Feather your Nest Friday, 7th July, 2023.
The first week of July! We continued to get more rain. Our little creek is flowing and wetlands are increasing in size. We also had some sunny patches during most days which was just perfect.
I met my friend in town and it was a great day. Her husband Ian brought me two of their homegrown tomatoes which grow six feet tall! They have gone into my greenhouse until Spring when I hope they will achieve these great heights!
While in town I ran some errands and went to the two thrift stores, of course!
I found a collection of English china with roses...
Also a rose tin and some beautiful small jars.
Happy dance!
The freeze drier was running. All the citrus was used up, after the Lemon Butter and using it fresh, I freeze dried the rest.
The fire place needed cleaning out. I dug it out and took three buckets of ash up to the chickens. Ash is good for them... or for the garden, so I use it for one or the other. Then I set a new fire and got it going just in time before a cold night.
After the fire clean out I used my wet wipes to dust the lounge room and shelves. These do a good job and everything smelled fresh. They are in the wash now and next week I will work on another area.
The next load in the freeze drier was beans. Interestingly, while most things come out the same colour as they went in, beans looked a lot lighter. I am glad to have more vegetables on the shelf.
Then peas...
Mice got into the cabin! Mice always pick up when it's so wet. We found out where they got in and we THINK we have that blocked off and hope we have beaten them.
The chickens are still laying 7 or 8 eggs a day. This week I made baked egg custard which was delicious.
In the sewing room I completed a large canvas carry all bag. I have some more canvas cut out to make a few more. Most will go into the present cupboard.
Right now the freeze drier is working on mixed winter veggies. I have a really nice big jar for those. While I sleep my handmaidens can just keep on working!
Chloe gave me a beautiful big pumpkin! It is not the usual type for around here so I will be saving the seeds.
Every day I did some pantry tidying and wiping down shelves. Doing a little each day over the week really added up. It looks much better. Next week I will keep going with this as I am about half way.
We were given bags and bags of shredded paper. So far I have been using it in the chicken coop for clean fresh nesting boxes.
My companion in everything Molly...
Everything except the car. She doesn't like cars. If it's driving around then Zackie or Scout want to go. If I go anywhere without Zackie she sits and cries.
Thank you everyone for supporting Kelsey! I LOVE hearing our on the ground accounts and seeing what you are all doing.
I started wearing a fitness watch again like I used to. To start with I did normal stuff to see how many steps I do in an average day. The answer to that is around 7000. So over the coming weeks I will try to add a bit and get to 10,000 a day.
How did you build up your home, garden or pantry this week? I would love to hear! xxx
What yarn do you use for your dishcloths/washcloths?
ReplyDeleteHi, this yarn is Abbey Road, Freedom. 100g Made in Turkey, 100% cotton. It comes in a heap of colour ways. It is so soft ...8 ply/DC? xxx
DeleteDave and I were talking about how the grocery ads seem to always show sales on soda, cookies, chips and other “empty” calorie items rather than the basic ingredients I like to keep stocked up on. We worried about peoples’ grocery budgets being used on these treats rather than the basics and being happy that they had saved so much! We were grateful for those opportunities we’ve had to build up/restock our pantry at wonderful prices through a variety of avenues! We wondered if that would continue.
ReplyDeleteOn Wednesday, when I had several things on my to-do list, my dear friend who works at a local grocery texted me a photo of a shopping trolley filled with Prego brand spaghetti sauce with clearance stickers that said 70 cents.
She knows that, with all we DIY and use cheaper brand alternatives for our foods, we are snobs and prefer Miracle Whip brand salad dressing and Prego brand spaghetti sauce! Not enough to ever buy it when it isn’t on a good sale or clearance though. The “regular” price is now $2.79 at that grocery chain! So a $2 savings per jar (75% off)!!
I immediately grabbed car keys and shoes and went over. Dave stayed home and texted my daughters and DIL to get their requests. Only 3 of us needed any so we each got 16 jars. That little trip saved about $100 so I felt it had been worth my time.
Also this week, 2 different ladies at 2 separate times surprised me with a gift- a 16 Oz jar of honey from her bees and 16 Oz bottle of pure maple syrup! They were unexpected thank you gifts for service I had given them. Totally unexpected, but WOW!! What wonderful gifts to put into my pantry!!
