Hello everyone! I am tired and deflated but not defeated!
I will share my nesting...
I had a big spaghetti sauce cook up. It included zucchini and tomatoes from the freezer. At the end of making a fair few meals I made up a huge Lasagne to freeze.
Last week I mentioned my fridge -freezer kicked the bucket. It was my second fridge... and mainly contained drinks and canned goods so I did not lose much... the freezer part I did lose some stuff. So the chooks and dogs thought it was great.
For full real life disclosure... what I had was a mod podge of a very old chest freezer, my older fridge/freezer and an old upright freezer.
I am not showing you the inside! Just think Gordon Ramsey's Hells Kitchen.
Having to replace the large one I decided to replace the older ones and hopefully prevent another break down. Free and cheap can only go on for so long. I had many years from them all.
In town I ordered the best option I could find for the space. Two identical...
Across the top it is fridges. Across the bottom it is freezers.
What you can't see is that in the middle of the kitchen I still have two old freezers plugged in so that I can transfer everything and organise it over the weekend. I guess I am close to half way there. As you know... to get out of a mess first you have to get into a much bigger mess. 😊
I have discovered I like buying frozen peas. I have so many I am going to freeze dry some over the weekend.

So I have 2x this space. I am labelling the freezer drawers and can see what I have. By the end of the weekend the old freezers can go out. Mind you the best one is going to go up to the top house. I am taking my time to do it so that is is truly organised properly.
Last week I mentioned collecting wool fabric to make boys quilts.
From Pinterest these images show what I mean.
They remind me a lot of my Dad. I love them. I had two daughters then two Grand daughters.... so I was all about making things for girls. Then I had three Grandsons in a row! Well, now I am appreciating and finding beautiful boys things to make.
This is some of the wool I've found and washed in wool mix ready to cut up.
It is all so soft and delicious! I have more to wash now and hopefully next week I will begin to cut it into squares.
I was also cutting out flannel and other soft cottons to make wet damp dusters. This jar is full now and smells of lemon and eucalyptus. Spring cleaning is here!
(If you want recipes and how to make these see Thebluebirdsarenesting Clean and Fresh.)
I let the fire go out. Then I dug out all the ash which goes to the chickens. It was a huge bucket. Then... Tom helped me and we took all the left over wood and kindling out of the house and cleaned the floor.
We also built a pretty big bonfire with the boxes from the fridges, all kinds of junk that needs to be burned. This is for a wood fire we are planning next week. Last time we did this I had a friend here. I was poking the fire up and Tom told my friend "Don't worry, Nana is a little bit crazy but it will be ok." hahaha!
The work on the shearing shed and yards is almost over so we went and inspected and spoke to one of the men. Tom asked him if he could have a ride on the skid steer. The man said "sure hope on!"
They drove out into the paddock and drilled a hole. 😊
This all amounted to "the best time ever." As I drove Tom home he said "Nana I see a grader!!" Indeed a man had parked a grader with a huge roller quite close by. So I drove up next to it and a man was there filling it with fuel. He said Tom could sit in the grader for a bit. So the best day ever got better. The man told me he and his wife are having their first baby on Saturday! Tom told him his Mum is getting a baby too. 😊
I had some op shop fabric finds but this sheet and pillowcase I bought on Ebay....
The quality is gorgeous!
Chloe decided to let Lily try painting as they boys were set up painting away.
I'm going with it was a little too soon.
She still had a fine time. (Non toxic paint thankfully.)
For Carlo Acutis "I cannot understand why so many people are so concerned with the beauty of their bodies rather than spending time on the beauty of their souls." We must keep on track. Our Great Grandchildren will not know about our toenail manicure. But they will be affected by our strong faith and prayers.
For Charlie Kirk. "I want to be remembered for courage for my faith." For Charlie I promise to be more bold in my faith, tell more people and be brave. They can't kill us all. I'm upping the ante.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged." xxx
Annabel and Dear Bluebirds!
ReplyDeleteAnnabel, we are in a world where right is wrong and wrong is right, it is horrid, evil does all it can to defeat us, though it will only make us stronger in our faith.
You had a very busy week to say the least and accomplished so much with your little helper. Having the matching frig/freezers has to feel so good, new and more room. It feels good having a little more room.
We had a busy week here with work travel, I was able to come home with shower caps and sewing kits from the hotel, I use the caps to cover bowls, like when I am proofing bread.
We purchased a new frig/freezer back in June, it finally arrived this week. So we have been doing the reorganizing like you.
We finally have our bathroom finished, so it meant reorganizing the bathroom closet, vanity and we finally have medicine cabinets. It seems I am doing a lot of cleaning and organizing, though I was hoping to work on Fall cleaning.
