Feather your Nest Friday, 11th of August, 2023.

Thank you for all the lovely comments on Wednesdays post.  Following on from that I was really having a week of implementing plans,  taking steps towards goals and making the most of opportunities that came my way.   It made for a huge week!

Where to even begin!?  I will start with chicks.  On Tuesday morning I collected the eggs before I headed off to see Wendy in town.  I heard "cheep cheep" cheeping...  and realised that a bantam who has been sitting on eggs had some hatch.  I took a peek and saw egg shells and noted that as soon as I get home later I would need to move the hen and chickens into a safe house as she had made her nest deep inside a box and there was no room for feed or water for tiny chicks in there.   So I went about my day (which was big!) and when I got home I gathered a box,  picked a nice little coop and had feed and water bowls etc ready to go.  When I went to lift up the hen to see the chicks I realised she was dead!  I was quite shocked!  So I removed her and there were six live chicks and one dead chick... and four eggs.   The eggs were all stone cold so there would be no more hatching... and the chicks were quiet and one was looking very weak.  I put them all into the pockets of my warm cardi  and came back to the house.   I have a chick warmer which I grabbed and plugged in... but this takes over an hour to really reach temperature.  I had a box which I lined with an old towel and I grabbed a hot pack and microwaved it until it was really warm but not too hot.  I wrapped this in a semi circle and put the chicks in the middle.  The box was right next to the fire.  They really didn't look good.  I thought for sure a couple were dying.  They snuggled up to the hot pack and I got feed and water and dipped their beaks into the water.   Well, they warmed up and began to improve.   Within a couple of hours they were chirping and moving and the hot plate was properly warm and they went in under that.  By bed time they were eating and active.   I truly think I found them just in time and the heat pack is what saved them.    

I cover the box with a towel at night as then they "go to bed" and shut up...  and today they got promoted to a bigger box because they were close to jumping out of the first one.  They are busy all day pecking away.

There is no obvious reason why the hen died,  no signs and she was not an old hen.  Also the timing... had she died one day sooner the eggs would not have hatched.  I am amazed by the whole thing. 

I was given a box of absolutely beautiful old sheets and fabrics by a friend who knows me well!   They are all covered in tiny rose buds,  faded shabby chic style florals, crystal tiny plates, patten books...  I was just so thrilled!   One of the fabrics is pictured below along with little dishes from the thrift store that day.

I won't even try to guess how many metres of lovely cotton fabrics this gives me but it is such a lot.   Thank you so much L.   

At the thrift store I also was thrilled to find an oil lamp and it came with a bottle of paraffin oil.

Also there was a beautiful cook book in my box of fabrics and I found another in the thrift store. I love them!

I made a big batch of scones and finished three more wash cloths.

I was given loads of lemons and a few oranges...

Gumnut no 4 was finished... just in time!  I used a tiny remnant of floral cotton and a velvet leaf and flower from my stash.

On Market place I found a cupboard... which turned out to be huge and took both Andy and our friend and two trailers to get...  but it had my name written all over it.  In fact, in comments Rick had guessed it will have carving etc... so you were right Rick! 

It is going to become part of my pantry storage.  I am just not sure what part yet!

In the garden I have heaps more volunteer tomato seedlings coming up.  Actually now that I am thinking about it I might pot up a heap and grow them up as single tomato plants for the swap table and gifts... because there are literally hundreds. 

The chooks are now laying eight eggs a day.

I worked more on my cupboards and organisation.  The last two dreaded zones were the medical cabinet and bathroom supplies.   I am still going...  but the complete chaos of the bathroom cabinet now is on the way to being organised! 

I still need labels but it's progress.   The medical cupboard looks similar but I have a lot longer way to go on that! 

While organising I have found some great items... I got magnetic shelves,  hanging rails and organisers that are now on my washing machine, fridge and tumble drier.  The drier is up high and now it has hanging rails on the side!   (Kmart.)

My cook up for the week was Chicken Mondiali pasta.  Chloe had a trip to the city and got home in the afternoon.  I took a ready to eat hot meal over at dinner time.   We will get two dinners from it as well. 

My stack planters are on the way so when I was in town I got potting soil and fertiliser.  I have our own compost to mix in.  I can't wait for them to arrive!  

Because my pumpkins were a failure the last two years I have been thinking what to try next.  Space is not an issue... and we have a rabbit proof fence around two large areas.  I did a walk around and looked with fresh eyes.   There are places to plant down near the fruit trees and even irrigation to plant close to.   And there is a big old water tank that always has damp soil next to it... I think I will try these places.  And I will hedge my bets by trying multiple spots.   It is probably only a month or so before I can begin planting.  

We had some rain and more is expected over night.  This is really good!  

So it was a wonderful and full week, I hope it was for you too.   How did you build up your nest?  Do you have plans with the change of seasons coming?   We love to hear! xxx