The little birds...

If you watch little birds you will see they are busy and happy! Using whatever they can find they create the most gorgeous little nest.
I would be the little bird with some glittery thread in her nest!
We can be like this. Happily working away with the things that are available to us to create a beautiful and happy home.
All the while with a little song in our heart.

Banner by Free Pretty Things for You.

Monday 30 July 2018

Bluebirds Farmhouse.

I am really sorry I have been missing.  It feels terrible to not even write Feather your Nest Friday.  Soon I will be back to normal!

On Friday afternoon we travelled to the farm to stay with Chloe.  This was so exciting as we were getting to finally see inside the farmhouse that is to be ours and we could do this Saturday morning.
Friday evening Chloe cooked us dinner and the excitement was building!   Her house has a beautiful view of trees and the moon rising.   As we chatted the hugest moon rose in front of us.
It turned out to be the Blood Moon eclipse ...  we could not see the red but it was an incredible HUGE moon and we just stood there watching it.


Many of you would have seen the blood moon that night.  I just thought here we were on the cusp of an exciting new adventure and look at the moon! 


The next morning we headed off to see the house.  Dad had said to me how he hoped I would not be disappointed in it.  As we drove over (it is about five minutes from Chloe's house)  the sun was shining.  The farm looked beautiful and green and lovely.
We took notice of everything and stopped and took photos at the front in the driveway.
The drive way is 800 meters long.  A meter is close enough to a yard in my opinion lol to give you an idea.
This is tree lined and very pretty.



Stepping inside was an anxious moment!  The first room was kind of a mud room come sun room.  It was literally full of light and almost all windows.   I love light!  I love windows!

The view out the windows beyond the garden beds is this...


There are garden beds immediately around the house. They are well laid out but full of weeds until I make them over!

The outlook so pretty.  And each room has huge windows and some rooms have windows on two sides.   They are big wooden framed with thick old fashioned glass. 
I was amazed.  Things I always wanted were there, even things I had forgotten to ask for.
The floors are wooden floorboards and a nice pale colour as if I ordered those.
There are two big fireplaces.

The kitchen!  It has vintage farmhouse cupboards.  They go all the way to the ceiling.  I LOVE them. Someone said I would pull out the old kitchen.  No way!  This is so country, farmhouse and gorgeous and I love them!   Even the stove is vintage farmhouse... and it works like a dream so that is staying too...


It is a St. George Supermatic.  I googled and I can still download the whole manual!  Even spare parts if I need anything.  

Then there is a walk in pantry!  Beautiful wooden shelves with a window at the end.  It is gorgeous. I have always wanted a walk in pantry!  

There are built in cupboards in each room and enough rooms that Andy can have an office and I can have a craft room.

I could just keep going but you get the idea.  It is so wonderful.

Then there are funny and amazing things... for instance in the shed there was a big old bird cage.  A kind of Australiana corrugated iron homemade cage which is probably three times the size of the cage our rescue bird Ricky currently has.  So he too has a farmhouse.

I have always loved and keep chickens.  My Nanna B was like this too. She adored chickens and lemon trees!   And sure enough... out the back of the house is a huge chicken pen.  It even has plumbing!  Plumbing! 



I can't show photos of inside just yet as the people moving out still had things there. I cannot be publishing pictures of other peoples things.   But soon I can show before, during and after photos! 

We had two visits and three if you count also walking around the garden and area.  I knew it is all a miracle and as we drove out of the driveway to go back to Chloe's there was a rainbow over the paddocks.   I asked Andy to stop so I could take a photo as I felt the same as when I saw the full moon... how amazing!   And as I stood there a second rainbow appeared making it a double!


I was just amazed.  You couldn't make this stuff up!   Then my phone rang!  Chloe was saying "Mum, Mum do you see the rainbow!?"

Dad told me he had three goals for this year, his 81st.  One of them was that I would come back to the farm.  So he smashed that one out of the ball park! 

When we got home I rang Dad to tell him how I love it.  He sounded so delighted!  I said the kitchen is beautiful!  I love the stove! He just laughed and sounded happy.

Life has come full circle for me.  When I was in high school my dream was to do up an old cottage on the farm.  I had a friend who lived nearby that was older than me.  She was married with two little girls.  Her name was Linda.  She was a stay at home Mum and knitted,  gardened and I just loved her!  
In school we were meant to choose a career.  I could never admit what I really wanted to do was live in the country and hopefully get married and have babies.  I thought I could craft and garden, be self sufficient and sell things and barter.  Ok there were holes in my plans and small details to overcome like the cottage was falling over!   But this was my dream and plan and Linda would be my neighbour.   
One night Linda had served dinner and was clearing the table.  She fell to the floor dead.  On her 28th birthday.
This pretty much decimated several years for me.  I became sick with glandular fever, missed a term of school,  took time off to help with her crying children... gave up my plan and my cottage...

The last time I saw her I was at her house.  We were looking out the window at a view like the one above.  She had been to the city to her uncles funeral.  She said to me how people make a huge fuss when someone dies but then they are forgotten so quickly. 
This was the last thing we really talked about.  Then weeks later she was gone. 
She had once told me how she just loved the name Lucy but her husband didn't like it so she had two daughters with other names.    This is how I came to name Lucy. 
Many many years later I saw her husband.  I told him how I had named my daughter Lucy for Linda. I said I think of her every day.  And he replied "really,  I never think of her." 
And so her words came back to me.  I often tell her Linda I have not forgotten you!   She had a big impact on me!  

And now here I am... this house would be maybe ten kilometres from that cottage and where Linda lived.  It just took thirty more years for it to happen! 
And this house is amazing with a kitchen I think is a dream.  Now some people would say it is an old kitchen but not me.  I say it is a vintage kitchen and gorgeous!

There are sheds and other buildings there which Andy loves too so he can have his tools and a workshop.  There is even an old shed with a big stone fireplace!


I am so excited and know we have a lot of work to do.  We are getting our city house ready to sell.  Over the next month we will move and sell up here.  
I am working on Bluebirds Farmhouse blog and I will keep The Bluebirds are Nesting going for all the preparedness, slow cooking and homemaking that we all built up there.

