Feather your Nest Friday, 29th March 2024. Good Friday.
Thank you for all the comments and replies to Mondays post "What is a good day?" Now we take a look at the week and I can say it was good too.
I am feeling much better. I am less "wobbly" in body and spirit. It feels so good to feel good!
It is Good Friday and in our time zone I am glad it is evening. All day I think of what Jesus suffered and what his Mother and followers went through. It is staggering. Last night I found a video to watch made a couple of years ago that walks you through the steps Jesus took, the garden of Gethsemane and the place of the cruxifixction. It somehow is recent for me to realise how much the internet can help with our faith. At Christmas I discovered you can watch church services live from Bethlehem. The possibilities are endless. How amazing!
So... this week it has felt like I have found a pace that works for me. Some of the ways I built up the farm, home etc. were:
The new fence is finished. This is my cow fence. The old fence was like cobwebs. Andy hated that old fence. He and Andrew had propped it up once more just days before he died. This was when the decision was made that it had to be replaced. Well, it is done!
While this was being worked on the cows got to wander quite a way off and had a great time but today I brought them all back through the gate. I have not been out with them as usual so I wondered if they would be so friendly. I did take apples...
Loui, Laffie and Doris ran straight over. Several others were also lined up waiting for an apple to be thrown to them. All is well.
Mum came by. I made an apple cake (and gave her most if it to take home) and I cut her hair.
I harvested Basil and made a big batch of Pesto.
There were quite a few stems and they are in water now to make more plants.
I did some mending and an alteration.
At the swap tables I picked up tomatoes ...
They were washed and thrown whole into the slow cooker as they were VERY ripe.
Also Quinces!
There were also glass jars and I took several larger ones.
On Wednesday I met a friend for coffee while I was in town. She gave me two gorgeous Pashminas, in exactly my colours, for the Autumn/Winter season ahead.
To the pantry I added 12 packets of pasta.
The very last apples were picked... about a dozen. Nice big red ones!
My helpers went for a drive and found enough wood to cut for the whole year for each of us. We will all have wood cutting days to bring it up to the house and fill their trailers.
Today I began to set the table for Easter Sunday. Mum and all the kids are coming (and my daughters of course!) This is the beautiful table Andy bought me. It will be the first time family has gathered here since he died. As I began to set it up I suddenly realised how happy he would be about it. Tomorrow I have a ton to do but the goal is just to have a beautiful and memorable day.
Some of the things I have been trying to implement lately:
Micro changes. I have kept up the water next to the bed, carrying water with me in the car and I have added some exercise.
Bible study. Going well on this!
"Good food." Like The Chosen had me thinking constantly about how it would have been to be there with Jesus I kept on finding daily things to read, watch or listen to that are uplifting/encouraging/teaching. If I fill my brain with goodness it seems to cram out the things I do not want to dwell on or think about. It is working. Thank you to everyone who suggested movies, videos, websites, books... I made a list. I now finally "get it" that in order to survive this world we need plenty of spiritual nourishment. We cannot go it alone.
Easier ways. The lawn irrigation is amazing. Every time it comes on I am in awe. And the grass and surrounds are looking so nice already. I have found better ways to feed the animals, water and make the veggie garden more condensed. I keep looking for ways to simplify in order to get more time to sew and for the things I often just can't get to.
Reminders. My photo board and photos of Andy help me every day. This is also the same with my Dad. I have a place set up with my favourite photos of Dad and some of his special things. Now I have a small hall table to do the same for Andy.
Since visual reminders seem to work so well for me I have been setting up my bed side table, sewing area, office area, hall way and car to all have reminders to read my Bible and pray. Also my phone. A young couple we often visited with showed me that our phone can be a Bible and a prayer reminder. While they had Bibles they looked up any verse and any reference at record speed on their phones. This helped study and conversations progress too! So I am working on making the most of these things.
I made progress on Andy's memorial stone. It is going to be magnificent. When it is in position it will be even more special. I will show this in my posts. But it is coming together. He would be utterly impressed.
How did your build up your home, pantry, garden this week?
I hope you have a very blessed Easter. xxx
Glad you are now finding many moments of peace. Each step in the journey is a growing step. I bet the table will be beautifully set and appreciated. Have a wonderful holiday.
ReplyDeleteThank you Cheryl. I appreciate your words as I know you went through a suddenly loss like I did. With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteSo glad you are keeping busy and making headway. Hope you all have a wonderful Easter.
ReplyDeleteI batchcooked some beef mince into bolognese sauce and we ate some for several meals and I froze some too.
I was able to buy some fresh fish on a deal too, fish is expensive these days so now I have some in the freezer.
