Monday, July 28, 2008

Pouring the Slab





They said it couldn't be done, or we were nuts, but the slab has been poured and it looks great!! I need to give a BIG thank you to the crew of friends that helped. Sarah, Brian, John, Patrick and Meredith. Another thank you to those who lent us tools, Geoff for the mixer, Ed for the bull float and Art for the misc. finishing tools. We couldn't have done this without you all. 

It all went together pretty quickly once we got started and although most of us had no experience and other had a little, everyone just stepped up and it went super smooth. Patrick started us in the right direction with mixing and then BAM we had a slab. Now we wait for it to cure and we start building!!!!! Hooray we are on our way. 

John recommends calling the kiln the "Chicken Pot Pie". I was leaning toward Zoshia after my grandmother who was small and fiery. Any suggestions? It's still up in the air.

And after the slab was done we drank some beer, grilled some corn and chicken and played horseshoes. Life is Good!

Saturday, July 19, 2008

New MAC


So today was a big day. I've needed a new computer for a while now. I love my old MAC laptop, but it's old, outdated and starting to breakdown. So it was time...and today was the day. I got a MacBook and I think it will be another love affair, with a little learning curve. Anyway, we also spent some time at Home Depot trying to figure out how much bag cement we need to do a 10x10 slab for my kiln. We called a company called Meter Mix that will bring out a meter or two or three of cement, but they only deliver to Portland even though we are less then 10 miles from them and most of Portland is further. It will work out. But we are on the way to KILN ownership...and I have to say I'm scared. I'm not a spendy person, yes, I'm cheap even and spending all this money on little ol' me and my strange addiction to wood fired pottery or pottery in general is hard, BUT I'm sure I'll get over it!!!

Included in this post is a picture of one of the amazing bridges in Oregon. This is along our Historical Scenic Highway. So much beauty and craftsmanship. Let's remember to support local craftsman and hand made art whenever possible. It makes a big difference in our lives and we are all richer for it. Yes, of course I feel this way because I'm a craftsman myself, but I support other craftsman, artists, farmers etc...in my area. Beauty should be in our lives everyday and we should look for it in the oddest places.

Life is Good!!!