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.

Friday 20 December 2019

Feather your Nest Friday, 20th December, 2019.

I am sitting inside the cool lounge room hoping the power stays on.  Outside it is blowing a gale and it is 47 here.  This is about 117F.  Dust is everywhere.  It is hard to tell dust from smoke so we keep doing to the top of the hill to check.

This is the worst and most dangerous day since we lived here.  I prepared all I could yesterday but I think I am going to lose a lot of my plants.  Things got so bad so quickly this morning I was outside in my dressing gown watering.  The wind is too much for anything I have had covering my plants.  My market umbrellas over my vegetables have had to come down as they are a hazard now and could blow away and break a window.

I got in the car and checked all the animals.  I could not find Laffie!  Oh great!  She got out of her paddock and was sitting in the sun in the next paddock.  With the car I drove her over the hill and down towards the trough.  I got her as far as I could then got out and called her.... she followed me to the trough which also has some green grass around it.  Then she had a big drink.  I gave her a big pat and she seemed ok.  So I went off to do the next thing.  I set a sprinkler going in the chook house.  I got wet through from that but it is working to keep them going.   After this I went looking for Brady and Freddie.  Then I thought I must be a sight in my nightie and dressing gown, wet hair... and boot on!  hahah! So I went inside and dressed for the rest of the day.

Now there are reports of lightening coming.  Lightening is what has started most of the fires on the farm over the years.  A cool change is due tonight.  I am just praying for tonight!

Here we are, it is almost Christmas!   I am pretty well ready.  The last two days were also hot so I was able to work quietly inside most of the time on things like crochet and painting a little cabinet.  I set my painting up on an old sheet in the lounge room.  It is beautiful to have projects to work on in dreadful weather.  Being safe, sound and content inside is a wonderful thing.  I save up things for these kinds of days.   These are the times to update the photo albums, clip my recipes, write letters, sew, paint and make cards!   Being content and absorbed in a project also just makes the time pass happily.  And reduces the stress a bit...
When the girls were little I would set them up with crafts or some kind of indoor game and pump out the homemade ice blocks!   Cath suggested to me how Jelly is very good in the heat as it helps hydrate kids too.  So when you know heat is coming it is good to fill the freezer and fridge with cooling foods and drinks to keep everyone hydrated and happy.  

Not all of the week was this way!   Some of the ways I feathered my nest were:

The basic water bath canning kit I ordered arrived!


I had ordered some Ball jars at the same time not knowing how many jars I would find in the op shop and for 50c!  However I am glad I did as I have apricots coming today and my order for lids, rings etc has not arrived yet.  So happy I have jars ready to use!

 I have been studying and asking friends for all their tips on this kind of preserving.  I have made jams, relish, sauces and some pickles most of my life.  But I have not canned.   And I really need to as freezer space is precious.  And last year we had so much fruit, especially apples.   Last season the cores and peels went to the chickens.  Not this time!   This season they are going to become apple jelly!   So much to learn so little time!

Chloe and I went to a lovely Christmas craft market in one of our regional towns.   We found a few ideas.  After we sat in the park and ate dinner. There was a street parade and kids were everywhere because Santa was coming!!!   Then we heard sirens and along the street came an ambulance blaring then a fire truck then another fire truck carrying Father Christmas!   All the kids were going nuts.  Chloe said  "take a photo! This is soo  Australian... "   and so I did! 


That evening we picked up all the canning jars I got for 50c.  There were 98!  We loaded them into the car in big boxes.

All week I have been washing these jars.  First I soak them in the sink, then they go through the dishwasher.   I am still going!  Many are that lovely old thick glass with the greenish tinge.  They are beautiful.


Lucky for me this house has really high kitchen cupboards.  All my top shelves were empty.  I have been able to store all my ready to use jars this way.   I even admire my rows of jars as the cupboards fill.   I have been up and down the kitchen ladder a lot of times!


I am down to my last box of jars to wash.  It continues!

This week we had an early Christmas celebration at Lucy's.   They are going to the city to see Kato's parents on real Christmas Day.  So Lucy put on a Christmas lunch for Mum and Dad, Chloe,  Luke and us.  The girls thought it was Christmas too since in the city they won't have their Christmas tree and all of that so it was truly like Christmas Day.  

