Tall Tales from Kansas

it's called making do

Today just a few more photos of our time down at Big Cedar Lodge. Over the last 30 years our family has been there numerous times, beginning with Ray and Angie for special occasion meals, taking walks, skipping rocks, playing putt putt, trick or treating with the great nieces and nephews... lots of good memories there.

There is something nice about returning to a place that feels familiar, where you sort of know what to expect, and you are surprised by new things.  

For me it's the well appointed paths to walk on, just outside your door, water, trees, birds, flowers, all that. 

On our last day there, I was greeted by 3 deer, 2 ducks, and a turtle... along with the regular crew of squirrels chasing each other up, down, and all around the trees. While I missed the usual displays of gourds, pumpkins, mums, and all things fall, there were plenty of other flowers in bloom. 



Chris was real sorry there was no wagon full of pumpkins to take the usual set up shot with. We settled for the Ma and Pa Kettle photo in the rockers in front of registration. It's called making do.  

general hang around sort of a 2 day getaway

Chris and I just got back from a trip to southern Missouri/northern Arkansas for the annual trip to freshen up the headstones, replace the flowers, tell stories, and have a picnic with mom and dad. It's a little earlier than usual this year, and it was just Chris and I, because that's how things go sometimes, and Ray and Angie taught us how to how to roll with what gets thrown our way. 

The leaves had not even thought about beginning to change yet at the Maplewood Cemetery, but there was some lovely colors on the bark of the trees.  Does that count?





Chris and I had a cozy cabin for two, we went out for dinner one night, we sat on the patio and played cards and had drinks.

The yoga mat was rolled out on the deck, stretching was done as I looked up at the leaves overhead, listened to the birds, enjoyed a breeze.



It's hard to beat a very nice, low-key, do what ever you want, general hang around sort of 2 day getaway. For those who keep track of these things, yes, we did hold the annual Moss family putt-putt tournament. I am holding onto the trophy with a score of a smooth 22. Chris however, was nipping at my heels with a hole-in-one and a second place round of 23. 

both Dottie and Ray on the good juju duty

On my last day in LA, Iris was still not sure about who I was and what I was doing walking around her house acting like I knew her.  However, after she saw Otto rooting around in my suitcase, trying to take my t-shirts out, she decided she would get in on the action by simply sitting on top so I could not open it again.

Then she looked up at me and indicated that perhaps if I stayed 2 more days a pet would be allowed. Meanwhile Otto said I didn't need to worry about her, he would continue to play with me, allow petting and kissing, join me on the floor for daily stretching sessions, and sit on the table to watch me work in my sketchbook.  

Oh it was fun playing with a rambunctious cat, and trying to tempt a shy one. Being in a house with 2 cats was completely wonderful. Especially when the other person doesn't mind one single bit if you make a complete fool of yourself talking to them. 

We had a warm hike on my last day there followed by a nice sit on the porch. 



Since we are constantly bombarded with tales of the foibles of travel, it would be wrong of me not to tell you that I had nary a problem on this trip. No cancelled flights, no delays, no obnoxious seat mates, good parking spot in the garage, excellent shuttle service.  I did have both Dottie and Ray on the good juju duty which I am certain helped. The benefits of a travel whisperer can not be overstated. 

It was a delightful short getaway with walks, naps, cats, and general hanging around  with no scurrying or hurrying. My favorite kind of trip. And I haven't even told you the part about sister cooking fabulous meals while I sat at the table and stayed out of the way. 

we sat under an umbrella in the coolish morning

Maybe you saw some of the photos of how crowded the beaches were on the Santa Barbara Coast over the Labor Day weekend? Let me tell you, at 7:10am it was just the two of us, a fisherman, some paddle boarders, a couple of dogs taking their owners for a stroll, pelicans, shore birds, rocks, shells, and whatever else the tide washed in.

We examined it all closely as we filled our lungs to their maximum capacity with cool ocean breezes. Completely fantastic. I picked up a collection of feathers to fill a page in my journal. 



After the walk we high-tailed it over to Pierre LaFond's for a big cup of French roast and a cinnamon rose. We sat under an umbrella in the coolish morning and let our beach time sink in deeply as we watched the comings and goings and speculated on the "story" of each person we saw.

and thanked our lucky stars for shade

Sister is always showing me photos of things she see's while on her walks in LA. Stuff I want to see. So when I am there, morning rambles are a must. Here are the things we enjoyed on our first morning.

Fabulous trees in the morning light. A Frank Lloyd Wright house. Big bunches of cactus. 





We sat in the garden behind the Gamble house in Pasadena and pretended it was ours. We stretched on their comfortable benches and admired architectural details. 







Sister showed me her favorite house and I investigated up close. I wanted to go and sit at the table and chairs on the hidden front porch and have scones with clotted cream but alas no one answered the door when I knocked. No matter, we went and had iced coffee and wonderful vegan fennel/maple sausage biscuits at the Little Barn Coffee House in Mount Washington and thanked our lucky stars for shade. 

Iris is still thinking about it

At 5:59 am on Saturday we hopped in the car and left the city of angels for the cool breezes of the coast.  When you’re this close to the beach the pull of the sounds and smells of the ocean are strong.

In a short 70 minutes we were out of the car, beach shoes on, hats at the ready. OH MY!  That’s the best I can do right now to describe how it feels for a Kansas girl to be at the shore.



As you can see The Moss Sisters are together for a quick few days of adventuring. Yes, it is the hottest time of the year in LA. Yes we have to get up at the crack of dawn to take walks. But here’s the thing…. 



I needed to meet Iris and Otto. While they are still kittens. So far, Otto, has succumbed to my cat whispering charms.  Iris is still thinking about it. I tell her resistance is futile. She follows my every move closely from the safety of her favorite basket.

p.s. excuse any formatting glitches that are bound to occur when posting from the iPad. 

in case you want to cook up your own perfect get away weekend

When we went to Lincoln to the quilt museum this was our home base. Because why wouldn't you want to rent a house that looks like this? We were operating under the "you only live once" principal. There was not a book with the history of the house and its former occupants contained in the home (that we could find anyway), but we used our imagination and made up (really excellent) stories. 

