Feather your Nest Friday, 9th October, 2026.

I was keen to start a fresh new week after the last few.   It started well too with a couple in the cabin bringing me an enormous amount of beautiful produce.

As you can see it is lovely!





I began with washing it all up and making a plan.   And sharing some too.






On  Monday the first thing I cooked was the cauliflower.   I made this family meal for Chloe's family  and two meals for myself.   Very basic but everyone loves it and eats up all their veggies. 





The next thing I worked on was using up ham that I had on hand to make a heap of ham and cheese croissants, to freeze.  I made two dozen.







Then the next was to use up lemons that were fading fast so I made Lemon Butter.  I shared some and I am going to make some deserts (coming up) with the rest.








Then... I freeze dried another load of Parsley.






I had big ideas on sewing and I am up to 14 pot holders but actually only got a couple finished.  Two more are cut out.








I started a new pram blanket in chocolate, cream and green.   But I got stuck as only certain creams looked right.  White was no good, greyish cream looked awful... latte kind of cream looked good.   So when I ran out I stopped and started another until I can come back...







There are plenty of pinks and mauves so I started this.   As soon as I did between the thrift store and my friend I am back in business with the right creams!   Hence I have two pram rugs going.


I also decided to begin card making.  I didn't get very far but you get the idea... farm theme... I have lots of images cut out I need to just get some sitting down time.







I ended up with quite a few big and lovely glass jars for free.






And since I am card making I decided I need to have tins to sort my cards out into categories... ie baby,  female birthday,  male birthday,  child birthday,  blanket cards and so on.   I have some tins I just thought I would watch for a few more.

In the thrift store I found a tin for $5 that I loved.  But inside it were two more!  








The smallest one I will use for gift tags.   This sorting out process will be a next week job. 
I like also to make packs of cards and gift tags as gifts since cards are expensive.   Wrapped up or in a pretty in they are useful to almost anyone.


I had the boys over.   I told them in the car that this week we will be doing lots of work.   They both said that was ok they love work. 😊

I was not kidding.  I had the little wheelbarrow and two buckets full of weeds and silverbeet.  They were not kidding either and off they went.

Tom pushed that  load up to the chickens, Chase fed the chickens pellets and grain and Tom collected the eggs.










This was good as several chickens are laying UNDER the nesting boxes where you have to get on the ground and reach under.    No problems they thought this was great.


With this accomplished I said now let's fill the empty wheel barrow and bucket with compost.    They got there before me and filled up.






I ended up with compost for the veggie garden and some for the next project that we went on to.






We took  a break and had a drink and a snack.... then we were on to a Christmas project.    Chase was happy to play with water and pebbles.







Tom being older understood the project and we potted up little succulents to grow a bit more before giving them at Christmas.







These succulents we potted up ages ago with this in mind.  I also got the pots for free at the swap table.







With certain people in mind there were colour schemes.     These are what Tom completed.... they are staying here "in hiding" until Christmas week.   I think they are adorable and each one was made with great care!






After last week wonderful rain today rain has returned.   My crop  of broccoli seeds that came up are broccolini.  Tomorrow I am going to begin to pick bunches.







I planted more seedlings and a friend gave me more than a dozen tomato seedlings to add.  Very happy with that.







One of my pear trees is so covered in blossoms,  beyond any other year I think! 







This afternoon Tom showed me how his hand writing is going.   I think pretty beautiful for five years old. 😊







I bought the boys Australian farm story readers for early reading levels.   I had asked Tom how his reading was going and he told me he thought he got worse!   I asked how do you get worse?  lol.   But he got off to a pretty good start with farm readers I thought.


So it is just as well that I got so much done early in the week.   I directed my anxiety into production.  (I forgot to mention I made a pork roast and cut up a lot of veggies from the veggie box to go with it...)
On Wednesday afternoon I was writing when I heard someone was here.   I went to the front door and Tom and Chloe were coming up the front ramp.  I knew instantly something was wrong. 
Tom ran a few steps ahead of Chloe and said "Nana there has been a very bad accident."
I reacted by putting my hands over my head.   Chloe caught up as she was carrying the baby.  She said yes there has been an accident but everyone is ok.

This was somewhat true.  No one was dead.  But my three older Grandchildren who were with their other Grandparents in Adelaide (for some of the school holidays) were in a car accident and all three were injured and taken to hospital in ambulances. 
Mum had got this message just before me and sent Chloe to my place.
I really have no words other than to try not to have a panic attack or vomit. 
Sidney was the most hurt with concussion and a head injury.   They all had shock and more minor injuries.
They all were released from hospital in ten hours or so.

