Pottery, Puppies, And Pain

Back to pottery today and I've noticed something on pottery days when I get up about an hour and a half earlier than I usually do which is that it's not nearly as hard to do as I would think it would be and honestly, I'm probably more cheerful than I am when I lay in bed for awhile before I get up, mulling over my morning angst. I also have less of those morning dreams which can be so disturbing. All-in-all I'd probably be a lot better off getting up early every day but will I do that? 
Most likely not. 
Today was our next to the last class for this session and I spent the first part of it finishing up the glaze on my second fishy spoon rest. I swear to you- I love making these cheerful fish. Well, there have only been two but I would like to keep going down that path or, well, that river, at least a little longer. The fish are easy to make the shape of and the fact that I can use so many bright colors on them makes me happy. I am not looking for perfection in any way with a fish spoon rest. I am just looking for color and a smile and a utilitarian object to set beside the stove. 
When I'd gunked up my fish with a serious amount of glaze and put it on the shelf in the kiln room, I began to work on my second flower bowl- the one with the two petals I'd chipped before it was fired but already too dry to repair. I did some smoothing of the petals and sanded down the chipped areas as best I could and decided to simply embrace the imperfection. Perfection is far more important when it comes to a bowl that's been thrown on the wheel, whereas a wonky fish or flower bowl doesn't need to be perfect in my opinion. So I got four of the petals painted but decided they would be leaves, although anatomically, those leaves are in an incorrect location. 
Again I say...oh well. Next week I'll finish it up and send it on its way to the fiery pit of the kiln and see what happens. 
Conversation during class was kept at a minimum. Everyone was trying to finish their last pieces to get fired before classes end and a lot of concentration was happening. And I will tell you that I am so looking forward to trying hearing aids so that I can more fully take in the conversations in class that ARE going on. Having admitted that I do indeed have a significant hearing loss and am no longer in any denial of the fact, I am realizing more and more the ways in which this loss is affecting my life. 

After class, Jessie and I went to a local deli place we like for their salad bar. It's fresh and plentiful in choices. And they have the very best crackers. Liz at Field and Fen sometimes makes her own crackers, and I am feeling inspired to make some of my own. I want them to be whole grain and have sliced almonds in them along with sunflower seeds and perhaps even golden raisins or dried cranberries for sweetness. If I do make crackers, you know I'll be talking about it here. 

Lily had gotten in touch with me to see if I wanted to come by her house on my way home. She had both of the puppies there, Sully and Xena, and she thought I might like to meet them. And of course, Pepper would be there too. I'd already had a lovely snuggle with Sophie this morning at Jessie's house. She's the kind of dog who will bring you a toy and then simply lean all of her weight on you, the better to be petted and loved on. So why not make it a day of seeing all my granddogs?

All right. Xena, Princess Warrior pup is the softest, cutest baby you would ever want to see. She kisses and she snuggles and she goes into her crate on her own when the stimulation overcomes her. 

Sorry for the blur but it's not easy getting a good shot of a wiggly puppy. I was determined to let her start to learn my smell, to know that I am family and I think that process has begun. 
She is somewhat of a celebrity in that the picture of her and her siblings in the truck went Tallahassee-viral and all nine pups were adopted within three hours. Also, all of the vets and pet stores saw the picture and were hoping that at least one would come through their doors, including the vet Lauren and Lily use who were delighted to see her. 

Here's a picture of Mr. Moon getting Xena kisses when he stopped by Lily's this afternoon on his way home. 

And one more of Xena with Owen.

What could possibly be sweeter?

Sully, whom I had not met yet, is also an adorable doggie. He is probably about twelve weeks old and is still larger than Xena. That will not last long. He is already wily and wants to escape and roam about, having thoroughly explored the fenced-in part of the yard. 

So there you have it. 

Mr. Moon did indeed get home. The new roof on the cabin is coming along nicely. 

He's already gone again although this time only to a Ducks Unlimited annual dinner event which of course I could attend if I had the slightest desire, which you know I don't. But don't cry for me, Argentina. I'm going to eat leftover tofu with cashews and blistered snap peas that I made last night and which may be the best tofu dish I ever made in my life. 
Also, he'll be home before bedtime. 

Oh! My shoulders and back feel as if they'd been beaten with a baseball bat. I have not looked to see if I have bruises but if I don't, it would be a miracle. Let's put it like this- I wouldn't let my husband hug me when he got home. 
However, I do think I have more mobility and the shoulder pain I was experiencing, which is completely different than the shoulder pain I was having before the massage, has noticeably decreased. 
So there's that. 
But it still wasn't worth the pain.

Oh we go. 

Love...Ms. Moon