I have hit Friday night with a lot to tell. More than I can even manage tonight and I have not even finished replying to beautiful comments on last weeks post. But I will!
This week I had two chicks hatch out. This hen was so determined about being broody and after everything she only got two chicks. But that is ok and cute to have.
This week I had a bad thing happen. Actually two things. But you know sometimes when a bad thing happens you learn something or it is a warning... I think this was a warning.
On Wednesday my credit card was hacked. Well, Tuesday actually, I got a text from the bank. But I thought the text might be a scam so I didn't reply to that and rang the bank instead. Yes, it had been hacked. The lady on the phone was very good. The bank had declined the last purchase as it was suspicious. The one before was about $1000 and it wasn't me and that was lost but hopefully will be returned by the bank then the two purchases before that were mine. So we found where it was stolen and that was simple. This can all be fixed and was time consuming but ok. Now I have to change many payments that have failed because the card is cancelled and ring people and explain and apologise.
But then... my email was hacked! I had an email... it started with "I have your password and I have taken over your computer." Indeed my emails were all out of whack and affected. It went on that I must pay a ransom of $700 in bitcoin to get them to leave me alone. Helpfully it explained how I would go about getting bitcoin and transfer it to them. So I basically freaked out. 😭
Later though I went back and read the whole email in a calmer fashion. It said they know I'm into porn and I have three hours to pay or they will release my pornographic photos to the world. Then I realised... if they really could see my photos they would know they are of Grandchildren, chickens, cows and my garden. A sad disappointment as far as ransoms go. So then I figured out the scam is that enough people have photos they want to hide they quickly pay the $700. Nice try. I think I overcame it, I changed my password and things seem to be working again. So far.
But... I learned... now with Ai.... it is going to be a piece of cake for criminals to hack pretty much everything. We need to be vigilant to have paper copies of EVERYTHING important. Our bank statements... investments.... anything that without proof we have nothing. If you lost everything you store in the cloud... would you have copies of your photos? It could all be gone in an instant. Seriously this experience I am thankful for. We need to know. Nothing is safe anymore. Hedge your bets. Do as he Bible says... spread your investments into seven or eight different things as we do not know what may befall our land.
Despite this shake up I had so much goodness come my way.
A big bowl of very ripe tomatoes....
I had two guys in the cabin for two days. They brought me beautiful produce...
Including Olive oil! Liquid gold basically!
And a tray of figs...
I set out a plan, what to use first, what to preserve and what to share. The kids demolished the Mango.
I made a big spaghetti bolognese and then made a Lasagne for a friend....
I delivered a bowl of hot pasta and a bowl of spaghetti sauce to Chloe's family then what was left I made a really large pasta bake.
Another meal I made to deliver was mini Chicken roasts, this tray included carrots and beans. In a separate baking dish I had roast potatoes and sweet potato.
I made a chocolate cake and added sprinkles since my target audience is five and under. 😊
I completed a quilt block. I have ONE to go! So I am very motivated to get the final one sewn. It is all cut out ready. Then... it will be time to sew it all together!! I am excited about that!
I started a blanket for Ike. I am loving it... hopefully next week it will be worth a photo.
The weather hasn't been too bad and we even had a downpour... but overall everyone is over summer and the dryness. The very first Easter Lillies are out! This is the first sign Autumn is on its way. What a welcome and beautiful sight!
Soon there will be clumps of these everywhere! I love them! End of summer here we come!
The kitchen is a bit of a battle field. I want to get celery and cabbage in the freeze drier. The capsicums are going in a beef casserole.... the pumpkin I am saving for Autumn. The Pineapple smells really good so I am going to cut that up and share it.
The huge avocado... I decided I could get two dinners of avocado on toast. I added some sun dried tomatoes.... after a long day this is good. And today was long!
I have much more to report but no photographic evidence because I've run out of steam. But today my friend went with me to town. We had amazing thrift store success. In a thrift store way it wasn't what I was looking for but completely unexpected Annabel treats! 😊 Photos will appear in the club and next week.
Also... a lovely friend made Chloe and family chocolate cakes and Spring Rolls for tomorrow nights dinner. They look absolutely divine and Chloe can't get over her kindness. Truly the time we have been here we now have a beautiful community that help each other.
I have been doing Jennifer's Bible study on Abigail... you can find that here. I love what Abigail did and how she was able to go to her pantry and storage and put together a great load of food to deliver to soldiers. Doing this she averted a disaster. I saw someone ask how on earth did she do that? Well, she was a Proverbs woman! Naturally she had a well stocked pantry! You can see why I love her.
