We are now basically settled in to the new farmhouse. And, pleasantly, I am finding it even more functional than I'd imagined. Of course one wants her home to be lovely, but when it comes to a farmhouse, function trumps form every time. The house is a workplace. It has to support and process all the goings on of the rest of the farm. And, I am so pleased with how this is going so far.

I love being able to eat my lunch and watch my goats all at once!

I've now made lotion, lip balm, hand soap, homemade pizza, bread, jam, and lots more and the kitchen has earned my official stamp of approval. It has handled each job beautifully -- even the most intense kitchen undertaking, soap making.

I've actually been able to up my soap making session production by 33% without adding any additional time. This is due solely to the extra space I have in this kitchen and the DISHWASHER.

Just look at all this soap . . . and the sink full of dirty pots.

All of this adds up to lots of gorgeous soap bars on the drying rack in the keeping room. This next week, I'll be getting them all gussied up with packaging -- just in time for the first market of the season! Please make plans to pay us and the rest of the vendors a visit next Saturday, May 7th at the Pocket Park on Main Street in Batesville.

(Teaser: There will be Live Well soaps and lotions there!) ;)