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 28 August 2020

Feather your Nest Friday, 28th August, 2020.

Thank you for all of your beautiful and kind messages, emails, comments... everything.   I have truly felt supported by prayer.  Here, a week later, we are upright and the whole family has been wonderful and helped each other. I have stayed several nights with Mum and I liked being there, at the farm, with things are they always were... so familiar and comforting.

It is a case of getting every thing you ever wanted and every prayer answered and still being sad.
But you can be grateful and sad at the same time.
Twenty three years ago we nearly lost Dad and we prayed and prayed to keep him here.  He got to see the girls grow up and be so close to them.  All those bonus years!!   Then this time last year we nearly lost him and he had a pacemaker put in. And he had a whole extra year!  And boy did he use it!
Next I was praying he would get to see Sidney born.  And he did!  I was the one to tell him of the arrival and when I rang him it was the happiest I have ever heard him.  He was so so over the moon with the births of the other Great Grandchildren.  This phone call was probably the happiest I have ever heard him!  He just kept saying "oh that's marvellous, oh that is marvellous, who wouldn't think this is marvellous..?"  haha!   And then when I told him that  Sidney's second name was Thomas (after him) he was just about off- the- planet -thrilled. He said "they didn't have to do that"  but added something like but he honoured that they did!   Oh, that was a beautiful phone call.
Next thing I was praying he would get to see Sidney... and he did!     And I was so grateful and have photos of that beautiful meeting with Dad's arm around Lucy and them both beaming.

More recently we had wonderful talks and visits.  I had chance to ask him everything I could think of.    He was so very happy with me being here, how he could come anytime and sit at my kitchen table and I would sit down and talk with him.  I knew to stop and spend that time.  I always thanked him for coming.  He would stop and inspect the veggie garden on the way out, usually carrying a carton of eggs.  Then he would cast his eye around the garden and the paddocks happily.   His great plan had come together  to the extend that all his children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren are securely living on parts of the farm.
He was a planner and a thinker.  He knew what needed doing and he made a way.

Only in the last two weeks I had a change.  I stopped asking for extensions and for the first time I asked that Dad would get his wish to go suddenly and quickly which would be home on the farm.  He didn't want any more hospital stays.  He didn't want to stop working and sit around.  He couldn't stand it.  He didn't want to get too old...or unable.  So I prayed he would get things how he wanted them.
And he did.

 I got everything I ever wanted and prayed for and it comes with a mix of gratitude and sadness.

The last thing Dad would want is  everyone sitting around moping.   He would be thrilled how the family has been.  He would be thrilled Lucy got to come to the farm and Sidney gained so much weight this week!  He would want us to thrive and help each other.  He would want the Great Grandkids to be doing well.

Dad and Mum created an amazing home over the years.  Staying there is so nice.   I am hoping some of my pictures give you an impression.   In bed at night the sound of frogs is so loud and continuous! Like a chorus.  This is how it sounds during the day... turn the sound up.   This pond is out my bedroom window by about 50 yards.



The birds at the farm are beautiful.  Blue Wrens are my favourite but they are tiny and jumpy!  But I don't need a special camera, the bigger birds are so friendly I can just use my iPhone for a photo.


This is one of the Grey Shrike Thrush sitting on a friends foot in Mum's garden...(up with the volume again.)







I will report what I can as far as home and pantry building goes.   I picked Bay Leaves and Lavender and have them drying near the fire. 


And as there can never be a dull moment I have two new lambs.  They are not tiny babies but three or four weeks old.  This makes them harder to get feeding... although I will not have to feed them for very long.  And they run away until they settle in so you can see this one is on a lead.  Hopefully by tomorrow this won't be needed anymore but I can't chase them around the paddock to catch them as they are too fast! 


My story shows that the work we do in our homes and for our families affects many generations greatly.   The Great Grand childrens' children will be reaping the benefits of Dad's love,  work and planning for them as I will be for the rest of my life.  So much gratitude.  

Be encouraged.    In these times we face many challenges!   It is not easy.  But our God is a Way Maker.  Dad was a way maker...  and so determined.  And prayer makes a difference.   Dad left a note about God being with the patient.   Working with out head and our hands.   And how God helps those who help themselves.  Hence he was a worker.  He was the hardest worker I have ever known.   

