Feather Your Nest Friday, 2nd January, 2026.
I just had to type 2026 for the first time! I bet I mess that up for a month or more!
Chloe has 26 days to baby day. But who's counting!?
The lovely days after Christmas and up to New Year have been so appreciated. I feel I am still enjoying this time a little longer yet. Reviewing is done, most of my planning... but I am still thinking. I had a trip to the shops and for the first time in my life there was not one good after Christmas bargain and not one turkey. Last year I managed to get three turkeys on a deal and they were so good in winter!
I have come to the conclusion that "normal" isn't what it once was. I've been thinking about this. I won't say much now... it will become a post of its own. But I feel that since 2020 normal never came back. Australia is different. Probably the world is different. But anyway... I went to town and found no good deals. Instead I gathered necessities and a few nice items for the week ahead.
When I arrived home... two guys that were coming to stay in the cabin arrived. They carried up a huge box of fruit and veggies and a giant bag of potatoes. Then a box of cherries! It was amazing! All beautiful. We sat down and had a chat. My zero luck in town had turned into great abundance... but through unconventional means. This is what we talked about. These guys are just longing to move to the country but in the meantime I am their country home. We help each other. And that is where I think more success will be found... a community that shares resources and works together. Things have changed.
So now I have a box of cherries...
Everything was super sized. A huge watermelon. This went over to Chloe's family. A giant cabbage. Rockmelon. There were red onions, strawberries, peaches, nectarines and plums.
The pumpkin I am storing and hoping it lasts until Autumn.
We had a little NYE party at Chloe and Luke's. At 6pm we pretended it was midnight and did the countdown and had sparklers. 😊 The kids thought it was great and we all shouted "Happy New Year."
We had a BBQ and it was lovely. I think I will stick to 6 pm midnights going forward...
Today Tom came over. The weather is warming up so we did more inside than outside. We made honey crackles.
How is it Friday again already! I feel like I said that nearly every week last year! I promise to stop saying that this year LOL
ReplyDeleteBut it’s just so true!!
I’ve had produce coming in from the garden thick and fast and it’s a real job to stay on top of it.
Two enormous pumpkins came up on their own from the compost pile, I harvested them and turned it all into pumpkin soup which has been pressure canned and is now sitting on my shelf.
I harvested 4 kg of beetroot from my garden and it is all pickled in jars on the shelf too.
I’m harvesting green beans, dragon fruit and rainbow chard, and just when I thought I had caught up a friend just gave me a big bag of white peaches! So I am abundantly blessed with produce at the moment.
There’s definitely a shift Annabel, one might even call it a pivot 😏 I’m constantly pondering deep and difficult things and it is draining at times. But I am concluding we can’t control what happens in the world we can only control what happens inside the four walls that surround us. That is where I need to focus my attention 🪺
Cheryl xxx
Dear Cheryl, It is wonderful you have so much produce coming in and you are keeping up with it! That is a great beetroot harvest!
DeleteWell...it turns out pivot...and my thoughts of things are not the same and we are going to need to do different things equal pretty much the same thing... and so many have come out and said they feel the same... so you nailed it!
And I agree... we have to concentrate on what we can do and what we can control. And do a very thorough job of it too!
I hope you still have produce coming in... we are about to get hit with some real heat. I will need to cover my cucumbers! Have a good new week! With love Annabel.xxx
Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a very happy new year too!xxx
DeleteHi Annabel
ReplyDeleteCherries! One of the best presents you could receive.
What bounty you received, lots to prep and preserve.
A pity there weren't any good deals on turkeys. I noticed in a supermarket that joints of meat had security tags on them. This is our new world.
The year is off to a good start.
I used up a big butternut squash that was about to go over to make soup. I used stored cooking apples and our frozen raspberries to make a big batch of sugar free muffins, they are in the freezer for our granddaughter and my husband. I'm trying to lose weight but if I get crazy for cake I could have one without too much damage.
I baked a cherry and sultana cake as it's my turn to provide cake at sewing group tomorrow. I will try to resist!
I kicked off my declutter with an easy win, a big noticeboard beside the landline phone. It was cluttered with old business cards, telephone numbers and other info we no longer need etc. Nearly everything has been removed and there's now room for a nice calendar we were gifted and I will redo the list of essential phone numbers.
