tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post1995410048095847225..comments2024-03-26T00:26:19.756-07:00Comments on The Bluebirds are Nesting...: The Christmas Challenge. Joy plus savings.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-15355749295779425662016-07-30T12:16:19.034-07:002016-07-30T12:16:19.034-07:00About the savings, I think this is the beauty of t...About the savings, I think this is the beauty of the Vicki Challenge. It may not be cash money in hand, but we certainly are living better due to the savings we generate! And how lovely just today my husband was sharing with our youngest daughter that our lives are vastly improved because of the skills I use in our home. If you ever think they don't notice, now and then they will surprise you!terricheneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06865436021565986224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-11400092921016977302016-07-30T12:07:53.103-07:002016-07-30T12:07:53.103-07:00I appreciate your comments on saving differently. ...I appreciate your comments on saving differently. I think that the phrase "putting all your eggs in one basket" applies to that banking article. I am a happy woman when I have a full freezer and pantry.<br />Your baby blanket is gorgeous, Annabel! It should be inspiration alone to make gifts. I don't have gifts to give if I don't make them. Shipping is still cheaper than sending the monetary equivalent.<br />Have a blessed week!<br />Blessings,<br />Leslie<br />P.S. I'll have my husband send photos of our daughter with her jams.Leslie McKinleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08082544707682903607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-47413957249853088462016-07-29T15:40:44.523-07:002016-07-29T15:40:44.523-07:00Jes, My husband has just got through to me that, f...Jes, My husband has just got through to me that, for a solar hot water system, the anode may need to be changed after one or two years. I hope this clarifies things!<br />RachelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-46519236969406215762016-07-29T05:01:07.800-07:002016-07-29T05:01:07.800-07:00Dear Rachel,
I'm always so blessed by your pos...Dear Rachel,<br />I'm always so blessed by your posts and encouragement. Years ago we read three books, "Debt Free Living" by Larry Burkitt, "The Coming Economic Earthquake" by the same author, and "Your Money or Your Life." by Joe Domingus. These books completely changed our lives and taught us many valuable life lessons. I, too, appreciate your beautiful words on being a housewife. Fondly, Cookie<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-81516744788745818782016-07-29T04:02:58.075-07:002016-07-29T04:02:58.075-07:00Thank you Rachel! We love these kinds of tips! We ...Thank you Rachel! We love these kinds of tips! We try to stretch everything we own as far as we can by replacing parts, etc., for a longer shelf life. I will tell hubby! :)JEShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08300505126646960374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-54529098391847355552016-07-28T19:24:24.425-07:002016-07-28T19:24:24.425-07:00Dear Rachel,
I had this comment in my mind and I c...Dear Rachel,<br />I had this comment in my mind and I could not find it! I had not published it and just finally found it! I was thinking about it as its wonderful!<br />Firstly thank you for that link I will give it to Andy and he will follow it up I know.<br />Also Bail ins.... if anyone reading doesn't know what a bail in is please look into it. Now this is in effect almost world wide it is a game changer. Significantly today a lot of banks are having stress tests with many expected to fail.The governments will not be bailing them out. It will be the depositors. People urgently need to know this.<br />I have the hot water system on gas. So this frees up a lot of solar power. This is just the way this house was when we bought it. So we are continuing on as we are not particularly worried about gas supplies. I think.hope this is an advantage with the solar.<br /><br />I love your words about being a housewife! They are beautiful! thank you so much Rachel for all of this, with love Annabel.xxx<br />Annabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-23443654310608786502016-07-28T18:10:41.153-07:002016-07-28T18:10:41.153-07:00Dear Jen,
Thank you re the bunnies. I call them m...Dear Jen, <br />Thank you re the bunnies. I call them my "best friend bunnies" :)<br />Love swiss chard. Glad the deer dint get that! <br />The good thing about solar is that the prices have come down and the efficiency gone up. We really wanted storage batteries and when it first came out there were none you just fed excess power back into the grid. Now, here at least, they give you nearly nothing for that but if you store it then you have it for later. So thats the plan and I am so excited to be free of the worry over power. <br />Have a great weekend! I hope not too hot. With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-11089623795575349802016-07-28T18:05:17.391-07:002016-07-28T18:05:17.391-07:00Dear Laurie,
I love the sound of all that canning ...Dear Laurie,<br />I love the sound of all that canning and the jams, jellies etc. I hope the pickles also turned out well!<br />It sounds like you have never been busier since you retired! <br />There is still plenty of year to make things for Christmas but I think using your produce comes first as there is a kind of window of opportunity there! Well done! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-79799508466933623542016-07-28T18:02:53.969-07:002016-07-28T18:02:53.969-07:00Dear Debbie,
Finding a dehydrator for $2.99 is unb...Dear Debbie,<br />Finding a dehydrator for $2.99 is unbelievable! What a gift! I bet your Dil was thrilled. And putting away gifts when they are on special is the way to do it. Well done on your wonderful buys!<br />Many thanks Debbie, with love Annabel.xxx<br />Annabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-66844292578152782382016-07-28T15:50:55.096-07:002016-07-28T15:50:55.096-07:00Dear Jeanette,
I would love to see your quilt and...Dear Jeanette, <br />I would love to see your quilt and if you won't mind share it next week? Just email it to me brinkzi21@hotmail.com <br />Well done on the shorts plus knitting for Veterans. It is terrible that there are homeless Veterans! <br />Many thanks Jeanette, love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-37501420275992394582016-07-28T14:55:08.156-07:002016-07-28T14:55:08.156-07:00Hi Jes!
