Patience is not always a virtue

Greg the Builder told me that when we were out of town over the Holidays, it would be an ideal time for his crew to come in and take care of things, especially the floor.  I was eager to see the progress when we returned, raced into my studio--and....no progress. Again. This is quite similar to what happened over Thanksgiving, as were the reasons for the delay that Greg gave me when I spoke on the phone with him.  However, on December 28, the floor received a coat of ensealment and a week later, my kiln was moved upstairs and installed. Although there remains a long list of jobs that need to be done or completed, I was able to fire the kiln in its new location for the first time today.  The following pictures will document the events of the past few weeks.

The electrician activated the line of 220 wiring so the kiln could be used again.

On December 28, the city electrical inspector came and approved the work.

Here are some small critters which didn't demand a large work space for their creation.

The weather gave us a two-day reprieve, with temperatures rising to the high thirties and low forties, so Greg, Phil and Joey came over and laid the cement at the foot of the stairs.

This marks the arrival of the latest batch of concrete.

Here is a list I made for Greg the Builder.  He asked me to go around and check out everything I wanted done yet.  I have since added a few more items of concern.  However, the encouraging news here is that the final items have all found their way to fit on to a single sheet of paper. Yesterday Joe came over and took the plastic protection off the cement and went over this list with me.  Yesterday Joe also gave me the bad news that he had my extra tile (several boxes--six, I think--) in his truck. He said Lexco Tile refused to take it back, claiming it was a special order.  I said I needed to talk to Greg in person, because I was assured that the extras could be returned for a refund.  (There is still this issue with the leftover tile, since a 30% overage is a large additional expense.) On the subject of other items on the list, except for the storm doors that haven't arrived at Menard's yet, it looks like everything could be finished in a couple days, if only they'd come and do it.  I think Joe plans to come tomorrow to put the wedge in the doorway, so that will be one more job done.

Today I fired my kiln in the studio for the first time--an 018 metallic firing of small pieces.  Here is one of them, a dragon business card holder for friends with a restaurant.

So, this is where the tale now stands.  I am probably more eager for the next installment than you are, dear reader.  Signing off from Lollyland, and to all, a good night....