We’ve been blessed beyond measure and hopefully, are able to share our abundance with others around us!
Gardenpat inOhio
Dear Pat, A hundred dollars saved on the sauce is amazing. It is fantastic you have someone who kindly tipped you off! This is the way to shop.
DeleteBoth honey and maple syrup are beautiful gifts. So with all this your pantry got a real boost!
There are still opportunities for sure, we have to watch for them and be ready to do the work too. I hope the new week will be another good one for you! With love Annabel.xxx
Hello Annabel and everyone,
ReplyDeleteThose are some good finds, Annabel! The colors of the yarn and your fabric are also beautiful. The freeze drier seems so helpful, too.
After last week's events, I have been trying to catch up and do a little extra thing each day if I can. The laundry and vacuuming got done yesterday, and it felt so good. My husband seems to be feeling better and getting back some energy with the transfusions (and I think sleep and better nutrition help).
Gardening: weekly fertilizer; pulled up two broccoli that were just feeding insects; planted cantaloupe, watermelon, cucumber, bush beans, and basil seeds; took cuttings from basil, spearmint, and apple mint to make more plants; pulled weeds. We are getting more rain today - unusual for our area, but wonderful - and the seeds I planted this week are already sprouting into little seedlings.The Greenstalk plants are looking amazing after only 10 days! I have lots of zinnias blooming and 4 volunteer sunflowers.
Pantry: added pasta, medical items, juice, and dry goods to the pantry, and some chalk paint and sealer for the home improvement pantry.
Cooking: I had a small baking day! Corn muffins, brownies, peach cobbler cake, and an apple crumble last night to use up some apples.
Crafts: Progress was made knitting on a new pair of socks and an adult-sized wool sweater (free Flax pattern from TinCan Knits). I also put some stitches in a large farmhouse-themed cross stitch for our home and a smaller Christmas piece.
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
<3
Kathy
Dear Kathy, I am so glad to hear your husband is feeling better. Absolutely good food, good sleep all help. You achieved so much in the garden! I think the Greenstalks are just wonderful and its great yours has taken off so quickly. Awesome that your seeds are coming up too!
DeleteJuice is something I need to add to my pantry. Well done on all you built up! Week by week this surely adds up so much!
I cant wait to see this sweater! Also the farm house cross stitch really appeals to me! Now I hope the new week will be a good one for you both! With much love Annabel.xxx
hello annabel and all bluebirds, your pantry items look amazing, sure wish a freeze dryer was in my future, but i will settle for my dehydrator. this week i dug my potatoes and was able to can the small ones and got 16 pints for the pantry. also the zucchini and yellow squash is comming in now and was able to freeze 14 cups of that so far. i will use that to make zucchini salsa once the tomatoes start ripening. we've been having some nice rain here so the lawn is growing again. in the sewing department , have made 2 comforters for a womans shelter and totes for in the operation christmas child shoeboxes. was gifted a lot of fabric for these projects. it's so nice when these things come our way. God is so good! guess it's about time for me to check out some thrift stores too, its been a while. blessings to you all from bonnie in southern pa.
ReplyDeleteDehydrating is wonderful and I was running mine everyday! I still do use it too. I prefer fruits dehydrated over freeze dried. I am so glad you got rain, what a difference it makes. Your work on the comforters and shoe boxes is just wonderful. I am so glad you were given fabric! That is so helpful! Bonnie thrift stores here... it is the country ones I still find things at good prices... some of the city ones have gone mad! But it is worth it to check them out! With much love, Annabel.xxx
DeleteThank you for bringing joy into everything you do. I visit often to feel peace. I live in the US in the state of Michigan. We have had high heat and drought. I just put my garden in on June 30th! The drought would have killed everything. I hope to be able to harvest something, just had to try and trust the Lord.
ReplyDeleteLast week I was able to buy watermelons for 2.99; currently they are 6.99 to 8.99 depending where I shop. I also bought 80/20 burger for about 2.00 per pound versus 5.99 per pound. I bought 30 pounds of hamburger. I was able to save 73.00 with coupons and store perks and fill my pantry. My children prefer hamburger to other cuts of beef, so this was a blessing. I buy milk, fruits, vegetables, and loss leaders from the grocery stores. I make most everything from scratch. It saves me so much. People often stare at my cart and ask if I am really going to eat all of the food I buy. This way of life has fallen out of favor with most people. My pantry brings me peace of mind. Thank you for putting in the time to bless my life. Deanna
Dear Deanna, Thank you so much! I hope that your timing with planting works out well. When weather is extreme it is tough. I hope you end up with a good harvest!