I have some replies to catch up on and will post updates and Feather your Nest Fridays at least usually! 
As we missed Friday's post... how have you been building up your home,  saving and getting ahead?  Did you add to your pantry?   

We are not changing direction here.  My blog has always been about being a Proverbs 31 woman.  The importance of homemaking.  Encouragement that there is a bigger picture and your work looking after your children is a high calling.  To make hay while the sun shines and to live fully in the season of life you are currently in.  We can have it all but not all at once!  
Furthermore to be prudent,  watchful, diligent and to live in a provident way.  Pat said this, about provident living...  and she is a great example.  To take every opportunity and everything we are blessed with and make something of it.  When you have a good season fill your pantry as bad seasons also come! 
My country farm house will enable me to have more chickens,  plant fruit trees,  have a pumpkin patch, a big veggie garden.   So we are taking the opportunity!

Have a great new week!  








103 comments:

  1. This all just sounds so wonderful, I can 'hear' the excitement in your writing. The photos are gorgeous, it's so lovely and green this time of year. A walk in pantry with a window! And I feel sad for your friend Linda and her poor children to lose their mum so young.
    Will look forward to the Bluebirds Farmhouse blog xx

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    1. Thanks Amanda! I am working on the blog and over the next few weeks should have heaps of photos! The next couple of months are going to be huge! Boy we have a lot to do! But it is all good and worthwhile! Thanks so much, love Annabel.xxx

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  2. On Annabel, you have come full circle and I am glad you are on the final stretch to your dream. Thank you for sharing with us. I am looking forward to more posts on the progress you are making. Paula

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  3. I am an avid fan and am so excited thinking of all the wonderful posts I have to look forward to this winter! Can't wait to see what you do and all the pics you will post of your vintage gem!

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    1. Dear Sue, Thank you! Thank you for commenting! I will have loads of pics coming. This week we are kind of stuck waiting for the people to have finished moving out. Next week we start work on the house that needs doing... and we will start staying there before we have moved properly. Boy do I have a mess right now! Thank you Sue, love Annabel.xxx

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  4. What an exciting time for you! I can’t wait to see your new adventures as you move into your dream home! Hope it will provide many happy years for you as you tailor it to meet your goals! We’re praying that this will be an uneventful transition that goes smoothly without any glitches!
    This week I finished up the brick walkway I’ve been working on in little bits of time! Here’s a link to the photo of it. https://pin.it/q6rlcopina353b I used about 375 of the 500+ bricks we got free from Freecycle! The cinderblocks in the photo that are against the house were given to us also and will be used in the pizza oven we build !

    My daughters and I have all been using our Instant Pots more and more and two of them decided to make a Pinterest board that we can all access that they labeled “Tried and True Instant Pot recipes”. Every time one of us tries making an IP recipe (of the dozens we have pinned), if our family likes it- we pin it to that board so that the rest of us know that it was a Lewis family winner! I just made one that our daughter in St Louis tried and loved and pinned to the new board! Saves us time and $$ !

    I have been organizing my basement pantry and have made a rule that every time we go down there, we take something from upstairs that belongs there (empty jars, recently canned or purchased pantry goods, etc) and when we come back upstairs we must bring something back up! Right now, I took about 80 quart jars of grape juice I canned in 2001off my shelves to make room for new things, so I bring up about 5 quarts at a time to empty, run through the dishwasher and then return to my ready to use canning jar shelves in the basement. It may sound crazy but I’m down to the last dozen jars of old grape juice and those jars have been put back into service for my diced tomato quart jars from this past week!
    I am helping host a training meeting in October and we will serve light refreshments on a banquet table afterwards. We are using a simple yellow plastic tablecloth for the table but thought a long table runner would “elevate” the look so I looked online and found a free table runner pattern that I liked and went to my fabric and batting stash and found what I wanted. I’ll post a photo when I’m done quilting it, but, at this point, I’m quite pleased with the look of it and it will be available to use for years with no OOP cost at all! My favorite kind of decorating!
    Even though we’ve taken a break from actively marketing products from our business to allow us time for our personal home renos and landscaping/outdoor projects, we still keep receiving orders - 2 more tray orders yesterday, table legs to build today and so our side gig income still keeps coming in steadily! We are grateful! As summer season ends and harvesting winds down, we will ramp up the business! I’ve already found a couple new ideas for prototypes that I’m working on in my spare time this week!

    Life is wonderful, if we just take time to notice all our blessings! I had a Chinese fortune cookie on Saturday that said - “ Prosperity is a way of living and thinking and not just having money or things!” I think that our attitudes and perceptions about our lives and circumstances are vital to our finding joy all around us and having grateful hearts! Jmo.

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    1. Dear Gardenpat,
      I saw your brick path! It is wonderful. You must have muscles on your muscles by now! A pizza over would also be fantastic.
      Thank you for your prayers for a smooth transition! I really appreciate this as it is what we are needing... there is a lot to do.
      What a good idea on the recipes. Chloe and her friends have a fb page they all share easy and great dinner recipes on... it is such a good idea!
      I would've to see your table runner! Also when I go down into the cellar I have a rule I have to bring up four bottles of stored water so that when we move this is not such a big job!
      Now people know about your business and have seen your products they re going to just keep ordering! But I can see you have a lot of projects that need your time and this is all money saving.
      I agree with you... attitude and perception is everything. I am fully aware of it at times i.e. while some would say oh it has an old kitchen and old stove I am saying it has a gorgeous vintage kitchen and stove! We are honestly surrounded by opportunity! You know me, I say make hay while the sun shines! A good days work makes you as happy as anything else. A week of progress is very good too!
      Have a great new week there. With love Annabel.xxx

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  5. Wow, wow and wow! AMAZING! I am so happy for you all, you truly deserve it. Best of luck for a speedy sale and great move. I think we will all forgive a time of spasmodic posts and less replies during this happily busy time. Thankyou for sharing the story about your friend Linda, I will remember her always now too. Today I am drying Rosemary in a tray on our wood heater. Yesterday I was lucky enough to be able to pick loads of little lemons from a tree that has not been watered. I am about to peel them and dry the peel on the heater to make Jes The Pilgrims Lemon Extract and I also want to do a big jar of preserved lemons. Best wishes, Clare