Please tell me about your week.  I hope you found ways to get ahead, build up your pantry, preparedness and garden.xxx



75 comments:

  1. Annabel you sound so calm and accepting. Grief will stalk you for the next little while and it can be exhausting on many levels. Eat well, rest and savour the moments, the good, the wonderful, the sad and the uncomfortable. The farm is beautiful.
    Barb

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    1. Dear Barb, Thank you so much, I really not have been calm but mainly I have been accepting. Thank you. I am glad you like the farm. I glad to be a part of it. With love, Annabel.xxx

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  2. Your words and memories are an amazing tribute to your father. He sounds like an incredibly wise man, as well as hard working. I feel so inspired by this post. Thank you for sharing 🙏

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    1. Thank you Cheryl for your kind words. xxx

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  3. Dear Annabel and Beautiful Bluebirds!!

    This is a wonderful testimony of a real, down to earth legacy. It speaks for itself.

    As for my little world, I earned more for the bill pantry and more for the food pantry. I planted soaked pumpkin seeds, and then some corn seed in amongst the potato plants. I considered more the direction before me, and am amazed at the doors opening in front of me to help me meet my goals.

    Rachel

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    1. Hi Rachel your garden is going to be great
      The opportunities coming your way are so good for and for your various pantries
      XxxLorraine

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  4. Having loving parents is a blessing we can't put a price on. So glad your father had his wish to go home to the Lord where he was happiest. This week has been amazing. Lots of bits turned into things. Cracker crumbs and some crackers no one liked turned into Shake'n'Bake. Bread crusts dried on the fire have been seasoned and turned into dried seasoned breadcrumbs. Lots of sewing done, with mask orders coming in from all over the place. Lots of onions have been dried and vac sealed. Laundry on the line two days this week, in glorious sunshine, washing on the line always makes me happy. Two afternoons I was able to sit and crochet - result a set of coaster and a new doyley finished. Wayne has had to go through at least two police road blocks every day this week, and he's been waved through - he saw the same policeman twice at different road blocks :) Then we had the storm last night. Oh boy! Our power was flickering for about 1-1/2 hours, and we have underground power, so the main transformer must've been getting a battering. Our next door neighbour lost the roof to their garage, it ended up in our front yard, neatly in front of Hannah's car - no damaged to the car! Then our other neighbour had the one and only huge tree on their block go through the roof of their house. Walking around our house and yard this morning, nothing even looks windblown. Then this morning I had the alert to boil water as with the power out some of the water we use hadn't been treated. When I felt I had to by those water purification tablets and life straws in the first aid pantry I didn't think I'd be using them at home; I was thinking more of when we are bush and don't have fresh water. Ladies, don't ever ignore those feelings and urges God sends, even if you think they're odd, you won't regret being prepared because you took the warning. Cath xxx

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    1. Dear Cath,
      That storm sounded like a shocker. I saw many suburbs are boiling water too. Better to be on the safe side with that. You did a lot! Isnt it amazing how all the little bits and pieces add up! I love consistency and I love diligence and you have both Cath.
      I only heard someone today saying how strong they feel they should add to their pantry but they were resisting the "urge" so I replied and said what if your urge is God given!! Why oh why do people ignore song promptings!? So I suggested maybe do what you feel to do.
      I am so glad you didnt suffer damage from the storm! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  5. A beautiful tribute to an obviously wonderful father, grandfather and great grandfather.
    Thank you for sharing part of his story. He would be very proud of you all.
    Blessings Gail.

