October began with pouring rain. A dream come true for the area kind of rain. 🌧
My loved one who had surgery then complications has been in hospital 10 days now but is expected to be allowed to continue to heal at home from tomorrow!
Last week I realised it looked like a normal week. I still cooked, sewed, gardened, preserved and lots of things. I am much better off if I keep busy and productive. I feel I can help with home cooked meals.
So this week I completed a single bed size blanket for my gift cupboard. I really enjoyed making this.
I did a little sewing and lots of cutting out and going through fabrics and trims to make "sets" to put together.
With certain people in mind I'm on farm, work dogs and chicken themes at the moment!
They are really thick, full of wool.
I also made a ton (37) pasties and they are round because I used the pie maker. (Which is slightly confusing but they taste really good.)
This tray went over to Chloe's. By tray I mean cardboard box. 😊
I made a double batch of honey crackles for the Grandchildren.
And a large quiche that was lunches and dinners.
I have had the freeze drier working hard. And now I've made my first jar of green powder to add to sauces and soups and so on.
This could be finer. But it's ok. I feel like I've joined the big league lol to make green powder!
This consists of parsley, celery, silver beet and broccoli. It needs a shake up but I like the layers!
I can make another jar over the next week. I have spinach, celery, parsley and broccoli leaves.... so I will just keep on going!
My friends went to the city and brought me back two boxes of seedlings. I got them all planted right away. Mostly tomatoes and capsicums. I filled a lot of raised beds! Within a couple of hours of getting them in it began to rain. It rained all night and all the next day. Actually it is still raining. All these seedlings look amazing. The timing was incredible!
This weekend is a long weekend. I have a couple using the cabin and I can''t wait to see them. They always bring me a box of produce and it is always a surprise!
The boys were here yesterday. Tom was just fascinated with giant nuts and bolts and dynabolts and whatever this big ones are? He would really like some. 😊
When I got the lambs I went through my packs of milk powder. One packet was looking old and I did not use that. Another packet was past use by date but looked fine and I used that. Since I have bought a new supply for whatever babies come next. I thought well this is milk, milk has calcium, tomatoes like calcium.... so I stirred it into my tomato beds.
In the orchard the middle pear tree is completely covered in blossoms. Maybe the most ever! I need to get a photo of that.
Today in the thrift store I got pure wool, lovely gingham fabric and a dress for Chloe.
It has been a week of angels. We had Michaelmass which is a feast of Michael, Raphael and Gabriel. I have loved angels all my life and Mum, Nana and Chloe have all seen their angels. Not me. Maybe one day!
Amongst close friends all week angels have been in our contestations. Even today, in the thrift store, a lovely lady was helping me. We were talking and it led me to say I believe in Angels and she looked me straight in the eye and said so do I.
When I first went back to Mass it was not long after Andy's death. There I met our Priest, Father Dev, who assisted me so much. At times I wondered if he was an angel. (Since we know a person can be an angel in disguise.)
After two years Father Dev moved on and was replaced by a new temporary Priest. We were all very sorry for Father Dev to go. Then we got Father Tony.
Father Tony was the complete polar opposite to Father Dev. The first Mass our eyes were all like saucers he was so different! But he was wonderful! In the few months he was here he hugely benefitted my whole family and my friend. He made things happen!
So then his replacement was to arrive this week. I thought there is no way we can top these two Priests. But I resolved we are lucky to HAVE a Priest, to be able to attend Mass and all the other things from our community.
Today we went to Friday Mass at noon and the new Priest was there. I don't actually know his name so far.
Now I will tell you the next bit. On top of Angels being the current subject the Mass began and it was all about Angels. I had a verse planned for tonights post as I think as I go through the week what I am going to say and how to express it. So this verse I was set on.
In the readings my verse was there. And several others. My mouth fell open!
So... I consider myself very blessed. I aim to be an encourager. Everyone seems to have hardship and difficulty right now. I have so many blessings and I appreciate each one! I am grateful everyday.
Like when Andy died I thought I will either stop blogging or just keep typing and say this is what happened this week. This is real, this is the truth and this was my week. I still can't go back and read what I wrote!
This week has also been one of the worst weeks of my life. That is saying something. And we all have these weeks. We sure do.
I just want to be honest. My life looks lovely and as I said I have so many blessings. But also it is not perfect.
