Skywatching

Sunrise 7:13AM

Sunrise 7:21AM

Sunset 5:23PM

The above pictures are from one day earlier this month.  I like how the bright pink and orange clouds in the morning contrast with the more subdued evening sky.

It is actually storming with cold wind and rain here today.  After the fog lifts, maybe we'll see some snow on the mountain tops...

Yes!  12/30/10 8:51AM

View more skies from around the world at Skywatch Friday hosted by Klaus, Sandy, Wren and Sylvia.

Healing Garden

Another set of images taken by my son Brian, these are of the Healing Garden at Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix:

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in tune once more” ~John Burroughs (1837-1921) American naturalist and writer

Skylines

Greetings from the Sonoran Desert!  This week for fun I'm sharing some of our sunny skies with an emphasis on lines against blue sky.

See more skies from around the world at Skywatch Friday hosted by Klaus, Sandy, Wren and Sylvia.

Agave Library

These pictures of the Agave Library in Phoenix were taken by my son Brian in June.  The building was designed by architect Will Bruder.  I like the creative use of ordinary building materials such as galvanized and rusted steel, concrete blocks and recycled sidewalk pieces.

Pretty neat, right?

Bento Box Quilts

This year I started making quilts again after a long break from sewing.  I still have a huge stash of fabrics from the 1980's and 90's, and some of the new colors and patterns are tempting also.

In the summer I made a baby Bento Box quilt for my grandson, TJ.

And, I just completed a bigger version for one of my sons.

The name Bento Box comes from Japanese lunch boxes that have partitions.  The quilt pattern is simpler to piece together than it might look:

First, basic log cabin "courthouse steps" blocks are built, half of the blocks having dark centers, and the remaining with light centers.

Then, all the blocks are cut into quarters, and kitty-cornered sections are switched out and replaced with their light or dark counterparts.


For me, learning how to free-motion machine quilt was a fun adventure. It took a lot of practice, but I feel it was worth it.  I like how the curvy meandering lines of stitching seem to soften and unite the overall look of these patchwork quilts.

Sometime I might like to try a modified Bento Box quilt for a postmodern look.  :D