Since you mentioned your hot water system...Hi Jes!<br /><br />Since you mentioned your hot water system, I thought to mention a tip that people might find useful. You see, unless one has a long life copper hot water system, then the instructions should show that a sacrificial anode (that looks like a long wire enveloped by the anode substance, sitting in the core of the system). In the same way that anti corrosion mixes protect car radiators, these hot water system anodes are themselves eaten away to protect the hot water system. These anodes last five or six years in a new system. Then the hot water system corrodes. Replacing the anode is a fairly simple procedure, and could save replacing the whole system. There are even flexible anodes to facilitate replacement in tight places. One just needs the correct matching type of anode.<br /><br />Regards to all,<br />Rachel HoltAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-49781447040374247902016-07-28T09:19:47.254-07:002016-07-28T09:19:47.254-07:00Thank you for the welcomes, Annabel and Glenda! M...Thank you for the welcomes, Annabel and Glenda! My husband is retired from the military, but still working another job and my father is retired military, so I've moved all my life (and my mom is actually British). I work at the Veteran's hospital in Kansas City. We've been busy here making cinnamon crabapple jelly and two kinds of bread of butter pickles (the standard sort and some jars with jalapeno peppers). My youngest daughter's boyfriend has three small boys and I've been making shorts for them and knitting scarves for homeless Veterans. I'd love to share a photo of a queen size quilt I made for my son last Christmas out of his college t-shirts; it was a lot of work but turned out so well, I'm quite proud of myself. Is there some way I can do this? JeanetteAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-40823137286418755782016-07-28T09:16:03.584-07:002016-07-28T09:16:03.584-07:00Dear Annabel,
I'm at the tail end of my data ...Dear Annabel,<br /><br />I'm at the tail end of my data usage for the month, so comments are scarce, but I just had to say how much I love the two "hugging" bunnies! I'm also going to give Cookie's suggestion of the bloodmeal a try...the hair hasn't kept the deer out, nor the clanging pans nor even the deer netting, for the most part. Much too "tame" around here, and oh, so persistent. Still managed to get another nice big load of swiss chard in the freezer yesterday. Hot here and we are conserving water!!! It's great that you are going to be able to invest in solar. My husband and I hope to do that someday, too.<br /><br />Off to paint a couple of deck boards that I scraped earlier today! xx Jen in NSAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-84783104329450051842016-07-28T06:26:47.751-07:002016-07-28T06:26:47.751-07:00Great post Annabel. Wow, interesting info on your...Great post Annabel. Wow, interesting info on your power prices and I didn't realize the closing of that coal plant would effect you all in that manner. <br />Solar panels are the way to go, our nephew put some on his house in Arizona, he got a government rebate for doing it by a certain date last year. <br />I also worry about the banks and if we were able to get our monies out in a crisis.<br />I have been doing massive canning, jams, jellies and I tried my hand at doing pickles; waiting to see if they turned out.<br />I haven't started any Christmas gifts yet I will have time when canning season is over. <br />I have been retired about a month and a half now and playing catch up with all the projects I have gathered up.<br />Have a great day!LaurieShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04669706520501609006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-91296036669738369572016-07-28T04:08:05.129-07:002016-07-28T04:08:05.129-07:00I agree about the savings account in the banks too...I agree about the savings account in the banks too. Not completely reliable! When turmoil hits, the first thing to close is the banks! History teaches us this again and again and we are seeing it in modern day times too. It can be heartbreaking to have all your eggs in one basket and then to see them break. However, if you diversify and invest in something (like the solar panels), you have created a "tangible" savings account! And your "interest" is the monthly savings. We just purchased another solar water heater (our first one gave up the ghost) and know that in less than 6 months it will have paid for itself. This is better than a stagnant savings account in my book as we will make more return on it! Love your posts Annabel. Have a lovely week! :)JEShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08300505126646960374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-37935605849490114592016-07-28T01:24:44.925-07:002016-07-28T01:24:44.925-07:00Dear Jeanette,