Lucy had set her table beautiful and baked a beautiful ham.  


She made a centrepiece from the beautiful pinecones she picks up in her garden...


It was a beautiful day.  There girls were so excited.   

This is Mum helping Harper with a present...


And Scarlett using her new vacuum cleaner! 


It really was just a joyous day.

I took Gingerbread biscuits and the girls loved these as they decided they were Snowflakes like in the Frozen movie.



I also made a trays of angels, stars  and moose.  Nothing like variety! 



During the week I made a large impossible pie and gave eggs away.  I gave 8 dozen eggs away this week alone.

It is late evening now and I still haven't been able to publish this post as the internet is not loading photos.  So meanwhile we had such heat that our driveway is lined with dead birds.  I have driven up and down and turned over every bird I saw.  There are dead Rosellas, Lorikeets, Galahs and Corollas.  I found two Corollas still alive so they have been in the lounge room in front of the air conditioner.  Then we had a thunderstorm.  Then a downpour. Now a fire at a farm further north.  I am hoping that the downpour we had will be enough to mean it won't get too far.

I will be glad when this day is over!  In the Adelaide Hills the beautiful winery where Kato and Lucy got married has been burned. I know I will have other readers affected by fires today as there are severe fires all around the country.  I pray you are all safe. 

I hope you had a good week and found lots of ways to get ahead, be prepared fro Christmas and also to just be able to enjoy the season.   However some weeks and some days are just about getting through! This was one of them! 

xxx














53 comments:

  1. Dear Annabel!

    You’ve hit the nail on the head! This is a real Aussie summer, only worse!

    I see that Cass’s cottage had a fire only houses away - at the time. We’ll need an update on that, and her neighbours.

    I think the animals are the biggest stress when it comes to a bushfire. You are doing a good job watching out for them, and rescuing what wild birds you can from the scorching heat you have there.

    Remember, when we ask, the Almighty gives us the strength for what challenges face us ...... and you have a whole new world of preserving to look forward to!

    It has been a big week!

    God of Jacob, please help us all!

    Rachel

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    1. Dear Rachel, I heard this morning Cass is ok and her house is ok too! We are ok and a cool change has arrived. This morning I am assessing the damage and watering watering...
      Yes it has been a big week. I know so many are facing fires today and assessing the damage. I hope your area is safe Rachel. You also have had quite enough of fires! With much love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Yep, had quite enough! The closest fire is a fair distance away now!

      The chooks are so happy to be home after four weeks, enjoying the ‘tinkly’ sound of their feed dishes, that they have laid a heap of eggs! Ha ha!

      Gratefully,
      Rachel

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  2. Hi Annabel, I read your posts every week, just messaging you about water bathing ECT I live in Mildura and have a friend who has a FB page preserving food at home, she is a very clever smart woman Bev she has people all over Australia and overseas on there, they help with questions ECT, I hope you read this before posting as would prefer not to influx Bev's page with everyone wanting to join. Merry Christmas to you and the family and look forward to reading posts every week. Leonie

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    1. Dear Leonie, I am sorry I did publish this before reading it fully! It took me a minute to see and find the group and I have now applied! I hope she is not inundated but does get some wonderful new members and this helps others like me to get started. Thanks so much. Also thank you for commenting and telling me you read the blog. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  3. Dear Annabel,

    What a terrible week weather wise, I don't want to see one like that again. I may have done enough to keep my veggies alive, but it was a struggle. I will know by how well they react in the next day or so. I did lose some plants and the grapes turned into sultanas but overall things did okay considering it was so hot!

    I hope everyone is safe with the fires. We had one here locally, started by fallen electricity line. Thankfully it was brought under control pretty quickly, plus there is really not much undergrowth due to lack of rain.

    Being so hot I never got a lot done for Christmas preparations, plus I have a house full at the moment. This weekend I will go shopping for salad ingredients etc. Its meant to be 40C here Christmas day, so we aren't getting much relief from the heat.

    Those ginger biscuits look yummy! I am hoping to get some baked soon.

    Lucy's table setting is just gorgeous! Simple but elegant, love it!

    You are getting a nice collection happening with your jars. I love the older ones the best too. They made things so much better back then. I have a few here, some even with glass lids! Ours are stored in boxes in the shed, and I really must get to and sort through for doing some preserves myself.

