Feather your Nest Friday, 8th, 2021.

 I didn't have a good week.   So this was a do- what -I could- to -get -through -it -week. 

Andy has been in hospital TWICE.  I had to call an ambulance on the weekend.  I wasn't well either but nothing serious and not covid!   He came home for one night and needed to go back to hospital. 

Andy is coming home again tomorrow.  And he is doing well and quite cheerful tonight.  I am just tired and my nerves are frayed.  

Several of my friends also had absolute shockers this week.  I hope no one else has been in a bad way. Although saying that I can't turn on the TV without distress so maybe it was one of those weeks!?

In between everything I still had some successes and so have something to report!  And that makes me feel better too.  When we didn't get everything done it is good to look at what we did.   When I am sick or a wreck (lol) and can't DO I plan.  I make lists.  Study something on You Tube.   I have mastered the art of setting myself up in bed, watching You Tube on my lap top and crocheting.   It's pretty good.  Some of the time I will sit and learn a new crochet pattern this way.   It's very nice.  Add a cup of tea!  Mum does this. She is the master of knitting in bed. 

We started the year off in a big way on The Tuesday Afternoon Club.    Last year crafting, baking, gardening (and more) together really helped us through lockdowns and stress.   We had a lot of fun.  We filled our gift cupboards, stocked our pantries and expanded our gardens.  This year I have added the "Put it to Good Use Challenge".   We all have resources.  Maybe a cupboard of craft supplies, fabric or yarn.  Maybe a fruit tree or something that grows locally that could be useful.   Time to put it all to good use.   Make all your Birthday and Christmas presents from supplies you have!   I have some other goals like to keep building up my trading/bartering.   But mainly to put things to good use.   Take every opportunity! 

I began with deciding to put all my odd balls of cotton to good use and make wash cloths as well as learn a bunch of new stitches at the same time.  My aim is at least one a week and then bundle them into stacks of three and tie them up nicely.  

My other put it to good use challenge currently involves zucchini!  They are coming in now and are lovely.

I am picking a couple a day.  It is so nice to be harvesting! 

Another thing I can put to good use is my Parsley Seed.  Each year now I collect loads of seed heads.  I go out with scissors and clip away. 

I let it dry out a bit more then package it up into tiny paper bags.  It grows so well.  This makes a little gift.  It fits in a posted card.  And I replant some rows for the next year.    Being able to pick parsley anytime and even big bunches to give away is lovely.  It is also very good for the chickens.  The goat gets some too! 

I am excited because I am getting a new clothes line.  I had the most beautiful one at my old house.  This one here I always have felt was grimy and old.  I wiped it down a million times but still felt this way.   It is going and I am getting a new one.  I made a new peg bag to celebrate the upgrade.

Some of my week was planning for sure.  One of my earlier plans was to make fabric gift bags.  I saw a great sale of lovely Christmas fabrics.  Mum is mad keen on these.   The fabric arrived today and I love it!  

Having things you are looking forward to is a good thing!  Projects lined up are very nice!

I was also blessed with some supplies!  6 huge buckets.  12 beautiful bottle with screw top lids.   AND a huge wooden box,  like the one I made a cubby house from.  This one is taller.  It COULD be goat house, chicken house, lamb/calf shelter... mmm I am thinking about it.   First I need to paint it with some outdoor sealer and then I will decide. 

I have some more letters from Laine!   So I will be posting these over the next couple of weeks. 

How did you build up your home, pantry, garden this week?   Australia is having lots of border closures and lock downs. I know other countries are too. I thought about posting photos of our local supermarket.  I won't bother as you have all seem empty shelves.   Fresh produce has been the worst of it.  I have seen this two weeks in a row.   Some dairy was missing like cream.   Build your pantry.

Have a lovely weekend.  We all need a rest! xxx