Friday January 6th 12:30ish

For those of you that do not know, there was a fire at my house on Friday. I was the only one home except of course for my animals. I foolishly lit a candle in my basement laundry room to combat a terrible smell coming from that room. I proceeded to shut the door and go take a shower. I heard the smoke detector go off while I was chatting on the phone in my bedroom.

When I opened the laundry room door both the washer and dryer tops were in flames. I ran upstairs and filled my milking pot with water, thinking I could handle things myself and my husband would NEVER find out. Half way down the stairs to the laundry room the smoke was too thick. I changed course ran to the house phone and dialed 911. The phone rang 3 times and the line went dead. The fire had burned the wires. I immediately opened the front door and shoved Ruby, my dog out. I ran upstairs to my room where I had left the cell phone and ran down dialing 911. Then I did something else wrong. I returned to the kitchen to open the back door. I didn't have time to find my cat and was thinking she could run out if the doors were open.

The kitchen was completely engulfed in thick black smoke. It was like swallowing water. I made it back out the front door to claim Ruby and wait. Within in minutes a Madison Police Officer had Park Avenue blocked off. The firemen were only seconds behind. Everything moved in slow motion. I tried Joe's cell over and over, no answer, called his job, no one knew where he was. I was frantic. It's terrible to watch as everything you have is in danger and you can't stop it.

Thankfully a good friends husband came and placed a chair in the center of the yard and put me in it. Stay put, you're too close to the smoke. My brother in law and niece arrived next. I could breath again. An officer came over to talk to me and asked where my husband was... me being who I am answered without thinking. He must be with his mistress, no one can find him. The look on the man's face made me realize he thought I was being serious. I quickly told him I was a ridiculous woman and to not put that in the report, when times are tough I get sarcastic. Another of my more endearing qualities. It turns out Joe was on Rt. 10 picking up Andrew's skis for ski trip that night.

Imagine his delight to find not 1 but 4 fire departments at his house. I guess there is no keeping it from him now. We all stood there watching as firemen went in and came back out. Fans were placed to pull the smoke from the building. A mess. The men removed the now melted washer & dryer,as well as a great deal of ruined stuff. The boys arrived home next. Joseph, my oldest, shaking his head asked, "What did you do now Mom?" I guess sarcasm runs in the family. The boys picked up Gracee and they went to my in-laws Chatham house. You better call your insurance agent someone advises, My cell is dead, of course, I borrow a phone and start the calls. Everyone is so nice and accommodating. Chubb is well worth the investment.

Joe and I stayed until we were allowed to grab a few essential with an escort. It's very hard to sort through your underwear drawer with a burly fireman watching. I don't know about you, but there are underwear for show and then there is underwear for comfort. This situation called for comfort. I gathered things for everyone and my engagement ring, what made me think of it I don't know. Back outside to watch as final inspection were made so that the house could be turned back over to us. I didn't want it back, I just wanted to hide, our things, our memories, how bad would the damage be. Upon inspection we found that the basement was gone. Heat from the fire had melted DVD players, the can lights had melted onto the couch, such destruction from one little glass jar candle.

Well the laundry room didn't smell anymore, now the whole house smells and there isn't a laundry room. The fire had been contained to the basement, smoke and water had hit the kitchen, the living room wall had been removed to check for additional hot spots. Smoke damage throughout. Our house is unlivable. I pack up my truck with the few belongings I had gathered and head to my temporary home generously supplied by my in-laws. I leave Joe and my brother in law to try and get a bit of electricity to the milk freezer and to the furnace so the pipes would not freeze and the milk would stay frozen. What had I done?

