#rise casey cones

[intotheelliwoods]

Here by surprisingly very popular demand, Casey has arrived!

This is part 1! Part 2 can be found here~

Context, and more comics can be found on my blog! Under the cut of my pinned post!

[rottmnt-described]

[id: digital drawings of the turtles, April, and Cassandra from Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at the beach. The first shows Leo and Mikey racing to the water. Leo wears sunglasses and carries a trans flag surfboard under his arm, while Mikey wears a a visor and has an inflatable around his waist. The second shows Donnie and Raph enjoying treats under the trees, with Donnie drinking something red out of a fun glass and Raph eating an ice cream cone shaped like a bear. The third shows April and Casey in the water, with April wearing a large yellow sunhat and flowy clothes with a smile. Casey stands behind her holding an ice cream in one hand and a coconut in the other, looking at April with wide eyes and a blush /end id]

*ੈ✩‧₊˚〰𓇼(≧∇≦)

[sylvain-writes]

Raphael scenario where he meets a human who is instantly smitten with him and it’s very cute, not flirty, just cute in interaction? Bonus: Is raphael clueless (he thinks humans won’t accept them) or does he catch on? Be funny if Casey points out she’s giving ‘signals’.

After visiting NY landmarks under the baking sun, you're looking forward to the gentle light of the moon and city lights. Even at sunset, August's heat is stifling. Thankfully, all it takes is a refreshing sip of iced coffee and a quick taste of your vanilla cone to soothe you for the moment.

Calling out of work 'sick' to take advantage of such a beautiful day feels like the best decision you've made for yourself in a while. That is, until you spot your boss exiting a small shop across the way. Scrambling for a hideaway, you make a mad dash for the next block.

With a firm grip on both your cone and your cup, you turn the corner--and slam into something solid as a rock.

*

Raph looks up from adjusting the fabric wrapped around his ankle just in time to watch you zip into the alley and careen into him. In the blink of an eye his face is smothered with something cold and smooth. There's a splash on the pavement at his side.

Even with his enhanced reflexes from years of ninja training, he has barely enough time to process what's happening before he hears laughter burst from Casey's chest.

"Nice," Casey jests, drawing out the word until it's dripping with sarcasm. But he's not Raph's concern. No, there's someone new standing before him and his stomach clenches in anticipation of your scream.

"Shit, sorry," you mumble and hiss, instead. You mustn't have seen him, he thinks. Certainly, as you back up, you'll get a better look at him and run.

Raph swallows hard. He holds his breath, waiting for your reaction. But the look of shock, of disgust, never comes.

Usually Raph is a man of action, but at the sight of you, and with his face full of vanilla soft serve, he's frozen.

*

You watch the trenchcoated stranger's scowl deepen under a mask of vanilla ice cream. You expel a long breath as his expression twists into something else. Perhaps it's confusion shining through his squinting green eyes. Nonetheless, you only have a second to study it before embarrassment brings your gaze to your feet. You worry your bottom lip as you consider the stranger's silence.

The soft chuckle of his companion is more teasing than sinister. So, you try not to pay him any mind.

Heavy-hearted with apologies, you inch forward to help wipe up the mess. But with what's left of your coffee and ice cream still held in your iron grip, there's not much you can do. It must look as though you're threatening to smear even more of your dessert onto the stranger's face. "I… I am so sorry."

Amused, his hockey stick wielding sidekick is quick to respond. "My hotheaded friend here needed to cool off anyway. Isn't that right, Raph?" He emphasizes his question with a firm slap upon his friend's shoulder.

Your feet scuff the pavement in a nervous shuffle, but as you prepare another apology for the guys, the one called Raph rises from his knees.

Brushing gravel off his long coat, Raph says, "Don't sweat it."

Hockey Stick scoffs, and with a peek out of the side of your eye, you witness him shoot his friend a look of disbelief. The look is so sharp you'd think Raph has never accepted an apology before in his life.

You're flustered and you wish you could rewind the last three minutes. You could have walked a little slower. Taken a wider turn. Looked up a second earlier. You feel your face grow hotter and hope the guys attribute your blush to the sticky heat of the August evening.

"It's my fault, really," Raph says, as his full form takes shape. He's poised to say more, but your gasp cuts him off. Realization of who and what he is dawns on your face, and Raph's playful smirk drops.

Your jaw trembles as you take it all in. "You're one of them. The vigilantes from TV."

Hockey Stick takes a step closer, as if to intimidate. You guess not everyone responds favorably to meeting one of the turtles, but you're simply starstruck.

"Sorry," you explain, "I've never met someone famous before." Eyes wide and heart fluttering, you're horrified that you've made such a terrible impression on the hero, after all he does for the city--and the little thanks he gets. "I'm a big fan. Really."

His expression softens into a lopsided grin, and Raph licks a bit of ice cream from his lips. "Famous, heh?" He waves off the compliment, seemingly unfazed by the ice cream dripping down his chin.

You wish you had a free hand; never has there been such an easy excuse to reach out and and touch someone you've had a crush on for so long.

Then, Raph catches you completely by surprise when he gives a little shrug and says, "Look, uh, we were just on our way t' catch some grub. Maybe ya wanna join us? We can grab ya another coffee, if ya want."

"What? Oh. No! No, no. It's alright. I, uh, I can get another. I mean, I shouldn't even be drinking caffeine this late. Y'know?" You think he'll buy the excuse. After all, the interaction has you jittery enough to be tripping over your words.

"How bouts we replace that cone, then?" There's a kindness, an apprehension, to his voice as Raph insists, "It's the least we could do."

Muttering under his breath, Hockey Stick dissolves the tension. "The heck you mean 'we', Dairy Queen? Ya got brain freeze?" He crosses his arms as he sidesteps the scene with a grumble. "It ain't my dome lookin' like Mrs. Doubtfire over here."

"I'm good," you say, raising your smashed peak of soft serve, and you don't know why you keep refusing his offers when what you really want to do is give Raph your number.

Even Hockey Stick seems confused by your hesitancy. "Ya not really gonna eat that, are ya? ...Probably tastes like his face," he adds with a grimace.

"Oh," you quickly smile to placate Raph after his friend's offensive comment. "I bet your taste face fine. I mean, your face tastes fine. I… Oh, god."

You bite your tongue, mortified, but Raph is smiling down at you. He wipes a stripe of ice cream from his cheek and licks it off of his wide, green thumb with an appreciative hum. "Not bad."

The absurdity of your night hits you and a laugh bubbles up from your chest. It's nervous and genuine, and when Raph chuckles along, it feels like it's just the two of you in all of Queens.

Ice cream melts over your fist and down his neck as the harmony of your voices tapers off. Hockey Stick clears his throat, and the moment is gone.

With a bashful, pinched expression, you release a small groan. "Can we just forget I said anything? Can we forget any of this happened?"

Back to wiping his face clean, Raph gives a slow shake of his head. His smile widens as his friend rolls his eyes with a sigh.

"Nah," Raph says, looking only at you, "I think I wanna remember this for a long time."

[myonechicagoworld]

CHICAGO FIRE – REAR VIEW MIRROR (S01E06)

                                              [door bell chime]

Hallie Thomas: Gabriela. 

Gabby Dawson: Hey.

Hallie Thomas: Thank you for meeting me.

Gabby Dawson: Yeah, of course. 

Hallie Thomas: I hope it wasn’t an inconvenience. 

Gabby Dawson: No, no, no, no. Not at all.

Hallie Thomas: I know you and Matt are close.

Gabby Dawson: Oh, uh…

Waitress: Can I get you something to drink?

Hallie Thomas: Uh, coffee’s fine, thank you.

                           I didn’t want to go to the Chief about this 

                           because…

                           God, I’m so sorry.

Gabby Dawson: Oh, it’s okay. What’s… what’s wrong?

Hallie Thomas: It’s the Detective Voight thing. I didn’t, um…

                          I know your brother’s been trying to help.

Gabby Dawson: Yeah, that’s right.

Hallie Thomas: It’s just I have never seen Matt like this, and I have

                          a feeling that something bad is gonna happen.

Gabby Dawson: I’m really sorry for everything you’re going  

                            through, Hallie, I am, but I’m not sure what I can 

                            do.

Hallie Thomas: Matt’s deposition is scheduled after his shift.  

                          Once he testifies against Voight’s son, it’s…it’s not

                          worth it anymore just to prove a point. 

                          And I’m thinking more and more that Matt  

��                         shouldn’t go through with it.

Gabby Dawson: You should tell Matt.

Hallie Thomas: I did. Last night.

                          He wouldn’t listen. 

                          But I think he would if it came from you.

                                                   cutscene

                                           [motor humming]

                                  [metal creaking & shaking]

Kelly Severide: Hey, hold still. Just relax.

                           Zit?

Tagger: I-I didn’t do that!

Kelly Severide: Of course not.

                          Look, this is as far as I can go. You gotta come the  

                          rest of the way.

Tagger: You mean drop?

Kelly Severide: That’s right.

Otis Zvonecek: Zito…big-time tagger.

Leslie Shay: Yeah, yeah, yeah, I’ve seen his name around.

Otis Zvonecek: Yeah? He’s hit every “L” train, bus stop, and 

                           mailbox in Chicago.

Christopher Herrmann: You president of his fan club?

Otis Zvonecek: No. There’s a street art exhibition at the MCA.

Christopher Herrmann: This clown’s in the museum?

Otis Zvonecek: What a country. Right?

Kelly Severide: Just slide on down nice and easy. I got you.

Tagger (Zito): You called the cops!

                        Whoa! 

Kelly Sevride: Hey!

Tagger (Zito): [struggling]

Kelly Severide: All right, now! Just drop!

                         (into radio) Coming down.

Matt Casey: (over radio) Copy. All clear.

Chief Boden: All good?

Otis Zvonecek: Yeah. Graffiti artist got stuck up there, Chief.

                                           [dramatic music]

                                            [car door shuts]

Chief Boden: Kelly.

                       You got no reason to be here.

Hank Voight: Oh, collecting gang intel, Chief.

                       Big new tag like that… gotta make sure it doesn’t 

                       spark a turf war.

Chief Boden: You’ve seen it. Now leave.

Hank Voight: You might want to take a step back there. I don’t want

                       to charge you or one of your men with interfering  

                       with a police investigation.

Chief Boden: Yeah.

                        Pack it up. We’re outta here.

Hank Voight: Oh, hey, Casey. You got your deposition tomorrow.

Kelly Severide: Come on, let’s go. Come on.

Hank Voight: Let me ask you, is that cute little fiancée of yours 

                       gonna be there too? ‘Cause I gotta tell you, the  

                       other night, when we were talking, she seemed  

                       kinda, I don’t know, uh, shut down. But by the 

                       end, she really started to open up.

Kelly Severide: Hey! Hey! Come on.

Matt Casey: Your day’s coming. Your day’s coming, Voight!

                                           - Title Screen -

                                           [knocks on door]

Chief Boden: Close the door.

                                               [door shuts]

Chief Boden: You all right? 

Matt Casey: Yeah.

Chief Boden: What do you want to do?

Matt Casey: About? 

Chief Boden: You.

                       You want to go out on calls, stay here in the house,  

                       take some time off?

Matt Casey: Go out on calls.

Chief Boden: Then you have to do it right.

Matt Casey: I have been.

Chief Boden: You’ve heard me say this a million times. 

                        In this job, regardless of what’s going on in your life,  

                        you take your eye off it for one second, people can 

                        die.

Matt Casey: You’re right. I have heard you say that, and we’re in 

                      agreement.

Chief Boden: I wish I could do more to fix this, but right now, it is  

                      just a matter of trusting the system.

                      Look, Matt, there won’t be another warning.

                                         [background chatter]

Kelly Severide: Hey. 

                          Hey, look…

                          Look, man, you wanna hit somebody, my buddy   

                          has got a boxing gym over in Bucktown. You get  

                          a trainer, you glove up, you hit mitts. 5 bucks a   

                          round. We could head over there after shift.

Matt Casey: Yeah, I’ll-I’ll think about it. Thanks.

                                                 cutscene

Christopher Herrmann: Not to sound like my father-in-law, but  

                                        this is what’s wrong with America.

Otis Zvonecek: What’s wrong with America or what’s great about 

                           America?

Christopher Herrmann: Are you kidding me? 3,000 clams for that, 

                                       and I’m out there doing side jobs for 20 

                                       dollars an hour?

Joe Cruz: Hey, Mouch is looking for you.

Christopher Herrmann: Do you know how much the taxpayers of  

                                        this city pay for graffiti removal? 50 million 

                                        a year.

Peter Mills: Uh, that… that sounds high.

Christopher Herrmann: Look it up.

                                         All right, stop. All right, so it’s more like  

                                         25 million or something. 

                                                  [laughing]

Christopher Herrmann: Either way, it’s a lot of money.

Peter Mills: Yeah.

Christopher Herrmann: And then this little wannabe hood rat…

Leslie Shay: Herrmann… it’s bold. It’s provocative.

Christopher Herrmann: Hahaha. You’re just trying to get a rise.

                                        And look at these high society douche  

                                        bags lapping it up.

                                        You see, this is why, when my kids get out  

                                        of high school, Cindy and me, we’re  

                                        moving to Chain O’Lakes ‘cause… I can’t 

                                        deal with this insanity.

                                                       [laughter]

                                                       cutscene

Gabby Dawson: How long am I looking at? Realistically.

Mouch: Somewhere between 0 and 100 days.

Gabby Dawson: Oh…do you understand [chuckles] the definition  

                            of ‘realistically’?

