It is May, cold and pouring! It has been a big week! We finished up adding rocks to the garden before the rain set in. We are done. Unless I see another rock I really like...
I got almost all the succulents and cuttings planted. It was amazing how many I had, enough to really make a great impression on the garden. Some afternoons were sunny and I got out there digging and planting!
In the veggie garden I picked the very last cherry tomatoes and pulled up the plants. The goats got these and thought they were yummy. (The tomatoes I saved though...)
The chickens have been free ranging a couple of hours a day. With the rain there is so much green grass and so many bugs and things that they love. I have decided even an hour a day is better than nothing, they can eat a lot in an hour. I can't leave them all day because of foxes being on the prowl. So finally I have arrived at a compromise.... if we are working outside then the chooks can run around for that time. I just have to remember to put them away right away before we come in. The bright yellow eggs are a sign of how much good it does them.
We have security cameras and a very healthy looking fox was out and about only meters from the house and chicken house one night this week...
I could hear him too. They make a YIP, YIP, YIP sound and the dogs go crazy.
This week Chloe gave me a little bit of sour dough starter which I have been feeding gluten free so I can make GF buns and bread. It is looking amazing... so much so that tomorrow I am planning sticky buns. I really hope they work out. They can be Coronation Sticky Buns.
I made Mum a batch of GF scones.
With the garden changes I dug up and moved two Quince trees and an Orange tree. Also a Passionfruit vine. I hope the pouring rain settles them in well.
In the orchard I picked up a big basket of fallen apples. We are getting down to the last ones now, these were the ones we couldn't reach.
I made a big batch of Pumpkin Soup using pumpkins I had stored. Now I will stack a fresh supply of pumpkin as part of my food storage for the next year.
On Tuesday I went to town and saw my friend Wendy. She gave me a huge bunch of celery from her garden and also some lovely tins and canning lids!!
While in town I went to two op shops. In one I found a pretty quilt. I paid $4 but it had a stain... despite my best stain busting attempts I couldn't shift it...
So I made it a little patch...
We have two cows who are looking very close to calving now. This would give us seven! One day this week I was out checking on them and just as well. Two had got out and were on the wrong side of the fence separated from their mothers. I got them back and they ran like maniacs to have a big drink. This is the second time that daily checking has saved the day.
The Celery Wendy gave me I freeze dried and also some Carrots.
My friend that goes to a lot of garage sales rang me up and sent me photos... she was on the ball because yes I was !!! when I saw what she had found. I got these quite large biscuit barrels? I don't really know what they are ...
They were $5 each and one is crystal. A larger one is full of pretty soaps in my bathroom and I am working on the other two!
I made a big pot of spaghetti sauce. The last cherry tomatoes went into this.
I went on to freeze some, make a huge pasta bake for Chloe and a Lasagne for us.
The last of the Basil came in ...
It was enough for one more lot of Pesto.
While in town I did a chemist stock up.
We had our first fire of the season, just a little one.
Next week there are some sunny days forecast so we will light up some of the really big ones!
We used a fine day to put the last rocks into place and build a border. This involved three more trailers of rocks. I was so excited!
This whole area is now a rock garden and all planted up. It has always been a challenge and I think this is the solution!
I filled my biggest crock pot with apples and pears and cooked it down to a thick puree. It is delicious and batches were frozen. Then I baked some apples which smell so good and I eat them for breakfast.
Some of the fallen apples were bruised, pecked... not good... I gave these to the cows who love them and now I have two more cows so very close to eating out of my hand!
In the orchard I have some tomatoes that are still producing and I picked some really big ones!
With the rain things feel very wintery. I am happy to be inside and cook, crochet, sew... it has been just ages since I got anywhere near the sewing machine! I love the change of seasons. I am ready for a break from fruit and gardening.
How did you build up your home this week? It all counts, it all adds up! xxx
As always, you're inspiration to us all. I love the beautiful quilt you found. Putting a patch over the stain was brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI would love it if you could
Post some of your gluten free
recipes. Those scones look amazing.