New Year's Resolutions

I've had so many things on my mind lately, too much perhaps. I have one very specific resolution this year that has many parts to it. The base of it is balance, I resolve to find balance in my life. I tried simplicity, guess what simplicity is very complicated! I need to step back and get organized. Christmas was exhilarating, so hectic, such positive feedback for the business and the animals, but in the wake of such activity is chaos. Everything including months worth of paperwork, is in complete disorder. The soap kitchen looks like a tornado went through, only a few misshapen bars of soap remain, excellent soap, imperfect in appearance I'll call them ugly bars. The shows were a blast this year, too many wonderful, creative people, not too mention the customers...just amazing! Which leaves me with a dilemma, where do I go from here? The numbers aren't in so I may not be profitable, that's a BIG concern. I can't get to the paperwork with soap to make, wrap and sell plus work at the day job and of course maintain a relatively large family and small farm. I need HELP, but can't afford to pay a full time person, begging the boys to take over my email blasts, which haven't happened due to lack of time and of course the paperwork. Offered to pay $10.00 an hour and they could work at their leisure just keep track of their time. They said no, hmm, this IS a problem! What teenager doesn't need money? Perhaps things are too easy here, too many gimme's, how do I fix this?
Do I leave the day job and take the big risk and handle everything myself? This really isn't the economy to give up your job and open a business, it's one thing as a hobby that pays for itself, depending on it for income is a whole other thing. Terrifying!

I tried something new this year, an open house, it wasn't really advertised, but none the less did very well. I think it is something I will try again for Valentine's Day. So far I am scheduled for The Chocolate Festival January 22 at the Dolce Hotel in Basking Ridge. It is a fundraiser for the NJ Youth Chorus. In honor of the occasion I have created a chocolate scented soap loaded with cocoa butter, it's yummy! Having trouble with the name though... maybe Chocolate Goat? Also premiering will be Sweetheart Rose, Forbidden, and Champagne all packaged and ready to give for Valentine's Day. I may even bring a couple of my Drunken Goat bars just for fun. There's a little story that goes with that bar. As some of you may know we're having quite a bit of trouble breeding Oreo, she can be pretty nasty, she has attacked every male she's had the displeasure of meeting. Finally we actually borrowed a buck named Pedro to spend a couple of weeks here and hopefully get the job done. Oreo was less than pleased. I had a crazy thought, maybe a little wine would loosen her up, it being her first time and all. After presenting my idea to Joe I was promptly informed that I was nuts, well duh!, isn't that oblivious at this point? Joe would not allow any alcohol consumption by the goat, but Drunken Goat soap was "born" A lovely champagne scented goat shaped bar. We have no idea if Pedro had any luck with Oreo or anyone else for that matter. I guess we'll find out in the next few months, based on current food consumption they are ALL pregnant! Other goat news an absolutely lovely lady by the name of Betty has expressed an interest in our goats. As of April, if no one is expecting, Brownie, Blossom and Violet will be moving to Betty's place. My heart is breaking, but I know it is the right thing to do. Betty will love them as I do and I can visit anytime. Maybe we will have new babies in April/May and it all starts over again.

The chickens are at the end of their time, we're down to just 1 or 2 eggs a day. Enough for us, but many disappointed friends looking for fresh eggs. Our new flock will arrive in February. This flock will have a diet rich in Omega 3 producing eggs also loaded with Omega 3, cool huh?

Thinking about starting up the bees again in the spring. I will order nucs from Better Bee and have talked a gentleman by the name of Steve to help mentor me this time around. Maybe we'll have honey this summer!

The veggie garden stands barren and frozen, ready for next season. This past year was a huge disappointment with the veggies. Blight took all my tomato plants, squirrels took what the blight missed. Bean were only OK, no peppers, no zucchini. I don't know what to say. I will try again this year, different seed company and more chicken poo.

Upcoming shows
January 22nd The Dolce Hotel
March 18th Paramus High School Craft Show 10:00 till 5:00
April 29th NJPAC 2:00 till 6:00
May 6th Ridgewood Spring Craft Fair 12:00 till 5:00
May 20th NJPAC 2:00 till 6:00
June 2 & 3 Chester Craft Show

An open house in either late January or early February

Applying to both the Chatham Farmers Market and Madison Farmers Market for the season, maybe the Morristown or Summit Market as well.

More shows to be announced, check the website and facebook page for regular updates and hopefully email blasts monthly.