Mouch: There’s a lot of moving parts to this.

Gabby Dawson: They’re on your head.

Mouch: Ah.

Gabby Dawson: Have you ever even been to a suspension hearing 

                            before?

Mouch: Of course.

              Your case [Gabby sighs] is a two-demerit issue, and so  

              we’re gonna keep it friendly. And the more aggressive  

              you come across, the more guilty you’ll look. Keep 

              your responses short and to the point.

Gabby Dawson: All right, cool. So you’re saying you got this, 

                            right Mouch?

Mouch: Yeah, but we still gotta prep. Where you going?

                                                  cutscene

Gabby Dawson: Hey.

Matt Casey: Hey.

Gabby Dawson: [nervous chuckle] Sorry, just what you needed,  

                            right? One more person asking how you’re 

                            doing.

Matt Casey: Better than nobody giving a rat’s ass, I guess.

Gabby Dawson: So… how are you holding up?

Matt Casey: I’m just hoping that luck’s on my side because in  

                     terms of me being able to control the situation. It 

                     hasn’t worked out so well.

Gabby Dawson: Uh… but I guess there… there is one more thing  

                            you could do to end this whole thing, right?

                            Have you thought about retracting your statement?

Matt Casey: Would you?

Gabby Dawson: I would think about it.

Matt Casey: Okay. Now that you have…

Gabby Dawson: [sighs]

Matt Casey: Why would you advise me to do something you 

                      wouldn’t?

Gabby Dawson: I…

                                    [alarm whooping, PA buzzing]

(Over PA): Ambulance 61, Truck 81, gunshot victim. 25 East 

                 Halsted Street.

                                                 [siren blares]

                                                 [horns honk]

                           [cars honking, indistinct chatter & shouting]

                                             [truck door shuts]

Lady 1: C’mon!

Matt Casey: Wait! 

Leslie Shay: Where’s the victim?

CTA Driver: In the back.

Matt Casey: Shooter?

CTA Driver: Gone. I swerved when I heard the shots.

Matt Casey: Cruz, Mills, in the bus.

                     Cones and flares; get these cars moving.

                                      [car horns beeping & honking]

Leslie Shay: Shot to the neck. Not breathing. Weak pulse.

                     Guys… 

Gabby Dawson: We need your help.

Leslie Shay: Alright, get him down here.

                     Down here’s good. Watch his head. Watch his head.

Gabby Dawson: Okay, you gotta get an open airway or we’re gonna

                            lose him right now.

                            Here, open this.

Leslie Shay: We can’t tube him; too much mouth trauma.

Gabby Dawson: All right, surgical cric. 

Leslie Shay: Not approved in the field, Dawson.

Gabby Dawson: Excuse me, sir, does that really matter to you  

                            right now? No? Oh, okay, good.

Leslie Shay: Give it to me.

Gabby Dawson: I got it.

Leslie Shay: Dawson, give it to me. Now!

                      Alright, give me the tube. 

Joe Cruz: We’ll get the backboard and stretcher.

                                           [car door shuts]

Christopher Herrmann: Chief.

                                        [whistles] Hey, keep it moving! 

                                        Let’s go, let’s go.

Chief Boden: Surgical cric?

Gabby Dawson: We could’ve waited for approval, but then he 

                            would have been D.O.A.

Leslie Shay: It was my call, Chief. I’ll take the hit.

                                      [tires screech, horns honk]

Matt Casey: What was that?

Man 1: What are you doing?

Matt Casey: Huh? No, you’re gotta wait.

                      Oh, you’re gonna do that? Go on.

                                              [tires screeching]

Chief Boden: Casey! 

                        Your shift is over.

Matt Casey: Oh, come on Chief!

Chief Boden: No, no, no, no. Go home. Head for the house.  

                       Whatever you want but you are done for 

                       today.

                                              [radio chatter]

                                           [truck door shuts]

Kelly Severide: Where’s Casey?

                           Chief. 

Chief Boden: I’m not taking any more chances.

Kelly Severide: He’s doing the right thing. He’s getting his ass 

                          kicked for it.

Chief Boden: You don’t think I know that?

Kelly Severide: Then he needs to be here where we can keep an 

                           eye on him.

Chief Boden: Kelly, I tried that already.

Kelly Severide: So he’s better off out there by himself, pissed off,  

                           not thinking straight…

Chief Boden: This is a firehouse…

                        Not some of the time, not for some of the calls.  

                        Any man who walks through that door, he gotta be 

                        ready. If he isn’t, he’s gonna be walking in the 

                        other direction.

                        ‘Cause I am a chief first and I am a friend second. 

                         Casey’s just gonna have to find his own way from 

                         now on.

                                                        cutscene

Leslie Shay: Saline?

Gabby Dawson: [sighs] Two.

Leslie Shay: Ambo bag?

Gabby Dawson: One. Do you also want me to tell you how much  

                            gas we have left in the ambo tank ‘cause  

                            apparently, all I’m good for is inventory and 

                            driving now.

Leslie Shay: Listen, one more black mark on your record between  

                     now and Friday…

Gabby Dawson: Why even go to the hearing if you’re already 

                            suspending me?

Leslie Shay: Maybe I don’t want to ride around with half-assed 

                      relievers for three months. Ever thought of that?

                      Listen, Chief did the right thing. Gave him some time 

                      to cool off. 

                      He’s gonna be fine.

                                                      cutscene

Otis Zvonecek: We should eat, huh?

Peter Mills: Make a sandwich.

Otis Zvonecek: [munching]

Peter Mills: So… Casey’s out for how long?

Christopher Herrmann: Chief knows that, not me.

Mouch: I got a suspension hearing to prepare for. 

              Send Dawson in, if you see her.

Joe Cruz: [slams fists down on table] Yo I feel like we’re sitting 

                 around like a bunch of pussies while we let Voight 

                 push our boy around. Why can’t we take the ball 

                 game to him?

Christopher Herrmann: I got a wife and four kids who don’t need  

                                        their dad fired or locked up.

Joe Cruz: How ‘bout you, Mills?

Otis Zvonecek: Why aren’t you asking me?

Joe Cruz: Because I’m not talking about toilet papering Voight’s 

                 house, O.

                 How ‘bout it, Mills?

Peter Mills: I’m down.

Christopher Herrmann: Okay, the both of you shut up.  

                                         Nobody’s gonna do nothin’.

Joe Cruz: So we just sit by?

Christopher Herrmann: Then go! Put on a ski mask and take on a 

                                         dirty cop, and see how far that gets you.

                                                 [door shuts]

                                                   cutscene

                                           [cell phone buzzes]

Gabby Dawson: What’s the latest?

Antonio Dawson: Nothing yet.

Gabby Dawson: What are you say…what, we’re still at zero?  

                            Score one? What do you mean nothing?

Antonio Dawson: I’ve been doing plenty. But if you’re asking if I  

                              have anything conclusive at this moment, the 

                              answer’s no.

Gabby Dawson: Well, what have you been doing, Antonio? 

Antonio Dawson: [scoffs]

Gabby Dawson: I would love to know, because this whole thing is 

                            unravelling for Casey.

Antonio Dawson: Voight’s put the word out on the street… 

                              we know that. So we’re looking for someone to

                              wear a wire. Yesterday, we busted a kid for  

                              possession. He’s in a gang with ties to Voight. 

                              I offered him a deal if he’d flip. Had him this 

                              close, but he wouldn’t go.

Gabby Dawson: So offer him something else.

Antonio Dawson: [scoffs] It don’t work like that. 

                               As long as Casey doesn’t take the bait, this  

                              thing’s gonna play out the way we want. 

                              So sit tight. Have a little faith in your brother.

                                                       cutscene

Hallie Thomas: Why don’t we just leave? We both have vacation  

                           time built up. We could even go longer, I’m sure 

                            they would give you a leave of absence.

Matt Casey: When we get back… Voight will have forgotten all 

                      about it?

Hallie Thomas: We go where he can’t find us, and we give the   

                           cops enough time to bust him. 

                           Come on, baby. Let’s get out of here. 

                           Let’s regroup. 

                                              [knocks on door]

Matt Casey: Just…

                                          [indistinct radio chatter]

Officer Bell: Matthew Casey?

Matt Casey: Yeah?

Officer Bell: We have a warrant to search your home.

Matt Casey: What?

Officer Bell: We got a tip says you’re in possession of cocaine.  

                     Either we can search your house, or you can  

                     produce the cocaine and your cooperation will be 

                     taken into consideration.

Matt Casey: Voight. Detective Voight, he put you up to this?

Officer Bell: No, I don’t know any Voight. 

                     I just know we’re coming in.

                     The warrant allows us to search the entire house, and 

                     you’re allowed, by law, to stay in the house if you 

                     remain cooperative.

Matt Casey: I’m a firefighter, Station 51. My fiancée is a doctor at  

                     Lakeshore. Do we really look like cocaine users to 

                     you?

Officer Bell: If you could please both go wait in the front room.

                     Now.

Matt Casey: Antonio Dawson. He’s a Detective in Vice. He’ll tell you 

                     we’re being harassed by this cop. I have Antonio’s 

                     number on my cell. Will you please just take a second 

                     and talk to him? 

                     Please.

Officer Madden: Yeah, this is Officer Madden. 

                             Yeah, we have a search warrant for 

                              Matthew Casey…

                                     [continues indistinctly]

Matt Casey: It’s all right, baby. It’s gonna be alright. 

                                       [suspenseful music]

Officer Madden: He says they’re clean.

Officer Bell: If I ever have to come back here again, no favour is  

                     gonna get you out of it. 

                                [police radio chatter in background]

                                                 [door closes]

Hallie Thomas: It was under the table.

                          Oh my God.

Matt Casey: That’s 15 years right there.

Hallie Thomas: Call Antonio back.

Matt Casey: Flush it down the toilet.

Hallie Thomas: Baby… 

Matt Casey: Flush it down the toilet!

                                                [toilet flushes]

Hallie Thomas: Matt!

                                             [tires screeching]

                                               [raps on door]

Hank Voight: [grunts]

Matt Casey: [heavy breathing]

Hank Voight: You just committed a couple felonies. 

Matt Casey: I’m ready to commit a few more. Because I’m telling  

                     you, it ends now, or you’re the one that’s gonna 

                     disappear. 

                                                [gun cocks]

Hank Voight: Yeah, I can respect that. 

                       Go ahead. Use it.

                       You retract that statement against my son… or you  

                        pull that trigger. 

                        Because that’s the only thing that’s gonna stop me.

                                              [car door shuts]

Matt Casey: [heavy breathing]

                      [grunts & pants]

                                                   cutscene

Gabby Dawson: Muffled heart sounds. It was clearly Beck’s triad. 

                            She had a sternal fracture, a large  

                            hemopericardium and mediastinal haemorrhage,  

                            all of which indicates that a pericardiocentesis is 

                            obviously…

Mouch: You’re already talking too much. The question was what did 

              you see?

Gabby Dawson: Uh, I saw a young girl in danger of dying and so I  

                            felt it was necessary…

Mouch: Feelings… no feelings. Thoughts. Convictions. 

Gabby Dawson: Okay, fine. I thought that… I knew that I had to do 

                            something immediately, and that something was 

                            per…

Mouch: Just answer the question posed to you. Don’t elaborate. 

              And smile. 

Gabby Dawson: Fine.

Mouch: Go ahead.

Gabby Dawson: What? 

Mouch: Smile. Let me see it.

Gabby Dawson: Oh, Mouch, come on.

Mouch: Let me see it.

Gabby Dawson: I can smile

Mouch: Come on. Contrite, not smug.

              Welcoming and innocent. 

              We’re gonna work on that.

                                                   cutscene

Tony: [sighs] I’m hitting the rack, boys.

Hadley: Yeah [chuckles] ‘Cause you’re getting buried.

                                          [truck door shuts]

Capp: Uh, oh.

Kelly Severide: Nah, all good. 

Hadley: How do you know?

Kelly Severide: That’s an ‘I’m with the program’ kind of walk.

                                              [cards shuffling]

                                             [knocks on door]

Matt Casey: [sighs] You were right. Voight had me spun out. I let it  

                      get to me. Won’t let it again. I need to work. I’m willing 

                      to trust the system. 

                      So I’d like to resume my duties, Chief.

Chief Boden: Welcome back.

Mouch: Hey!

                                        [laughing & cheering]

Joe Cruz: Yeah, there he is, huh?

Christopher Herrmann: Alright, alright, alright, alright. Don’t turn it  

                                        into a Greek wedding. Come on, 

                                        everybody, normal day. Everybody go 

                                        about your business. Let’s go.

                                     [siren blares, PA buzzes]

(Over PA): Truck 81, Engine 51, Squad 3, Ambulance 61.  

                  Building fire, Indiana and 28th Place.

                                            [doors shuts]

                                           [engine starts]

                                           [sirens blaring]

Christopher Herrmann: Hey, Chief. Dumpster fire. Nobody called   

                                        it in. Flames went up the service elevator  

                                        shaft, spread out on the fifth.

                                     [indistinctive chatter]

Chief Boden: Find me the super. I need occupancy numbers.

                       What about the main elevator?

Christopher Herrmann: Otis just cleared it. He’s coming out with a  

                                         few more tenants.

                                              [radio chatter]

Chief Boden: Five more ambos, and Chief Hatcher’s on the way.

Leslie Shay: We’re gonna need ‘em. Anticipate at least five reds in 

                      there.

Gabby Dawson: We can’t wait for Hatcher with this many 

                            non-responsives. 

                            We gotta set up triage.

