Feather your Nest Friday, 19th March, 2021.

March 19, 2021

Feather your Nest Friday, 19th March, 2021.

I don't know where this week went. As it is I am late on Friday. But looking over my list and photos I have proof a whole week went by and we got stuff done.

Some of the ways I feathered my nest were:

Thomas has grown. Probably my homemade baby food isn't hurting! Chloe mentioned he could do with bigger bibs. Say no more!! I had just the fabric....

I used ginghams in green or brown from the op shop as the backing and flannelette from old sheets in the middle. The dogs are at least partly the exact dogs Chloe and Luke have on the farm. The ones at the bottom are Blue Heelers. These are a good working dog. So Thomas has Blue Heelers and Border Collies.

The bottom ones are Kelpies. These are the hardest working farm dogs I know. In the end there are six for Thomas and six for Sidney. I thought these were suitable for little farm boys.

I got busy and made the most of the figs. They made quite a few jars of Fig and Almond Jam.

In the garden we added soil to the raised garden beds. I am saving all my eggshells to crush for added calcium in the soil. I planted out sage and spinach plants grown from seeds.

This week my investments were a vacuum sealed storage bag to store the wool blankets I have washed and put away for the little boys. Also new bras. I hate trying on clothing. But I know my size in one brand. When I went to the store they had a rack of bras on a big sale because the store was closing. I couldn't believe it but I got four bras for $2.50 each! They had all been marked down and down and then there was a sign that said take another 50% off. Amazing. Also I never had to try anything on. Winning!

I have tried to get back to a little bit of sewing everyday. After the bibs I made some Christmas fabric gift bags. Mum hates wrapping. I am working towards enough of these that she doesn't have to wrap this Christmas. So I am making all shapes and sizes.

I have Christmas prints from an after Christmas sale and some from the op shop. I have more cut out ready to sew.

We had a more or less free dinner one night. From a little bit of left over cream and a bit of left over sour cream, farm eggs and odds and ends I made a quiche. I also had a bit of grated cheese and random salad items to go with it. It made a good dinner.

It was also good the next day for lunches.

Another night I cooked a Turkey Roll that Mum had given me. With it I roasted loads of veggies. After we had a beautiful roast dinner I plated up two more meals for two. I gave Chloe and Luke a roast turkey dinner and we had it again another night.

At the end of the day of all the meals to choose from a roast is one of the best. Good soup or a nice roast meal seem to always be winners. We also had roast turkey for lunches and sandwiches for a couple of days. It is bliss having a night where dinner is just heated up!

I made the boys baby food. This seems to be a weekly thing now. While they eat it, I make it!

I started a new crochet blanket for Thomas. I made Sidney one already and one pram sized blanket as a gift. Now it is time for one for Thomas. This will take a while I am aiming for single bed size.

I dehydrated 8 capsicums.

Mum wasn't feeling well this week and next week Andy is having some surgery. Also Lucy is seeing a specialist on a long awaited appointment as she has migraines that just don't go away. So if you feel to all three could do with prayer. Last week we were talking about good investments. Anything that protects or helps your health is very good. Until something doesn't work or we are unwell we don't realise how much we took for granted. They and get enough sleep. Drink your water. Work on good habits. We need to be fit and well as we can!

How did you add to your pantry, build up your home or garden this week? Did you manage to make the most of something and set things to good use? I still have apples I need to use. It is so good that they keep fairly well and I can keep up!

I hope you had a good week and can enjoy a nice weekend.xxx

Comments

Anonymous19 March 2021 at 04:53
Dear Annabel,

First off, of course I will pray for your Mum, Andy, and Lucy. I have migraines occasionally, so I can't imagine how it would be to have them regularly!

I love those bibs! And as I was pureeing up some squash and pumpkin that needed processing as it was starting to turn in storage, I was thinking how the texture and smell sure reminded me of when the kids were little and this was their favorite for baby food. (I think because squash is slightly sweet! :)) You are such a great Grandma!

We had some spring weather, but today it is cold and SNOWY! Ugh. I saw pussy willows yesterday, though, and on Tuesday we saw our first pair of robins, so I think spring is definitely here.

Started another tote from the same leftover brocade tablecloth and old sheet...should get it finished this weekend. I also cut out four good-sized napkins from the tablecloth to replace some of ours that are due to hit the rag bag, and there is still a small amount left over of that tablecloth. Not sure what that will become...maybe coasters? Or parts to pair with another fabric for something or other. I finished my skirt last weekend and wore it to church, so that was a win! Made bread and muffins, etc. as usual, and am making yogurt today...all that usual stuff. Oh! My youngest gets her braces off in a week and a half, so the kids and hubby made a batch of root beer that will be ready for drinking when the braces come off. (She's had to forgo pop for 2 and a half years, so this is exciting for her, as a treat. :)) He also bottled a batch of Porter that he'd brewed, so that's now downstairs, too. Painted the rest of the door I was working on, so now on to the frame. Slowly but surely!

