Setting up my Raku Kiln

While I was languishing in bed yesterday (with a gall bladder attack; leek soup might not have been the best choice) Gary was busy bringing my raku kiln from the storage unit to the lower covered porch adjacent my studio. He's trying to get everything out of there so we don't have to pay storage for another month. Firing the kiln under a covered porch doesn't seem safe. What if I put tin under the upper deck; do you think that would be safe? The upper deck is about 10 feet up, I think, I can measure later.

Here's a link to see the kiln at my last home.

Yesterday was the first day I didn't take any pain pills for my shoulder but then last night I had to take one. And this morning I feel like I need one. Ugh.

We're trying to figure out a permanent place to set up the kiln. At our last place we could roll it out of the garage but the garage is full of other items here and I'm not sure I should fire the kiln on blacktop. That rolling cart was rather precarious to set the kiln on. What to do? Not that I have any pottery pieces made to fire in the kiln; I'll have to remedy that soon; when I am able that is.

Too many set backs are happening. And I am getting behind on my assignments for my online clay surfacing class. I never knew how much I should have appreciated my left arm till now. After typing this I am plum worn out. Sit down to read, stand up to type, sit down to read, stand up to correct typos, sit down to read, and so on. I am reading your blogs just not commenting as much. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

Granite Amazonas Sneak Peak

 Here's a sneak peek at the granite; it's called Amazonas.

These photos are a bit washed out, perhaps I should have taken them with natural light.

But you can see the fossils in the counter top. Once we get the tile back splash in I'll post photos again. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

Roasted Eggplant and Secret Friends

Yesterday I made roasted eggplant. I couldn't find Meredith's recipe but this might be close. I just cut the eggplant in lengthwise slices, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled some spices and Parmesan cheese on them.

 I baked them for about 40 minutes in a 425 F oven. Oh boy they were good and so easy to make.

Every afternoon these two little birds meet in secret under our upper covered deck on a narrow ledge. I tried to zoom in with the camera but they flew away. It's too late in the season for them too be looking for a nesting site so surely they have secrets to tell. I wonder what secrets they are? Perhaps they're pledging their true love.

In other news we're finally getting our granite installed today, then we'll start on the back splash. Soon it will all be finished and I'll have photos to show you. I think the shoulder is going to take a long while to heal. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

Farm Fresh Bounty

Gary took me to the farmer's market this morning and he carried the produce while I picked out the farm fresh bounty. Never had home grown sweet potatoes before, can't wait for those. And need to look up Meredith's recipe for eggplant. We've been getting the white half runner beans all summer long. And look at those blackberries, they were fresh picked yesterday. Got the last of the garlic this season; been having Caesar salad once a week. I have to stand up to type cause I can't raise my arm up but it's not hurting as bad and is a little more flexible.

Luckily I had tiles made for my class so was able to practice the surface treatment on them yesterday. I see I need to add another hood line perpendicular with the ornament, Remember our Chevy flatbed?

Here's a mockingbird singing away. Now I think I need to go have a few blackberries. Thanks for reading and for all your comments and good wishes.