Feather your Nest Friday, 31st October, 2025.
October is over! Tomorrow I am going to begin on Christmas presents. It has been a beautiful week of sunshine and rain! Last night we had a downpour and it was timed so well as I just planted five new fruit trees!
I was given the gift of three chard plants. These will fill some spaces!
The trellis has been extended another few meters. This end will be pumpkins, the other end is cucumbers...
I am very pleased abut this and all the materials were on the farm. If the vines cover the trellis you will be sure to hear about it!
The fruit tress.... both pear trees are covered in thousands of tiny little pears. I love watching them form and grow! I don't know the names of them but one is a huge green pear and the other and long purple pears.
I think in the next week or two we will net these trees. Then I will be watching the apples form as that tree is next.
I had my helper on the job. One thing on the list was moving and planting the five new fruit trees.
Doesn't she look guilty but pleased? She ran up the hill to my friends house and scratched at the door. Now she was on the lounge having a great time. I was amazed since she is so small! But she got this great idea you see...
I always say to make hay while the sun shines. This week "redeem the time" keeps coming to me. Then I saw "she is not afraid of the future..." and thought in part this is due to using the time well and making the most of every opportunity. But I wondered what does redeem actually mean? It means to make the most of every moment, using time wisely and for a purpose, not wasting time. Treating time as a precious commodity. Time can sift through our fingers like sand or we can do a lot with it. That is not to say rest is bad either. Sometimes rest is our best investment. And it can be a hard balance.
But overall I am happy with what was achieved this week and there is more rain coming which will further help my fruit trees and seedlings. AND I gain time then, not having to water! This gives me time to put into other projects!
Today I took several dozen eggs into church. Some of the older ladies really seem excited to get them. Once said she will be making a quiche. Growing and producing food is not just for ourselves but it helps us to help others. Well, this brought joy to my day!
How did you build up your nest this week? We love to hear. There is a fair bit going on in the world. We have some interesting shortages such as potatoes. And some items that have become really expensive such as olive oil, chocolate, butter and coffee. Building our pantries is one great thing we can do. That is a buffer. An insurance policy! What are you doing to beat rising prices?
Have a safe and wonderful weekend.xxx
Annabel, what a lovely and productive week you have had. Your little helper is amazing, he isn't scared to do any job. Love that Tom was able to get into the fire truck for a ride, it had to be so much fun for him. Sparkie is definitely spoiled.
ReplyDeleteWe had a busy week, between appointments, stopping at grocery store. We started washing windows, my windows on first floor are 6 feet high, they are heavy, they flip in to wash, it take 2 people to handle the job. I have 37 windows to wash and only 6 done.
I used leftover pumpkin puree to make 2 loaves of pumpkin, raisin, walnut breads, one for freezer and one for eating, husband had a hard time waiting till after dinner to slice into it.
I'm trying to use what we have and stock my pantry with specials. Prices just keep going up and up. I've kept a price book this year and it is amazing seeing the cost of items rise, some they do slowly, some just double.
We brought the outdoor furniture into the sun room for the winter, a big job and now forget even walking around that room as there is no area left. Though everything is inside. Husband still needs to get grill and smoker shut down and placed near house wall to keep deck cleared. We can get feet upon feet of snow and it's essential to keep the deck clear as the weight of the snow can collapse it.
Craft wise I have my squares all connected and 2 foundation rows completed around it, now to find an easy but pretty edging to crochet.
Dear Rosanne, Getting ready for winter is a big job! Our season is odd and cool so soon I will be getting ready for summer but it's been a bit delayed. I know now you finished the blanket! Well done that was a big job especially the border!! With much love Annabel.xxx
DeleteCooking every meal at home using what we have helps me save money. No eating out as restaurants are very expensive these days. I like your quilt block. I’m making some large casserole hot pads for Christmas presents this year.
ReplyDeleteDear Belinda, Hot pads are a great present. I end up using hot pads in so many ways ie last night I delivered a hot meal and hat hot pads under and on top of the casserole dish to keep it warm! Yes cooking at home, using everything up... this saves just a fortune! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteIt's so nice that Tom had a surprise visit from the fire engine, he deserves a treat and what could be nicer.
ReplyDeleteGreat news on the rain for your fruit trees. Sparkies eyes tell the story! Where would we be without children and pets.
I have just finished making the Christmas puddings, I make enough for two years because they last so well.
My batch cook this week was macaroni cheese with bacon and mushrooms. My husband doesn't like it so I have several meals in the freezer for evenings when he is out at meetings.
We had two wooden tubs by the back door which were so old they had rotted away. I emptied them, potted up some of the plants, put the soil on the compost heap and took the broken down tubs( they fell apart!) to the tip. We will replace them probably with pots we have on hand.Also took some rags, old pillows and old books to be recycled.
I decluttered and cleaned the utility room this week to stop it becoming the next 'dumping ground'.
We ate cooking apples, kale, carrots and tomatoes from the garden. I roasted one of our butternut squash and half a marrow which I will turn into soup.
