It Is Cherry Pickin' Time!

Stop the presses and hold the phone! The cherries are ripe and need picking. Does it matter if it is nearly 100 degrees outside today? No. Does it matter if this is my wedding anniversary. NO! What does matter is that I had to pick cherries this morning before the birds ate them.

That is not the end of the story because, of course, I had to pit them, wash them, cook and can them. It was an all day process. We had only half of the amount of cherry crop we had last year, but I still picked about 3 gallons.

The end result is very satisfying. I have 12 jars of cherry jam, 3 quarts and 6 pints of cherries in syrup.

Since I haven't posted a recipe in a long time, I am giving you, Dear Readers, an easy Cooked Tart Cherry Jam recipe.

4 Cups pitted sour cherry pulp
4+3/4 Cups sugar
1 Box of Sure Jell
1/2 t. butter
1/4 t. almond extract

Follow the Sure Jell directions carefully. Be sure to time the boiling process exactly.

Pour jam into hot sterile canning jars, seal and water bath for 10-15 minutes.

Note: As you can see in my picture, there is a little cherry pitter in the shape of a little man. I bought him in a trendy kitchen shop and paid too much money for him. I say that because- it doesn't work! What does work is holding the cherry in one hand (over a bowl) and squeezing out the seed into another bowl. You do that a million times until all your cherries are pit-free. It takes a long time. A very long time. If (horrors) you miss a seed, they usually float to the top during the cooking process. Believe me, it is not a fun experience to bite into your fresh cherry cobbler and break a tooth on a seed.

Frank Lloyd Wright House in Wichita, Kansas

A few blocks down from McCormick Elementary School is The Henry J. Allen house on North Roosevelt. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1917-1919 for then Governor Allen. There is an ornamental wall surrounding the courtyard and gardens. This is Mr. Wrights final example of "Prairie Houses."

Another Wichita building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is on the Wichita State University campus. The Corbin Education Center on Fairmount is a beautiful example of Mr. Wrights distinctive design. The color scheme of pinks, orange and browns was actually Mrs. Wrights input.

I love Wichita with it's combination of old and new. For other posts about Wichita, go back in this blog to "2010" Archives and find out about Delano, Pizza Hut, Joyland, "The Keeper of the Plains" and North High School among other topics. I grew up in Wichita but still find interesting places to explore every time I return "home."

In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy said "There is no place like home."

That says it all.

McCormick Elementary School, Wichita, Kansas

Back in Wichita, Kansas

Wishing I could click my heels just as Dorothy did in The Wizard of Oz, I flew instead to Kansas on a plane. In an upcoming post, I will write about why flying isn't any fun these days and why my list of "OK airlines" is growing shorter and shorter with every trip.

My sister picked me up at the airport on the Monday after Easter and we headed for lunch. We missed our Dad at his house, but left him a sandwich in the fridge. Our brother was to arrive from L.A. at 9 PM, but due to storms in Dallas, he arrived the next night.

Finally all the family came together for a belated Easter dinner. Over the next few days we ate Chinese food, lunch at Wanda's Soup Kitchen and, of course, Nu-Ways (see April 2, 2010's post called "There Is No Place Like Home.") Do you notice how everything our family does involves food? I see a theme here.

We had an interesting side trip, on the way out to lunch, of course, which took us to McCormick Elementary School which was built in 1889 and finished in 1890. My grandmother, Mable Elvira Kirkpatrick Reynolds (AKA: Billie)went to McCormick in about 1913. It is the only remaining school designed by architects Proudfoot and Bird. The McCormick School is now used by the Wichita School System for museum and science programs. An addition in 1910 doubled the size of the school.

They don't make 'em like that anymore!

Art In The Denver Airport

If you find yourself stuck at The Denver Airport, or have a very long layover, there is an interesting two hour walking tour in the main terminal. "Mustang," (see picture) by Luis Jimenezis is among 30 amazing sculptures. Sculpture, photographs and paintings are everywhere on the 6 levels and at many of the gates.

In several places the floor is also art. Inspired by Colorado topography, artifacts and Native American decorate the mosiac tile floor, so be sure and look down! "Mountain Mirage" by Doug Lollis is an art fountain. It reminds one of the Rocky Mountains and sounds like racing rivers and waterfalls. Huge sculpture such as "Beaded Circle Crossing" by Alice Adams loom overhead and are very high tech.