DeleteIt was great you found a better price on watermelons. Also the hamburger was fantastic! I love the coupons. We do not have coupons here sadly. It is true you can make so many things with hamburger.
I think you are smart to buy up when you see these prices and get ahead. Keep building that pantry, I am right there with you! With love Annabel.xxx
Annabel, Another inspiring post. I really enjoy reading your adventures and advice. The on the ground posts are also eye opening. It has me very aware of changes occurring around me. For example, the other day my husband and I were grocery shopping in our local Walmart (a large chain store here in the US). They are renovating this store and moving things around. As we were walking through the store looking for items I realized they have reduced the number of aisles dedicated to food by 1/3! I also noticed the space on the shelves is providing considerably fewer choices. The canned fruit aisle used to fill the entire aisle. Now it is just a 5foot wide by 4 shelf high area for the canned fruit. This is about an eighth of the area once dedicated to fruit products. This observation has me very concerned. Of course, prices here in southwest Virginia have doubled, tripled and even quadrupled over the past 6 months and product packaging has gotten smaller. We are blessed with a full pantry, a small but productive garden and a few local farms to purchase things we can’t grow which I can preserve. I am concerned for my children and grandchildren. I have advised my children to look into ethnic grocery stores as I can often find good prices on spices and produce in those. I drive to the Amish store 30 minutes away once or twice a year and purchase my flours and some spices as they are a better price there. Our big chain grocery store renovated in the winter and shortened as well as widened the aisles thereby decreasing the amount of products for sale. But they increased the space dedicated to the sale of beer and wine🤨. It’s a little scary to me. I’m wondering if this is happening elsewhere this renovating to reduce the amount of product available. It makes the shelves look stocked but in reality there are fewer options. My thanks to you and the bluebirds! Marley
ReplyDeleteDear Marley, Good observations! Yes this has happened here. Since the big C it has continued. Everything you say... higher prices, less choice, less reliable, wider isles, smaller food sections, more non food specials and ends of isles... So I am in South Australia but others are reporting this especially the UK. You know many people dont even notice when things are done gradually. This is why I always say be watchful! Be smart! Get ahead etc. I do believe as prices go up and produce choice is down fake meat will be pushed (lab chicken already approved) and insects... keenly pushed. Keep being observant and good job. This all has greatly increased my growing, gleaning, trading, preserving and pantry building. Thank you for reporting what you are seeing, with love Annabel.xxx
DeleteMarley, hello. I was wondering where the Amish store you mentioned was located? Please.
DeleteI thought perhaps it might be close enough for us to visit. The local WM here closed down but there are two nearby, one in each direction. You are correct in the increase of prices as well as less items to choose from. Annie
Great finds at the thrift store Annabel! I love the bright dishcloths, they look like they’d make washing dishes more fun lol. We too have had lots of rain this week, I love it!
ReplyDeleteWe are a week into school holidays and it’s been such a nice week. We’ve discovered a beautiful new walking track less than 10 minutes drive from our house, been to the library and park and done some crafting and baking at home.
I have a bunch of 8 ply wool leftovers and I’ve started making granny squares to use them up. I’ve always loved granny square blankets, the more colours the better! So it’s been fun to pick different colour combinations and see how they come out.
The cost of petrol has increased here as of July 1st. The government was subsidising 25c per litre, that had been in place over a year I think. But that lapsed this week. We filled our cars prior to that, I haven’t seen the prices since then. But for many cars that will be at least a $15 difference to fill a car. My goal is to not put petrol in my car for the month of July, so lots of walking here!
I hope you have a lovely weekend
Jen (NZ)
That Molly is so sweet! Ugh!! Mice!! I am hoping with you that the entry way is sealed off!
ReplyDeleteWe needed new sheets for our bed so I went to the linen closet and took out a new set bought on sale and tucked away for such a need. We had several free items at the grocery store this week and our neighbor gave us 6 huge homegrown tomatoes.
It is so, so hot here that we are staying in all that is possible. Have a great weekend there all cozy by the fire!