Chief Boden: Do it. You’re in charge here.

Gabby Dawson: All right.

                            (into radio) This is Ambulance 61. Give me an 

                            EMS plan one...[continues indistinctly]

Leslie Shay: Hey, Chief?

Chief Boden: She’ll be fine.

Leslie Shay: I know. But where are all the people? 

                     No one’s coming out of the other side of the building. 

Chief Boden: (into radio) Squad 3, check out the West Side fire 

                        stairwell. 

Kelly Severide: (into radio) Already on three. Must be a blockage. 

                           Capp and Hadley have the east.

Chief Boden: (over radio) I’m sending you Casey, Cruz, and Mills. 

                       We need to check out those upper floors.

Matt Casey: On it.

Kelly Severide: You’re kidding me.

Matt Casey: You alright? 

Joe Cruz: Yeah.

Matt Casey: Severide! 

Kelly Severide: Hey, I’m clearing a path.

                          Hey, is there anybody back there?

                          Hey.

Victim 1 (lady): They… They can’t breathe. It’s pitch black in there. 

                          There’s people in the hall.

                                               [coughing]

Kelly Severide: If you’re mobile, keep walking.

                         Slow and steady. There’s paramedics waiting.

                         Hey, I’ll take this.

Matt Casey: I’m going up further.

Kelly Severide: Okay.

                                           [signal clicking]

Kelly Severide: (into radio) Got at least four reds heading to triage.

Gabby Dawson: Alright, we got another red. 

                           Shay, this one’s yours. 

Leslie Shay: Yeah, got it.

Gabby Dawson: Alright. 

Kelly Severide: There’s three more up on six.

Gabby Dawson: Any burns?

Kelly Severide: Not on six. But Casey, Cruz and Mills went higher.

Gabby Dawson: All right.

Chief Boden: (into radio) Capp, Hadley, meet us in the west 

                       stairwell.

Hadley: (over radio) Copy. 

Boy 1: You’re going in there?

Chief Boden: You need to get back behind the lines. Mouch, get 

                        this kid safe.

Mouch: Come here, pal.

Leslie Shay: You gotta get that tube down her throat. 

Paramedic: I can’t. There’s too much swelling. 

Leslie Shay: Then cric her.

Paramedic: I’ve never done it.

Leslie Shay: Dawson, you’ve gotta cric this woman, or she’s a 

                     goner.

Gabby Dawson: Alright, hand me a scalpel. 

Chief Hatcher: Who’s the lead here?

Gabby Dawson: You’re looking at her.

                            You may as well keep looking over my shoulder,  

                            ‘cause this is definitely gonna be an infraction.

                            Hand me a size five tube.

                            Bag.

                            All right, bag her. 

                            Lungs are good. Get me the fastest driver we’ve 

                            got. 

Chief Hatcher: (into radio) Next available ambulance, now!

Dispatcher: (over radio) Copy that. Car 816, respond to triage.

Joe Cruz: Seven is clear.

Peter Mills: Casey is on eight.

Chief Boden: I got it. I’m on my way up.

Matt Casey: Fire department! Call out!

                                         [door busting open]

                                          [people coughing]

Matt Casey: Come on!

                     Come on. 

Victim 2 (man): [grunts]

Chief Boden: No. Casey, retreat. Go back. You won’t make it.

                       Retreat. You won’t make it!

                       Get back in the apartment. 

                                             [coughing]

Chief Boden: Casey, go back!

                                            [flashover]

                                           [door shuts]

Matt Casey: Get down.

Chief Boden: [into radio] Casey plus two on eight. East corner unit.  

                       Move that ladder now!

                                        [glass shatters]

                                            [coughing]

Matt Casey: (into radio) Mayday! 

                     (over radio) Mayday! Not sure how long I can hold it 

                     back. 

                                     [indistinctive chatter]

Joe Cruz: Eight is a reach. 

Kelly Severide: No choice.

                          Get that ladder as close as you can. Hug that  

                          building if you have to, Capp and I will climb.

Joe Cruz: I need a clear path to the East Corner. 

Matt Casey: What’s your name?

Victim 2 (man): [coughing] Curtis.

Matt Casey: Okay, Curtis, you’re gonna put that on her. Make sure 

                      it’s tight around her face.

Victim 2 (man) (Curtis): [coughing] 

Matt Casey: Good, now I want you to open the window. 

Victim 2 (man) (Curtis): We ain’t gonna make it.

Matt Casey: Open it!

Victim 2 (man) (Curtis): [coughing]

Christopher Herrmann: (into radio) We’re gonna have three  

                                         coming down from eight. I need   

                                         two ambulance crews ready at the 

                                         base of Truck 81.

Dispatcher: (over radio) Copy that. Truck 81, we’ll have you two 

                     ambos…[continued indistinctly]

Kelly Severide: (into radio) We’re coming for you, Casey.

Matt Casey: (over radio) Better make it fast! 

                     (into radio) It’s getting hot in here!

Kelly Severide: (into radio) Alright, tell ‘em to stand in three, two…

                          one.

Matt Casey: Alright, Curtis, get your mom up!

Victim 2 (man) (Curtis): Come on, you go first.

Kelly Severide: Okay. Come on out. 

                          Turn around.

Victim 2 (man) (Curtis): [coughing]

Kelly Severide: Capp, take her!

                          Hang on.

                          All right. Here.

Capp: Slow step backwards.

Kelly Severide: Come on!

Matt Casey: Not until he’s out!

Kelly Severide: Let’s go. 

Matt Casey: Aah!

Kelly Severide: Come on.

                           All right, your turn!

Matt Casey: No way! Not until you’re out of range!

Kelly Severide: Not moving! Let go now!

Matt Casey: All right, here I come!

Kelly Severide: All right, hang on, keep your head down.

Matt Casey: [grunts]

                                             [explosion]

Matt Casey: Can’t… Can’t get up.

Kelly Severide: Hey! 

Matt Casey: [grunting]

Kelly Severide: Grab my…grab my arm.

                           [grunts]

                           Swing! 

                           [winces]

                           Come on, I got you.

Matt Casey: [grunts]

Severide & Casey: [pants]

                                        [radio chatter]

Chief Boden: Capp.

Capp: Thanks, Chief.

Chief Boden: Hadley.

Hadley: Chief.

Chief Boden: Good job.

Christopher Herrmann: Chief.

Gabby Dawson: That was pretty close, huh?

Matt Casey: Plenty of time.

Gabby Dawson: [scoffs] Really?

Matt Casey: Listen, if you see Hallie at the hospital, don’t tell her  

                     about this, okay? I’ve given her enough to worry 

                     about lately.

Gabby Dawson: Yeah.

Peter Mills: Hey… Chief says you should hit it so you can make it  

                    to your hearing.

Gabby Dawson: Who’s gonna cover?

Peter Mills: EMT certified. Good luck.

Matt Casey: Yeah, good luck.

Gabby Dawson: Yeah. Okay. 

Matt Casey: Take care of your mom, okay?

                                             [siren wailing]

Curtis: Hey, you Casey?

Matt Casey: Yeah.

Curtis: You’re the one got the problem with Detective Voight, right?

Matt Casey: Yeah, that’s right.

Curtis: Man, I can help you out.

                                                 cutscene

Antonio Dawson: Curtis is gonna do it. 

Chief Boden: When? Where?

Antonio Dawson: Now. He already put in a call to Voight for a 

                               meet. 

                              I’m gonna prep him while my techs wire him up.  

                              Then we’re good to go.

                              Now, we got one shot at this. There’s about a  

                              dozen things that could flush it down the drain,  

                              so don’t say anything to anyone. Don’t even  

                              mention his name out loud, ‘cause Voight’s got 

                              ears all over this city.

                              I’ll let you know once it goes down.

Matt Casey: I want to be there.

Antonio Dawson: [sighs] 

                              Fine. Let’s go.

                                                     cutscene

Hearing Officer: The charges you face, Miss Dawson, are both very 

                             serious and very troubling.

Mouch: We disagree whole heartedly, Sir.

Hearing Officer: Miss Dawson chose to perform a procedure that 

                            was clearly outside of her jurisdiction, and that  

                            could have mortally injured the patient in her 

                            care.

Gabby Dawson: I…

Mouch: J… To refresh my memory, could you please read the full  

              charges out loud? I believe we have that right.

Hearing Officer: Gabriela Dawson is charged with wilful neglect of  

                            protocol, and of practising a medical procedure  

                            that she was neither trained nor certified…

Gabby Dawson: No, I have been trained in that procedure, and I 

                            knew exactly what I was doing, and how much 

                            time we didn’t have. I’m also currently taking  

                            pre-med classes, where I’ve re-studied every 

                            procedure…

Mouch: I’m sorry.

Hearing Officer: And I am studying for my pilot’s license, 

                            Miss Dawson, but that does not mean I 

                            can land a 747 in a blizzard.

Gabby Dawson: But you’d sure as hell try if you were about to 

                            crash.

Hearing Officer: You are lucky that girl is alive, or there would be  

                            criminal charges pending against you. 

Gabby Dawson: If saving a kid’s life is now a criminal offense, then 

                            maybe it’s your damn protocol that’s out of   

                            whack, and the wrong people are making the 

                             rules.

Mouch: Ten-minute break?

Hearing Officer: Five.

Gabby Dawson: You didn’t even remember the charges.

Mouch: I was stalling for time.

Gabby Dawson: What? Why?

Hearing Officer: We’re ready.

                                               [footsteps]

Mouch: Ah…

Gabby Dawson: Hey Madeline.  

Lady 2 (Madeline’s mother): I’m sorry. Are we too late?

Gabby Dawson: Hi.

Mouch: Uh, please enter into the record witnesses number two, 

             three, and four.

             There’s a reason sky divers pack two parachutes.

                                               cutscene

                                          [cat meowing]

Antonio Dawson: Here we go.

                                          [car door shuts]

Hank Voight: What’s happening, young blood?

Curtis: What’s up with you, V?

            Deshawn said there’s money to be made on the firefighter.  

            I want his deal.

Hank Voight: He tell you who it is?

Curtis: Yeah, but I wasn’t really paying attention till he said 

             something about the money.

Hank Voight: His name is Casey.

Curtis: How much?

Hank Voight: Depends on services rendered.

Curtis: Well, Deshawn said his boys got 5 for jumping him. I figure I  

             could do a lot worse for a grand.

Hank Voight: Bro, you stop him for good, I’ll give you 2.

Antonio Dawson: We got it?

                              (into radio) Move it in.

                                          [siren whoops]

Curtis: They ain’t here for me, bro.

Police Officers: Let’s see your hands!

                           Don’t move!

                           Come on, get ‘em up!

Hank Voight: Yeah, look at me.

Antonio Dawson: I got him, I got him. 

Hank Voight: Enjoy it while you can. This is entrapment.

Antonio Dawson: You’re cooked, young blood. 

                              Get in.

                                             [door shuts]

                                               cutscene

Otis Zvonecek: Got it. 

                           Oh, that’s great.That’s great to hear.

                           Oh yeah, okay. See you at the shindig. Bye.

                           That was Mouch. Dawson got a three-shift  

                            suspension, but we’ll be throwing her a 

                            suspension party tomorrow night. 

Joe Cruz: So how much money does she lose, like, 2 grand?

Otis Zvonecek: [sighs] A little bit more but if we all chip in   

                           20 bucks, we might be able to put a dent in 

                            it.

Christopher Herrmann: Or…[sighs]

Otis Zvonecek: It’s got that signature wild style of his and it has   

                           this lovely unfinished quality to it. He almost fell   

                           to his death while finishing the ‘O’.

Christopher Herrmann: Unbelievable.

Otis Zvonecek: Can you hold on one second? 

                           Thanks, pal. Hello?

                           Hey Serg, how are you?

                           Listen, I’m gonna have to give you a call back. 

                           I’m on the other line with a different buyer. But if

                           he starts dragging his  feet, it’s all yours buddy.

                           All right [chuckles], thanks, pal. Hello? 

                           Alright, 2,000.

                           1,500? 

                           You gonna slap me in the face like that? You 

                            gonna   slap me in the face with 1,000? 

                            You…[laughs] I’ll take it.

                                                     cutscene

Peter Mills: There we go

Mouch: What’s this?

Peter Mills: Just drink it.

                    Congrats to Dawson. Could have been worse.

Gabby Dawson: Thank you. 

                            Cheers.

Mills & Mouch: Cheers

All: Oh!

Mouch: Shiver me timbers.

Gabby Dawson: [chokes & laughs]

                                               [kissing sound]

Gabby Dawson: Thank you so much for your help, Mouch.  

                             You really pulled it out.

Mouch: You weren’t… worried about me, were you?

Gabby Dawson: Oh no. Never.

Christopher Herrmann: [sighs] Thomas Kincade? Okay, I get that.

                                        You look at his paintings…God rest his 

                                        soul…But yeah, that’s art. That’s worth 

                                        money. But this?

                                        The scourge of a civilised society, man.

                                        Chain O’Lakes, guys. Chain O’Lakes.  

                                        That’s where you’ll find me.

                                                [cell phone rings]

Otis Zvonecek: Yello?

                           Okay, great. We’ll bring it right out.

                           It’s the buyer. He’s here. Grab an end. 

Christopher Herrmann: I’m not touching it.

Otis Zvonecek: Chain O’Lakes.

Gabby Dawson: Hey, guys, I’ll help you.

Otis Zvonecek: Hey, thanks Dawson.

                                               [door bell chimes]

Someone: Thanks. D.

Matt Casey: I’m not gonna ask. I didn’t see it. I didn’t see it.

