Tall Tales from Kansas

I tip my figurative hat to you

Any of you who have been reading this blog for awhile, know about The Quails. This is my long-time group of oncology nurse friends who worked together in the early 1990's, and still go out for birthday dinners, and really as often as we can work it in. While doing my "Swedish Death Cleaning" recently I happened upon a ton of old photos of us from the early years. In addition to the Quails there are some other folks we worked with through the years - most prominently, Alice Bailey. She was THE best, bar none, nursing assistant I have ever worked with. She tolerated no foolishness, could not abide laziness, and treated her patients with great love and care. If I needed to do anything that was going to be difficult, Alice Bailey could be counted on to be right there at my side. 

Along with all these pictures, there were notes and letters from patients we took care of through the years, obituaries clipped from newspapers, old work assignment sheets. Not to mention the cards we have sent each other through the years to mark occasions, or no occasion at all. A real trip down memory lane. It's been nice to go through it all, save some, and get rid of most because the time is right now, when it wouldn't have been 15 years ago. 

Whoever came up with the whole Swedish Death cleaning thing is a genius. I tip my figurative hat to you. This might take me 5 years at the rate I am going, but better that it be me who goes through all this rather than someone who can not appreciate the significance of it all. It's good to have just one more look before I recycle or pitch it.

Oh what a ride this has been. 

and get some lemon meringue pie

Last evening the Quails met to celebrate Nancy's birthday. As with many things in life, there were last minute snafus, adjustments had to be made, bottom line is only the "senior" Quails were able to be in attendance. 

We enjoyed cocktails, an appetizer, main courses were passed around (ok I ate some of Joan's French fries even though no one wanted a bite of my shrimp and grits), and of course there was dessert. If you are in the KC area, the lemon meringue pie at Rye in Leawood is sublime. 

We discussed how long it takes to recover from "things" as we enter the last third of our lives, shared how we can appreciate the things our mothers used to say now that we have been the age they were when they said it, and we talked about the ability to look back with more kindness and understanding at the sad/difficult times in our lives. Books were on the agenda - Mary Joan just finished The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry and recommends it. I put it on my list. Nancy told us about the podcast Wiser than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus. It is a series of interviews with older women in which she asks them great questions about the lives they have lived, and asks for any observations/advice they may have for us. I listened to the first episode this morning and have already downloaded the next one. Good stuff. 

Did I tell you we sat outside for dinner? What is it about eating outside that makes it seem extra special? A nice breeze, less of a clamor which makes conversation so much easier, being surrounded by trees... oh let me stop there and just say I hope each of you will take yourself out with your pals sometime soon, if you can sit outside, for sure talk about whatever pleases you, and get some lemon meringue pie. 

P.S. Happy Birthday Nancy!

a little bit of Christmas'ing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Helpful links: The Minimalist Baker - energy bites

the glue that keeps me together some days

Last night some of the Quails went out for dinner. Let me say that the Kimchee fries at Boru (75th and Wornall in Kansas City) are insanely delicious and I am sorry I did not get a photo of them. Go there and get some if you are local. Now back to the more important business of this post. We "unpacked our bags" with each other. In other words, we reflected on the hardness of the world on so many levels right now, chewed over our worries, and expressed gratitude for the gift of friendship. 

Below is another favorite poem that seems right for tonight along with the peonies from my table. Friendship, poetry, flowers, kindness it's the glue that keeps me together some days.

Kindness
    by Naomi Shihab Nye

Before you know what kindness really is
you must lose things,
feel the future dissolve in a moment
like salt in a weakened broth.
What you held in your hand,
what you counted and carefully saved,
all this must go so you know
how desolate the landscape can be
between the regions of kindness.
How you ride and ride
thinking the bus will never stop,
the passengers eating maize and chicken
will stare out the window forever.
Before you learn the tender gravity of kindness
you must travel where the Indian in a white
poncho
lies dead by the side of the road.
You must see how this could be you,
how he too was someone
who journeyed through the night with plans
and the simple breath that kept him alive.

Before you know kindness as the deepest thing
inside,
you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.
You must wake up with sorrow.
You must speak to it till your voice
catches the thread of all sorrows
and you see the size of the cloth.
Then it is only kindness that makes sense
anymore,
only kindness that ties your shoes
and sends you out into the day to gaze at bread,
only kindness that raises its head
from the crowd of the world to say
It is I you have been looking for,
and then goes with you everywhere
like a shadow or a friend.

