Feather your Nest Friday, 16th January, 2026.

A minimal report from me this week, I have been sick.  Grand plans didn't come to very much!  Even though it is summer it's like a really bad cold/flu and has absolutely wiped me out.  

I got to study a beautiful book Chloe gave me. This is a really different preserving book.  I follow this lady on her social media accounts.  Her kitchen is my idea of a dream....  jars of flowers and herbs,  things hanging up to dry and it is just glorious. 

 

She has a lot of freeze drier ideas but also everything else... dehydrating and teas and mixes. 

Before the lurgy hit I made several trays of meatballs and filled every space with chopped onion,  zucchini and little tomatoes.   I ran out of cheese so one will have the cheese added later... this one went into the freezer. 

(This is just baked until everything is beautiful and served over whatever pasta you want.)

Each time I water the garden I walk back inside with handfuls of produce.   I think next week I will do a cherry tomato and feta cheese bake.  A couple of cups of tomatoes a day soon add up.

I have basil that is doing well... and really hope to get a good crop to make multiple batches of Pesto.

At the swap table I found some really nice big jars.  These are wishful thinking for when I am up and running again! 

What I have been able to do is think and plan.  Like laying in bed wondering what if I moved all my kitchen appliances into the pantry,  clearing my kitchen space?

What if I put the old wagon wheel on the veranda as decor?

What if I put all my jars into the pantry room in one place?

And should I finally get rid of the last of the plastics in my kitchen?  I say yes. 

Chloe has 11 days to go with her pregnancy.  I have made a menu plan... lots of cold meat and salads.  And all the kids seem to like croissants with ham and cheese.  I thought to make up a few dozen for quick lunches. I'm writing a list.  This is in the same stack as the to do list, shopping list and events of January.... which still include Mums birthday,  Lucy's birthday and Andy's second anniversary. 

How was your week?  How did you build up your nest?  If you possibly can... do the inventory,  fill the freezer,  add to the pantry and start your 2026 present cupboard! xxx