One of the most famous attractions is a mural located on level five, called "In Peace and Harmony With Nature" by Leo Tanguma. The tour guidebook reads: "The painting references socialrealist murals of Mexico, but addresses a modern theme: the destruction of the environment." but maybe the most controversial murals, also on level five, is called "Children Of The World Dream of Peace," and also by Leo Tanguma. As the guidebook puts it, "A few fanciful conspiracy theories have been generated by this piece of art, none of which were intended by the artist."

Or were they?

One more picture in the tour guidebook caught my eye. It was "Notre Denver" by Terry Allen. The sculpture is one of two gargoyles that are said to protect travelers from lost luggage.

Gee.... I sure wish I had seen that exhibit in person and maybe my luggage would have arrived with me when I returned to Greensboro. As it happened, It was delivered to my front door the next day. Predictable? Yes. Irritating? Yes. But, looking on the bright side, it finally did make it home safe and sound, just like I did.

More Coming Attractions!

Dear Readers,

I had so much fun in both Wichita, Kansas and Portland, Oregon and the following posts will give you just a little taste of those experiences. If you will look to the right side of my blog under Blog Archive, click on 2011 and go to "The Trip." Blogs run backwards, from older to newer posts. I hope you enjoy.

I still have more to come including:
Flying: now and then
Art in the Denver International Airport
Frank Lloyd Wright in Wichita, Ks
OZ stuff in Kansas
Gilda Radner and SNL- the early years
Rising Sun Breads in Martinsville, Va
Review of Penhook, Va. author, Becky Mushko's new book "Stuck."
Review of Martinsville author, Dorothy Carter's new book "Facing Fallout."
and tons of other stuff.....

Yall come back now, ya hear?

Now, on a serious note, please send prayers our way. My Daughter-in-law in North Carolina was badly burned by water and steam over the weekend. She will be facing many weeks in the hospital and possible skin grafts. I thank everyone for your calls and notes of concern. She has a good attitude and is receiving great care. Lynn

Coffee Making Tutorial Photos:

Coffee Making Tutorial

This post could also be called "How to Make a Cup of Joe at Travis' House." There is an art to making coffee, I discovered, while in Portland.

In Portland there is a coffee house, cafe or kiosk on every other corner. They are coffee crazy there.

I was looking for the Mr. Coffee Maker at my son's house. Travis' replied "Oh no!" Well that would never do! So, to enlighten my coffee drinking Dear Readers out there, this is how to make a cup of coffee:

1) Heat water in the amazingly quick water heater contraption (see picture above.)
2) Put a "Bee House" thingy over the mug.
3) Fold the small paper coffee liner across the side and then across the bottom and
insert into the Bee House thingy
4) Weigh (see picture above) and grind coffee beans- Medium course.
5) Add ground coffee to paper liner.
6) Wet grounds a little with hot water (see picture above.)
7) Add more water, wait, add more hot water. Wait until your mug is full of coffee.
8) Drink.

Or, Dear Readers, brew a pot in your Mr. Coffee.

Voo Doo Doughnuts in Portland

Voo Doo Doughnuts has been around for years in Portland. Locals and tourists alike wait in long lines just to get their sugar fix.

Four of us made the trip to Voo Doo on Easter Day! Yes, they were open! We bought a half dozen sweet delights including:

The Bacon Maple Bar- a yeast doughnut bar with thick maple icing and a strip of bacon.

The McMinnville Cream- a raised yeast doughnut filled with Bavarian cream, maple icing and decorated with two eyes and a mustache!

The Texas Challenge- a giant doughnut equalling 5 normal sized doughnuts. Things really are bigger in Texas. Voo Doo says: If you can eat the Texas Challenge in 80 seconds or less, you get your money back."

Double Bubble- a raised yeast doughnut with vanilla icing, bubble gun dust and a piece of bubble gum on top.

and my personal favorite:

The Voo Doo Doll- a raised yeast doughnut iced with chocolate, filled with raspberry jelly, decorated with a scary face and a pretzel stick stuck in his "heart." YUMMY! I ate his head and one arm.

Voo Doo Doughnut Assortment

Chez Machin On Hawthorne

On the last day before my son returned home, I ventured out to Hawthorne Boulevard and found myself in front of "Chez Machin French Bistro and Creperie" right about lunch time! How convenient was that!

There were 15 or so tables in the narrow space which was clean with modern architectural paintings on the walls and cool jazz music in the air. My waiter was friendly and helpful and recommended the special of the day- The Savory Crepe. The Savory, he explained, is an organic buckwheat and white flour crepe generously stuffed with halean sausage, chevre cheese, spinach, scallions, roasted almonds with a pesto creme franche sauce for $10.95.