 

Helpful links: Boru Asian Eatery

long may you reign

Today apparently is tulip Tuesday, luckily I have lots of photos to commemorate the flower that is being celebrated.

This bunch is my bouquet of the week from the farmers market. They are a perfect compilation of colors and textures. 

I mean come on, who thought to take pinking shears to the edges of a tulip... and then figure out the whole hybridization thing? 

In other news, I just bought a pair of cantaloupe colored walking shoes. Seriously. I haven't photographed my feet in them yet, but you get the idea. I feel my fitness level getting boosted to whole new heights as I gaze upon them. 

P.S. Happy Birthday Nancy! Long may you reign.

Joan's narrow escape from a carbon monoxide incident

Behold the Fraternite. My cocktail before dinner last night with the Quails at Aixois. It's the perfect summer aperitif, citrusy but with a touch of sweetness, cold, light, refreshing... made up of pear and ginger liqueurs, lime, simple syrup and sparkling wine.

We sat outside on the patio, where there were twinkling lights, the occasional soft breeze, and wonderful smells wafting out of the kitchen. The Quails have been going back and celebrating all the birthday dinners that we missed during the pandemic. In person. Together. 

Each item on the menu was evaluated, selections made carefully... I started with the Gazpacho, topped with a sliced avocado and a drizzle of olive oil. Smoothly blended, cool, perfectly seasoned, accompanied by baguette with butter and my drink. I could have stopped there, but did not.

We discussed Joan's narrow escape from a carbon monoxide incident, whether Nancy should have purchased a new pair of Gizeh's versus having the bed and cork replaced on her 12 year old pair, and there was discussion about our days working together and how we recognized then how good we had it. A large portion of the conversation near the end of our dinner was of course about WHERE we should go next. I wanted to come back to Aixois again next month, but realize the expansion of our repertoire is important. 

You may expect that I will be reporting back in July about the culinary delights we encounter on our next outing. 

the always and forever queen of small flower arrangements

This week has marked the return of the mini flower arrangements at work. My friend Nancy taught me about the joy of making these years ago. Her first arrangements in spring usually feature pansies. A flower you would not always think to put into a teeny tiny bottle and bring inside.  

It is not possible to tell you how looking over at her desk, next to mine, and seeing her arrangements makes me feel. It's not just that they are simple, tender, beautiful. It is her special mark on the world that she has passed on and will be forever a part of me and us and our friendship. 

So, today I give you Nancy. The always and forever Queen of small flower arrangements. 

the annual bottle of eggnog was purchased

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

A Quail plaza Christmas dinner celebration was also held. 

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

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

One glass limit per setting. Usually. 

adventure partners

There will be no apologies for this sudden need to create collages.  As I review the photos from last year, I can't help it.  Know that it will pass by the end of January.  Bear with me.  

These are some of my adventure partners from the last year.  Definitely part of what made 2018 sparkle and shine.  As we speak dates are being penciled in for a future meeting.  It's like adding a holiday to the calendar in my book.  Who couldn't use more of those in their schedule?

all the best to you Meredith and Ashley

Saturday Chris and I went out to "Two Birds Farm" to join in the celebration of Meredith and Ashley's wedding.  Meredith is my friend Nancy's daughter.  She is an all around excellent human being, and gives me hope for the future of our world.  

Is that a joyous face or what?  Somehow I missed getting a single shot of the happy couple together what with all the fun and frivolity out on the farm.  There is a great photo of them here on instagram.

The only shot I got of Ashley was when she was fixing her tie while trying to talk to 5 other people who were congratulating her.  I did however capture Meredith's mom, Quail Nancy, along with her mom Marti, and sister Jennifer.   

It was a beautiful fall evening.  No rain and perfect temperatures.  

Bob had his "comments" on a legal pad that he carried with him until after the ceremony when he had us all wiping away a few tears as he reminisced about the wonderful daughter that Meredith is.  





No wedding is complete without cute kids in attendance.

And even cuter cousins, along with friends you never get to spend enough time with.  

This was a lovely evening.  There is something very special about watching a couple start their lives together.  So much smiling, stories, laughing, and dancing. 

And I haven't even mentioned the cake yet.   I must speak to Chris about how we can incorporate more wedding cake into our everyday menus.  

All the best to you Meredith and Ashley, as you set out on your life journey together.  

even though I have no way to give you pot pie to go with them

At the September meeting of the Quails we drank wine and beer, celebrated a birthday, talked about what Nancy was going to be wearing to her daughters wedding this month, and then the discussion totally jumped the tracks when someone said "what about the Catholic Church?"