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    1. Dear Clare, Thank you for what you said about Linda! I am really touched by that.
      You have reminded me to write to Jes. I miss her blogging so much! I will check on her.
      Lemons are so useful I love them!
      Thank you for your kind words! With much love, Annabel.xxx

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  6. Annabel, I thought you must have been moving. I was saddened to hear about your friend Linda and was shocked by what her husband said. Presumably he has remarried. I look forward to seeing what your new home looks like and I am sure it will end up looking very pretty :-)

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    1. Dear Nanna Chel, Yes he remarried but still I was horrified by what he said.
      Thank you! I will have lots of photos soon! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  7. I am so happy for you and Andy. When I was in high school people would ask me what I want to be. I always said a Mom. I have never wanted to be anything else. I love doing other things but Mom was the job I wanted most. I am glad your dreams are coming true.

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    1. Dear Making Cents of it All, Thank you! I thought there was something wrong with me that I was expected to have career dreams and I did not. I admire those who work to help and save the lives of others with their medical knowledge and other good things... but in reality most people have jobs that are not glamorous or wonderful careers they are just a job doing something that someone else doesnt want to do so they pay you to do it... truthfully I would much rather be home. It took me a lot of years to admit this and it was Laine who showed me God's callings and why my heart felt this way so strongly! Thanks you for your good wishes! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  8. oh so exciting and I'm in love with that stove! You are so blessed.

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  9. Hi Annabel and firstly I would like to say how excited I am for you and your family. The farmhouse is beautiful and I love rustic and old too as it has character of a bygone era. I know with your decorating skills and both your's and Andy's skills you will make it a beautiful nest for your family and have all the things you need and could dream of while living providently :). Looking forward to the same in under 2 years.

    Here is how we feathered our nest, saved and accomplished last week -

    Our Vicky challenge added up to $2740.56 last week :).

    Here is what we accomplished and how we saved -

    Earnings -
    - Sold in my internet store 350 saved garden capsicum seeds, 100 g of dried thyme and 25 g of dried rosemary with herbs picked and dried from the gardens making $27.92 I banked into our budget.

    Finances -
    - Banked more money into our saving for our home deposit bank account bringing us to 27.03% of the way there.
    - Listed 20 items on eBay using a free listing promotion saving $33 in normal listing fees.

    Purchases -
    - Purchased 24 pairs of leather gardening gloves on eBay (12 pairs for DH and 12 pairs for myself) for under half the price we can get them in our local hardware store saving $109.20. We only use thick leather gloves here to give us some protection from brown snake and Redback spider bites in bushland whilst cutting firewood.
    - As both of our chainsaws needed replacing (after a dire prognosis from the repair shop) and I couldn't justify a $2649 price tag on a named brand we got prices on I bought 2 chainsaws in a Chinese brand knockoff of Stihl called MTM on eBay taking advantage of a 5% discount voucher saving $2289.90. Both chainsaws had equal specifications and power as our Stihl ones did anyway and we have other equipment here in the same brand that have proven to be reliable and long lasting. I also spent a little more buying a spare chainsaw chain for each too.

    Firewood -
    - Cut 1 cubic metre of ironbark hardwood firewood from a friends farm for free as he had pushed over trees 18 months ago saving $200 over buying it locally. A challenge considering both our chainsaws were not co-operating but we got there in the end through determination. During the DH moments in cutting firewood I walked off and collected kindling on the ground a fair distance away (I had 40 acres to choose from) totally oblivious to the frustration directed at me, which in my view is the better part of valor in a marriage sometimes :).

    In the gardens -
    - Picked another huge amount of thyme from the gardens we are currently drying for sale on the internet.
    - While harvesting the thyme I separated off 4 more plants with good root systems on them into bare areas where the others didn't take saving $18 over buying mature plants in the local plant nurseries.
    - Picked 647g of cherry tomatoes & 13 bunches of silver beet from the gardens some we used fresh for meals and the rest we froze or blanched and froze in meal sized portions for the freezer for food storage.

    Other frugal things we did -
    - Saved shower warm up water and dish rinsing water to water the fruit tree pot plants on the back veranda and newly planted vegetable seedlings and used saved grey water from our showers and washing machine to hand water the house paddock lawns with.
    - Cooked all meals and bread from scratch.
    - Only turned on the electric hot water system when the water needed heating and boiled water in our camp kettle for our morning hot chocolates on the slow combustion stove rather than using the electric kettle.

    Hope everyone has had a good week also, trials make us stronger :).

    Sewingcreations15.

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    1. Dear Sewingcreations, Wow your Vicky Challenge was huge!
      thank you for your kind words about the farm!
      Your sales and new free listings are excellent!
      We need leather gloves... if yours arrive and you are very happy with them let me know the seller. We also will have to be sensible with thick gloves for cutting wood, bringing wood in... we will have to be careful for the same reason of snakes and spiders. Since I had those spider bites I am very wary. So I am big on protective gear!
      I adore both thyme and cherry tomatoes. I have thyme plants ready to plant at the farm garden!
      Well done on your good week! I am glad I still got to hear it after my late post! I hope this will be another good week! With love, Annabel.xxx

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    2. Thank you Annabel for your encouragement and most welcome :).

      We have tried out the full grain leather riggers gloves and they do well we paid $4.35 per pair for them with a discount voucher of PENNY5 that is available until beginning of September. The sellers eBay sellers name is hideandchic0413.

      I might add here they are a generous sized glove and I usually take a size medium but found they are still a little big on me.

      I hope this helps and yes we are weary of both spiders and snakes too when we are cutting firewood. We use a welders mask that has a mesh shield you pull down that goes across you eyes to protect you from flying shards of firewood and wear large goggles sunglasses under it too. Usually one person has to hold the log so it comes in handy while the other cuts it.

      Sewingcreations15.