"Do the next thing" has kept me going.
The verse I was determined to share that turned up at Mass today is -
"He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armour and protection."
And I will add "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."
The new Priest is wonderful. We are so blessed. Mass was personally written for me. I was nearly in tears.
Now I am tired. I have to wake the dog up each time I want to pick up my crochet. Using what I have I am on a chocolate, cream and green baby boy pram rug.
I have declared tomorrow to be a get back on my feet rest day.
Keep going. Don't be discouraged. Have joy that surpasses all understanding and have hope. Keep at doing little things as you can do them. Take every opportunity to add kindness and goodness. xxx
I am sorry to hear that you have had a very bad week. Keep the faith and enjoy the small pleasures! Barb
ReplyDeleteThank you Barb, I will.xxx
DeleteThankyou for sharing your world. I read every week but rarely post. This week we found out our new grandbaby coming has a severe facial deformity. I feel broken but reading your post reminds me we can go on
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for this baby. Firstly I have so many friends and acquaintances who have terrible problems found with their unborn babies and so far all of them have been born just fine. Second... my Mums cousin is Dr David David the famous craneo facial surgeon. If there is something severe these days something miraculous can be done when needed! I pray the baby is healthy and a big blessing to your family. Please tell me more when you know more. Worry is very sickening and I am a worrier. But miracles happen everyday. Just go ahead with all the normal baby plans.... and reassure the parents. We can do this. xxx
DeleteAnnabel, we have had the most amazing news. Our grandbaby after having additional testing done in the big city 5 hours away from us, they have found that the problem was incorrectly diagnosed. All the worry and concern for has been due to misread reporting. Thank you for your prayers and I continue to hold you in our prayers. Miracles do really happen.
DeleteThis is amazing!! I told you so!! I am absolutely thrilled for you!!!
DeleteAnnabel, what a full and amazing week you have had. Prayers for your loved ones recovery. it is great seeing the boys be so excited to visit and help with things on the farm. Your sewing and crocheting is beautiful, what great gifts you are adding to your gift pantry.
ReplyDeleteWe had a busy week, we drove 5 1/2 hours to purchase a new to us car. I was amazed with the dealership, we walked out with a ton of gifts from them. We drove home the next day. So two days were just spent in the cars pretty much along with dealing with the purchase.
Then I had PT and husband needed to return the old license plates to DMV. Between laundry and putting things away I was tired, though PT also does that to me.
We recreated leftovers for dinners when we were home. We are trying not to waste the smallest bit of food. Last night's dinner was a pizza with leftovers, it turned out delicious, sausage and peppers.
I haven't had time to be creative unfortunately, though now researching fermented foods to make to add to our diet.
Prayers for all bluebirds.
Thank you for your lovely, thoughtful post. They always touch me- with joy, with warmth, beauty, and wisdom.
DeleteToday- the real found me exactly where I am. This week is a difficult one for my family. We lost my dear brother 5 years ago today. He passed away on The Feast of the Guardian Angels, which is today in the Liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church. I was at Michaelmas the morning I found out he was put on a ventilator. It is a beautiful week to remember our heavenly help, and it is also a suffering walk through the memory of a Calvary of sorts.
I am and have been praying for your family in the loss of Andy, and I rejoice in your good days and your beautiful family and friends that surround you.
Your grandson with the archangels- how lovely that you included that.
The little cousins and their understanding of heaven and angels were a comfort to my 6 year old niece who lost her daddy.
Dear Rosanne, Thank you so much. What a busy week you had. I think pizza is one of the most delicious ways to use up this and that. Good idea. I hope you get a quieter week this week! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteSo glad you have a priest for your Parrish . We drive 56 miles round trip to go to church . It is worth it though! Gas is almost $7.00 a gallon here. Some things you can put a price on.
ReplyDeleteA friend of ours went over a cliff in her car and was injured. A man climbed down the hill to her crashed car and comforted her and said” help is on the way.” When the paramedics got there and were putting her on the gurney she said “ where is the man that helped me?”
The Medics said “ you were alone when we found you , no one was here.” She knew God had sent her an Angel to comfort her. Till help arrived.
Thank you for sharing this story! I love first hand accounts and have come across many. My friend was a Nun due to falling over. cliff as a child. She should have died but she was unharmed and she said someone caught me I felt the hands around me.... to her amazed family!