At which point we all let loose with our individual feelings.  I should say that for me personally, having 2 glasses of wine, always greatly loosens any sense of decorum I may at one point have had, and results in public use of my salty sailor vernacular.  If any of you Quails are reading this, know that I am trying to work on this, though you would not have noticed any improvement during this discussion. 

When it comes to discussions about the Catholic Church I can get pretty hot headed.  This latest report on child sexual abuse in Pennsylvania is no exception.  I think at the very heart of my anger is my perception of the lack of women involvement in the highest levels of an age old institution run by men. You should know that it frustrates me beyond belief that in this day and age there are still not women priests in the church.  When I read responses from the church to this report that say "the Catholic Church of today is not the same" as the one when this child sexual abuse occurred and was covered up, every instinct within me wants to shout "THE HECK IT's NOT!"  

I don't know why I felt the need to express my opinions about this topic today.  Maybe because of my dream the other night where someone told me I had the chin of a nun?  Dottie I wish you could have been at our Quail dinner to lend your thoughts and expertise on this issue.  As it was, it felt right to be talking about this out loud, in public, and have the waitress chime in with her opinion as well.  

The beef and mushroom pot pie with an incredibly flaky crust stood up quite well to the discussion by the way.    I hope any of you reading will add your thoughts on the subject, even though I have no way to give you pot pie to go with them.  

P.S.  in the name of full disclosure I consider myself to be an "enlightened catholic"

the perfect casual spot for a drink, a laugh, a meal, and 2 orders of Brussels sprouts

The Quails went to the Pressed Penny Tavern recently to celebrate a birthday.

Quail Nancy's birthday to be precise.  She is our resident beer expert.  But that is NOT the reason she selected Pressed Penny for her celebration dinner.

No.  We went for these.  These Brussels sprouts, which we have all agreed are the best in Kansas City. 

They are fried but not greasy, topped with smoky prosciutto pieces, candied lemon, chopped walnuts, sea salt, and a drizzle of honey. 

Full disclosure, we ate 2 servings.  You will too.  When you go. 

I hope you get this exceedingly delightful man to wait on you when you are there.  He's another reason to visit. 

Let me not forget the smoked hummus. Crazy good. 

Joan laughed at me and asked if I was feeling like a horse when I ordered the "grain bowl" for my entree. 

But she stopped laughing when she saw how amazing it was. 

Pressed Penny is a very friendly place.  These guys live just down the street.  One of them may be related to a quail. 

I hope they have their version of key lime pie when you visit. It's tart and creamy and you will want to lick the serving dish but you can't because you already licked the Brussels sprout dish.  Once is understandable.  Twice is inexcusable unless you are in the privacy of your own home. 

Good choice Nancy.  This is the perfect casual spot for a drink, a laugh, a meal, and 2 orders of Brussels sprouts. 

yet another of life's wonders you have schooled me on

Tonight's regularly scheduled programming has been interrupted by life.  Which involved a Quail birthday celebration.  Marked by the gathering of the covey and the ritual of story telling, eating, drinking, laughing and the like.  It also included a cheese plate.

A cheese plate accompanied by a Saint Vincent.  Which, while unphotographed, was made with stoli oranj, st. germaine, cappelletti, lemon, and sparkling wine.  Oh I do so appreciate a well prepared cocktail. 

There was also a piece of chess pie that for some reason I was thinking involved lemon, when in fact it consisted of a rich chocolate fudge-like brownie concoction in a flaky pie crust topped with whipped cream.  Oh. Me. Oh My.  

That is all I have to say on the matter.  Oh, and Happiest of Birthdays Quail Nancy.  I am writing down "chess pie" as yet another of life's wonders you have schooled me on.   

the epitome of carrot cake perfection

Wednesday night there was a gathering of the Quails at Mary Joan's house.  No matter how hard I tried to dissuade her from toiling in the kitchen, getting out all the fine china, and hiring a doorman, she would not be swayed from preparing a birthday dinner for me. 

There were garden tours, wine, flowers, and lots of storytelling.  It's important to do lots of laughing with friends when you are celebrating.

Jamie described in detail how to get a gnat out of your ear if one crawls into your ear when you are lying on a beach.  At least it looks like that is what she was saying.  I was too busy sneaking in the kitchen to get another sweet pepper and tomato bruschetta to give it my full attention. 

