Kiln corner

For several years I had a small metal clay kiln I never used.  Now I in the thick of converting a corner of my workshop into a fire resistant home for the small kiln and a somewhat larger one that will allow me to make fused glass.  Much of the material I plan to use for this conversion was already stored in my workroom or will be repurposed.  I look forward to creating works of art in fused glass.

Champions

This past weekend one of my grandsons won a chest full of medals and a trophy for weightlifting.  His brother also participated in the national event but came up short of winning a medal, although he set state records for his weight/age group.  I employ the boys to help me with tasks around my yard.  Lately they have been building the covered run for my chicken coop.  I took them to the store this morning and they lifted heavy cement panels and rolls of steel wire.  I am confident they won't be hurt but lifting heavy weights because they are champions.

Delayed ratification

Before I ever ventured to make a work of stained glass I gathered an assortment of equipment.  The turning point came when I was given a wonderful collection of stained glass at the same time I was invested in creating a painting of my great_grandfather's baptism in the Mississippi River in winter.  I created the image as a large panel of stained glass which was very successful by several measures.  I have owned a small electric kiln that could be used for glass fusing and assembled other supplies, but it wasn't until I offered to create a glass image of the flukes a diving hump-back whale for my daughter Nancy and she replied that she preferred it be of fused glass that I realized I needed a larger kiln. I have ordered the kiln, additional coe 96 glass and I am preparing a corner of my workshop with cement board in preparation for the project.  I wonder what other discoveries lie in store.

North to Alaska

From June 15 until June 25 of 2019 I was in Alaska where most of my travel involved rare or expensive access to the internet.  The most important event during that period was the birth of Mindy Hancock. 

Free Range

I am spending a fair amount of time and money to provide space and protection for my chickens.  Free range is not an option because chickens have many predators and they cross the road.

Waiting

Tonight my house is hosting the ten children of Lucinda, my  fifth daughter while she is in labor with her eleventh chd.  I am waiting with her as she times her contractions.

Maple Sunday

Nancy belongs to an organization that provides food, recipes and expertise for making interesting and nourishing meals.  On several occasions she has provided example of the products of several Saturday hours in the kitchen provided.  Today we gathered at her home for an event we call Maple Sunday since it originated in the family gathering on the second Sunday of each month at my home on Maple Lane.  Nancy provided a loin of pork baked in a spicy sauce as well as dishes of stuffed tortellini.  I brought a round roast baked with onion and celery, Tara provided a salad with many interesting ingredients for which I provided feta cheese, and Tisha made Shmeer Case, a German cheese cake.  There was also a dish of green beans with almonds and bacon.  I chose to have strawberries and cream for dessert but most of the others opted for the cheesecake as well as having ice cream over apple crumble.  Nancy was happy that there were not many left overs.