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    3. Thank you!! I am heading to order! xxx

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  10. Hello Dear Annabel,
    Can't wait to see the before & after shots of your new farm house, if the beautiful clean vintage stove is anything to go by the house must be in pretty good shape so I hope there's not too much renovating for yourself & Andy to do. I keep thinking of that old movie "The Egg & I" LOL & imagine you scrubbing & cleaning the place into a beautiful shabby chic farm house. I'm dead certain it won't look like Ma & Pa Kettles ROFL :)

    Love all the universe signs telling you it was the right decision, so happy for you & the family & I hope the move goes smoothly & quickly (I'm sure it will).

    With much love & hugs
    xSusan (Tassie)

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    1. Hi Susan! Thank you so much! Really once empty the house is ready to go. We have a stack of work like getting ready for summer, fire readiness is huge... setting up a garden etc but overall the house is amazing as it is. Of course I will be adding my style and touches. And getting more chickens asap! Thank you! With love Annabel.xxx

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  11. This is all so exciting, and I'm so very happy for you! It's so nice to see that dreams do come true, and I look forward to following your journey. :)

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    1. Thanks so much Stephanie! Yes never give up dreams do come true! xxx

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  12. how exciting for you. It all sounds wonderful> I am looking forward to seeing the before during and after photos. Glad you still remember your friend Linda, I hope her children remember her too even if her husband doesn't think about her. She was lucky to have a friend like you. xxAnn

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    1. Dear Ann, Thank you! I cant wait to post loads of photos as we go along. We will be back there in 9 days... who's counting! lol With love Annabel.xxx

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  13. Hi Annabel. I'm new here, in fact this was my first message from you. You sounded so excited, and I'm so happy for you. I did smile (actually I laughed out loud - for real!) when I read about your pantry. I know it was just a typo, but "Beautiful wooden shelves with a WIDOW at the end" just hit my funny bone. So looking forward to hearing more of this wonderful adventure you're on. Pat (in not-so-sunny Australia)

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    1. Dear Pat, Oh thank you I didnt even notice that typo. I better fix that. Well thank you for commenting! Welcome too! I agree it is not so sunny just now. Today in Adelaide it is blowing a gail also.
      Many thanks! With love Annabel.xxx

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  14. Annabel, I'm so thrilled for you!!! I saw the stove the other day and knew it was going to be a wonderful farmhouse! Gosh that stove is in fantastic shape, how lucky for you. I'm dying to see photos of your new place. You can go in any direction that makes you happy with your new home, change is good!

    We're leaving in 2 weeks to visit the state that we're moving to next year. We'll be checking out areas that we might want to live. Not sure if we'd want to live on the bay or get a few acres, maybe build our own home. I know that the change will be good for my family!!

    So very sorry about your friend Linda. She seemed like such a wonderful person. My heart goes out to her children, so very sad her husband seemed like a real winner. May she rest in peace.

    I don't want to take up too much of your time. I just want you to know that I'm so glad to have found your blog and all the bluebirds. There's so much grief in the world right now and I can find peace with all of you. Have a blessed week, XO Patti Ann

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    1. Dear Patti, Thank you! You must have seen on instagram! I often post early glimpses there!
      Oh this will be a big trip for you! Good luck with checking out what are your best and wisest options. I hope it becomes clear. This is a foundation step for your plans!
      Thank you for your encouraging words. I understand what you are saying. The world has gone mad and even today with my very limited keeping track of things kind of media exposure I saw the maddest maddest things that are pure evil! But I realise now we are wasting our time trying to fit in with the world... and the media has an agenda... when in truth most people are good and decent, wonderful and hard working but we dont hear that. So we are building on lives of goodness and encouragement and I am so glad you find this helpful to you. It blesses my heart to read the blogs I follow like A Working Pantry and others that people are so good! I need this too... With love and thanks, Annabel.xxx

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  15. Now I know why I like reading your blog so very much, I, too am very fond of Proverbs 31. I chose to be a stay at home mom when it was not a very popular thing to do. My children grew up with less monetary things than most because of it, but we managed quite well with what we had and never have been in debt the way most folks choose to live. If we did not have the cash for it we did not buy it till we did. Our frugal ways have served us well.

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    1. Dear Gram, Thank you! Well done! Going agains the popular way is hard. I used to have Proverbs 31 on my fridge so I saw it every day. I must do that again. Now Im older I still look to Laines Letters and also to the older women Bible verses like Titus 2. But Proverbs 31 will always be my absolute favourite! Many thanks Gram for your kind words. With love Annabel.xxx

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  16. All I can think off is how beautiful your new home sounds. I am just wondering would you like to adopt me so I can come to? Have a wonderful week Bluebirders the sun is out here for a change but still bitterly cold. Leanne.

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    1. Dear Leanne, Sure! I could do with some help. Are you good at gardening!?
      Its cold here and blowing a gale today too. Weather warnings. Truthfully I am inside staying warm.
      Thanks so much! With love Annabel.xxx

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  17. That is one beautiful Vintage farmhouse and stove! Beautiful!

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  18. Dear Annabel. You have your dream. Enjoy it all.
    Thank-you for sharing the story about your friend Linda. It is right that loved ones are remembered. They live on in our hearts. Our memories and their stories are so precious. Thank-you. Jo

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    1. Dear Jo, Thank you! I think I was 16 when Linda died. Her little girls were only 4 and 2. It was horrific. I sure do remember her! She would be so happy about this! Thank you Jo, with love Annabelxxx

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  19. I am so happy for you!!!!

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  20. Thrilled! Rejoicing! Praising God for His faithfulness to answer the yearning in your heart and to add blessings you had not thought to ask for. Oh Annabel, what a marvellous adventure you and Andy are on. I cannot wait to follow your journey, just as Mark and I begin ours in a new old home that needs love and a vision and good old fashioned elbow grease. We are both so blessed! ������❤️

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    1. Dear Jenny, Yes we are. We have a lot of work to do and elbow grease. We have a lot of yard and surrounds to clean up and ask before bushfire season. We have to get moving on that. So we begin a new adventure together. I am so thrilled for you to own your own home even when you thought it might not be possible! So we have a lot to celebrate! I am also looking forward to following your journey as I know you will make it a beautiful home! With love Annabelxxx

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  21. I am so happy for you and can not wait to see the pictures! good luck!

