Tall Tales from Kansas

My name is Carol. I live in Kansas. I write about stuff that happens to me as I walk through the world. Most of it is true.

recent posts

  • finding ways to hang tough

    Hello and howdy and how the heck did we get to February 1st already? Day by day Carol… that’s how it happened, just like everything else, time is moving while we are mired in ugliness, doing our best to do our part, to make the world the place it should be for all the inhabitants of the planet.

    Overnight oats and sumo mandarins for breakfast while I compose regular emails to my representatives in congress who likely don’t give 2 hoots about how I feel, but I like to tell them anyway. I am their constituent after all, they are supposed to represent ALL Kansans.

    A knitting basket with 2 ongoing projects. Different sized needles somehow makes the motion less repetitive and easier for the hands. I bought the red, gray, and black tweed years ago at a sale and have been waiting for it to knit itself, but it’s not happening so I gave in and cast on myself.

    This air plant has survived 3 and 1/2 months with slipshod attention from me. When I remember to dunk it in water I tell myself I will do better so it will thrive instead of just getting by. It’s like a pet that can’t tell me exactly what it needs but I try to interpret the signs.

    On the bedside table right now is a collection of poetry and The Correspondent which just came up for me at the library. I am hooked after my first night of reading.

    February 1st means a new pattern in the Block Studies Collective class. I guess I better get the January block put together. Jen Carlton Bailey aka “Betty Crockerass” was a guest teacher for January. Loved her pattern and pallete.

    I hope you are all finding ways to hang tough as we struggle to cope with the thugs in the White House. I LOVED Maureen Dowd’s piece in the NYT this morning – Slovenian Sphinxs’s Flick Nixed! Seriously – no words myself about the gall of it all. I added a link below if you want to read what others who do have words had to say.

    https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/31/opinion/melania-trump-movie.html?unlocked_article_code=1.I1A.2wCI.K3QAE3Bkifjg&smid=url-share

    Did I mention the tapioca pudding and lemon bars that have been made in the last week or so? Consider this a public service announcement that we are moving away from the heavy, densely spiced, desserts of fall and winter into the lightness of spring. That is of course unless you are not ready to pivot quite yet, in which case how about a chocolate Guinness cake? Chris had to go and mention that this morning, which made me remember the last time I made it. And how good it was. And how it likely should be repeated.

    Stay safe out there everyone, let’s keep holding each other’s hands.

  • grateful he left these words for us

    After my last “book focused” post, where I mentioned that I may have pushed one of the main characters who was lost at sea overboard, I recognized a need to return to some pure comfort in the reading arena. Those who have been following along for awhile know about the two series I reach for when in need of just such a fix. Today I finished listening to installment #11 (A Dangerous Place) in the one by Jacqueline Winspear featuring Maisie Dobbs. Since last I checked in she has returned from India, went through some major life changes in Canada, and after investigating a murder in Gibraltar, finds herself in the middle of a a civil war in Spain. Some good historical fiction along with a bit of intrigue and a visit with old friends. It was just what I needed to settle me out.

    Happily, just as I was finishing it, #13 (Glass Houses) in the Three Pines series featuring Inspector Armand Gamache by Louise Penny came up for me on libby. Oh joy. I am ready for a visit to the Northern Townships and a stop in at the bistro. Yes, please. Most of you have likely read all the books in both of these series, but I have been parsing them out ever so slowly since I discovered them. I intend to continue exactly in that same manner. It’s like having a special shelf in my home library that I can go to in times of need and pull down something that will be guaranteed to take me away. No guessing involved. There are 7 more books in each of these series. If I am very careful that will see me through the next three years of this current administration squatting in the White House.

    Meanwhile, on the nightstand for the all important “right before sleep” reading is this collection of essays by the one and only Brian Doyle – Notes on Wonder: One Long River of Song. Each night I read one (ok sometimes two), and after I finish, I remove my glasses, sigh, close my eyes, put my hands on top of the book that I have placed on my chest, and am grateful he left these words for us.

