learning every year

As you may or may not know,
I like to learn something new every year.  Usually it is a homesteading skill.
In the past I have learned how to knit, how to make soap, how to make jelly, and many more.

This past year I had a goal of learning how to make cheese.
While I started with a cheese making class early on in January, it left more questions and concerns than answers.  Luckily, I found a class just in the nick of time and close to home.

Shannon from Heamour Farms graciously offered a complete class.  Her farm info is here: Heamour Farms.  Now I can officially say- I made my own cheese {& yogurt too}!

cutting the curd {my favorite part}

Draining the whey from the curd

Seeing as how Scarlet has brought cheese and crackers to lunch for the past 2 weeks, cheese is a staple in our house.  I can't wait to start trying other types!

As for 2012 you ask?
I would really like to learn to spin my own yarn but that leads to me wanting a sheep {not that soap making doesn't make me want a goat- have you tried goat's milk soap?  It's lovely}.  So I have narrowed it down to something on my bucket list and something I have never considered until recently:

1. learning to ride a horse
2. getting my license to hunt

Hopefully I will be able to do both this year.  While I won't be "making" anything, they are both things I really really want to do.  I always joke that I am a collector of hobbies but these 2 things won't require any more hobby supplies to accumulate in our house.

Do you have plans for your 2012?