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

  • 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.

  • knitting for when you are listening to a book by a cozy fire

    The “21 color slouch” hat has been completed. Here I am in the mirror that Alice retrieved from some barn, on some old homestead near Russell Kansas in the early 1980’s, and thought we needed in our house. She was right, of course. What I wouldn’t give to sit down and have a conversation with her right this minute. But that’s a post for another time – the one about all the talks you want, with all the memorable people in your life who have died. Let’s get back to the hat for now.

    Really FUN knit. The details about the pattern are in the last photo of the post. I bought this pattern and a kit with all the mini skeins of yarn from Dances with Wool in Richmond Virginia. I just looked on their website and it looks like they still have the bundle of mini skeins if you are interested. https://danceswithwoolrva.com/products/blue-sky-woolstok-27-color-mini-bundle?_pos=2&_psq=mini+sk&_ss=e&_v=1.0

    I tried many different methods of working in the ends as I went along. Some were better than others, I am not sure I have the best method figured out, but it was all good practice. Bottom line, I loved every bit of the knitting and the working in. Good knitting for when you are listening to a book by a cozy fire. I love that this turned out exactly as I thought it would. You know how sometimes you make something and when you put it on you are disappointed and know you will be unlikely to wear it? That is not the case with the 21 color slouch! It is slouchy without being too baggy, it is not itchy, and I just LOVE all the colors.

  • Mary Pat it was nice to meet you

    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.

  • a skillfully woven together masterpiece

    Over the course of the last 14 days I have spent a full 26 hours listening to The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai. It is read (masterfully) by Sneer Mathan. It is hard to condense into a few sentences what this book is about. On the surface it is the story of 2 young people from India and their relationship, but is is so much deeper than that. It is filled with details, customs, traditions, and a cast of interesting, vibrant characters who show us their worries, doubts, superstitions, and beliefs. We see the complex love of family with ways that are rooted in the past but still with us today. Whether you are knowledgable about the culture of India or not, you will likely feel the similarities that inevitably exist in all families.

    The writing in this book is such a pleasure to read. Early on, I found myself stopping to write down particular lines, but gave that up so as not to interrupt the flow of the book. I will leave you with this one though from early on… “it was essential to remain close to those who had caused you harm so that the ghost of guilt might breathe through their dreams, that their guilt might slowly mature to it’s fullest potential”.

    I have not read The Inheritance of Loss, Desai’s previous book, but have added it to my list. I need to let this one sit with me for awhile and fully enjoy the magical quality of it. Extremely HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. After I read it, I looked at a review of it that said it was “too long and fragmented” and wondered if we had read the same book. Yes, it is long, but so skillfully woven together that it is seamless. I found myself caught up in the lives of ALL the characters, not just Sonia and Sunny. In particular Sunny’s mother (Babita) and Sonia’s father.