    These grocery store daisies combined with some snips of ivy from my back yard and a few pieces of boxwood from the side yard are also bringing some cheer.

    The ivy is growing roots in the water like nobody’s business. Those cuttings will be placed in a pot outside with the coming of spring, which feels like a long way off yet, but will be here before we know it.

  • all final decisions to be negotiated with myself

    Above is my favorite block (so far) from this year’s Block Studies class with Tara Faughnan. I love the colors and how they all are coming together. At this point, with 12 blocks made, it seems like I might be headed for a full-on big size quilt. Or maybe not.

    The picture above is my favorite block from last years Block Studies class. Trying all sorts of things after getting down the basic idea is pure fun. I decided I should make a few more squares and try to “puzzle” all of the different sizes together into a table runner of sorts.

    I laid things out, took a photo so I would remember what goes where, and am on a roll. I took apart a piece or two when deciding on the layout. I have learned so much from these classes and had just the best time.

    I may hand quilt this since it’s small and hand stitching is enjoyable for me in a meditative sort of way. All final decisions to be negotiated when it’s put together. Me, myself, and I will each get a vote.

    Playing around with colorful fabrics in a small study is GREAT fun. I had a conversation with my friend Mary Joan the other day about making stuff. She is a one project at a time maker and does beautiful work – quilting, knitting, and needlepoint. I love how she gets things DONE. I want to be a one-thing-at-a-time maker but my brain doesn’t work that way. Happily, each of us who love making are free to honor our natural instincts and do what pleases us most.

    More photos to follow as the process unfolds. As always, do not hold your breath.

  • your money or your life

    After a several month hiatus due to holidays, weather, and life in general, it is with great pleasure that I post this photo of the 3 Huffs at our lunch recently in Lawrence. Before I forget, let me just say that if you go to the Sunflower Cafe (located inside the Sunflower bike shop on Mass street) and they have the falafel burger on the menu – GET IT. 100% delicious. You may want to be sure you are not going to be in up close conversation with anyone for the next 24 hours – they are generous with the garlic in the tzatziki. Also, the red onions. If you are going to have a falafel burger you might as well go all the way though. Would you have birthday cake without ice cream? Exactly my point.

    Now let me get back on track. Marti Huff is officially 102 now and kicked off our lunch with a reminder of the great “I’m thinking!” line that Jack Benny gave when he was asked “your money or your life” by the thief on the street. It’s a classic and you have to be able to see it in your mind, but seriously her version was right up there with the best of them. This all started because she was “thinking” over the choice of the grilled cheese or the chicken curry sandwich. Some decisions can not be rushed.

    Marti also shared the memory of the roller skating accident as a child where she sustained a deep gash on her head; requiring the doctor to be called out to the house to put in some stitches. She relayed how he lifted her up on the table, laid her down, and got to work. Oh how times have changed. I love knowing someone who lived this life and can tell the stories.

    There was a cute 4 year old sitting at an adjacent table eating a chocolate rice crispy square that was the biggest one I had ever seen. We asked if it was good and he assured us it was “super good”. So we of course got one to try. We decided the original version was likely better but did not share our opinion with our new friend Hugh, we told him we liked it just fine, and thanked him for the recommendation because gosh darn it he was cute, and we liked him a whole lot.

    Great food, good conversation, a new friend, life doesn’t get better than that.

    The End.

  • I may have pushed the husband overboard

    This is my latest book finish. It was up front in all the “you should read this book” lists. I think it could be that the state of the world right now is influencing my likes, loves, okay, and blah ratings of books. I just thought it was alright. It was certainly not dazzling and maybe that’s because I could not connect for some reason with the main characters. Yes, the premise that the couple survives because of the sheer will of the woman, is interesting but come on, I think that happens all the time in life. It’s only 6 hours (if you listen), so not a huge investment either way. Honestly, and take this with a grain of salt, I may have pushed the husband overboard. At the end of the book, there is a recap of what happens after they are rescued. This part was really irritating, and may be why I wanted to have pushed the husband overboard. Would love to know what others thought.