A sister in law suggested our generation stops giving each other Christmas presents as we all have grandchildren to spend on and we all live far apart so the postage was getting expensive too. I am quite relieved about this, when we visit each other we can take a nice gift with us but it cuts a bit of the cost at Christmas. Cards and nice messages will suffice.
Grocery prices are crazy, I know it's the same everywhere. Stocked up on toothpaste this week.
Take care lovely Annabel and Bluebirds.
Penny in the UK
Dear Penny, I think gifts given when visiting each other is a lovely idea. And they can be a cake you made or produce etc. Postage has become shocking. I have had to face I cant post parcels overseas just a card. Now Ive read your post all I feel like is macaroni cheese! I think having some meals that suit you in the freezer for nights you are on your own is perfect! Well done on the puddings!! They will be delicious! And your garden is still giving you a lot. Roasting the pumpkin first then making soup is absolutely delicious. Roasting just gives a richer flavour! You added to your supplies too! A good week! with love Annabel.xxx
DeleteHello Annabel
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have 5 new fruit trees in the ground and then rain to settle them all in! Your garden just keeps getting bigger and better.
If Tom doesn’t grow up to be a farmer I’ll eat my hat! LOL He’s a natural and even though I’m only seeing a photo his enthusiasm shines through 💜
Your patchwork squares are very pretty, the quilt will be beautiful.
Many, many years ago I bought some white timber letters and I glued them on to my bedroom wall, and they are still there today. What do the letters say?
“It’s all about time”
This was an epiphany I had one day a huge insight into life and meaning and purpose, so strong was this message that I decorated my wall with it as a permanent reminder. Time is a gift and it is precious.
On the subject of shortages, I predict apples will be our next shortage. I was reading an article this week where apple farms in a particular region have had little to no fruit set 😔 So your apple trees will be even more valuable!
We had rain here and my new tanks are half full! I will be able to use tank water for my plants now, I’m so happy and grateful.
I’ve done a lot of baking this past week to try and get ahead for Christmas. I made 3 apple pies, 2 cherry pies and a pumpkin pie! These are all in the freezer some for a party next weekend and some for Christmas. And I made my fruit mince, which is maturing in the fridge. I hope to have my Christmas baking done by the end of November.
Have a lovely week everyone 💜 Cheryl
Dear Cheryl, I am so glad water is going into those tanks! That is great. Next week I am covering the pear trees with nexts... I need to reinspect my apple tree for babies. This usually comes a few weeks later than the pears. We keep getting late rain which is helping everything so much!
DeleteYour pies sounds beautiful. Cherry pie would be amazing! I am late with baking this year but I have all my ingredients lined up. My baking should be some of my gifts too. You have done very well! With love Annabel.xxx
My big project this week was to clean and organize in the basement. I found some pantry items to use sooner rather than later so was able to get those all in one place for use in menu rotation. A major house repair was completed, which is a relief and I had a few errands and appointments but otherwise I have been staying home. I’ve been dealing with some leg problems so, though I would love to be out hiking around as Fall is lovely, I’m home. I’m trying to learn a new crochet pattern, have been cooking and baking a bit more with fall weather here and a desire to use what I have rather than make a purchase. Julie in Wisconsin
ReplyDeleteDear Julie, Well done on the basement work! I am dealing with leg problems too and it seems only rest can help. So crochet is a great distraction and I love crochet too. House repairs are always good to have finished!
DeleteRotating your pantry items is great and working them into the menu is a big money saver too. I hope your leg improves. It is very frustrating and a shock when suddenly we cant go the usual pace! With love Annabel.xxx
Hello Annabel
ReplyDeleteThe photos of Tom and Sparkie can’t be more heartwarming!!!
Tom and the fish is priceless.
So good to have those trees planted!!
I love the new quilt blocks.
Last week we had a real storm raging through the country (the Netherl.) and this week another ‘storm’, the elections. And storms healthwise. So now this is the quiet after it all, thank God.
A cherry tree needed pruning and I was able to tackle that job yesterday. It was harder (more tiresome) than foreseen. Glad it is done.
And re my plans for sewing a skirt: two friends have lended some patterns, so I have a choice! Another answered prayer.
You mentioned the preciousness etc. of time. Well said. Thanks for the reminder. I agree, it is important to make good use of the time granted to us!!
God bless. Esther
Dear Esther, I hope health wise things have improved! There seems to be storms raging on many fronts! Good job on pruning the tree. I really didnt used to understand how importance pruning is. Now I finally get it and this means I get good harvests too!
