Kiln opening- the cycle of... work

"Making pots must be so relaxing", "That would be great- having a big fire, some brews with friends", "I don't have the patience/talent for that!" Patience and talent- I wish I was "gifted" with either. My genes include 1) shortness, 2) a huge noggin, 3) high cholesterol. The first one helps me maneuver in the kiln. Patience and making good pots- that has required some practice and hard work.

Without going through all the steps- pots are made, dried, "bisque fired", glazed, loaded, and wood fired with 2 cords of wood and very long days . After months of work and a week of cooling- opening the kiln is like waiting for Christmas morning (sometimes you get crappy presents).

Happy to have good presents this firing.