    Well Christmas is almost here again, and a New Year just around the next bend, so I want to wish you and all your dear readers a very Merry CHRISTmas and wonderful New Year!

    Thank you Annabel for all the inspiration and hard work you put into the facebook page and here on your blog. You are a real blessing to many.

    Lots of love,
    Tania xxx

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    1. Dear Tania, All the work you did leading up to summer really paid off as to get veggies to survive the heat you did very well. It is tough. Having jars in the shed is a good thing. The old ones are so nice and superior in every way I think. And beautiful! We are also ending the year and the whole DECADE! I hope you have a beautiful Christmas and also thinking of your dear Mum and Dad! With much love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Dear Annabel & Tania!

      I had wanted to say that, too - Lucy is very stylish, and those are beautiful, beautiful pine cones!!

      Tania, you are doing well in such hot conditions! Still, if you can have some ice in summer, you are rich!

      Rachel

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  4. Annabel, the fires are just terrible all around the country. To hear about the two firemen who lost their lives in NSW yesterday was just so very sad. We really need some good solid rain. I hope it cools down for you in SA. The heat from NSW will arrive here tomorrow unfortunately. Stay safe!

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    1. Dear Nanna Chel, I am heart broken that both those firefighters have young children. This really upset me. And I know today there are terrible terrible conditions in NSW and probably elsewhere with so many fires going. It is just very sobering. And it has gone on for so long... I think of the weary fire fighters who have been going for weeks. Much to pray for. Today I am busy with apricots and watering... Have a good weekend! With love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Dear Bluebirds!

      I think one of the difficult factors is that many of the firefighters in rural areas are actually volunteers. They may have droughted farms, themselves, or cannot turn up at their usual jobs. Talk about tough!!

      Rachel

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  5. I am always so amazed at how much the world is the same everywhere. Santa comes on the firetruck riding through all the neighborhoods and tomorrow is the day! Our children would run out to the street because Santa threw handfuls of candy to them. Now my husband and I stand out on the front steps and wave to him as he goes by. He often throws some candy in the yard for these us! It is a huge part of our Christmas tradition. Tomorrow is the day and we will be listening for the sirens!

    I am sitting here praying for your safety from the fires and relief from the heat. It is almost 100 degrees cooler here than there. Your Christmas celebration sounds like it was a wonderful day. We are excited to have one of our grandchildren here and see his excitement and wonder. Your jars are wonderful! Some caution about using old jars for pressure canning because they can break but they will do well in the water bath. All those shelves of jars are just beautiful!

    Merry Christmas! Much love, Lana

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    1. Dear Lana,
      I love it! I hope Santa throws you some sweets today! This is all so much fun and so nice even for the adults!
      lol it is mind-blowing that it could be 100 degrees difference between here and there!
      I am so glad you have one of the grandchildren with you. I know it must be very hard missing the children away especially at Christmas.
      I think I will stick to waterbath canning but will remember this should I ever venture into pressure canning. Thank you! I think that shelves of jars are a joy to see also! With much love Annabel.xxx

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  6. Good morning and I do hope this will be a much better day for you. That is so sad about the birds and all the wild fires and your poor animals. That kind of heat must be unbearable. We also have to worry about fires here in central Texas as it gets very hot and dry at times. I love your beautiful old jars and can't wait to see what you fill them with. I will keep you and our Australian friends in my prayers. Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy new year to you and your family.

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    1. Dear Pam,
      I think Texas and Australia have a lot of similarities. Thank you so much, I hope your family also has a wonderful Christmas! With much love, Annabel.xxx

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  7. Annabel I have been thinking of you all week, knowing how extreme the weather and fire conditions are for most of Australia. I am surprised that you were able to post this week, with the interruptions to power and internet. It most be so difficult in 47 degrees. I am uncomfortable at over 30 degrees. With your garden struggling in the heat, and let's face it who/what wouldn't, all your work preserving, freezing, making jams, etc will come into it's own now.
    Annabel, may you and your loved ones stay safe. May the animals and homes you have loved and cherished be safe. Please know that on this side of the ditch we are thinking of you all. Under such conditions, I think, don't stress too much about your weekly posts if its all too much. Take care and nurture yourself, loved ones and community. Understanding the conditions you are experiencing I still want to say;
    Have a very Merry Christmas and I hope,Happy New Year.

