Day: March 24, 2020

With extra time on my hands these days, I started a few projects. I have a sourdough starter going on the kitchen counter with a thermometer and a heating pad keeping it at an even 70 degrees. I think it’ll be time to bake my first loaf tomorrow. After that, I need to “feed” my starter. From what I’ve read, serious bakers keep the starter at room temperature and feed it every day, but I think I’ll opt for the once a week feed while it lives in the fridge (I hope I don’t kill it). If you have any pointers, please share.

I also have some kombucha started in the basement. For those in the know, I have a nice looking eighth-inch SCOBY growing at the top of the mason jars. Once it gets to a quarter-inch, it’ll be time for the first fermentation. Fortunately, I have a husband who brews beer, so he has all the equipment I’ll need to make kombucha like a pro. If I fail the first time, lord knows I have time to try again.

What’s next? I think I’ll dig out my knitting needles and basket of yarn, which I haven’t touched in years. It’s time to teach the kids to knit. No matter that they made their disinterest clear; they shall learn the difference between a knit and a purl. I am not, by any means, a skilled knitter. My specialty used to be simple hats, scarves, baby booties, and an occasional throw; I never had the guts to take on a sweater. Oh, and Edwin had a little blue pair of knitted pants he wore when he was a baby. All they had to do was fit over his cloth diaper (my hippy tendencies are really showing now) and pull to a close with a drawstring.

Certain words and phrases have become part of our everyday lexicon, like social distancing, community spread, and shelter in place. Who knew, just a few weeks ago, that in addition to these, I would have time to be uttering things like feed the starter, fermentation, and grab your knitting needles.