Welcome! I am so glad to have you ...Dear Jeanette, <br />Welcome! I am so glad to have you here and thank you for telling me your are reading and also where you live. <br />We have a login common too, age, no kids home now, thrift stores, crochet and antiquing! <br />Please feel free to join in as this is such a helpful group of ladies who are very generous. With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-44331619802558059252016-07-28T01:22:31.384-07:002016-07-28T01:22:31.384-07:00Dear Vicky, That is true... once you are far enoug...Dear Vicky, That is true... once you are far enough ahead you choose hat to buy and at what price or just leave it until another time!<br />As you say being ahead beats being behind!<br />Your preserves count as gifts. Imagine making up a basket of this and that. You could do this at the end with all the things you are canning etc. Best gift ever! Keep up the amazing work. I know you are going flat out at the moment! With love, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-65401532023698074992016-07-28T01:19:58.690-07:002016-07-28T01:19:58.690-07:00Dear Leigh,
Having your own water will be great! I...Dear Leigh,<br />Having your own water will be great! I don't really trust what they put into town water. Your own source will be a vey good thing to have!<br />I hope the week is good of you I know you have lots going on! With love, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-52774394059373723172016-07-28T01:18:04.254-07:002016-07-28T01:18:04.254-07:00Dear Patsy, What you are busy on now is time well ...Dear Patsy, What you are busy on now is time well spent! Thank you for your comments on my embroidery! <br />It will be wonderful having your pantry filled up. Best thing you can do I think! With love, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-33200345143375796742016-07-28T00:05:09.950-07:002016-07-28T00:05:09.950-07:00Dear Lana,
I truly hate the heat! Especially when ...Dear Lana,<br />I truly hate the heat! Especially when it stays hot all night and there is no relief. We get that quite a bit. Hence my power worries! I am glad you power has been reliable. Its not until we lose it that it hits home how bad it is! <br />I hope things have cooled! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-91058092560669830502016-07-28T00:03:39.625-07:002016-07-28T00:03:39.625-07:00Dear Cookie,
Olive oil is a lovely soap ingredient...Dear Cookie,<br />Olive oil is a lovely soap ingredient. Coconut milk might work in place of gas milk? Or almond milk? But not sure for the recipe where a powder is needed. <br />I had a great time at Aldi! I was in luck as some of my usual things were also marked down!<br />The soaps are a great addition to your gift cupboard. <br />Also... I got mince to make meat loaf so will post that next week.<br />Mum used to grow chokes! I haven't seen on n ages. I will ask her how she cooked them now I am reminded of them!<br />Much love, Annabel.xxx<br />Annabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-57687763583017860162016-07-27T17:38:12.099-07:002016-07-27T17:38:12.099-07:00Thanks Annabel! I will be on the lookout for suede...Thanks Annabel! I will be on the lookout for suede now. In the school holidays my 8 year baked his own gluten free cake and was very pleased with himself! I definitely like the thought that my children are growing up knowing that making your own food is both easy and rewarding :)Jennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-9904791510848392132016-07-27T16:32:07.645-07:002016-07-27T16:32:07.645-07:00Hi Rachel,
The way you cook the chokoes sounds del...Hi Rachel,<br />The way you cook the chokoes sounds delicious and I will have to try them your way. You had me at butter, creamy and cheese sauce :) <br />I enjoyed your story about the other Cookie that you met. My nickname comes from the time I was a toddler and when the family would go to my nana's house I'd always ask for mook (milk) and a cookie. My aunt started call me Mookie Cookie, which as I got older got shortened to Cookie and that has stuck all of these years.<br /><br />Thanks for the tip on the puff pastry. It would be so much easier for me to make it than try to source it. Blessings, CookieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-92165788288598745222016-07-27T16:09:24.597-07:002016-07-27T16:09:24.597-07:00Hi Jeanette and Welcome!
My husband and I grew up ...Hi Jeanette and Welcome!<br />My husband and I grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, and lived in Independence, MO, before moving West. We are in our late, late 60's :).<br />I love antiques and books, also. <br />Blessings to you,<br />GlendaGlendanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-11249273750025085212016-07-27T16:07:47.466-07:002016-07-27T16:07:47.466-07:00Dear Glenda,
It is only in the last couple of year...Dear Glenda,<br />It is only in the last couple of years that I heard about the gold confiscation. I was amazed! How soon people forget!<br />I find that when a lot is happening I don't know where to look! It can be overwhelming. Then I realise that I need to do the basics and keep things as simple as I can. Do my work, do what I can to get ahead and as you say, be watchful. <br />Thank you for the comment about my blanket! I finished it and started another all in shades of pink. It does me good to be crocheting especially in the evenings. <br />Many thanks Glenda, much of what I do in a week is thanks to what I have learned from you! With love Annabel.xxx<br />Annabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.com