    Mandy(NZ)

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    1. Dear Mandy,
      Thank you. Thank you for your kind comment. I never thought I would get my post published either it was all against me!
      Thank you for all your friendship and support all year. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.... and NEW DECADE! With much love, Annabel.xxx

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  8. Hope that you are safe from fires and that the terrible heat will break. How sad to see the dead birds. In the UK we are having torrential rain over many days and there is a lot of flooding as the ground is already saturated. Extremes of weather are scary wherever you are in the world. Keep safe everyone!

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    1. Annabel, maybe we Bluebirds should all learn how to make emergency plywood canoes - as new skills! Times are getting tough!

      Rachel

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    2. Dear Penny, I agree, whatever the extreme weather it is scary and affects everyone. Ahh this is also why we prepare and be ready to stay in out of it too as much as possible. Thank you for commenting. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year! With love Annabel.xxx

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  9. Love the photo of Santa on the fire truck! We're in a CFA zone, and they drive around all the streets the week before Christmas, handing out sweeties to the children. I didn't realise we still had so many young children in our street until last Sunday! I save 20c coins in a jar to give them each year. On Tuesday I'll be taking a hamper to our local brigade to say thank you. I started doing this about 6 years ago, and then it became special once Mum moved into the nursing home, as one of her friends in their has a son who is a part of our local brigade, and they visit the home regularly. You should see the old ladies turn on the charm when all these "ÿoung" firemen turn up - it's so sweet. And they are amazing, giving out hugs to the ladies and handshakes and back pats to the men. Those jars look beautiful in your cupboard - imagine how pretty they'll look when they're full :) Have fun preserving, and I'm glad today is a cooler day for you to do it. Love Cath xxx

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    1. Dear Cath, I have a big smile with all those old ladies liking the the firefighters! :) Pretty cute.
      Well I have been attacking apricots all day. Much cooler day! First I got on to jam to use up the softer apricots. Then on to my first canning! So far I have six jars canned and they seem good. I have two more in now as they were the last two and didnt fit in the pot last time. Looking good! It has been fun and I am learning! Thank you for your encouragement! With love Annabel.xxx

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  10. Annabel
    I have tears in my eyes reading your posts and the realities of drought, so very sad .I hope it breaks soon for us all and the Animals too .
    I love your preparation for Canning .I've done water bath method myself , very easy .. One tip I have learnt was from the CSIRO web site on preserving, some American recipes written for their climate, need to be adjusted for our climate in regards to salt added, and time canned ..It's worth reading their articles on Food preservation etc
    Your jars are amazing ..I love the ball Mason jars.I picked up 4 dozen, wide mouth Ball Pint jars recently ,not for 50C though , Im storing all sorts of things in them including my Christmas baking ingredients, the glace cherries look wonderful.Merry Christmas :)

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    1. Dear Jane, Things are much better today and most of my garden survived except a few flowing bushes. They are had it. I had to get busy on the apricots and have been going all day! I have last jars in the water bath and last lot of jam on ... all looking good! (fingers crossed)
      I hope you will find many more jars... get the word out. It is amazing who has boxes of all jars in the shed!
      I hope your weekend is going well and no smoke! With love Annabel.xxx

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  11. Annabel, what a time for you. Hope that you and your property are ok. How sad for all the birds that died in the heat. Hope that your animals will be OK today and they keep under shelter. You sound like a real farmer ... out in your nightie and boots!!! Your baking is beautiful as always and what great finds with all the preserving bottles. I need to go op shopping again to find some. I have some beautiful tomatoes ready to prep. Haven't tried canning apples but we are picking them ... so it's time I learnt. Keep safe Annabel and have a wonderful Christmas.

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    1. I can’t help it, Margaret & Annabel ....... I think all farmer Annabel needs is a pretty shawl to throw over her nightgown when she needs to be in such a hurry!! Ha ha!!