Last week we were talking about angels.  And my constant prayers for their protection.   It is amazing and incredible all of them are ok.  This day could have been much different.  I ended up on my knees saying thank you, thank you, thank you.

I was not very functional really and my poor Mum was beside herself.  

Then I have a mental gap but I know that yesterday I knew I had to go to town today,  go to Mass and it was kind of a re run of last week.  I arrived shattered and shaky.  The Priest and my friends there embraced me,  prayed and were so kind.  I felt wrapped in support.  I know I am being prayed for even now.  

The good news is tonight the children are home. My loved ones surgery is healing very well!   Everyone is now home in their own beds.  It is raining doing the watering for me.  Everyone being in their own beds includes me who is typing laying down.  I will pick which blanket to work on and calm myself.
I decided, driving home, that anxiety and actually freaking out is not a sign of lack of faith.  Jesus wept and lamented and was heartbroken.  He also had a lot of other emotions, clearly, anger, disappointment,  disgust, needing time alone...   When my anxiety turns to panic mostly I get back on track and once again go back to doing the next thing.  I also make hot packs and a cup of tea and go to bed and don't answer the door even.  I have gone between the two methods multi times in one day.

Thank you all for your wonderful friendship and support.  We have kept going together through many things.xxx

Comments

  1. Biggest hugs to you and all your family. The waters will calm soon

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  2. I'm sorry to hear about the accident. I hope everyone mends quickly.

    The picture of Tom with a wheelbarrow full of chard (silverbeet) for the chicken was adorable and made me smile.

    I have been in bed for two weeks with Covid (it's still out there, friends) and a UTI, both at the same time. I had Covid for 4-5 days and the antibiotics for the UTI are finally kicking in. Today I felt up to changing the sheets, which were disgusting. They are soaking in Oxy overnight. I dried the clean sheets outside just before I got sick and they feel wonderful and still smell great!

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  3. Dear Annabel, what a terrible shock. I am thankful to read they are all OK now. Sending you lots of love. Clare

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  4. Annabel, Many prayers for your hole family. May the Lord rest His healing hands on your loved one and your grandchildren. I am so sorry to hear of the accident. Prayers for calmness in God's love for your Mum and yourself.
    You have been surrounded by prayers and love.

    Your weeks accomplishments are many. So happy seeing the boys helping so much and enjoying it. They are going to be wonderful men.

    We had a week of doctor appointments and blood work ups this week. We fit in errands before of after the appointments. It was an exhausting week being non-stop. Our garden wall that was buckling is repaired, watching the men place the 70 pound stones in place like they were lightweight was amazing.
    We also had our driveway sealed before winter arrives here. husband and I went out and cut all the hydrangeas back, 15 of them. We saved all the netting we used over them to keep the deer from eating them.
    We did our first shopping trip at Costco, it took 2 1/2 hours for us to walk through the store, we did take a break and sit in the massaging chairs. We found we can buy more organic products there than most stores in our area.
    We are continuing to prepare for winter here, husband sent the snowblower in for a tune up. He has rearranged the shed and got things ready for the next season.
    I changed linens over or winter and have all the blankets on the furniture in the family room. We are trying to stock the pantry for the winter.
    Prayers for all the bluebirds.

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  5. Oh Annabel!!
    Freaking out is shock and definitely nothing like lack of faith.
    I am so very glad everyone is safely home and recovering.
    Take extra care. You’ve all been through the wringer these last weeks.
    Much love
    Kate xxx

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  6. I’m so sorry about the accident. Very thankful to God for keeping everyone safe. Prayers for you and your family, Annabel. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. You had a productive week and made beautiful things. May God continue to bless you! 🩷 Sue in USA

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  7. Dear Annabel,
    We are all here for you and praying for you. I am very glad everybody is well now but how terryfing these must have been. Angels really do exist!
    PS - The boys are wonderful!

    Sending good thoughts and a big hug from far away, Laura_s_world from Romania

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  8. Aunt Diane from Streator9 October 2026 at 06:48

    This is my driving prayer. If I forget to pray when I fasten my seatbelt, I pray when I hear sirens, or pass a roadside memorial.
    “Dear Lord, Please protect me and those around me. Encourage us to drive carefully and with respect for others, and allow us to arrive at our destinations safely and on time. Also, grant comfort to those who have been impacted by a highway accident. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.”
    Praying for your family this week. Thankful they are safe.

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  9. Dear Annabel,
    Oh, I am so sorry for the accident! Oh, how I wish I could give you a hug. I did start praying for Sidney, Harper, and Scarlett. Thank you, Jesus, that they are home and healing. My prayers are for you all.