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    1. Thank you so much Gail. Such a kind thing to say.xxx

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  6. Talking about your dear dad Annabel, has me thinking about my own father & my relationship with him & everyone I love & hold dear I always tell them I love them every day, especially while in lockdown,i love your photos of the birds,i never tire of reading your blog posts take care x

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    1. Dear Melissa,
      Thanks so much. You are wise to always tell your loved ones how you feel. Never miss an opportunity. Thanks so much, with love, Annabel.xxx

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  7. I'm sorry but I cant get your frogs choir to play. Is there something special I need to do?
    Julie

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    1. Dear Julie, Thank you for telling me. I did it wrong. I think it is fixed now. I hope you like it. Love Annabel.xxx

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  8. Dear Annabel thankyou for this lovely post honouring your father and all he was and did for his family for generations to come. It brought a tear to my eye reading this .
    Today has had many challenges for me and I could have a lost a lot (not of the money kind) but I did what thought best from the heart , accepted that things may not work out as hoped and left it to the above . I too am so thankful things have worked out better than expected this morning. Tomorrow Ill be taking it gently . Wishing health and peace to all the bluebirds and especially you Annabel and your mum, with love Maria xxx

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    1. Dear Maria,
      Thank you. Oh it sounds like you have had a tough time. Sometimes we have to say what we thing and make wise decisions even if others dont agree at the time they might see it one day. Ha... life is hard sometimes. I know you would never do anything that didnt need doing. Many hugs. With love Annabel.xxx

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  9. Your father sounds like the most amazing man and I am so glad his passing was as he wanted. I loved the photos of the birds. That is one thingI miss about my father. He could charm the birds into his hands. He adored wrens and we still have some that come to our garden every year.

    How will the new lock down rules affect your family? Ia m glad Sidney is doing well.

    God bless you and keep you safe in his love.

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    1. Dear Suzan,
      Thank you! Oh your Father sounds lovely!
      The rules are hard to keep up with. As far as I can see if you are a sports person or tv star you can go anywhere. If you are grieving a loved one or need to help your again parents or feed your farm animals then probably the answer is no. It is not Australia anymore to me. However Lucy now CAN get to the Doctor and hospital if needed. This is something. Before they were cut off and even with dr letters no one cared. I am very sorry for people who walked off the land, actually moved house... and the rules changed again! Who would believe it! With love Annabel.xxx

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  10. Hi Annabel. I've only just caught up on your sad news. I'm so sorry for your loss but so glad of the wonderful times you had with your Dad. Our God certainly is a Way Maker and Miracle Worker. It's in him we find peace when the world has turned upside down.

    Much love to you and your family xoxo

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  11. Todays post is just lovely. I feel the love and warmth in it. You are surely you Dad's daughter. You have such a lovely aura around you. Your grandchildren will also thrive in the future from your contributions to this world as well as those of their great grand dad.
    Blessings my friend

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    1. Dear Cheryl,
      Thank you. That is a lovely thing to say. I really appreciate your words and your own conduct during your own loss was an example to me. With love Annabel.xxx

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  12. Dear Annabel,
    Your Dad was a gift from God. Your family was truly blessed with such a caring, loving man.
    Your words capture the essence of a man that loved deeply and fervently. Your tribute to him was beautiful.
    Sending you much love, dear friend,
    Glenda

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    1. Dear Glenda,
      Thank you. I know I have been so blessed. Could not be luckier. Thank you.. With love Annabel.xxx

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  13. I see the results of decisions made by previous generations and how it caused grief for the kids but thank God, that broke in my own family when I accepted Christ as a teenager!!

    Still praying for you. I know that grief is easier when our loved one was ready to go Home but we still feel their absence. Especially that first year as we go through important events without them. But your Dad is not only enjoying Heaven, He is now with the One who is Love!

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    1. Beautiful, Brenda.
      Mary in San Diego

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    2. Dear Brenda, Yes you make a wonderful point. As well as being able to leave a wonderful legacy people can leave a dreadful one. Oh yes. How sad that is. I am very glad for your family that you changed it all! Thank you so much Brenda. With love Annabel.xxx

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  14. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I lost my dad last September and the ensuing months have been filled with grief, yes, but mostly gratitude for having such an amazing dad.

    Sounds like your dad was amazing as well and a visionary to boot. May his legacy and yours carry on throughout the generations of your family. Blessings, Annabel

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    1. Thank you very much. I am so sorry you lost your Dad. Thank you so much.xxx

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  15. Hi, Barb - I've read your blog over the past year but never felt moved to post a remark - this time you've just made me feel so thankful for all that I have and have brought back beautiful memories of my own parents. I am thankful to have my family and grandchildren living nearby (ten in all) and to be able to accomplish good things. Using our time well is so important. Take care and (as my mother, who was from the south in the US used to say) be sweet!

