soapmakers journal Mri results are back

[Farmfresh]

I hate it when they make you wait for those test results.

I had tests at a neurologist yesterday for my numbness in my feet and after 2 1/2 + hours of testing all she had to tell me was that my feet WERE getting numb. Duh!

 

[soapmaker]

Today is such a gorgeous day! Sunny and in the 70's but you can tell fall is in the air in western pa! I plan on making some buttermilk soap today with oatmeal and a honey almond fragrance. I have been having trouble finding goatmilk. Most times have to buy it in the grocery but it can be expensive. I have decided to think about getting a couple of goats next spring. My dh is totally against the idea but he was against chickens too and now he actually is attached to some of them and loves the eggs. Anyone have goats? What are the best dairy goats? I've been reading about alpine goats. I was hoping to find one already lactating but might have to start with one in foal or kidding(is that what they call it). See I have a lot to learn.

 

[soapmaker]

I hate it when they make you wait for those test results.

I had tests at a neurologist yesterday for my numbness in my feet and after 2 1/2 + hours of testing all she had to tell me was that my feet WERE getting numb. Duh!

Your numbness has to be caused by somthing! Do you have a history of diabetes? Do they hurt when they are numb? It could be a neuropathy to the feet. ?You don't have to be a diabetic to get this. Some people just have bad circulation amd it can cause this or a numbness. I'm assuming you had the mri and the whole neuro workup?

 

[Farmfresh]

In the process ... no diabetes. :/

 

[Dace]

I am eager to learn about soap making as well. We have a couple people at our farmers market who sell it but they don't make it themselves. ...naturally I would like to push them aside and take over

 

[Blackbird]

Yes its called kidding. Your going to want to buy atleast two, as they are herd animals and like their own company. Otherwise they'll probably want to be with you all day.

My favorite breed of goat is the Nubian. Their milk has a higher butterfat and protien content compared to most goat breeds. It has a creamier and richer taste. Alpines are good too, their milk usually isn't as rich in taste but they often produce more.

 

[Dace]

Merle, I know that this will probably sound stupid but....how different does goat milk taste from cows milk?

I know that Chevre is quite tart/pungent...I always think it is because of the milk.

 

[Blackbird]

It varies depending on breed, how the milk was handled, diet, and content of the milk. Our first Nubian gave milk that tasted exactly like cow milk. None of our dairy cow friends could taste the difference.

Chevre is sometimes tart because its a product of fermentaion using mesophilic cultures. Just as yogurt is a product of fermention, although yogurt uses themophilic. As you know, plain unflavored yogurt can be tart as well. Cheese that has aged more will taste more mild, like chedder. Some people also add things like lipase for taste.

But what do I know?

 

[Dace]

You are a wealth of information my young friend

Thank you for the great info!

 

[SheriM]

I have trouble convincing people of this, but Nubian milk really does make better soap. I'm sure it's the higher butterfat content. I recently added a couple of Nubian crosses to my herd, just for the milk.

Now, before I offend anyone, let me say any good, fresh goat's milk will make a wonderful soap. I've used milk from purebred Boer, Boer crosses, dairy crosses, you name it, and they're all fantastic, but there does seem to be something special about the milk from the Nubians and crosses.