We needed a hostess gift on New Years Day. I had bought two inexpensive bunches of supermarket flowers, took them apart and remade them into one bouquet with some greenery from the garden. I looked on YouTube for how to wrap flowers like a florist and used pretty tissue paper, then a layer of sparkled cellophane and finished with a sparkly ribbon tied round them, all from my stash.
I thought of you and your beautiful presentation of gifts (and the lovely Mimi who sadly is no longer with us).
I was pleased with the effect.
Your early evening New Year made me smile, what a great idea!
Best wishes to all Bluebirds
Penny in the UK
Dear Penny, We have the security tags on meat too! I was given the beef... and so I decided ok I am very lucky with meat and in winter I will do roast chickens. Life without cake... mmm this is a problem for me too!
DeleteWell done on the flowers and I love the idea! I bet they looked wonderful! Maybe I will see tomorrow in the Tuesday club!
Yes midnight is whatever time we decide it is lol! With love Annabel.xxx
Hi Annabel
ReplyDeleteCherries! One of the best presents you could receive.
What bounty you received, lots to prep and preserve.
A pity there weren't any good deals on turkeys. I noticed in a supermarket that joints of meat had security tags on them. This is our new world.
The year is off to a good start.
I used up a big butternut squash that was about to go over to make soup. I used stored cooking apples and our frozen raspberries to make a big batch of sugar free muffins, they are in the freezer for our granddaughter and my husband. I'm trying to lose weight but if I get crazy for cake I could have one without too much damage.
I baked a cherry and sultana cake as it's my turn to provide cake at sewing group tomorrow. I will try to resist!
I kicked off my declutter with an easy win, a big noticeboard beside the landline phone. It was cluttered with old business cards, telephone numbers and other info we no longer need etc. Nearly everything has been removed and there's now room for a nice calendar we were gifted and I will redo the list of essential phone numbers.
We needed a hostess gift on New Years Day. I had bought two inexpensive bunches of supermarket flowers, took them apart and remade them into one bouquet with some greenery from the garden. I looked on YouTube for how to wrap flowers like a florist and used pretty tissue paper, then a layer of sparkled cellophane and finished with a sparkly ribbon tied round them, all from my stash.
I thought of you and your beautiful presentation of gifts (and the lovely Mimi who sadly is no longer with us).
I was pleased with the effect.
Your early evening New Year made me smile, what a great idea!
Best wishes to all Bluebirds
Penny in the UK
What planner did you settle on?
ReplyDeleteStacy I will show it this Friday. In the end I went to Etsy and got a Catholic planner... and its absolutely divine. Other years Ive had Erin Condren and Happy Planners and so on... but nothing seemed right. But this is perfect! xxx
DeleteHappy New Year to you and your family
ReplyDeleteThank you Belinda and the same to you!xxx
DeleteHappy new year Annabel! I love the 6pm midnight, I also gave up on actual midnight quite a while ago lol. Your boxes of goodies are amazing, I would be straight into those mangos!
ReplyDeleteWe had a lovely Christmas with just our own family, a really nice and relaxed day. We’ve been catching up with family and friends throughout the week since. I much prefer that to a rushed Christmas Day.
We’ve taken a couple of big boxes of books, clothing etc to the op shop and already have another filled. It’s definitely for my own sanity, but I also know that my children much prefer neat and tidy spaces. As soon as their rooms are cleared they want to play in them. The goal is to have every space ordered enough that it can be brought back together within 5 minutes.
I also want to improve my fitness and strength. I’m starting with walking, and will build up to strength activities.
I started a crochet baby blanket which will make a dent in my supplies. I’m very conscious of this now, I have so many things I want to make with what I already have. But I see pretty yarn at a good price and I add to the stash. I often feel guilty afterwards, so I’m making a real effort to use what I have. I have a big box dedicated to yarn only, a smaller one for fabric, and a small one for cross stitch. They need to be the limit. I need a new supply of washcloths, so I’ll work on them as well.
I haven’t quite figured out my financial goals for the year, I want them to be a challenge but not unattainable. So I need to do some working out of what a reasonable goal would be.
Like you, I want a calm house that feels lovely to come home to. We will continue to clear out items that don’t contribute to that goal. I’ve learned that I love space, I don’t feel the need to fill open spaces with furniture. I also hate dusting!
I want to stocktake our freezers and pantry in the next week and am going to use the time before school starts up again to work out what I can do to make the school week enjoyable, not just manageable.
I so enjoy reading about how you plan, take action and the results. I find it very inspiring and a good reminder that we can always be doing things to improve life for those around us.