                     I’d have thrown the book at you.

Gabby Dawson: [laughs] 

Matt Casey: [laughs]

Gabby Dawson: Hi.

Matt Casey: Hi.

Gabby Dawson: Hey.

Antonio Dawson: Hey.

Gabby Dawson: I heard about Voight. He got it worse than me, 

                            huh?

Matt Casey: Rear view mirror, baby. Rear view mirror.

Gabby Dawson: [giggles] Well, then, you come to the right place.  

                            You can see my friend Peter Mills at the bar 

                            over there.

                            Oh, yeah, you did an okay job.

Antonio Dawson: Oh, thanks. What a ball-breaker, huh?

Gabby Dawson: You can handle it.

                             Any chance Voight beats this?

Antonio Dawson: No shot.

                              Speaking of shots, where are they?

Gabby Dawson: Over there.

                            Where’s Hallie?

Matt Casey: Meeting me here.

Gabby Dawson: I’m really happy for you.

Matt Casey: Me too.

Chief Boden: Hey. Come here.

Matt Casey: [muffled] Hey.

Chief Boden: I am glad it is over.

Matt Casey: It is. Thanks for everything, Chief.

Chief Boden: [scoffs]

Matt Casey: Are you… drunk… Chief?

Chief Boden: Yeah, a little.

Matt Casey: I’ll be joining you momentarily.

Chief Boden: Good. Glad to hear it.

Kelly Severide: Just ask him.

Leslie Shay: You. 

Kelly Severide: He’ll think I’m sniffing around.

Leslie Shay: How do you think I’m gonna come across?

Kelly Severide: Here he comes.

Leslie Shay: He thinks I’m a curmudgeon.

Kelly Severide: Would you just do it for me?

Leslie Shay: Peter Mills.

Peter Mills: Hey. Lieutenant. 

Kelly Severide: What’s up?

Leslie Shay: Great party. Thank you for hosting it.

Peter Mills: Yeah, no sweat.

Leslie Shay: And it’s a really cool space.

                     And what kind of food do you guys serve?

Peter Mills: Well, it’s a diner, so diner food.

Leslie Shay: Oh, hey, um, is your sister Elise here… tonight?

Peter Mills: No, she’s out with some friends.

Leslie Shay: Oh, alright. 

Kelly Severide: Thanks.  

Gabby Dawson: Cheers.

                                             [glass clinking]

Matt Casey: Cheers.

                                          [door bell chimes]

Gabby Dawson: Oh, Hallie’s here.

Hallie Thomas: Hi.

                                            [kissing sound]

Matt Casey: Hi. It’s over. We’re all right now. 

                     [whispers] We’re all right.

                                                - end -

Definitions:

MCA = Museum of Contemporary Art (Chicago)

Surgical cric = A cricothyrotomy is an incision made through the skin and cricothyroid membrane to establish a patent airway during certain life-threatening situations, such as airway obstruction by a foreign body, angioedema (swelling of the lower layer of skin and tissue just under the skin or mucous membranes. The swelling may occur in the face, tongue, larynx/voice box, abdomen or arms and legs) or massive facial trauma. It is nearly always performed as a last resort in cases where orotracheal (placement of a flexible plastic tube into the windpipe/trachea to maintain an open airway to serve as a conduit through which to administer certain drugs. It is frequently performed in critically injured, ill, or anesthetised patients to facilitate ventilation of the lungs. The endotracheal tube – the catheter – is passed through the mouth and vocal apparatus into the trachea) and nasotracheal (an endotracheal tube is passed through the nose and vocal apparatus into the trachea) intubation are impossible or contraindicated

D.O.A = Dead on arrival

Beck’s triad = Collection of three medical signs, associated with acute cardiac tamponade, a medical emergency when excessive fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac around the heart and impairs its ability to pump blood. The signs are low arterial blood pressure, distended neck veins, and distant, muffled heart sounds.

Sternal fracture = Fracture of the sternum (breast bone), located in the centre of the chest.

Hemopericardium = Refers to blood in the pericardial sac of the heart.

Mediastinal haemorrhage = Blunt chest trauma. It is caused by aortic injury, by mediastinal vascular injury such as aortic injury, and by fractures of the sternum and vertebral column

Pericardiocentesis = Procedure done to remove fluid that has built up in the sac around the heart.

EMS Plan One = 5 ambulances, 1 paramedic in charge, 1 assistant paramedic, 1 engine company or truck company, 1 battalion chief.

Curmudgeon = A bad tempered person, especially an old one.

[hms-chill]

RWRB Study Guide: Chapter 2

Hi y’all! I’m going through Casey McQuiston’s Red, White & Royal Blue and defining/explaining references! Feel free to follow along, or block the tag #rwrbStudyGuide if you’re not interested!

Cakegate (21): Reference to Watergate, a political controversy from the 1970s; the Watergate Scandal still holds quite a bit of prevalence in American culture. (More) 

Situation Room (22): the John F. Kennedy Conference Room, AKA “the Situation Room”, is a secure conference room in the basement of the West Wing. (More) 

The Sun (22): A British tabloid.

Deputy Chief of Staff (Zahra’s position, 23): The Deputy Chief of Staff is the top aide to the president’s top aide, and is responsible for ensuring that everything runs smoothly within the bureaucracy of the White House. 

Howard (24): Howard University is a historically Black university just outside of Washington DC. It opened in 1867, just after the end of the American Civil War and is known for its STEM programs and law school. (More)

Equerry (24): A personal attendant to a member of the royal family (historically, someone who was in charge of their horses).

ITV This Morning (26): A British daytime cable show

SNL (26): Saturday Night Live, an American sketch comedy TV show that brings in a new celebrity host every week. 

People (27): An American magazine that covers celebrity gossip.

Clintons (27): Bill Clinton has one child, Chelsea Clinton, and her parents worked to shield her from the press during his presidency.

Sasha and Malia (27): President Obama’s daughters, who were pre-teens and teenagers during his White House years and have faced rather invasive press coverage since. 

Patsy Cline (28): An American singer from the 1950s, considered one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century and one of the firsts artists to cross from country music to pop, (Listen here and here)

Op-Ed (28): “Opposite the Editorial”; a one-page piece of writing for a magazine or other news piece that is not associated with the views of the publication.

Essential Oils, Cabin in the Vermont Wilderness, LLB Vests, Patchouli (29): These are all markers that Nora’s parents are outdoorsy, maybe to the extent of being a bit detached from the “real world”. 

Essential Oils: These are oils that can help people relax or create a positive atmosphere, but have little to no health benefits beyond that. Many people believe they can help cure serious or chronic illnesses.

Cabin in the Vermont Wilderness: Vermont’s wooded areas would be a very nice place for a cabin

LLBean vests: LLBean is a brand that sells high-end outdoors clothes

Patchouli: A type of essential oil

Mutton Pie (30): A small, double-crust meat pie native to Scotland but common throughout the UK

Oxford (30):  Oxford University is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and with a 17% acceptance rate in 2017, it is an incredibly difficult school to get into. For American applicants, they require a 3.7 GPA (based on a 4.0 system) and a 32/36 on the ACT. (More)

Eton (31): A posh boarding school for boys 13-18, founded in 1440. It is one of the most prestigious schools in the world.

Great Expectations (31): a 1860-61 novel by Charles Dickens, where a young boy rises above a lowly birth to be “worthy of” a rich girl he falls in love with, (More)

Khakis vs. Chinos (32): Chinos are tighter than khakis and tend to be a bit more dressy. (More)

Gap vs. J. Crew (32): Gap is a relatively inexpensive brand; J. Crew is a more expensive alternative.

SeaWorld San Antonio (32): SeaWorld is a theme park/aquarium known in the past ten years or so for inhumane treatment of its animals.

Walrus Mustache (32): A thick, bushy mustache that falls over the wearer’s mouth. (More)

Land Rover (33): A British brand of car that offers only premium and luxury sport vehicles.

Shaan (33): Hindi name meaning “Pride”.

Aston Martin (33): A sports car favored by James Bond.

Kensington Palace (33): A relatively modest palace surrounded by Kensington Gardens, the traditional home of royal children.

Millionaire who wants to hunt you... (35): A reference to the short story “The Most Dangerous Game”, in which a rich man lures the protagonist to his private island and hunts him for sport.

Texas Panhandle (35): A rural area of northern Texas.

Waterboarded (36): Tortured; this is a reference to America’s history of torturing people in Guantanamo Bay.

Helados (37): Fruit-flavored ice cream bars from Mexico.

Nate Silver (38): American statistician and writer who created an algorithm to predict baseball players’ future success. He has more recently switched to highly accurate political predictions.

GW (38): George Washington University, a college in Washington DC where Alex goes to school.

Data Czar (39): A position in a company where the person who holds it manages that company’s data and reports directly to its top management.

PPOs (39): Private Patrol Officers or bodyguards

Cornettos (39): A British ice cream cone with nuts and chocolate, similar to an American drumstick.

Signet ring (40): A ring with the king’s seal; traditionally that seal would be pressed into wax and would serve as a substitute for the king’s signature. It signifies royal power

Beans and white toast (41): This is... a genuine British breakfast. Just plain beans and white toast. Beans are a staple in both Mexican and Texan/Tex-Mex foods, but they are typically heavily seasoned.

Yellow pill (41): From what I could find, this could be a pill used to deal with anxiety/symptoms of anxiety, such as Clonazepam.

Jolly old England (41): A very English way to refer to England.

Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust (44): A specialist cancer treatment hospital in London.

Alliance Starbird (44): The symbol of the Rebel Alliance in the Star Wars movies.

Caipirinhas (50): Brazil’s national cocktail; it is made in large batches and contains a sugar-based hard liquor, sugar, and lime. 

Pancreatic cancer (51): A type of cancer that is typically not caught until it has progressed to the point of being incurable. (More)

-------

If there’s anything I missed or that you’d like more on, please let me know! And if you’d like to/are able, please consider buying me a ko-fi? I know not everyone can, and that’s fine, but these things take a lot of time/work and I’d really appreciate it!

Chapter 1 // Chapter 3

[omgjasminesimone]

Kept Part 2

Bryce x MC (Casey) x Ethan

Summary: Bryce and Casey go to Cape Cod for a weekend getaway, and talk about their least favorite subject, Ethan.

Previous Part: Part 1

Next Part: Part 3

Implied NSFW

Word Count: 2800

Casey surveys the cozy Cape Cod house as Bryce carries in their luggage. She wanders over to the window, looking out at a lighthouse visible from across the water. 

Bryce locks the door after he gets all the luggage into the house. He approaches Casey, wrapping his arms around her stomach from behind. She leans back into his embrace, sighing contently as he hugs her to him.

“What do you think of the house?” Bryce questions, placing a kiss just beneath her ear. 

“I can’t believe Dr. Wilson let you borrow his house.” Casey reiterates. The whole drive up, she kept asking him what the catch was, why Dr. Wilson was being so generous. 

“Why would you be surprised? People like me and do nice things for me all the time. One of the many perks of being attractive and having an amazing personality.” Bryce responds cockily.  

Casey rolls her eyes. “You forgot to mention how modest you are.”

Bryce chuckles, twirling a lock of her new long hair around his index finger. “When you’re well liked you don’t have to be modest.” He insists. 

Casey turns so she’s facing him, looping her arms around his neck. “You know, if he really liked you, he would have offered you the house for a summer weekend.” She teases. 

Bryce smirks at her, pulling her into a lazy open-mouthed kiss. “I’ll work on that for next year. But this year, we’ll just have to enjoy some Cape Cod Fall activities.” He murmurs against her lips, kissing her again before pulling away and gripping her hand as he walks them over to the living room. 

“So, what did you plan for our weekend away?” Casey questions as he pulls her over to the couch. He sits, and gently tugs so she lands in his lap. 

“Fishing, and relaxing, maybe some biking, long walks on the beach. Lots of sex. Seafood. There’s a museum if you want to get some culture. Did I mention sex?” Bryce questions, kissing her neck.

Casey smiles, turning in his lap so she’s facing him, straddling his waist. “That’s a lot of stuff to do. We should probably get started on the sex right away to check that off our list.”

Bryce grins at her, rising from the couch. Casey laughs as he carries her to the bedroom, closing the door behind him with his foot. 

...

Casey takes a candid photo of Bryce as he skips rocks on the bay. She flips through the photos on the digital camera as Bryce makes his way back to her and their picnic blanket laid out on the sand. 

They’ve jammed packed their Saturday with activities. After a quick nap and homemade brunch (which Casey had to photographically document, since it wasn’t often Bryce cooked for her), Bryce had taken her out on a rented boat, and they’d fished for several hours. Casey isn’t necessarily someone who enjoys fishing ordinarily, but the uninterrupted quality time with Bryce was very nice. As they waited for the fish to bite, they’d talked about everything, and nothing. She also got a lot of great candid shots of Bryce, brow furrowed in concentration as he tried to reel in the fish. Ultimately, they hadn’t caught anything. 

Bryce followed up the fishing with a quick trip into town where they’d strolled hand in hand while admiring Cape Cod’s small-town charm. They’d stopped at an ice cream place, where Bryce insisted on getting a picture of her sexily licking her vanilla ice cream cone. He insisted he was going to get it printed and display it proudly in his room. 

They’d briefly strolled through the Museum of Natural History, where Casey took lots of pictures, before returning to the house for a quick break. They’d curled up on the couch and watched a few episodes of Grey’s Anatomy on Netflix while making fun of the many medical mistakes. 

