The drive down....wild weather

Big fun!!

A great weekend!!! Thats what it was....lots of wide open spaces, fun animals, clean air, one of my best friends, lots of laughs, some tears, walking, working. It was awesome!!!! I cant wait to go again!!! Even a bit of snow... Loved it!

Scared

Ok, lots of changes going on. I have a big day tomorrow. Could mean huge changes, and hopefully, they'll be great changes. I'm nervous about it, but we'll see.
Its been a long weekend here....frustrating and sad at times. But also some fun...and I have gotten a few projects accomplished, so thats good. I got a pair of mittens and a washcloth finished, and then started a new pair of socks. My heart is sad though....Kathie's father died. Mr Densmore was so sweet. I know he will be dreadfully missed. I wanted to see Kathie, but this isnt how I wanted to see her. I will be there for her...whatever she needs. Its going to be a long week.

January 7 – St. Distaff's Day

William Hone, The Every Day Book, 2 Vols. London: William Tegg, 1825, 1827.
Volume 1
ST. DISTAFF'S DAY, OR ROCK DAY.
The day after Twelfth-day was so called because it was celebrated in honour of the rock, which is a distaff held in the hand, from whence wool is spun by twirling a ball below. It seems that the burning of the flax and tow belonging to the woman, was the men's diversion in the evening of the first day of labour after the twelve days of Christmas, and that the women repaid the interruption to their industry by sluicing the mischief-makers. Herrick tells us of the custom in his Hesperides: —
St. Distaff's day, or the morrow after Twelfth-day.
Partly work, and partly play,Ye must on S. Distaff's day:From the plough soone free your teame,Then come home and fother them.If the maides a spinning goe,Burne the flax, and fire the tow;
* * *
Bring in pailes of water then,Let the maides bewash the menGive S. Distaffe all the right,Then bid Christmas sport good-night.And next morrow, every oneTo his owne vocation.
In elder times, when boisterous diversions were better suited to the simplicity of rustic life than to the comparative refinement of our own, this contest between the fire and water must have afforded great amusement.

William Hone, The Year Book of Daily Recreation and Information. London: Thomas Tegg, 1832. January 7. St. Distaff's Day.
The day after Epiphany or Twelfth day was called St. Distaff’s day by country people, because, the Christmas holidays have ended, good housewives resumed the distaff and their other industrious employments.

An arc....

Its raining, its pouring, the old man is snoring..... I'm in the midst of Tropical Storm Nicole. As of this time, we've recieved somewhere over a foot of rain, and its pounding down. I made it to knitting, as much to have something to do and to have the companionship, as to knit. Hopefully I can make it through the night without a code red call. Guessing I wont. I'm just glad to be home safe and sound....

Its fair time. My favorite time of the year!!! I love catching up with old friends, and watching the kids as they learn and grow. Its awesome!!! And all the exhibits???? Love it! I never even go through the midway or the food court. If necessary, I'll grab something small, and head back, but thats it. I just like going through the exhibits, the 4h projects, seeing the kids show, as well as the adults!!!
Ok, off to bed. 7am till probably midnight tomorrow. Parade and auction....and more. And open class cattle!!!

Yogurt

Ok, so in my quest to eat healthier, and lose weight, I tried making my own yogurt this weekend. It was outstanding!!!! Love it!!!

One of my favorite sites-
http://www.makeyourownyogurt.com/homemade-yogurt-faq.php

And this is the main recipe I follow. I've now learned that I can use fat free or skim milk if I want to cut down on calories....not sure when I will try that.

http://greekfood.about.com/od/syrupssauces/r/make_yogurt.htm

It is sooooo much better than that at the stores, and really easy to make. Love it!!!