I'm Calling Them "B.'s Bees", B is also for Baking and Bunting

1. This morning we made the first hive inspection of B.'s bees. How excited and anxious we were to see how her new colonies were faring. I joked that it took three of us (and a tiny bit of fumbling) to inspect a hive but, we are still new at this.
1a. The pine needles in the smoker smelled really good.
2. On and off light rain showers gave me a good excuse to play inside for the rest of the day. I made Dreamsicle Cake Cupcakes, but I layered them in canning jars as shown HERE. While I baked I kept thinking, "I'm having too much fun!" 
3. We spotted a male and female Indigo Bunting on the compost fence this morning. His feathers were a hypnotizing blue. It reminded me of the blue glazes on John's and B.s pottery. Even though the female was a light brown, she was still very pretty. Steve identified them right off.

photo credit: cookiesandcups.com

Bright Smile, A Visitor, I Don't Like the Word "Congealed"

1. You know the graduation drill: long, boring ceremonies, sitting for hours on hard seats, families behaving badly...I took all the typical photos of handshakes and ceremonial pinnings, but this photo represents the way I remember the day best. Audrey was beaming.
2. A young friend came to school to preview Kindergarten today. I tugged her little ponytail so she would turn around and see me. Instead, she turned the other way and gave an angry scowl to the little boy behind her. My first thought was, "Uh oh, what have I done?" My second thought was, "She's going to be just fine."
3.  I found this very pretty recipe in my archives and made it for dessert tonight, in glasses just like this. : )

Layered Fruit Congealed Salad

southernliving.com

Father-Daughter Time, It's the Little Things, Sidewalks, Bigger Family = Bigger House

1. Chelsea called and said, "I'm gonna see Dad tonight!" I knew he was away on business near D.C. but he never said a peep about meeting Chelsea off the trail. That rascal.
2. Steve left a note for me on my bathroom mirror. It stated that my sink was now unclogged. He knows my love language.
3. The days are longer, warmer, and sunnier, leading to beautiful evenings. Tess and I drove the country roads to Buchanan on such an evening to see a movie at the little antique theater.
4. Claire phoned while she and the kids were driving around, wasting time while someone looked at their house (for sale). Oh, I remember those days. An hour later she texted that they had an offer! I'm deeply thankful to be able to watch good things unfold for our children and to be part of it.

Under a Kitchen Window, Calgon..., At the End

1. Deep purple irises bloom at the end of a neighbor's lane. They're such an old-fashioned flower and I admire their beauty.
2. Those moments when the school doorbell buzzes, two phone lines ring, and a child or two comes into the office, all simultaneously. My first reaction has been to laugh.
3. We've taken walks these past few evenings right around 7:30. The air is still and the birds have settled down for the night; everything sounds quiet. It's a nice way to end the day.

Planting, Fixing, Preventing

1. I often try to remember when my love for planting things began. It goes back as far as I can recall, to dandelions and wild violets. I discovered for myself that I could dig up a plant by its roots, bring it home and replant it. My poor mother was constantly challenged when I would ask where to put them in her garden.
1a. Thus my thoughts wandered while I planted the vegetable garden today, moving plants from their little containers into our soil.
2. Steve surrounded the raised beds with an electrified wire fence. Aesthetically, it's almost invisible and only needs to be in place for three months of the year. The deer may have the rest of the fields and forest but not our tiny little patch.
3. Steve was my hero this weekend. He ran to the rescue with mallet and stake when I cried, "The crab apple tree is blowing over!" He dug holes in clay where I directed for new shrubs. He balanced the lawnmower deck, after installing new blades and belts, then he mowed the neighbor's alley. Lastly, he declared war on the wood boring bees with a badminton racquet. He spoke remorse over having to do that (the Korean chick flicks he watches are overwhelming him with feelings), but they are destroying our horse shed, fence posts and pergola.

Weekend!, Dinner Party, Out on the Town

1. Steve is home from his week long trip, it's Saturday, the weather is pretty, and we have no major commitments. Perfect!
2. I attended the nicest dinner at a friend's house along with four other lady friends last night. The salad was stand-out gorgeous for its vibrant color. The base was baby spinach leaves and it was covered with strawberries, blueberries, walnuts, and pineapple. I drizzled mine with a raspberry vinaigrette. Three ladies teamed up to prepare the meal and I wasn't one of them- yay! Everything was delicious, but the coconut cake was also to die for. Four layers of moist vanilla cake with a custardy filling, frosted with a fluffy whipped coconut cream frosting, and dusted with flaked coconut. Purple and yellow pansies decorated the top.

3. Tess was very pretty for prom. Her gallant date carried her backpack and opened the car door for her, just as he should. Good man!

May Day, Shearing, Claire! Guess What?

1. Hearing the word, "April" brought a hopeful lift to our winter-weary spirits. Today we said, "May"! Can it already be? The sun shone and the word, "May" appears to hold many promises.
2. The grass and me; we both got a haircut.
3. I phoned Daughter #1. She's my go-to person who always appreciates hearing about a good sale. What good is a good sale if you can't share your conquest with someone? : )