Have a lovely week
Jen (NZ)
Dear Jen, You sound just like me in school holidays we did the kids rooms and organised and refreshed. It was so good. I FEELS better. It is nice to have a project to work on. This is what I think... yarn is getting more and more expensive... so if I see it... or fabric and it is quality stuff at a crazy price I still get it. But of course we have to be able to store it. But it's like seeing wholesome food at a good price... it's such an opportunity.
DeleteI have a freezer still to do and it's deep. I want to change over to a basket system in there... but this will be a big job!
Enjoy this time and have a great new week! With love Annabel.xxx
I don't comment very often, but do read every post. I will try to comment more often this year. Those cherries look amazing. They are my favorite fruit😊. We have just received snow overnight, so inside for us.
ReplyDeleteI did some cleaning in a spare room the last few days. By the end of winter I will hopefully have two spare rooms cleaned and one turned partially into a sewing room. I really want to get back into sewing. I have a lot of fabric to use, and granddaughters to sew for.
I made a pot of chicken and wild rice soup yesterday. It really hit the spot and tasted wonderful. Will make some foccacia bread today. Also made another batch of Chex mix. Used up the last of the cereals, the pretzels and most everything else that was used in the mix.
I took two dozen empty jars to the basement. Those are the ones used in the last couple of months. I only can tomatoes, tomato sauce, relish, pickles, pickled beets and salsa. Everything else is either frozen or dried.
I agree with you as there were no good deals after Christmas this year for us either. Your boxes of produce look wonderful. I had to look up that a rock melon is what we call cantaloupe. I discovered that my grandchildren love cantaloupe so am planning to plant a big patch this summer. We are in our 70's, so are going to only plant what does well, we really like, and is relatively easy to take care of. I guess I am going to be like you in that I'm going to try and make things easier on both of us. I am hoping to spend more time with my grandchildren including the new one to be born this summer.
Hope all have a great week. Nancy in Eastern Washington
Dear Nancy, Thank you so much for commenting! Your chicken soup and focaccia sound beautiful. It will be lovely to have a sewing room and make your Granddaughters things! I hope to do a good amount of sewing this year too! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteHello, Annabel and bluebirds! Happy New Year from the mountains of southwest Virginia. Annabel, I have enjoyed reading your recent posts. I agree with you on your observations, especially the normal not being normal anymore. I made your honey crackles to share with neighbors. My granddaughter renamed them honey crunchies. Like at your house, here most times not all of the crunchies make it into a baking cup:) It is such a simple, but oh so tasty, treat. I made a batch to give the first graders I read to weekly before school let out for the holidays. A huge success! The fruit you received looks so delicious. God is good! Like you, I did almost no post holiday shopping as the sales were not great. The sales at the grocery store this week were disappointing as well. I did find cans of cream of chicken soup on clearance for .49/can. I bought a few for the pantry. Like many have said I am also thinking about how to simplify things as I age. A couple of years ago I made my garden into container boxes. Now I am thinking about which vegetables I will plant to get the most for my time, cost and energy. My house is pretty well organized although I am sure there are a few things I could give away to keep from having to clean around them. My focus for the moment is to go through last year's receipts and papers and trim them down to just what is needed. I also hope to organize my Bible study time/journal and to memorize a few more verses. I wish all the bluebirds a week full of blessings. Marley in the Mountains
ReplyDeleteDear Marley, I am so glad the honey crackles were a big hit! It amazes me that you also didnt find deals and everyone is saying the same to me... yet we come from so many countries!
DeleteI got my journal organised today and sorted out the papers as you are talking about... this sets us up well! Have a good week! With love Annabel.xxx
I understand your meaning about everything being different. The world is different, my community is different and I am different. I still get deals and work through my challenges. I have a lower grocery budget then I did 5 years ago and that's ok. I have changed what I make at home and what I am willing to do without but every once in a while I think of something and remember I don't buy that anymore.
ReplyDeleteDear Amy, You have had a lot of changes too. Making things from scratch may be one good thing to come out of this and also learning to make new things. Have a wonderful week! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteMuch has changed in these last years. Deals are few and far between. Coupons that matter are non existent. Thrift store finds are fewer. Even garage sales have not netted much. We soldier onward.
ReplyDeleteI love the 6pm new years eve celebration. I will definitely give it a try with my grands.
Happy New Year!
