In an earlier post, I suggested good conversation topics for those who might be hosting a dinner for a group of Kansans. Today I'm offering one more topic: Deer. In Kansas we like to talk about deer, especially this time of year. We talk about: deer spotted, deer shot, deer almost shot, deer hit by vehicles, deer narrowly missed by vehicles, deer sausage, and deer jerky.
Even though I possess a keen appreciation for wildlife, I find it odd that Kansans discuss deer so frequently. I should conduct some scholarly research on the topic, but that would cut into my baking time. It's easier to just play along with my fellow Kansans, so I offer you this:
A doe ran into the side of my car, so instead of blogging, I've spent a lot of my free time dealing with the fallout that comes with such trauma.
keep your eyes peeled,
muddy
PS. . . I'm sure deer are discussed frequently in other states, but since I haven't lived anywhere else, I can't be for certain.
Wednesday evening the family traveled downtown to view the Festival of Trees, a fundraiser for The Shelter, Inc. The festival ushers in our holiday spirit.
There were traditional trees. There were a few trees decorated with a culinary flair. The entire family liked this Candy Land themed tree, but isn't wasn't our overall favorite. In the end, we couldn't reach a consensus when choosing a favorite, so we all chose our personal fave to share with you.
My wife's favorite tree was this darling knitted tree.
It was cutely decorated with tiny mittens, sweaters, and scarves.
Little Miss Pickyeater liked the following tree: When asked about her choice, she said, "I like it because it's pink."
I and Mr. Crankypants liked the following tree because it was artfully scrapped together, and we're both fans of junk:
We liked the Kansas license plates, and the Studebaker part topping the tree. may your hot chocolate be rich and steamy, muddy
The other day I mentioned to my wife that when I retire I might grow a beard, put on a few pounds, and be a professional Santa Claus. She promptly clipped the wings of this dream by informing me that I'm not jolly enough for the job. She's right. Jolly would never be an adjective used to describe me, unless I'm drunk, but we all know that no one wants a drunk Santa with a margarita salt crusted beard who enjoys twirling tiki torches. I can still dream though, and I definitely can grow a belly and a beard. I'll look on the bright side: I possess 2 of the 3 traits essential for being a Santa.
I enjoy growing a beard this time of the year. It's a perfect blend of aesthetics and function.
Subconsciously, I probably picked The Avett Brothers as my first unofficial house band because they've been known to sport some mighty fine beards.
Today I thought I'd share a abbreviated timeline tracing my fascination with beards.
I can probably trace my fascination with beards back to this portrait hanging in the Pomona United Methodist Church sanctuary:
Who wouldn't want to possess that glow? Is it the beard or something divine?
Around the same time I was introduced to Jesus, GI Joe entered my life.
As you can see, at one time he possessed a beard.
Later one of my favorite TV shows was Grizzly Adams. Mr. Adams along with his pet bear, Ben, might have been the hairiest duo to ever appear on television.
Finally as a teenager, I aspired to someday have a beard like Robert Redford in the movie Jeremiah Johnson.
Today when it comes to beards, the Avett Brothers are my role models. Watch the following video, admire their beards, and while you're at it, enjoy the great songwriting.
Beards or no beards, I love the last two verses of the song:
If I get murdered in the city Go read the letter in my desk Don’t worry with all my belongings But pay attention to the list
Make sure my sister knows I loved her Make sure my mother knows the same Always remember, there is nothing worth sharing Like the love that let us share our name Always remember, there is nothing worth sharing Like the love that let us share our name
don't go revengin' in my name, muddy
PS . . . I'm in the process of making a cranberry-walnut bread. I'll post later this week.