DeleteOur fuel is $10 a gallon and rising! It is an hour each way to Mass to either town can choose from it is about the same distance. So we make this trip and incorporate everything possible like picking up groceries and on Friday Mass I go to the post office and run all kinds of errands and then I dont go to town any other day. But as you say... it is worth it! With much love Annabel.xxx
Hi Annabel
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry things have been difficult for you. I hope your loved one is making good progress and life will improve for you. Thank you for keeping going and letting us come with you. You are helping many others too I promise you.
Sparkie asleep snuggled into the blanket you're trying to make is so sweet. Great news you got lots of seedlings planted.
We have been away for a few days on holiday and took lots of homegrown fruit and veg with us. We took a couple of precooked meals with us and cake/food for easy lunches. I found several books for us and our granddaughter in secondhand bookshops.
My husband dug up all the potatoes,dried them in the sun for a while and then bagged them up in paper potato sacks.
I picked and froze a big batch of tomatoes and we received figs from a neighbour. We gave a young couple lots of potatoes for their family.
I used vouchers for money off butter and eggs.
My husband has cut up several big squares of chicken wire into smaller pieces I can scrunch up and put in vases and containers for flower arrangements. This will keep and be reused for years instead of single use oasis.
I've been very busy with the family and feel I haven't got much done and next weeks going to be the same but I'll get back to feathering the nest when I can.
Best wishes to you and all Bluebirds.
Penny in the UK
Dear Penny, Thank you! Your trip sounds lovely! I love that you took supplies. When we travelled by car to a destination I often took a lasagne as it would thaw out on the trip and then put it in the oven when I got there! One of my favourite memories is my Nana would send us away with jars of her homemade biscuits. This was a beautiful highlight to me. They were stuck together with pink icing. :)
DeleteLovely to find books and share potatoes with a family. Busy with the family is a good thing. That comes first. Penny you work constantly all year on making the most of everything! With much love Annabel.xxx
Dear Annabel,
ReplyDeletePrayers and hugs for you from across the world. One of the kids was baptized at Michaelmas, so it has extra special meaning for us. It is a great comfort in knowing that we are protected by angels, fighting all around us. You are such a wonderful encourager, Annabel, even when things are hard for you. Blessings to you and wishing you a wonderful rest day!
Lots of love, Jen in NS
Dear Jen, That is wonderful news and Michaelmas is such a special time to choose for a baptism!
DeleteYes we have heavenly help. It seems to me there is a spiritual battle going on in the world ... like I used to think it would be cool to have lived in Biblical times ie when Jesus was here but now I am like opps we are living in Biblical times with front row seats I guess. The days of evil being good and good being evil are here. So we have to be strong and build up and fed in our faith. This has been my lesson these last few weeks. With much love Annabel.xxx
Dear Annabel,
ReplyDeleteI have thought of you often this week and hoped things were moving in the right direction. Ten days in hospital is such a long time for everyone to be carrying that level of worry, so I was very relieved to read that your loved one is expected to come home and continue healing there.
“Do the next thing” really stayed with me. You kept cooking, sewing, preserving, gardening and helping where you could, even through such a difficult week. I think that takes far more strength than we sometimes realise when we are simply trying to get through the day.
I also loved the timing of getting all those seedlings planted just before the rain arrived. After everything else, that must have felt like such a little gift.
I hope the coming days bring some rest, steady healing and a little more peace for you all xox
Thanks so much Stephanie. Yes do the nest thing has got me through so many times. Mum and I used to listen to Elizabeth Elliot tapes (haha back in the day) in the car. This one of hers forever stuck. Yes... rain on seedlings works miracles. It's like a super charged start! We got a bit more today too. I got some more seedlings in and a few more I will plant tomorrow... I am trying to fill up every space. Just pumpkins to go. Thank you for you kind words! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteDear Annabel,
ReplyDeleteYou are most definitely an encourager both of the spirit and the practical. Look how many people you affect each and every week. Your family, your friends, your church and community and all of us who are complete strangers who follow your life and your blog because we are encouraged, inspired, uplifted. Your light shines bright from where I am standing, and your hardships…well as you say, it is real life, and still you are able to shine in the dark moments. You might not feel that way or see it like that, but it’s what we see and we feel.