Dear Lana, How great you already had new sheets to lay your hand on. Much better to have bought them on a sale! Because it is mid year and mid winter we are seeing linen sales now. I am watching them as I only buy sheets, pillows etc in sale season. I already got our wool underlays for Sidney and Thomas.
DeleteI hope you have a milder week. I am not a fan of the heat! With much love Annabel.xxx
Excellent job on all the freeze drying and dehydrating of fruits and veggies you do, Annabel. Good thrift store scores, too. Your Molly has such a sweet face, and I know how nice it is to have a furry companion around the house or in the car!
ReplyDeleteI've been using things out of the freezer or rotated (older) pantry stock as much as possible lately. Sales haven't been so great at the grocery, at least on the things we use (basics, not snacky stuff), but I did add another 50 lb. bag of wheat berries to the storage. If we do decide to get another quarter of a beef in the fall, we must start making room now!
Dear Jill, It is really good to be rotating stock and also... have space in the freeze for if you do find any good deals. It is the same here the catalogue specials are a lot of non foods mostly.
DeleteThe big bag of wheat is great! That keeps so long term. Getting the beef will probably be a good idea... if you can. Have a good new week! With love Annabel.xxx
Hi Annabel, you have had another busy, busy week. I'm glad I am sitting down and having a cuppa, as I needed to after reading how much you had achieved.
ReplyDeleteThis week saw me spending a lot of time with Katie and the boys. She has had a meeting with her boss re her return to work. She is starting training next week to be able to do a new area of her work, that will allow her to work from home. She and her boss have decided on a 15 hr/wk schedule. Of course this is going to mean I have a 15hr/wk schedule of being with the little boys so Katie can work in the study. This past week we have been transitioning into this.
We had a small amount of very unusual rain. This is our Dry Season. I took advantage and planted out a lot of seedlings. I transplanted tomato weedlings that are popping up everywhere. Winter is the best time for me to grow tomatoes here in our subtropical climate. We have sugarloaf cabbage and Chinese Cabbage(Wombok) maturing rapidly. I have tomatoes starting to come in, along with a lot of different lettuce. Basil isnt a big fan of growing right now. I do have a couple of plants in sheltered positions that are doing OK. I also cut up and planted more Coco Yam, which is a great potato substitute. Potato doesnt grow so well here. I plan on harvesting my Cassava, another potato substitute, shortly.
I finished off a single bed size crochet blanket. This is a donation for fundraising for our local Hospice. I am currently getting some beanies made out of the left over yarn. These will go with the blanket. They can go into the fundraising or be used by patients in the Hospice.
There have been a number of pancakes, crumpets and scones made over the past week. I had planned on getting some of each into the freezer for brekkies, but there were none left over to freeze.
Life is good.
Dear Jane, If Katie can work from home that would be wonderful. I know she is flat out busy already. Your help must make a lot of difference.
DeleteI hope your tomato self sewn seedlings all do well for you! Basil seems to love sun. I have hat it where I am sure it will wilt due to too much heat and these spots it has done the best!
I am sure your blanket will be very welcome and the hats too.
It is good the crumpets etc are gobbled up so fast. I think the only way to get any in the freezer is doing a batch when when no one is around! Its a good problem to have though! I do think these things freeze so well and sometimes it is just handy to heat them up vs make from scratch. You are doing a good job helping feed those growing boys! With much love Annabel.xxx
I also want to know what is the colourful yarn in the photo for the dishcloths please
ReplyDeleteHi, it is called Abbey Road, Freedom. 100g Made in Turkey 100% cotton. I love the feel of this. It is 8 ply or DC? It is thick soft and absorbent and comes in a few colour ways.xxx
DeleteThanks for that info will get some very soon. I see it is available at Spotlight.
DeleteHi Annabel! Rick from Florida here. Just finished printing this week’s blogs! Super as always! You just astound me with all you get accomplished! All the praise is true!! Of all the many things, my favorite is the carry-all! That fabric is spectacular!!
ReplyDeleteIt is in the 90’s F (32+C) here every day. Lots of watering. I learned from a blog once that plants that are NOT tropical (like Roses) just stop growing when the temperature is over 86F (30C) Mine keeps plugging along with bloom fertilizer but just barely! Have one beautiful Amaranth about 6” talk. Moss roses gorgeous but have had to watch to keep ahead of mealy bugs on blossoms and buds!
