This is one of those Fridays where if someone asked me what did I do this week I would have no good answer..... yet now that I am sitting down looking through my notes and photos I see it was a good week!
It is true that life can go past in a blur. Maybe especially now as we get closer to Christmas and toward the end of the year as I think everyone is tired! You can be exhausted and not even sure what you achieved! But I don't want it to go by in a blur! I want to savour everything! So here are some of the ways I feathered the nest this week.
Mum gave me this photo of my Nana B, Dad's Mum. I think I look a little like her and inherited quite a few of her traits. Example... she could not go past a lemon tree without picking them. I took the photo with eggs on the table as Nana always kept chickens and she loved them.
This week I did a big cook up of beef, onion and zucchini. This became spaghetti sauce and there was a lot of it!
I got a couple of meals. A large pasta bake and a big container of sauce( for another night) went over to Chloe.
I still had some left so I made a Gluten Free Lasagne for Mum. That is actually just cooling now. I think she will get six or eight meals from it. When it's cold I will slice it up and freeze it in single serves.
In the garden... I have baby zucchini and also tomatoes....
And even baby pumpkins!
I have planted pumpkins in a few different places this year as last year was a failure.
Tom came over and here he is with his tools gathered up because he wanted to help at the top house. This house has been prepared for painting this week! It is very exciting. It has been almost a two year project turning a dump into a nice home. The exterior is last. I think next week I can show how it looks. Without seeing it before it might not mean much. But if you saw it before you would probably think eek.
Good to go with the blower vac. I could give him a blower vac for Christmas and he would honestly be happy.
My garden is looking pretty good! Extra rain has helped.
My friend sent me six beautiful ripe Mangoes!
While the top house is almost complete... this had me thinking about my goals for the year. A lot has been achieved around the farm. But I remembered I need to finish up some goals for my pantry room.
Mum bought me six baskets to top the cupboards. I intended to fill them with light things such as paper towels, napkins, paper plates etc for emergencies, garage bags and so on. I still have time! Today I have filled two.
I gave Chloe a bag of boys farm shirts. She was very happy with them. So many good thrift store finds.
My find today was a fabulous bike for Lily. It is practically new but needs new streamers on the handle bars. Well, this is my forte. I have ribbons and glittery threads to make it completely fabulous! 😊 I will post pictures when I'm done!
I took eggs to town today and came home with tomato seedlings.
I did a pretty big stock up shop including vodka to make my Coffee Liqueur next week.
And I worked on some Christmas wrapping and cards. Seriously, this helps me a lot as things just get busier in December.
I hope you had a really good week. How did you build up your nest and how are you working towards Christmas? Everything seems to be 10x more expensive so making and baking, thoughtfulness and presentation are they way to go! Starting early we can do this!
This is how I will also be in half an hour! xxx
Annabel,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely and full week you have had. I know you will feel amazing once the house is painted, a big project off your list and it will look so new and bright. Tom is an amazing helper, he is being built into an amazing man.
We did a large stock up last week, it took 3 stores though now a lot of the holes in my pantry are now filled. All items were on sale also, which helped tremendously. We were even able to add to my husband's clothing pantry, this is something that is very hard to do
I finally finished my free yarn quilt, it looks beautiful, if I say so myself. I am proud of it. Husband asked what I will do with it, it is being packed away and the first of the kids to get married will receive it. I started another afghan right after I finished, my granddaughter asked for a black and red afghan, I added some white to it, I have 10 - 6 inches squares completed, hoping i an get it completed by Christmas.
To save at the store I have been baking more, from cranberry walnut bread to pumpkin raisin breads and sweet potato muffins, I also made a tiramisu. The house smelled so good with all the baking and my husband made a large pot of sauce, we had pasta dinner with grandson and his fiance with it and also sent them home with a complete dinner, we had another dinner and there is enough left for pizzas.
We have been busy with winter preps here as we already had our first snowfall. Husband brought the snow blowers up to house from the shed, we have been washing windows and adding heavier linens to the beds. We filled the holes in our pantry, just a few last little things to do and we will be set up for winter weather.
Oh, your fur baby is definitely content and comfy.