  • letting the imagination roam unconstrained

    Yesterday morning all the candles were lit first thing, before considering what manner of things the day may bring. It all looked cozy, so I plopped down for a sit and put my feet up. Then in the way that “one thing leads to another” I reflected on this newish hotel in Stowe Vermont (which I had seen a photo of) and how lovely it would be to go there, explore the town, take a hike, stay at a cool hotel, have a fabulous meal, sit by a fire. Somehow Moby Dick popped up next in my brain and whether that is the classic that deserves reading this year, so of course a search for reviews was conducted. Then came the consideration of all these over-size vests I have been seeing with crisp white shirts and jeans on instagram. Should I make one? Which pattern? Knit in the round or seam up the sides? My imagination was next sparked by the idea of a full on sewing retreat… in Rye, England at Merchant & Mills no less. A link was sent to sister with the idea that we should go and make dresses. I am going to say letting the imagination roam unconstrained on a path of good things that could happen is full on fun. All my endorphins were firing. Every day should start this way.

    So listen, here’s the ask… I need to hear from anyone who has been to Stowe Vermont – how was it? Then if you have knit an oversize vest that you liked – what pattern did you use? Who has read Moby Dick and should that be my classic for the year or do you have another suggestion? (I loved Rebecca and Dracula last year). If you are a sewist, have you used a Merchant and Mills pattern and how was it to follow?

    In exchange, I am going to tell you that I just finished listening to Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy, and recommend it very highly to you. She reads it if you are an audiobook devotee. I loved hearing her tell her story in her voice (written and spoken).

    I was expecting the thorny upbringing by her mother, what I was not expecting was the tenderness in the re-telling. Nor was I prepared for her staunch love of India and her activism on the part of women and democracy in general. It made me realize that I have so often been uninformed about the terrible things we humans do to one another all over the world. I felt like the author was having a conversation with me alone. Personal, intimate, infinitely relatable. Put it on your list.

  • let them arrive when I least expect them

    This strange (normal for Kansas) weather pattern of vacillating between really cold days and some warmer days has allowed me to squeeze in a few walks outside. Some days when it is cold and gray I want to make myself go outside, knowing I will feel better for doing it, but I just can’t talk myself into it. The spirit is willing but the body is weak, or something like that.

    Anyway, this was a lovely morning, and all the elements of the out of doors filled me with that sense of “rightness” that can happen when all systems are in synch.

    The church of the glassy river is a holy place.

    There was a stop after the walk on Massachusetts street for a spot of coffee and some recording of events, thoughts, plans, dreams, etc. Right when I walked in a young man said “I like your green top ma’m”. Then he told a lady at the counter he liked her holiday sweater. I liked him.

    I did not fill the remaining pages of this journal with anything earth shattering. There was no list of favorite things done in 2025. No resolutions made for 2026. I plan to have some joy-filled moments, but I am going to let them arrive when I least expect them, like this day in the coffee shop, sitting back as life unfolded quietly.

  • nibble nibble little mouse…

    Oh what a sky on the day after, the day after, Christmas. And if this wasn’t enough, when I looked down there was an orange cat twirling around a flower pot and then between my slippers and ankles. Sheer delight, you can imagine the cooing, talking, petting that went on. It was shamelessly wonderful.

    The new version of Hansel and Gretel by Stephen King was read and returned to the library. The story sticks pretty much to the basics (sad father, mean stepmother, dark forest, bread crumbs, wicked witch) if memory serves correctly. I had forgotten the wonderful line… “nibble nibble little mouse, who is nibbling at my house”. Spoken deliciously by the evil witch trying to lure the children inside and trap them. For that reason, AND for the fabulous illustrations by Maurice Sendak, it should be picked up and flipped through. Even better if you can find someone to read it aloud to you. But not before bed.

