Studio for clay

Yes, there's the Clay Studio of BMCA (Black Mountain Center for the Arts) There are classes at all levels, by 3 different teachers, and open studio for at least 2 hours every day of the week.

A lovely mural (it's great looking at night with the spots shining on it)

The downstairs entrance to the Center for the Arts, which has just utility space and one classroom, so go up by elevator or stairs to the working parts of the Center.

There are 2 levels of parking outside the Clay Studio...and at one end is a little pump house.  The Black Mountain Beautification Committee does a great job of landscaping this area.

I wonder what this ornamental vine is climbing that pole...

My lovely favorite Black Eyed Susans just have their black eyes left now.

Some Rosemary for remembrance!

Soon I'll show you some store owners who landscaped their window boxes!

In the hood again

 We've had such warm weather the heat hasn't had much work to do...and of course it's almost solstice, so lots of sun is coming in the southern windows. The geraniums think it's spring, but are still a bit gangly.

For about 3 minutes today the sun hit the fish tank...which it will do for the next 2 weeks probably.

The landscaping consists of areas of straw (maybe to be grass come spring) and mulch. 

 Some bushes have been left, as well as one little dogwood on the north side of the house, where there isn't as much space.  The mulch has a pungent odor like creosote.  I've had to avoid being around it much because it irritates my throat.

A new step has been added to my entrance

And every other board of the porch was replaced.  There were some rotten ones, so this is nice.

The work is almost over.  The huge storage containers that the contractor used have been hauled away, and I am pretty sure the big green monster tractor is also gone...which was used to move things from one area to another, as well as lift them and place them where needed.

Yesterday there was a man standing in the driveway or outside the office holding a clip board, watching the workers pressure wash the parking lot.  I got my car out of there before they replaced the dirt which I'd just gotten washed off...at a car wash.  The watcher was probably one of the inspectors we've been expecting.  I hope if he came in my house he didn't mind pottery scattered everywhere!

Yes it has been in the 60's all week, and is due to be so again today.  Very strange December weather.  But due to be cold again by Christmas.

Today's Quote:

Today, more than ever before, life must be characterized by a sense of Universal responsibility, not only nation to nation and human to human, but also human to other forms of life.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama