Feather your Nest Friday, 4th November, 2022.

The week was a rollercoaster and we arrived in November!  To me once it is November it is practically Christmas.  I am so glad I got my cakes made and a lot of my gifts ready.

I started the week with a big list of gaols.  The freeze drier arrived!  Then my work bench arrived!  Andy took the trailer into town to pick them up.  He had instructions to come home on the sealed road (the long way) and not the dirt bumpy road because I was worried...  imagining some fiddly bit of freeze drying technology would shake loose and it would all go wrong.

The space was ready for the stainless steel bench to be set up.  This alone was exciting as now I have a place for my appliances and I could get my dehydrator out of my pantry.  But one step at a time... first the bench went in then the Freeze Drier was unpacked.  I was so nervous about it hoping that it had made it here all in one piece.   Lots came with the Freeze drier to get me going... from Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers to replacement oil and oil filter and so on.   Once we were set up I was so excited.

I was very lucky a friend was here and he helped me figure out the technical stuff.  It wasn't that bad but connecting the pump and what not were things I was a bit worried about.   He is the kind of guy that actually enjoys putting stuff together. 

We ran our test run and everything was fine. 

Now I have trays of bread freeze drying which you do to remove any residue smells from manufacture.  I am then ready to start preserving! 

So the fun will begin!   I am not one for naming "things" but the computer screen asks for a name.   I considered this I named my freeze drier Becky.   Watching Acre Homestead and seeing Becky use her freeze drier so much was a big factor in making this decision.  Also if my freeze drier is anywhere near as hard working as Becky I will get amazing value from it.  So Becky it is.  I must comment on Acre Homestead and tell Becky this!  

My very first batch is going to be Celery.  I have three Celery patches in containers and it is going to seed.  It has produced so much.  I never harvested the whole head I just kept on cutting around the outside and it went on and on.  Now it is finishing up but I can harvest a lot of good Celery still.   Most of it is over a metre high.

As you can see I have Lettuce finishing up as well and Thyme to harvest.

In other developments...  by now you know I attract animals.  Specifically orphan animals.  This week I took on five orphan puppies.  They were four weeks and three days old.   There are mixed emotions with orphans.   It is sad and distressing and it is rewarding and beautiful.  If you are not successful it is just all awful.  On Wednesday I had no time to get ready and take five babies.  Andy and our friend set up a large puppy play pen enclosure with old carpet for the floor.   I had milk formula in my animal pantry.  Actually I also had bowls, blankets etc as well.  I cannot tell you how often my animal pantry has saved the day.   And so it began.  Bedlam.  

So far they are doing well.  

Today I am more confident as the puppies are playing and messing around.  They follow me along in hilarious drunken walking to go to the toilet on the lawn.  They are as good as gold.  They are smart too.

Each one gets cuddled and kissed.  They are so sooky and cuddle up and make little nosies and smell like puppies...   Like there is a beautiful (human) baby smell there is a beautiful puppy smell.  I hope everyone in the world knows it as it is just yummy.    Seriously they crack me up they are so mushy.   Look at that little face. 

This is a little boy.  He crosses his paws and hangs on.  It just melts my heart.  Since being on the farm and  actually having sheep I realised a lot about the Bible verses re the Shepherd and the sheep.  If one is missing you are out there looking for that missing sheep!  I actually found out what that felt like.  Well, that was very illuminating.  The love of an animal,  especially a baby, is just so beautiful.  They love you with their whole little hearts.  💗    

Between the puppies and finding them homes it has been pretty hectic.

What else..

My stack planters are going pretty well.  There are mainly lettuces and herbs in them.

I went and inspected the fruit trees.  Both pear trees are covered in HUNDREDS of tiny baby pears! 

Next week we will net these trees.   The apple tree is not far behind as it just finished flowering.

I harvested more Broccoli.

The Guinea Fowl chicks (keets) were promoted to the outside world.  They love it, I saw them sunbathing today! 

I picked the hugest thistles for the chickens.   

The pumpkins and zucchini plants have taken off and look good.

I have had zucchini look good before and never get any actual zucchini to pick but I am hopeful!

The ducklings are now "teenagers" and loving mud puddles.

So that was my week.  I have a freeze drier, a great set up,  more room in my pantry,  five puppies and loads of produce to harvest!  

I am really tired.  I need a good nights sleep.   Tomorrow Mum and I are heading south to see my daughter and her family.  I am looking forward to the whole day!   

How did you build up your nest this week?  I love to hear.   Wherever we are, whatever season we are in,  our industry at home makes a big difference! xxx