There was a visit to a local restaurant where we started with grilled peaches, lemon ricotta, basil/arugula, crispy prosciutto, balsamic and honey.  The moaning after each bite was done as quietly as possible to avoid being asked to leave. Every single thing was wonderful. If you go to the quilt museum, DISH restaurant on O street is the perfect place for dinner. 

While I am on the topic of food, we had a wonderful appetizer spread for dinner at home one night - a personal favorite for supper. Please note that we did not let the lack of a vase in the house stop us from making flower arrangements to put us in a festive frame of mind.

We checked out The Mill coffee and tea and LOVED these Wheat Paste Murals on the building! Done by Nebraska artists - they were striking. I wish I had captured more images, but you get the idea. 

There was time for a morning neighborhood walk to check out all of the unique homes with their great porches.  I love a neighborhood with all kinds of different houses and yards.

At the quilt museum we stumbled upon these reclaimed wood "quilts" by Laura Petrovich-Cheney. Oh! What we wouldn't give for a pile of unclaimed old painted lumber, safety glasses, a power saw, and a big table to play around with pieces on. Here is more about her and her work. 

In addition to knitting and stitching, we also made time in the mornings for yoga on the wide front porch and wine sipping in the early evening while we sat in the rocking chairs.  

These details are provided as a partial list of ingredients in case you want to cook up your own perfect get away weekend.  

some sort of a triangle quilt

The prairie makers loaded up and headed to the Missouri Star Quilt Company in Hamilton, Missouri this week. It's only a few hours away and seemed like a thing to do.

Yep, we had to get the picture at the worlds largest spool of thread. Started in 2018, 22 feet tall, and with one million yards of thread, visitors are encouraged to bring and add thread.  Next time we will come with our contributions. Maybe a ladder?



This trip started with a visit to the quilt museum, filled with quilts, machines, notions, and a very knowledgeable young man at the door who answered all our questions. There were some quilts on display from a national collection ... more on those later. My personal favorites were all these quilts made by "regular" folk. Above is a crazy kite quilt circa 1900. 

This 9 patch was labeled as being completed in 1901.

Seeing an early Bernina was a treat.



While I love all the really "scrappy" quilts, this anything but simple black and white was stunning. 

Crazy quilts have always had a special place in my heart... the combination of embroidery and pieced scraps is so interesting and personal. I especially loved the border on the one below. 

The precision in the stitching on this butterfly quilt, all by hand, was a thing of beauty.

The "Dresden plate" design below was one I especially enjoyed studying. Why do you suppose there is more white space at the top? Also... another lovely and complex border.

This really scrappy number below is so marvelous it made me want to jump up and down and clap. Every time I looked at it I was caught by another optical illusion. Circles, triangles, diamonds!

Yes, I forced Joan to pose by the giant rotary cutter, and I also got a shot of the tiny machine she got as a child for Christmas.  Which she still has, I might add. 





The "lily garden" quilt below was machine pieced, hand embroidered, and hand quilted in 1990. It was included in the section from a national quilt museum. Completely amazing. 

The appliqué in this quilt was mind blowing. The lighting in the room where these quilts were displayed was not quite as good so my photos were a bit blurred. I wanted to get a better shot of the appliqué that had so much texture, alas, those did not turn out. Not really sure what that technique is called. Fabulous. We came here to get inspired and left filled to the brim.    



There are many murals in town - again, perfect for posing in front of. 

At the end of the day, I could not pass up this incredible bundle of Kona solids at one of the stores. It is destined to become some sort of a triangle quilt. Unless it whispers otherwise to me in the middle of the night. Which is entirely possible. It's hard for me to go anywhere for fabrics other than my own local shop downtown, Sarah's Fabrics... but sometimes a field trip is called for. 

Helpful links: Missouri star quilt company

sitting down and looking at it after each session of work

On our last day in Santa Barbara we were treated to a simultaneous presentation of clouds in the sky and clouds at our feet. Sometimes life gives you things that are hard and some days you receive this.  I don't think it's a perfect balance. It just IS.  

The birds and the rocks and the waves and the smells and the breeze ... holy smokes, mercy, and yes... I stored it all away. 

The tide was low enough for a few treasures to reveal themselves. 





We could not have asked for a better last walk along the shore. 





On the occasion of this last post on the topic of California, until I schedule my next trip that is, let me close this chapter with a reminder that the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden is splendid. 



They have lots of benches there for contemplating the views. 





Last stop on the way back to LAX was lunch at the Bates road beach. We watched hang gliders, ate "chicken dressed up like a salad" sandwiches, and called it good. 



Today at home, garden clean up began in earnest. It's official - porch sitting season has begun in Kansas. The nice thing about a trip to California at this time of year is that it inspires me to get that soil turned, the weeds pulled, some new mulch down, bushes trimmed, porch swept, pots filled up with colorful annuals... because sitting down and looking at it after each session of work is such sweet satisfaction. 

the moss sisters don't claim to be graceful

Tonight just a sampling of the "non-beach" delights to be found in the Santa Barbara area.  You may not have heard about the street of the Italian stone pines, it's not in a travel guide, but is worthy of a visit. 

We chose "our" houses from among the selection of streets that bisect this corridor of trees.

There is no shortage from which to choose.

Excellent coffee shops are very plentiful from Carpinteria to Santa Barbara.  Nothing says vacation like a French press coffee at breakfast, especially if it is the accompaniment to the Duck Confit Hash.  Um yes. I mean seriously, when am I going to have the opportunity to have that again?

Franceschi park provides wonderful views of the city with a few nice benches for sitting. Writing. Sketching. Talking. Napping. A stroll around the old house is a must. Reading the fresco's on the walls. When I win the lottery I will invest in the restoration of this marvelous spot. Although even in this shape, it's pretty great.




Books were read and discussed. Sketches were drawn. A celebrity was spotted at Pierre LaFond's where we had cinnamon roses and coffee after beach walks. One of us may have bumped into a Range Rover and knocked a plastic piece off, right in front of the owner... the Moss sisters don't claim to be graceful, but we do laugh a lot.  

you choose the superlative

at last, this morning, at dawn, the tide was low enough for a walk to the east, towards Hammond meadow.

these are the things I saw there. magnificent, glorious, splendid, you choose the superlative that suits you. none are adequate, but you get the idea.

