Bravehearts

Daffodils giving it a go

Someone has to be first. These daffodils have emerged from under the snow. Testing the waters. Braving the wilds. Hoping for the possibility of spring. Warmer weather. Bravo.

The Cranesbill (some call it wild geranium) is also sailing forth. It's a little more tentative. Staying low. Ready to retreat at any moment. 

Cranesbill

Not really. The point is, Spring may actually come again this year. Jasper and I had a long walk today, and neither of us could have been happier. Sadly, the trail we were on may be closed in the next couple of months. Inland hospital, which owns some of the trail property, and has been a solid supporter of the trails, is being closed. Sold, and it is unclear whether the new owners will continue to support the trail. 

 This trail, like many others, is supported by many owners of the properties involved. Getting permissions for installing them, finding funding to do so. . .all of this was done by previous generations of outdoors enthusiasts. It's up to us, now, to try to keep the whole system going. I fear that our work is just beginning.

L to R: Porcelain, Stoneware, Sculptural

Regarding things I have a little more control over, I decided to conduct a clay body experiment. It sounds more interesting than you may find it. I want to determine exactly how the three different types of clays (the type is called a "body") compare when hand building. So. I've started with 3 mugs (of my new favorite style), one out of porcelain, one out of stoneware, and one out of a brown sculptural clay that is mixed with grog, a stabilizing ingredient. Here is the beginning. These are all green ware right now, meaning they are mostly dry, but completely unfired. They still need a bit of cleanup, but this image will document the basics.