Thank you! Ok I will, I have GF sticky buns rising now so hopefully they will work out and I can share that too.xxx
DeleteThe rock flowerbeds looks so nice, rocks really add contrast. I no longer have a garden but the lettuce in the large pot is growing. Hopefully I'll have fresh lettuce for salads in several weeks. While you are entering fall, I'm entering spring and ready to be outside. No sewing has happened here for several days but it's supposed to rain Sunday through Tuesday so those will be my sewing days.
ReplyDeleteDear Gretchen, Fresh lettuce will be lovely. I am just the same... the nice days I am outside and the rainy days I can get to the indoor things and maybe some sewing. Today has been pouring again so I am cooking and lots of little indoor jobs. Have a good weekend! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteHi Annabel, your spaghetti sauce looks beautiful! Here in the desert of Arizona we are heading into the hot time of year, it was 100f (38c) last week for one day, so we know the heat is coming. I have sold my house and am moving to a patio home (town house) in the town nearby. So the next two weeks are crazy! I didn’t remember what a chore it is to move ;). I know with the renovations you did at the farm, you must have been in a state of turmoil for months! Love your blog and your animals…we might need a cow eating an apple photo soon. Hilogene in Az
ReplyDeleteDear Hilogene,
DeleteYes moving sure is a big job! It is a good time for organisation though and making changes you might want or need. OK I will try and get some cow munching on apple photos! All the best with your move! With much love Annabel.xxx
Hi Annabel and everyone,
ReplyDeleteYour cooking and gardening both look so good! Lots of apples here, too - I think I will do some baked apples this weekend! I love that quilt and am so happy you rescued it.
Work continues to be very busy, but I had a baking day and made blueberry and chocolate chip muffins, a fruit crumble, chicken broth in the crockpot, and spaghetti sauce. A trip to the price club replenished our fresh produce and dairy, and I got a two-pound bag of hazelnuts for $9, which is an amazing price for my area (OK, USA). Today the bread machines are working hard on the dough for pizza scrolls and dinner rolls. A local business gave us a quote on a new AC unit and furnace, since ours was damaged in a recent hailstorm. We have the money in savings and I am thankful. Broccoli, strawberries, squash, herbs, and radishes are doing well in our small garden. I planted tons of zinnia seeds last weekend and the seedlings are starting to come up already. The rosebushes have started blooming, too. We have had loads of rain this week and it has been so good for the plants (and the rain barrel!).
I found a little time to add a few things to the gift cupboard (a knitted cowl, some sparkly earrings, some homemade soap with shea butter) and put a few stitches into a worsted-weight shawl and a couple of small cross-stitch pieces.
This was a chemo week for my husband - he is doing ok physically - some tummy upset, which he has medication for, and fruit juice popsicles (any advice greatly appreciated). Still low spirits, but working on that with his doctors and a new counselor as he would prefer to speak with a man about some of the problems he is having. My dad has also suggested taking him out for a drive in the country just the two of them, and I think this is a wonderful idea if he will agree. Many thanks to everyone who is praying for him. He will need to rest some this weekend to recover and I am hoping to do some quiet things around the house and maybe fully finish my recent cross-stitches.
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
<3
Kathy
Dear Kathy,
DeleteI think your Dads idea is very good. I am sure that like women talk to each other differently men also maybe will talk to another man about things they might not talk about with us. In any event a country drive is a great idea. Your crafts for the gift cupboard were beautiful. I loved the colour of the soaps and the cowl too!
Your baking and especially the fruit crumble looked delicious! Since you are busy at work and you manage all of this plus your husbands chemo week it really adds up to a huge week. I hope you get some rest and relaxation over the weekend! With much love Annabel.xxx
Dear Kathy, a very busy week indeed. So many things on your plate and you do se well. Take care of yourself, too. Sending good thoughts from far away. Laura_s_world from Romania
DeleteKathy you can try herbal peppermint tea and ginger tea to ease your husbands stomach upsets from the chemo and hopefully that should help.
DeleteBoth in our prayers for a complete recovery of your husband over time.
Lorna.
Dear Annabel - I think you are right and it might be easier for him to express certain things to another man. Thank you very much for the encouragement and your friendship. <3 Kathy
DeleteDear Laura - Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughts, it is much appreciated. <3 Kathy
Dear Lorna - That is a wonderful idea. I planted a big patch of peppermint a few years ago, but did not even think of making mint tea for him - thank you. Also heartfelt thanks for your prayers, it means a lot to both of us. <3 Kathy
Dear Kathy praying for you and your husband . Often homeowners insurance will pay for hail damage. Hugs Patti
DeleteDear Kathy you had a busy week. Most homeowners insurance covers hsil damage.
DeleteHugs Patti
Dear Patti, Thank you very much for your prayers, they mean so much to us. Also thank you for the tip about our insurance! <3 Kathy
DeleteDear Annabel,
ReplyDeleteIt all looks so wonderful...so much abundance, and the nice changing over to the winter season of hot, comforting foods and crafting time!
I've been a.w.o.l., but I wanted to say that the photos of your grand-daughters sifting through their treasure boxes was the highlight of that week for me! What a great idea. They looked like they were having so much fun; my kiddos would have loved that when they were small!
There's been a cold going around our house, so I've been making chicken soup and keeping everyone stocked with lemon drinks, Kleenex, and fresh sheets...not to mention a stack of movies to watch! There's always one bug that hits at the beginning of summer! (Building up our immune systems! :))
I can't wait to see a picture of all your rock gardens!
xx Jen in NS
Dear Jen,
DeleteSorry you all have a cold. You are doing all the right things! I hope you get a restful and warm weekend. I am so happy having the gardens done... now my herbs and veggies are next! With much love Annabel.xxx
Dear Annabel and bluebird friends .
ReplyDeleteYou've had another big week Annabel!, I love reading your blog and hearing about all the wonderful things you get done and all that happens on the farm.Your cooking and baking always looks beautiful, I especially love your scones ,they look so fluffy and yum !.
My week has been busy by my standards.i had a specialist appointment and a doctor's appointment to go to and I now have some medical tests I need to have ( scans ) .I will get the tests doneASAP.
I gratefully received some free moccona coffee jars this week and the lady who gave them to me put some Lindt ball chocolates in one of the jars for me which was a lovely surprise and treat .I also got a cushion and a pillow case from her .The best part is we are going to keep in touch and I might have found a new friend .
I received some homemade meals and some homemade pumpkin soup from my parents this week as well as a small piece of eye fillet steak .I'm very spoilt !.
I made a few cards and I'm still working in perfecting papercraft tea bag holders that I can send to friends with tea,coffee and or hot chocolate sachets in .
Have a great weekend Annabel and everyone .
Love Barb
Dear Barb, Tea bag holders would be a very sweet gift to mail! Lovely idea. Moccona jars are fantastic! I used them too! I have a lot in my pantry. It would be great if you made a new friend! The meals, soup and steak sound very helpful and delicious! I hope you have a great weekend! With much love Annabel.xxx
DeleteHere in northern Minnesota, USA, we are on the opposite side of the seasons, with spring in full force & the gardening just about to begin. It has been a long winter with the last of the snow just going away this past week & the strawberry plants having their winter mulch removed just a few days ago. Love hearing about your activities, the garden produce, putting food up for the winter & the chickens. We live deep in the woods & also have many wild animals in the area. I hear coyotes yipping any time the windows are open during the warm summer evenings. Sending well wishes for your fall season & the switch to more inside activities. - Diane in northern Minnesota's woods.