Life is unfolding, we are partaking

Todays rambles started by the water and then veered off in new directions. Things call, we follow. 



If you ever run across a pistachio cream croissant in a pastry case you are going to want to try it. If it has rose petals on the top, all the better. Sister preferred the pistachio loaf. You can’t go wrong with either.

While we ate, we enjoyed life going on around us. There was excellent people watching for entertainment - friends greeting each other, spontaneous coffee dates.  Delightful store windows full of fanciful items. 

We wandered through Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden near by, where the coral trees are in full bloom. There was a forest of acanthus, some fine Morton Bay Fig trees, a very fit couple doing yoga, and a smiling 18 month old sitting with his mother on a blanket who was fascinated by the garbage truck across the street.

Sweetshade trees covered in yellow and white blossoms fill the air with a fragrance that is a cross between plumeria, jasmine, and Victorian box.  Sigh. 

The days slide by. We tell them to slow down. We sit with dear people, making art, sharing stories, eating corn and cheese arepas with tomato soup and apple slices.

Nice strangers offer to take our picture and we agree. Life is unfolding, we are partaking.

patron saint of nervous travelers

Neighborhood walks in the city of angels are not to be missed. The air Friday morning was heavy with fragrance. Jasmine mixed with rose, lavender, citrus, and maybe it’s my imagination but did a bit of Victorian box stick around just for me? I thinks so. All this is especially nice since it was 33 degrees and raining when I left the house Friday morning in Kansas.

While sister toiled away at school, Wyatt and I spent time together. Then, after my walk, I got into her refrigerator and found a perfect lunch to eat out on the front porch.  Me and the birds. Sheer heaven. Hopefully she wasn’t thinking that was going to be part of our dinner tonight. 
Happily none of my imagined travel catastrophes came to past… things like the car breaking down on the way to the airport, not being able to find a place to park in the underground garage, terrible seatmate, not finding my reserved shuttle at LAX. I never worry about the actual flight, just all the details around it.  I usually schedule Dottie to send all her good “ju-ju” my way on travel days and it always works. She does it for me for free, but I think she could start a business. I can see it now… “ex-nun, hospice chaplain, patron saint of nervous travelers”…. I am going to call her about this! It’s such a good service it would be a shame not to share it. On a limited basis of course, and only when I don’t need her myself. 

splendid is not a good enough word to describe the experience

Before I tuck Benonville away in the memory banks, let me show you just a few more things. Like a neighborhood walk down a steep hill that took me closer to the lake. 

How about one of the cool murals spotted in Bentonville. I could have done a whole post on just these, if I had taken more photos. Which I did not. Next time. 



We visited a really cool bookstore with old books that we loved exclaiming over. Nice bookshelves too.





You know I am a sucker for a signs on the street and love to make my companions pose with them. 



Pea Ridge is a National Military Park in NW Arkansas.  If you are a history fan, you might find a visit interesting and educational.  I am a sucker for a good video at the beginning of a history lesson that gives me the background and details of things. This place had one. 



A few gratuitous shots of spring blooms and I will be done. 





But the views from the deck, especially in the morning, remain the highlight of the trip. Splendid is not a good enough word to describe the experience, but it's the best I can do. 

a resounding 2 thumbs up apiece

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is another not-to-be-missed outing in Bentonville. This rendering of it by the architect (I think), is great. I love the roughness of it and that the end result is very true to the original vision. 

Its hard to choose a favorite work of art from the collection, but I didn't know Rosie the Riveter had her foot on Mein Kampf did you? I love finding something unexpected when seeing art work you thought you knew. The frame is also a perfect complement to the painting. 

There was a series of paintings on palette's, using the "thumb hole" in creative ways. This was my favorite. 



It was too rainy and cool to take advantage of all the outside art trails and garden spaces, but we did catch a few glimpses of what awaits on our next visit.



When all the flowering trees are blooming in a few weeks, it's going to be amazing. 



The Bachman-Wilson house, a Frank Lloyd Wright design, is not to be missed. So interesting to be able to walk through it and appreciate his bringing the outdoors inside style. There is a nice audio guide to talk you through the features of the design. FYI - reservations are needed to walk through. 



This was another of my favorite paintings in the museum. The lighting on all the art work is fantastic.



This fellow below is only included in case one of you is an art expert and can tell me the significance of what appears to be rings hanging from the sash at the waist. I saw this in several portraits of men in their uniforms. 



Depending on the time of day you visit the museum, there is a nice dining area for lunch, apparently dinner too, and also a great looking coffee bar. Our lunch was perfect and the space is wonderful to sit in with expansive views to the out of door spaces that are so lovely. 

We all took a vote and gave Crystal Bridges a resounding 2 thumbs up apiece. An excellent way to spend a day. 

the mind that imagined this and pulled it off

In addition to spending hours staring out at Beaver Lake from our Airbnb in Garfield, we also did some exploring. Here are two local spots you MUST NOT MISS if you are in the area. The good thing is they are close to each other. 

Whether your jam is dying, knitting, stitching, weaving, quilting, or just looking at beautiful things... get thee to hillfolk. The space is wonderfully open with lots of space for wandering from one lovely thing to another. 

The woman who helped us was friendly, helpful, nice... 

Inspiration was abundant. That topographic quilt of the area was museum quality. I love the mind that imagined this and pulled it off. 

After you settle on your purchases, take a drive a few blocks over to Airship Coffee and enjoy a "lumberjack" latte. It was the smoked salt in the description that hooked me and it did not disappoint. Lots of outdoor seating in addition to inside space - good tunes, good java. Alone or with a group, this place is perfect for whatever it is you need in a coffee shop.

Did I mention the mugs were ergonomically pleasing? 