That's it for me, I think. Hope you have a wonderful weekend! xx Jen in NS
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Teresa19 March 2021 at 05:46
Annabel, what a productive week you had. I just love the bibs and Christmas bags you made. The food you make looks absolutely delicious. I just prayed for your Mum, Andy, and Lucy. Sorry I haven’t been commenting for awhile; I do look forward to every post and read and enjoy each of them. Take care, Annabel and Bluebirds!
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LaurieS19 March 2021 at 07:00
Dear Annabel, I always enjoy your posts so much! Praying for you Mum, Andy and Lucy. They are on my prayer list. You had a busy week. My days just seem to run together , I'm always busy!
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mikemax19 March 2021 at 07:26
Annabel, I used to make my own baby food, too. Squash was definitely a fave! I froze it in ice cube trays, transferred to plastic bags and took out a couple of cubes each morning to thaw to room temp. My daughter is 44, didn't care if it was warmed or not and we didn't have a microwave. I canned a lot of unsweetened pureed applesauce that year. We didn't like it (too smooth) but she was crazy about it!

We are listing our vacation home for sale next week (I live in one of the hottest real estate markets in the country). Although we are selling the house furnished, we had to clear out food and other personal stuff. The food was a boost to my pantry. It needs to be eaten first. A friend came by and insisted on paying me $160 for some things she wanted, even though I said she could just take them. They originally cost less than $75 at yard sales and thrift stores and we used them for 10 years.

I received two separate bills for medical lab work. The amounts seemed high. Then I noticed that neither showed that insurance had been billed. I called the billing number, provided the information and both will be re-billed--should be for considerably less.

I worked on my income taxes, using H&R Block software. This will save us hundred$ of dollar$ in tax prep fees and it isn't hard. I have used tax software for nearly 35 years without any problems.

We received $2,800 in US government stimulus payments this week. I truly don't object to helping people that need it, but I don't think printing money and giving it to me is in the country's best interest. I am really concerned by the amount of the national debt and the burden we are placing on future generations.

