

if you can limit yourself to just once a day

For your entertainment, enjoyment, and delight; while I am away visiting Dottie for a long weekend of "sistering", I present this video. I suggest you watch it nightly.  If you can limit yourself to just once a day. 

Thanks for showing it to me Marilyn!