What a week! I will start with the good things.
Due to some warm days I did some crafts inside. My 2024 present cupboard is up and running. I made several packs of these cute chicken Christmas tags.
I have enough "chicken friends" to know they will be a success!
Using images on the back of last years calendar I made a dozen little gift cards.
I packed these up into two sets.
In the garden.... I had let an area of Parsley go to seed so I have more to plant and plenty of seed to pack up as seeds I can gift or trade.
Like having chicken friends I have gardening friends and we all love seeds! Seeds have become really really expensive. Last year I bought a pack of seeds from the nursery to find inside there were eight seeds. Eight. Never again!
Now for the less great stuff. Our big water tanks fill from a bore (well) which is on a solar pump. They were not filling and Andy went hunting three times and each time found where the water was going. One was a trough that was flooding and two were leaks like this...
So there was a lot of trench digging and fix ups.
Next... Laffie got out of the paddock and there was a whole lot of mooing until her calf (who is huge) got out as well. Then he was happy. Getting them back in was a circus and the reason they were out was a whole section of the fence had fallen over.
As you can see in this picture the fence isn't spectacular and it is only that they are fat and lazy that it keeps them in at all. However, on top of this a whole section fell over, probably because a small bird sat on it haha!
So Andy and our friend Andrew set to work to do a patch it up job and we decided maybe it is time to face the music and get a new fence. This will be the next big project.
Then my duck Quackers went missing. Just gone, from the hen house. I could not figure out how he could possible get out. Then I noticed... I seemed to have less hens. I counted and now has 12. Two days later I had 8! Now I enlisted help. Andy and Andrew went around the perimeter of the hen house and run with the whipper snipper... closely inspecting. Deep in the grass they found feathers.. The trough in the hen house had been often over flowing and this had caused the netting to rust. Even though the netting was dug deep into the ground it had rusted and some determined fox figured that it could be pushed through. He actually had to go under two layers of netting and because of the rust he pushed his way under. And so I literally had a fox in the hen house.
This was one of my fears all along and why I have hen house number two in the orchard. My plan broke down though as I only have three hens currently in that hen house. They are three young healthy hens at least.
The netting is replaced. Andy is going to dig a trench right around the whole hen house and do another deeply dug in thick wire perimeter.
I contacted a lady I have bought chickens from before. She has chicks coming and I could choose either black or white. So I ordered ten of each. We will give the remaining hens fresh new bedding, the extra netting will go in and we will be up and running again. I do not want to be caught again with this few chickens, they are a big part of our food security. 🐔
Today I drove to collect Harper and Scarlett for a few days holiday. They are very excited. Scarlett just wants to play with the bird.
We have many plans! I started them off with their own mini versions of a present cupboard by giving them a special box which they keep under their beds. Last holidays we filled these boxes with cards, key rings and crystal Christmas ornaments. They really loved having gifts to give family, teachers and friends. This trip we are going to work to fill them up again... first for Nana Pat as it is her birthday tomorrow then for Mummy as her birthday is Monday. We are going to be busy, busy but they have beautiful teachable hearts and just want to make and learn new things! What an opportunity! 💗
How did you build up your family, home, pantry or garden this week? We love to hear. xxx
Annabel,
ReplyDeleteSo exciting having your Granddaughters there for the weekend, they are growing up so fast. Enjoy your time crafting with them.
Sorry to hear of the fence and water tank lines. Prayers you can get both fixed soon.
Happy Birthday to your Mum.
We had a slow week here, I was on my third time tearing an afghan apart and putting it back together, I think I finally have it this time.
We had a little luck with mark downs at the store but they are getting less and less and far between unfortunately. We can find meat and bakery markdowns at times but no grocery mark downs. We try to stop each time we are driving past the store. Just doesn't make sense to not stop as it only takes a few minutes to check it out.
I added to my craft pantry, I have been recycling bar soap, either into body wash or new bars of soap. I was using my muffin pan, well now I am excited to have rectangular soap molds. I saves all the scraps and make them into new bars. Waste not want no definitely doing this small task.
I also was able to add 100 large safety pins to my craft pantry, using them to hold afghan squares together to crochet. I was fortunate to get a $5 coupon from the store and a senior citizen discount, so only paid $2.88 for them.