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Lana19 March 2021 at 07:48
The bibs are so cute! I have had good success with Migraine Relief from Hopewell. I drip in on a cotton ball and breathe. Praying for you all. My Mom had a fall three weeks ago and they found she had had a heart attack and then under the care of a rehab center she fell and broke her hip and had to have hip replacement surgery. It is so hard watching our parents age.
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pamintexas19 March 2021 at 08:52
Dean Annabel,
You are such a blessing to your mum (the Christmas gift bags are beautiful) and all your family (helping with their meals and making special things for the grands). Those darling bibs are just the thing for your little farm boys, along with that healthy baby food! I know they all appreciate it.
I am still playing catch-up from the wedding weekend which was magical! Everything went as planned and it was such a happy time and soooo good to be with all my family again. Now I am working diligently on taxes along with planting the garden. We have had leftover barbeque from the wedding plus frozen ready-to-go meals out of our freezer (always a great investment) and that has freed up a lot of my time this week. I made another investment, too, with the purchase of a cordless screwdriver. I used to have the strongest hands but that is in the past so this new tool with be a big help.
I will be praying for your mum to feel better and for Andy's surgery and for Lucy to get relief from those migraines! And prayers for you as the "main caretaker" around there! Don't forget to take care of Annabel!
Until next time, keep safe and healthy, Bluebirds. I always enjoy hearing about what is going on with you all.
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Anonymous19 March 2021 at 09:10
Yes, praying for Andy's up-coming surgery (you, as well), your Mom and Lucy. It must be awful trying to care for a family with constant pain. I pray they'll be able to help her. The fabric you found/used in the bibs is beyond beautiful! We just don't get the great fabrics locally (in the States) that we used to. What blessed little boys they are to be "farm boys" and to have a Grammy like you.
I think I could eat that fig/almond jam with a spoon - LOL! I imagine it's pretty good with some cream cheese on something crunchy?
You got a screamin' deal on your new bras. Can't beat that with a stick! And no trying on, how nice!
Your mom is going to be able to wrap her Christmas gifts lickety-split with those gorgeous, reusable gift bags you're making her. Again, beautiful fabric!
Yesterday I made up a few napkins out of some favorite fabric scraps (inspired by your use-it-up!) and by JES who made some ripped-edge napkins, made a greeting card for a friend whose hubby has been diagnosed with cancer, and mixed up some yummy French salad dressing (from Becky's m-i-l's recipe @ Frugal Measures).
Your family will be on my prayer list this week, dear Annabel. xxMary
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Anonymous19 March 2021 at 09:11
p.s. Annabel, what a blessing you are!!!
Mary
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Anonymous19 March 2021 at 10:10
Dear Annabel
Those bibs are such a great pattern!
I do hope that your mum feels better soon; that Andy's surgery goes well with good recovery and that Lucy is led to people that can help her. They will be in my prayers.
Wishing you a good week ahead.
Love, Heidi xx
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Barb W19 March 2021 at 14:33
Dear Annabel and beautiful bluebird friends.
I apologise that I haven't commented here for a long time, I hope to remedy that and comment regularly again.
Those bibs are so gorgeous Annabel I love them .
What a bargain to get bras for $2.50 each !. That's excellent and even better that you didn't have to try them on.
Since it has been a long time since I have commented I thought I would give you some examples of what I have been doing to save money , feather my best and build up my pantry .
I have received some more free craft items from my local newsagency ,they sometimes give me the free gifts from craft magazines that dont end up being sold . These items are varied and are excellent craft items .
I have been slowly building up my pantry and I buy half priced items I use regularly .this had been a good way to save some money .
I have been making gift tags , I made about 40 gift tags a few days ago .all of these tags cost me a total of about 10 cents to make at the most ,because awhile ago I bought a pack of 200 pieces of card stock for a really good price .
Yesterday I was at the department store called big W and I bought packs of ten Kraft cardboard cards and envelopes for $1.50 a pack ,packs of pretty heart shaped bling for $1.50 each , pretty stickers that usually sell for $4 or more for $1.50 and packs of pens for $1.
I have rambled on enough sovi will finish up by saying that I hope you all have a lovely weekend.
Love Barb W.
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Kay19 March 2021 at 15:19
Lovely bibs and that quiche looked delicious. I too will pray for your family and you as you help, nurse them back to health.
This week we picked up the whole pork we had butchered. We had to put 2/3 of it in our son's freezer but what we brought home filled the 1-1/2 shelves I had empty in my upright freezer. Both freezers are filled to the brim.
We also did a bit of produce shopping this week to fill in where we were lacking. I should not need to go to the stores for the next month except for maybe salad veggies.
To day we purchased a brush cutter for the Farmer. This should last until after he is not able to work as hard (10-15 years.) We are starting to look towards those purchases and make them before he retires in 5 years. Our income will decrease and we want to have the big expenditures done before then.
Final frugalness, we've been finding the fragments and eating from the fridge and freezers. I'm having to relearn how to cook for just two who are eating less in the evenings. This is almost harder than learning to cook for a large family.
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Jenny of Elefantz20 March 2021 at 03:52
Praying for your loved ones, my friend. With regards to migraines, you know I’ve been a chronic sufferer since childhood. Last year and into early this year I really honed in on food triggers (weather, tiredness and fluorescent lights are other triggers). I have known too many oranges were one, but now it is even a drop, so severe is the result. Also now I’ve discovered mandarins, capsicum and caffeine. Mandarins at breakfast over spring and into summer left me with non stop migraines for three months until I realised they were a new trigger. Ask her to keep a food diary (the neurologist had me do this) and monitor if migraines are regular when a particular food is eaten. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
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Sharon20 March 2021 at 03:53
Always such a thrill when your posts show up in my inbox...so calming and grounding.
I don't know how you get done all that you do!
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Debbie20 March 2021 at 16:11
Praying for your family (((HUGS))). Those bibs are so cute! I love the fabrics you chose for them. :) As usual, you astound me with all that you are able to accomplish in a week. This past week has not been anything earthshattering to report in my little piece of the world...just working in the garden mostly to get things ready for our growing season. Spring weather is a fickle thing with one day being warm and the next having snow so we have to be prepared for just about anything...typical weather for here. I did do a blog post about my limited frugal doings and had hoped to add pictures but blogger is not allowing me to upload any today for some reason. And yes, they are limited...bad Fibromyalgia flares this week took me down but will not defeat me. ;)
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Patti20 March 2021 at 20:41
Annabel,
You do such beautiful things! We had the dogs on the bins when Kristi was young. We bought a place in the country and the dogs were left behind. The mom dog was a wonderful hunter and would bring home water turtle ect. We knew they were working dogs because one of them would need the children by nipping the air behind your heals. We called her Jenny robin. Her brother was so smart he was so good with the kids. I will be praying for Choke for wisdom for the doctors,her and pain relief. Praying for healing for your Mum. For Andy that the Lord would guide the doctors and a speedy recovery.
Much love,
Patti from San Diego
P.S. I finally remembered how to sign into Googo
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terricheney21 March 2021 at 13:41
We spent two days last week reclaiming an old cemetery that belongs to this property we all live on but which we weren't able to access due to overgrowth and it belonging to someone else in the family. My son purchased that property and finally was able to buy a tractor and mowed blackberry and briars and trees down with a bush hog so we could get in the gates. We found the interior overgrown but nowhere near as badly as the outside. We are now about 3/4 of the way done with the inside.

We got new appliances last week: washer, dryer and dishwasher to replace our 25 year old appliances. The dishwasher had quit in January and the dryer had it's second repair. The washer works just fine really but we figured it too would need to be replaced sooner rather than later and so we bought all three appliances at once. We paid cash for them and self-installed.

My freezer is packed full with one bag of odds and ends of things that I want to figure out a good use for and clear up a bit of space and the fridge is full too of bits of leftovers that I plan to use up in various ways this week. I'm excited to see what I can make out of these items we haven't been eating (freezer) and how it will benefit us in a way that we will use.

I shall be praying for Andy, your mum and Lucy.
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Patti21 March 2021 at 19:23
I will be praying for Lucy's migraines that the specialist could help her.and God gives her wisdom
Hugs
Patti from San Diego
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