Helpful links:

hillfolk shop

Airship coffee at 5th street

 

after the pinks and reds gave way and ceded the stage to the clouds

the view from the deck of the eagles nest on Whitney mountain is splendid

in full on sun or at first light

after the 4:17 am tornado warning and 45 minutes in the lowest level of the house

when the lake re-emerged from the thick gray mist



and this morning after the pinks and reds gave way and ceded the stage to the clouds 



with each glance there is something equally wonderful to appreciate 

ps the omission of all punctuation is intentional and could become the new normal

Cheryl presenting us with another of her wonderful nosh boards

I think this may be my favorite photo from our trip to the Ozarks this year.  It was taken by a very nice lady with the kindest voice ever. She had also pulled over to take advantage of the light and the view. While I generally tend to resist the offers of others to take a photo, preferring the challenge of the set-up shot, she did us right.

But this one of brother could be a close runner up.

Or how about Dottie always trying to get the photo. Coaxing us (to no avail) to pay attention and fly right. She is beyond patient.

On second thought how could I not pick this one of Cheryl, presenting us with another of her wonderful "nosh boards"? Complete with the smoky bacon jam. 

I should have warned you at the outset that this post contained gratuitous family photos. But those of you who read regularly, know this happens when family trips are taken. So while I am at it…

…this one of Chris and I with the pumpkins has to be included as well. This might be the end of the trip to the Ozarks photos, though I reserve the right to change my mind.

to come up with something equally irritating to say to me next year

Us Moss's just returned from Northern Arkansas/Southern Missouri for the annual celebration of Ray and Angie's Birthdays, the clean up at the cemetery, and spending time hanging out together.  Brother and I will tell you that the other essential part of this trip is the annual Moss Family Putt Putt Tournament. Which by the way, we take very seriously.

The photo taken at the beginning of the round, shows each face full of hope, optimistic that THIS year we will be the one who prevails.  



The winner, upon conclusion of the match, is allowed full gloating rights, which you see above. Brother is recounting the scores, checking my math, to be sure that he did in fact come in second place to me.

Pumpkins are the other important part of this trip.  Lots and lots of pumpkins. Pumpkins here, there, and everywhere.  





Carts full of big pumpkins, little pumpkins, white, warty, green, yellow, gray, stripey... all of them wonderful.







It is also customary at the end of the match to remind the person you beat by one point, that if they practice very diligently for the next 11 months, next year they may be the one taking the trophy home.



I don't think Brother was comforted by my remarks, but he has the next 300 plus days to come up with something equally irritating to say to me next year. IF he wins. 

faces full of expectation for the fun they would have

At the Smoky Hill River Festival this past weekend, there was something for everyone. A piece to fit what each of us considers "art"... the hard to put your finger on magic that lifts your spirits and makes you go "ahhh" when you see it. 

These sisters won the award for best coordinated hats and shirts in the youth category. They were headed to the children's section of the festival when I caught up with them... faces full of expectation for the fun they would have there. 



This fellow had on glasses I have not previously seen on a face and whose exact purpose may have been to reduce glare, but I could be wrong about that. 



She won the award for the most joyful, enthusiastic, exhibitor at the festival.  



Our time at the park was perfect. The weather was nice, there were no crowds to fight (or bugs), and we were mostly in shade during our visit. 









There were musicians performing all over the park which kept things lively. In the old days, when Chris and I lived in Salina, we would bring chairs and blankets and camp out for the day, moving from stage to stage. It's nice to just sit and listen when you have the whole weekend to spend. 



Suzie was drawn in by the mingling aromas of stir-fry, smoked turkey legs, barbecue, and some kind of waffle sandwich, but ended up settling for a lemonade. 

Annette and I both thought these linen blouses were lovely and I may yet regret not trying one on. 

Peggy admired this colorful pottery and we discussed how we currently have more mugs than will fit in our designated cup cabinets at home. I am not sure when we became so practical, but sometimes it's nice to appreciate without having to acquire. 

The Smoky Hill River festival is generally held the first full weekend of June every year in Salina, Kansas. It has been disrupted the last several years by COVID. It was good to see things get slightly back on track. I don't know what will happen next year, but if you are interested in attending, here is a link you can go to for details as they become available. 

a perfect breakfast before a hike or a plane ride home

Just a few last photos from Albuquerque... then there will be no more until my next trip. Which I have already decided will be in early spring. When we can go to some hot springs and soak while we look at red rocks, maybe take a hike... and whatever else we fancy.

It's hard to pick a favorite coffee spot in Albuquerque, but if push comes to shove, it's going to have to be Little Bear. The baristas are so nice, the seating wonderful, the bags of beans from local roasters all over the world on the walls. It's got a most excellent vibe. 

The colors of New Mexico are so appealing... and always that blue sky. 

I think I told you we ate well during my visit. I did not tell you that Dottie is a great cook. One morning we had roasted sweet potatoes, sliced banana, blueberries, greek yogurt, pineapple chunks, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and toasted hazelnuts for breakfast. We named it the Alba Quirky bowl. 

What a great combination of flavors. The pineapple was unexpectedly perfect as the sweetener.  Just the right breakfast before a hike or a plane ride home. Don't knock it till you try it. 

From the window of the plane as we made our approach into Kansas City. Who can resist trying to get the perfect shot out of a plane window? Not me. I'll let you know when I get it, in the meantime, it's important to record the progress. 

coffee, wandering, laughing - more from Alba Quirky

On the way to the East Fork of the Jemez river, Dottie and I pulled off the road in Jemez Springs, for coffee.  You won't be sorry if you stop at the Highway 4 Cafe & Bakery, get a 12 oz latte, and then wander around a bit to see what you can see.  You will have exactly enough time to finish this drink before you get to the trailhead. 

Another coffee place I feel warrants a visit is in the vicinity of downtown Albuquerque - Humble coffee. You can get a blue-corn blueberry doughnut to go with your drink if you want. Cool signs, good seating, not busy on a weekend morning! 

Afterwards you can stroll around and soak up the atmosphere.

The day I got to Albuquerque, Dottie took me up to the Sandia Crest Trail for a quick hike and a lovely vista of the city. A great way to start the trip. The temps were cool up at 10,000 feet, and when you have come from the humidity of Kansas, that feels simply wonderful.