Also I am doing Patsy's study on Naomi which you can find here. This is so enjoyable and good.
And a friend sent me this, given the current world/news etc. I thought it was lovely.
"But you are not in darkness, brothers (or sisters), for that day to surprise you like a thief. You are children of the light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness."
And also... one more.... "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
And that is what we are certainly trying to do. Sometimes it seems impossible but God is a Way Maker. He can make a way where there is none. My Dad lived by this... when there was no way he always said well, we will make a way. The impossible becomes the possible. I have seen this so many times. A dream is not placed in your heart unless there is a way.
Tonight I brought into the house all the foods that needed to be refrigerated or frozen and most of my other groceries, thrift store finds and parcels are still in the car. I simply ran out of day and energy. But it was a good week and Chloe and the baby are doing well.
How did you build up your nest this week? We are here to cheer you on.xxx
What a lovely week you had, and how busy! I marvel at your ability to get so much done, and while occasionally daunted by the work ahead, you just keep taking one step at a time. Thank you for the great photos and the update! Hilogene in Az.
ReplyDeleteThank you Hilogene! Believe me I have plenty of rests and some days not much happens. But it's amazing what does add up. Today we have pouring rain which is amazing. Im hoping summer is almost gone! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteI don't know how many times we have just left things in the car. The chicken feed was there for a week ha ha. Finally we got a break in the snowy weather and brought it in. Life can be exhausting. Sorry you had such a time with those scammers. Glad it's all resolved.
ReplyDeleteDear Vickie, Yes also Ive had things I cant even lift in the car and waited until a farm helper is here. I spent several hours yesterday calling electricity, phone, medical and so on changing credit cards. Oh boy. I hope Im all done now! Have a good week! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteAnnabel I’m so sorry about the scams, and very pleased you realised so quickly. That’s great that the bank picked it up. It so sad to think that these clearly very intelligent people decide that is the best way to use their skills. Banks now have to employ teams of people to try to prevent it. How very sad.
ReplyDeleteApart from that your week sounds lovely and very productive! Having people stay in the cabin is such a win-win, the produce is always so lovely and olive oil this time is amazing.
Our week was quite full, there are lots of school events like meeting the teacher etc. I took a banana cake and brownie to a ‘bring a plate’ event, then made carrot cake, lemon & almond cake and brownie to a morning tea shout. I had bananas, carrots and lemons that were staring to look a bit sad but they were the stars of the baking!
Throughout the school holidays I was using up any odds and ends from the freezer and pantry, and have started restocking with meats suitable for the slow cooker. That thing is a lifesaver once school is up and running. I cleaned my pantry and it is looking so much better. I rearranged a few cupboards in the kitchen which meant I could get all non-food items into other spaces and have more room for food storage.
I’ve potted up some plant cuttings I was given and they seem to be doing well. I’m absolutely with you in terms of Autumn arriving, and we haven’t even had a very hot Summer. I just love the colder months, so any signs are welcome.
I hope you have a relaxing weekend going through your new treasures!
Jen (NZ)
Dear Jen, I think your cakes would have been a huge hit. In my mind both butter and olive oil are like gold. Decanting this oil into bottles is on my list today. It is really good having the pantry for just food. Until I did that I felt I had more food than I actually did. But it was heaps of other stuff. This helped me get a better stocked pantry.
DeleteI hope you find some deals on meat. Having freezer room is key for when you do! Have a good week! With love Annabel.xxx
Thanks for sharing the good and the bad. Your quilt will be so pretty. I like your dad's saying about a dream being placed in your heart. What a blessing to receive all that food. Cloe is so lucky to receive your meals and the neighbors. I will have to look up the Bible Studies. I am trying to grow some tomatoes under gro lights to put in the courtyard when it is warm enough. I hope to have my hubby wash my hair today. He is so good helping me because I have CFS. I am blessed to have him. Happy Valentine's Day to you and all the Bluebirds tomorrow. Thank you for another Friday letter............Nancy
ReplyDeleteDear Nancy, Your courtyard is such a nice garden area for you. Thank you or all your encouragement! Have a lovely week! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteI haven't accomplished too much on my own but it has been a great and wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteOn Monday, I found a diamond cluster ring (gift from late husband) that had been missing since September. I knew it was in my car...but despite numerous searches, I never found it. Monday, as I was replacing items in the console, I caught a glimmer from a plastic zip-loc bag I use for keeping a few medications in the car. (Ever had diarrhea on a road trip?). Lost is found!