Husband has been busy with snow shoveling here and snow blowing, sometimes 3 times in a day, seems winter has hit here. One reason for more blankets and afghans to cover up with when sitting.
I also sat down and cut last year's Christmas cards into Christmas tags for this year's presents. Trying to use things I have at home instead of going out and purchasing and not letting things go to waste.
My husband is now up to 3 or 4 meals from a pound of meat (4.5kg). He has been really inventive and all have been delicious.
Prayers for all the Bluebirds!
Dear Rosanne,
DeleteYou had a good week! Keeping up with he snow must be a full time job! I am always terrified of the idea of snow building up around the house, doors and windows! Lots of nice projects in the warm inside though!
We are getting more meals out of meat also. It is so handy your husband is a good and willing cook! Have a lovely weekend! With love Annabel.xxx
Dear Annabel,
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday for Mrs Pat and for Lucy, wishing them health, love and happiness! and a lot of fun celebrating with the family. I am glad for you and the girls having some fun time together, such lovely memories to build!
Sorry for all the bad things happening on the farm - bad luck comes in three! - but loosing the hens and the duck is very sad...
We still have big snow and minus temperatures here, for three weeks on a row now, but to my surprise the chickens are laying every single day an egg or two. I don*t have heatings or lights in the coop, they are outside every day on their big run and have hay, fresh water twice a day because the bowl is frozen over, kitchen scraps, corn, wheat, black sunflower seeds, green leaves like cabage or carrot leaves and dried nettles / mint / lavender and other herbs from the garden I prepared for them in Autumn. Also, my son packed some bags with dry leaves in Autumn, so now and then I give them dry leaves to scratch through them. Good exercise when everything is bone frozen. And good idea of my son.
At the beginning of the year I have lost my big white dog, a family member for 12 years and another link to my mother is gone with him - she was taking care of Athos when he was a pup. We miss him very much but my Charlie misses his playing buddy more, so every day I was out and about with him - in the park and around the river. Good exercise for both of us, in spite the cold - put some orders in my thoughts, too.
We have more and more war talks all over the media and all over Europe. By now you may know about the great military drill with 90.000 NATO troups that will start in a few days in Eastern European countries or about the electronic war attack over half of Poland. They say Russia could attack Europe in winter 2025. Everybody (who has eyes open) is preparing and everything is scary. And while I can*t do anything to change things and I am not allowed to panic and stay idle I will prepare, too, and take my two boys in my team, too, as always. I am responsible for about 18 souls, including humans and animals, so buckle up.
We made an inventory of our oudoor tools, especially the non-electric and non-modern ones, and we have and know how to use washboard, manual mill, spades, hoes, sickle, scythes, saw, hatchet, hammer, axe, screwdrivers, nails and screws. I made an inventory of my pantry, hygiene, medicine, seeds, clothes and sewing kits and wrote a list of what we still need. We will be watching for opportunities to buy new fire wood and start looking for a generator. Scary but doable. And we keep busy ourselves!
In our country we have for the last week a big protest of farmers and transporters, they block the entry roads to Bucharest and some entries to the ports in Constanta - it is about the big prices, the grains from Ukraine, the fuel price, and what not....The doctors are on strike, the magistrates are on strike, ...
Sorry for the long post,
When I don*t write it is because I have gloomy news.
But I read and I miss all of you.
Lots of love from Snowy Fairyland, Laura_s_world from Romania
Dear Laura,
DeleteI am so glad to read how you are doing and to see your post today. Praying for you and your family (and your country). You are doing so well in so many ways to be prepared and always thinking ahead. Your firsthand perspective is very valuable.
We have been considering having a generator installed, too. I wish I could invite you over for a cup of tea and a good chat.
<3
Kathy
Dear Laura, Thank you for your report. Our news is pitiful but I can find the information by searching "news Ukraine" "news Romania", "news Poland" etc. The large "drill" that is starting is very concerning. We will be holding our. breath. Even if the news is grim please still post. We need to know the truth of what is happening and to know you are ok.
DeleteThe fact that your chickens are laying is amazing and a testimony to your good care! The leaves were a great idea!
