Sunday, Sunday...

It's a challenge getting back into a routine after so much time off during the holiday, either from the horrible virii that have been taking hold everywhere or simply the cold and the holiday down-time. Still, it's now all hands to the torch, or at least Mike's. He's been inspired lately and it's starting to appear in the new beads he's been making, I think. He's also working on some new historic types of beads which will make their appearance in York this weekend. All in all, exciting times in glass ahead. We've looked at the upcoming schedule and it's going to be a busy few months. Two days in York, three days in Coventry, one day in Perth, three days again in the Coventry area and two days in Cheltenham and two days in Brighton. And then a weekend off after six weekends on the run.

That sounds like a lot of work, and it is, but it's what we do, and we do like to eat.

After that is the Second Flame-off at the Towcester Racecourse. Mike's been included in the Lampworker's Village for the two days of the Flame-off itself and we'll be at the bead fair on the Sunday, so lots of fun and work all at the same time.

It's hard work but I don't think Mike would trade it for any other job in the world. He loves every morning, knowing that he will be getting up again to go in and melt glass. It just doesn't get much better, really.