The old and the new

As many of my readers would know I have been involved in Rhonda's Down to Earth forum for a number of years. During that time I have come to know other members from around the world and at the touch of a computer mouse there was always someone on the forum to share with about daily living, how to make sourdough, soap, stockpiling and so on.

However, the time came last week for Rhonda to chose the forum down as she is busy with her growing family and as most people would be aware it does take a lot of time administer such a busy forum. Many thanks to Rhonda for her years of hard work there.

Of course, many of the members were quite disheartened at the thought of losing contact with such close forum buddies so a few brave souls set out to start up a new forum called The Homemaker's Forum and the Grand Opening was on Monday 20th March so it is brand new.

Source: Meagre Makes More: Used with permission

Chocolate, Currant, and Cinnamon Babka

Now, just in case you thought my sourdough baking skills have improved dramatically recently, I have to confess that this photo is taken (with permission) from 'Mrs.Meagre's' blog Meagre Makes More.  Mrs.Meagre was my mentor when I was learning how to make Gertrude my sourdough starter. She is a very patient person and had to answer multiple questions when I was experimenting with Gertrude and she was always so helpful and knowledgeable. 

Well, she is going to be starting up a new challenge around mid-April for anyone on The Homemaker's Forum who would like to make a sourdough starter. As you can read on her blog she has come across a new way to make one which is so much easier than other methods so if you would like to join in the fun then join up and get to know your way around and I am sure you will thoroughly enjoy yourself. Also have a look around her blog as it is very new and she certainly does have a handle already on how to present interesting blog posts. 

Before the DTE forum closed a few other  members were learning how to start up a blog and some  got theirs off the ground while others are still finding their way as it is a bit of a learning curve. Another blog which is up and running is Kylie's Home Is My Haven. I am sure both new bloggers would love it if you could take a look and leave a comment and a word of encouragement. 

Another challenge which is going to start up in the coming month or so is for those who want to make their first batch of soap. So if you would like some support as you branch into the addictive world of soapmaking join the forum and read about what supplies you need before starting off with the rest of the members. That soap in the photo is currently sweating in all the humidity we have been having lately and was almost dripping when I looked at it earlier. It is an olive oil and castor oil soap and the other soap that is curing is a little 'sweaty' but nothing like this one. It is in the laundry so is probably not the driest room in the house to start off with but it will dry out eventually.

Something else I learned from the new forum was that Supercheap Auto have these jugs on special which are microwaveable and would be great for soap making. They look similar to the ones used on The Soap Queen  although a tad cheaper as they are currently selling for $8 for one or $9 for two...give or take a few cents. The special might finish at the end of the month so it would be worth checking them out if you are interested.

Here is another photo of the lone dragonfruit for those who are watching its progress. It is starting to get a bit of colour now and there are obvious changes taking place. I will have to work out how to protect it from the pests as I believe they will be attracted to the ripening fruit. At least the chooks can't reach it.

Talking about the chooks, I am sad to say they have dug up some of the CEO's Dahlia bulbs/tubers but with the recent rain some of the ones they have left have started flowering which is nice because they take the attention away from the weeds underneath them. 

Thanks for all your well wishes for my recovery and I am happy to report that the rash is much better and I have actually been able to brave going to the shopping centre once again. I still do get a few stares though but perhaps they are just thinking how beautiful I look. LOL!

UPDATE: One of my readers has contacted me to say that they weren't able to register on the new forum. If you have any trouble could you let me know via the Contact Form on the sidebar and I will forward your email to the Admin ladies if that is okay. I am sure they would love to know if there are any problems with registering. 

Also if you have trouble trying to find the comment box on Mrs.Meagre's blog just click on the post title and the comment box will come up. It is a Wordpress blog so is a little different from a Blogger blog. 

Have a relaxing weekend everyone!