It is quite interesting to me that the topic of angels came up this week. A verse from Hebrews 13:2…Do not forget to entertain strangers for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels ….has been on my mind all week after I randomly met some lovely women who made my day.
You’ve most definitely earned a rest today. Take care.
From Cheryl 🪺
Thank you so much Cheryl for encouraging me. I absolutely love that verse also. Once Mum and I were taking my elderly Nana to get something in an apartment store. Nana had a terrible fear or elevators. But there was no choice. As the elevator door opened a lady stepped up beside Nana and spoke to her and guided her in chatting all the while about how scared she is of elevators too... in Nana went and then we were back out quickly and it was all smooth and the lady disappeared. Mum and I looked at each other and actually said was she an angel? Ive never forgotten it. With much love Annabel.xxx
DeleteDear Annabel, Amazing, I LOVED everything you shared. I am going well but had a minor issue with recovery that led to a bit of a feel sorry for myself day yesterday. After a good nights rest and reading your post I am ready to put my happy face back on. You are a very important person. I have some friends to encourage today which I can do because of you. We also have had a good downpour of rain just when we needed it, I am looking out my window, it’s going to be a great day. I will pray for the baby two comments above too. I hope you get a good rest today. Much love Clare
ReplyDeleteDear Clare, I m really sorry you had an issue... I hope that is all resolved. You have been through A LOT. You are always very positive and soldier one even when you get a curve ball! And we all are understandably going to feel another blow or one too many things to take!! I felt like this when I woke up this morning. But when I get going I am better because I have more blessings than I can count and God can move mountains. I have sunshine and my friend is coming with me to Mass then Mum is coming... after a week of rain! So Im thinking what you are it will be a great day! Love you Clare! Annabel.xxx
DeleteMy dear daddy was an encourager till the day he went to be with the Lord. It is a most important gift! You quoted from my favorite Psalm! I also love “though He slay me, yet will I trust Him!” Wonderful your Loved One will be home soon! I, for one, would love to have your blanket pattern. I have admired it for so long! Sending up prayers for you all… and, as always, Mr. Tom has enchanted me with his hat and suspenders!
ReplyDeleteThank you Matty, your Dad sounds like a wonderful man. This vers you mentioned my daughter also mentioned this week! The pattern is Trellis from Attic 24 which is free flow along patter. Very quick and easy, also free. Yes Tom is very insistent with his hat and braces. For a five year old! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteDear Annabel, you are an inspiration to us all. And I think you could be an Angel in our midst. You have been dealt a very difficult week. You have achieved all those things and kept the home fires burning. Your family member will love getting home and will truly get the chance to rest and recover when they have their own bed, nutritious home cooked meals and home. I’m thinking and praying for your family. Lots of love, Bridget
ReplyDeleteDear Bridge, Thank you. You are very kind. Yes always keep the home fires burning is my motto. And do the next thing. Our own bed and being at home are the best environment for healing I agree. I hope you are having a good week! With love and thanks Annabel.xxx
DeleteOthers have said it more eloquently, Annabel, but I want to thank you for showing up every week with encouragement and insiration. I have learned--through you--to keep my focus on blessings and all the GOOD in my life, sharing that with others. --Elise
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Elise. That is what we have to do. Ive realised even last week could have been much worse. I have some sunshine today and seedlings to plant... so that is.a good day! Thank you for your kind words! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteOh Annabel. Thank you for the Scripture and encouragement. I'm so sorry for your hard week. I'll be praying for an improvement the upcoming week.
ReplyDeleteA friend is moving away and gave me her very good quality couch. Another friend is injured and gave me her long arm sewing machine. We picked both of these items up with my husband and boys doing the carrying. It's bittersweet though. I'll miss my friend and I'm sad for my injured friend. I'm determined to learn how to machine quilt and be a blessing with it wherever I can!
One of the things I love about your blog is that you are an encouragement to me. You try to bless others as you're able each week. It's an awesome example!
Many blessings to you and the Bluebirds!
Stacy in Virginia
Dear Stacy, Wow you had some serious blessings come your way! You tube might be your friend learning to use the machine and machine quilting. How wonderful!! I know you will make the most of it! Thank you for your very kind words. I am so glad you had these gifts this week! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteYou are a wonderful example to us all , even in the bad, sad times.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes from Susan in France
Thank you Susan, you are very kind!xxxx
DeleteAnnabelle, I'm very sorry you have had such a horrible week. I want you to know that you are achieving your goal to be an encouragement to people. Your beautiful blog is always a highlight of my relaxing time. I am so happy you have a wonderful church and priest and friends and family nearby to encourage you when you are struggling. I also love angels and believe they have saved my life more than once.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is on my blessings list. You and your family are always in my prayers.