My 49-y-o daughter is developmentally disabled. She lived in a Certified Family Home for 7 years but came home 22 months ago due to a mental health crisis. Her service provider has been looking for another placement for about a year and SERIOUSLY looking since last June. A month ago I started looking on my own and cast a wide net. I mentioned this to EVERYONE I knew who is involved with the DD community. Tuesday, the family she lived with before, told me they would welcome her back for at least two years (until they retire) if she would like to come. Their offer was more perfect than I ever could have dreamed. They had been approached by 3 different people I'd contacted asking if they knew of anyone!
A third wonderful thing happened Wednesday that has slipped my mind at the moment, but you get the idea. I am going to be 80 (going on 18) next Tuesday and I felt quite desperate about being alone with her in an emergency without any backup. I am going to miss her, but I am absolutely elated! BIG answer to prayer.
The one thing I've done this week is really watch my car usage. I don't want to drive much anymore and the saving in gas will be a nice bonus.
Best wishes to all of the Bluebirds. Annabel, I had fraud on my CC about a week ago. I'm glad yours was resolved! As for the porn, well............
I thought of the third thing! Annabel, you are partly responsible for this!
DeleteWhen you did your preparedness series a couple of years ago, we were inspired to buy a generator. We knew it wasn't properly vented to the outdoors but figured we wouldn't die if we opened enough doors to the garage. Fortunately, we never had to find out!
This winter I decided to have it vented. It was done Thursday and cost $1,722 USD. I was expecting it to be a little over $2,000, so this made me happy...although just getting it done was the big thing. Although it's a portable unit, the electrician told me it's powerful enough to service the whole house. Because it's portable, it's not the kind that automatically switches on when the power goes out, but I only have to switch it on and off.
So...that's my third thing. I told you it was a good week! Thanks again for those preparedness posts,
Whew! I'm bone tired after reading about your week! What a stressful week it was, too, even though there were so many good things, too. You have definitely given sage advice. Our power utility was hacked last March, and most of their customers' info was stolen, including ours...it seems virtually impossible to avoid this kind of snafu, so taking steps where we actually can is very necessary.
ReplyDeleteI just want to mention that I am much older than 5, but I still pick the cakes and doughnuts that have sprinkles...Haha!!!
This week we put together a big wardrobe cabinet at long last that goes into the "parlour" that I have been working on painting/renovating for almost a year, now, and I was able to get all my fabric and yarn and most of my craft supplies all sorted and packed up into tubs and tucked away out of sight in my nice, new cabinet. This is such a relief to get done after all this time, and the room is looking so nice. The room isn't done, yet, but we're on the home stretch, and I am loving it. This has been my big project for this week.
And I just want to say that the photo of the hen and chick is AMAZING. Love it.
xxx Jen in NS
Dear Jen, Thank you.... wow this is scary as hacking a power grid... things could go downhill very fast. I heard of a water facility being hacked too. We are going to have to re think a few things. The cabinet sounds great! Organised craft supplies is a process where you find things and get ideas as you go! This room will be just lovely for you! With much love Annabel.xxx
DeleteOh, my sweet goodness. How scary. That was so eventful for you I am so sure. I am thankful it is worked out now. Goodness.
ReplyDeleteWow, at the produce and oil!! That LILLY!!!! How absolutely beautiful.
I had the tummy (stomach) sickness this past week. I really truly rested and puttered around the home. I will say I said no to making purchases that were not a necessity. I chose to declutter a cabinet and be wise and thoughtful about what we use and don't and made a donation. I made lists and stuck to those lists as far as things I needed to do. I did a little fluffing of the home this week to prepare for the weekend. I hope you have a great week ahead.
Dear Chrissy, I hope you are fully better now. You still achieved things! Have a lovely new week! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteOh wow! What a week! I’m sorry about your credit card issue and luckily your bank was able to suspend any further transactions. It’s just a pain to sort out new card details. I had the same issue a couple of weeks ago and I’m still waiting on the bank to refund the fraudulent claims. It’s definitely a lesson for me to be more vigilant. I’m sorry about your email hacks too! It never rains but pours! Your meals look amazing and I love the cake with sprinkles! I can’t wait to see your gorgeous quilt finished and hope we get a peek at the new blanket for Ike xox
ReplyDeleteThanks Stephanie... this is the new norm it seems. When I was a kid Nana baked for us a lot. I always loved the sprinkles. Maybe we dont outgrow them.. like fairy bread! Yes I am going to be able to show blanket progress I think. It's a fairly big project I will make it single bed size. Im enjoying it though! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteAnnabel what a week you have had and lessons learned. The hack was terrible, we have had credit cards hacked numerous times. My husband has alerts sent to his phone now every time the cards are used.
