Jerry and the very, very hot pots!

 I'm always game to try something new!  My son and I took a red hot class on Japanese Raku pottery at the Rum River Center for the Arts.  You'll see why I say red hot when you look at the video below.  Hope you like the results!

As a former firefighter, I wasn't too nervous about the fire.  I just didn't want to drop or ruin any of the other potter's pieces.  I was so relieved when I got them all safely out of the kiln.  After seeing Dad's success, my youngest was even willing to give it a try.

Raku is cool because it is unpredictable - the mix of heat and ash can make some wonderful pieces.  They can even take on an almost metallic glow.

Letters to the Elves!

 The elves love to receive letters!  Here are is a nice one they shared with me recently:

Letters to the Elves!

 The elves love to receive letters!  Here are is a nice one they shared with me recently:

Letters to the Elves!

 The elves love to receive letters!  Here are is a nice one they shared with me recently:

Letters to the Elves!

 The elves love to receive letters!  Here are is a nice one they shared with me recently:

Chapsicle of Love Update

 Well, the Chapsicle of Love continues to do a brisk business.  My wife and son have been acting as my hypemen.  They tell everyone the "the Minister is in!"  So far we've performed 23 vow renewals, 1 commitment ceremony and witnessed 4 vows of joyous singlehood.  We even had one triple ceremony with a group of couples who were friends.  I knew this would be fun, but its been meaningful too!  Love is always something to celebrate, especially in the middle of a deep, cold freeze like this!  You can bet everyone was wearing lots of layers to say I do!