Elise from Southern California
Dear Elise, Thank you so much! I appreciate that so much. It is probably a good thing that we give credit to our angels more often. Thank you for your encouraging words! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteDear Annabel and Bluebirds,
ReplyDeletePraying for your family member's quick recovery! Also praying for our friend with the new grandbaby to arrive.
Sorry that I am sharing late. My son, Jack is home from the US Navy. Since he is stationed on a nuclear submarine, he has many tales to tell.😀
I was able to do a big bake up. A large loaf of bread, bagels, chocolate chip cookie dough, banana muffins, and homemade mayo for dressing. I also dried 3 cups of apples.
Blessings to you all! Especially Clare and Annabel. Missing you, Laura!
Love, Leslie (OH)
Dear Leslie, Thank you! Well what an incredible job your son has. He must be very brave. You must be very proud. And you must worry too!
DeleteYour bake up sounds beautiful!! I am sure everyone was very happy! Thanks so much, with love Annabel.xxx
ReplyDeleteThis quote is especially relevant to me as a couple of years ago my church had a beautiful statue donated and that is the quote enscribed on it:
A verse from Hebrews 13:2…Do not forget to entertain strangers for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels ….it looks like a homeless man sitting on a bench and carrying a sack of his posessions. When you walk around it you see that the sack actually transforms into his angel wings. We are in downtown Toronto and have a couple of programs to help the homeless and poor so this was deemed to be a very appropriate design.
We are very lucky to have both a Senior and an Associate minister and we are right on the subway line, along with an amazing Music Director, along with a professional choir - so Sunday services are well attended and set me up for the week ahead.
I hope that your family member continues to heal so that your worries will subside a bit and that the granchildren continue to bring you much joy.
Margie from Toronto
Dear Margie, I love that verse and I absolutely sure I have met strangers who are angels. I feel like you. Sunday is nourishment and strength for the week and it often amazes me how I feel like I have turned a new page and strengthened. I love the sound of this statue! Thank you for your kind words! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteAnnabel, I’m so sorry you’ve had such a difficult week. I admire the way you always appreciate your blessings and continue to keep busy and help others.
ReplyDeleteI hope you managed to have a rest over the weekend.
Your pies look beautiful. 37 is a huge haul! At this point I have to assume you have magic fingers or something, you are flying through crochet blankets.
We are one week through the school holidays. I started them with an unbelievable find at the supermarket of meat reduced by 70%. It wasn’t even short-dated. They were beginning a new promotion with larger packs, so getting rid of all the smaller packs. You can probably imagine how my trolley looked!
Following on from that, I’ve committed to a minimal grocery spend during October. Our fridges and freezers are packed, we have a decent pantry, and October is set to be expensive. So a good way to reduce spending is to eat what we have already paid for. It will also help create some room for Christmas.
I found a new crochet washcloth pattern that I love. It’s so quick, I’ve already made 5 for teacher gifts. I want them all sorted before the end of October as well. I went through my Christmas gift list and allocated some gifts from our gift box to people.
My girls and I made homemade marshmallows for the first time and they worked really well! Didn’t last long, but now I have plans for different colours and flavours for Christmas.
I truly hope you have a better week this week, thank you for sharing every week. I look forward to seeing what you’ve been up to, and continue to learn so much from you.
Jen (NZ)
Dear Jen, I have kind of arranged life that from after dinner I crochet and often go quite late until Im ready to go to sleep... it is is often 4 hours or so. Well it has turned out that I can get a heap done in that time. Thats 28 hours a week. Probably my fingers will end up falling off lol.
DeleteNice work on the meat deals!! What a find! Yes we have to take advantage! I have never made marshmallow. I would like to give it a try. I think Chloe has I might ask her. Wash cloths are a very handy gift and getting ahead on Christmas is a good thing. My freezers are full too but this week I am able to distribute some of it because... Christmas I also want room and after Christmas I want room just incase I was to find turkey on a good deal!
Our kids go back to school Monday so I think we are the same as you. With much love Annabel.xxx