Rain, rain go away. The southern part of our state, where Diane and I visited with quilt barn owners and photographed their barns, is under water. One community measured hail several inches deep. My heart goes out to farmers who are trying to get their crops out of the fields.

Last weekend when I was in Jackson, MN, I spotted several quilt barns along the way. Have you thought about painting one for yourself, or maybe as a gift for someone? A brightly painted quilt block would add a spot of color, especially with winter looming. If you don't have a barn, think about hanging it on a fence or at the end of your driveway by your mailbox. Or, how about painting one for the inside of your house? The block doesn't have to be 8' X 8' like the blocks you see on barns. Paint any size that suits you! The instructions to paint one will be in Every Barn Tells a Story.