Feather your Nest Friday, 12th December, 2025.

It has been a big week!  We had both pouring rain and a hot day today! 

I started to give out more foodie gifts and I made my annual Coconut Ice.  As always I had some dried rose buds saved for the packaging.

This made a big lot and it has been just so nice to be able to give little gifts.

Some have been several small gifts together ie a fruit cake and a slice...  or some Nuts and Bolts and a cake.

I had a week of being given things.  Completely unexpected.

I was given the most amazing Christmas present of all time.  It was so big I was confused as I didn't comprehend it.   

The back story is that Mum and Dad started out in cattle with Murray Greys.   They are beautiful and a very docile breed.   They have always been my favourite and I just rarely even see any these days.

I had mentioned this to someone a few years ago, apparently.    Also as you know I made my herd of cattle up from orphans and wild cows from the scrub... had calves and grew a collection from nothing.   I never say no to a calf!   But always I thought one day I would love some Murray Greys.

Anyway...   look what happened.... 

It was pouring with rain and a big truck backed up to my cattle yards.

And down the ramp came six beautiful Murray Grey cows...

They are a GIFT!   As I said at first I didn't understand I was being given them.   When I did understand I said really why!? haha

They are very calm and walked just perfectly from the yards into my front paddock.

They are just beautiful!   I am still pinching myself.

And there is one more thing.   They are pregnant!  

So this pretty much made my week right there.  Just like that I have Murray Greys grazing in the front paddocks! 

Of course Tom had his afternoon here and this time we made two types of fudge.  He is deep into the spirit of giving.   We made Carmel then Milk Chocolate.  I bought red and green smarties and sprinkles.    As you can see it was serious business packing them up.

We were making a list of people to give them to and planning and chatting all while we worked.

We made it when he first arrived,  popped them into the fridge and they set quite quickly.   

I had cute foil trays for packaging and at the end tied them up with a little bit of tinsel.

There was also a pretty plate with fudge to take home for after dinner.   😊

The next day Chloe had a tradesman at her house.   He was up a ladder and she asked him if he would do one small off the actual job favour .. in return for some fudge.   He jumped at it!   She had a giant solar system to hang from the ceiling and he put this up for her.   Don't you love a good deal/trade/bribery!?

My cook up was a large tray and two meals for me...  chicken kebabs, rice and veggies.

Today I had the chance to get a box of apricots for $25.  Here (in South Australia) this is a good deal.  I love apricots!

Also a box of tomatoes (ten kilos) for $10... also a wonderful deal for me.

I picked zucchini, these are a great size! 

Then I was given about six kilos of potatoes!

And I was given (by a local business) a huge ham!   It is just beautiful Australian ham and I am already dreaming up plans for that.

And then I was given a whole bag of beautiful fabrics!   These are going to be the beginning of next years gifts! 

I told you it was a week of being given things.  I feel so blessed and couldn't really believe how things just kept coming! 

This is my pet Minor Bird who eats your lunch.

And Sparkie who wants to play and mess around.

And finally my little tree, twinkling.  

So wasn't that an amazing week!?   I told my friend tonight that she would not believe what I was given for Christmas.  She said a bull.  Well,  wow she was pretty close.  How many people would guess a Christmas present was livestock.   We go back a long way but I'm still impressed! haha!

Tomorrow I need to set my Christmas table.  Currently it is a mess of wrapping etc.  On Sunday I have a Christmas afternoon tea planned.  And then in a week an early Christmas dinner.  So it is time to turn the table into something beautiful... and I will be using what I have.  

Each day of Advent has been special.  It is not hard at all to do something for someone everyday.  I am really taken with how small things make someones day.   We can spread joy and do good by simply deciding to!  Take every opportunity...

How did you build up your nest this week?  xxx