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  22. Annabel, your farmhouse surroundings are just perfect for living a preparedness lifestyle. It is quite the blessing that the chicken coop and garden area are already established, I am so happy for you! That stove, oh my, that stove, it is quite something, I love it!

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    1. Dear Patsy,
      Thank you! Yes this is so good for us. We can go so much further and build on what we have started. Many things are ready to go like the chicken house is already so good. And fox proof apparently! And I love and appreciate the old good quality things and will take them anyway! Your garden and pantry inspire me very much! I cannot wait to get our garden producing! Thank you Patsy, with love Annabel.xxx

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  23. Dear Annabel, gorgeous moon, gorgeous rainbow, great omens for your move! I can't wait to see your new home - so excited for you and all your family. With your love of old linens and jars, etc., of course your kitchen should be vintage. That stove is great and the older appliances were built to last.
    It's funny how in school you didn't like to say that you just wanted to be a homemaker and mother. I remember feeling the same way. When I was very young, that was just expected, but by the time I finished school women were expected to shun the home and have a career. It never fit with me, either. I felt out of step with the world for a long time, but now it seems more and more women are appreciating homemaking.
    Thanks for sharing the story about Linda. Such a tragedy and so sad for her little girls. If their dad never thinks about her, I hope they had someone else in their lives to help them learn about their mother. I believe Linda knows you have not forgotten her.
    So looking forward to the next installment in your return to the country and sending prayers your way,
    Phyllis

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    1. Dear Phyllis,
      Thank you! Now that you mention it you are right... old jars like mine, old bowls and the things I love... they will look so good in this kitchen!
      We were all told we needed careers and it was as if our Mothers and Grandmothers had wasted their time and talents. What a fat lie that was! My Grandmothers, Great Grandmothers and Mum worked so hard and made huge impacts! The impact is still going!
      I can wait to show you more Phyllis. Also I cant wait to be settled in and back to crafts and sewing. For now my creativity will be settling things up and setting up the garden etc. But soon I will have a craft room! I cant wait. I imagine you are working on beautiful things as usual! With much love, Annabel.xxx

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  24. Hi Annabel,
    I have been reading your blog weekly for over two years but this is my first time posting a comment. In future, I am going to be more active in posting because I find your posts so inspirational and gather so much information. I am so happy for you and the start of your exciting farm journey. Returning to your roots after so many years away is incredibly fulfilling. My husband and I are currently experiencing a very similar journey. After living almost 20 year in Connnecticut (USA), which is 10-12 hours drive from our family in Ohio, we are moving back to Ohio in September. We are purchasing a family farm from my parents (which is not their main residence). Your journey feels so similar to may own. We also are excited about the retro farm house style that are new home has to offer. As well as the chance to have a larger veggie garden, fruit trees and chickens. Since it is a large farm my husband will also be raising cattle. I will continue to pray and think of you through your journey. Best, Erica

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    1. Dear Erica,
      Thank you so much for telling me that you read and commenting! And welcome! Through the comments I have made so many friends. To me this is a community. Much of the best part of the blog is now the contributions. Everyone is so supportive and helpful.
      Gosh your situation is very similar! We have several Bluebirds in Ohio also... Vicky is in Ohio! And September!!! Well we will probably move fully early September! I would love to hear more and even in the future if you want to share photos!
      I will also pray for your journey! How exciting! Thanks so much! Love Annabel.xxx

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  25. I am so, so happy for you! We had a wonderful big farmhouse stove when I was a child. I have such fond memories of my Mom cooking on that stove.

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    1. Dear Lana,
      We used to stay at a farmhouse in the holidays.. it had a big old stove that also heated the water. Also Nan had a wood oven she preferred over her electric oven and boy did she cook great meals in that! She loved it!
      A lot of our good memories are of cooking. Thank you Lana! with love, Annabel.xxx

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  26. How exciting for you Annabel, to finally see your new home! I love that great beast of a stove. It looks like it has years of cooking left in it yet! Isn't God good! He always gives beyond what we ask for (or even think to ask for - plumbing in a chicken coop!!) Blessings to you.

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    1. Dear Marie,
      Thank you! I hope I do get many years out of the stove. And yes the chook yard amazes me! Thank you so much! With love Annabel.xxx

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  27. Perfect. Absolutely perfect. I am so happy for you, there are tears in my eyes as I read your descriptions. The things that may be 'off' about the house, you will either embrace or fix. As I am sure you do, I also feel that this new home is part of God's perfect plan for your life. Such an exciting time and I am glad you and your husband are still 'young enough' and healthy enough to make all this happen. I see many happy years ahead for you and your family. I am sure your Dad is resting easier knowing that you have 'come home'. Congratulations! I'm looking forward to your posts about your blessed life. Now, to get that house sold...

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  28. P.S. When I first looked at the house I currently lived in, it also had several things I had not dared to hope for. One was a wood burning stove, and the other a large walk-in pantry. I think God likes to surprise us sometimes and fulfill our heart's desire--when we dared not dream!

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    1. Dear Joy,
      I love a wood burning stove too Joy! And the walk in pantry! And there they are! I am so glad you have these desires of your heart! Thank you for your kind and encouraging words! I cant wait to show you both the fire and the pantry! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  29. Dreams really do come true! The rainbow is huge conformation that you are where you are by God's rich blessing. Such a story of your life. I'm sure you will make it quite lovely there. May your time there be with much happiness and contentment. You are surrounded with beauty. Adventure begins!

