Wonderful Sunshine

Summer Returns For The Weekend

   At last we wake to a warm sunny morning here in the fens, the first for a good month and one well worth waiting for, the local schools broke up for summer yesterday so the weather change will be a welcome one for many parents, fingers crossed we get a couple of months in which we can enjoy the warmer weather that we have so far missed this year.
   It was another early start for me this morning and one I am already enjoying, my flame was lit an hour ago with beads being made and rod ends recycled. As with most mornings the first few jobs are always getting the kiln emptied, turned on and mandrels dipped in bead release, then while waiting for the kiln to reach the correct temperature I clean the beads made the day before and string them ready to photograph, rather mundane jobs but tasks that need doing and all of which are important to the bead maker.
   Later this morning I have to empty the ceramic kiln after last nights bisque firing, it's full of vessels this week, the ceramic beads are not quite dry so they will be bisque fired Sunday evening and glazed Monday, it means they won't get listed in the etsy shop until Tuesday but I would rather do that than risk them cracking if fired too early. Today I have clay to wedge then items to throw on the wheel so this afternoon will be spent in the clay room, golf on the radio, kettle at the ready and clay in my hands, what more could I want to finish the day.
   I'm hoping that I can spend a few hours in the garden tomorrow, I need to take my hoe out for some heavy weeding, this wet weather has made the weeds run wild and I need to tidy the veg beds, the greenhouse in full on giant tomato plants, all hanging with tomatoes that long for the warm sun to ripen and many young cuttings and seedlings taken from my own plants ready to sell next year at the gate, these will be kept through the winter to produce some nice strong plants next spring, plus I love the fact I get all these great healthy plants free of charge. I have a number of wild strawberry runners rooting already with more to do, these will be sold but some will be planted in our garden, I love having them alongside the paths where you can just reach down a pick those tiny little fruits, they have that unique cent and taste.
   Ok, I better get back to my torch, I hope you all enjoy this great weather and get lots done this weekend, I know I for one will be busy.