Bryce had abruptly pulled her from the couch when he noticed the sun was starting to set. He’d planned a sunset dinner picnic on the beach. 

Bryce plops down beside her on the blanket, motioning for the camera. She hands it over and smiles for him as he takes a picture of her from his reclining position. 

“That can’t be a good angle.” She quips as Bryce continues to take pictures of her. He sits up, tugging on her off shoulder white sweater so it falls the way it’s supposed to, exposing her mocha shoulder. 

“You don’t have a bad angle.” He promises, taking a couple more photos of her before setting down the camera. He grabs the wine bottle, pouring the last little bit into her glass. Casey offers him an appreciative smile before finishing it, leaning her head against his shoulder as the sun completely dips below the horizon. 

Bryce places a kiss to the top of her head. 

“Thank you for planning such a great day.” Casey praises, arms wrapping around his lean waist. 

“No thank you necessary. I had an amazing day with my favorite girl.” Bryce returns. 

“This is really nice. Just me and you. No classes, or textbooks, or roommates.” Casey murmurs. She doesn’t mention Ethan, but they’re both thinking it. 

Back in Boston, Casey has to be careful about her interactions with Bryce. She doesn’t let him come over to her apartment because she’s worried Ethan might have a camera somewhere, or that one of her neighbors might report back to him. So, she always has to go to Bryce’s place, and contend with his three roommates.

She also won’t let Bryce take her out on dates anywhere she thinks they could run into Ethan or one of his associates. She knows she’s treating Bryce like he’s her dirty little secret, like he’s the affair, like she’s actually with Ethan. She’s not with Ethan, not really. But she does tend to put his needs first, out of necessity.

Ethan would be furious to find out she’s still seeing Bryce. It would ruin everything. She’d lose her apartment, she’d have to stop helping her parents, get a part-time job. Casey has become too accustomed to her cushy lifestyle to let it go.

Despite the risk she knows she’s taking, she can’t stop seeing Bryce. She knows ending things with Bryce before it blows up in her face is the smart thing to do, but her heart can’t take it.  

She loves Bryce. She’s known this for a while now, but she won’t tell him, she can’t. How can she, when he knows he’s not the only one? When he knows that she’s at Ethan’s beck and call?

But there’s also a part of her that doesn’t tell him because she’s not sure the feelings are reciprocated. She can’t allow herself to be too vulnerable with Bryce. She can’t forget how he shut down her bid for relationship exclusivity last year. She reminds herself that Ethan wouldn’t even be in the picture if Bryce would have just committed back then. She brings this up to him too on the rare occasions when they fight about Ethan. Bryce wants her to end it, but she won’t. They usually just avoid bringing Ethan Ramsey up since it’s a sore subject for both of them. 

Casey yawns, tired from their full day of activities. Bryce nudges her head, which is still resting on his shoulder, gently. “Let’s get back to the house.” 

Casey nods her agreement, but makes no move to follow his suggestion, too comfortable cuddled up against him on the sand. Bryce chuckles, easily scooping her into his strong arms. He throws the blanket over his shoulder and cradles her lovingly to his chest before heading back towards the house. 

Casey fights to keep her eyes from drifting closed when Bryce strips them both of their clothes in the bathroom a few minutes later. She’s more awake a few moments later when he deposits her in the warm bath water, her back to his chest as he positions her between his legs. She leans back into him, sighing contently as he scrubs her skin with a loofah. He drops the loofah in surprise when her hand drops into the water, slowly stroking him. His head falls back against the tub as she twists to face him, clearly enjoying the look of ecstasy that crosses his face as she speeds up her pace. 

...

After they’re clean, they fall into the bed together, lips immediately connecting as they lose themselves in each other again. 

The lovers wake up early Sunday morning. Bryce drops a sleepy kiss to Casey’s forehead as sunlight streams through the open curtains. “Good morning beautiful.” He greets. 

“Good morning.” Casey replies, absentmindedly running her fingers up and down his abs. 

“Let’s go make some breakfast, and then we can go on that bike ride I mentioned.” Bryce suggests, and Casey concurs. 

When they return to the house from a ten-mile bike ride a few hours later, they decide to nap after a quick shower together. 

“What are our plans for the rest of the afternoon?” Casey questions as they lay curled up together, about to take their nap. 

“I’d be down for another walk on the beach. We could try to make it to that lighthouse. And then tonight, I got us a reservation to a very nice Cape Cod restaurant.”

Casey’s brow furrows. “Won’t that be expensive?” She wonders aloud. 

“It’s my treat. Let me spoil you.” Bryce reassures, wrapping his arm around her before nodding off.

An hour later, they wake to Casey’s ringing phone. Casey bites her lip when she reads the contact info. It’s Ethan. Bryce rubs at his eyes sleepily as she answers the call, arm tightening around her possessively when he hears Ethan’s voice through the receiver. 

“Rookie.” Ethan greets. 

“Hey Ethan.” Casey greets. 

“How’s Cape Cod?” Ethan asks. 

“It’s nice. I definitely needed the girl’s weekend.” Casey responds, and she feels Bryce shake his head slightly from where he’s curled up behind her. She ignores him. “Did you need something?” She asks when Ethan doesn’t respond to her last statement. 

“I... I miss you Cassandra.” Ethan admits, and Casey frowns. Ethan only gets like this when he’s depressed, he gets lonely, clingy, needy, nothing like the Dr. Ethan Ramsey he usually presents to the world. She needs to tread carefully during these times, being careful not to upset him.

“I miss you too.” Casey lies. “I’ll see you tomorrow though. I’ll be back around 8 AM, and I can stop by your place after school.” She offers. 

“I wanted to see you today. And it turns out there’s a medical benefit gala in Cape Cod tonight. So, I got us tickets and I’m driving down there now.”

“Tonight? But I already had plans with Sienna and Jackie.” Casey tries to deflect. She hears Bryce let out an exasperated sigh behind her. He knows how this always goes. 

“You see Sienna and Jackie all the time. I’m simply asking for a couple of hours of your time. Seems like a small ask, considering how much I do for you.” Ethan responds, tone icy. 

“.... I don’t have anything to wear.” Casey warns. 

“Not a problem Cassandra. I am bringing a gown for you.” Ethan responds, tone neutral once again. 

“Ok, see you tonight then. I’ll text you the address to pick me up at.” Casey gives in, hanging up after Ethan says ok. 

“What about dinner?” Bryce questions, his tone sounding both hurt and angry. 

“Sorry. Maybe we can go for lunch before Ethan gets here?” Casey suggests, rolling over to face Bryce. 

Now that they’re face to face, she can see the challenge in his brown eyes. “I called in a lot of favors for this table Casey.” 

Casey shrugs. “I don’t know what you want me to tell you. If it’s such a big deal maybe you should still go, then. I’m sure you could find a date on tinder or bumble in a matter of minutes.”

Bryce frowns. “I don’t want to go with anyone else.” He reveals. “You’re the only one I want Casey, and I hate that I have to share you with Ramsey.” 

“When I wanted to be exclusive, you said you weren’t ready.” Casey reminds him. 

“We barely knew each other then. How could I possibly have known then what I know now? That you’re not only beautiful and smart, but kind, and funny, and caring, and everything I need? Everything I want? That you’re the one?”

Casey rolls her eyes, sitting up and starting to throw her clothes back on. “How convenient that you only figured this out once Ethan came into the picture.” She bites out. 

Bryce sits up as well, gripping her arm and stopping her from leaving the bed. “What is that supposed to mean?” He questions, eyes narrowed as he regards her. 

“You didn’t want to be exclusive until there was another man in the picture. You only want me now because you can’t have me, not completely. This is about one-upping Ethan.” Casey explains. 

“What kind of asshole do you think I am?” Bryce asks, his tone more hurt than Casey would have expected. 

“Oh, please Bryce. Don’t act like this isn’t some kind of pissing contest between you and Ethan.” 

“I’m not fucking like him Casey. I don’t need to feel like I own or control you.” Bryce counters, loosening his hold when she wrenches her arm away from him and stands. 

“You don’t? Then why can’t you just accept the way things are? It’s not like I’m even sleeping with Ethan, I just have to go out with him occasionally, some chaste kisses here and there, and that’s it. I get my rent paid, I can focus on school without worrying about working part-time, it’s a good deal. You should be happy for me.” Casey insists. 

“He’s working his way up to you sleeping with him, trust me.” Bryce bites back. 

“Of course, that’s the part of my speech you focus on, not the whole bit about being happy for me.” Casey pulls on her turtleneck sweater, and then draws her new long hair out of the garment. She’s about to storm out of the bedroom, but Bryce grips her arm.

“How can I be happy for you Casey, are you even happy? You’re compromising who you are and what you believe in for what, some guy you don’t even like? His money?” Bryce asks.

Casey huffs, tearing her arm away and storming out of the room. “Of course, you don’t get it. Didn’t you go to private school? And don’t your parents send you money every month?”

Bryce frowns as he pulls on some sweatpants, following after her. “My parents send me some money if I really need it, but I also have a part-time job. And roommates. There are plenty of 20-somethings getting by in Boston without turning to what’s essentially escorting Casey.”

“Screw you Bryce.” Casey spits out.  

“Casey, wait.” Bryce calls when she heads to the door of the cottage. “I’m sorry. Can we talk this out, please?” He pleads. Casey lets out a long breath before nodding. Bryce sits on the couch and pats the spot beside her. Casey sits somewhat reluctantly. She has a feeling she’s not going to like this discussion.

Bryce takes her hand, relieved when she doesn’t pull away. “Casey, I can’t do this anymore.” Bryce reveals.

Casey’s eyes widen. “You’re breaking up with me?!”

“No baby, or at least I hope not. But I can’t be with you if you’re also going to be with Dr. Ramsey. It kills me to think about him kissing you, you on his arm at all those events. And I hate how stressed out he makes you Casey. How you feel like you have to conform to be what he wants, how you drop everything when he tells you to be somewhere at the last minute. I love you, Casey. And I can’t do it, I can’t share you with someone who doesn’t deserve you. I need you to decide what you want, me or him.” Bryce gives his ultimatum.

“I…I don’t know.” Casey replies, tears welling in her eyes when Bryce looks heartbroken at her response.

He takes a deep shuddering breath before he speaks. “You don’t have to give me an answer right now. I know this is a lot, that you have some things to consider. Take your time and let me know when you decide.” Bryce squeezes her hand before standing up.

“Where are you going?” Casey asks, her voice breaking.

Bryce chances a glance back at her. “I don’t think I should be here when he gets here.”

“But he’s not coming right this minute. You don’t have to run out.” Casey insists.

Bryce offers her a small, sad smile. “I need to clear my head anyway. I think I’ll go for a drive. I’ll be back late.”

The silence when Bryce closes the door is deafening.  

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[gtfovacations-blog]

Trendiest Beach Destinations According to Pinterest

Soft sand, ocean breeze, blue skies... What a day. If your idea of the perfect day is being on a beach, read on to find the trendiest beach destinations. Some might be in your back yard or make the perfect day trip or weekend getaway! (Joel)

Kiawah Island, SC

Ten miles of unspoiled beaches and plentiful Lowcountry flora (live oaks, palmettos, and yucca plants) await on this barrier island beach. Visitors can access the pristine stands via Beachwalker County Park located on the west end of the island—ready the cameras for a stunning ocean frontage and views of the Kiawah River.

JJM Photography/Shutterstock

Sunset Beach, O’ahu, HI

Escape the hustle and bustle of Honolulu and head north to Sunset Beach, near the Waimea Valley and Pupukea-Paumalu Forest Reserve. Experienced surfers can catch serious waves, but the plethora of surfing competitions (Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, Pipe Masters, WSL Championship Tour) are an activity all beach-goers can enjoy.

Brian Lasenby/Shutterstock

Driftwood Beach, GA

This eerily fascinating spot on Jekyll Island consistently tops lists of America’s Most Romantic Beaches. The worn remains of pine and water oak trees lay scattered across the sand and make for an out-of-the-ordinary beach pilgrimage.

Darryl Vest/Shutterstock

Orange Beach, AL

Fresh-as-they-come seafood dives, plentiful water sports, sugar-white sand—this Gulf coast hotspot is a veritable coastal paradise. For a fancy night out after a day of beach lounging, head to Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina, home of the renowned Southern Grace Dinners.

Filip Fuxa/Shutterstock

Hidden Beach, Lake Tahoe, CA

This tucked away sliver of beach—part of the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park—boasts a stretch of sandy shore amongst the lake’s rocky shoreline, lush evergreens, and bright teal shallows ideal for splashing around in.

RugliG/Shutterstock

Papakolea Beach, Big Island, HI

After a three-mile hike along the Big Island's sea cliffs, prepare for the enchanting sight of Papakolea Beach's deep green sand. The atypical color comes from olivine, a mineral deposited on the shores by a nearby volcanic cone. Visitors should be mindful of recent eruptions from the nearby Kīlauea volcano and earthquakes at the summit. Check with official sources such as the U.S. Geological Survey before visiting.

Dollar Travelers/Shutterstock

Crystal Beach, TX

This Bolivar Peninsula beach less than two hours outside of Houston earned its name from the sparkly sand.

Joojoob27/Shutterstock

Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, CA

Swirls of violet and purple sand, immense Keyhole Rock, and the rolling hills of Big Sur make Pfeiffer Beach a destination replete with natural beauty. Spend the day climbing over the terrain, and make sure to linger long enough to catch the gorgeous sunset.

Checubus/Shutterstock

Ruby Beach, WA

Rugged cliffs define the breathtaking Washington coastline, and Ruby Beach is no exception. The unspoiled Pacific Northwest stretch, part of the Olympic National Park, offers scenic views of mountains and shorebirds (including the adorable tufted puffins).