We laughed like a couple of hyena's when we finally reached this trailhead... I had asked Dottie "how long until we get there" several times along the way and she assured me it was "just around the corner", when in fact she was not sure about that at all, but she saved that bit of info until after we arrived. If you have a sister, you can understand these kinds of uncontrollable fits of laughter.

the moss sisters are nothing if not crazy lucky

If you are ever around Albuquerque and feel like a hike that involves the sound of water, a meadow, wild flowers, butterflies, a cow or two, lots of trees, and the perfect combination of sun and shade, go to the east fork of the Jemez river - Conchas trailhead. The photo below is the canyon that will reward you at the conclusion of your hike. As long as you don't mind wet feet, you can cross the stream and park your butt on a rock and look for as long as you like. 

Gosh it was pretty. 

As we neared the end of the walk, the clouds turned dark and the thunder started to boom. There were cool breezes that felt delicious on our skin. 

In case you don't make it, here is a 30 second clip of our sit. 

By the way, as soon as we got our shoes off, got into the car, and turned onto the highway, big fat drops hit the windshield. The Moss sisters are nothing if not crazy lucky. Which we know, and are immensely grateful for. 

 

the itinerary was ever-changing to fit our needs

Dottie and I had a marvelous time in Albuquerque over the last days. We did all sorts of exploring in town, in the mountains, and all around. 

So much to see. The itinerary was ever-changing to fit our needs. Plans made. Plans cancelled. Items put on the list to explore the next time I visit.  

The only "must" on this trip was spending time with Dottie. Oh, and getting to taste her vegan spinach artichoke dip which I swooned over. Then I got up off the ground, went back inside, and got a little more. Because when you are sitting outside with just an umbrella between you and the New Mexico sky, a nice breeze is blowing, and you are sipping on wine and hanging out with good people, a second helping is warranted. 

with time included for naps, sitting, staring, and popsicle eating

Tonight, just a few more photos from my whirlwind trip to see Sister recently. Here we are on a neighborhood ramble through the Mount Washington area.

We did a lot of strolling through neighborhoods. So many gardens to admire, gates, fences, houses, yard art... all exciting for people who love nothing in the whole world better than homes and gardens. 

Sister's succulent pots above. Guarded carefully by Corky Lynn. One night when we were sitting out front, she bounded off the porch and launched herself right over Wyatt as she chased an intruder out of the yard. Nothing gets by the Missus. 

About 3 or 4 years ago Sister took me to The Kitchen Mouse for the first time. Now we go every single time I am there. I always get the exact same thing. Jo's breakfast sandwich - griddled millet toast, fried eggs, arugula, avocado, chipotle cream... 

The jacaranda trees were still blooming. Purple puddles of petals under trees. Divine. 

You gotta love a good paint job on a car. 

Here is one of those examples of air plants I saw incorporated into unique plantings that were tucked here and there. 

Succulent pots and California Pepper trees at Arlington Gardens.

We were looking up and down and all around, everywhere we went. 

There was also time for a small bit of blind contour garden gnome sketching. It was a lovely trip. Everything I wanted out of a quick get-a-way, with time included for naps, sitting, staring, and popsicle eating.

one of my very favorite places in all the world

On my last day in LA sister took me to the gardens at the Huntington for a stroll through paradise. 

From the subtropical, through the cactus/succulents, to the open areas with wonderful trees, an opportunity to appreciate the natural world at it's finest. 

Huge specimens with amazing curves and twists. 

I think this is the tree that grew from a seed that came from Mexico or maybe South America in the very early 1900's. 

The Chinese garden has been recently reopened after an expansive renovation. Such a peaceful place.

Mosaic tiles made with pebbles to walk on and waterfalls to walk under. 

The roses are lush, full, and fragrant. In my mind I walked through with a bucket of cool water and cut a nice selection, brought them into my kitchen and arranged them in a vase for the table. 

At the end we sat in the cool marble chair and enjoyed the statues in Shakespeare's garden. 

This is one of my very favorite places in all the world. It inspires and delights me every single time I come and fills me with even greater appreciation for every living thing. 

it is an experience to wrap yourself in

Early Saturday morning, sister and I headed north towards the wonderful beaches around Santa Barbara. Why not get in a beach walk if you can? Especially if you can hit it at low tide, see some anemones, and maybe (if you are lucky) find a few turbans whose owners have moved out and left the place unoccupied. 

There's a house on the beach with a nice collection of turbans, laid out in neat rows, bleaching out in the sun.

I am not looking to rival this collection, but would like a nice grouping of say 5 or 8? Right now I have 4. Which is pretty good. The important thing is you have to find them yourself. That makes them extra special. AND you can NOT under any circumstances displace an occupant. 

The thing about the beach is the feel of the wind, the smell of the ocean, the sounds of the birds and the surf, the way your eyes search the shore, it is an experience to wrap yourself in. And so we did. I captured a bit of it for you below.

We headed back to the city after our walk and found a wonderful little spot for breakfast where I had the most beautiful and delicious avocado toast with an iced coffee on the side - with oat milk? All I can say is don't knock it till you've tried it.

If you live in the vicinity of South Pasadena, get yourself to Cos & Pi and check it out. 

pure-deliciousness-on-a-plate

Early Thursday morning I hopped a plan out of Kansas City to Los Angeles, where I am hanging out with Sister.  Delighting in the discovery of random works of art, taking walks, petting cats, eating interesting meals, and appreciating gardens.

In other words, just all the usual stuff you do when on a long 3 day weekend.  And, if you think the combination of charred cauliflower, harissa tahini, medjool dates, mint, dill, and pistachios isn’t something you would consider eating. Think again friends. Pure deliciousness on a plate. 

I had two in the course of a week

Just a few last photos from Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Montecito. If I close my eyes I can still hear the ocean and smell the Victorian Box trees. 

The Botanical Garden in Santa Barbara shouldn't be missed. If you can help it. The poppies blooming in this valley... took my breath away they were so perfect. 

Yes please to this wonderfully unusual window box planting. 

