When I came into the studio today, I intended to make more pots. But then saw my huge pile of reclaimed clay sitting there waiting for me. So I decided today was the day to finish processing my reclaim.

First I chunked it up into blocks.

Then I cut thin slices & layered them with slices of fresh new clay & slightly dried clays. I’m not to particular… any high-fire clay can be layered in. It’s a great way to “use up” any partial bags of clay… as well as intermingling it with drier & wetter clays. A lot of slicing & stacking.

Then I tackle each pile by slicing it in half vertically… stacking it tall & slamming it down on the table. Let gravity do some of the work. Slice it, stack it, pound it, repeat. Eventually the layers get thinner & thinner. Doing a lot of blending for you.

Close enough for now… into bags to store my new batch of clay. I’ll do some real wedging when I start using the clay. All mixed. All blended. After all… IT’S JUST CLAY!!!

In the studio today… soaking up some much needed air conditioning!!!

Surviving the heat… enjoying a little flicker of sun.
This is a new clematis in my garden… “new” as in the second year,
but the first year with flowers!!! So pretty…

Burning through the haze! We greeted the morning with warm temps & humidity… with a layer of haze hanging low on the horizon. It took awhile for the sun to work its way through the haze… as I could feel the temps rising quickly already as I was pedaling. It’s going to be another hot one today!!! Stay safe.

So it’s been a hot-minute since I unloaded my soda kiln…
and a very HOT day today!!! But I digress…

So I’m finally getting around to sharing some photos from this latest firing. You know MUGS are my favorite thing to make… and these turned out great with fun colors & flashing marks!

Another early start for another beautiful sunrise. Thought I should get in some miles before the heat kicks in… as we’re supposed to be getting a little burst of a heatwave for the next few days… starting today!!! The heat & humidity is coming… hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!!!

With a bit of a “chocolate hangover” from last night… it felt great to get outside for a cool morning along the lake. All the while knowing that the temperatures are going up quickly for the next few days. But I’ll take it where I can… beautiful this morning!!!

So after a winning night of BINGO outing the ‘burbs, my sister suggested a new place for treats afterwards. It’s all about crepes & waffles smothered in melted chocolate. So of course I quickly said “Yes please!” I got a waffle topped with brownie pieces smothered in three chocolates… and a side of chocolate gelato to wash it down. Now I don’t think I’ve EVER said this before… but it might have been too much chocolate?! Thick, goopy & yummy… but a LOT. It might have been better to share it with someone?! I mean, let’s not get crazy… I did clean the plate… and I might have to go again just to confirm my initial evaluation?!

MELT ‘n DIP … on Golf Road in Schaumburg!

Tonight was another night of fun at IKEA BINGO in Schaumburg! Lots of numbers called… always more exciting when five of them line up!!! “BINGO!!!” So… “someone” may have finally won at bingo… and it wasn’t my sister Jen or niece Taylor!!! Just sayin’… any guesses???

Decided to enjoy the holiday afternoon with a nice bike ride along the lakefront. When I left my place, it was clear blue skies. Then all too quickly these clouds blew in with a headwind while pedaling south through the City. The return trip was fun with the tailwind… until these sudden clouds decided to drop some even-more-sudden & unpredicted rain on me! It just made me pedal faster. It’s just rain. And then three minutes from home… the rain stopped & the sun came out again. Figures. I guess timing IS everything?!