Suncoast Aerials/Shutterstock

Siesta Beach, FL

The powdery-white sand and crystalline waters of this Gulf barrier island make Siesta Beach an enduring favorite for a classic Florida vacation—let the sunset strolls on the always-cool sand begin.

Superjoseph/Shutterstock

Imperial Beach Pier, San Diego, CA

A mere five miles north of the Mexico border, this four mile stretch of SoCal beach is an active one—think surfing, sport fishing, beach volleyball, and even horseback riding along the shore. But the ultimate beach activity goes to the Sandcastle Building Competition, part of the city of Imperial Beach’s Sun & Sea Festival.

Jim Schwabel/Shutterstock

Nokomis Beach, FL

Spend the day lounging on this Casey Key beach (imagine the beauty of Siesta Key to the north with a more low-key vibe), or liven things up by joining the weekly Nokomis Beach Drum Circle.

Rolf_52/Shutterstock

Nauset Beach, Cape Cod, MA

Pongsakorn Teeraparpwong/Shutterstock

Secret Beach, Kauai, HI

The hidden treasure of this northern Kauai outpost must be earned—visitors must find an unmarked trail when turning onto Kalihiwai Road from Kuhio Highway, then make a steep descent to the shore. Upon arrival, visitors find themselves surrounded by lava rocks, red cliffs, and verdant vegetation at this unspoiled slice of paradise.

Nataliya Hora/Shutterstock

Hanauma Bay, Honolulu, HI

Snorkelers, meet your Pacific Ocean paradise—this O’ahu cove is one of the most popular snorkeling spots on the island, and is part of the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Expect to spot turtles, Hawaii’s state fish (the reef triggerfish, known in Hawaiian as the humuhumunukunukuapua'a), and more than 400 other species of Hawaiian fish.

Robert Cravens/Shutterstock

Coronado Beach, San Diego, CA

Even if you can’t snag a room at the historic Hotel del Coronado, everyone can enjoy playing in the powdery white sand, flying kites on the southern end of the beach, and making s’mores around the fire pits at Coronado Beach.

Christopher Manzeck/Shutterstock

Meyers Beach, WI

On the shores of mighty Lake Superior, this Great Lakes beach is popular for swimming, picnicking, and beach combing. Kayakers also take off from the Mawikwe Bay spot to explore the nearby Bayfield Peninsula Sea Caves, a series of arches, chambers, and passages formed from centuries of waves crashing against the shoreline.

Dancestrokes/Shutterstock

Cannon Beach, OR

At the iconic Haystack Rock—which rises a domineering 235 feet out of the Pacific Ocean—a series of tide pools, smaller rock formations, and bird populations orbit around the beach’s visual centerpiece. Keep an eye out for the hundreds of tufted puffins that return to Haystack Rock every year from April through mid-August.

Laura Gangi Pond/Shutterstock

Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Nestled in the idyllic town of the same name, this Emerald Coast beach boasts sugar-white sand, turquoise water, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

ReneeFoskett/Shutterstock

Ka'anapali Beach, Maui, HI

Once a retreat for the royalty of Maui, Ka’anapali Beach is open to a wllishing to relax among the three miles of white sand and clear blue water. For a more adrenaline-fueled beach day, trek to the north end of the beach to witness a daily cliff diving ceremony off Pu'u Keka'a, or Black Rock. Read the full article

[josephkitchen0]

How to Make Goat Milk Soap From Any Homemade Soap Recipe

By Sharon Pinnow – When I first became interested in learning how to make goat milk soap, I scoured the internet for information and soap making recipes, and I remember coming across a website that described the process as “tricky” and goat milk as “temperamental.” Of course, they didn’t allude to the secret of their success, so I was left to discover it for myself. While the book Milk-Based Soaps by Casey Makela was a great starting point, in the end, I stumbled upon the rest of the secret by trial and error.

Soap making can be as simple or complex as one wishes to make it. While the cold-process method is still much the same today as it was for previous generations, the knowledge of its precise chemistry has revived the interest of many and has propelled soap making into a medium for artistic expression. A variety of animal fats, vegetable oils, herbs additives, and essential oils allow for a wide range of desirable appearances, scents, and skin-enhancing properties in handmade soaps. This is reflected in the resurgence of soap making as a cottage industry, and a rising interest among small farmers about how to make goat milk soap.

Making soap at home is fun and easy!

Learn how to make laundry soap, dish soap and bar soap at home! YES! I want this Free Report »  

The simplicity of my method for how to make goat milk soap lies in the fact that it can be used for any soap recipe with goat milk. You can turn any homemade soap recipe into a goat milk soap recipe. Why goat milk? First, homesteaders have plenty of it, and second, milk has been used in cosmetics and therapeutic treatments for thousands of years. No one can be sure how many of these properties survive saponifcation (the soap making reaction), but one property is evident in the final product, and that is the soap’s creaminess.

The Rules of Soap Making

Equipment requirements all stem from the fact that lye will react with metals. Your soap making equipment must be made of stainless steel, glass, wood, unchipped enamel, or plastic. Keep soap making equipment separate from eating utensils and cookware.

Safety rules abound when using lye. Lye is a corrosive, potentially fatal chemical that deserves your utmost respect. Used with the proper safety precautions, however, it is not something to be feared. Lye, whether in its solid form or in solution, will eat through many things. As a minimum, use safety glasses and gloves, and work in a ventilated area (lye fumes can also be hazardous). Protect anything else you may value: you skin, your clothes, your countertops, your floors, your pets, and your children.

Necessary Equipment for Making Homemade Soap

Scale

Large pot or bowl (stainless steel, glass enamel)

Thermometer (or two)

Plastic pitcher

Large spoon (wooden, stainless steel, heavy plastic)

Lye container (for weighing lye plastic, glass, stainless steel)

Stick blender (optional)

Mold (plastic, wood, cardboard)

Mold, Liner (freezer paper)

Blanket

How to Make Goat Milk Soap

Oil Phase: Soap can be made form a multitude of vegetable oils and shortening, as well as animal fats and oils. I personally prefer to work with vegetable oils. The oils you will encounter most often in recipes are olive, coconut, palm, and palm kernel. Each has its benefits and limitations, which is why they are often used in combination. Lesser encountered oils include avocado, castor, cottonseed, peanut, soybean, and sweet almond.

Most recipes will call for an amount of oil in ounces. The ounces refer to a weight, not a liquid measurement. Therefore, you will need a scale in order to accurately measure your ingredients. At room temperature, some oils are solid (like coconut) and some are liquid (like olive). Solid oils need to be melted and mixed with the liquid ones. Choose a pot or bowl that best facilitates the method you use for melting your oils. I use a standard glass mixing bowl because I like to melt the oils in the microwave. If the stovetop is your method, choose stainless steel or enamel instead. How big? The three-quart size is a good place to start. This then becomes your reaction pot or bowl. When melting your solid oils, heat them only until they become clear. Then add your liquid oils.

Next, you will need to cool the oils to a temperature of 80-100°F. The temperature isn’t critical, though. I see recipes that call for temperatures of 120-140°F. What is important, however, is that your liquid and your oils are at about the same temperature. For this, you will need a thermometer. The best cooling method is a cold water bath, e.g., partially filling your sink with cool water and placing your pot/bowl in it.

Lye/water phase: Lye is available commercially as beads or flakes. It can be found at your local grocery store under the brand name “Red Devil” (a.k.a. drain cleaner), or through soapmaking supply companies. Like the oils, quantities are measured by weight with a scale. However, the quantity of lye needed as compared to the oils is very small, so it is necessary for your scale to weigh accurately to the ounce.

You will need a sturdy plastic container in which to mix your lye solution. When lye dissolves in water, a great deal of heat is produced…enough heat to melt a flimsy container. A heavy-duty, plastic pitcher with a tight-fitting lid makes an ideal container. You’ll also need a large wooden, stainless steel, or heavy plastic spoon to mix the lye solution. Remember: Do not allow the lye solution to come in contact with metals such as aluminum, copper, iron, etc.

Procedure: Put on protective glasses, gloves, and clothing. Weigh the lye into an appropriate container other than the one being used to mix the solution. Set aside. Weigh the indicated amount of water (understood to be distilled water unless you have very soft tap water) into the plastic pitcher. Add lye slowly to the pitcher while stirring. Fumes will be released, so either lean away from the pitcher or hold your breath for the initial addition of lye. You can then walk away for a few minutes to allow the fumes to dissipate. (Make sure the solution is inaccessible to pets and children!!)

Next, as with the oils, you will need to cool the solution to a temperature of 80-100°F. The idea here is to get the mixture of oils and the lye temperature. To that end, you may wish to purchase a second thermometer, so that you have one for the oils and one for the lye. Again, a cold water bath makes a great cooling agent.

To substitute goat milk for water: Learning how to properly handle the goat milk is key to successfully learning how to make goat milk soap. Goat milk is temperamental if it is not handled properly. The trick is to first pasteurize the raw milk by bringing it to a temperature of 155°F and holding it at that temperature for one minute. Then, cool the milk and freeze it. This process breaks down some of the enzymes that would otherwise cause problems when the milk comes into contact with the lye. Some people feel that this process is unnecessary, but I personally notice a difference when I don’t take the time to do it.

Freeze the goat milk in batch-size quantities or in ice cube trays, so that it can easily be weighed. Thaw the milk (in the microwave if you have one) just enough to be able to transfer it in chunks to the lye pitcher. It is best if it is still mostly frozen; it’ll still work if it’s slushy, but don’t thaw it that much if you can help it.

Put the pitcher of frozen goat milk in an ice bath. For my ice bath, I use a large enamel stockpot that is filled with cold water and two soda-type bottles of frozen water. Then add the lye all at cone to your pitcher of frozen milk. The heat produced by the dissolving lye will melt the milk without overheating it. The dissolving may take awhile because the solution stays cool, but the lye will eventually dissolve.

To make absolutely sure there is no undissolved lye, I filter the solution through a stainless steel strainer into the oils (I sell my soap, otherwise, I wouldn’t do this step). The lye/milk solution will be somewhat thick and pale to bright yellow in color. An orange color indicates that the solution heated up a bit too much. It should still be okay, but next time, make sure the milk is more frozen than slushy and be sure to use the ice bath. The final bar color depends on the color of this lye solution; the lighter the lye/milk mixture, the lighter the final bar of soap.

Mixing the phases: The oil mixture and lye solution should now be at approximately the same temperature. Let the reaction begin! Slowly, drizzle the lye solution into the oil mixture, stirring constantly. Science 101 taught us that oil and water do not mix, hence the need to stir. Our ancestors would have used the wooden lye spoon to stir their reaction by hand. You can do the same. It’ll take at least an hour. Maybe less if you’re lucky, but most likely an hour or more. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer, which gives you the freedom to pursue other tasks but doesn’t shorten the reaction time appreciatively. The new wonder mixer on the soap making stage is the stick blender. The stick blender is a hand-held blender that has a motor on the top, blades on the bottom, and buttons for hi/low speeds somewhere in between. In most cases it reduces stirring time to 5-10 minutes (just over a minute for me!).

How do you know when it’s done? As you’re stirring, you will notice the reaction mixture becoming thicker and creamier as soap forms. Eventually it will look a bit like vanilla pudding before the pudding sets. When you stick a spoon into the mixture, pull it out, and drizzle some of the soap from the spoon onto the rest of the mixture. The drizzle-on soap will do one of two things: immediately disappear back into the main mixture or sit on top of the main mixture for a split second before sinking down into it. The letter is called a trace. And that is when your soap is ready to be poured into a mold.

For goat milk: If you’re just learning how to make goat milk soap, I recommend the use a stick blender. Blend for one minute and walk away for a few minutes or more. When you return, the mixture is usually at trace and ready to pour. You’ll have to experiment with the timing of this on different recipes when you’re learning how to make goat milk soap from your basic soap making recipes.

Part of the fun of learning how to make goat milk soap is adding other ingredients to your soap, such as dried herbs, ground oatmeal, honey, or essential oils. When learning how to make goat milk soap, the time to add these additional ingredients is after the trace. When adding dry ingredients to the soap mixture, it is best to remove a small portion of the soap with a cup add the dry ingredients to the cup, stir well to eliminate lumps, then return the contents of the cup to the main pot and stir again. Last, drizzle the essential oils into the soap mixture while stirring.

Molding and Insulating: Note: Prepare your mold before beginning to make soap!

Now we’re at the part of learning how to make goat milk soap that uses soap molds! Molds can take on many forms, from the expensive wooden ones sold through mail order suppliers to the free cardboard box from the local grocery store. The most important properties of a mold are that it is sturdy, that it is made of a lye-friendly material, and that its shape facilitates the easy removal of your finished soap.

Sturdy soap molds are necessary because in most cases you will be pouring several pounds of soap into your mold, and you mold needs to maintain its shape for uniform-looking bars. (I’ll leave to your imagination what would happen should your mold fall apart altogether.)

The shape of the mold can vary greatly. The easiest way I’ve found for how to make soap bars is to use a large rectangular mold would allow for a single, thin layer of soap that would then be the thickness of the finished bar (say ¾ to an inch thick). This slab of soap would then be cut into individual bars according to the width/length dimensions you choose. A loaf mold results in a thick, but narrow slab of soap that you would then slice into bars, each slice being the finished bar size. PVC pipe works great for round bars of soap, again slicing to get your finished bar. The possibilities are limited only by your creativity.