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    1. Hi Liz, I am Annabel but I think you are addressing me.. It is wonderful you have ten grandchildren! That is wonderful. I went to visit Mum this afternoon and she is doing pretty well. With love Annabel.xxx

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  16. the warmfireplace28 August 2020 at 09:09

    I am so very sorry to hear about your dad but he sounds a wonderful man. Keeping you in my prayers.
    Sue

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  17. Bless you, dear Annabel. Those Lorikeets (?) are beyond belief!! And your baby lamb peeking out at you, so sweet. Your post is a calming, loving tribute to your Mum and Dad. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. xoxo Mary

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    1. Dear Mary, They are Rosella's and many live in the garden. I love them! Thanks so much for your kind words. With love Annabel.xxx

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  18. Dear Annabel,
    What an inspiring post filled with wonderful memories. You are so blessed to have a father like that.. The farm is beautiful! I love seeing your native wildlife, so different from what we have in the U.S. You little lamb is precious.
    Blessings, Laura

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    1. Dear Laura,
      Thank you! My little lambs are doing well! With love Annabel.xxx

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  19. Your dad must have been so proud of all of you - a wonderful tribute to him. So glad to hear that you've been able to be with your mom - it must be such a comfort to both of you.

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    1. Dear Margie,
      Thank you so much. I appreciate your kindness! With love Annabel.xxx

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  20. What a beautiful legacy your dad has built for all of you! I know you will cherish and honor his memory all the days of your lives because you learned from the best!!! Love and hugs to you all, Holley

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    1. Dear Holley,
      Thank you that was a beautiful thing to say and I agree with you! With love Annabel.xxx

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  21. Annabel I love the connection that you and your family have to the land. How wonderful that your dad wanted to share that with your family. The pictures are peaceful and pretty. We have Blue Jays that come for Peanuts and I put water out for the Birds of Prey. We have a pair of Parrots that come to my trees occasionally. They flew up from Mexico and decided to stay. What a sweet little face that lamb has.
    God Bless you and your family during this time of loss.
    Lynd

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    1. Dear Lynd,
      I would love to see Blue Jays! Also I would love to see Hummingbirds. Thank you so much, with love, Annabel.xxx

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  22. That pond is purely beautiful! What a lovely view you have there. I am so glad to hear that you have all gotten through the week with good days and family. Your Dad left such an amazing legacy. I am glad you are near to spend time with your Mum.

    We have Carolina wrens that look similar to your blue wrens but they are all tan and brown with a stripe over their eyes. They always pick places to nest that are not safe for their babies and are inconvenient for the homeowner. This summer we have had two families of bluebirds in the nesting box near our screen porch where we eat meals. We have enjoyed seeing the parents come and go feeding the loudly chirping babies. Then one day they are just gone. They grew up and flew the nest.

    Much love, Lana

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    1. Dear Lana,
      Wrens are just lovely and delicate. They sound like they are risky homemakers though!
      Thanks Lana very much, with love Annabel.xxx

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  23. Annabel when I read your post today, especially the part about the generations that your Dad has and will have touched, I can’t help but think of a new song we’ve just learned called The Blessing, we’ve listened to a version by Elevation Worship, and we also like the version by Shane and Shane.

    Thank you for sharing how God answered your prayers, and the reality of feeling gratitude and sadness. I was happy to hear your family could be together, and also that your Dad and your daughter got to have such important times together with the new baby.

    I’m not sure I made much forward progress in my pantry or home this week, as we started our homeschool after summer break, but I am very thankful that the pandemic has pushed me to have a full pantry in place, and that the work/discipline the kids and I put in over the summer to get on a good morning routine of morning quick chores to put the house in order was already in place. It made our mornings and days very enjoyable, as I wasn’t scrambling around and feeling stress about what to cook and how to manage the house while also teaching. The week was much smoother than other years.