ReplyDeleteDear Diane, Your life deep in the woods sounds wonderful! That sounds like a good place to be. It is really cold today and pouring. I think the setons give us work and rest and the cycle is beautiful. Enjoy it as Spring kicks in! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteAnother great post, Annabel. I don't often comment but read every one of your posts. I enjoy your photos. I want you to know they really cheered me up as I was recovering from emergency bypass surgery, especially the one of the cow leaning into your truck. That made me chuckle and we all know laughter is the best medicine. Because I followed your advice we did not have to worry about meals while I was int he hospital or when I came home. Between the freezer meals I had stored months and months ago and the generosity of friends my husband did not have to cook for over 5 weeks. That's a good thing, trust me:) He was an exceptional nurse to me but I can only eat so many peanutbutter and jelly sandwiches:)) Now that I am almost back to "normal" I have been trying to feather my nest again by restocking some freezer meals, buying items on special or clearance and planting my garden. There is very little on offer at bargain prices in the stores these days but I did find 1.5 pound bags of name brand pistachios marked down to $3 US! I bought 4 bags for snacks. They should last quite a while and will be great when we travel to Alabama for my MIL's 90th birthday. We, too, have a fox family in the hedgerow near us. We have heard them yip from time to time. I still don't have chickens yet but I am still advocating for them! The planting of the garden is slow going as I am still moving a little slowly but it is getting done. We have had some wacky weather this spring...summer temps for a few days then winter temps, then spring temps, etc. I do have spinach growing nicely and the lettuce is coming along. Next week I can plant the rest of the garden as that will be our frost free date. Thank you for inspiring, informing and educating us bluebirds.
ReplyDeleteDear Marley, Thank you so much for telling me you are reading along! I am very sorry you've been unwell. I hope your surgery was a success and you are doing much better. I am thrilled to hear you had meals prepared ahead! This just helps in a crisis so much! I am glad your husband was a wonderful nurse and looked after you!
DeleteYou are doing well and building the meals back up is a good idea. Even some suer easy things... I keep all kinds of frozen veggies, even frozen mashed potatoes as they are helpful if low on time or unwell. It is all an advantage! It will be great as you can get your Spring garden all in. I hope no more frosts! With love, Annabel.xxx
You achieved a lot this week Annabel! I live reading about your weekly achievements, it motivates me so much!
ReplyDeleteI finally got around to processing the last of my home grown Roma tomatoes that I had been storing in our freezer, I ended up with 13 jars of tomato and vegetable pasta sauce from that.
I finally got into my garden last weekend and planted snow pea, broccoli and cabbage seeds and did a lot of garden maintenance. I’m hoping to do more in the garden later today.
I’m still baking all our bread from scratch and I tried a raisin toast loaf which was really delicious so I can add that to my repertoire too!
Have a lovely week bluebirds 🐦
From Cheryl
Dear Cheryl, Thank you! Well done on the pasta sauce! And all the freezer room you gained! Raisin loaf is really good! Yum! Good job on the planting! I hope you end up with great crops! A bit of gardening everyday really adds up. Im struggling today as the rain isn't letting up! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteDear Annabel, a full week for you again. I think this is why you inspire us - when I think I am tired I know I can do one more thing. The rock garden rocks! (Pun intended😋) and after so much work in the garden and with all the fruits you deserve some rest now, with the change of season. Please, take some rest and take care of yourself. We had some nice weather here and a week of holiday from the office so the garden is growing nicely. Everyday something was planted: lettuce, summer tomatoes, lavender bushes, The Parsley seeds, zinnias, crysanthemums, dahlias, summer squash, corn and sunflowers near the fences, as a special Bluebird here told me. We added 4 new young chickens (pulets?) to our flock - they are pearly white with some small black sprinkles, healthy, friendly and good eaters. A joy to watch them chirping along in the fresh green garden. Spring here is beautiful tight now. This week Jane from Frugal Queen in France has posted a great vlog on Youtube - You know you are frugal if... And I have ticked all the lines. Maybe you would enjoy this one....off to go watching yhe Coronation of HM Charles III. He has visited and is a great friend of my county, Maramures and of a special nice village 25 km from my town, called Breb, full of ancient traditions, architecture and beauty of pure nature. Lots of love, Laura_s_world from Romania and Maramures
ReplyDeleteAnnabel you have had a hugely busy week and got so much planting done in your rock garden and even better all free with the cuttings you have taken. The quilt you bought was divine and sometimes if you put peroxide on the stain and hang it out in the sun to dry and then wash that removes the rust and other brown or age spots on them so can try that next time. The stewed apples look so lovely and can imagine having those for a healthy breakfast. The pasta sauce looks lovely as does your scones. Likely the lovely glass barrels were used for lollies, biscuits or after dinner mints and they are so incredibly pretty.