I knew about the protests in Germany but not in Romania! Now I will go and try to find information on this.
Walking the dog would be good for you both. Keep up the good work Laura, we are praying for you every day! With much love Annabel.xxx
I am so sorry for the loss of your big white dog. I'm sure he was a wonderful companion to you and your son. It is hard losing a beloved pet.
DeleteThank you for the update. I worry when you don't post, but I admire all that you do in the midst of the war and hard times. Thank you for sharing what is happening in your country, and it is scary to think of war in Eastern Europe. Prayers for all of us who live in such times.
Kathy from VA in USA
Thank you as always for posting. I feel like you are my eyes and ears in Europe. You are such a great example of preparing, not panicking. I can learn a lot from you even though my circumstances are far different. Praying for your family and your fellow countrymen. Connie
DeleteLaura, I get concerned when I don’t see you post. So to repeat what Annabel said, please post. I was not aware of the NATO presence coming to Eastern Europe. Your posts are so interesting to me. I see our similarities and pray for you and your family.
DeleteDear Laura,
DeletePlease share, even gloomy news. We so look forward to your information concerning Europe. You are so kind and caring. Your comments are always a blessing. We will be praying for you and your family.
Glenda
Heavens, what a challenging week you've had, Annabel, what with fences and well/tank filling issues. I'm so sorry about your loss of Quakers and your hens but glad you figured and and remedied the problem. Never a dull moment in your corner, is it? Having the girls there for a visit will be so fun. I absolutely loved this: "We are going to be busy, busy but they have beautiful teachable hearts and just want to make and learn new things! What an opportunity! " And what a precious gift! I hope to someday enjoy grandchildren like you do. My son and DIL have been married almost 6 years and don't show any inclination towards kids, but I'm not concerned as my hubby and I waited 14 years to have our Samuel, who truly was a gift from God. (I imagine my mom was wondering if we'd ever have children, but never said anything since it wasn't her business, and I feel the same way). Enjoy your time together and have a lovely weekend!!
ReplyDeleteDear Jill, Oh I do hope you have Grand children! Patience is hard sometimes! We are having a good and busy time! They are happy and enjoying everything. I hope to have lots of pictures of what we have been making next week! With much love Annabel.xxx
DeleteAnnabel,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of your loss with your chickens and duck, it seems like everything wants to eat them. Laffie has such a photo presence! Just look at her smiling for her photo to be taken. So much work, but so many rewards with a garden and animals. Just trying to keep on top of everything! Birthday wishes to your mom and daughter and may they have a wonderful upcoming year.
Thank you so much! You are right, chickens and ducks seem to be highly sought after by foxes especially! Mum had a lovely birthday today thank you!xxx
DeleteSo sorry to hear about your duck and chickens. But glad Andy was able to fix the problem with the netting. I'm glad you have a friend to help Andy with the cow pasture fence.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of making a box with the girls to store their gifts! I knew you did craft days with them, but it is pure genius to make sure they have a storage box. Must do this with my kids.
We were blessed to have heat and hot showers this week. But my washing machine would not work due to frozen pipes. Par for the course in living where it snows. And I do love a proper winter!
So thankful for the Laundromat down the street. God is good. Enjoyed homemade soups and bread to warm us up. I continue to dry apples and cook down my pumpkins for puree. I pulled out allot of chicken and turkey bones that I had frozen and am making batches of broth daily. Wonderful to see the freezer fill up with useful things again. Also made a lovely cranberry preserve to fill up the empty spots in my pantry.
Stay safe and productive, Bluebirds!
Love,
Leslie in Ohio
Dear Leslie, I have really seen how much the kids love to give and are so proud to give what they have made. So it went from there to have their own little "gift cupboard." I hope now I have started them off with something they can always continue. It must be so cold!! I am glad you could still get the laundry done!
DeleteGreat work on the broth and soups. Cranberry preserves sound delicious! I love cranberry! You did a lot of building up the freezer and pantry! With love Annabel.xxx
Oh My Goodness, Annabelle! You have had several months of unfortunate occurrences squished into one week. So sorry to hear of all of all your troubles, especially the loss of your duck and hens, which is a major crisis for you. Thank God for the good things He mixes in to help us get through the bad. You are fortunate to have your capable knowledgeable husband who seems to jump right in and get things done.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are lovely! Although I have used calendar pictures a couple times for folders, and other things, I never thought of using the smaller pics on the back. That's a wonderful idea.