My lunch turned out to be tasty, rich and yummy. My only complaint was that I was too full for the homemade creme brulee, which is my favorite dessert. Oh well, maybe another time.

There was a sign on the wall that read:

"Machin- anything whose name has slipped the memory."

AHA!!! That is what I have! A bad case of "Machin" (pronounced Ma-shin.) Now I know what to call my failing memory- and doesn't it sound pretty in French?

Other menu treats include:
Escargot
White Bean and Meat Cassoulet
Homemade Soups
Boeuf Bourguignon- (which is fancy-smancy for traditional French beef stew.)
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Dessert Crepes with Strawberries and Blueberries
Chocolate Mousse with Berries

Chez Machin
3553 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
chezmachincreperie.com

The Portland Art Museum

Rhonda, Hannah and I had such a good time checking out paintings by Cezanne, Renoir, Warhol and Gauguin at the Portland Art Museum. We were able to take photos in the museum and here are some of them:

Pink Haired Girl At The Portland Museum

Hannah wanted to dye her hair pink one more time before looking for a summer job when she returned home to Kansas. I haven't heard if she is now a blond or brunette but I caught "Pinky" deep in thought at the Portland Museum.

Andy Warhol's Mao At The Portland Museum

Contemporary Section of The Portland Art Museum

The Portland Oregon Saturday Market

Street Art At The Portland Saturday Market

This guy gives new meaning to street art!

Cute Neighborhood in Hawthorne

Hawthorne Boulevard

The Hawthorne district of Portland is a quiet neighborhood filled with families, artists and trendy Hawthorne Boulevard. I was able to walk the few blocks from my son's house and poke around in the shops and breakfast or lunch at some of the many cafes. My 17 year old granddaughter fell in love with the vintage clothing shops and jewelry stores on her last day in Portland. She bought a ring and several pieces of clothing.

Hawthorne Boulevard is a mix of shops, restaurants and entertainment. It is a funky, trendy and, for me, hippy (1960's) experience that took me back to eat and shop day after day.

After Rhonda and Hannah returned to Kansas, I stayed in Portland and while my grandson was in school during the day, I had ample time to read, write and investigate the neighborhood on foot. I love the "village within the big city" feeling of Hawthorne and also loved being able to "do my thing" from 8am to 3pm. Powell's Bookstore has another location there and I visited there often. Got the book "It's Always Something" by the late, great Gilda Radner, and a fun book on making cute potholders. If you are on my Christmas list, you may receive a potholder (or sugar body scrub because I learned how to make that on this trip!)

After school was filled with homework, playing at the park, cartoons, laughing and getting my grandson ready for bed, (all fun for me and him) but during the day, my fun was on Hawthorne Boulevard.

Spooky Trees

I found this view on the grounds of Pittock Mansion. It was a great photo op for an amateur camera buff like me.

Back Of Pittock Mansion

Looking Down On Portland

Pittock Mansion- Portland, Oregon

On day # 3, Rhonda, Hannah, and I toured the beautifully manicured grounds of Pittock Mansion and museum more than 1000 feet above the Portland skyline (see picture.) Pittock is a symbol of Portlands transformation from humble beginnings as a small lumbertown, to the great city it is now.

Portland Food Carts

I have written before about The Big Egg food cart. Friends Gail and Denise own and operate the Big Egg. We HAD to visit them on Day # 2 in Portland and eat a tasty Monte Cristo. No matter that it was rainy and chilly- we ate every last bite, chatted with the girls and even bought a tee shirt. See post "The Big Egg" for more information.

I later found a partial list of food carts (there are around 500 of them in P-town) Here are some of the names:

1) Whiffies Fried Pies
2) Happy Grillmore
3) The Frying Scotsman
4) The Grilled Cheese Grill
5) Sweet Pea's Brulee
6) The Sugar Cube
7) Fat Kitty Falafel
8) Bubba Bernies (now that sounds like a Southern place.)

And..... too many more to list!

POWELL'S BOOKSTORE

At the corner of 10th and Burnside, Powell's Bookstore takes up an entire city block. One million plus books, coffee mugs, cards, stationery and gift items are housed on four floors in this incredible bookstore. Pick up a map of Powells at the help desk, or you may get lost- this place is huge!

Open every day of the year, Powells is one of the largest independent bookstores in the country. There are four other cool locations. www.powells.com

The Portland Uniform

I wonder where I can buy stock in hoodies? Hoodies are a big part of "The Portland Uniform." They are worn by everyone, all the time in gray, brown, black, tan and khaki. Any neutral is OK.

