Goodbye sweet Grammy

We had such a nice visit!  It was sad to see her go but her kitty and warm weather need her.
While she was here we did so much...

We spent all Friday in the kitchen.   First let me tell you about making lotion.  We made "perfect cream" adapted a bit from a book by Rosemary Gladstar.  It turned out WONDERFUL.

WATERS
2/3 cup distilled water
1/3 cup aloe vera gel (mine was a bit chunky)
10 drops Tangerine Essential Oil
5 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
5 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract (preservative)

OILS
3/4 cup Sweet Almond Oil
1/3 cup Shea butter
1 T coconut oil
1/2 - 1 oz grated beeswax

Directions
1. Combine distilled water, aloe vera gel, essential oil in a glass measuring cup. (I used Tap water that I boiled to discourage the growth of bacteria.) Set aside.
2. In a double boiler over low heat, combine remaining ingredients. Heat just enough to melt.
3. Pour oils into a blender and let cool to room temperature. The mixture should become thick, creamy, semisolid and cream coloured. This cooling process can be hastened in the refrigerator, but keep an eye on it so it doesn't get too hard.
4. When cooled, turn blender on the highest speed. In a slow, thin drizzle pour the water mixture into the center vortex.
5. When most of the water mixture has been added to the oils, listen to the blender and watch the cream. When the blender coughs and chokes, and the cream looks thick and white like butter cream frosting, turn off the blender. You can slowly add more water, beating it in by hand with a spoon, but don't over beat! The cream will thicken as it sets.
6. Pour into into cream or lotion jars. Store in a cool place.

Tomorrow we have a "train" birthday party to attend.  I whipped up a little hat for the birthday boy.    The body of the hat is upcycled wool sweater from our thrifting this week.  The train was freehanded by me and cut out of felt.  The buttons are vintage from my collection.  I hope he likes it.