Feather your Nest Friday, 22nd August, 2025.

Last Friday I was unpacking a big box of produce.  I went on with that on Saturday,  washing everything up.  It was so much lovely fresh stuff.  And timely,  while I am doing the #everybitcountschallenge.  I had faith that even though it is winter here there would be a way to do it and that has been true! 

I needed to figure out a plan of what to use, what to preserve and what to store.  Leeks were first and quick to put through the food processor then the freeze drier.   

Lots that would keep a while went into the fridge...

I decided to roast a turkey... (from freezer) and cook up heaps of veggies to make as many roast dinners as possible.

This used up the whole cauliflower and broccoli.  Cauliflowers never keep very long so I wanted to get that cooked.

When I had dealt with all the meals I cooked the turkey carcass with veggies for 24 hours in the slow cooker and ended up with loads of stock.

Winning! 

Then just when things were going well my fridge/freezer (side by side) died.  Truly it is God's hint to get my freezers in order.  But I kind of lost a day dealing with this.  Now I have a plan and I can re start with much better organisation.  The fridge side was mainly my cold drinks fridge... so not too much was lost.  The chooks had a feast of frozen stuff that had to go.

I shredded cabbage and freeze dried that.

 

My niece gave me a beautiful Dehydrating book and fruit leather drying mats!

In another swap I had lemons...  so I made Lemon Butter and then soaked the peel in vinegar as I am going to make Miracle Cleaner.

Yesterday I was travelling.   We did an overnight trip to the city.  I am very happy to tell you Chloe is expecting baby number 4!   Now I am allowed to tell.  Talk about hard work keeping a secret!  

In the yard where we stay there were a number of giant thistles.  This one is the tallest one I have ever picked! 

Chase helped me get a good photo!  I took the photo on Wednesday.  The next morning when I picked it I noticed it had grown about another inch!  It wasn't done yet.  But too bad.... they all came home for my chickens. 

Back at home...  I got several butternut pumpkins,  some Queensland Blue,  2 sweet potato and a couple of onions into the slow cooker.  I was really tired today.  Turning on the slow cooker and gradually adding things all day until you finally fill it is my method.  

As it cooks down and creates space I add a bit more.  Tonight this has been delicious soup.  Just what the doctor ordered.  In a couple of days I will repeat this process with zucchini,  also from last weeks box of goodness.  We have rain coming and lower temperatures but only two weeks of winter left!  So this is good timing.  Nourishing soups will be beautiful before Spring kicks in.

So... the next man using the cabin arrived this morning,  just in time for morning tea.  Guess what he arrived with?

This is a true case of making hay while the sun shines.   I have lots to share, cook, preserve and keep me going for all next week.  I think a cauliflower cheese might be a good idea.  But tomorrow, just like last week,  I will figure the plan out.   (Oh but...there are red onions so I am going to make Frugale Tabithas pickled sliced onion.)

I did some cutting out but no sewing.  Because I have bought bed linen as a way of getting fabric to back quilts and other projects I am ending up with brand new lovely pillowcases.   I decided to make it a project to embellish them with a trim or embroidery and make each one special to go into my gift cupboard.  I love a pretty pillowcase!

Last Friday I mentioned the book sale.  I got Mum at least 20 beautiful novels... and a heap of books for myself.  The grand total was $10.  These six I am keen to get into especially A Slice of Organic Life.  I thought River Cottage would also have a lot of wholesome farm style meals.

That is my week!  

I am not finished unpacking...  but I just need to vegetate tonight.  BUT tomorrow I have a project...  (another one...) I was give four litres of cream!  I am going to make butter!  Butter has become a very expensive item but I will not use artificial foods.  I am not sure how much butter I will get from four litres but I will report back!  Maybe I should make scones with the buttermilk?   If you do this please tell me what is the best thing to do!  

How did you build up your home?  I hope you had your pantry eyes open! xxx