ReplyDeleteI have been sort of absent for a bit with surgery and recovery and now my husband's travel season has resumed.
With travel I was able to go to one thrift store and while diving to another location my husband took me to 2 more. I was blessed finding some canning jars, a cookbook to place your favorite recipes in and warm winter clothing.
I was able to bring a few things home from hotels to add to my pantry and some apples to make something with.
With time in hotel rooms I was able to get 5 dishcloths crocheted, which made me feel good to be able to do it.
Dear Rosanne, I am glad you are out and about again. And finding good things at the thrift store! Crochet is perfect to take with you. I love projects when travelling you can get so much done!! With much love Annabel.xxx
DeleteCongratulations, on the new chicks, Annabel! So much new life in your family.... little Ike, and now chicks. Your fruit and vegetable haul is grand. Love those hunters.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your recent trouble. Thank God that the bank is able to watch out for you. Thank you for sharing your ordeal. I will take your warning. My eldest daughter is struggling to get health insurance for fear of scams.
Our home has been battling colds and allergic reactions to meds. Thank the Lord everyone is on the mend. Our family is celebrating Valentine's Day with warmer weather. All our snow has melted and we awoke to birdsong this morning!!! I saw many robins too. Of course, we are getting outside. I get to clean my chicken house and move my handsome rooster out of the garage. Poor guy got a bit of frost bite during our cold snap.
I have been baking cinnamon raisin swirl bread and it is a hit! The raisins were given to me, so it has been a low cost recipe. I crocheted some scrubbies to slip in a gift basket of towels from the Dollartree as a birthday gift. So that is how I kept costs down and feathered my nest.
Love to all,
Leslie (OH)
Dear Leslie, Spring is on its way! I hope everyone is well now. The cinnamon swirl bread sounds beautiful! I can just smell that! I love to crochet scrubbies. They are so useful and pretty too. Yes my trading for the cabin has been a big success. It is always a surprise too! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteI decided to continue the Pantry/Freezer challenge through this month and avoided the grocery store for the past 10 days. I have a couple of basics though that are OUT, not my intention but I usually restock with a routine sale. This time the cycle didn't run! I don't know if this means they are a thing of the past or they will ultimately space them further apart. We'll see.
ReplyDeleteI made a big stock pot of spaghetti sauce and put 5 quarts into the freezer, then I made a smaller pot of chili and put two quarts in the freezer, leaving another for supper one night.
Beyond that it was just normal daily business at home.
I'm terribly sorry about the scams and the problems they caused. I am cautious about going cashless and having too much online activity with finances but am being pushed into I'm sorry to say. More and more are charging for paper statements and have moved due dates up so that I don't dare mail for fear the payment will be late with the shoddy mail service.
Dear Terri, At one time I could count on most things being on half price sale about every six weeks. Now some are never half price... Some make it sound exciting if it's 15% off and Im just not interested. So maybe we will have to get more than we once did if we do see the true good special.
DeleteWe both made spaghetti sauce! There are so many good meals you can get from that.
They are moving us into paperless... and probably cashless. I am going to have to print paper copies of vital things. This is all a case of what could possibly go wrong!?
Have a good week! With love Annabel.xxx
Terri, I wonder if Valentine's weekend, with all of the ads for flowers, steaks and lobster tails, pushed the usual ads off the page?
ReplyDeleteOh no! Scammers are so sneaky! I'm so glad it was resolved early, and that there was plenty of sweet family time to offset the bad. What gorgeous produce and olive oil! That makes me think of a large olive oil soap batch. What fun possibilities!
ReplyDeleteMy week has been blessed! My husband bought me a beautiful set of dishes, I found good summer outfits at the thrift store, and we used our pantry stock well this winter. I love the quilt you're working on! It'll be so lovely!
Best wishes to you and the Bluebirds!
Stacy in Virginia
Dear Stacy, Thank you! I had not even thought of soap! You did have a good week! What a nice gift from your husband! And good thrift store finds! Have a good new week! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteI know I’m late to this post, but this literally just happened to my husband a week ago! Same email, same threats, same ransom. We knew the threats weren’t true for the same reason as you did, but it is very unsettling. Deleted the email account, called one of our sons who is a sheriff and he researched it quickly and was able to verify it was a scam, but suggested changing passwords and getting a new email address. Lots of time was lost with this, but I’m relieved it wasn’t worse.
ReplyDelete