The almond croissant from Renauds gets very high marks. So high in fact, that I had two in the course of a week. I mean who knows when I will be back?  It is also worth mentioning that I cut into it carefully, with a knife and fork, and ate it in an excruciatingly slow manner, savoring each and every single bite. 

That's all folks! Until the next trip to see my sister. Which may be later this summer. If I can swing it. 

halfway between aimlessly and purposefully

Wandering around halfway between aimlessly and purposefully is one of the things Sister and I enjoy doing when we spend time together. This is some of the stuff we saw on one such excursion in and around Santa Barbara.

There is no end to the enjoyment to be had in strolling around neighborhoods that are unlike mine.  

Looking out over the ocean from above, is as delightful as staring at it eye to eye. Do oceans have eyes?

These blooming aeoniums look otherworldly to a Kansas gardener. 

There will be a few more posts on the subject of erratic prowls in the weeks to come, stay tuned. Meanwhile it's back to garden clean up here in Kansas. Nothing like great inspiration from a trip to give me that extra push to get started.

providing hours of blissful play

Below are the specimens collected over the course of the days I spent with Sister tramping around the beaches, gardens, back lanes, preserves, and marshes of Carpinteria, Montecito, Santa Barbara, and all points in and around there. 

I have no need to continue to pick up random items that catch my eye. But the gatherer in me says differently. 

These days more care is taken not to pick up too much. Just the things that call to me loudly. 

I like to look at them, re-arrange them, draw them, and in general delight in their uniqueness. 

Sister found this turban on our last beach walk of the trip. As it wasn't occupied, it had to come home. It will live next to the one I found last year. Maybe. They will all have to be brought outside, inspected, evaluated, and arranged carefully. It goes without saying that this will be done multiple times over the summer and in the many years to come, providing hours of blissful play. 

whatever that thing is in each of us that connects us to the world

In between the moon setting and the sun rising, on the beaches in and around Santa Barbara, there was a most amazing display of botanical prints created in the sand every morning. By the actions of the tides combined with rocks and all the living things in the sea.

This human-made feat of balancing also warrants sharing.

A magnificent display for the eyes, the ears, and whatever that thing is in each of us that connects us to the world. 

 

all the other harmless chicanery

I am on hiatus. Chasing sunsets, observing the moon, listening to birdsong, eating all meals out of doors. Stuff like “vegan crack bowls” and “bacon on a date” sandwiches. All served with wine, the chilled white variety with lunch, the bold reds with dinner.

Making masterpieces with Sister. Stunning landscapes, botanical sketches, portraits.

All the flowers and plants have me itching to get my pots planted, ornamental grasses trimmed, boxwoods re-shaped, zinnia seeds sown.


All when I get home. Which will be before I know it. Back to all the other harmless chicanery now.  

the wherewithal to recall and execute rabbit ears

A few more glimpses of days spent in the Ozarks. It was a perfect blend of sunny days with blue skies and cloudy/rainy days.  Time for walks and time for playing Farkle, Scattergories, and Mexican Train dominoes. 

Someone in my knitting class (which hasn't met for many moons) mentioned baking a whole pumpkin that had been seeded then stuffed with bread and cheese and baked. Does that not sound dreamy? When I saw all the pumpkins around I wished had thought to make it while we were on vacation. I have it on my list of things to try before next October so I can see if it's "worthy" of a Moss family gathering. 

This was a lovely scene on one of our morning walks. A lone fisherman, in a perfect location, enjoying the moment. 

This was a perfect escape from the last 9 months. No television or other unworthy distractions. We all recognize that we are living in the most uncertain of times and counted our blessings for yet another chance to be together.

Here's hoping, for many years to come, one of us will always have the wherewithal to recall and execute rabbit ears in at least one picture. The life extending benefits of juvenile behaviors have not been documented in the medical literature, but I feel certain there is a strong correlation. 

While I am at it, Happy Birthday Dad. For your birthday dinner we are having ham with grits and red-eye gravy, slow cooked collard greens, and cornbread. Dessert as you already know, will be banana pudding, eaten right on your dinner plate since you never did believe in dirtying a plate unnecessarily. Besides, you might need a few more bites of salty ham while you are having dessert, the dinner plate allows space for that too.   

the germ squad (Chris & Cheryl) along for frequent disinfecting

The Moss clan has just concluded yet another annual trip to Arkansas, where we engaged in tombstone scrubbing, story telling (including many repeats), and leaf appreciating.

There was another installment of the annual putt putt tournament, with Brother declared the winner this year since he won the practice round and it was too cold to play on the day the championship match was scheduled. 

My favorite part of the trip may have been cleaning up the headstones, putting out new flowers, setting up chairs, spreading out a blanket, and having a picnic lunch at the cemetery. 

A highlight this year was that we rented a bigger place so we could have more space for distancing inside, a great deck for sitting, and a kitchen to do all our cooking at home. Dottie made mom's enchiladas which tasted exactly like mom had made them herself. Brother prepared his world famous risotto, and Cheryl made this insanely addictive Do Nothing Cake. The Moss's never go hungry on vacation. 

I think I already mentioned the leaves? 

We all raised our glasses of Blanton's in a toast to Dad, and a special shell and sea glass were left from mom. Some years the rocks, shells, golf balls, and other tokens are there the next year. Most times not. We still like leaving them. 

I will be very honest in saying we were all hesitant about this annual trip. But with modifications, masks, being outside a lot, and the germ squad (Chris & Cheryl) along for frequent disinfecting, I think we did ok. 

P.S.  Happy Birthday Mom, from all us kids. Yes, we are taking care of each other... just like you taught us. 

a splendid spot for a walk

The timing of the annual Moss pilgrimage to the Ozarks coincided perfectly with the colors changing this year.  As you can see.  

A splendid spot for a walk.  With your sister. On a Wednesday morning in October.

a fine advertisement for the therapeutic benefits of walking

Before I put the Colorado trip and posts to bed for good, here is one last look at some nice moments there. Random stuff that caught my eye. 

I spotted the badges on her backpack at Emerald lake and then ran across she and her husband again on the trail back. He is 80 and she is 72! They have hiked all over the world.

