pets

Yogurt, Sourdough, and Sunshine

Yesterday started earlier than usual—5:47 AM, to be exact—when it was time to move the yogurt to the fridge. I noticed right away that it hadn’t thickened quite like it normally does. Still, I figured it was worth a try and set it up to strain. I couldn’t fall back asleep afterward, but I gave myself permission to enjoy a slow, quiet morning until it was time to get moving.

What had me most excited was the promise of freshly baked sourdough. It had been a while, but I finally decided to dust off the starter (which had bounced back beautifully) and mix up a batch of dough. It really was like riding a bike—familiar steps, familiar rhythm. After some intense slap-kneading, I squeezed in some light chores and a bit of sewing. It felt good to be back in the groove.

By the time the dough was ready to bake, the neighborhood kids were out and about—and so were mine. The rest of the day unfolded in sunshine and laughter as they ran and played with friends. It was the kind of carefree joy that makes all the hustle worth it.

To top it off, we made it the perfect late spring day for the kids: pizza and ice cream for dinner—dessert first, of course. Because sometimes, the best memories are made when you throw the rules out the window.

The first loaf wasn’t perfect, but it was tasty! I couldn’t help but start another batch right away. Only … I may have jumped the gun on timing. I realized a bit too late that bulk fermentation would be wrapping up smack in the middle of the night. Oops.

Lesson learned—but no regrets. Between yogurt experiments, bread baking, and letting the kids soak up the sunshine and sugar, it was a full and happy day.

Slow Starts and Sweet Company

Even though the kids didn’t have school yesterday, I naturally woke up early, as did my youngest. We slipped into a quiet morning rhythm together, tackling a bit of organizing in the craft room before settling into some hands-on creating.

The morning chores followed: I fed the animals, gave the sourdough starter its daily attention, and checked on the plants to see who was thirsty. I also moved the white chicken chili—frozen flat, just the way I like it—into the storage freezer, and moved the prepped beef and broccoli from the fridge to the main freezer. Then, finally, I made myself a much-needed cup of coffee and took a breath.

Later, I hung a new jewelry organizer in my bedroom and took time to sort through my pieces. So many memories are wrapped in those little things—gifts, keepsakes, pieces tied to moments and places I’d almost forgotten until I held them in my hands again.

Midday, I got ready to meet someone new for coffee. We’d never met in person before, but it was an easy, open conversation. We talked over our drinks for over an hour, and before we parted, we’d already made plans for tea and crochet next week. It was my first time out with a friend since my friend Valerie passed, and while there was some bittersweetness in that, there was also warmth and hope.

Back home, I cleaned up the kitchen and started on something I’ve been wanting to try again: making yogurt from whey I’d frozen in tablespoon-sized cubes before we moved here. I popped them out of the easy release ice cube tray, mixed everything up, and hoped for the best. (I’ll let you know if it worked!)

Dinner was simple—just leftovers—but satisfying. I headed to bed early so I could be up in time to transfer the yogurt to the fridge.

It wasn’t a flashy day, but it was full of life and connection, and that’s more than enough.