ReplyDeleteIn the kitchen
Cooked all meals from scratch.
DH made 2 loaves of bread in the bread making machines saving $7.24 over buying them locally.
In the gardens
I sprayed half the properties fence lines and also spot sprayed half the property lawns for paspalum.
I harvested around a kilo of cherry tomatoes from our gardens saving $11.28 over buying them locally.
Finances
I deposited more money into our emergency and bills accounts to build that back up again from us using it to pay the mortgage out with.
Purchases -
Bought 3 x 2pks of bravecto flea tick worming and heart worm spot on sale from $73.98 reduced to $40.89 ea on a free postage promo from petchemist saving in total $99.30 on usual prices.
Hope everyone has a lovely week ahead.
Lorna.
Dear Lorna, I am going to check out pet chemist! One time Zackie got herself into a world of trouble with a fox and got infected with something terrible and I had to get really strong treatments... it was expensive!
DeleteWell done on immediately building the emergency fund back up! I knew you would! Cherry tomatoes are beautiful.... a kilo is a lot! The bread is so good, it is much more wholesome than bought. I have my sour dough going so tonight I am making a big pizza for dinner. Dough is very useful.
After so much rain today we have sunshine! Have a lovely Sunday! With love Annabel.xxx
You have been very busy...I loved the looks of your baked apples. I think I may make some and some biscuits this morning. We have a busy day here with the sunshine. Sometimes I don't know what to do first we are so backed up with outdoor chores because of the rain but it will eventually all get done. Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteDear Vickie, Thank you! My back garden is like that now... where to begin!? But doing a bit each day it is sunny really soon adds up. We have some sunshine today so I will get a little done. Have a lovely Sunday! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteDear Annabel, what a great week. I love your cooking and I ABSOLUTELY love how you fixed that quilt. I love it even more now with the patch. I love how you used the apples and you use your freeze drier. I’m sorry I haven’t commented in a while. I was sick with a virus for a week and it took me a week to get back into routine etc. I was given some clothes and so were the children. This means we can have a little clear out and pass on the blessing. Some of our seeds have popped up in our vege beds it is exciting to go and see them every day. I read the post with your grand daughters, I love all the things that they did with you; such special times. I made a special cake this week; chocolate with walnuts on top. It was well received. Nothing like a homemade cake. I hope to exercise, get ahead with lunches and crocheting and some weeding/mulching today. Have a wonderful day. Lots of love Lily
ReplyDeleteDear Lily, Thank you so much! I hope you are feeling completely better now. A virus can hang on that is for sure. Great about the clothes! Also very good that you have seeds planted. A homemade cake is always a hit I think. Even as a gift! Have a lovely Sunday! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteI am determined to be more productive in my home. It seems I'm always buying groceries these days. I did hit up the discount store reduced produce shelves and got cucumbers (hopefully turning into pickles this week), avocados that were ripe so they are halved and in the freezer. I have bananas that are ripe now and I think I want to freeze these ones for smoothies. We've had pound cake, muffins, pudding and banana bread over the last few weeks. I love a smoothie on a summer morning as breakfast.
ReplyDeleteI bought a few herbs and flowers this past week and will be getting those planted up this week ahead.