Glassblowing Class

So tonight was my first ever glass-blowing class. The Worcester Center for Crafts holds classes all year long- most are 10-weeks, some are "an evening of fun". Tonight they had a "Christmas Ornament" one-night class and I was lucky enough to get the last spot! (Mind you I signed up over a month ago) Anyhow, there were 9 people in our class so we were split into 2 groups. Karina (my best friend) and her husband Tyler were the rest of my group.
The class started out with one instructor making an ornament - (maybe 3 minutes?) Then they split us into groups and it was our turn.
We got to do, quite literally, everything but get the hot glass out of the oven. It was amazing. The hardest part was getting the bubble to form inside of the ball - No matter how hard you blow, it seems like that bubble is never going to form! The most amazing thing is that within 20 minutes of arriving, I was working with 2000 degree glass (or thereabouts) The instructor was great at talking you through everything but it was just astounding that I/we were making it happen. I know I sound like a little kid but being 2 feet away from the furnace turning glass in it was pretty cool indeed.
Anyhow, I got to make 4 ornaments in total--- the last one broke/has a hole in it. We shall see if it survives.
It was the most fun thing I have done in a LONG time! I can't wait to go back for another one-night class! (the 10-week course is $350 for the class and another $450 in materials so I don't think I'll be doing THAT any time soon!)
Here is a photo of my friend Karina and our instructor Amy- sadly, my camera only had enough battery for one photo... When I get the ornaments back on Monday or Tuesday, I'll post more photos!!!

State Puff Marshmellow Man

So I've finally gotten "with" it and have a blog- Thanks Sarah! Anyhow, I'm afraid I don't have anything exciting to report. The weather is cold- hasn't really risen above 32 degrees Farenheit all week. We did get some snow Sunday night (2 or 3 inches?) and it was just enough to make everything slippery and difficult. I am trying to embrace the winter (versus whine and complain like I have done for all winters past) so I finally went out and spent some serious money on a fleece jacket, down vest, and windproof shell. So far, so good. I look like the State Puff Marshmellow Man((yes, that link is clickable for those of you that need a visual) but I am warm and that is all that really counts. I go for a 1-mile walk every day at work - rain, shine, sleet, snow-- so the new winter duds are really paying off. Emma is good- her old bones don't much like the cold so we are no longer going for long walks/hikes. I'm having a dinner party this Saturday night and am going to start cooking ahead- Tonight I'm making a Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake. Photos to follow.