A fine advertisement for the therapeutic benefits of walking. In addition to the wonderful scenery. Though that, in and of itself, is quite enough. 

This young woman got my prize for best hiking hair. Stylish yet functional, with a hint of pink. 

Our little Airbnb was just right. Clean, comfortable bed, perfect location, good outside spot for sitting and staring. Or having dinner - al fresco. 

The end. Until next trip...

a more responsible guest would have discouraged this activity

Tonight let me fill you in on a few things about our trip to Colorado, not related to the national park.

First up, there was a parliament of Black-Billed Magpies convening in Estes Park while we were there. Extremely entertaining to watch as they debated amongst themselves and swooped about showing off their long tails. 

Our Airbnb also came with a house rabbit. Almost as good as a house cat. 

He pretty much stayed on the deck, munching the plants that had been carefully planted there. A more responsible guest would have discouraged this activity, but... rabbits have to eat too. Right?

There was also a contingent of elk that come down out of the woods into Estes Park every year in the fall as part of their mating ritual. We saw them in a park in the middle of town, as well as on a golf course.

Apparently they have been doing this for many years and even as the town of Estes Park has grown, they continue their customary practice.

We did not spend much time downtown but for those who may travel there, here are a few places that should not be missed.  Beginning with Inkwell and Brew, a store with a carefully curated collection of pens, cards, papers, journals, gifts, and coffee. They also had the loveliest patio for sitting out of doors.

Which I of course took advantage of one afternoon.

The Provencal latte (lavender & honey) is highly recommended.

Right by this delightful spot, is MacDonald Books. It's hard for me to ever pass up a local bookstore. They had a great selection of books about the area and the park in addition to anything else you want from a bookstore. 

Masks required downtown, and hand sanitizers were plentiful. 

On our last day, we did the 3.5 mile walk around Lake Estes. Mostly flat, with nice views of the lake, it was a great way to spend the morning.

Parts of the trail also took you by the Big Thompson river, which was beautiful. 

This was one of the "easiest" trips we have ever taken. Relaxing, slow paced, doing whatever we felt like, whenever we wanted to. A perfect getaway. It's going to become an annual thing, like the art retreat Mary Ann and Pam and I do every year in January. I haven't thought of what to call it yet, but I am working on it.

a perfect destination in COVID times

Today just a bit about our perspectives on traveling in the midst of a pandemic. Where. Why. How. 

We had made plans to go to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) in January, before COVID-19 changed the way the world operates.  So when it came time to decide if we were actually going - here is what we took into consideration.

To start, Colorado is not seeing a spike in numbers. At this time they are doing better than we are in Kansas. Not traveling to a "hot spot" seemed like it would be a reasonable thing to do. Also, a 10 hour drive is do-able, and not getting on a plane felt "safer".  We found the rest areas along the interstate in Kansas and Colorado to be pretty clean. All along the way at gas stations masks were required and people were complying. We brought along paper towels/napkins for door handles since many bathrooms these days don't have them, however most of the ones we stopped at did. 

Second, all of our activities were going to be out of doors. No museums, theaters, or big gatherings of people. Just a change of scenery sort of doing what we have been doing at home, but still a "get away". 

Third - we rented an Airbnb where we were by ourselves, self check in, no housekeeping (except Chris), no shared spaces with strangers. This also allowed us to do our own cooking, bring our groceries, and again limit exposure. We did stop at a grocery store for a few items that don't travel well, but we are used to that routine. We did a "contactless" pick-up of a pizza on the night we drove in to Estes Park (high marks to Anthony's Real New York pizza for ease of ordering and pick up, in addition to excellent flavor and seriously good crust).

At RMNP masks were required when around others and when not able to be socially distant - so on the shuttles to trail heads, in the visitor center, and when on a crowded trail. Again, compliance was very high. 

The National Parks are really our treasure. We have visited many through the years. This year, more than ever, we appreciate the ability to travel to them and enjoy the great out of doors. They are a perfect destination, in my opinion, in COVID times. 

P.S. Getting on line in advance of your trip to see if the park you are planning to visit has any special restrictions is a great idea. We made reservations on July 1st for the days we wanted to visit Rocky Mountain Park in August. I don't know if all parks are restricting visitors or not, but good to check. Forewarned is forearmed, as someone used to say.

in case you want to briefly return to 1971

Yesterday we motored home from the mountains, trees, lakes, and rivers of Colorado. Our drive literally flew by. The license plate game started on the drive out was finished - 45/50 spotted. Unfortunately we did not see West Virginia, Alaska, North Dakota, Alabama, or Rhode Island, but did hoot and holler when Hawaii flashed by. 

We brought three audio books for entertainment, but the first two were not conducive for travel.  Road noise, complicated story lines and narration that failed to hold our attention were the downfall of those. Rather than start #3, we listened to a couple of episodes of Twenty Thousand Hertz. The episode about the theme music from Seinfeld was great, as was the one about the evolution of accents. 

Our favorite activity though was when Chris and I alternated between picking songs from years gone by to listen to... and of course singing along. It started when I asked Chris to look up what was on the flip side of the 45 that featured "Sign Signs, Everywhere a Sign" by Five Man Electrical Band, which I have included below, in case you also want to briefly return to 1971. 

We had a wonderful time at Rocky Mountain National Park, but it's amazing how quickly we settled back into the routines of home.

Getting flowers on the table, puttering in the kitchen.

Walking in the morning.

Going through the mail, watering the flower beds, doing the laundry... getting back to the usual routines of daily life, but refreshed by what we saw and hope to do again in 2021.

I hate to do this, but I am going to have to quote Dorothy and say "there's no place like home". Heel clicking optional.  

It will not be another 23 years before we return

“Within national parks is room - glorious room - room in which to find ourselves, in which to think and hope, to dream and plan, to rest and resolve.”

                 Enos Mills

The quote above is from the inside of the new Rocky Mountain National Park hiking book we found yesterday. Something to guide our “dreaming and planning” since it will not be another 23 years before we return. 

 

if you are attracted to quirky, unusual, wildly creative sorts of individuals

This is a post about one of those things I meant to tell you about, but forgot. It was lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but I still want to show you the pictures and tell you the story. In the event that you might might find yourself in the vicinity of Ft. Bragg and want to check it out.

