Merrie Boerner on tue 30 jan 01
We unloaded about 550 pots today....nice, but not my best firing. I think
that I was the only one slightly disappointed....every one else seemed
satisfied. The ash was lovely, glassy greenish, stopping right at the
foot of the pots....but no exciting carbon trap, and crusty ash, or
unexpected red on pots like last time.
The group was marvelous ! 8 new friends and 4 of my regulars sat tending
the fire through hours of stoking. Several of the men were experienced wood
firers, so we had some fencing over who called "stoke"....then they were put
in their places by "the bitch in charge" and all worked together well. The
big issue at the end of the firing was whether to stoke by the pyrometer,
the stack flame, or the fire box flame. We stoked by watching the fire box
flame to raise temp in the end. Next time I'm just going to hide the
pyrometer after we reach 2000* F. and stoke by the smoke !
We did not blast her off in the end.....just to see if it makes a
difference......we stoked as we closed the ports and then just sighed a
relief.....no fire works. There was no unfluxed ash on pots. I think it
doesn't matter to the pots much, whether or not you blast off at the
end........but, we will do it next time for the thrill.
I have learned so much in these 11 firings.....and made over 60 dear
friends. Spending 4 to 5 days with a group in such an intense, exciting
situation, makes for a close bonding..... kind of like a fraternity
initiation.
Now, I pack to fly out West and help stoke a four day firing, beginning
Thursday. I can hardly wait ! I'm planning on learning so much about firing
and form, and I'm anticipating a wonderful time.
Merrie in Mississippi
PS....Ray Aldrich was here for the firing....a very kind, pleasant,
interesting man who cooked a delicious clam linguini for the
group.....funny, cause I met him through an argument we had over CLAYART !
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