      Rachel

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    2. Dear Margaret, When you go op shopping ask the staff if they have any canning jars as in my op shop they did but only out the back. So if I never asked I would not have got them. Also try your local facebook Buy Swap and sell pages. Good luck! I will frighten someone to death sometime when they drive in unexpectedly and I am out in my nightie.
      Have a beautiful Christmas tomorrow! With much love Annabel.xxx

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  12. Dear Annabel and Bluebirds,
    Praying for all of you in Australia as fires seem to be an ever present danger during summer. Such heat is unbearable. I was so glad to see that your heat has subsided to a reasonable temperature today. The poor animals must truly suffer.
    All of your post pictures were wonderful Annabel. It is nice to see the grandchildren and your mum, too. I love the old green glass canning jars with the wire clamps.
    I do so love to can. In 2012 we put up around 250 jars of food for our food storage room. Sadly, that was the last year we did any serious canning. We had to start over on fruit trees and growing beds here in 2015, so we haven't had the produce we had in our old home. I miss that yard so much.
    We have been busy, daily, trying to get some bedrooms cleared out of our "stuff," so our daughter and grandson can move in around January 15. I am winding down on getting the rooms ready for them, so next is going to her home and helping pack up there.
    We, too, need to do some jam and conserve making to free up space in the freezers. We have several large jars of juice and lots of berries that we didn't have time to process, but just put them in the freezer to keep. That type of produce can take up a lot of needed space.
    Prayers will continue for your safety throughout the summer time there. We are freezing here in Wyoming :) and the wind is atrocious.
    Many blessings to each of you.
    Love and hugs to all,
    Glenda

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    1. Dear Glenda!

      I know that Annabel will want to reply ..... I would like to say how nice it is to hear from you! Your story is real, and it is wonderful to read it in little snippets! May you find some restful time in this busy world!

      Rachel

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    2. Dear Glenda, You will be busy getting the rooms ready. I didnt realise it wasnt util Jan 15. You daughter must have a lot of packing up to do.
      I hope you have a wonderful Christmas tomorrow! We are certainly at the opposite ends of the weather spectrum! With much love Annabel.xxx

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  13. Annabel prayers said for your safety and that of Cass too. Do let us know how you all get on! I have a friend in Yangchep who has dealt with fires this past week as well. It's quite worrying...

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    1. Dear Terri!

      Cass has said that her cottage has been spared! She has neighbours and friends, however, who have lost their homes in the fire. It is a difficult time for so very many.

      Rachel

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    2. Dear Terri, Yes Cass is ok and her home safe. She lost her freezer of food but otherwise all is well. Thank you for praying. Fires near us were contained or put out... and it cooled down to normal weather. It was a dreadful day! Terri have a wonderful Christmas and thank you! Love Annabel.xxx

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  14. Hi Annabel what a horrid day of dreadful weather conditions. I hope that the worst has passed and that the fires are under control. We are fine here but have the smoke from the Fraser Island fire. I think today will be an inside day for me. I have already done all the watering and am hoping everything will get through. Mind you I got dressed first.
    Bluey installed a small industrial wall fan on the veranda. What a difference this had made. I can sit out there quite comfortably when the fan is going. I did have a little pedestal fan out there but it is nowhere near as effective as the new fan.
    My brother came to stay last weekend. He was doing relief shifts for Lifeflight in Bundaburg and came here on his days off. We took him to a local pub for lunch. I won a huge meat tray in the raffles. We are right for meat until well into the New Year.
    I have borrowed a table carder from my Spinning, Weaving and fibre arts club. It is amazing for getting fleece ready to spin. I am in the process of scouring some more of the merino fleece and will try this through the carder. So much easier than the deadly combs and the small hand carders.
    I wish you and your family and all the Bluebirds and there families a safe and blessed Christmas.

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    1. Dear Jane, Wow on winning the meat tray! That is awesome! I am really interested in this table carder. I think I will need something like this. I am on the look out!
      I hope you have a wonderful Christmas tomorrow with your family! With much love, Annabel.xxx

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  15. Hope all is well with you today Annabelle. I was thinking of you as the news was of fires in SA. The Yanchep fire here in Perth is about 40k from my place but seems to be under control, although some lovely trees and wildlife have suffered and a house was lost. My DH does our water bath canning when we can get fruit. In Perth I just try to keep things alive in the garden, and get most of our crops in autumn, winter and spring. Take care and have a lovely Christmas. Thanks for your lovely writing each week

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    1. Dear Earthmother, I heard about that fire... I am glad it was not too close to you. Things settled down here, back in the 30s and fires out or contained. Thank goodness. It is great that your husband does the canning! I did lose a few plants but mostly the veggie garden is ok. It is not easy in extreme conditions! Have a very Happy Christmas to you both! With love Annabel.xxx

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  16. Annabel, I hope the fire threat has diminished and that things are settling down for everyone. I have been praying and will continue to do so. You will love water bath canning and I bet as soon as you're comfortable with it you'll graduate to pressure canning. It's such a good way to keep a pantry well-stocked and there are so many more things that can be preserved. The picture of your mom and grands is just so precious! Merry Christmas!