What a blessing to spend time with children who are eager to make, do, and learn.
I have been reading your blog posts for several years, and look forward to each one, although I rarely comment. I just wanted to send you a prayer for God's abundant blessings to follow you during the coming week and throughout the year.
Dear Linda, Thank you so much! I do really appreciate your comment! Very often I find small images that aren't big enough for a card... but good for tags! Thank you for the prayer I am so glad of that. With much love Annabel.xxx
DeleteDear Annabel (and everyone),
ReplyDeleteAnnabel, those chicken tags and bird cards are wonderful! The parsley seed packets also look so nice. I would love seeds as a gift! So sorry to hear about your chickens and duck, and the water!
This past week I had a baking day (apple pecan bread, pear crisp, cinnamon apple-pear sauce, snack mix). Another day I roasted a large bone-in turkey breast and made stuffing and veggies - this made a lot of meals, some for the freezer, and I used the turkey bones and trimmings to make turkey stock in the crockpot. Part of the stock was used to make soup and part went in the freezer. Crafts-wise, I finished some worsted weight socks and 1 small cross-stitch, and put in some stitches on another large cross-stitch piece. The master bath got a deep clean and so did the washing machine (easy enough to run through some Simple Green and hot water a few times). For the pantry, I purchased cat food, juice (for my husband - easy calories), and baking ingredients. At long last I had an "Annabel" bakery markdown find! I got to the store right as they were rolling out the markdown carts, and was able to get some nice sesame seed bread for 69 cents a loaf (all popped into the freezer), and a box of six pastries for a treat for my husband (I buy the kinds he likes and that I do not, haha) for $1. It was a chemo week for my husband, and he is doing ok after being hospitalized last week (answered prayers) - eating well and so I am hoping to do another big round of cooking sometime this weekend. I can't remember if I shared this, but his recent scans showed he is stable and the tumors are not growing - thank you to all who are praying! We appreciate your kindness and it means a lot.
I "rehomed" some nice clothing that I no longer use and some dvd movies that mysteriously were duplicates in our home movie library. A local surgeon keeps a closet of ostomy supplies for their patients, so they were happy to take a big box of supplies that my husband can't use (brand new, he needs a different size now) and I am thrilled they will go to folks who can use them. A kind lady gave me a huge tub of knitting magazines and books, and a big cookbook - all of these will be so useful and would have cost so much to buy!
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
<3
Kathy
Oh those foxes are smart, determined, cunning animals…normally admirable traits but not when it comes to the chook house!! I hope the reinforcements work 🤞
ReplyDeleteMy energy levels were a little lower than normal this past week, so I didn’t achieve a real lot. I did bake all our bread from scratch (I haven’t bought a commercial loaf this year yet) I mowed, whipper snipped and weeded an area around the mostly dormant veggie patch that had been a little neglected.
I bought myself another compost bin, I have two, but I think three will be better. One that I’m filling, one that is decomposing and one that I’m using! I find the compost bins that look like an upside down rubbish bin with the lids on top to be the most efficient and effective way for me to get compost fast!
I also planted seeds into trays of cucumber, corn and beans. It is sooooo hot and humid in far northern NSW, the humidity is the worst I have know in decades! I few years ago I left off gardening in summer due to the weather conditions, this year was no exception, I’m so glad I didn’t plant much. But I’m looking to get things started now, ready to plant in March, we have a long growing season here, so I think these summer crops will do well even into Autumn.
Have a lovely week Annabel and bluebirds 🐦
From Cheryl
As usual, you had a very productive week! I wish I could say the same. ;}. Lovely cards, darling labels, and seeds are always good! Sorry to hear about the chickens and duck, but I'm glad you were able to fix the opening and can get replacement chickens. Sorry, too, to hear about the water leaks and fence issue. Farms are lots of work, no doubt about it. Glad Andy and your friend were able to fix things. Enjoy your time with the girls and the birthday celebrations for your Mum and daughter!