I mended a pair of leggings and donated two bags of books.
I was so happy to find beautiful material at the charity shop, I haven't measured it properly yet but its new, great quality and several metres at least. It cost £7.50 and there are plenty of projects it can be used for. I'll measure it and put a photo up in the Tuesday club.
It's been a good week for homey stuff, nothing very exciting but every small job accomplished feels good.
Take care Annabel.
Penny in the UK.
Dear Penny, Well done on the batch cooking! It was great to get some fish into the freezer as well!
DeleteCharity shops are so good for fabrics. Finding fabric you like and good quality at that price is wonderful. This is how I build up my fabric supply. I cant wait to see it!
It sounds like a very nice week. Getting things done at home is the best! With love Annabel.xxx
You are doing so well. I believe you are right in filling your mind with the Lord and his goodness, and keeps your mind on the right things.
ReplyDeleteDeanna Rabe
You got lots done this week! What do you do with the tomatoes in the crock pot? Do you add any water or seasoning? When they cook down do you can them as-is, or do you blend them smooth first? Such a great idea for the crock pot!
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy, Sometimes I put an onion in... but this time I threw them in (No water) and added some pepper and oregano. Later I put the stick blender in and blended. Then I let it keep going with the lid off and reduced it by about half. I froze portions just to go into my next spaghetti cook up. I never peel a tomato or take out the seeds I cant even figure out why and I dont cut things up either as they will fall apart. I have the Quinces to do. I will wash them and put them in the slow cooker then turn it off once they are soft. When cold I will slide the peel off and cut out the cores... then I will add sugar to make Quince Paste. Also with sweet potato or pumpkin I cook them in the oven first then the peep/skin comes off like butter. The crock pot is a big helper! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteHappy Easter Annabel! I’m so happy for you to be able to have your wonderful family be around the table Andy gave you. I’m sure it will be lovely and just what he would have wanted.
ReplyDeleteIt’s so good for you to be finding ways to make life easier, having more time to sew will be so nice.
We have travelled away for Easter for the first time in forever. It’s a bit of a treat for us all to stay in a motel, some of the kids decided yesterday they think they could live here lol.
You wrote years ago about how when you travel you take a meal for the first night to just heat up. I always do this now. It is so nice to have a meal to put in the oven instead of trying to make something after driving. I think it was also you who suggested to add a few treats in the grocery shops leading up to the trip so I’ve been doing that as well. It’s nice to have reminders of how long I’ve been reading your blog and how many ‘Annabel things’ I do now!!
I hope you have a lovely day preparing for everyone to visit, and that Easter Sunday feels very special. You are such a wonderful mum, nana and daughter.
Jen (NZ)
Dear Jen, My girls LOVED staying in a motel. It was so exciting for them. Everything was a novelty. And yes I always took the meal for the first evening. Sometimes it was something that was thawing out on the actual drive! Yes I did suggest a picnic basket of special holiday things. One of ours was brie, crackers and quince paste (Andy and me) would could make a picnic out of that anywhere. Food treats do make a picnic or holiday more special. You need a medal for following my blog this long though haha!
DeleteI hope Easter was lovely and it was for me with all the Grandkids, my girls, husbands and Mum here. With much love Annabel.xxx
You had another great week, AnnaBelle. Your cows are the sweetest, and yes, they deserve those apples! Today I am canning chili and dehydrating zucchinis and bananas. Last week I did apples but I have to buy mine at the store! The apple peels are turning into vinegar as we speak! I wait for fruit to go on sale and then I start dehydrating. I am certainly keeping my eyes open for roadside fruit to glean. One thing is a favorite for my granddaughter and me. We like to ride on the back roads and look for things like that. I continue to have health issues (heart mostly) and have another two appointments set up next week. And so it goes. I just wanted to wish all our Bluebirds a blessed Easter.
ReplyDeletePam we are kindred spirits. I remember the trees I find too and make sure I go back next year. I have baskets and bags in the car for any I find unexpectedly. So much fun to pick these trees! I am very sorry about your heart issues. I hope that there is something that can be done to help and your appointments go well. With love, Annabel.xxx
DeleteMy brother-in-law did a small table for my sister. It helped him greatly. It changes sometimes when he finds something else to remember he by.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I thought it was unusual a couple of years ago when I saw a young man at church bring his tablet and read the Bible on it..it's just the times are changing. There is nothing wrong with using our technology to read the word of God. It's so helpful.
Dear Vickie, I think your BIL having beautiful reminders of your sister is just lovely. It shows his love for her. That must bless you too.