Yes.... thrift stores have less... that is true. My Grandkids loved having sparklers and whistles and all the NYE things. Happy New Year and have a great week!xxx
DeleteDear Annabel, I love your New Year’s Eve party! And I think 6pm is a great new midnight. I’d love to hear about your planner too. I love diaries and planners. I love the one I have, but love looking looking at more! I’m trying to exercise more, I think it’s so good for me as well as mentally. I love how Sparkie plays so much with Tom. So cute. I love the photos of her. Lots of love, Bridget
ReplyDeleteDear Bridge, I am going to show my planner on Friday. I love it and I found it on Etsy... as none of the usual planners really appealed to me this year. I think even just being outside in the garden or at the beach is good for us mentally and for sleep as well. We have to do these things and take a break. Sparkie loves the days my helpers are here and it exhausted when they leave haha!
DeleteHave a lovely week and enjoy the holidays! With love Annabel.xxx
A tired dog is a happy dog. 😄. JoAnn
DeleteI have been waiting and waiting for the crackles to show up on your site again.. Finally found the recipe and plan to make some today. (I couldn't remember the name of them, lol) You are always so nice and busy. If I ever, ever make it to Australia, I would love to stay in your little cabin too! And visit all your animals, etc.
ReplyDeleteWhere did you see the recipe for the Honey Cracker?
DeleteDear Barbara, I hope you enjoy the honey crackles!! (And dear anon if you google the blog and honey crackles it should come up) I do hope you do make it to Australia... although maybe not in summer... it's about to be so hot! Have a great new week! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteHappy New Year Annabel, I read all your postings but don’t write often. I have indeed spent time thinking and planning for 2026, it might be a topsy turvy year so I am setting aside and planning ahead. Thank you for your posts! Your family and animal photos always being a smile ;). Hilogene in Arizona.
ReplyDeleteDear Hilogene, Happy New Year! Setting aside and planning ahead is the way to go! Thank you for your kind comment! Have a great new week! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteHappy New Year Annabel, and thank you for all the time, energy and effort you put into your posts, they are so motivating and encouraging.
ReplyDeleteYou are truly a blessing.
I am going to downsize this year, not in a furry but intentional and a little bit each day. My husband and I are fast approaching 80 and I do not want to leave lots of unneeded "stuff" for our son to clean out some day. It feels so good to give useful things to others and lighten the load so to speak.
I'm joining Jessica's pantry challenge again this year so I'm not planning on purchasing many groceries over the next month or two. Deals are few and far between here also.
We're in the middle of winter in upstate New York but I'm beginning to think of our garden and looking forward to getting some seeds planted. I will plant parsley, celery, and some flower seeds in two or three weeks. We will plant everything we can again this summer, the garden keeps us moving and is wonderful exercise.
I so enjoy the pictures of your grandson Tom and little Sparkie, both put smile on my face.
Like everyone else, I feel the tension in the world but I know God is not surprised and he's in control. Linda
Dear Linda, I love to join Jessicas challenges as well! It is so nice to re home things to someone who needs or loves something. The garden is the best activity... I am really sure that being outside in the fresh air and sunshine, doing all the things in the garden is the healthiest thing and greatest joy! We even sleep better for it! Thanks so much! Love Annabel.xxx
DeleteWhat a wonderful idea for celebrating New Year with young children! I must share your idea with Blossom. :-)
ReplyDeleteThinghs really have changed since 2020 - I think it will always stand out as the year our world changed for the worse. People today tend to say 'before covid' a lot when describing how life used to be. I'm deeply saddened by the vast difference between the life and freedoms my children grew up with, and the life my grandchildren have before them.
But God is still on the throne! If we place our trust in Him, and live according to His ways, we will experience His hand on our life, guiding us in the way we should go. I have no fear of the future because I know Who holds mine in the palm of His hand. Just do the next thing, the right thing, and use the abilities He has given us to care for our families and help others in need. Teach what we know to those who don't know; and look to learn what we ourselves need to know.
God bless you dear Annabel, for encouraging and inspiring us.
Hugs
Jennifer
Dear Jenny, Yes the kids loved it and we counted down! No one was any the wiser we were early!
DeleteYes God is still the boss. The freedoms we have lost and the treatment of the people... they will have to give account.
All of this has made me closer to God and more determined to focus on the home and family and as you say the things we can do. Soldier on!
Have a good week, I am hoping the weather situation has improved. With love Annabel.xxx
Happy New year to you Annabel and all the Bluebirds - your posts are always so inspirational and I love to see Tom hard at work.
