Tall Tales from Kansas

Santa was giving out hugs at the Holiday Farmers Market in Lawrence on Saturday. I was second in line after Karen Pendleton, creator of those fabulous gourds in the photo below.

They also had paperwhites, in the proper containers, with clear instructions on what to do with them when you got them home. Which is – nothing. Watch them and be amazed. Just don’t let the bulb get wet. Only the roots. Check.

There was some good music coming out of this group, spirits were high, smiles were plentiful.

There were some creative, wonderful, useful items for sale.

I have been meaning to try Mrs. Peters’ sugar cookies for years. This year is the year. I got the box that came complete with cookies, frosting in bags, sprinkles, and some instructions. She told me to report back to her how they came out.

If you are a hot cocoa fan, these gnomes came complete with the hot chocolate bomb and all the toppings you could ask for. Clever idea.

I was delighted to see the holiday cakes from Chonky sweets and eats. I nabbed a piece of the peppermint mocha and the gingerbread. Along with a couple of the original chocolate chip cookies with a touch of sea salt on top. It’s going to be a long winter. One must be prepared.

They won the award for best looking family at the market. Love those smiles.

Good smiles from this group too… plus dogs!

I wanted to buy everyone on my gift list a bag of flour. The bags are so beautiful.

It was when I was taking pictures of the flower ornaments that a really nice lady came up and asked me if I was Carol. She said I had taken photos of her son and his dog several times over the years at the market and so had become a blog reader! Oh how I love a moment of connection like this. I should have gotten a photo but I think we will likely run into each other again. Her name was Mary Pat and she said she and her husband would like to go to the beaches that Mary Ann and I walk in California. I so love it when people who read the blog talk to me.

These two know how to wear a stocking hat, and how about the gloves with the snowflakes? I wanted to hug them, but refrained.

Speaking of stocking hats?!?? Just when I think the succulent man at the market has come up with his best idea ever… he comes up with something even better. Loved these.

The guy below had on a great cat hat that you really can’t see in this photo so just take my word for it. They were well prepared in their layers and with plenty of baskets and bags for their purchases.

You could also get your presents wrapped at the market. If you were so inclined. These two were armed and ready to cut, fold, tape, and apply bows.

Here is what came home with me Saturday. The thing you cannot see but I hope you “get” through the pictures, are what a wonderful time I had there. It was good to get a dose of “my people”. There is nothing like the holiday farmers market to get your mind right and your spirits lifted.

P.S. The cookies were very fun to decorate and the cookies themselves – delicious! The frosting was tasty, really easy to apply, and firmed up nicely. I will admit to being quite liberal with it and the sprinkles. Which is the joy of a do it yourself decorating party. Chris and I gave the whole project 4 thumbs up.