DeleteYes I think seeing someone on their phone or tablet you just think they are on social media but there they are on their bible! Because of this I downloaded a Bible app on to my phone... so if waiting somewhere I can be reading. We might as well use these things to our advantage. Except always keep the real thing as well! With much love Annabel.xxx
Dear Annabel and everyone,
ReplyDeleteAnnabel, you have done really well with all of your beautiful produce, the wood and new fence, and finding easier and better ways! What a good week. Happy Easter to you and your family. Continuing prayers for you all. (I realized the website I mentioned to you is really just verseoftheday.com - bible verse of the day still sends you to a site where you get a verse, but not the minister's thoughts or the prayer.)
This was one of those weeks where it felt like doing any normal thing was an achievement, with many challenges for my husband. Laundry, floors, and grocery shopping got done. I spent about 40 minutes on a few nice afternoons digging out one of two old raised bed gardens - we took the beds out years ago, but there were still "interesting" geographical features in the yard - and I moved the soil to useful places. I ordered some more flower seeds (alyssum, peach zinnias, thumbelina zinnias) as I have a notion to turn those areas into big flower beds and put a couple of chairs and a little table there. The little greenhouse is proving so useful - the squash and strawberries are getting huge and the seed tray with flowers has started sprouting. I am learning to "ask" - and as a result my friend's dad and brother are going to do some work on the house next week - I'm much happier paying them and knowing I can trust their work (and will feed them when they're here). I did a little cooking - a big spaghetti dinner - but have mostly pulled things out of the freezer and been so thankful for them. Last night I potted up a few Christmas cactus cuttings for gifts and took more cuttings of those, apple mint, rosemary, and spearmint to root in water.
I invested in a second rain barrel, as summers here are expected to get drier and hotter over time. Last summer the existing rain barrel watered a good portion of the garden and saved a lot on our water bill. Two rain barrels feels like added security. Our town offers these once a year and they are about half the price of stores.
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and Happy Easter.
<3
Kathy
Dear Kathy, I hope over Easter things settled down. I think the extra rain barrel is a good idea.
DeleteYou still achieved an enormous amount. A lot of hard physical work too!
Having help next week is fantastic... I am so happy about that. Yes we do have to accept help when it is needed. God sending helpers is a big blessing. And you are feeding them just like I always do. This usually means any time you want work done they want to come back!
I hope the new week is going well! With love Annabel.xxx
Annabel, You are accomplishing so much daily. I know Andy will be so pleased by the monument you are having made. I can see him smiling down on you. I am happy that your fence work is done and the sprinkler system is helping you tremendously.
ReplyDeleteI added to my pantries, I was able to get a citrus juicer attachment for my kitchenaid mixer, an apple peeler, slicer/corer and a pasta roller all for $4.99 total.
I was also able to add a beautiful heavy flannel sheet set for one of our twin beds for $2.99 and king size pillow cases for $1.99 It was great adding to those pantries.
With the help of my Son, I was able to add sugar, salt, canning jars, powdered milk, chocolate bars and canning jars to my food pantry.
I had brought home 9 oranges from week stay at a hotel and was able to juice them and dry the peels. Free additions to my pantry.
Little additions to pantries add up over time and searching thrift stores has helped, praying before walking into any store to be blessed is so important and is so helpful. God does bless us in so many ways.
I was also able to add some medical from the Dollar Store and other necessities. I was also blessed in the mail with note cards, birthday cards for free. Husband brought home bars of soap from hotel. I am able to grate these and remake larger bars for our use. So all in all a good week.
Dear Rosanne, Yes you are right, all the little efforts add up! The deal on the flannel sheets was amazing! In the cold flannel is so very nice. They are expensive here! Also the Kitchen aid attachment! Just fantastic!
DeleteI know you travelled this week so I hope you also come home with good finds! With love Annabel.xxx
So glad to hear how you have been studying the Bible. I enjoyed seeing the fence and all your projects.
ReplyDeleteI am nearly finished with my improvements on my kitchen. Wallpapering will be completed tomorrow. My garden has been calling to me on the sunny days. But I have found myself helping my children get to jobs, activities, and necessary errands. I have accepted this as my act of service to them at this time. Thankfully, they can bike or take the city bus, too. So I can tend to my home. My eldest daughter has wild chives growing at her home, so I helped myself to some. Nice to have diced chives frozen and ready to sprinkle on dishes. We are gathering 14 eggs a day. What a blessing! I keep stocking my freezer with homemade broth. This week was chicken.
I am reading Dear Kitchen Saints by Connie Hultquist. It has really encouraged me in my vocation as a homemaker.
Have a Blessed Resurrection Day!
