Dearly beloved

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Hell’s Fire with our beloved pots in matrimony , which is commended  to be honourable among all men and women: and therefore is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. If any person can show just cause whey they may not be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.

The Cactus Lounge Flame Throwers gathered last night to break bread together before the early morning match was struck to unit our pots with the flame of Hell’s Fire.

We always load to give time for a nice meal together. It is ritual and part of bringing this team together. I maintain that the quality of the pot luck and food served during the firing is the gold standard of a good crew. Last night we had fried chicken, beef stew, Korean dumplings. Stir fry, deviled eggs, salads, veggies, pumpkin pie with ice cream, baklava, yummy chocolate carmel cake. God, I ate too much and can’t remember all that went into my tummy.

Today Saturday things get serious and the eating continues. Uncle Donny donated 6 racks of smoked ribs and the wood fired pizza oven will be going with pizza. All the shifts are in place and everyone knows their job. If this sounds like just an eating feast with no eyes on the prize then I have painted the wrong picture. We have crews of 2 people do 6 hour shifts. Their complete focus is what is expected with target goals for the firing. Our usual schedule is 100 degrees F per hour with a hold at radiant heat(1200 F)  for 2-3 hours, a stall at 04 for glaze reduction and then the kiln starts to slow down around Cone 4 and we fire off in usually 32-34 hours. This firing I don’t care how long it takes. We all have something destined for the show at Bon Feu. The Captain will get the crew and the cargo to port come hell or high water.