Tom makes me think of what I remember of your Dad! He’s a farmer / rancher already! And boy does he look the part! 💜💜
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! In fact on Friday I wondered if I am getting a glimpse into how Dad was as a little boy. I know he was extremely determined since very little! This is quite an amazing blessing! Thank you!xxx
DeleteDear Annabel,
ReplyDeleteI loved all your pictures, your garden looks great and Tom, what a handsome helper!!!
I am looking forward to seeing pics with Lily*s bike and the renovations you have made - thank you for showing us cuty little dog.
A blur - that is the word describing my last weeks. It was a lot of work at home, many dissapointments in people and society (which is at an edge point, with hate and verbal violence all over, begining with politicians, priests, social media till the ordinary people, like it is a banishment of reason.... ) and many dark evenings as autumn is trully deeply here - the temperatures start droping to freezing points.
We were hit with the third month of high prices and inflation: electricity has increased with 70%, fruits and vegetables - 22%, rent, books and milk - 10% and so on. It makes me think twice of our budget and also do a resource management: I had few fruits due to a last freeze wave in spring, when the orchard was in full bloom, so with the few apples I made apple vinegar, the few quinces I made some jelly for pancakes in winter, and so on....
For Christmas present - I have started a new baby blanket with baby tortoises for a new baby boy/a new nephew in our extended family.
Our country had last week the biggest Nato troups exercise of the year. Just in case o war....
Gotta go, sending many good wishes from far away,
Laura_s_world from Romania
Thank you for an update, Laura. I think of you often.
DeletePatricia
It's so good to see your post Laura, but my heart is heavy for the burdens placed on you and the people of Romania. It's so hard to believe that peace isn't a goal for everyone in this world.
DeleteSorry about your poor fruit harvest, we have experienced springs like that, so disappointing but especially for you this year. You will enjoy the quince jelly on your pancakes.
The Apostle Paul has told us to pray without ceasing, I fall short of that goal, but you will be in my prayers. Linda USA
Thank you, lovely Bluebirds🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
DeleteDear Laura, Our news has been sure to stay quiet about the Nato exercises. Also on my things and atrocities taking place they say NOTHING. I am sure not to the same degree but I notice this widely... people are being divided... the gap is wider. I feel it is outright good vs evil. And the hostility and violence... also I see people openly calling for others to be killed. Also the idea that certain groups do not deserve to live or be free. Well this is very frightening. In my lifetime I have not seen this before. I am glad you had some fruit at least and you managed to make all you could. Your knitting for Christmas will be beautiful I know! Warm and cosy in your home sounds like the best place to be. I am praying and I am thankful for your update! With much love Annabel.xxx
DeleteThinking of you, Laura! Prayers, Esther
DeleteHello, Annabel and Bluebirds!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing all your accomplishments, Annabel. Just what I needed to stay on top of my projects.
I find that I tire more easily and don't get as much accomplished as I'd like. So thankful for the rest time to stay home and not be the family chauffeur. But this time will pass.☺️
I have many apples that need to be processed. So I discovered an apple and date chutney recipe. Canned 4 pints yesterday. Also I am catching up on mending. And I will start Christmas gifts tomorrow. I'm adding whipped honey to my gift giving. I'll let you know how it goes.
We had an early snow! What a reminder that winter is here.
Love,
Leslie in Ohio
Dear Leslie, Chloe does whipped honey and it is fantastic! It makes beautiful gifts too. I just love it! I am on Christmas gifts too! And I tire more too! We are twins.
DeleteHaving the apples is wonderful. They are very versatile!
Wow on the snow! How beautiful! I can only imagine a white Christmas! With much love Annabel.xxx
I love your apron that you have hanging. The fabric is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteYou had a eventful week but it sounds enjoyable. Have a great weekend.
Thank you Vickie! I have this up because it is very similar to what my Nana wore. The whole room reminds me of Nanas kitchen, which is my goal!xxx
DeleteWhat a lovely photo Annabel, also look at the size of some of those eggs! Your big cook up sounds great, and what a help to both Chloe and your mum. It sounds like the house upgrade had been a huge job but what a fantastic outcome. Tom looks so cool with his glasses on!
ReplyDeleteI stocked up on some treats for Christmas this week and bought 10kg of onions to make onion chutney. 30 cents a kilo!
I found some nice bath and body products for $3 each so added a few to the gift box.