    Lord, please be with my friend. Strengthen her as she has had so much trouble. Thank you that she can take her worries "and cast all her cares upon you because you care for her"- 1Peter 5:7. Amen

    Love and prayers,
    Leslie
    Good of Tom and Chase to help you. What good, hard workers they are!

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  10. First off, Thank God your family is OK! And I agree with being scared and emotional - it's normal and not a lack of faith. I also wanted to say that I'm so proud of your smart and handsome grandsons who love being helpers - it will stick with them forever and they learn so much. Hugs to you this week.

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  11. Dear Annabel,

    Firstly, I have to say that we aren't perfected yet, so of course we will feel all the emotions...I find I end up depending MORE on the Lord in those circumstances than ever, and I often wonder if that's part of the plan. Anxiety is one of my biggest "foibles"...I am also a worrier, and for me it's mostly due to any ability to solve or help a situation myself, especially when it concerns those I love! I am so thankful that the kids are okay and back home. Praise to God! And I am so happy to hear your loved one's surgery is healing well.

    You definitely have a wonderful church community. Isn't it amazing how brothers and sisters in Christ can help shoulder a burden? I will definitely continue to keep you and all your family in my prayers. Stay in bed with your hot packs and tea and your crocheting!

    Lots of love,

    Jen in NS

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  12. Praying for your three oldest grandchildren, especially Sidney!

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  13. Thanking the Lord for his care over you and your loved ones. Melanie

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  14. Wow ,you've had quite the week of blessings and challenges ! Life is like that though isn't it,curve balls get thrown at us when we least expect it.Thank The Lord your family was protected ! Those grandsons of yours are so cute and learning how to be responsible and hard workers.All of your grandchildren are beautiful.When I was reading your post it reminded me of Veronica West's post this morning on facebook of a vision The Lord gave her of surrendering the white flag to him because sometimes we just get tired of the battle and we need to give it to him .

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  15. Oh my goodness - what a terrible couple of weeks you have had! So glad that the girls were not even more seriously injured and that everyone is safely home - Guardian Angels indeed. I can only imagine how shaken you must have been getting this news but so glad that your family and church family were there to support you.

    Take care - you deserve an easy week to just look after yourself a bit.

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  16. That is the biggest compost pile I have ever seen.

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  17. What a lot you get accomplished! I love those boys and what helpers they are to you. So sorry about the accident, but also thankful everyone will recover. Our faith helps us through so many of life's suddenlys. And how wonderful your priest was right there to pray for and with you when you needed it! God is good. All the time.

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  18. Annabel, my goodness, what frightening news about your grandchildren being in an accident, thank God literally that they are safe and sound at home now, and your loved one’s surgery also went well. I am so glad you had support from the Priest and people at Mass, and the beauty and comfort of prayer. I pray for peace and safety for you and your family! Much love and prayers, Teresa

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  19. Praying for you and your family, and thanking God with and for you. Praying for rest, renewed hope, and His perfect peace.

    Much love,
    Amy

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  20. Oh Annabelle, I’m so thankful your grandchildren will be okay! What a horrible scare. I’ll be praying for them and their families and for your peace as well. I just marked 5 years cancer free (after my triple negative breast cancer). My oncologist is calling me cured, so that is my blessing. God is good.
    Peggy Savelsberg

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  21. Annabel God Is Good All The Time. Praying for you all. Jean in Canada

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  22. Dear Annabelle, I am so happy to hear that your family are all home, but I can well imagine the horror of that moment. I too cover my family in prayer every single night. And there is nothing wrong with the momentary panic or anxiety that you experienced. It doesn't show a lack of faith at all.

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  23. Dear Annabel, my goodness. What a few awful weeks. I can only imagine your nervous system. I am so happy that everyone is now safe and in their own beds. Take it very slowly. Lots of love and I will be praying. Lots of love, Bridget

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  24. Dear Annabelle, firstly let me say I am so happy that your dear grandchildren and their other grandparents are all safe and well at home.
    Twenty six years ago when both my parents were suffering from cancer I was at Mass one Saturday evening and the homily was on one of my husbands favorite sayings "save us from the needless worry" and the priests message was the things we cannot control we have to place into God's hands, I had a bit of a cry while he was saying this, of course we worry and go into shock mode because we love and might say where are you God that's not a lack of faith.
    I have found myself over the years reminding myself that I can't control everything and have to say well God your in charge it's you're turn now.
    I enjoy your blog so much I reminds me of how industrious I used to be I have a sewing room and lots of fabrics but have lost my umph this past year but i'll have to get cracking again being in my 80's is no excuse. Love to you Annabelle and all your readers. Shirley in Perth W.A.