ReplyDeleteIt is very cold and we have some more snow coming down here in Toronto - although we have got off easy compared to surrounding areas. It was a busy lead up to Christmas as I work part-time in a church office - but everything got done and I've had a few easy days and an extra day off to relax and get caught up at home.
I am considering moving within the next year or two - my youngest sister would like me to move to an apt. in her complex to be closer to family. I've always resisted because I don't drive (city girl) and didn't want to be reliant on others - but the public transit system has greatly improved with many more options so I'm now thinking more seriously about it. In anticipation I am going to get back to the decluttering - and I already have a box of things to donate, a few items to put into my buildings common area where I can just put up a "help yourself sign" and finally, there are some more bits and pieces that are ust going into the recycling bin. I'm not going to drive myself crazy but want to get to all those neatly stacked bins that I haven't opened in years as I'm sure most of the contents can go.
I am now going to finish putting away all the Christmas decorations and get some food into the fridge. I cooked a big batch of root veg and a small turkey breast this afternoon so that is more meals organized for this week. The fridge and freezer had a good clean out yesterday and I also went through the pantry and moved a few things into the kitchen that need to be used sooner rather than later. Like many of you, I am trying to stay out of the grocery store as much as possible over the next couple of months. i should only need dairy, eggs and a bit of fresh fruit and veg but trying to use up what I have before buying anything new, I have lots of pantry basics and the freezer is full of proteins so unless there is a good deal on something the money will stay in my wallet.
I look forward to following you again over this next year.
I already sent out a beautiful wool coat to my niece - it's too snug on me and it is very long which I find difficult walking in now - she will get good use out of it. I am also going to pack up my crystal glasses for her. She is a good cook and likes to entertain and my tastes and style of entertaining has changed over the years so again, someone else will get good use of things I no longer have a use for.
Dear Margie, Well being nearer family would be good... I am sure your niece would be thrilled with the coat and glassware. I hope it will be a wonderful year for you! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteHi Annabel, your words "And that is where I think more success will be found... a community that shares resources and works together. Things have changed.' really resonated with me. Things sure have changed especially since 2020. Diligence and kindness count for a lot and there is so much need. Do you remember the LETS community exchange programs that used to run in communities? It included services not just produce. Some more of those programs around the country would be good.
ReplyDeleteWe too have had a bit of a cucumber glut! It's nice to be able to share the excess with friends and neighbours. In our home we have been trying to reduce sugar consumption so we have been preparing and eating mango & coconut cream Ice-cream sticks/blocks, and pineapple and coconut cream ice-cream sticks/blocks, and banana soft serve. They are really enjoyable in the hot weather. I hope you and all the bluebirds have a lovely week.
Dear Sherri, I am glad Im not the only one who feels how things have changed and not for the better. It's great to have so many cucumbers! This I think is how we develop trading... just even having one thing to give way as stuff then seems to come back and voila! we are trading! It is hot here today and worse tomorrow so ice cream sounds beautiful to me! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteI can definitely see how things have changed in the grocery store and thrift shop. People are selling their own things on FB marketplace instead of donating them. And our thrift shops have begun selling nice items online to garner more money for them. Such a shame.
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying my planner, and looking forward to seeing yours! I have a bullet journal that I've filled out with pages that suit my style and needs. Weekly and monthly charts are useful for checking off chores and keeping track!
Happy New Year to everyone!
Stacy in Virginia
Tom and Sparkie are so cute together. It's good Sparkie has a playmate to wear her out Lol.
ReplyDeleteAnd oh my all of that produce is gorgeous.
I agree that things have shifted, especially since COVID it's like one step forward and one step back.
We are in a war that isn't completely definable , but definitely going on.
The deals here are harder to find and more people are looking for them the stores in my area are doing a new thing of instead of marking down meat they are cutting less to put out until more is needed. And the price of beef is terrible.
I find it simple enough to change the way I cook though so that the budget is kept along with utilizing my pantry. Turning that room into a pantry was one of the best things we ever did.
I'm so excited for Chloe's new baby! She's so close now.
I'm also excited to find out what the twins are that my nephew and his wife are having. My nephew's wife will be a great mother to twins. She's very organized.
Rick is healing pretty good so far, but it still looks terrible and he still has a few months of weight restrictions as far as lifting.
I don't always get a lot done these days, but this year hopefully will be without incident so that I can go about my business!
XOXO
Vicky