Eve, Please don't be tempted just yet, let your body heal otherwise you'll end up hurting yourself even more. I know how frustrating it is tho. Can someone break the 10lb slab up for you & put it on your work bench ? Then you could do a little pouring. Candelish, take it very easy if you do that festival. Being on your feet for so long soon after surgery really isn't a good idea so take a comfy chair with you & use it. Your recovery is important! BTW surgery isn't that bad just as long as you allow yourself to recover fully before getting stuck in to the work again. Take care ladies & I hope you both make excellent recoveries. Sally.