Rocking My Domestic Powers

The past few days, the boys have asked me, "Do you have to go to work today?"

I've loved that I've been able to say no! I could really get used to this, but as it is, I'll be missing the paycheck I would have received these past two weeks. Why didn't I buy a lotto ticket at Christmas?

Before heading back to the routine next week, I'm enjoying spending extra time exercising my autodidact.

I have plans to make soap. I've been wanting to do this for awhile now and just never got around to it. For Christmas I received a handmade bar of honey oatmeal soap, and I'm more motivated than ever to start making our own. I have sensitive skin and can feel immediately when I'm exposed to natural versus artificial.

The boys say they will help me in this soap making endeavor. We've collected several books with recipes and today we scored a stick blender at the resale shop for $4. If we make enough soap that we can begin selling it this spring, I will split the profits with them. If we aren't able to set up a home soap business, at least we'll have fun exploring a bit of chemistry.

Bird report - We had swarms hanging out in our bushes and enjoying our feeders, then one day I saw the hawk perched on the deck rail. On the north side of our garden the feathers on the ground prove the hawk has been successfully filling her belly. Now we rarely see the juncos, sparrows and finches hanging around. I suppose once the hawk moves on, the birds will return.

I've also been enjoying being home to cook for my family. Tonight I'm going to try making Giada's parmesan potato pancakes.