In something I was reading before we went on the Moss Sisters trip to Mendocino in August, I came across an article about a museum of common sense. I tucked it away in the "try and find this" file in my brain. Because doesn't that sound like something that should be seen?  

So there we were, on August 2nd, driving around Ft. Bragg, headed in a southerly direction, after we left the Headlands Coffee Shop, when I spotted Redwood Ave. This is how a 60 year old mind works. Random sights trigger things which may or may not lead somewhere, but in this case it did.

We pulled over and went into Lost Coast Found, drawn by the magnetic pull of Larry Spring's spirit and inventions which are housed right inside of the second hand store. Though we did not know it until we entered. 

He discovered something called magnespheres, a form of electromagnetic energy, which I will not begin to try and tell you about. Mo, who runs the Lost Coast, can give you the low down when you are there. 

In addition to inventing things, he clearly had a great sense of humor and a penchant for "making" art out of found objects.

You will want to check it out if you are attracted to quirky, unusual, wildly creative sorts of individuals. Because that is what I would call Larry Spring. 

Also, Lost Coast, in and of itself is a wonderful spot to poke around in. With many things you may or may not need to bring home with you. Like the green pottery vase below on the right, which just happens to be made for the window sill in front of my sink.  

The end.  

More stuff about Larry Spring for the curious minded.

while you are at it, pick up a jar of chow-chow

We went to the "Ozark Grand Canyon" aka the "Arkansas Grand Canyon" when we were down that way a few weeks ago.  The views are spectacular, the signs informative, and the photo ops plentiful.

After you recover from the super windy roads you had to travel to get to this scenic point, go into the little store and get yourself a bottle of water or cold pop for one dollar. While you are at it, pick up a jar of chow-chow to accompany the next cheese plate you put together.  

we have a back up plan, that includes loppers

The pumpkins and mums were as pretty as ever at Big Cedar Lodge this year. For a true fall lover like myself, it is pure paradise. 

We always love to go on walks/hikes there, and while we are walking, recall all the other walks we have taken there through the years. This is what happens when you get older. If it hasn't happened to you yet... it will.  

On the second day of our visit, I asked Dottie "do you want me to tell you the plan for the walk today or shall I just take you?" My plan was for a good looooong walk and I didn't want to scare her, but on the other hand, I thought she might want to know what I was thinking. 

The next day she did the same thing to me except her plan was even better. She took me to the trails they used to maintain in the woods which (much to our chagrin) are now closed. Except, we found our way through much of it anyway - it was earlier in the year and there were less leaves on the ground, so it was easier than last year. 

Dottie is going to write them a letter about the trails, and how important it is for people to get out in the woods. Back to nature, on a trail. She is a good writer.  I foresee them wanting us to come down and share our ideas with them. Probably they will end up wanting us to plan the trails and lead the hikes. But if they do not, we have a back up plan. That includes packing loppers. The high performance kind. 

P.S. let's just keep this among ourselves for now.     

where all sorts of things can happen

Though it's been a month since the Moss sisters descended upon Mendocino, it simultaneously feels like its been 6 months and only a week.

Maybe because I keep looking at my photos.

Or perhaps it's a result of that magnetic pull of the headlands.  

Really it's the whole of the Mendocino coast.  The old water towers, paths to walk, flowers, fog, mist, buildings.

The spot with the pottery where you left the money for your purchase in a box, on the honor system. The wonderful used book store, the interesting spots to eat.

Sunsets, back street alleys, and plein air painters.

The Goodlife bakery and the Mendocino Market Deli with the really nice sandwich maker who told us when he put our sandwiches in a brown paper bag, about how his mom made his lunch everyday for school. Always writing his name on the bag, along with a heart, so he would know she packed it with love.

Maybe it was the "wind phone" outside the Headlands Cafe, where, for no charge at all, you can pick up the phone and have a conversation with people who are gone, that you miss, and you just thought of something you need to tell them. 

The Mendocino coast is a magical place, where all sorts of things can happen.   

this jaw dropping window box

In addition to having lovely views of the ocean, with water that changed colors from one minute to the next, and a lovely dahlia garden, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden also had THE MOST interesting collection of fuchsias I had ever seen.

Sister and I kept saying to each other "but did you see THIS one?" And then "Dottie you better get in here right now!  You are not going to believe your eyes!"

If you are in the vicinity of Ft. Bragg and Mendocino you must plan a visit. You could take a whole day here if you wanted, or at least 3-4 hours. I mentioned in a previous post they serve ice cream in a lovely little outdoor seating area.  

But I don't think I showed you this jaw dropping window box. Which I am certain you will agree, is absolute perfection. 

the headlands

Before leaving for Mendocino, when telling people where we were going, it became evident that the village of Mendocino on the northern coast of California is relatively unknown, in Kansas anyway. Then I would say "we are going to walk on the headlands", also met with quizzical looks.  Tonight I give you a tutorial on the headlands.

From the Oxford American Dictionary:  headland: (hed-land) n. a promontory.

I can do better than that. With no words.

 

 

There will not be a test over this material. Consider it an invitation to visit and experience it for yourself. 

there are 83 I am sparing you from

Between us, and our 4 cameras, we took exactly 87 pictures of the three of us.  This one is my favorite.

I will try not to post more than 3 more of the remaining 86. That would mean there are 83 I am sparing you from. 

Today we are fanning out to the south, the southwest, and the west. Foibles associated with travel have already begun. I am doing my best to be mature about it. 

tonight there is this

Tomorrow morning we leave, but tonight there is this.  

like some poppy seeds or a new pair of clippers

The Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden is a lovely spot to visit. Right now the dahlias are putting on quite a show.

Some are more spectacular than others, but they are all show-offs.

There is a trail to the ocean, fields for photo taking, and a lovely little nursery with plants to buy.

Oh, and they feature Cowlick Ice Cream in the cafe, so you can get a scoop of s’mores flavor on a sugar cone while you decide if you need to buy anything. Like some poppy seeds, or a new pair of clippers.