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    1. Thank you Dots! When that rainbow appeared and then the double... well I just stood there! We know God led us here! Thank you!xxx

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  30. Annabel what a gorgeous place to be going to. I think we always end up where we're supposed to be, but we have things to learn first before we get there. Life is one big journey. I can't wait to see what all you do to make it your own what a blessing! I have been busy with the gardens they are very beautiful this year! I started my first batch of canning pickles which is a savings of over $40 on pickles, fresh we've had $10 worth of zucchini so far plus another $30 worth of cucumbers, green beans and peppers. I got 10 boxes of cereal free and cheap, but also will be getting 5 free books out of the deal plus Kellogg's points, fuel perks and $4 back to spend on my next trip. I got a free bottle of ketchup, a box of menopause relief tablets and Downy unstoppables to review $18. I tore apart an old hutch thing and kept the drawer for another project.All laundry is hung out to dry. I miss it I'm the winter the sun makes everything so white and fresh. I made a small batch of cucumber lime syrup for the boy and another batch of vinegar with orange and lime peels. I hope everyone has a great week!
    XOXO
    Vicky

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    1. Dear Vicky,
      You just reminded me! My beautiful clothesline here that Andy built... that is what I will ask for again for my birthday. I love that clothesline and it cant be moved!
      To me sun and breeze is so beautiful on the linen.
      You are doing so well, I know it is a busy time but your shelves will be full! You are doing a good job! With much love Annabel.xxx

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  31. So very happy for you. I too got the little homestead I always wanted. That was 31 years ago and we love it.
    Our house was built in 1883. Nannie

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    1. Dear Nannie, How wonderful! A homestead is just a wonderful thing. It takes preparedness to a whole new level. I am glad you are so happy there! With love Annabel.xxx

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  32. I am just delighted for you, Annabel!!

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  33. Wow and double wow, Annabel!!! What a wonderful post...I had tears in my eyes reading about your friend Linda!! It is so obviously meant to be, and will be so wonderful for you and Andy. I am in love with your "new" kitchen stove! And the double rainbow was a definite message of blessing.

    It sure shouldn't take long for you to sell your house in the city, since you always have it looking so beautiful! I am so happy for you!!!!

    It is still hot, hot, hot, here...I feel funny saying that to you, when I know what kind of temperatures you get over there. But just like you feel cold in your winter and we think that would be a spring day, we are sweltering over here in heat that you probably wouldn't notice! :) Keeping the garden weeded and harvested, and trying to give it bits of water now and then to eke it along, getting kids signed up for university, trying to do house maintenance that can only be done in summer (trying to find and fix that roof leak!!! plus deck painting, etc.), getting ready to butcher meat birds in the next week or two, and in between trying to make it to the beach once in a while...summer is just flying by!!

    My husband is astounded by plumbing in the chicken coop and wants to know how the house foundation is! :) He also says your long winding driveway will be hard to snowplow..ha ha!!!

    Can't wait to hear more and more!!

    Love, Jen in NS

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    1. Dear Jen, Thank you for the photos! Your garden is amazing you have done so well. I know how the heat knocks a garden but as long as you are bringing in produce then keep doing that!
      Yes the chook house has a trough and it is all automatic which is amazing. I cant say I know much about the house foundation! Thankfully we wont be having to clear snow from the driveway that would really change my perspective on a long driveway. As it is though to get to the farm you go off the main highway a long way and on to a more minor road then there is this driveway so we are really quiet and private which I love.
      I know you would be in a very busy time... heat, harvesting, now meat and deck painting!
      Thank you for all your encouragement! I cant wait to follow you with my garden! With much love Annabel.xxx

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  34. Dear Annabel, isn't it funny how life turns out sometimes? Could you ever have imagined you'd be living so close to Lindas former home, and still talking about her and the impact she had on you? We all have that power, and it's a lesson in how we never know who we impact in our daily life or how that changes their path. The house sounds like utter perfection, and that STOVE!!! Oh my goodness. It was meant for you! Your excitement just about leaps from the page today, and I cannot imagine a more wonderful outcome for your Dad and his lifes work, and for you and your lifes ambitions. Cannot wait to see what comes next. Love, Mimi xxx

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    1. Dear Mimi, You are so right. I am sure Linda thought she was ordinary... just a wife and Mum... but in her simple happy ways she showed me contentment and how to spend a day well. This really stuck with me. I am glad you like the stove. It is not so fancy as the Falcon but I still love it and I know it all works perfectly also it is pretty clean. So I am grateful. And Dad... well he is happy with all this its a dream come true and here we are just full of gratitude so its a win win. I cant wait to show you what comes next. It is a bit like an episode of fixer upper but it is good as we can at least have it the paint we like etc. So you can probably guess my paint scheme!
      Thank you Mimi! With love Annabel.xxx

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  35. Annabel, what excitement as you prepare to move to your new farmhouse! So glad you had a chance to see it already! Many many blessings to you!! Love, Teresa

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    1. Thanks so much Teresa! I cant wait to show you more! xxx

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  36. Wow! Wow! Oh, how I wish I could hug you! So, I'll send you one. ;) So exciting to see how God is going before you. You are all in my prayers as this is a big step. Special prayer for Andy's employment.
    Amazing. God went before us and found us the perfect home, but in the city. We moved in late May to an adorable cottage with a 2 1/2 car garage and large yard. We have enough room for a chicken coop and run, a veggie garden and room for the kids to play on their trampoline. And it came with a gas stove and ceiling fans, which we only hoped for. We never thought we would like it in the city, but God has given a ministry. Already we've prayed with a neighbor, passed out a Bible to another and had 3 children attend our church's VBS. God is good! He puts us where He needs us. One neighbor girl, 8 yrs. old,has eaten several meals with us. She claims her mom doesn't mind. Dinner is a requirement at our house. We even eat with cloth napkins (cheaper). She is having her eyes opened.
    Love your story about Linda. I think we all have a Linda in our past.
    Lord bless all the Bluebirds in their endeavors.
    Blessings,
    Leslie

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    1. Dear Leslie, THANK YOU. I really appreciate your prayers. While it is all amazing this week I have things to pray for that things run smoothly plus the selling of this house too...
      Your cottage sounds beautiful. Yes we have a ministry right where we are planted that is for sure.
      Dinner is a normal thing here. Do you think some people dont have dinner? We always sit down for dinner at 7 pm. Napkins also. When the kids were little it was usually 6 pm. It is our major meal.
      The Linda's in our lives... amazing. An ordinary good person who took time with us and made a difference... this tells me a lot... like the things you are doing for the 8 year old girl... you will likely be her Linda! Bless you Leslie, with love Annabel.xxx

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  37. WOW!!! This is just so exciting! I can't imagine how you're even sleeping at night! I cannot wait to see your new VINTAGE farmhouse! This is my dream also! And that stove!!!!! Enjoy!

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    1. Dear Holley,
      The only thing getting me to sleep at night is exhaustion and thinking good thoughts and dreaming about setting up my pantry etc! We share the same dreams by the sounds of it! I noticed on pinterest that farmhouse style is something thats a trend and city people are trying to copy. I have never seen an episode but I follow Joanna Gaines... and Magnolia market... all of which I love. So here I am with an actual farmhouse! So excited! Thank you Holley, with love, Annabel.xxx

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  38. Annabel, this is amazing! A lovely older home in the country with room for chickens and a large garden. And a walk in pantry! Nothing would make me happier!

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    1. Dear Sharla, You sound like me! These are wonderful things that make me happy too. I have always loved anything about pantries... a walk in one is the ultimate! I cant wait to show you! With love Annabel.xxx

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  39. Oh, Annabel! Your excitement just explodes from the screen! I am so happy for you, and I can't wait to hear about this next step in your life. Thank you for allowing us all to share it with you xxxx Fiona

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    1. Thank you Fiona! I cant wait to show you more! xxx

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  40. I am so happy for you and your family! I read your blog all the time but rarely comment :). Can’t wait to see the house interior once you are able to take and share photos.

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    1. Dear Hillogene,
      Thank you! I am glad to hear from you, thank you for commenting! I will share heaps of photos I cant wait to show you! With love Annabel.xxx

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  41. Dear Annabel, your new home sounds just perfect for you and Andy! It seems to me that you've been given a HUGE gift by your earthly father AND your Heavenly Father both! How special is that? I'm just so happy for you! I assume you are keeping a notebook handy to write down everything you want/need to do as it comes to you? This is a lovely adventure, not just for you and Andy but truly for your whole extended family to be a part of. It doesn't get better than that! Yay! Also, it is sweet how you share about your friend Linda, keeping her memory alive and honoring what she meant (and means) to you.

    My sweet husband finished putting fencing all around our garden this weekend to keep out the deer. We always have deer living on our property and enjoy them, but I don't enjoy growing fruit and vegetables for them! LOL I also bought a beautiful new climbing rose bush that we planted by our trellis to replace one that died awhile ago. The price was good and it sure does look good there.

    Also, I have been looking for some time for a metal container to store all my essential oils and supplies in. I began by "shopping" at home as I always try to do, just sure I would have something that would work, but no. I finally found just the thing on clearance at Target for only $5. It is now filled with all things essential oil related and placed on a shelf in our linen closet.

    I'm finally getting my energy back and with it my enthusiasm for creativity, so that is welcome. So many projects to do, but I know by working on things a bit at a time it will add up to completed projects, right? Thank you for bringing all of us bluebirds along on your new farmhouse adventure! Love, Carla

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    1. Dear Carla, You are right! You should see my notebook already! This is such a help. It is truly an adventure.
      Well done to your husband. What a great help. We also have deer at the farm... I dont think too many near our house but still very possible!
      The Target container for your oils sounds great! I just finally figured out mine. I have my spice cabinet... at the farm house I have the walk in pantry... so my spices can go in there. And my spice cabinet can become my medical and oil cabinet. I cannot wait to get that all set up!
      With energy returning and feeling like creating... this is a good sign! Also once you begin creating this will greatly affect how you feel. I am aiming that once we are settled in I have time for quiet creating. I know I need it. It does me so much good.
      Thank you for everything! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  42. Dear Annabel,
    I am so happy and excited for you and Andy about the farmhouse, and for your Dad's happiness in being able to provide. Lots of dreams coming true. Please post before and after pics, I always think that is so lovely to see the transformation of something restored and loved.

    I must say I felt sad to think Linda's husband could be so flippant about the memory of his wife and the mother of his children. How lovely of you though to keep her memory alive in naming your daughter and for sharing her story with all of us.

    Wishing you all the best for the coming weeks with the move and sale, and looking forward to future instalments about your new life in the country.
    With much love,
    Lisa xo

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    1. Dear Lisa,
      Ok I will do before and after. I agree with you. I think I just need some afters ready or people will go !!! but really I have a great house to work with!
      Until your comment and a couple of others I didnt realise how me talking about Linda here means yes now she is remembered by even more people!
      Thanks so much Lisa, with love, Annabel.xxx

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  43. Annabel, it is so lovely to read about your journey, and so nice to hear how happy you are with the new house. I'm sure with all of the improvements you've made to your house with the painting, bathroom and new floors there will be lots of interest. I hope the sale goes smoothly.

    What a heartbreaking story abohut your friend Linda, and how sad for her husband to have said that. I hope he spoke differently when his girls asked about her.

    I am getting a bit more done as my little one sleeps a bit more predictably in her cot! But there are definitely some days where if dinner is on the table and nothing else has been achieved I will still call it a win lol. She is doing really well, growing far too fast, and babbling away happily.

    I have been doing a bit of crafting, getting some projects done that have been on the to-do list far too long. It feels great to make use of supplies and patterns that I've paid for and have just been sitting in a box for years in some cases! I did buy some fabric half-price from a local craft shop that was closing down recently, but apart from that I've been good this year!

    I hope you don't feel pressured to keep up with comments or posts, we all understand that this is a very busy time for you.

    Take care Annabel! Enjoy this amazing adventure.