Unfortunately, however, small individual bar-size molds do not work for cold process soap, because the soap needs to remain en masse in order to generate the heat needed to finish the soap making process. When choosing your mold as you learn how to make goat milk soap, keep in mind that you will be removing a hardened mass of soap. The best of molds have perfectly straight sides that give your bars of soap nice square dimensions. Molds with a bottom area smaller than the surface area will also work, but your bars of soap will need trimming to be squared off.

Now that you’ve chosen a mold, you will need to line it with freezer paper, available at your local grocery store. This serves to extend the life of your mold and to make it easy to remove your soap from the mold by simply lifting it out. Measure and mark the dimensions of the mold on the freezer paper (the area of the base making an inner rectangle, plus the height of the sides making an outer rectangle), cut out the rectangle you’ve drawn, fold it on the baselines, and set it down into the mold, using masking tape to secure it to the sides of the mold. If you’re using PVC pipe, just roll the freezer paper to fit inside the pipe and seal one end of the PCV pipe before pouring in your soap.

Next, you’re ready to pour your soap into your properly prepared mold. There’s no special way of doing this, just whatever works best for the type of mold you’re using. When your soap is safely in the mold, cover it with a sturdy piece of cardboard and insulate with a blanket. Wrap the blanket around the mold to keep in the heat that the reaction will generate. Now comes the hardest part of the entire soap making process: waiting! Most sources recommend that the mold remain insulated no less than 24 hours. Don’t be tempted to peek…you’ll let out the heat.

In 24 hours, your soap should be hard to the touch, but easy to cut. If the soap isn’t hard, let it sit in the mold for a few more days. Recipes containing a large percentage of an olive oil sometimes take longer to saponify (chemical jargon for “make soap”).

There is some controversy as to whether goat milk soaps should be insulated or not. I can only comment on my own experience – as you learn how to make goat milk soap, you may have different experiences or find a soap making technique that works better for you. I use a slab-type mold and insulate heavily without problems.

Curing your soap: At this point, your cut bars of soap will need to cure for a minimum of four weeks. It takes roughly four weeks for the excess liquid in the soap to evaporate, resulting in a hard bar of soap. However, the soap can be used as soon as saponification is complete. To determine if the reaction is finished, or if you have a lye heavy batch of soap, do the “Tongue Test:” Touch the tip of the tongue to the soap. If you get “bit” or “zapped,” similar to touch a fresh 9V battery, then the reaction Is not complete, or your soap is lye-heavy. When to test the soap? Most properly proportioned soap recipes will completely saponify in 24 to 48 hours.

To do this, place your bars on a piece of brown paper (the uncured bars could pick up dye from colored paper), freezer paper, cardboard, or like material in some out of the way place where there is good ventilation. Turn the bars occasionally, and in four weeks, you will have beautiful, mild, handmade soap ready for use. Congratulations!

When making goat milk soap, once cured, the color of the soap will vary from a creamy off-white to cocoa butter or caramel depending on how warm the milk gets during the insulation period and on what essential oils or other additives are used.

How to Make Goat Milk Soap Using A Basic Soap Making Recipe

Ingredients:

1 lb coconut oil

14 oz palm oil

1 lb 5 oz olive oil

1 lb 3 oz water (or goat milk)

201 g lye

Directions:

See above. This recipe is for a 3-pound batch because it uses roughly 3 pounds of oils. To determine how many four-ounce bars the batch will make, just divide the weight of the oils (3 pounds or 48 ounces) by the size of the bar (four ounces) for 12 bars of soap. This is an approximation as the weight of the lye and any additives will also figure into the equation.

Honey Goat Milk Soap

One of my favorite recipes for how to make goat milk soap is to add honey to the homemade soap. Follow the above recipe, adding 1/8 cup of honey when the goat milk has melted enough to sir the solution, but some frozen chunks remain. The honey will really heat up the lye solution, and it will turn orange so keep it in the ice bath. When is has cooled to the proper temperature, proceed with the recipe in the normal fashion. The bar of soap will be almond in color and smell like candy.

For those of you interested in creating your own soap recipes as you learn how to make goat milk soap, there is an online calculator that allows you to determine the amount of lye needed in a recipe by simply punching in the weights of the oils and/or fats being used. The results appear in chart form and give the different amounts of lye needed to achieve a certain a percentage of fat or oil leftover in the final soap product. An average body soap is made with a 5-8 percent excess of fat or oil. The calculator will also recommend the amount of liquid, whether it be water or milk, to use in the recipe.

Originally published in 2003 and regularly vetted for accuracy.

How to Make Goat Milk Soap From Any Homemade Soap Recipe was originally posted by All About Chickens

[fictioncareercreativity]

Interview with the recently departed for career info fictional creative imagination series post 2 freestyle story by Stella Carrier

Interview with the recently departed for career info fictional creative imagination series post 2 freestyle story by Stella Carrier

November 14, 2017

Interview with the recently departed for career info fictional creative imagination series post 2 freestyle story by Stella CarrierTuesday November 14 2017

I preface this creative fiction story by making it clear that I Stella Carrier feel blessed for my current food services job at the University of Maryland College Park which pays well for what I do, and allows me to work with both fair leaders and ambitious coworkers. I intend to avoid making a firm decision on doing any further job searching until after least after January 3, 2017 or later for spiritual, intuitive, and karmic reasons.

I Stella Carrier Humbly Call Upon What I Imagine To Be The Influence of Benevolent Spirits From the Heavenly Realms, my higher self, and my celestial spirit ally team for creativity in both my writings and all other areas of my life both present and future. I also welcome any and all forms of spiritual assistance and divine intervention in all areas of my life both present and future.

I Stella Carrier give thanks for the blessing of a sweet and handsome husband who is supportive of my education and career goals for both present and future.

I Stella Carrier feel blessed to be an American born woman who has the freedom to live wherever I desire within the United States regardless of my economic andor career situation.

Start time approximately 1220 pm give or take a few minutes

Completion time 1258 pm yet to be continued by Thursday November 16 2017 at the latest with tomorrow Wednesday November 15 2017 1159 pm to November 16 2017  1220 am ideally

Interviewer is named Eula Harrison, a 40 year old Kerry Washington lookalike who works as a part-time professor and a part time intuitive consultant at a U.S. Navy base in Iceland in the year 2130. The college that Eula Harrison works at has over 35,000 students of various ages (age 16 to currently 108 years old )and from around the world-the 16 year old is from Switzerland and the 108 year old is from California. The U.S. Navy base re-established a military base in Iceland by the year 2090 and the college was opened by the year 2095. Eula Harrison  moved from the Washington D.C. area to Iceland after her brother Charley Lawson, an Idris Alba lookalike told Eula Harrison about the professor job through a mutual friend with a few years of Charley Lawson working as a culinary instructor/professor in training at a sister college in Reykjavik Iceland by the year 2092.

Eula Harrison is psychically channeling the following female spirit who passed over into heavenly spirit realms by the year 2120 and now resides in a celestial replica that is a hybrid of England, Virginia, and Maryland. Eula Harrison is doing this via a spiritualist psychic/channeling session witnessed by over 17 other people in a private 8 bedroom mansion home owned by a fellow female coworker who also works as a professor and part time psychic for a new age church in Iceland. Eula Harrison’s female friend is transcribing the session as she writes down the following details pertaining the female spirit for an upcoming fiction travel book with a new age/spiritual intuition slant

The recently departed female spirit’s demographic details

AfterlifeFemale spirit who prefers to go by the name of Doris Casey and is a lookalike of British actress/celebrity Billie piperPassed away year 2120Doris Casey’s most recent 20 year employment history before transitioning into her heaven based home in the year 2120Ultimate job on earth before passing over to the celestial/heaven based world that she resides in now- civilian cook at navy exchange theme park old dominion University of Maryland College Park hybrid and part time civilian military cook  based out of a cafeteria/military galley in Norfolk Virginia that requires employees to be available to deploy to sea for cooking based job requirements during the summer for a sixth  ship building incarnation of the USS Eisenhower in Norfolk Virginia when it traveled to Europe.Previous job cook on military base in Virginia Beach VirginiaAmazon shipping clerk five miles near Norfolk Virginia baseCook job George Washington UniversityPrevious job food service worker on American university temporaryPrevious food service employment at University of Maryland College Park temporaryPart time psychic/weight loss coach assistant to a weight loss psychic still residing on earthEula Harrison; Doris Casey, please tell us about one of the challenges that transformed into victory when you were still alive.Doris Casey; I successfully went from a size 14 to a size 2 in the span of just 6 months while juggling full-time employment and a modest money budget. I admit that it was exciting being able to choose a wide range of clothes from both the women’s section and clothes sizes that now fit me that I previously refrained from wearing since I was a teenager. However, I did have to learn to be both polite yet firm when barely legal of age teenage males made passes at me even though most of them were 18 years old. This was because I had a multiple number of male and female friends and business associates both from the metropolitan Washington D.C. area and Hampton Roads Virginia area who were teachers and would have been justified to gossip if I would have accepted advances from even 18 year olds who are of legal consent. Plus I had both male and female friends who would come to me for advice and I would tell them to avoid reciprocating the romantic overtures of any male or female unless they were at least 20 years old and not a part of the school they were employed at-i.e they were well finished with high school which means I had to be hypocrite free with my advice. On the money front, during my successful six month weight loss journey, I managed to save over 2 and a half months of after tax employment paychecks once I manifested a 125 pound body.

Further details of this interview to be completed by Thursday November 16 2017 andor sooner

ResourcesDrop Everything! Taylor Swift Just Announced the First Dates For Her Reputation Tour

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Trump’s Communications Director Hope Hicks Has Become a Tabloid Fixation

By Vanities

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You Spin Me Round Like A Record by Dead or AliveBeliever by Imagine DragonsVirginia colleges waive application fees for College Application Week

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Principles of Lust Sadeness Find Love by Enigmasail by awolnation song length 419Luxurious by Gwen Stefani song length 425·        In a five-minute long video titled The North Awakens, viewers are taken on a breathtaking flight over Iceland ·        The footage was shot during summer 2017, with production spanning late August and early September·        This is when most travellers visit the country, with light nights and temperatures rising to 13 degrees celsiusBy

Sadie Whitelocks for MailOnline

Read more:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-5070671/Stunning-drone-footage-Iceland-s-scenic-landscape.html#ixzz4yNZaYKYh

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From waterfalls and wildlife to the elusive Northern Lights: Stunning drone footage captures the natural beauty of Iceland in all its glory

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·        Is this the world's ULTIMATE library? Stunning photographs show inside futuristic new build which houses 1.2million booThe Tianjin Binhai Public Library is deliberately designed to look like a 3D eyeball and opened this month ·        Created by trendy Dutch firm MVRDV, the stunning five-storey building is part of a wider cultural complex·        Epic 33,700-square-metre building was completed just three years after the very first architectural sketchBy

James Draper For Mailonline

Read more:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-5078055/Is-world-s-ULTIMATE-library.html#ixzz4yNabh9BV

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ks

Read more:

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Where To Eat In London Without Reservations

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more songs for me to keep in mind from local radio stations in the metropolitan Washington D.C. area

For the Longest Time by Billy JoelHeartbeat by Kelly ClarksonHave I Told You Lately by Rod Stewart

Walk on Water by 30 Seconds to MarsCloser by Nine Inch NailsFly Away by Lenny KravitzSomewhere I Belong by Linkin ParkSky is a Neighborhood by the Foo FightersDrive by IncubusStarlight by MuseWish I Knew You by the RevivalistsDark Necessities by Red Hot Chili PeppersThunder by Imagine DragonsSafe and Sound by Capital CitiesMore For me to keep in mindWorld's 50 best restaurants of 2017Maureen O'Hare and Chris Dwyer, CNN • Updated 5th April 2017Facebook

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Hugo Boss Websitehttps://www.hugoboss.com/us/all-brands/holiday/holiday-highlights/gift-finder/

ELITE ESCAPES

Is Britain's Black Swan pub really the world's best restaurant?Barry Neild, CNN • Updated 1st November 2017

http://www.cnn.com/travel/article/worlds-best-restaurant-tripadvisor-2017/index.html

a link that I unexpectedly saw online

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i run a half marathan in one hourHow Much Training Do You Need to Run a Half Marathon?·        By Jay Johnson

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Colin Morgan Gives His Thoughts On The #BringBackMerlin Hashtag

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Bob’s Discount Furniture link

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[josephkitchen0]

How to Make Goat Milk Soap From Any Homemade Soap Recipe

By Sharon Pinnow – When I first became interested in learning how to make goat milk soap, I scoured the internet for information and soap making recipes, and I remember coming across a website that described the process as “tricky” and goat milk as “temperamental.” Of course, they didn’t allude to the secret of their success, so I was left to discover it for myself. While the book Milk-Based Soaps by Casey Makela was a great starting point, in the end, I stumbled upon the rest of the secret by trial and error.

Soap making can be as simple or complex as one wishes to make it. While the cold-process method is still much the same today as it was for previous generations, the knowledge of its precise chemistry has revived the interest of many and has propelled soap making into a medium for artistic expression. A variety of animal fats, vegetable oils, herbs additives, and essential oils allow for a wide range of desirable appearances, scents, and skin-enhancing properties in handmade soaps. This is reflected in the resurgence of soap making as a cottage industry, and a rising interest among small farmers about how to make goat milk soap.

Making soap at home is fun and easy!