Gas fluctuates daily. Most places $3.50/gal but we found one for $3.05! Nothing like your prices, but… Same in grocery. New flyer says black sweet cherries 5.98/lb but 2 days later, $3.99, then $2.99. Crazy!! Lucky, here, through the govt we get a grocery card if we’re low income. I get one for $50/month but not my wife, as she’s the $$ maker!! Lucky you have free(?) water as we pay $75/month including sewer fees. Plus we pay $759/month lot rent for our mobile home. Apt rents start at $1000 for 1 bedroom. I don’t know how people do it!
Well, just wanted to compliment you in your usual fabulous report and that of all the Bluebirds! I really look forward to it!!
Remember that flock of cockatoos a few times ago? I thought they were a real pest and shot at will? Maybe like alligators here! Don’t even think of them most times!! Ha!!
Take care, stay well, and eat a fig for me!!
Love from Rick and Donna
Dear Rick and Donna, Thank you very much! That is pretty hot, I know what the watering is like! When we were in the city water was expensive. Now we pay for pumps and some stuff but most of it is on solar. I am very grateful for this.
DeleteI dont know how families manage either re rent. I am seeing that a lot of younger people are moving back in with parents included young married couples. True I would get a shock to see an alligator. I would probably go swimming and not think of it as we just do not consider there might be something that can eat you in fish water. In the north of Aust there are crocodiles... but nothing like that here.
Thank you for your kind words! I hope Donna is doing well! With love Annabel.xxx
Annie,
ReplyDeleteThe Amish store I go to is in Bland County, Virginia. The store is called Walker valley market. There is also one in the Wytheville area. I also stop by the Bread Basket, a Mennonite store on my way to the Blueridge Parkway in Floyd but they have increased their prices. Hopefully this can help you. Marley
Marley (and maybe Annie?), we live somewhat near each other -- I am in northeast TN. If you are ever in the Johnson City to Knoxville area, we have some good bulk stores to visit (Troyers and Yoders are our favorites).
DeleteDear Annabel,
ReplyDeleteYou get such beautiful and useful hauls from the thrift shops. I especially like the rose patterened dishes. As a matter of fact, I have the matching tea cups that I got at a thrift store. Your carry-all bag is wonderful and the colors on the Abbey Road yarn are beautiful.
This past week in south central Pa. was very hot and humid. We went out very early in the mornings due to the weather to weed fertilize and harvest the garden. We harvested enough chard to freeze 4 pints, enough basil to make 4 more pints of pesto and had some leftover to use in no'mato sauce, harvested beets to use for no'mato sauce, loads of arugula and lettuce an zucchini. The zucchini will be shreded and frozen for future fritters, no bean hummus, cream of zucchini soup, carrot top soup, zucchini pie, among other things to be made with it. My husband's birthday was on July 4 and I made a new to us recipe for pancakes made with oat flour. I didn't have any oat flour so I put some rolled oats in the blender and made the flour myself. They were delicious, so light and fluffy. I baked his favorite 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies, but I always add a fourth ingredient which are chocolate chips. I made gluten free tortillas with tigernut and arrowroot flour. I served our favorite hot weather which is summer rolls(aka fresh spring rolls) and premade, homemade fried rice that I took from the freezer. Another hot weather meal we enjoy is pasta salad with all of the leftover vegetables and any other leftovers mixed with the pasta and pesto sauce. For crafting, I learned how to make a shadowbox out of cardstock to decorate a card front on youtube. I also learned how to make a hardcovered journal. I transplanted rooted basil stems to the container garden. Did a bit of decluttering and caught up on some reading. Wishing everyone a blessed week. Cookie
Dear Cookie,
DeleteThank you! I love rose anything! It sounds like we are the same!
Your garden sounds like it is going so well! I love the idea of the Pesto as a tomato topping alternative... I like it as a pizza base alternative too. I think Zucchini is so good and versatile. Your cooking sounds wonderful and I love getting GF ideas from you! We are mid winter so it is nice getting inspiration for next summers meals. The hard cover journal sounds interesting and a new skill added! Basil is simply amazing for how it roots so easily and quickly! Love that! This week is already flying by fast! With much love Annabel.xxx
Nice to see your wonderful dishes, jars and dried foods, Annabel. Lovely bags and washcloths! Molly is so sweet!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear how well everyone else is saving, as well.
