Winter Update

There is so much snow on the ground and I am already dreaming of greener things. I am currently knee-deep in my garden spreadsheet, planning seedings and plantings and spaces. I think the spreadsheet is easier to use than a hastily scribbled piece of scrap paper and makes it easier to see the dates for starting and transplanting, as well as the sheer number of things I plan on growing. 

I made more sourdough--four loaves this time. The starter got gloriously bubbly and grew and grew and grew. So I think I did it right. I aimed for a little more water than recommended, and it seemed to make a better consistency for the starter. The loaves are less dense but more crumby. I forgot the vital wheat gluten, but they turned out well anyway. I have to be careful of shaping my loaves--the dough didn't  combine, but rather folded, creating pockets that made my slices fall apart. Otherwise, I am pretty proud of myself, and I have three loaves left in the freezer. And I'll be damned if this bread doesn't make a mean grilled cheese sandwich. 

The soap shop is going well. I managed to sneak in a few more editions, and the sales have calmed enough that I can ignore it for the moment. However, there has been a call for lotions and body butters, so I am testing things there. I've investigated getting a business license, but holy crap is that shit complicated. I have to decide if I want this to be more than a hobby, because the process and cost of securing a license is a pretty big investment. In the meantime, I enjoy experimenting with scents, colors, and molds. Also, as a reminder to myself, write down everything I do when making a batch! The first batch is always the best, while any re-creation tends to be less perfect. Write it down. Write it down!

At any rate, this is the time for dreaming and planning. All the doing will happen soon enough, when the spring comes.