ReplyDeleteRoberta in SoCal
I hate foxes. We only had one visit from a fox when we had chooks. It killed all of my beautiful rare breed girls and left our two old lady Isa Browns alive. That was NOT a great evening...
ReplyDeleteGreat work
ReplyDeleteOh Annabel, the joys of living on acreage. The problems are always so much bigger. Good fencing is worth its weight in gold, and is a great investment. I am sorry to hear that the fox got your precious fluffy girls. You are going to have Cluckatraz once all the improvements happen.
ReplyDeleteIn this past week we have said goodbye to our son and his little girls. We had a lovely visit with them all. I have been doing a few jobs each day to get the house back to being ours again.
It's been so hot and humid that doing anything even slightly physical leaves you wet and dripping with sweat. Think sweeping a tiny kitchen floor as an example. After 9am forget about doing anything other than what is necessary outside.
Last November we took the plunge and had air con installed in the three bedrooms. I shut up the house, turn on the bedroom air cons and wait for these to cool the house down a little. It was our 36th Wedding Anniversary last week and we decided that the best present we could get each other was a big air con unit in the living areas. This is happening in two weeks and I am so looking forward to it.
The garden is looking more like a jungle with all the heat and humidity. We have had some rain but not a lot, compared to other towns close by. Our tropical fruits are all loving the conditions and growing beautifully. Our mangos on the R2E2 tree are huge. We picked two yesterday and they were so juicy we should have eaten them in the bath.
Stay cool if you live in the Southern Hemisphere, stay warm if you live in the Northern Hemisphere. Have a wonderful week Bluebirds.
Life is hot and sweaty good.
Dear Jane, I think we are on the same page! Last year it was our 10 year wedding anniversary and we decided the best present we could buy each other would to air condition the kids' bedrooms, so all our bedrooms our now aid conditioned. Living in Old this is wonderful! And a gift that keeps on giving. Happy Wedding Anniversary and keep watch with this cycling about XX Love, Lily
DeleteHello Annabel- I have followed your blog for several years and really love how you encourage everyone. I am sorry for the loss of your duck and chickens. We have had raccoons rob our coop and it is very distressing and had to replace part of our flock. I enjoy the tips for gift giving. I am also an avid Gardner. I really like the packaging you have for the little gift tags and seeds. Are these available on amazon or do you have a website or Etsy you order them from ?. They really ad a nice touch. Really love your blog.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your posts so much. I am sorry for the loss of your animals. My son has experienced that a few times, it does break your heart.
ReplyDeleteYour chicken tags are very cute!
We purchased a rare few fresh produce items in a midwinter grocery store sale, but the prices were still so very high. We have been in a huge freeze here, below zero temps, and ice everywhere, so not much new to add to the pantry. Just trying to ride out the worst of it, this week. But there's always good to look forward to!
Someone dumped out a really nice kid size basketball goal next to an auto parts store dumpster . One of the young men who worked there came out and helped my husband get it up onto the top of the car! It ended up standing straight up and tall ( almost 7 ft. tall) like a mast on top of a boat! They got it down, my husband ratcheting it to the car top, we delivered it safely to where our three grands live. They will love it I am sure! The old expression " one man's trash is another man's treasure " came to mind. What amazed me the most was the kind young man getting off work and helping us right when we needed it, he whopped it up when he finished! What I failed to mention, the big plastic reservoir at the base of the pole was filled with frozen water, and it was so heavy! That is an example of true kindness of strangers. It was 18 F degrees , that night, and everything including the parking lot and main roads were covered in deep frozen snow. The cost of that goal is almost $100.00 new, and this one looked like new. It was a blessing for the children, and worth the effort to get it for them. I am amazed by the different provisions that we are given. annie
Goodness, I am sorry about the happenings on the farm. It sounds like a few jobs have been added to the list, but all will be worth it and will make life easier in the end. I am so happy to hear the girls are coming to stay....you have me at this idea of them having their own present box. It is the sweetest, loveliest thing! Happy birthday to your Mum and to Lucy. Lots of love, Lily.