Learn how to make laundry soap, dish soap and bar soap at home! YES! I want this Free Report »  

The simplicity of my method for how to make goat milk soap lies in the fact that it can be used for any soap recipe with goat milk. You can turn any homemade soap recipe into a goat milk soap recipe. Why goat milk? First, homesteaders have plenty of it, and second, milk has been used in cosmetics and therapeutic treatments for thousands of years. No one can be sure how many of these properties survive saponifcation (the soap making reaction), but one property is evident in the final product, and that is the soap’s creaminess.

The Rules of Soap Making

Equipment requirements all stem from the fact that lye will react with metals. Your soap making equipment must be made of stainless steel, glass, wood, unchipped enamel, or plastic. Keep soap making equipment separate from eating utensils and cookware.

Safety rules abound when using lye. Lye is a corrosive, potentially fatal chemical that deserves your utmost respect. Used with the proper safety precautions, however, it is not something to be feared. Lye, whether in its solid form or in solution, will eat through many things. As a minimum, use safety glasses and gloves, and work in a ventilated area (lye fumes can also be hazardous). Protect anything else you may value: you skin, your clothes, your countertops, your floors, your pets, and your children.

Necessary Equipment for Making Homemade Soap

Scale

Large pot or bowl (stainless steel, glass enamel)

Thermometer (or two)

Plastic pitcher

Large spoon (wooden, stainless steel, heavy plastic)

Lye container (for weighing lye plastic, glass, stainless steel)

Stick blender (optional)

Mold (plastic, wood, cardboard)

Mold, Liner (freezer paper)

Blanket

How to Make Goat Milk Soap

Oil Phase: Soap can be made form a multitude of vegetable oils and shortening, as well as animal fats and oils. I personally prefer to work with vegetable oils. The oils you will encounter most often in recipes are olive, coconut, palm, and palm kernel. Each has its benefits and limitations, which is why they are often used in combination. Lesser encountered oils include avocado, castor, cottonseed, peanut, soybean, and sweet almond.

Most recipes will call for an amount of oil in ounces. The ounces refer to a weight, not a liquid measurement. Therefore, you will need a scale in order to accurately measure your ingredients. At room temperature, some oils are solid (like coconut) and some are liquid (like olive). Solid oils need to be melted and mixed with the liquid ones. Choose a pot or bowl that best facilitates the method you use for melting your oils. I use a standard glass mixing bowl because I like to melt the oils in the microwave. If the stovetop is your method, choose stainless steel or enamel instead. How big? The three-quart size is a good place to start. This then becomes your reaction pot or bowl. When melting your solid oils, heat them only until they become clear. Then add your liquid oils.

Next, you will need to cool the oils to a temperature of 80-100°F. The temperature isn’t critical, though. I see recipes that call for temperatures of 120-140°F. What is important, however, is that your liquid and your oils are at about the same temperature. For this, you will need a thermometer. The best cooling method is a cold water bath, e.g., partially filling your sink with cool water and placing your pot/bowl in it.

Lye/water phase: Lye is available commercially as beads or flakes. It can be found at your local grocery store under the brand name “Red Devil” (a.k.a. drain cleaner), or through soapmaking supply companies. Like the oils, quantities are measured by weight with a scale. However, the quantity of lye needed as compared to the oils is very small, so it is necessary for your scale to weigh accurately to the ounce.

You will need a sturdy plastic container in which to mix your lye solution. When lye dissolves in water, a great deal of heat is produced…enough heat to melt a flimsy container. A heavy-duty, plastic pitcher with a tight-fitting lid makes an ideal container. You’ll also need a large wooden, stainless steel, or heavy plastic spoon to mix the lye solution. Remember: Do not allow the lye solution to come in contact with metals such as aluminum, copper, iron, etc.

Procedure: Put on protective glasses, gloves, and clothing. Weigh the lye into an appropriate container other than the one being used to mix the solution. Set aside. Weigh the indicated amount of water (understood to be distilled water unless you have very soft tap water) into the plastic pitcher. Add lye slowly to the pitcher while stirring. Fumes will be released, so either lean away from the pitcher or hold your breath for the initial addition of lye. You can then walk away for a few minutes to allow the fumes to dissipate. (Make sure the solution is inaccessible to pets and children!!)

Next, as with the oils, you will need to cool the solution to a temperature of 80-100°F. The idea here is to get the mixture of oils and the lye temperature. To that end, you may wish to purchase a second thermometer, so that you have one for the oils and one for the lye. Again, a cold water bath makes a great cooling agent.

To substitute goat milk for water: Learning how to properly handle the goat milk is key to successfully learning how to make goat milk soap. Goat milk is temperamental if it is not handled properly. The trick is to first pasteurize the raw milk by bringing it to a temperature of 155°F and holding it at that temperature for one minute. Then, cool the milk and freeze it. This process breaks down some of the enzymes that would otherwise cause problems when the milk comes into contact with the lye. Some people feel that this process is unnecessary, but I personally notice a difference when I don’t take the time to do it.

Freeze the goat milk in batch-size quantities or in ice cube trays, so that it can easily be weighed. Thaw the milk (in the microwave if you have one) just enough to be able to transfer it in chunks to the lye pitcher. It is best if it is still mostly frozen; it’ll still work if it’s slushy, but don’t thaw it that much if you can help it.

Put the pitcher of frozen goat milk in an ice bath. For my ice bath, I use a large enamel stockpot that is filled with cold water and two soda-type bottles of frozen water. Then add the lye all at cone to your pitcher of frozen milk. The heat produced by the dissolving lye will melt the milk without overheating it. The dissolving may take awhile because the solution stays cool, but the lye will eventually dissolve.

To make absolutely sure there is no undissolved lye, I filter the solution through a stainless steel strainer into the oils (I sell my soap, otherwise, I wouldn’t do this step). The lye/milk solution will be somewhat thick and pale to bright yellow in color. An orange color indicates that the solution heated up a bit too much. It should still be okay, but next time, make sure the milk is more frozen than slushy and be sure to use the ice bath. The final bar color depends on the color of this lye solution; the lighter the lye/milk mixture, the lighter the final bar of soap.

Mixing the phases: The oil mixture and lye solution should now be at approximately the same temperature. Let the reaction begin! Slowly, drizzle the lye solution into the oil mixture, stirring constantly. Science 101 taught us that oil and water do not mix, hence the need to stir. Our ancestors would have used the wooden lye spoon to stir their reaction by hand. You can do the same. It’ll take at least an hour. Maybe less if you’re lucky, but most likely an hour or more. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer, which gives you the freedom to pursue other tasks but doesn’t shorten the reaction time appreciatively. The new wonder mixer on the soap making stage is the stick blender. The stick blender is a hand-held blender that has a motor on the top, blades on the bottom, and buttons for hi/low speeds somewhere in between. In most cases it reduces stirring time to 5-10 minutes (just over a minute for me!).

How do you know when it’s done? As you’re stirring, you will notice the reaction mixture becoming thicker and creamier as soap forms. Eventually it will look a bit like vanilla pudding before the pudding sets. When you stick a spoon into the mixture, pull it out, and drizzle some of the soap from the spoon onto the rest of the mixture. The drizzle-on soap will do one of two things: immediately disappear back into the main mixture or sit on top of the main mixture for a split second before sinking down into it. The letter is called a trace. And that is when your soap is ready to be poured into a mold.

For goat milk: If you’re just learning how to make goat milk soap, I recommend the use a stick blender. Blend for one minute and walk away for a few minutes or more. When you return, the mixture is usually at trace and ready to pour. You’ll have to experiment with the timing of this on different recipes when you’re learning how to make goat milk soap from your basic soap making recipes.

Part of the fun of learning how to make goat milk soap is adding other ingredients to your soap, such as dried herbs, ground oatmeal, honey, or essential oils. When learning how to make goat milk soap, the time to add these additional ingredients is after the trace. When adding dry ingredients to the soap mixture, it is best to remove a small portion of the soap with a cup add the dry ingredients to the cup, stir well to eliminate lumps, then return the contents of the cup to the main pot and stir again. Last, drizzle the essential oils into the soap mixture while stirring.

Molding and Insulating: Note: Prepare your mold before beginning to make soap!

Now we’re at the part of learning how to make goat milk soap that uses soap molds! Molds can take on many forms, from the expensive wooden ones sold through mail order suppliers to the free cardboard box from the local grocery store. The most important properties of a mold are that it is sturdy, that it is made of a lye-friendly material, and that its shape facilitates the easy removal of your finished soap.

Sturdy soap molds are necessary because in most cases you will be pouring several pounds of soap into your mold, and you mold needs to maintain its shape for uniform-looking bars. (I’ll leave to your imagination what would happen should your mold fall apart altogether.)

The shape of the mold can vary greatly. The easiest way I’ve found for how to make soap bars is to use a large rectangular mold would allow for a single, thin layer of soap that would then be the thickness of the finished bar (say ¾ to an inch thick). This slab of soap would then be cut into individual bars according to the width/length dimensions you choose. A loaf mold results in a thick, but narrow slab of soap that you would then slice into bars, each slice being the finished bar size. PVC pipe works great for round bars of soap, again slicing to get your finished bar. The possibilities are limited only by your creativity.

Unfortunately, however, small individual bar-size molds do not work for cold process soap, because the soap needs to remain en masse in order to generate the heat needed to finish the soap making process. When choosing your mold as you learn how to make goat milk soap, keep in mind that you will be removing a hardened mass of soap. The best of molds have perfectly straight sides that give your bars of soap nice square dimensions. Molds with a bottom area smaller than the surface area will also work, but your bars of soap will need trimming to be squared off.

Now that you’ve chosen a mold, you will need to line it with freezer paper, available at your local grocery store. This serves to extend the life of your mold and to make it easy to remove your soap from the mold by simply lifting it out. Measure and mark the dimensions of the mold on the freezer paper (the area of the base making an inner rectangle, plus the height of the sides making an outer rectangle), cut out the rectangle you’ve drawn, fold it on the baselines, and set it down into the mold, using masking tape to secure it to the sides of the mold. If you’re using PVC pipe, just roll the freezer paper to fit inside the pipe and seal one end of the PCV pipe before pouring in your soap.

Next, you’re ready to pour your soap into your properly prepared mold. There’s no special way of doing this, just whatever works best for the type of mold you’re using. When your soap is safely in the mold, cover it with a sturdy piece of cardboard and insulate with a blanket. Wrap the blanket around the mold to keep in the heat that the reaction will generate. Now comes the hardest part of the entire soap making process: waiting! Most sources recommend that the mold remain insulated no less than 24 hours. Don’t be tempted to peek…you’ll let out the heat.

In 24 hours, your soap should be hard to the touch, but easy to cut. If the soap isn’t hard, let it sit in the mold for a few more days. Recipes containing a large percentage of an olive oil sometimes take longer to saponify (chemical jargon for “make soap”).

There is some controversy as to whether goat milk soaps should be insulated or not. I can only comment on my own experience – as you learn how to make goat milk soap, you may have different experiences or find a soap making technique that works better for you. I use a slab-type mold and insulate heavily without problems.

Curing your soap: At this point, your cut bars of soap will need to cure for a minimum of four weeks. It takes roughly four weeks for the excess liquid in the soap to evaporate, resulting in a hard bar of soap. However, the soap can be used as soon as saponification is complete. To determine if the reaction is finished, or if you have a lye heavy batch of soap, do the “Tongue Test:” Touch the tip of the tongue to the soap. If you get “bit” or “zapped,” similar to touch a fresh 9V battery, then the reaction Is not complete, or your soap is lye-heavy. When to test the soap? Most properly proportioned soap recipes will completely saponify in 24 to 48 hours.

To do this, place your bars on a piece of brown paper (the uncured bars could pick up dye from colored paper), freezer paper, cardboard, or like material in some out of the way place where there is good ventilation. Turn the bars occasionally, and in four weeks, you will have beautiful, mild, handmade soap ready for use. Congratulations!

When making goat milk soap, once cured, the color of the soap will vary from a creamy off-white to cocoa butter or caramel depending on how warm the milk gets during the insulation period and on what essential oils or other additives are used.

How to Make Goat Milk Soap Using A Basic Soap Making Recipe

Ingredients:

1 lb coconut oil

14 oz palm oil

1 lb 5 oz olive oil

1 lb 3 oz water (or goat milk)

201 g lye

Directions:

See above. This recipe is for a 3-pound batch because it uses roughly 3 pounds of oils. To determine how many four-ounce bars the batch will make, just divide the weight of the oils (3 pounds or 48 ounces) by the size of the bar (four ounces) for 12 bars of soap. This is an approximation as the weight of the lye and any additives will also figure into the equation.

Honey Goat Milk Soap

One of my favorite recipes for how to make goat milk soap is to add honey to the homemade soap. Follow the above recipe, adding 1/8 cup of honey when the goat milk has melted enough to sir the solution, but some frozen chunks remain. The honey will really heat up the lye solution, and it will turn orange so keep it in the ice bath. When is has cooled to the proper temperature, proceed with the recipe in the normal fashion. The bar of soap will be almond in color and smell like candy.

For those of you interested in creating your own soap recipes as you learn how to make goat milk soap, there is an online calculator that allows you to determine the amount of lye needed in a recipe by simply punching in the weights of the oils and/or fats being used. The results appear in chart form and give the different amounts of lye needed to achieve a certain a percentage of fat or oil leftover in the final soap product. An average body soap is made with a 5-8 percent excess of fat or oil. The calculator will also recommend the amount of liquid, whether it be water or milk, to use in the recipe.

Originally published in 2003 and regularly vetted for accuracy.

How to Make Goat Milk Soap From Any Homemade Soap Recipe was originally posted by All About Chickens