We had a marvelous trip to South Carolina! A good visit with my husband's cousin and her family was squeezed in as well. Our savings was in using my air fryer in our hotel room. Plus our room had a kitchen!
Blessings,
Leslie in Ohio
Dear Leslie, I am glad to hear you had a lovely trip! Having a kitchen in a motel room makes a huge difference. I often take a sandwich press. Great savings there! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteWhat a beautiful week! I love your freeze dried pantry supplies - I'm a teeny, tiny bit jealous of that freeze drier :) We spent the last two weeks in the desert, so no news. No phone. No internet. It was actually wonderful. I used the travelling time to knit dishcloths and crochet pot holders, beanies and tea cosies. We met some lovely folk and I was so happy to be able to give them dishcloths in the colours of their caravans! I had no idea when I packed the bag that those colours would match complete strangers (but new friends!). The tea cosies will go into the present box and the beanies are for a friend's Church welfare boxes. The yarn for the beanies was given to me, and it is so nice and warm to crochet and makes a lovely, thick fabric for the beanies. We called the boys (they're at home) and they assured me my garden is fine, and Lacey-dog isn't missing us too much, and she hasn't dug anything up. A few more nights and we'll be home for a few days, then off again. I'm hoping to get some canning done before we take off again.
ReplyDeleteDear Cath, It sounds like you've had a wonderful trip. And met lovely people! I love how much crochet I can get done if Andy is driving. Some blankets Ive made when I look at them I remember the trip we were on! Glad the boys are looking after things for you! Have a good time on the next part of your holiday! With much love Annabel.xxx
DeleteMolly is so sweet, you can just see the love in her soulful eyes. I take my two doggo partners anytime I go outside. They love cherry tomatoes so we look for them each time we visit the garden. This is the first year in decades that we haven't had full-size ripe tomatoes by July 4. I think it is because of our colder weather, but it's so surprising. Everything is growing well, just not ripening! We've had loads of zucchini, I think I've put at least 20 cups in the freezer already...and that's not counting what we eat fresh. Lots of yellow squash, too. We've had a handful of green beans and plenty of lettuce.
ReplyDeleteI got a big mesh herb dryer to hang outside and put clippings on, but it's enormous and takes forever for the herbs to dry. Thinking it will be returned and I will go back to using my dehydrator. I was hoping to use the sun instead of electricity, but maybe it's just too humid here (I live in Tennessee, and it is VERY humid nearly all summer long.)
I started a bunch of seeds in my Aerogardens. It's hard to believe that we'll be doing our fall plantings soon! School starts back in a little less than a month.
We've been feeding the chickens scraps and leftovers. I laughed at how entertaining they were when I gave them leftover popcorn we brought home from Rural King farm store. They went wild for that and also loved the leftover spaghetti. We had a very hot day last week and the poor things were panting. Even though the run and coop are in shade it was too hot. I put frozen bottles in their waterers, set out trays of ice water and mint leaves, and found some freezer-burned whole tomatoes in the deep freezer, which I put in a bowl for them. It seemed to help.
We are planning to have a yard sale at some point this fall, so I have everything pulled out and scattered as we go through all this extra stuff we have. It's driving me a little bit crazy. Will be glad when much of it is gone and we can clean up with a less cluttered house. Any proceeds we earn will go toward our son's band trip in spring.
My husband replaced the filter and pump in our small outdoor fish pond (it's just a water feature, not one you can actually fish in). We have a bunch of baby goldfish, they're so cute and funny to watch. We are easily entertained and love nothing more than to sit outside with the dogs at night, watching the fish swim around and listening to the chickens talk to each other.
Dear Dianna, I have the same kind of air drier, it is good on warm non humid weather. And free... I am thinking humidity sounds to be your issue for sure. My friend has an Aerogarden, it is fantastic! Chickens just live for leftovers. Even wherever I have been when out I bring home any leftovers. In desperately hot conditions I put on a small sprinkler... this has saved them as in extreme conditions I have know people to lose all their chickens in one day. Just dreadful. You did well keeping yours cool.
DeleteA yard sale will be fantastic! I would love baby goldfish. I only have two gold fish... one is extremely fat. Maybe its possible! That would also entertain me endlessly! With much love Annabel.xxx