Leslie in Ohio
Hello 👋 Lesley,.Sonia here in Australia 🦘🦘 ! I wanted to say I do love chives chopped up in scrambled eggs as my grandmother used to do. Melt the butter, add the mixed eggs, and sprinkle with chives and cook as usual ! Such a delicious cheap filling meal !
DeleteDear Leslie, I am going to look up the book you mentioned, thank you!
DeleteI think chives are really useful too. Sour cream and chives on a baked potato... or cheese and chives scones.. you would say biscuits.
The wall paper will be looking lovely! Now you will be enjoying the results of all your hard work! This week is almost over already! With love, Annabel.xxx
Happy Easter Annabel.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you are finding easier ways to do things and also to work out your own routine on getting jobs done that need to be done with your micro changes. The fence is wonderful and no doubt it would be lovely to see the lawn sprinklers go off and see everything so green. It will be so lovely to have the family around your lovely new table tomorrow to celebrate Easter. You got so much done this week.
Like yourself we are doing micro changes as well as for quite some time DH was not able to do much with his heart condition and medications making him really tired. He is doing much better now we have been doing more stretching exercises at home, going to hydrotherapy and physio once a week each. It is a matter of working out what we can accomplish in 45 minutes to an hour which is DH's limit before he needs to sit down and rest.
In the gardens this week DH has been cutting larger firewood pieces into smaller sections to get them ready for splitting with our hydraulic log splitter. I have been moving everything that can be hand split into one pile and piling the other logs that need splitting near the log splitter. We also went through our garden shed that held fertilisers etc and re-organised that as the local brushtail possums had been in there and neatly knocked everything off the shelves. They are known to be clumsy and that just proves it lol.
In the kitchen we are still on deep cleaning and putting all the shelf liners in and we both cleaned some more ceiling panels in there so we are around 70% across the kitchen ceiling. We also made all our bread and meals from scratch. We had stopped making bread and buying it so we are happy with our micro change there. We also made two family sized apple pies including pastry and froze one and enjoyed the other one for desserts.
Financially we saved just over $2500 this month towards buying my new car and are nearly half way there to saving for it as mine is now 16 years old.
In grocery purchases I did a mini order to top up on more expensive items we had run out of (powedered milk, cheese and fish) and used our 4% off face value e-gift card, used a 5% off promo code and bought some coca cola on half price sale to save $14.57 on usual prices.
We had also gone through a heap of fuel as we had lots of medical and therapy appointments out of town so needed to top up quite a few empty jerry cans so I waited until we could see the lowest price in a town we were traveling to. I used our 4% off face value e-gift card and our WW fuel vouchers to save another 4c per litre off to save in total $19.73 on usual prices.
Have a happy Easter everyone and a frugal week ahead.
Lorna.
Dear Lorna, Thank you. Working out how your husband can pace himself is very good. To some extent we all need to do that especially as we get older. I am amazed at what can be achieved in short bursts. (Although an hour is not short!). Well done on the savings for the car. You both are the best savers! Log splitters are such a help... I realised how split wood stacks so well and you can get so much into a space. Being ahead on firewood is wonderful. My helpers are here tomorrow and a tree that fell onto a fence is the next target.
DeleteYour bread and apple pies sound lovely. Already this week has got away from me. With love Annabel.xxx
Happy Easter Annabel and bluebirds 🙏❤️🐦
ReplyDeleteFrom Cheryl xxx
Thank you so much Cherylxxx
DeleteDearest Annabel , happy Easter ! Christ is risen ! Can we get the recipe please for the roasted tomatoes you often put on pasta (not the bolognaise I already have that one) want to try the one you often have with feta on top. I am not a fan of pesto ! I am trying to add more veg to my meals in sauces etc. I made a dinner the other night onion, garlic, fried, added zucchini, tin of tomato, and a tin of rinsed beans. Was quite nice. Sometimes I add a poached egg to the centre. They charge $25 for a meal like this in a cafe near me in Sydney for breakfast ! I would dearly love it if you could make a section for recipes ! Enjoy your family gathering around that table ! Love Sonia in Sydney NSW
ReplyDeleteDear Sonia, Thank you! I hope you had a great Easter! The recipe... place a block of feta cheese in the middle of a baking dish. Surround it with small tomatoes and chopped capsicum/onion/zucchini... whatever you like and have. Drizzle with olive oil. Add any herbs you feel like. Bake in a mod oven about an hour. Thats it. I get a couple of dinners from this. If you are after any recipe type the name in the search bar and it should come up for you. A poached egg could also go in this bake, instead of the cheese although cook for less time. It would be delicious! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteI hope your Easter was wonderful
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Thank you Jackie, it was! I hope for you too.xxx
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