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    1. Dear Patsy, Thank you for praying. Yes things settled down. It is milder weather. The fires are out of contained. Most of the garden is ok.
      Thank you re the canning! I got on well with the apricots! So I am up and running! Have a beautiful Christmas! With love Annabel.xxx

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  17. Interesting country we live in, that is for sure. Still remember the Christmas that it rained for two weeks before the big day. Was so jealous of al the folk with washing on their lines that day.
    Still drying the washing inside on airers as the smoke haze is awful.
    Good luck with the canning. Saw some of those (new) jars in the supermarket this last week. I save all my jars and give then to friends who bottle. I haven't bottled for a few decades.
    PatriciaA

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    1. Dear Patricia, It is great you save your jars for your friends! Yes we sure have had some crazy weather. Such extremes!
      I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  18. So glad that your safe and hope you continue to be safe. My first thought was to bring the animals in the house. haha Then I came to my senses and realized they were too big and too many. I was in a dust storm once and that was bad enough for me. It was nice to see a picture of your Mom as you mention doing things with her. Nancy

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    1. Dear Nancy,
      Yes can you imagine I have four cows... Laffie is really huge, five big sheep, a goat, nearly 30 chickens, four ducks and on it goes... and they would never agree on what to watch on tv either! haha!
      Dust storms and terrible. I have been through one too!
      Have a wonderful Christmas! With love Annabel.xxx

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  19. Hi Annabel,
    Horrible weather you are having. Sad to hear about the birds dying. Fires are such a danger. Praying all that calms down for you and your neighbors. And that it cools off making it more comfortable for all.
    Here in Ohio, we are having snow and ice with frigid temps. Christmas is very close now. Family will be coming in Christmas Eve. Always a good time of the year.
    Hoping you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy prosperous New Year of 2020.
    Your baking looks great. The girls are growing up. Harper's hair is so long and pretty. Kids and Christmas is just so much fun.
    Merry Christmas Annabel.

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    1. Dear Dots,
      Things have cooled down and calmed down! Yay for that!
      Your family will be driving today! My Christmas Eve is over but yours will just be starting about now!
      I hope you have a beautiful Christmas! With lots of love, Annabel.xxx

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  20. Oh Annabel I and DH am so praying for you and your family that the fire does not reach you there :) . We have also had a lot of smoke and dust in the air here from fires fortunately not near us. I am so thankful that yourself and us have cleared all the underbrush to lessen the fire risk. We have also lost some plants with the heat in the gardens but salvaged what we could and having temperatures of 40 - 41 oc and the grass crackles beneath our feet it is so dry and kangaroos/wallabies are begging us for water and we are finding ways to give them what we can, we are now down to 80 litre per person per day water restrictions :o . Oh how heartbreaking about the birds I would be crying and trying to save them as you have.

    Beautiful biscuits and family celebrations and I am glad you are keeping your animals well watered and as cool as possible.
    Thank you for the beautiful cheery letter and I will be sending one after Christmas for you as well :).

    Our Vicky challenge added up to $58.55 in savings last week :).

    In the kitchen -
    - Cooked all meals and bread from from scratch. We have cooked up a few roasts and sliced them and divided them into meal sized portions for the freezer for cold dinners with homemade pasta salads/cherry tomatoes from the gardens as it is too hot to cook here.

    In the gardens -
    - Picked cherry tomatoes and turnips from the gardens.

    Finances -
    - Banked more into our 3 month living expenses emergency fund bringing us to 64.6 % of the way there.
    - We have decided since DH was diagnosed with a 6mm brain aneurysm that we will put in air conditioning in the home after Christmas as it is so hot here. Likely he will go into have it operated on (a family history of brain hemorrhages in mid 50's) in the early New Year and he most likely will be out of action for some weeks and a cooler home will help him with his recovery I think. So we shall start again to save to reach our target.

