2007 Christmas Pottery

Despite the Ice Storm of '07 and the loss of electricity associated with it Cynthia and I managed to get our Christmas pieces finished in time for the "Giving of Gifts" that we so enjoy. Our theme, oddly enough and in the coldest weather, was the gift of "A Warm Night". The idea was borne out of a discussion about making Christmas mugs but coffee or cider not providing enough warmth and nourishment for what we had in mind. The idea evolved into soup mugs and Cynthia's flair took over providing not only the handcrafted soup mugs but the soup itself, crackers, and an old fashioned movie--all nesteld in a basket, shrink-wrapped and tied with a bow.

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More than a dish (albeit a handcrafted and unique dish) we gave away warm nights filled with love, nourishment and good old-fashioned respites away from the tug and pull of the common, everyday world. It was our desire to give the receipients something they would cherish and relive over and over again. I have included some pictures to give an idea of what we created and included a set of bowls as well. Here is hoping that you had a very Merry Christmas and that this new year will be all you wish for!

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The Ice Storm of '07

Like a scruffy ol' man rubbing his chin in remembrance and announcing, "I remember back when...." I can already hear myself years down the road saying, "I remember the Ice Storm back in '07...." and holding my audience captive while I regal them with the terrible tale! LOL!

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In retrospect to my futuristic proclaimation I can already say, "It really wasn't all that bad." Oh, I know most of us lost a lot of tree branches and a few nights (or at the most weeks) of warmth and convenience but really.....what is that compared to the terrible and hurtful things happening nowadays? Every newscast is livid with loss of life, the degradation of the human race and the unspeakable man-against-man crime?

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However.....that doesn't keep me from telling my tale! Just letting you know that I have it in proper perspective. And, since a picture tells more than a thousand words, I have some pictures to show you as well. Now, a word of warning before I show you the pictures--like comparing surgeries or childbirths or war stories, I know there are worse tales to tell and I don't want to get into a "I can top that" contest! LOL! Just telling my story, like Joe from Dragnet, "Just the facts, Maam. Just the facts."

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Slinging Mud Again

Summer's sizzle has cooled considerably meaning less time on the roads of America and basking in our now frigid swimming pool.....so? So! Back to the Mud Hut! Cynthia and I made a recent trip to Nixa, Missouri to visit our favorite supplier, L & R Specialities, Inc. We came back with some glazes and 200 pounds of Deep Red clay. For years we have given away our best work not wanting to give inferior gifts which has resulted in us not having a matching set of our own. Our pottery consists of mismatched, albeit fantastic, work.

I decided that before we make anything else I would make us a matching set of eight bowls as we are moving into chili, potato soup and stew weather. Weighing them out on my digital scales I kept the size uniform but allowed the variances that occur under my potter's hand. The Pattern Green glaze we brought back produced the color we were looking for. You will note in the picture two colors, green and brown. How did we do that? One dip in the glaze produces brown on the Deep Red clay while two dips in the glaze produces the green. I personally love the variance between the colors rather than one, boring color. Enjoy and we will post more as we hang out in the Mud Hut. Cynthia has already bisqued components of a Christmas wind chime that is sure to be a big hit while I have two coffee cups ready for bisque. More later!

Dripping Springs

Hog Wild

May 4, 2007 a dream came true. Tim's dream bike! A 2007 Harley Davidson Softtail Deluxe to be exact. We have logged 2,000 miles on it already and are having a blast! In fact...we are heading out tomorrow for a week on the road winding our way through Oklahoma, Arkansas and parts of Missouri. Of course we will have plenty of pictures to share! Vrooom!

Nicholas Graduates!

Prom Night starring Nicholas & Sarah

A Tribute to Sadie

Tonight Cynthia and I were faced with the terrible news that Sadie, our faithful friend and dog, had lymphoma carcinoma and didn't have long to live. Remembering that Sadie had been so faithful to us we could not allow her to suffer. Given the prognosis we allowed her to be put to sleep. At our request we were allowed to stay. Cynthia held her head in her hands while I rubbed her stomach--two of her most favorite things in the world. A few moments later she fell asleep. Wiping our tears away we choose to remember the happy times that we three had shared. Admittedly we will miss her terribly but Sadie was so good to us we could be no less to her. Our hearts are sad, our memories full, and we wish to share with you through these thoughts and the slideshow below. Sadie, the One and Only. She was much more than man's best friend---she was our best friend.

