Linn: Could rallying support for the hospice be a good project for you? or not? You seem to have plenty on your plate but sometimes a new direction, unrelated to any others can feel good.
Country:
Meanwhile, I have been awke since 5:30 am; bf, reading, computering and actively doing. Started kiln at 7:25 with open windows - venting system not in place yet. BUT needs to be soon! Sitting in LR, 50 feet and two walls from kiln, my brain syuddenly announced, "Something is wrong!" Realized I had a mild headache and slightly blurred vision even though the odour was only perceptible if I focussed. This was nearing 10:30 am so I put on respirator and went to studio, realized the prevailing wind, coming in the window must be forcing some of the odour into the rest of the building. I opened the front door, put a large fan in the door to pull the air out, cooperating with the wind - in the window and out the door. Then I left for a few hours. Above freezing today!

Went to get my hair cut by a marvellous student , part of writers' group. It took her a very long time - this was practice for her! She did a marvellous job, the first haircut I have ever had that followed the natural bend of my hair, using it to make the style. We had time for lots of good conversation; she will need to be able to do it in a quarter the time! But her teacher and I were delighted. (We both like raccoons!)

Then I wended my way back to the mill, seriously de-cluttering my wallet at the IGA - only essentials, checking out the thrift shop and spending $6 on four dinner plates and four B&B plates - hand made with a lovely cheery glaze (I cannot name the colour! Not orange which I dislike and not brown or even tan but in there somewhere, with speckles and a bit of texture is a sunny feeling; I found a spot in the cupboard with glass door for them easily accessible because they are not light! Also 2 cookie sheets and a grating thingy which seems a very useful object. Also a stop at the organic butcher for a pork loin roast and small packet of bacon. Expensive treats.

The air was almost clear on my return. The kiln off. I left the fan on and will turn it off and close the door shortly, before leaving for music. Hopefully I shall be able to unload in the morning to see how the tests came out. Glaze firings are always iffy - like Christmas morning - what will I get this time??!!