My pet yeast

I had to be away for about a month and so I put my supply of fresh yeast into hibernation. This is done by covering the container with a non-metallic perforated top, to allow the drying process in the fridge. On December 12, I reactivated the organisms by stirring in a little lukewarm water and a tablespoonful of flour. The intention was to make bread in the next couple of days. I overestimated my energy level. After nearly 40 hours of travel through heat and sleet I was a lumpen mass. There was just strength to look after the handyman who had to plow the long driveway after each snowstorm. Then he had to add to his stockpile of firewood on December 17 which turned out to be a full moon night. I pointed out the glowing moon in the east and Venus in the southwest. I got a grunt. The moon was celestial and I did not see the cheese, the man or the jade rabbit. It was like the moon in my childhood memory when my grandmother acknowledged it by making offerings of sugarcane, cups of clear water and a vegetarian mooncake. These were placed on a marble-topped round table pushed to the entrance of the house. She discontinued the practice promptly in early 1970's. My illiterate and thinking grandmother.                                     

Meanwhile the yeast was proliferating with renewed vigour and to prevent it from getting too sour I fed it with more substrate, flour that is.                

And today, the shortest of the year, I shall make bread. He deserves cake but I don't do cake. Happy birthday and tomorrow the day lengthens.