    Purchases -
    - Purchased a 11 litre convection oven to do smaller roasts etc without turning on the larger oven. This will use far less electricity.
    - Purchased and Wish e-gift card for fuel and groceries from RACQ saving 5% or $9.96.
    - Found lots of bread rolls on markdown prices saving $5.59 on usual prices.
    - Got a 1kg packet of bacon rashers for free for being a supermarket taste tester saving $9 on usual prices.
    - Purchased 4 x marinated beef roasts on special for $10 kg saving $22 on usual prices.

    Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a frugal week ahead :).

    Sewingcreations15 (Lorna).

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    1. Dear Lorna,
      The fires were brought under control but are sill being watched. There has been a haze of smoke all week. But we are lucky. And it cooled back to the 30s! I am so happy you water those Wallabies. I am not sure how much they would drink per day. I think a sheep is 7 litres. it is surprising to find these things out. We are keeping water up to the birds and next time it is so extreme I think I will do patrols hourly to try and get to dying birds faster. I can probably only focus on the yard and driveway...
      Having cold meat cooked ahead is a great idea. I just do not want to turn on the oven in the heat at all. We live on cold meat and salads then.
      I am sorry about your husbands health... and this aneurysm and surgery. I agree with you... air conditioning is expensive because of power costs but living in heat is a stress on the body. So is lack of sleep which is very often from being uncomfortable in the heat too... I think anyone with any health issues or even older age if possible would do well even to have one room cool that they can retreat to. So it is worth it I think.
      I think the smaller oven is a good idea! I am using an air frier and do nearly all roads this way. It is quick and the roasts are beautiful... no heating up time and much less electricity. Winner!
      I hope you both have a beautiful Christmas. You have worked so hard all year. It has been a big year and here we are ... almost a new decade! With much love, Annabel.xxx

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    2. Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and yours :).

      We shall look into the air conditioning just after Christmas but thankfully have enough money saved to buy them and have them installed and still have savings left over :).

      Sewingcreations15 (Lorna).

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  21. Hi Annabel,
    The weather is awful everywhere! We've also had some horrible heat but nothing like you are having to endure. In our piece of African bush, we've been averaging 41 to 43 centigrade this summer. I just wanted to pass on some tips for helping the birds and smaller creatures through the heat. You may already do some of these. We have a low birdbath (a hollow stone) where most of our resident birds and lizards drink regularly and bath but if you set up shallow trays (large pot plant saucers work well)in shady spots around your house and keep them topped up with cool water during the heat, every bird in the area will sit around your yard by these water places. You'll be amazed how traditional enemies will suddenly get on, sharing patches of relief like old friends. Shallow trays at air conditioner drip spouts are also welcomed. A word of caution to keep the trays shallow - otherwise the smallest may sink and drown. Putting some small stones in them also work as platforms to drink from. Our birds suffer even on our not-as-hot-as-you days and sit at the birdbath panting--who knew birds could pant?!?!
    Love your website and the inspiration! Hope you get relief from this ghastly summer soon! Have a wonderful Christmas
    and a blessed New Year.
    Cari (Kruger Park, South Africa)

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    1. Dear Cari, Thank you so much for your tips. W have found that so many birds have drowned in the cattle troughs in the paddocks... as you say they get overwhelmed with too much water. In the ones around the house I have put sticks and things to help them climb out if they fall in.
      Thank you so much for telling me you are reading! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! With much love, Annabel.xxx

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  22. Annabel, oh my what dreadful heat! Thank goodness for air conditioning. Lucy’s party table looks so festive, and your granddaughters are so precious and growing up! Those colored jars you have are lovely! I hope you love canning! I’ve done water bath canning with peaches in the padt and they turn out so sweet and delicious. Merry Christmas to Annabel and all Bluebirds and hope you all stay safe from the elements this season. Love, Teresa

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    1. Dear Teresa, Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! I would love to can peaches. Some years I get free ones, if so I will be trying this. Can you believe we are going into a new year and a new Decade too! Have a lovely day tomorrow. With love Annabel.xxx

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  23. Have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New year! Looking to next year's of wisdom ! Love Gaila in the NW USA

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