It was a break from soap making that I did not ask for, but it was productive.
The electronic scales that I used to weigh soaps, lotions, and shipments started acting up about 2 weeks ago. The same day that I ordered the new scale my old unit quit working altogether.
As I waited for the new scale to arrive I was able to ship packages. You would have loved to have seen what I did. I used an old manual food scale that I had in the kitchen. I calibrated it to a can of green beans. Well, it worked!
I could not make lotion, and thankfully did not receive any lotion orders until mid-last week. The one lotion customer was patient enough to want to wait for fresh goat milk lotion.
What I did during my down time was contemplate where I want to go next with products, the business, and mainly the soaps. I planned autumn soaps. I am pleased.
For those of you that make soap and other products, this scale is terrific. I choose this model because it weighs in increments of .001 ounces, instead of .01. The only problem with this unit is, even though the weight can be tared out, you must break everything down into smaller containers or pieces if your soap batches weigh more than 5 lbs (mine do).
I am excited to be back in production, and doubly excited to have some fall soaps planned. It may be 90 degrees outside, but us northerner’s know, fall will be here in a blink of the eye!
Annies Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps 
Mary, I have just finished reading your last few posts and am wonderfully refreshed and encouraged by all I read. Time for reflecting while busy doing what is necessary right now is sweet!
Have you named your new kitten?
And I wish we had farm stores like the Amish family near here. Worth a visit just for some of what would be for sale. I have been canning for years and it seems to be canning time during the hottest time of the year, but I am so thankful for the produce, especially when it is grown in our garden and orchard.
Someone asked about expiration of goat milk soap and I found a box of goat milk soap I made years ago in the back of my closet and it was even better than I remember my soap being. Aged to perfection and still fragrant!I don’t make soap anymore, so do appreciate yours~
The kitten is still name-less. If we keep this up she will think her name is Kitty Kitty.
I like the older bars of goat milk soap better. They really do hold their scent and last so long. I am glad you jumped in and said you experience that too.
I will be making tinctures and infusions from the herbs and calendula, perhaps rose petals as well. But with canning produce I’ll have to make some purchases this year. Hot or not, like you, it is a good feeling.