    -Amy

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  24. Hi Annabelle, What a wonderful Dad you had and what wonderful memories for you.I am sure you all are missing him very much and look forward to seeing him in Heaven. More sheep! That is great how you are building up your amount of animals. Since my Dad raised sheep at one time I love seeing pictures of yours. Nancy

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  25. Annabel you are so correct that God is a way maker and so was you Dad. He created a beautiful kingdom for many generations of your family through his hard work and forward thinking. Praying, being grateful and hand work are certainly qualities to be admired :).

    The bay leaves and lavender would be sending magnificent smells right through your home drying by the fire.

    Our Vicky challenge added up to $325.71 in savings last week :).


    In the kitchen -
    - Cooked all meals and bread from scratch.
    - Added 3 loaves of homemade bread to the baked goods freezer drawer for days when we are busy.

    Purchases -
    - Bought 3 hooded sherpa jackets for myself for $23.20 on eBay saving $325.71 over buying them elsewhere.
    - Bought a small e-gift card from RACQ for groceries saving $1.80 or 5%.

    In the gardens -
    - Weeded and tidied 3 vegetable garden beds.
    - Split 3 x 3 x 1 mt rows of firewood and stacked it in the lean-to shed for firewood supplies for next year.

    Have a wonderful week ahead and you will be in our prayers.

    Sewingcreations15 (Lorna).

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    1. Dear Lorna,
      A good week! The jackets you bought were an amazing deal. The homemade bread baked ready for busy times would be beautiful. So handy. You would be well ahead in foreword now. I notice how one firewood is split so much more fits in a space! Amazing to have it ready for the next season. Thank you for your prayers and kindness Lorna. With much love Annabel.xxx

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  26. Annabel thank you for sharing your dad with me over the many years that we have known each other. I know that he was determined to do things his way.

    He has left a lasting legacy, not only for the family but the State and Australia as well.

    My husband is now going into the office 2 days a week. How I enjoy the time I have to myself - I get so much done and no need to worry about him walking all over the wet floors.

    We reorganized the bulk tin goods storage in the pantry last weekend which not only means that I can see things a lot better but I also know what is there.

    My husband is painting the open space that is our family room, rear entry and kitchen - nearly finished the ceiling, he does the wall as he has completed that part of the ceiling. Will be glad when it is finished because we have very high ceilings and it is a real balancing act on the plank he has slung between two ladders.

    Waiting for my 'no surrender' rose to flower - there is a bud that has attracted aphids- it is taking a long time to open. The lemon tree has teeny tiny lemons - hopefully they will hang in there and become full grown fruit. The blueberry bush has berries on it that just need to mature and change colour.

    Had my eyes checked yesterday, not much of a change in my eyesight so no need for new glasses.

    Our nights are still cool with the days slowly warming up. Soon it will be salad days, too hot to eat anything else.

    Love

    Lynette
    XXXX

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    1. Dear Lynette, Your family room area is going to look so nice. While harder to paint high ceilings are just beautiful. It is great you got this panty work done and the garden is sounding promising!
      Thank you for your very kind words ad friendship. Today felt like spring. Not cold... just had that feeling to it. So I agree... soon what we eat will change... everything will really. I am kind of ready and look forward to planting my raise garden beds. Thank you Lynette. With love Annabel.xxx

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  27. Dear Annabel, thank you for this beautiful tribute post to your dear and beloved Father, Annabel. I am so sad and so sorry to hear that you have lost your Dad. Your Dad sounds like the most incredible man, a truly intelligent, hard working, kind, creative and loyal man. Someone who would do anything for their family. What a role model! It must have been hard and good all at once to be with your Mum at the farm, with all as it has been and yet all different all at once. I love that things were just as they were. Somehow it feels easier to connect... I loved how your Dad cared about nature! Annabel, please know that you aren't alone. We are beside you on this journey. I will keep praying for you and your family. I would love to hear more about your Dad on this blog whenever you feel like sharing. We can learn a lot off wise people! Lots of love and hugs to you and your family. Lily

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    1. Dear Lily, Thank you so much for your kindness! With love Annabel.xxx

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  28. What an honor to have a daughter such as you. What a wonderful tribute.

    Your homestead is busy, as usual. My little one is downsizing. Not by choice, but it is what it is and we must make the best of it. Without change, there can not be growth.

    Prayers and hugs for you and yours.