There was an impromptu "year in review book club session" which consisted of all of us talking at once about the best books we read last year.  We ate large quantities of spinach-strawberry salad and a rich savory chicken farfalle pasta that had us all moaning with delight.   We discussed the merits of using fine silverware even though it must be hand washed and decided we should do it more often. 

The evening concluded with a three layer carrot cake, specially made by Joan using Lori's recipe which called for freshly grated carrots.  It was the epitome of carrot cake perfection.  Moist but not too heavy, with a sweet, buttery cream cheese frosting with pecans.  Lord have mercy it made me want to have a birthday every month.  Luckily Mary Joan sent me home with a giant piece.  I told her I would share it with Chris.  Which of course I will. 

Thank you quail friends for a memorable evening and thank you to honorary quails Marti and Jennifer (aka the Huff girls) for joining in the celebration... and thank you to Chuck for opening the door, clearing the plates, washing the dishes, and wearing your best sport coat to do it all in. 

the beneficial effects of coffee talk and future adventure planning

Last week my friend Mary Joan and I got together for some pre-holiday coffee talk.  We met at Starbucks for a PSL (to boost their lagging sales this year) with plans to wander around after that and try to get into some trouble. 

She brought her needlepoint (Kaffe Fassett's red chinese peony) to show me and I brought some yarn and needles to give her a double point needle knitting lesson. 

After discussing books, our hair problems, and how it is absolutely inconceivable that we can be the ages we are, we headed out to see what we could see.  

Joan quickly spotted items to add to her Thanksgiving table setting and then we found reminders of Mama Thompson and Angie at J'adore in Brookside. 

We also committed to saving the stems from our pumpkins this year and getting together next October to make velvet pumpkins like these.  There will also be a walk in the woods in our immediate future so we can forage for giant pine cones to spray and use in our Christmas decor.  Last but not least Joan has put it on her to-do list to find a class we can take to learn how to re-upholster furniture.   She has assured me that it will be quite doable.   

The beneficial effects of coffee talk, and future adventure planning, with a dear friend, before the rush of the holidays can not be over-stated. 

 

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crossing my fingers that it holds strong and does not go all gooey on me

one of them will do every single thing you ask

What happens when you try to take pictures of your friends after having beer, margaritas, and sangria is this:  one will tell you the sun is in her eyes, one will try to get a stranger to take the photo so you can be in it (despite the fact that she knows you will not agree to this), and one of them will do every single thing you ask.  

In the end, you will have a photo that will instantly bring to mind what it was like to celebrate an evening with very dear friends.   We missed you Joan.  Mark your calendar - next Quail event will be held on July 22nd. 

P.S.  In retrospect I should not have made you stand looking into the sun.   I can admit when I am wrong.

that is no flapdoodle

The quails celebrated Christmas in high style this week.  French cuisine was on the menu.  Sigh.  There was wine and cheese and butternut squash soup and an amazing grouper and I haven't even started on dessert.

We took the whole concept of "making merry" and bumped it up a few notches and that is no *flapdoodle.

*I loved the Word of the Day so much today I HAD to use it in a sentence. 
 

she is going on vacation soon and wants to look good in her bathing suit

As I was driving to El Patron on Southwest Blvd in Kansas City Thursday night I happened upon this.  Some mighty colorful street art.  Even in suboptimal light, it was pretty spectacular. 

 

Then I thought I saw what looked like a plane.  Perched on top of some buildings.  Right on Southwest Blvd.   Flying perilously close to the power lines!

How was I to know that one of my favorite coffee places in KC had a DC-3 aircraft suspended over their factory?  I crossed several lanes of traffic and pulled over to investigate.

It was cool to look at from all angles.  

Had I been to El Patron and had my classic margarita on the rocks (with a salted rim) before I found the plane it is very likely that I would not have taken this photo.  As it was it made me a little bit dizzy looking up from that angle. 

While I am at it, the guacamole at El Patron is second only to the guacamole I had in San Miguel de Allende at La Gruta.  In other words, exceedingly good.   I had the fish tacos which were sublime but will also admit that I ate one third of Joan's chicken enchillada with mole sauce.   I only did it because she is going on vacation soon and wants to look good in her bathing suit.  I don't plan to wear one anytime soon myself and just wanted to be helpful.  

P.S.  if my bouncing from topic to topic while reading this post made you feel like you were in the cockpit of a plane doing loop-de-loops ... I just want you to know, I meant to do that. 

