Annas hummingbird

This sweet little gal is at my feeder multiple times a day, inches from me as I look out my kitchen window.  The glass is obviously reflecting back and she doesn't see that I am standing so close.  Can't help but make my day. Ok, next time I will wash my windows before I take a picture that close. Who notices water spots!

Way out there

I'm still pondering all the information and encouragement that I got this weekend from Lana Wilson's clay workshop. She is such an inspiration to new and emerging artists.  She gets you out of your comfort zone and gives you permission to  "go for it."  This is my tea pot that is certainly like nothing I have ever tried before.  Its unfired and unglazed--but still, don't you think it has an attitude!  Was so fun

Thunderstrom in Tucson and a great clay workshop

I drove an hour to Catalina today to spend the day in a pottery workshop learning all kinds of good stuff from Lana Wilson.  She is from California and a well known regional handbuilder.  She makes the most incredible tea pots plus just plain amazing "stuff."  There were about 10 of us in the class--I am going back for the second day tomorrow--and she is a delight.  I learned a lot.  She teaches her techniques but then challenges us to find our own creative expression.

Also today was interesting because it rained--a lot of rain--even a thunderstrom which we never get in the desert. Not this time of year anyway. If it rains in the winter here it is usually slow, misty rains--but this was was all day soaker. Complete with mud puddles. . .

Made for a pretty drive home late this afternoon along the foothills as the clouds were breaking up and sun was starting to peak through on the Catalina mountains.

Lilliana "talking" on the phone

ICS charity bike ride

Today was the Vistoso Challenge Bike Ride to raise money for ICS (Interfaith Community Services) and sponsored by St Andrews Church and International Christian Cyclists.

The route was an 8 mile challenging loop around Vistoso Blvd in Oro Valley. I did one loop but Will went on to ride longer--just cause he could. It turned out to be a fun day with lots of fun prizes, good biking with friends to support a worthy cause.

good friends like Andy and Carol!

lemom chello

What to do with frozen lemons. . .well, pick them all and freeze the juice. But first you "zest" about a dozen of them, add a liter of vodka and some sugar and let it brew in a cool corner for about a month. I will let you know when my lemon liqueor is ready for sipping.

Cold

We are experiencing a cold snap in Arizona and it seems to be hanging on.  We've had three nights of below freezing temps and we're all complaining.  I've covered tender plants and non-native cactus and keep my fingers crossed.  The boganvilla and jasmine didn't get covered, they die back most years when temps get anywhere near freezing and will come back just fine.  Concerned most about my citrus as they are just returning to normal after big long freeze two years ago.  Lots of exposed water pipes around here so plumbers are busy with calls from homeowners with broken pipes.

 

I worry most about these little guys when the feeders are frozen!  They seem to be so active now.  Probably trying to stay warm and I am sure that that extra sugar keeps them going.  I have been changing out the feeders early in the morning.  Luckily as soon as the sun comes up it provides heat to warm everything back up--it has been clear and sunny.

Carpet cleaning. . .and kiln opening

I had my tile and carpet cleaned yesterday and my house pretty much shines. We had them do my Chinese wool rug and it looks new again. We brought this home from Beijing in about 1991. We bought it in the old Friendship store, a place for foreigners to shop, that I am pretty sure does not exist anymore. We also carried it home as luggage. Wonder if we could get by with doing that these days. Anyway, i am pretty excited about having all squeaky clean floors.

Always Christmas when I open my kiln after a final firing. Tried some new things and a new glaze and it was mostly successful. Needs a little tweaking yet but still fun. Got a show coming up at the end of February so trying to get some inventory built up.

Bells across Tucson

Today there were bells ringing all across Tucson at exactly 10:10 am to commemorate the tragic shooting that happened two years ago today where Gabriel Giffords was shot and several other people were killed by a very disturbed young man.  I was driving home from my yoga class and happened to be right by Elizebeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church at the right time so I pulled into the parking lot to hear the bells peal out.  Was very moving moment.

Happy New Year

Started our New Year's Day with a leisurely breakfast out.  Came home and immediately began removing all traces of Christmas from the house.  The tree is almost down in the picture.  It always looks a real mess when all the decorations are down but before long they are all organized and packed up and put back on the shelf in the garage.  Will takes care of the outdoor lights and decorations while I work inside.  He has to crawl up on the roof.  Once the chores were done, we both spent a very pleasant rest of the day working in the studio on our various projects.  Made us a yummy homemade pizza for dinner.  To top the day off, Doug called from Shanghai and we got a little "Facetime" with Lia.  Their New Years was quiet also because both of them had a intestinal bug that laid them both pretty low.  Lia had it earlier in the week and was sick for two days and she obviously gave it to them.  With both Mom and Dad sick at the same time, I am sure it was NOT a good time.