The Cheese Maker

A very fun day was had recently in Cedarburg, WI.

One of the groups that I'm active in, the Essential Herbal, had a discussion recently on the joys of making your own cheese. In the process of research I discovered that there was a workshop available in this lovely little town. So yes indeed, I had to sign on for the class.

For more information on the workshop, please visit the website http://thecheesemaker.com/
Tell Steve I sent you!

These are some of the pictures from the event that he hosts upon request. The top picture is Steve Shapson, the owner of the cheese maker store. He also sells a variety of home brew and wine making supplies. On the eclectic side, he has surf ware. How is that for unique?

We made some Camembert that was surprisingly easy. The middle picture shows a ripe, ready to eat wheel of Camembert. The one we made in the class is now happily living in it's cheese cave and is producing it's distinctive white bloom that is characteristic of this cheese. Steve tells me that it should be ripe and ready in about 30 days. Yum! I can't wait!

I was in this quaint little town for a benefit to raise awareness for breast cancer. My daughter Erin lives here and she is involved with her local Jr. Women's Club. They sponsored a "wearable" art show and a three mile Awareness walk on Saturday. We really enjoyed our weekend together.

New Items on the website

Blogging can certainly be a challenge sometimes. I've had some recent posts that some dastardly cretin was spamming and adding links to a download. This download would automatically install so I've had to delete the entries and make the blog protected from these undesirables. Yes, it is a cross to bear.

I love to show off some of my mother's newest designs for her hand knit washcloths that are made of 100% cotton. These pictures are just some of the ones she has made available.

Mom likes to tell me she makes these cloths to feel "useful" and that the knitting keeps her hands nimble and strong. I'm certain that it does help her hands but she is always useful in more ways than just her contribution to my business. Thank you Mom for all of your hard work.

SM from Maryland is one of her best customers and has this to say about Mom's work:

"HEHEHE... well... tell your mom... there will be no set-adrift icebergs in her future...AND when her hands give out on her and she can no longer crochet/knit... then she will be revered and respected as the "elder of the tribe" and her wisdom will be sought by those who have not journeyed as far on the trail of life as she has....

Funny, how the elderly have these perceptions of being "allowed only if they're useful". AND (for me anyway).. purchases of those cloths happen BECAUSE she's your mom... Like I said, magic to magic... hers to yours.. it just heightens your Oh so very aptly named "potions"...

And sap (sometimes to the point of maudlin) that I am, I have a soft place in my heart for the crafts and skills of generations that have come before us... and those who still practice their "arts"... if ya know what I mean. What a treasured piece of history they are.. even more so when they "share" their skills.. y'kno??

My own mother was very gifted with crocheting... yet somehow her talents were never shared... sooo many stunning pieces of art Mich and I came across after she passed... broke my heart. (all I keep telling myself is Karma...karma will happen for ALL of us threefold). I have memories of being a wee child asking her to teach me to crochet... alas... never happened.. I ended up teaching myself when I was grown... sooo... I've studied these things hehehe... your mom sharing her gift/magic... will have big karmas.."

Memories

Some years ago we sold our house out in Waterford and the new owners decided to build a new one on the property. The new house takes up most of the lot now. They did keep the boathouse which now looks like a small play house. It's all kind of sad to see the old times and so many of the memories fade as progress marches on.

Natural Cleaners

At the Essential Herbal yahoo group, we have been challenged to share our natural cleaning products.

My all time favorite is this simple, all purpose cleaner made with vinegar and ammonia. I use it on windows, counter tops, floors and just about everything but wood.

To a half gallon of warm water, add:
1 cup vinegar
1/2 cup ammonia

I prefer to use rubber gloves on my hands.
Use a 100% cotton wash rag and apply to the window or surface.
If you are washing windows, try using a squeegee or newspaper to wipe the solution off for a finish that is streak-free.

If you have previously used a commercial spray product for washing your windows you will find that there is usually some type of film left behind, so it may take two washings to complete rid the pane of the residue. No residue is left behind with the vinegar and ammonia.

It works great on car windows and interiors.

The smell dissipates rapidly and you are left with a nice clean smell.

Returning Soaps for Patti's Potions

I've been very busy in the studio now that I've finished my taxes. It sure is good to have that ordeal over for yet another year.

There have been some soap fragrances that were introduced in recent years that were very popular. Summer Solstice and Lilac have been favorites for folks of all ages. Now you would think it would be easy to find great fragrances that behave well and have great scent. That is not the case.

I've tried several lilac fragrance oils and this one that I offer is just the best out there! It is just like sticking your nose in an old fashioned and very fragrant lilac bush! How wonderful is that! This is not the cloying smell that you get from those horrid air fresheners that just smell fake and very chemical. Ick to that I say! I want the real thing and this is it.

Summer Solstice is a fragrance that my customers just fell in love with and were really unhappy when I ran out. But hey, I always have to test the market to see how a new one holds up over time. This one is just clean and fresh, not floral or spicy. Everyone loves it!

If you skin is suffering from winter dryness, then try our soothing lavender and oatmeal soap. It is made with organic oatmeal and a pure lavender essential oil.

All the soaps have an olive oil base and are enriched with shea butter and jojoba for the best in a moisturizing handmade artisan soap.

Fun in Maui

There are so many things to do on this small island. Lahaina Town has the banyon tree that fills a full city block. The shopping and people watching is pure pleasure.

One of the really fun things to do is to go up to Up Country and visit the Tedescherie Winery.

Then of course there are the spectacular views on the Road to Hana.

I hope that all of you can get to paradise.

Whale Watch

The whales return to Maui in early December from their summer season in Alaska. Our first year in Maui was in November so we didn't see them that trip but have on all the rest. Last year with my sister Brigid and nephew Chris, we went on a whale watch excursion. They were so incredibly close to the boat and you could really see just how huge they are! You can see them from the shoreline too during high season.