Baking and cooking at home has saved me so much in the last couple of weeks. Even with the cost of ingredients increasing it is still possible to save so much money by baking. Especially if we’re tactical! I have discovered that taking a huge tray of Mac n cheese or pasta bake to a shared meal makes you an absolute hit with the teenage boys lol. Likewise a sheet cake or tray of brownies! For a lunch option a couple of trays of pizza bread are very popular and a good way to use up little bits of things in the fridge.
I hope you have a lovely weekend and that your leg is not giving you too much trouble.
Jen (NZ)
Dear Jen, I think if food is demolished by teenage boys then you are winning. Having recipes that are delicious and substantial is great. Loaded potatoes are a good one too. All week since you last posted Ive been looking for butter free recipes... cheaper ingredient recipes... My friend told me that in Italy pizza is very light on the cheese... a bare minimum sprinkle. There's a savings in itself! Also... a focaccia style bread... is very ideal to take somewhere or to stretch a meal. Baking is for sure a huge blessing to your household. Eve the smell of baking = happiness.
DeleteHave a good new week... I got my coffee liqueur going... and have found all my recipes. And beginning to put gifts together! I know with kids at school the next weeks become very busy! With much love Annabel.xxx
Good week Annabel. Very interested in your pantry room and how you are setting up the cupboards. More photos of the room please. Sparkie is a wonderful companion for you. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOk, more photos coming! I have made it like Nanas kitchen. It is a whole spare room and I realised with old kitchen cupboards it could look like a vintage kitchen. It gives me so much extra space! Thank you, I will work on some photos!xxx
DeleteYou had a productive week as usual Annabel. I look forward to seeing the before and after of the cottage! The baskets on your cupboard suit it to a tee!
ReplyDeleteI’ve had a busy week. It feels like the hustle or should I say hurtle to the end of the year has begun!
I made my first dozen fruit mince pies and froze them. I only have one 12 hole tray so I will keep making batches until I use up all the fruit mince. Usually this is 4 trays!
Then I thought about how many cakes and pudding I want to make this year and I bought all the ingredients and I have started soaking the fruit for my boiled pudding.
I made a start on Christmas gift shopping too!
I made a double batch of spaghetti sauce and froze half for another day and I added 3 individual portions of meals to the freezer (hubby takes these to work on afternoon shift but I’ve been slack at keeping them stocked)
I’ve been baking sourdough regularly and we like it so much better than my normal bread loaves.
But my week has ended with a thud, I caught a mild cold. It hasn’t stopped me, just slowed me down a bit ☹️
From Cheryl 🪺
Dear Cheryl, I cant tell it its hustle or hurtle either! Probably both! Great work on the fruit pies! Your spaghetti sauce meals are great. You got way ahead. And you are ahead of me I think by about a week... I think I'll start soaking fruit next week. Seriously a loaf of sour dough tied up nicely is a good gift in itself!
DeleteI hope your cold has cleared now. With love Annabel.xxx
I so enjoy your posts each week.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!xxx
DeleteDear Annabel, I hope your leg is getting better. You have been in my prayers. Life does seem to go even quicker at this time of year and I too am trying to stop and appreciate every bit of it. I love seeing Tom with his tools. And Sparkie is so cute! She’s a little sweetie. What great finds with the children’s clothing at the op shops. I love the mangoes! They are my favourite fruit and it’s one of the many reasons as to why I love this time of year. I really love your pantry room. I am going to buy some pantry goods as part of presents this year. People might think they are boring, but I know it will be used. Lots of love, Bridget
ReplyDeleteThank you for your posts, Annabel, you give out so much love and joy
Dear Bridge, I think many things are now luxuries on the shopping list... things people like but now dont tend to buy because the budget is tight. These things are great gifts! Yes my leg has improved a lot. Thank you for your prayers! I am benefitting! With much love Annabel.xxx
DeleteHi Annabel
ReplyDeleteYou've had a good week aided by your little helper. Your food looks delicious. I hope your leg is continuing to improve. I like the look of your storage cupboard and the baskets.