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a wonderful time with your grand daughters. I'm sure they are enjoying making gifts, and I love the picture of your beautiful girl with the bird. Happiest of birthday wishes to your Mom and Lucy.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that the fox took so many of your chickens and ducks. I remember how you hatched so many of them. Glad you were able to find the hole, and I hope the rest will be safe. Sorry about the water leaks too, but I'm glad that your cow and calf are safe.
Sounds like a rough week in some ways, but I'm glad there were joys too.
My oldest son and family finally found a place and Monday was move day. I am missing them but, know by how much I rested this week that it was time. They used two bedrooms and we had moved much of my stuff all over the place. I started getting everything back to normal and my lightbulb moment came when I decided to spring clean each room. I started with one room and will do one room every week. I know January is early. I basically ate out of the fridge and freezer. I don’t think I will need to shop for about a month. The largest grocery chain here in Canada has decided not to mark anything down anymore. Here in Manitoba the best we ever got was 30% off but other provinces had 50% off. The government here is trying hard to get the grocery prices down. Now is fight back time. The family that owns this change are worth 18 billion dollars. Do you think they could help the citizens by not needing so much profit? The other three major chains are roughly that rich also. It sure shows we are better off to grow and process our own.
ReplyDeleteAnnabel, what a week you've had! But it's ending on a beautiful note with having time with the girls and teaching them beautiful skills. Scarlett is such a beauty and adorable with the bird n her head. Addie loves to play with the animals too and asked if we could get more possums, mmmm I don't think so haha!
ReplyDeleteWe've only had one fox here and it's having a long dirt nap. I felt so bad, but our flock comes first. The raccoons haven't been too bad lately, but the hawks are a nuisance.
We are finally having regular winter weather here with freezing temps and snow. I'm so thankful for all of the wood we stockpile and planning ahead for each season. Lots of good things are coming out of the kitchen. Pots of soup, biscuits and sweets. It is nice after the hard work of summer to have a slower time and also to really enjoy the fruits of our labors. The lovely jars of tomatoes, green beans, pickles, hot rice and kraut all call to me from their homes on the cellar shelves.
The wood burner helps to dry the laundry and our ladies are still giving us a healthy amount of eggs each day. I've been using many of them in my baking, but we've had enough that we've sold 22 dozen over the last few weeks.
I made french toast sticks and put them in the freezer and a batch of broth from bones and veggies I had in the freezer for that purpose haha so one out and one in. That's kind of like rotating. Rick water proofed his boots. He does this a few times a year and they last a lot longer.
The sales are dismal this week so I may stretch out my shopping trip to next week. The mark downs have been dismal as well. But being diligent pays off I called a few customer service numbers on different packages of food and household things and have a nice little stack of coupons coming.
I got more free perfume samples in the mail and two small deodorants.
Lovely friends sent me homemade dishcloths and washcloths for Christmas so I went through and put a few of the old ones into the rag bag and I'm using the new ones. I am blessed beyond what I deserve! I'm using the pretty pens and notebooks you sent me each day because if I don't make lists or rite things down, well my brain may as well be a potato haha!
XOXO
Vicky
I’m sorry your week was so challenging Annabel, that must have been heartbreaking when you realised the fox had got in. I’m pleased you have birthdays and the girls coming to brighten things up! Can’t wait to see what they’ve made next week.
ReplyDeleteThis week I received an enormous succulent from a friend who needed to clear it from her garden. It took up the back of a van! We’ve planted it in our garden and are hoping for the best. Apparently they’re pretty resilient so fingers crossed.
I took lots of outgrown clothing and books to the op shop.
I made a big batch of spaghetti bolognese for the freezer and used up lots of vegetables that were looking a bit sad.
This week I’m organising for back to school. We need a few top ups of uniform, lots of naming clothing, baking in the freezer, rooms cleaned etc.
Wishing Pat and Lucy very Happy Birthdays!!
Jen (NZ)
I am praying for you. Our Father God will hold you in His loving arms as you grieve through these coming days. Much love to you dear friend.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for all the difficulties you've been through! This is my first time to visit your blog. I have chickens and know how vulnerable they are to predators and how heartbreaking it is to love your special animals to them! Prayers for you during these difficult times!
ReplyDeletePraying for you, Annabel!
ReplyDelete