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    1. What a kind thing to say thank you. I hope your changes work out well Barbara.xxx

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  29. I remember when my mother died, I cried of course, but God gave me so much peace in my heart knowing she was with the Lord. Yes, we grieve and miss them, but we know they are in 'good hands'. What a fantastic story you have to tell, to pass on to your grandchildren and their grandchildren, of the man who cared so much, worked so hard, and loved so much. I have been thinking about you this week. Bless you Annabel.

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    1. Dear Joy,
      I am so sorry for the loss of your Mum. Thank you for your words as they re true and there is such a legacy to pass on. With much love Annabel.xxx

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  30. Lovely Annabelle, I do understand both the sense of being blessed and calm and at the same time to feel the grief. I felt just so when my Granny died. She'd been mentor, friend, confidant, grandmother and more to me and my sibling and our children. We live on the land that she and Grandaddy bought in the 1940s and farmed and strove to pay off. Now I and my son live here and one day perhaps his sons and my younger daughter and her children will be here as well. It is a great comfort to me to know that Granny saw a few of us living here and knew we loved this place as much as she did.
    My week went by so quickly. I have been focusing hard on gathering fragments and using what is there to be used right away or to save it somehow so that it will feed us later, thereby keeping my pantry/freezer items in reserve for days ahead. It's taken a lot of time but it's so rewarding to see things add up and to watch our table fill with food over and over again from just a few things. It's led me to try new recipes and to stretch my baking skills and it's made me so much more creative.
    I hope to get soil and seeds to plant for fall crops but my husband is not really on board with this and is very much, "let's wait..." and everything in me is screeching inside that it's almost too late now. But I shall do what I can and have started noticing where I might forage. I'm quite serious!
    Hugs, and prayers continue for you and your family.

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    1. Dear Terri, You have such a similar situation to me. Dad was so thrilled I moved here and more so how I love it. I told him I LOVE it and will never leave this place. Also what a legacy your Grandparents left. Land is a solid investment for sure.
      Terri I love what you are doing... the whole idea of stretching things to preserve the pantry and add to the pantry. This could call for some creativity. I love the idea!
      Id get the soil and the seeds. And yes I forage. Right now there are blossoms everywhere. I note them all and later check if they are fruiting. I have discovered many old fruit trees this way. If I travel around a bit now I have mulberry trees, apples, figs... all I can pick from. I hope to find more. Listen to that message you are getting. I am hearing we are pretty much getting that same message far and wide...
      With love and thanks, Annabel.xxx

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  31. Dean Annabel, I loved the pond tour. It looks like a perfect place for healing. Your dad was so special and what a legacy he has left. I'm happy for you that your spring is not far away. We've made some progress here as far as getting ahead and preparedness. Our church closed it's library due to lack of interest and gave away all the books! I found some real treasures for our home library. So grateful for that. I invested in some blackout curtains for our family room as they are supposed to cut down on utility bills plus help with security if that becomes necessary. I am in the middle of re-doing the small pantry. It so needed a thorough cleaning and organizing. I found quite a few items that need to be used up plus some that needed tossing! One pantry to go after this. Yesterday we canned chili which is our favorite go-to pantry item. I'm slowly trying to improve up our garden by adding soil amendments (free to us leaves, leaf mold, crushed egg shells, compost, chicken manure and wood ash). It's almost time to plant potatoes, cabbage and broccoli here and that is on my next week's to-do list. I will be checking on everyone's progress as I take breaks from the pantry clean-up. Have a great week, all!

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    1. Dear Pam,
      The good additions to your library will be great to have. I think the curtains are effective against both heat and cold. Also as you say security. I love that you have more than one pantry! I also need to do some work on mine!
      All the things you list will be great for the garden. Truly each thing adds up. You may find free coffee grounds possibly. I am doing the same. It gradually improves and gets better and better.
      The chilli sounds excellent. You are doing a good job Pam... progress in many areas! With love Annabel.xxx

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  32. Iso enjoyed your post. Are you on your parents farm now? It is beautiful. Are you raising Angus? Lambs are cute bit the kid is adorable. Anxious to hear the name suggestions.
    As far as the pantry goes I went out to get soap molds today. Just received two books yesterday front Amazon on soaps and home health aids. Hope to be posting again soon. I have been gone for about a year. Between the fires and now the covid19 Australia has had a real hard time. I'll be in pray again for all of you.

