Monday, May 31, 2010

Soap, Soap and More Soap





I have been a soap making machine this week, trying to get caught up after a winter that was consistently too cold to let me work in the garage. Half my work is done there, with pretty much only the heating and mixing done in the kitchen. I burned out my electric stick. It was on its last legs anyway, and I had a upscale replacement in the wings - thanks Costco. I have one more batch to go before we leave on vacation which is why I'm trying to get everything done. It takes a month to cure and it would be convenient to have everything all cured at one.
Yesterday was another of those all-day in town things, so to sweeten the pot, I stopped by my daughter's for a visit on my way home. Lexy-Lu wanted to show me how she had cleaned her room - open for interpretation. We went to the local park after, so she could show me how she goes up the climbing wall, and in all of this conversation, I ask how Auntie Athena's pregnancy is going - due in August, right? Mother! Ever hear that? Mother!! She's about to pop! So how did I confuse August with June - I plead retirement. That baby blanket that I had planned to weave by August was frantically thrown at the loom today. It's so much faster than knitting a baby present, but still.
And if you can believe it, this is how the sun set in May. We know that sun will come with June, but is has been an astounding month and winter.

I finished my book today, a romp by William Boyd, shortlisted for the Booker Award. Who knew a literary author could also spin a complex tale of suspense. I've read several of his books and was completely entertained - suspect there might be a sequel and certainly hope so. It was Ordinary Thunderstorms and I enjoyed it totally. I was almost put off by the Amazon comments and am glad that I trusted my instincts. It was a blast.

14 comments:

Theresa said...

Soap looks great! Good idea to get it curing before you leave for vacation and what a bummer you won't be able to stop in Ashland! Next time. Have fun at BSG. I'll be home with the crew so have enough fun for two of us.
Don't you hate it when you get dates confused. I do it all the time. Never know what day it is.
While we have had rain here, we are starting to dry up.
Great sunset shot.

Hilary said...

I plead being old and forgetful quite a bit....it is very convenient! Love the sunset, love the soap.

Birdsong said...

The soap looks fabulous! Can I reserve a few bars of the swirly variety? I hope you can get that blankie woven up as quickly. You will return to full-blown summer, so enjoy the cool and clouds while they last.

Benita said...

Yummy looking soap! We both have something to wait out the month for.

And I can't wait to see your design for the baby blanket. Knitted baby blankets are nice, but handwoven ones are wonderful! This is going to be one lucky baby!!

Anonymous said...

Your photo of the thunder clouds goes with the book you were reading. Beautiful looking storm even if we all feel ready for the sun.

Robin said...

The soap looks wonderful! Can't wait to see the baby blanket. Great shot of that sky.

~~Sittin.n.Spinnin said...

I would like to get some soap this time, if there is any left by the time I get out to see you guys again. Seems like I've been trying for years to buy some of your soap! :)

re'New said...

That soap looks almost like fudge... my sweet tooth must be hungry :)
I've always been fascinated with making my own soap, but have never gotten around to trying it ~ someday! We had some great clouds last night so I had to go out and take a picture, too.

vlb5757 said...

My goodness you have been very busy. How long does the soap cure? Do you use it for yourself or do you sell it? I have made soap a few times but I doubt mine is a lovely as yours. Forgetfulness is not exclusive to retirement; ask me I know. lol!

bspinner said...

Sharon, you certainly are a "soap making divi". Looks soooo good!!

Great photo of your sunset!!!

Jody said...

Great looking soap...I luv handmade soap. I used to make goatmilk soap with lavender EO when I lived in Europe. It was so nice with all the natural glycerin left in.

Vee said...

Lovely sunset!
I'm sure the woven blanket will be very sweet and much appreciated.

Your soap looks wonderful!

Life Looms Large said...

I must be hungry because that soap looks good enough to eat! (Of course, I know it wouldn't taste good...but it's beautiful!)

It is a good thing that you're weaving that baby blanket instead of knitting it! Confusing dates like that is something I would do!

Hope you're enjoying vacation!

Sue

Leigh said...

Oh Sharon. I remember telling you last fall that my winter projects were going to be to learn to make sourdough and start making soap again. I only got 50% of that accomplished, but looking at this post makes me want to do the soap making too. But gosh, I don't even know where my electric stick blender is! :o