Roll making 'venture

A couple of weeks ago, I got this craving, and surprisingly I haven't had too many cravings this time. (Hubby would disagree!) Anyway, I was craving Maw Yates' yeast rolls. Well, the only person I know that makes these rolls is Becky, and she is only 31/2 hours away, and these rolls are not just something you whip up. Having good intentions I bought the ingredients about a month ago, and they have just sat in the pantry. I'm not a baker! Tuesday, the cravings got the best of me. I got out my recipe, that I had thanks to Becky, and got to work. Caleb once again was my helper as Leah was busy with violin practice. This is one complex recipe, you have to scald milk, melt your shortening on the stove, then it has to be refrigerated overnight. Much to one little boy's dismay. (Crazy kid actually licked the beaters!) Yesterday morning, I was greeted with the wonderful smell of yeasty bread when I opened the fridge. (Good thing too, I would have forgotten!) While the kids were gone to the nursing home I started the kneading and rolling out process. Well, I have decided if I'm going to make these again, I'm going to have to start lifting weights. And I've also figured out why they used BIG rolling pins and not the little ones from pampered chef! I get them cut out, brushed with butter, pinched closed, and the waiting game started again. Now, they must rise again. I finally got impatient with the first batch and we had them for lunch. Needless to say, they are better after they rise, but the first batch was yummy. The kids loved them, Leah especially. I'm hoping this is a tradition I can pass on to her and she can pass on to her kids. While doing all this I couldn't help think of a special lady. She fixed these rolls for every family gathering. She fixed them for our rehearsal dinner. (I can't imagine how many recipes she had to fix for that one.) And I can remember her sending extra ones with Jan when they would come visit us. She was one special lady! I wish I had thought of doing this sooner, maybe she could have given me some tips. Thanks so much Maw Yates, we love and miss you!