We’ve just returned from our bicycling trip across the state of Kansas. In eight days we rode our bikes from the western border of Kansas and Colorado to the eastern border with Missouri. Along with our 800 friends on the Biking Across Kansas (www.bak.org) trip, we were up to the challenges that Mother Nature dealt to us, along with the not-so-flat countryside of northern Kansas. The 500+ mile trip was a test of our stamina as we battled the winds that blew incessantly almost every day on our trip; from the 40 mph headwind we encountered north of Oakley to the 25 mph side winds near the Colorado border. Smiles broke out whenever the winds were blowing favorably at our backs. We biked through the summer heat in the 90’s, were refreshed by the cooler mornings in the higher elevations of western Kansas, were “evacuated” from our tents when a severe thunder and rainstorm was bearing down on us one evening, and we appreciated the cloud cover that kept us cooler on one of our longer days. We enjoyed the golden sunshine that caused the acres of wheat fields to glow, and we watched as they marched across the horizon as the wind blew through the fields. We rode through the small towns that grace the rural landscape across Kansas, both the thriving towns and those that are barely getting by. The people along the route welcomed us with open arms, excited to share their stories, their history, and their pride in their towns. The community of riders renewed friendships and formed new ones. We laughed after we rode through a dust storm that caused our faces and skin to turn brown as the dust clung to our sweat and sunscreen. We swore at the early hills that grace “flat” Kansas, yet we learned to challenge those hills — to ride with abandon on the downhill side, and know that once you climbed the uphill ahead you’d probably find yet another set of hills on the vista before you. It was a wonderful week of learning new things about myself and about my original home state of Kansas.
Kansas
On the road
We were recently in western Wisconsin on a gray and dreary evening. The weather had threatened rain all afternoon and as dusk was approaching the skies became even darker and gloomier. I was wandering the countryside which is dotted with dairy farms. I had expected this area to be flat but the landscape was filled with rolling hills that gave an interesting depth to the vistas. I turned the corner onto this road and loved the view ahead. Here was a recently paved county road that undulated up and down as it slowly rose to the gray horizon ahead. Seeing the elevation change and all those ups and downs reminded me that eastern Kansas is not as flat as many people presume, and soon we will be bicycling on rolling hills similar to this one. My hope is that all the training miles we’ve put in will pay off in a delightful and rewarding bike ride through all the variety of landscapes that Kansas offers up to us.
Button jar
There was a time when I sewed, as did many other women. And even now I will occasionally pick up a needle and thread and do some mending, but it’s not something I’ve done much of lately.
When I was a child my mother and both my grandmothers sewed. I was very fortunate to spend time with those women and learn from them. Their mastery of the craft and their skill made their sewing an art. Each one of those women had a jar or a tin or a box that was filled with extra buttons – the ones that were saved from old shirts that were worn out, the buttons that were extras from the new shirts and/or dresses that were made, and the buttons that were purchased for future projects that just hadn’t been completed yet. It was like a treasure chest of lovely gems — different colors, shapes, and sizes. What a wonderfully tactile experience to run my fingers through the buttons, sifting from one layer to the next, experiencing the varied shapes and materials. And what a treat to enjoy the colors and finishes. Occasionally a button would trigger a memory of a certain dress or blouse that had been sewn and worn and loved.
I’ve just returned from a quick visit with my family in the Kansas City area and I’ve brought home with me a large quilt that I made in 1990 that is showing some wear and tear. I’m now looking forward to the opportunity to pull out my needles and thread and make the repairs to this quilt using the skills and artistry that were lovingly passed on to me so many years ago.
Kansas high school football
This past weekend we journeyed south to Kansas. My family lives there, and the main intent of our trip was to see my nephew play football. Tanner is a senior at Paola High School and Friday, October 14th was homecoming night with a football rivalry between the Paola Panthers and the Osawatomie Trojans. It was a beautiful midwest, late-fall evening. The crowd of parents, students, and residents gathered early to enjoy tailgating and conversation. The homecoming presentations were made, stands filled with fans for both teams, the fireworks went off, the teams took the field, and the game began. Although Osawatomie scored first the tone of the game soon shifted to all Paola. By the time the full moon was rising in the east and the first half ended Paola was leading 48 to 12. The final score was Paola 62 and Osawatomie 18. I’m proud to say my nephew had 116 yards rushing and averaged over 19 yards per carry. And as Paola also won their game two nights ago they can now look forward to the playoffs. Congratulations Tanner, and go Paola!
lindastaatsphoto.com 