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  25. Oh Annabel, I’m so sorry the children were involved in a car accident, and so very grateful that they are all home recovering. What a terrible fright that must have been. Sending them and your loved one recovering from surgery best wishes for a speedy recovery.

    I also hope you manage to have a more settled week, your nerves have certainly been tested lately. It’s lovely that you’ve found such strength and support in your church community.

    Our school holidays end today, and we’ve had the most lovely time. We caught up with so many people dear to us. As always, I can think of all the things I didn’t quite get to that I meant to, but when I look at what we did I’m so happy. I’ve made big progress in my handmade Christmas preparation too. The build up to Christmas is always busy with school finishing up for the year, but I’m feeling more prepared than usual, so hopefully I can keep that momentum.

    Best wishes to all of your family, and please continue to allow yourself some self care too xx.

    Jen (NZ)

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  26. Praying for you and your sweet family! What a blessing that everyone is okay.
    Many blessings to you and the Bluebirds.
    Stacy in Virginia

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  27. Annabel, what an awful time you have been having recently. I'm so sorry. It must have been terrifying to hear of the accident and the children's injuries. When I read it was Sidney and the girls their darling faces sprang to my minds eye and I was holding my breath while reading on.Thank God they are all home now and I hope their injuries and shock will heal soon. You are a close and loving family and I know you will all rally round each other. Very upsetting for you and your lovely Mum too. It is a relief that your loved one is recovering from surgery too and making progress.
    Your mind and body will have been under immense strain with all that has happened recently, please grant yourself some grace and take the time to rest and recover.
    All your readers, each in their different ways,will be praying for you and the family.
    Penny in the UK

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  28. Praise God for their safety and being home to recover. May they feel His arms around them as they continue to mend, and as you manage the shock of what happened. Biggest hugs,
    Jennifer
    xxx

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  29. Dear Annabelle, A Rosary coming your way---the Joyful Mysteries today. May Our Lady keep you and your loved ones under Her mantle. Michele Slawson (Joplin, Missouri)

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  30. Annabel, what a week you had. So happy your family is ok. I also believe in angels. Sometimes I think my guardian angel works overtime. Your grandsons are just precious. I love their smiles. I feathered my nest by cleaning and inventorying anything relating to maintaining health such as aspirin, cold meds, etc. I bought an extra bottle of rubbing alcohol and a bottle of hydrogen peroxide. I used a coupon to buy 2 packages of bacon for the price of one. I froze one package for later days.As it is now fall here, I have put the garden to bed with the exception of the spinach and kale I planted 2 weeks ago. I have started Christmas shopping. We will not be buying much this year. I hope you and yours have a safe and wonderful week. Marley in the Mountains

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  31. Annabel I am so glad to hear that Sidney, Harper and Charlotte are home safely and I do hope the other grandparents are okay and healing as well. Sending prayer to you and your family that they all heal quickly from their injuries.
    You did so well with all that you accomplished with crocheting the blankets, planting seedlings in your garden, preserving and using ingredients of lovely produce that you got from the cabin visitors and garden and your lovely meal baking for you and your extended family. Those sets of tins is so lovely and would be very old by the looks of them.
    DH and I finished leveling out the unlevel parts of the back yard in preparation for getting our soil delivered to fill up our garden makeover 90cm high garden beds. We also had a chance to deep clean inside and out in quite a few kitchen cupboards too so they are neat, tidy and clean again.
    Blessed that we have finally had 22mm of rain since the start of October and there is more on the way for a few days starting tomorrow. That will go a long way to about 1/4 fill the rainwater tank we are using at the moment.
    Have a great week ahead.

    Lorna.

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  32. Hi Annabel,
    I was late in reading your post, so commenting late as well. What a blessing that your family is safe. I’ll be praying for their physical recovery as well as emotion needs for all of you. What a shock to your system. If you read through Psalms you’ll see all the emotions listed. There’s fear and anger along with the rejoicing and praise. Our Lord became one of us and knows all about it. It’s definitely not a lack of faith to go through all of it. Where you run, and to whom you cry out are the key. God definitely hears us. He’s been hearing me quite a bit lately myself.
    You’re a dear sister in Christ. Mel in Colorado.

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  33. All praise and thanksgiving to God for your grandchildren's (and in-law's) survival and recovery. What a terrifying time for all. May He continue to hold you in the palm of His hand.

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  34. I'm so thankful to hear everyone is ok and doing better so so scary! I'm glad you pointed out about Jesus having the same emotions that we feel. Sometimes I feel like I fail at faith when I get anxious but he knows those feelings and he is there all the time.

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