DeleteIt is lovely you have two skirt pattens to choose from. I had rain on the fruit trees and they are looking fresh and green! With much love Annabel.xxx
Hello, Bluebirds from the mountains of south west Virginia. I did not do a whole lot of feathering this past week, but I did do a few things. I subbed twice which feathers our bank account. That was pretty much the theme of this past week's feathering: saving money. I cleaned the house and did some maintenance and a baked some rolls and froze them for Thanksgiving. I stayed out of the stores. We did not really need anything and the sales were pitiful. I found 5 radishes ready for eating in the garden. The gardens are mostly put to bed for the winter. I collected leaves of beautiful colors to use for decoration. This year the fall colors have been amazing! I think I mentioned that the last time I commented, but it bares repeating. They just keep getting better and better. I did collect flower seeds for the spring. I think that was all I accomplished this week as far as feathering. Your garden looks amazing, Annabel. And your helper is too cute! Wishing the bluebirds a blessed week! Marley in the mountains
ReplyDeleteDear Marley, I think Autumn leaves even things like sticks, pinecones etc are the most beautiful decorations. Our store sales have been pitiful too. I watch and check but nope they are bad!
DeleteThe two days you subbed ad topped up your bank account are great! And you prepared ahead for Thanksgiving! That is good work! With love Annabel.xxx
We have had some lovely rain also here on the NSW mid north coast. Much needed, as things were starting to dry out and hand watering had begun. This rain will give me reprieve for a week. Your writings are such an uplifting read.
ReplyDeleteMegan.
Thanks so much Megan! I feel the same... we had a week of rain on and off. Enough that I didnt have to water. It is like being given that gift of time to do other things! Also rain just seems to do more good than hand watering can anyway. Thank you for your kind comment!xxx
DeleteOh what a good week! I'm so glad you had help from Tom and a good week in the sewing room and with your cute pup! I love your quilt blocks. They're beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMy week was hit and miss. I was sick a few days, and rested. But when I got better, I worked hard to fill my fridge. Here in the US we're being very careful at the grocery store to be aware of our surroundings. I used several coupons together to get laundry detergent inexpensively. I baked and put some snack foods in the fridge for our family. This saves us a ton!
I hope your week is going well!
Stacy in Virginia
Dear Stacy, Thank you! I hope you are well and truly over not being well. I am following as much as I can the shut down/food situation. I think being stocked and being careful is wise. From here... people are posting videos of themselves stealing and threatening etc. (I would have thought making a video of your own crime not too bright but still...) Whatever it is if there is volatility it is good to stay out of the way and be aware. I hope this is all over soon! Good job on the laundry liquid! Baking is the best for snack foods. A batch of cookies or even, I like to make pancakes. Everyone is usually happy to see a cake too! With much love Annabel.xxx
DeleteI have had a very busy last couple of months. Our garden was great. Canned pizza sauce, tomato sauce, salsa, and crushed tomatoes. Also zucchini relish, dill pickles and pickled beets. Froze broccoli, cauliflower, stuffed peppers, corn, chard and snow peas. Also had great crops of red, yellow and white onions, garlic, carrots, peppers, zucchini,basil and oregano.
ReplyDeleteSpent time with my son and his family. The oldest of my granddaughters will be three in December and the younger turned one on the 4th of July. The older one helped me make gingerbread last week. She poured in the ingredients after I measured them and wanted to do all the stirring. It was fun.
There were a couple of good deals at the store this week. Flour tortillas pack of ten for 99 cents, 8 ounces of cheese for 99 cents - both of these had a limit of six,so I got six of each.
I have also volunteered two days a week at the local food bank. We are having a lot more people coming in the last few weeks. It hurts my heart to see all these individuals that never had to use a food bank in the past, now need assistance. Hope everyone has a good week.
Nancy in Eastern Washington, USA.
Dear Nancy, Your garden was so productive but so were you! You made the most of it and added to your shelves and freezer. Beautiful things too! Cooking with your Grand daughter sounds lovely too.
DeleteYour deals at the store were great! I would have got 6 of each too!
Well done for working at the food bank. I can imagine the need is great. Bless you for helping so much! With much love Annabel.xxx
Dear Annabel,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your adventures with Tom! Congratulations on the new fruit trees. Your canister garden with the trellis looks great! Can't wait to see the vines. Your quilt squares are so pretty.
My week was packed but not rushed. I'm so thankful to get small projects and lots of cleaning in.
My husband helped me mount an old dollhouse on the wall as a shelf unit. It looks great filled with sewing supplies. I saw this in a magazine years ago and have always wanted to try it. So fun! Give a hug to Sparkie for me.
Love, Leslie (Ohio, USA)
Dear Leslie, Thank you! I love the idea with the dollhouse as shelving! Or maybe more like a little cupboard... either way! Very pretty for sewing supplies! The fruit trees have been rained on several times which has been a great help! With much love Annabel.xxx
DeleteDear (Annabel and everyone),
ReplyDeleteYour garden, plants, sewing, and Sparkie are beautiful! It is so sweet to see Tom and all of his adventures.
There have been several "adventures" in veterinary medicine here lately, so I am quite behind. It's always so inspiring to see what everyone has been up to. I hope you all have a wonderful week.
<3
Kathy
Dear Kathy, Thank you! These sound like the wrong kind of adventures! I hope everything is ok and now you get a chance to catch up! With much love Annabel.xxx
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