Crazy Bees

 This fall I started this Crazy Bee quilt, which is a design and piecing method by Janet Nesbitt of One Sister Designs.  I quite successfully resisted this project for several years, until Beth made it and I saw it in person.  That was my downfall.  That, and actually going to Janet's shop one fateful weekend, where the kit simply dared me to purchase.

This is a piecing method that is different than traditional piecing, in that points and corners are NOT supposed to line up.  This was so hard for me because I like order.  But, with Beth's patient guidance I eventually got the hang of the method and really quite enjoyed it.

Not sure if I will ever do another project using this method, but it was fun while it lasted.  

Bees before eyes and mouth.

Laying out the completed blocks to check for color placement, as if it really mattered!

Finished and quilted.  Nicki at Heartbeat quilting did the custom machine quilting, making this project come alive!  This makes me look forward to spring, and flowers and bees buzzing in the yard and garden.  

Brick path re-build

 This brick path through the garden has needed attention for quite some time.  With Matthew and Alicia's wedding coming up, and this being the main path from the yard to the barn, I decided that I would renovate the path before the wedding.  It was quite a project.  I'm pleased with the final outcome.  Should be good for another 20 years!

The path was just kind of a mess with the strawberries growing in to it, and volunteer portulaca growing up through the bricks.  

Several bricks had just disintegrated, leaving gaps in the border and in the path itself.  

Taking up all the bricks and setting them to the side.

Expert help from Charlie!

Still taking bricks up.....

and starting the rebuild.  It already looks better!

More expert help in the form of supervision.  

Apparently the strawberry patch, once the plants are squished down, make a good bed!

And the finished product.  Very happy with this look.

Sunrise, Sunset

 Posting a few really beautiful sunrises and sunsets from the last few months.  I never tire of the spectacular beauty that often begin and end our day.

Sunrise:

Sunset:

This is the color in the eastern sky from the setting sun in the west!