Sadie, The One & Only

Nick & Sarah visit the Mudhut

Nick and Sarah visited the Mudhut tonight! After a delicious meal and preparing the clay these young artists tried their hand at creating their very own masterpieces. Sarah especially loved getting muddy and even left her handprint on the backsplash complete with her initials and the year. Nick served as her waterboy keeping her hands and clay wet to reduce the friction. We had a blast! So glad they came! Visitors are always welcome to The Mudhut!

Pottery today....photography tomorrow?

Mr. Nicholas Reed Johnston

Who is this handsome man? It is Nicholas all grown up! Hard to believe but he is set to graduate this spring from High School and has collegiate plans and a motorcycle technician as his career goal. He is active in his church, has a flair for writing, and is very much into his girlfriend, Sarah. The picture was just too good not to post! We are proud of you, Nicholas!

Lighting A Fire In The Studio

Oklahoma is confused in its weather patterns this year....it thinks it is Alaska! So....desperate times call for desperate measures. We ordered a wall-mounted gas heater to break the chill in the room. So far, so good. I think it would fare better if we didn't have to open the double-car garage door every morning! But it certainly is making a difference--if only from watching its golden glow! Tossed in a couple of pictures for you to check it out. Feel the warmth? LOL! Have a great day and stay warm!

Close Up

Wall of Warmth

Christmas 2006 Remembrance

It is our sincerest wishes that you all enjoyed a very Merry Christmas and are on your way to a Happy New Year! Our celebration came in stages again this year (and we like it that way). It started with a Christmas Eve service at our church, Bethel Worship Center, called "Carols, Candles and Communion" and I've included a picture or two of our "Circle of Light". Then we hurried home and got ready for Dad, Terry, Doug & Dee to visit for our Christmas Eve afternoon celebration. We had snacks, door prizes, and shared gifts. What a fun time we had!

After they left we loaded up the car and headed to Grandpa Riggs' house where a gob (there is no way to number them) of family were gathered. We played cards, Dirty Santa, ate food and even had a visit from Santa herself! (Note the high heeled Santa!) Around midnight we turned in before the Old Man and his reindeer were to visit. And visit did they!! I can't remember the last time I got a visit from Santa but when I came in to make our coffee the next morning the tree was lit up and a gift that read "To Tim & Cynthia from Santa" was waiting! A brand new Cuisinart Coffee Maker that grinds beans and brews the best cup of coffee you have ever tasted was what he left us. Following that we opened up our gifts and started cooking for the meals we were to share that day.

Dinner at my Mom's in Owasso was next on the agenda. What a feast! Mom, Everett, Granny, Angela and her brand new husband Andrew were all there. We ate, opened gifts and enjoyed a leisurely visit topped with homemade pies and hot coffee. From there we made a bee line for Cynthia's Mom and Dad in Locust Grove where a whole slew of family met for Christmas celebration. We ate (again) and opened gifts. Wow! How blessed are we?? Midnight found us slipping into our covers with me going to work the next day and Cynthia preparing for our last stage of Christmas with our children coming for dinner. Nicholas and his girlfriend Sarah, Zack, Kendra, and Kristen joined us for appetizers. We played another round of Dirty Santa and enjoyed the door prizes Cynthia had bought for the occassion. Dinner followed with opening more gifts following that! Having girlfriends has really brought the gift giving to a whole different level. We now have a fireplace set that allowed me to put my screwdriver back in the toolbox, clothes, golf accessories and more than we deserve. We so enjoyed our visit with them! The only ones missing was Katrina and Steve. We had sent gifts to them earlier in the mail and got to talk to them on Christmas Day. As I said, we had a very Merry Christmas and truly hope that you did, too! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Sarah's Beautiful Smile