I did bring home 5 granny smith apples from the hotel that will become baked apples. A nice free dessert. My husband brought home sandwiches from his class and bagels, the sandwiches were great for when we got home after the drive.
I'm still working on my free yarn afghan whenever I can, it seems it went to the wayside this week though.
Prayers for Charlie Kirk's family. A true loss for humanity.
We are both on the organising and setting up! One area at a time! It is all good progress. I am just itching to get on to my wardrobe! But I have maybe another day on the kitchen. I love those little sewing kits! They are very handy! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteHi Annabel
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely comment from Tom, being a little crazy I'm sure makes you a fun Grandma. Your fridge freezers look good, lots of space for storing your lovely home cooked meals. The wool looks so nice, I'm looking forward to seeing the quilts in due course.
We've had a very busy time with more guests, I feel I've been cooking for the five thousand. We were able to serve so much from the garden, sweetcorn, beetroot, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, red cabbage, onions, potatoes, runner beans, courgettes and cooking apples. A friend called round with a big basket of damsons for us so I made apple and damson crumble and stewed the rest for freezing. Today my husband arrived home from a client with more damsons and lots of lovely pears.
It was my turn to make cakes for Floral Group so I made chocolate sponge, reduced sugar malt loaf and vanilla sponge with glace icing and sprinkles. I won a beautiful floral arrangement in the raffle which was great timing because it's my month for doing the church flowers so it's now at the altar.
I bought a new in its wrapper toy for my granddaughter at the charity shop and two new with labels tops for me. I've lost some weight so I'm selling clothes on Vinted and buying a few things there or in charity shops in the smaller size.
Prices are getting crazy but I enjoy calculating how much I saved with home made. The supermarket were selling vanilla sponge like the one I made, their price £8.28, my costs approx £2.50. Served 12. Ready to bake freezer cookie dough, enough for 6 biscuits £4.50. Only six biscuits!!! One pint chicken bone broth £7. I haven't calculated how much mine costs but bearing in mind it's the carcass from which we've stripped all the meat for meals the cost of the broth is negligible.
Batch cooks this week were stewed damsons, cheese and courgette fritters and tomato soup.
Have a lovely week Bluebirds.
Penny in the UK.
Dear Penny, I think it is very good to realise how much stuff costs in the shops! If we havent checked in a while... the it nearly makes you fall over! Those prices show how much you are saving. I would say what you make is better anyway.
DeleteIt was pretty artful to win the flowers and be able to use them at church! Brilliant! Well done on your weight loss! Also it is great you had so much fruit coming in! Your visitors were well fed! You have a very good way of using everything on hand to the best advantage! With love Annabel.xxx
What fun with the grandkids! Great looking lasagna. Fun to see your refrigerators. And thank you for the quotes from St. Carlo and Charlie (who I think also is a saint, and yes, this has spurred us all on to be courageous). andrea
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Andrea! I am still working on stacking my new fridge/freezers 24 hours later! But Im getting there! I love that we can be inspired and encouraged and it never ceases to amazed me how some people are still winning souls for God long long after they died! I kind this kind of astonishing but wonderful!xxx
DeleteAnnabel, thank you for the Carlo Acutis and Charlie Kirk quotes. And your comment about being brave and they can’t kill us all. Brought tears to my eyes. Thank you, Hilogene in Az.
ReplyDeleteThanks Hilogene. We have great sources of inspiration but sometimes shock and horror really take a toll. I took a great love for Carlo! I think a lot of young people will be very inspired by him!xxx
DeleteThank you, Annabel, for that paragraph about Charlie Kirk. Feeling your solidarity, you in Australia and me in Indiana, US, felt keenly sweet this morning in the heaviness and sorrow of what happened--the Body of Christ facing this together and finding new resolve to follow Jesus. As I've pondered Charlie's death, I have also wondered what I can do to step up. My big job for now is to fill my children's hearts with the Word of God and disciple them to be courageous followers of Jesus who are also willing to give their lives--through life or death--for the King of Kings. "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive the reward of His suffering!"
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I actually got abuse and opposition. Some people are really upset about the word of God. Not me. I am emboldened by Charlie and also Erika. I also want to step up. Teaching your children and leading them is the greatest thing you can do! xxx
DeleteDear Annabel, I love those two fridges together. You will fill them with all lovely things and it’s great to be able to use things up. Well done on the big cook up, the lasagne looks delicious. I love the sound of the wool blankets, they are so lovely. The photo of Lily is so sweet. I think she loved it! Well, it’s rainy here. Hopefully some cooking and crocheting can be done. Lots of love, Bridget
ReplyDeleteDear Bridge, Some crochet and cooking sound perfect for the weekend. I have been transferring things to the freezers and discovering what I have a lot of (peas!) and what I need more of... (Dairy.) I get to go to Aldi this week so I can work on those areas! Also Mum came today and she was impressed how neat and efficient this all looks! Have a good new week! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteBeautiful refrigerators!