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    1. Thank you so much. The photos are from my parents farm. I came home now for two days and going back to see Mum this afternoon. Angas is my younger brother but he is almost 40!
      I would love to see your soaps and creations. I really adore soap making and I look forward to your posts. I feel Australia has changed now. We were once Australians. Now we are divided more by state and people living on borders are really considered to have no rights. It is depressing I have to say. With love Annabel.xxx

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  33. I'm so sorry for your loss. You dad left quite a legacy, and you have written a lovely testimony to him.

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    1. Dear Deborah, Thank you so much for your kind words. With love Annabel.xxx

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  34. Annabel, truly your Dad was a remarkable father! So good to hear you have been spending time with your Mum. Please take extra special care of yourself and your health during this time. I am thinking of things like extra sleep, using essential oils, journaling, gentle exercise, plenty of warm baths, eating plenty of fruits and protein, reading the Psalms, etc. Things we know to do, but we often forget self care during times of grief and changes. Thinking of you and your lovely family.... Many blessings, Teresa

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    1. Dear Teresa,
      Thank you so much. Yes you are right. Sleep is my problem. I am working on it but the rest I can and am trying to do. You are right about this and I needed reminding. With love Annabel.xxx

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  35. Annabel, what a beautiful tribute to your dad. It made me smile and cry all at the same time. He left a wonderful legacy and sounds like he was so happy right up until the end. As I read this I was hoping you will still have conversations and "coffee" with your dad. I feel my dad's presence so often as we were close. I talk to him still after almost 5 years. I remember and finally mom and brothers are talking about things dad said or did. We laugh, we cry, we smile and most of all we remember and this keeps him alive in our hearts. Take care and may your dad be a continuing presence in your life and the lives of all he loved.

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    1. Thank you Crystal. These are kind and comforting words and I am doing that... and I am feeling his presence here on the farm.xxx

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  36. Annabel,
    This post is sad and so sweet both. I am so glad your dad got to go to Heaven on his own terms what a precious gift! The farm is such a beautiful place I'm sure his presence will be there for generations to come. You are very much like him. Oh those lambs are so adorable! And you have the most amazing birds there I could sit and watch those birds all day.
    XOXO
    Vicky

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  37. Annabel, I'm so thankful that you see God's presence and providence through this sad time. Thank you for sharing with us all here.
    You continue to be in my prayers as you rest in Him.
    Blessings,
    Leslie

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  38. Dear Annabel

    Reading a little more about your Dad and your prayers for an ending on his terms was a comfort but still had tears in my eyes. Such a sweet caring family man right till the end. Knowing he got to meet his Great Grandson Sidney would give some comfort to your family. A passing of a loved one be it sudden or know it was coming does not make it easy, but knowing their wishes and that those wishes were granted would give you some comfort. Take comfort in all your wonderful memories and knowing that you have shared so many over the years has made us all feel that little bit closer to your family.

    What a gorgeous little lamb. Does he/she have a name as yet?

    Hope you are going ok and that things soon improve with the boarder for you all.

    Take Care
    Aly xxx


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  39. Dear Annabel,

    I am so glad that the family was all able to be there and that you all found strength in each other and your faith. Your father was definitely proud of you all. What a legacy he has left.

    My week has been crazy, in a good way. So much preserving! Every time I deal with more apples, I think of you and your dad and that old apple tree he took you to a couple of years ago that is now one of your regular spots to get apples. We have had an overabundance in the garden and around the property, and I am doing my best to get it all put by. Meals are definitely what is ready right now, and that is fruit and veggies and eggs! Our new layers have started laying, so until we get a chance to "retire" the old ones, we have 39 hens on duty. Tonight, though, I am taking a break from eggs, and it is pork and apple stew...the weather is a little cooler and there are apples galore right now. This meal also makes me think of you and your fantastic series on using the crock-pot! Thanks for your continued posting, Annabel. Hugs to all of you!

    xx Jen in NS

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  40. Sorry for your loss however sounds like he knew he had an amazing family. Big virtual hugs.

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