Over the last fortnight-
My batch cook was sausage rolls for the freezer. I made two recipes substituting sausage meat or pork mince for beef mince which is getting very expensive. We used carrots, kale, tomatoes ,leeks and cooking apples from the garden. I made medlar jelly, enough jars to give some away too. We have more medlars but I'm not going to make more jelly because of the cost of sugar. I picked up all the windfall apples and might make some jelly with those for something different.
One of our daughters is a farm vet and she used her cattle clippers to shave some of the crazy curls off our springer spaniel. This was a saving and will also save time as I won't have to comb out all the burrs from his hair.
A friend passed on two big boxes of Duplo and Playmobil for our granddaughter. I gave her a small thank you of medlar jelly and fresh walnuts. I also gave a friend a cake.
I found some lovely wooden toy skittles in a charity shop, the skittles are Beatrix Potter characters. I've stored them away for when our granddaughter is bigger.
We were able to go to a wholesale nursery and bought some large shrubs for half price. My husband researched the best price for a climbing rose to help cover our new fence.
We had two metal water tanks in a corner of the garden, full of leaves and water etc. My husband emptied them and moved them beside our back door and I will plant them up. He has drilled a couple of drainage holes in the bottoms.
I redeemed some points from my consumer research panel rewards and bought several books and 2026 calendars for Christmas presents. One of the books was half price on a promotion.
We are eating lots of fruit and veg from the freezer, stored onions, shallots, garlic and squash.
Laura - I'm sure all of us are thinking of you. The UK was asked by Belgium last week to send RAF personnel with specialist drone tracking equipment to support them. Russia is believed to be behind the drones, which won't surprise anyone.
Best wishes to all Bluebirds around the world.
Penny in the UK
Dear Penny,
DeleteThank you! I think maybe sausage rolls have to be on my plan next week. Good idea! They freeze soo well too!
Lovely that you made the jelly. Now you had me thinking... the excess... I wonder if you could trade them or even if they are good for chickens? It's very handy your daughter could do the dog clipping.
The skittles sound beautiful. A good find! The tanks will make wonderful raised beds! This is where I have the best success!
The presents from the point are a great way to build your gift cupboard.
Thank you for your note to Laura. They are under a lot of pressure there. With much love Annabel.xxx
Hello Annabel (and everyone),
ReplyDeleteYour plants and cooking look so good! Tom has an amazing work ethic, and he is adorable to boot.
My new-this-year front yard plantings (two quickfire hydrangeas, three rosebushes, a handful of salvias) did not do well, although they did survive. We had a few warm days over the weekend and I dug them up and moved them to my back garden & gave them a good drink & some fertilizer. I did some baking, knitting, and started cutting out squares to try a little patchwork! Saturday brought an outing with my dad (Tchaikovsky & Berlioz). There is still some veterinary "excitement" going on, so visits back and forth this past week, but I am hopeful.
I hope everyone has a wonderful week!
<3
Kathy
Dear Kathy, Your Dad must just love your outings. Also it is nice eve just to have the chance to get dressed up, it is special. I hope everything has improved on the animal front! With much love Annabel.xxx
DeleteHello, Annabel and Bluebirds. We were out of town this past week so not much was done to feather our nest. I did buy some pecans from the farm in Alabama while we were there. I bought a couple packages for Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers. We came home with leftover food from the wedding we attended. We had brought our refrigerator/cooler so everything stayed cold and safe. We brought home 3 quarts of pulled pork, 3 quart bags of chicken tenders and a dozen rolls. I froze them all for the future. That is all I could do towards feathering this past week. Blessings to my Bluebird friends from southwest Virginia
ReplyDeleteDear Marley, I am a big fan of making the most of leftovers and not wasting them. You came home with wonderful things. Pecans sounds beautiful too! Even though you were out of town all of this was a lot for your pantry and freezer! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteThe photos tell of many blessings!! And so good that your leg really seems to heal now, Annabel.🙏 The food looks yummy as always! I took some rest after two busy/exhausting weeks and tried to sleep a bit longer and warm the couch a bit more (even while sitting you can do lots 😊). The days get shorter here in the northern hemisph. and it's usually cloudy; we turn on lights at around 4:30 pm. I put on a bright yellow cardigan to light the room. Every bit counts :-). Also some greenery like bulbs is welcome esp in this time of year. Best wishes to you and the other Bluebirds. Prayers, Esther🌷
ReplyDelete