Nine down, one to go

I can hardly believe we only have one week left in the one-a-day nine-patch quilt-along.

Here are my week nine blocks:

Painting, softball, and an ouch

I've got two paintings in progress right now. Both are pictured above and both are "cross" projects. I'm trying out canvas boards for the first time. Compared to stretched canvas over a frame, this is basically just canvas stuck to a flat board. So far so good. Plus, they are less expensive.

...

Starting Friday evening, Corey will be playing America's largest non-profit, one weekend, slow pitch softball tournament - and also one of Bismarck's busiest times of the year. That's right - it's McQuade's weekend. I'll be appearing as the loyal scorekeeper and photographer. Stay tuned for a recap.

If any of my friends or family want to join me in the bleachers and cheer on the team, leave me a comment and I'll let you know when and where they are playing.

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Weak stomach warning:

I had a bit of a kitchen accident yesterday. Basically I was doing something dumb. And then slipped. And the pairing knife I was using went into my thumb, right under the thumb nail. And then came out about half way to my cuticle. It cut my finger along my nail too.

It hurt.

Bad.

But in all honesty, it actually sounds worse than it feels. In fact, it doesn't hurt much today. Certainly not as bad as I'd think it should hurt. According to on of the nuns/nurses I work with, I most likely damaged the nerve. That explains the lack of pain.

Any bets on when/if my nail will fall off? or when my thumb nail will look "normal" again?

If you are brave, click here to see it.

Week eight

More red and green for the one-a-day quilt-along.

The blocks look so merry and bright.

Hello summer

Yesterday we spent time in the yard and on the river.

Today Corey is spending time on the golf course and I'm spending time painting and sewing (and of course, blogging).

Here is our Saturday in photos ...

Pretty green fern.

Peony. Still so beautiful.

A sunny Saturday afternoon spent floating in Marina Bay, in Mandan, ND.

Having a boat (or in our case, knowing someone with a boat) is fabulous.

Having a cold beverage is fabulous too.

Having friends is fun. At one point, these folks had 10 boats tied together.

Such a great day.

Pretty in pink

Our yard has a very pretty in pink look about it right now. Even though not much is blooming yet, what is blooming is pink and proud.

A peony bosh in our yard is blooming. The flowers are so big and so vibrant.

There's more where that came from ...

Pink and yellow - what a wonderful combination.

And these little pink puffs. I like these.