 

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a uniquely delicious dining experience

you never know when you are going to be invited to a summer picnic and need a new romper

The Quails came to Lawrence today.    We did a little shopping, ate noodles at Zen Zero, discussed the merits of all restaurants adding crushed red pepper flakes to their table setting to be used as a condiment, and finished up with ice cream at Sylas & Maddy's.  Before we knew it 4 hours was gone. 

Joan and I decided to get new rompers.  You never know when you are going to be invited to a summer picnic and need a new romper.  Plus if we ever go on a cruise together and decide to perform in the lounge we can wear these while singing Friendship from Anything Goes.  

none of us are ever having our lips done

I brought home a "cone of flowers" from the May Day Basket exchange.  Dang it's cute.  I didn't even think of trying to make a cone for flowers.  But I will next year.

I have this one to use as a prototype.  A prototype always helps. 

We went to Renee Kelly's Harvest for dinner.  Farm to table format housed in an old "castle" that was originally built in the late 1800's.  The food was good.  The spinach salad we started with was unbelievably delicious.  Have you ever eaten a poached egg that has a crispy coat of panko bread crumbs (I think that's what it was) on it?  The salad alone was worth the trip.  Low light = less than great pictures - oh well, you get the idea.  If anyone knows how to coat a poached egg in something crunchy (while keeping the yolk runny) do share your knowledge with us all in the comments. 

Per the usual quail routine topics of conversation included, books, desserts, electronic things that monitor your activity and sleep, and how it took Joan 90 minutes to "de-bone" her crab at the Wolfgang Puck restaurant in Las Vegas in 2004. 

We also decided none of us are ever having our lips done.  Period.  End of discussion. 

Quail Christmas

I don't know what I would do without my Quail friends. Luckily I will never have to find out. Of that I am very, very, very, sure.

I like to eat with my eyes too

I do not believe I am overstating the case when I tell you I ADORE a well set table.  The china, the silver, the crystal, the linens.  Bring it on.  All of it.

Oh, and the fresh flowers, lit candles, and a quail centerpiece.    Sure it's about the food when you are served a special meal.  It's just that I like to eat with my eyes too. 

My friend Mary Joan, heretofore only of gardening and needlework fame, outdid herself the other night in the domestic goddess arena. 

I did my best to take photos of all the courses.  But once I bit into this crunchy bruschetta with it's juicy tomatoes, briny capers, and sharp pecorino romano I was done for.  I put the camera down and devoted every ounce of my being to appreciating the moment. 

Joan also prepared a spinach and strawberry salad with tangy dressing followed by a smoked chicken and farfalle pasta that had all of the quails moaning with delight and demanding the recipe. 

And then we sat around and had fresh brewed coffee out of delicate cups with matching saucers... and assorted delectable sweets. 

There are not many things nicer in life than sitting around a table with your good friends.  Talking about the old days at the same time you are anticipating shared adventures to come.    Life IS good.   

It made my knees weak

If you are looking for a different sort of dining experience in Kansas City, get yourself over to Port Fonda.    We had a Quail outing the other night and because we heard it was for the hippest of the hipsters we headed down to Westport to see what all the fuss was about. 

The guacamole was PERFECT.  Thick and chunky without a lot of sour cream or anything else.  It is served with chips or vegetables.  We got both.  You MUST get the vegetables - cucumber, radishes, jicama, sliced and served cold with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of spices.  A taste treat.  The chips were thick and crispy and looked like they were fried on the premises. 

I had the Shrimp Veracruzano.  Shrimp, peppers, onions, spinach, in a spicy sauce served with really excellent  soft, warm, corn tortillas.  After I got the eyes and legs off my plate my squeamishness calmed right down and I tucked into this dish with gusto. 

Jamie had to leave her sunglasses on for the first 90 minutes of our dining experience because she was facing the window.   She got a new lip gloss recently.  Nancy was smart enough to set with the window to her back and were therefore not in the least bit bothered by the sun. 

Getting dessert after eating mexican food is something I usually don't do.   Please do as I did if you come here.  You must try the Donas de Requeson.  A ricotta "doughnut" with a maple-mezcal tres leches poured on top.   It made my knees weak, in a very good sort of way. 

how NOT to take a group photo

The Quails went out for dinner the other night.   Jamie showed us the latest trend in jewelry and tried to instruct me in color blocking. 

Nancy was looking colorful as always.

For the first time ever we all ordered the exact same entree... can you blame us?  Crusted tilapia over a sweet potato hash and topped with black beans and an avocado cream sauce.  Swoon. 

2 glasses of Sangria later I demonstrated how NOT to take a group photo.

All in all it was an extremely successful and productive evening.