Skinny jeans, cargo pants, shorts to the knee, funky tee shirts. Again, in neutrals. Knit hats, stocking caps, vests, sweaters, scarves are usually in neutrals. I did see one red backpack and was visibly shaken.

If someone wears color- well, they must be from out of town. You can spot the tourists. They wear colorful clothes, a camera around their neck, a map of Powell's Book Store under their arm carrying a big pink box of Voo Doo Doughnuts.

Having said all of this, I think Portlanders make up for their (sometimes) drab wardrobe by being so unique. They are hip, funky, casual and fun. They know how to relax. I like their clothes, but I would get bored wearing neutrals all the time.

Give me a great fitting hot-pink dress any day.

Portland People

I am not a Portlander and don't pretend to be. I am a Midwesterner turned Southerner who happens to love Portland, OR. I visit Portland a couple of times a year because my son and grandson live there.

I AM a people watcher and what follows are my not-so-very-scientific-observations of Portland people.

Portland people seem to have an attitude that is PURELY PORTLAND. It is a lifestyle, but more than that- there is a "feeling" there. I can't describe it other than saying that they seem content. They are laid-back, tolerant, healthy, comfortable in their own skin, accepting of others and very happy. By being an outsider, I can watch and learn. Yes, I think the word CONTENT describes Portlanders best.

Portlanders are friendly-ish. Does that make any sense? This is not Southern Friendly such as: "Hi Y'all! Come on in and I'll make y'all some sweet potato pie!" No, Portland friendly may be a smile that seems to say "Hello, I am minding my own business, I hope you have a good day." Actually, I like that.

Portland Oregon, The City Of Roses

Each spring since 1907, Portland has hosted The Portland Rose Festival. Go to: www.rosefestival.org for more information. Called the Rose City because: TA DA! Everywhere you look, roses bloom. April, however, boasts tulips, tulips and more tulips.

There are 95 neighborhood districts (more about one of them later,) public art, fascinating architecture, tax-free shopping (yes, there is no sales tax in Oregon.)There are bike trails, parks, lovely gardens, restaurants, galleries, entertainment and several wonderful farmers markets.

On a clear day, you can see the over 11,000 ft. tall, Mount Hood and possibly a glimpse of Mount St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Jefferson and even Mr. Rainer near Seattle. Good luck on that clear day thing, though. It is rainy and foggy a lot.While in Portland, put up the hood of your mandatory hoodie, jump on your bike, get a little wet and don't worry about it! Portlanders don't!

THE TRIP

On April 13, I flew to Wichita, Kansas, spent the night and when the alarm sounded at 3 am on the 14th, my sister, Rhonda and I got dressed, grabbed our luggage and hurried out into the still very dark morning. On the way to the airport, we picked up my 17 year old granddaughter, Hannah. She was wide awake and ready to go! We drove to the airport and headed for the Frontier Airlines counter.

Since we "went back in time" two hours by way of time zones, we were in Portland, Oregon around lunch time. My son and grandson live there and, for the next three days, they were our tour guides in beautiful Portland.

On April 19, Rhonda and Hannah returned home to Kansas while I stayed behind to babysit my grandson while my son, who is a single father, caught the red eye to NYC that night.

I returned to Kansas on April 24th and then home to Virginia on the 29th. The following posts are memories and observations of this time line and trip.

Coming Attractions!

Attention, Dear Readers!

I have not posted in a very long time! On April 13, I left Virginia and spent the night in Wichita, Ks. Early the next morning, my sister, granddaughter and I flew to Portland, OR to visit my son and grandson. We had a wonderful trip and I will be telling you more about that soon.

Rhonda and Hannah flew back to Wichita while I stayed on in Portland, caring for my grandson while my son flew to NYC. After he returned, I traveled back to Wichita. I have so much to tell you all. I have stories and pictures of all the out-of-state adventures but, alas, jet lag hit me hard this week. And.... with a very busy weekend coming up, I won't be able to post until next Monday.

Please, Dear Readers, come back then. I promise some interesting stuff. Has anyone ever had a VOO DOO Donut- shaped like a Voo Doo doll with a pretzel stuck in his heart? I thought not! Let me intrigue you a little more with tid bits such as: The controversial murals in the Denver airport, Mansions in Portland, "Hippy" Hawthorne in Portland, food carts, cool art, pink haired girls and Wichita landmarks as well as the ever famous "NuWays." More information than you may be able to stand!!!

Tune in Monday for these and many more tasty morsels.