    Jen in NZ

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    1. Dear Jen, Thank you so much! Well I am very glad to hear how well your little girl is doing and you must be coping extremely well to be managing craft projects. I would have bought the fabric in the close down sale too!
      Many days dinner on the table and everyone safe and sound in bed is my idea of a win, or was back then!
      I feel overall I would rather blog less and reply than blog more and not be able to reply but thank you as there will be times I might not manage!
      I cant wait to show you more of the farmhouse! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  44. Annabel, it’s pure excitement pouring out of your words. I love it! You have so much to do ... moving, wedding. Great to read this post, and can’t wait to see more pics. The outside shots are simply beautiful. I remember you saying before about Lucy being named for your friend, a lovely story. Shame about her husband’s reply, but the important people in her world still love and remember and respect her memory. Fi xx

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    1. Dear Fiona, Thank you! You had a big week too! I cant wait to show you more. And I cant wait to hear about your next move! It is a busy time for us both! With love Annabel.xxx

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  45. Oh Annabel I am so excited for you ! I can't wait to see pictures of your new home! Love the cook stove it's going to be so much fun to cook and bake on! I have been canning green beans up a storm ...so far I have canned 60 pints and 45 half pints some of the half pints are going to elderly relatives who mo longer can but love home canned green beans. My husband's grandmother is one of them. Every birthday we give her home canned foods at 99 (not kidding on the age) she still lives at home and enjoys receiving food for her birthday. We all give her a variety of things knowing she loves receiving them. Thank you fpr all the inspiration on gift giving... wonderful weekend !!! Gaila in the NW

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    1. Dear Gaila,
      Thanks so much! I am heading back this Tuesday so I will be able to take a heap of photos!
      Well done on the canning! And for doing enough to share!
      I had an aunt who still lived home at 99. She still did afternoon tea for friends. She lived to 104!
      Your husbands Grandma sounds just great!
      Thank you Gaila, with love Annabel.xxx

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  46. This is so exciting Annabel! I loved reading this and all the heartfelt comments by your long-time readers who are so happy for you. I'm looking forward to seeing pictures too. I'm so thankful for the women like yourself and your friend Linda who are brave enough to stay home despite the pressure to go to work. My daughter wants to stay home when she has babies, and is already feeling pressure that she's being "selfish" because she won't be contributing to the family income!!! Can you believe that? (Not from her husband, thankfully, who feels the same as she does). I've told her about your blog and others that are so encouraging for women at home. You are doing an important service here. xo Deborah

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    1. Dear Deborah, Thank you so much! One of the best things for your daughter would be to read Laines Letters. They helped me more than anything else when the kids were small. I have a section in the index and links to her letters are there. I hope and pray she is strong enough to follow her convictions... she just needs to find others doing the same even if it is online. It is totally possible to do and be financially much better off too. Many people dont mention that wage -tax-child care- work related expenses = zero. While you can save more than that being at home! Thanks so much for your encouragement.... I am going to be back at the farmhouse on Wednesday now so I can finally take inside photos! With love Annabel.xxx

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  47. I am excited for you Annabel. A wonderful new journey ahead for you. I would be keeping that oven too, I think it looks wonderful.

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    1. Dear Sherri, Thank you! We found the oven manual on the internet. Andy printed it out so now I have the whole manual! With love Annabel.xxx

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  48. Thank you Annabel. She was raised by a stay-at-home, homeschooling mother (me!) but we all need all the help and encouragement we can get. I, too, love Laine's letters. Thanks for reminding me.

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  49. Oh my gosh, Annabel! I am so, so, so, so excited for you. I feel so happy for you. I feel very sad for Linda, but it it lovely to think that she lives onion some way, through your heart and the way you live. Her influence will carry on in future generations. The move will be the BEST, I think it is incredible that this whole time you have been 'preparing' and now the time has come to put it all in action. I think life will be a lot happier and calmer in the countryside. It really is magnificent- that view and wow, that stove. I'm thinking of your future orchards and vege gardens and chickens! It will be lovely. I can't wait to hear about it. I really thought about what you said and funnily enough, in a way I have been preparing here. I found out that as of next ear our income will be cut. It will mean more preparedness on my part and I see it as extending my homemaking skills. I really plan on developing my skills. Thank you. Because without the support on here and this blog, I wouldn't feel so strong and positive. I don't get this support much from where I live. It's all work, work, work and consume! I feel so grateful to be part of this community and it has changed my life. Sending you love. Lots of love, Bridge

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    1. Dear Bridge,
      Thank you for all your encouragement!
      We will have an orchard in and veggie garden asap. Our first outside things are clean up and fire preparedness. Then I cant wait to be planting! I am so excited!
      I am sorry about your income cut! I dont know how this is occurring but look into everything i.e. any benefits you could possibly get, any tax breaks, anything. Many people do work work work and it is all spent and they have debt and rather than make a profit they made a loss. This appears very common. Also possibly join the local buy sell swap FB and other pages... you will likely see local fruit, goods, plants etc all at bargain prices or even free. And pray... I believe that in the times we are in now God is really blessing those that remain with him so ask for what you need and want. I know that sounds obvious but we often forget to ask. I cant wait to show you more of the farmhouse! With much love, Annabel.xxx

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  50. Beautiful Annabel,

    I love everything you have shared so far. Even I am getting excited for your move. So much change ahead for you and the family.

    Lots of love,
    Tania xxx

    Ps I have been a bit absent around the blogging world lately, mostly because life seems to be so busy :)

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  51. Oh wow this is so exciting for you and Andy. The farm looks great and cant wait to see more photos and what you do to make it yours. It is my dream too, I would love a small farmhouse to grow my food and potter around.....one day.
    Have fun with this new stage in your life it will be amazing. Debbie.xx

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  52. What a wonderful blessing! I am so very happy for you. GOD is faithful and He provides so much more than we can ever dream.
    XOXO<
    Marybeth

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  53. How wonderful for you. Your story of Linda was so sad. What a callous thing for a husband to say. At least she is remembered by you :).
    Enjoy your new chapter.

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I really appreciate your comments thank you! The aim of my blog is the be a place of encouragement and happiness. Very rarely is anyone rude. Actually only twice so far! If you post a rude or aggressive comment I will read it but not publish it, thanks for understanding.xxx

Spam is never published... if you are advertising a product or selling website your comment wont be published. I am inundated with stuff about drugs, horses and weird things! I am not going to publish this stuff! Thank you.