ReplyDeleteCharlie Kirk didn’t deserve to die for what he believed and proclaimed. My heart goes out to his wife and children.
Thanks Belinda! Ive worked all weekend at setting them up! Tomorrow finally the old stuff goes out and I'll have my kitchen back! Yay! No doubt I'll find another project and big mess to go on with haha! xxx
DeleteThank you for honoring Charlie Kirk.. Brought tears to my eyes, too. Yesterday, I sat my grands down and talked to them about what poison it is to allow hatred to grow in your heart. I pray they will remember their grandparents for these types of talks.
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh at the toe nail manicure. No, not this grandma. I tell them nail polish is chemical soup. Don't paint your body with it!
Your Grand children will remember! And... we are alike... Ive been sure sunscreen is just chemicals slathered all over babies... and very dubious about the chemicals we put on and in our bodies! We are nuts! xxx
DeleteYou have had your usual busy week = but your little helper is such a joy! Those fridge/freezer combos look wonderful and buying two was a great idea.
ReplyDeleteOur weather has become more Fall like at last - although the next 5 days are to be up to about 25C by the afternoon - but then drop again by next weekend. I love the Fall so the cooler weather is wonderful - and gives me so much more energy. I'm caught up on the laundry and I've inventoried the pantry and freezer comparment so I'm in good shape that way. I have started the Fall cleaning but that will be done over the next couple of weeks as it is very busy at the office so even though I only work part-time that has to fit in the schedule, along with commuting three days a week. I am really making an effort to pace myself and to fit in some walks and outings with friends along the way. Once the weather cools down more cooking, baking and soup making will be added into the week.
So very sad about Charlie Kirk. I didn't always agree with him but I very much admired his williness to talk with anyone and his genuine kindness with some of the young people who approached him - I have been watching more of the clips from many of his events and cannot believe how calm he kept in the face of so many insults and threats. Prayers for his wife and children.
Dear Margie, We are doing the same weather wise... Spring/Winter/Spring/Winter. But we want the green grass to last as long as possible so we hope for more rain and it not too warm.
DeleteYou are ahead of me with the pantry and freezer. I am also really trying to have lunch with a friend. Take time out to chat and enjoy. We need that. It is a boost!
Ive been watching Charlie clips too and learned new things. He could explain anything! Have a wonderful new week! With love Annabel.xxx
Your grandbabies, fridges, and wool are all so beautiful! I'm excited to see your organizing efforts come to life with each area.
ReplyDeleteThank you for talking about Charlie Kirk. I'm praying for his family and close friends. And for the nation who once stood as a "light on a hill".
Last week, I had hoped to get to my baking done. I cleaned, organized, and decorated for fall, as the weather turns a little cooler here in the Southern US. So the upcoming week may be baking!
Many thanks to you for encouraging us bluebirds to work on our homes and pantries!
Stacy in Virginia
Dear Stacy, Thank you! Well done, your house must be looking lovely! I hope your baking went well this week! I am just ready for the old freezers to go out and be back to a normal kitchen! Goodness there are so many change of season jobs to do! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteThe picture of Lily is so so so cute!! Have a good week!!! Prayers for the Blueb. and the world…🌷E.
ReplyDeleteDear Annabel,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Tom's adventures! We have a young friend who loves fire trucks and trains. He has many adventures, as well, due to his enthusiasm. Can't wait to see your wool quilts, the fabric is handsome! I appreciate the reminder to make my own wipes from fabric scraps. Everything else is quite lovely, even messy little Lily.😊
My week was quite productive while also cherishing some slow moments. I sewed a shell-pink apron for my favorite red-headed friend. Happy to have a cute blouse on hand to reuse for a pocket and ties. This made a lovely birthday gift! 💝 I caught up on some baking: chocolate beet muffins, granola, apple oat pancakes, and chocolate peppermint bark. On Friday, my youngest son persuaded my husband and I to go on a nature hike with him. It was lovely! We finished the time off with a picnic lunch.
Praying for all Bluebirds,
Leslie in Ohio
Hi Annabel
ReplyDeleteI can only begin to imagine your satisfaction of having the orderliness of the fridge freezer to look at, knowing all the contents are sorted and walking into the room each time will give you a skip for some while!
The wool blanket quilts are very handsome. I’ll check them out.
Tom (and cousins) is growing up with a great exposure to so many life skills and possibilities, go his parents and Nana!
Being the best you can to those we are with (ourselves included) is about all we can control in this life. If we can do that we are doing great things. The small things really do make a difference. You show us how it comes together by your blog. Thankyou .