Hi Julie,
    I guess I didn't get specific enough about the soak process. The block is
faced, from an ice block, then placed in a plastic tray lined with gauze and
a shallow bath of water. The tray sits on my slide warmer. As they soak, the
blocks will take on an opaque, soft appearance as opposed to the shiny faced
look. After about 3-5 minutes, depending on the size and consistency of the
tissue, place the block on an ice block flooded with water to chill. After
sectioning, place the slides on a slide warmer and follow with your drying
method.
    I keep facing blocks and lining them up in the soak in order. When thy
are softened they go back on the ice in order to keep the pace going. Some
folks add a few drops of detergent to the soak but I don't usually find it
necessary.
    Hope this helps.       Maureen