    We watched the latest Knives Out mystery on Christmas Eve. Equally as good as the first one, better than the second one, with award winning performances by Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Kerry Washington, and of course Daniel Craig. It’s on Netflix right now.

    I am deep into being mode. Not doing a thing that smells even slightly of should. Playing around with some quilt blocks, hanging out at coffee shops, doing some yoga, reading a book, lighting candles, loosening up my drawing mojo, drinking the last of the eggnog with a shot of bourbon. Good stuff, all of it.

  • it’s a timeless classic

    If you are sitting alone, looking at the fire tonight, while you wait for Santa to make a delivery, may I suggest you listen to Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie? Written in 1938 it’s a timeless classic. Who killed Simeon Lee inside the locked room in an old English mansion in the countryside? Was it one of the son’s? A daughter in law? The stranger from South Africa? The newly discovered granddaughter from Spain? The valet? Or someone entirely different. Not to worry, Hercule is on the case. It’s a fast 6 hours and most atmospheric. I am going to suggest a glass of eggnog with a good shot of bourbon to go with. Narrated by Hugh Fraser, it’s a great listen. Be sure to have your pajamas on, a place to prop up your feet, and maybe a bit of knitting in a basket by your side.

    It will likely make you want to get out the game of Clue and have round or two. Again, it’s a fun diversion for a quiet holiday for one or two. Most of the Thanksgiving crowd we had over last month, came down with something after that holiday so we are staying in our respective homes for the 25th. If you think you can’t play Clue with just 2 – look up how to do it on the internet. They have answers for everything.

    On another holiday front, I decided at the last minute to whip up a new set of napkins for Christmas. I saw this bundle of fat quarters at Sarah’s downtown on Mass street and I jumped on them.

    I am a sucker for making a mitered corner. Mostly because I used to think it was impossibly hard, and after about 10 sets of multiple napkins it is easy. I did not even burn my fingers once on the steam from my iron when I was getting them ready to sew.

    I also decided in the last several days that I needed a new mitten for the mitten garland over the fireplace. Here it is in the leftovers from my Sophie scarf with a little something else for the right gauge.

    As I put this post to bed tonight and get ready to go sit in front of the tree, I am thinking about how making stuff is so much like playing. Using your imagination and materials of some sort to pull something out of nothing. I wish you lots of playing, making, and anything else that makes you happy during the holidays.

  • one of the absolute pleasures of getting older

    In these days of Ho! Ho! Ho! and Fa-La-La-La-La, my time has been occupied by the very worthy task of enjoying this little poinsettia on my table. Why did I go with the mini version this year? Because I saw it, I knew I had a little pot to put it in, and was certain it would be perfect on the table. It could be that I will only get a tiny poinsettia from now on.

    A good batch of corn muffins was made in anticipation of the arrival of soup and stew season. Chris made a pot of ham and beans recently that may have been his best ever. Butternut squash got roasted before I forgot about it in the pantry until spring. We’ve all done it.

    Christmas card writing was another task crossed off the list. I don’t send as many as in years past, but a few just want to be written. This year I ordered a selection of cards from Cambridge Imprint across the pond in England. Their paper is so so wonderful to write on. Same goes for Hammerpress right here in Kansas City – love their designs.

    Perhaps the thing that has been delighting me the most is this paperwhite bulb purchased at the Holiday Farmers Market. Absolutely amazing! It’s growing, growing, growing, taller every hour. And the roots are mesmerizing; reaching down to the water in the pebbles. No Christmas in the future will be complete without one (or three) of them.

    When we were kids, we always got fruit in our stockings, at least one apple and one orange, plus nuts we had to crack open. This pear, which came in a box of fruit from Ray and Cheryl Jean, keeps that memory alive for me. They seem extra good this year. Brother and I also had a hilarious conversation about how good fruitcake is and that we like mincemeat pie. If only Angie could have joined in.

    One of the absolute pleasures of getting older is finally relating to all the things your parents thought were good… and having siblings to talk about it with.