The Resort, The Firing, and a Visit from Alaska
Well look how time flies! When we last spoke I was on my way to French Lick. What a fabulous time we had. We left early and meandered our way down there, stopping wherever we wanted. We spent our day going to antique shops and driving around all of French Lick and West Baden. Some of the roads were blocked off as they were preparing for some sort of fall festival. We checked into our hotel room around 4 pm. It was gorgeous! Just what you would expect from a turn of the century resort.
Inside the main lobby! BEAUTIFUL!!
After our trip to French Lick we had company for the weekend. Our daughter is a potter and she was preparing to fire the outdoor kiln. This is a huge undertaking. My girlfriend came for the weekend to participate in the firing. Mindy had to have about 90 pots air dryed and glazed ready to put in the kiln. It became a family affair. The kiln was loaded with all of her beautiful pots and the fire was started. We sat at the campfire until very late Saturday evening. We enjoyed a pot of homemade chili and the grandchildren roasted marshmellows over the fire. We headed back on Sunday to see how things were progressing….. 1600 degrees by noon. The kiln had to reach 2400 degrees so that meant adding firewood every 15 minutes or so. This is a huge job and it sure makes you appreciate all the hard work that goes into making pots. We went back over about 7 pm on Sunday. The temp was up to 1950 degrees, almost there. We stayed until the children went off to bed and then headed back home. They finally reached 2400 degrees at 6 am Monday morning. Think of that….stoking a fire nonstop for 40 hours! I will post the photos later today or tomorrow.
Monday evening my cousin arrived from Alaska. It was fun trying to help him navigate our backwoods after dark. We usually go into town and meet our guests when arriving for the first time. Sweetie was out of town and I am completly night blind and unable to drive in the dark so he had to make it on his own. We stayed on the phone the entire time and he found us with no problem. We had a short but enjoyable visit. He had brought halibut and some carribou we we fixed for dinner on Tuesday. It was awesome!!! There is nothing like FRESH fish. He battered it and then rolled it in coconut then deep fried it. YUM!! He took my Mom out for the afternoon, which was great fun for her. I think she needs a break from me sometimes too. He had to leave early Wednesday morning, we were sad to see him go and hope it is not another seven years before we see him again.
The rest of the week I spent…SICK. yep thats right just plain sick. Cold or flu, I don’t know which but I sure felt awful. I had to kind of stay in my bedroom, it is so important that mother doesn’t catch it. I am much better today. I am Thankful for the beautiful warm fall days we are having. I am Thankful for family and friends and the closeness we share. I am Thankful that we are all able to work together, whether its firing that huge kiln or just making a meal, the spirit of interest is thriving in our close knit group. Blessings to you all today!