So, you may ask (go ahead - I said you may): Why is **FCM ** up at such a ridiculously early hour on a day off? (It was just after 5 when I started writing this)
Simple, my dears - tomorrow I have to be up at a ridiculously early hour anyway, so this way, I should be tired enough when bedtime comes. And because last night, I stayed up till 10:30 which is way too late for me and if I slept till I was rested, I’d be up till some equally stupid time tonight. But then all of us who are readjusting our sleep clocks can identify.
So far this morning, I’ve brushed my toofies, let the dogs out to do their potty thang, fed said dogs and the cat, and got me some caffeine. After we breakfast, I’ll be heading back to my studio to put ears and noses and tails on the critters I trimmed yesterday. I’ve also got a new damp cabinet to put together.
[boring clay talk] Ya see, when you throw a piece, it has to dry to the leather-hard state before you can trim away the excess in anticipation of finishing it. That’s also the state when you can affix other parts - like handles, spouts, ears, noses, and tails. If the clay goes beyond leather-hard to mostly dry, it is possible to do limited trimming if you have the right touch, but sticking anything to it is pretty much out.
Now, to keep works from overdrying, I’ve been wrapping them in plastic and/or putting them in a large, lidded plastic box. However, that’s pretty much a pain. So yesterday, we bought a tall plastic cabinet (the better not to rust) that should work fine for short-term wet storage. I’ll add a bowl of water to keep a level of humidity, and if all goes well, I won’t have any more over-dried pieces to try to finish. Failing that, I’ve got more studio storage, which I need anyway. [/bct]
This is going to be a chopped-up short week for me. Today off, work tomorrow, Grand Jury duty on Weds, work Thurs and Fri. During this chopped up week, I need to find out if there’s money for me to do my trip at the end of the month. I kinda hope there isn’t - I really hate to travel, especially for an entire week. It’d be great if we don’t have enough of a continuing resolution to permit it… Or is that unprofessional of me? I don’t care. I don’t want to travel. <insert pout here>
Welcome, Pk_Caterer - I assume from your name that you brought snacks for everyone to share. You did, didn’t you? Because, you know, nothing will buy our love like snacks. Especially chocolate (hint hint) although certain **bears ** can be bought off with cheap beer. Anyway, don’t be shy. Embrace the inanity and be one with us. But don’t forget the snacks.
And tell us about yourself.
And on that note, I will third the Perry Como confirmation, and I shall continue with my morning Dope-and-comics-reading routine.
Happy Monday, all!