The other night , we observed the strangest skies. In the west was a mass of gold clouds from the horizon to nearly overhead. Below was pink and turquoise sky. It had stopped raining.

On the east was dark black clouds and a giant rainbow. The rainbow was in Aunt D's horse pasture and the other end went right over Mom's house.

I guess I should have raced to find the pot of gold. I always feel rainbows are good luck whether money is involved or not. I'm like a little kid the way I ooh and ahh. Rainbows remain magical to me.

Bird watching has been a part of our daily routine. What bird did you see today? That's one of our important rituals. We have eagles, hummingbirds, cardinals, bluejays, finches, woodpeckers, bluebirds, cowbirds, starlings, and many more. All fun to watch.

Well, it has been raining here for a week and we have a group of birds on their migration path. This evening we saw a bluebird on our birdfeeder and a group of white-crowned sparrows.

The biggest news was that Big Fred saw twenty-five, I repeat, 25, sandhill cranes. He stopped and counted them. We have been watching for these birds and were amazed when we saw a group of seven. I even saw and heard a pair fly over the house one day. But, to see such a large number is a miracle.

We try to keep track of the birds we have seen each year. BF saw them on his birthday. What a fabulous present!

Birthday Pie for the birthday boy, Big Fred. In our family, you get your favorite pie or cake or dessert for your birthday. His is banana cream or coconut cream pie.

I usually ask our neighbor, who is famous for her great pies, to make one or both for Fred's birthday. Then we got the American Pie Co. in town so I have purchased yummy pies.

But, this year-drum roll- I'm making the pie. This is mostly because I have time. Besides, what do I give a person who is asked what they want and they say a 650 Triumph with a sidecar? I'll stick with pie. Happy Birfday, Big Fred.

While reading the latest edition of Smithsonian, I came across the fascinating article titled "Fabric of Their Lives". This article is about the new exhibit of quilts made by ladies of Gee's Bend, Alabama. The quilt show opened at the Museum of fine Arts in Houston. Such fabulous quilts, truly works of art. Art critic Mark Stevens of the New York magazine said that they "just might deserve a place among the great works of twentieth-century abstract art. The article is about the quilts and the lives of the women who made them. Very inspiring.

I am part of q quilting family, so I know the work and pride that goes into the finished product. My mom has made me many quilts that I use, not store. She made quilts for each of her grandchildren, wedding presents, for charity, and for her own use. Her quilts are what we call "tied off" rather than quilted. They are made to be used. I have also made quilts although I wouldn't say mine are a work of art or anywhere near it. My grandmother and aunts all are great quilters too.

I am just in awe of the way the ladies of Alabama have made their quilts. And I'm pleased that they have been recognized for their talent. Check out the article, and if you are anywhere near this exhibit, go .

As Halloween approaches, I get more and more annoyed with all of the "Stuff" in the stores. However, I did get(at the library) the October issue of Martha Stewart Living, and it has all kinds of really great decorating ideas and recipes. I especially liked the "to do with kids candy making" and the boo-tiful ghost cake on page 116.

I know people have a thing about Martha, and I don't really appreciate her jail history, but come on, look at the great ideas that are in her latest mag. She does bring out the creativity.

I just might try the cake and the pumpkin carving. At least make a pumpkin pie.

Yes, I do more than, shop, read, and eat. But let me tell you about Fusion. Aunt B Eats at Fusion in downtown Frankfort. This restaurant features Chinese and Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine. I didn't go far out since it was lunch and had Pad Thai with chicken. It was attractively served with a crab appetizer and came with soup (egg drop). Way too much to eat, so I brought it home. The menu lists premium wines, eclectic cocktails and imported beers. The most intriguing dessert was the 1 carb creme brulee. Too full. It will have to wait until next time.