A Belated Birthday Gift for Aurelia

Life was busy in August around the time of Aurelia's birthday so my celebrating with her got delayed until a couple of weeks ago. I had asked her what she would like to do for her special day and she requested going to a ceramic studio like I had done with Annika this past summer.

We got to the location before they opened so we stopped in at a Panera and had a little breakfast. After that we drove a little ways to the studio. We were the first customers there, so that allowed Rellie to take her time to look around to see what she would like to make. The pieces at the studio have already had the seams removed (at the greenware state) and been fired once. So that means the pieces are now bisque and less fragile—ready for glazing. In the past I had a ceramic studio of  my own, with two kilns and about 30 students a week. My students first worked on the greenware, often using underglazes for such pieces as figurines. Then they were fired to about 2300 degrees. The next step would be to glaze the piece, followed by another firing. If gold or platinum was to be added, that would require a third firing.

Rellie chose a mug that was either a whale or the bottom half of a mermaid.

Rellie applying the aqua glaze interior. Once she had one coat brushed on, I set my timer for five minutes to allow it to dry. Then a second and third coat were applied, letting each coat dry for five minutes.

Rellie chose a bright yellow for the exterior. She followed the same procedure as with the interior.

I love the scroll work she chose to embellish the fins on the tail. It was applied with a bottle that has a pointed nozzle.

With the glazes applied to the mug, it was ready for firing. The studio has two large kilns and has the customer return in a week to pick up the finished piece. My brother and I drove there Saturday to get the mug and delivered it to Rellie. She loved it!

Happy belated birthday, Rellie!

I sold my home!

This past weekend was one I'm not keen to repeat. A week ago today my home was listed on Zillow and in the south metro realty association. An open house was set for Sunday afternoon. By noon Friday a showing was already requested, followed by two on Saturday. Then on Saturday two more showings were requested for Sunday—one overlapping the open house. For each of these days I had to make my home look the best I could, having it appear as though I didn't live there. Before leaving the house, I was to turn on every light in the place.

Sunday morning I got up very early to vacuum, make up my bed with the decorative pillows, hide a few kitchen things here and there, and went out to door for church by 7:15. After church I checked my phone and discovered there were two more requests for showings on Sunday! This meant I couldn't return until after 3 pm. Oh, my. So I went to a favorite restaurant for a leisurely brunch and then to a furniture store where I placed my order for new living room furniture.

I came home after 3 pm and slumped into my living room chair. I placed a call to my brother and sister and while I was talking to them, a request came in for a second showing at 5:30. So once again I had to leave for another hour. Lucky Nels got to stay home during all of these showings. I wish he could have told me what went on while I was away.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday brought two more showings each . My stress level was high and my energy level was low. Then Tuesday afternoon I got a message from my realtor letting me know there was an offer for full price. He called me shortly thereafter and we agreed to some terms. He came over in the evening and I signed a document stating I wouldn't have any more showings. The Wednesday showings were canceled and I'm relieved. God is good. He brought the right people to purchase my home in five days. Whew!

Marshall and Corinne Were Here!

Right after Anni left to go home, Marshall and Corinne came to my home. We had a lot of fun together, going over to my pool every day, plus other things. Here are some of the photos of this time together.

The kids loved sitting out in the porch in the evening. Things were quiet then and we were able to chat for a bit.

Marshall took a turn at playing the piano. I taught him to play "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."

Corinne did a great job of coloring this restaurant placemat

Corinne playing with my dolls. I thought it was fun she remembered me having them.

Marshall did a great job of steering our cart at the grocery store. Isn't this a cutie behind the wheel?

Another visit on the porch

Leo and Corinne playing in the sand at Shoots and Ladders playground

L to R at McDonald's: Felix, Leo, Rellie, Corinne, and Marshall

Near the end of the visit, Nels had warmed up to the kids. Marshall asked if he could try holding him for a bit. I put a towel on Marshall's lap in the event Nels would want to bolt and thus, scratch him. But to our surprise, Nels really enjoyed Marshall holding him and he sat there for a long time.