Even with an extra day I'm pushing hard to get all of my final preparations crossed off the list. Today was a short day...only 12 hours! I gently preheated the first chamber (to 120 degrees F.) while I started to clean up the site. My studio is complete chaos and there's still the grass to cut, a little remedial work to be done to the firebox door and some laundry to deal with. I've got a great crew of helpers including the Littlefield twins! and baked goods from Anna. Who knows, maybe Paul will bake some of his famous scones Sunday morning?! 4 months of making thousands of dollars worth of pots, and all of it subjected to the whims of the 24 hour fire. Wood firing isn't for sissies! Best of luck to all the others who might be firing this week-end (Michael included) it's supposed to be a hot one...the weather AND the kiln. The photo is a piece of a mural painted by my friend Bill Harris on my former shop on Hanover Street. It is a bit faded and peeling which just seems to add to it's cool factor. Perhaps a wee prize might be found in this firing for the first to identify all the potters?!