tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post1720438993503359363..comments2024-03-26T00:26:19.756-07:00Comments on The Bluebirds are Nesting...: Feather your Nest Friday. 23 June, 2017.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-46384399292338902842017-06-26T06:04:46.983-07:002017-06-26T06:04:46.983-07:00I just plugged it into currency converter, and a $...I just plugged it into currency converter, and a $7 head of cauliflower would be $5.32 here in The U.S. That IS expensive!Kathy T.https://www.blogger.com/profile/15954446261878327500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-65291240408570231042017-06-26T05:08:02.435-07:002017-06-26T05:08:02.435-07:00Dear Jean,
While we are not vegans I found that th...Dear Jean,<br />While we are not vegans I found that this link is very good for dairy free treats. Go to chocolate covered Katie.com and search healthy ice cream recipes. Blessings CookieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-20614083793610876772017-06-25T20:29:10.224-07:002017-06-25T20:29:10.224-07:00Dear Jen, There have been times when my starter ha...Dear Jen, There have been times when my starter hasn't bubbled even though its been out of the fridge half a day... then Ive fed it and its been ok. Its weird! I think it is a heap hater to kill than we think! I am glad its going ok for you! <br />Im sorry both your cars broke down! Sounds like they planned it to me! <br />These things are not what we need. But you have done well to review the budget and all that you do. If you have time send me some pictures of your face cloths for show and tell!<br />Have a really good new week! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-64531362899993500772017-06-25T16:23:07.968-07:002017-06-25T16:23:07.968-07:00I see the prices of item there in Australia, and i...I see the prices of item there in Australia, and it makes me wonder what it would be in American dollars. $7 is crazy for a head of cauliflower!Kathy T.https://www.blogger.com/profile/15954446261878327500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-2222783865310618792017-06-25T15:07:18.891-07:002017-06-25T15:07:18.891-07:00It would appear that apart from a few hiccups, eve...It would appear that apart from a few hiccups, everyone had a productive week. Good on you all! Cookie I too would like to see how you do dairy free ice cream. Most of my family cannot use dairy. Annabelle your baking is as always marvellous. <br /><br />I live in Canada and our prices here seem to be about on par with Australia's. We pay roughly $4.00 for a dozen large eggs, though they often go on sale. I am fortunate to have a chicken farmer in the family, so get Omega-3 eggs for free. Cauliflower here is $2.99/lb so roughly $5.00 for a large head. I was not able to put a garden in this year, we have had rain everyday for as long back as the first few days of June....when we had 3 days of summer. At present, us and our neighbouring province have had frost warnings the past couple of nights. Yup, the end of June we should be seeing highs of 30oC with night times around 20o. We presently are having daytime highs of 15oC. The gardens that did get put in are stalled. Not growing and many of the fields of various crops are yellow from too much rain. We won't complain though. It will be interesting to see what will be for sale at the farmers market on Thursday. <br /><br />This week, I continued to eat from the fridge and freezer. I am getting low on frozen vegetables and root vegetables, but that is okay as I still have lots of fruit. In a couple of weeks we can start harvesting wild berries and the strawberry crops should be ready in a week or so. We had a draw at work on Thursday as some of our suppliers give us gifts when we order large quantities. I won a wine kit meaning the corkscrew, the insert to replace the corks I can never get back into the bottle and a few other things. Since I don't tend to be a drinker of any sort, it will go into my gift cupboard as a Christmas gift. Only baking I did this week was a banana bread as I needed to use up bananas.<br /><br />Have a great week everyone.Life In The Seniors Lanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18186161053521494126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-68485289912686416992017-06-25T04:10:02.733-07:002017-06-25T04:10:02.733-07:00Dear Jen!
When nice 'caulies' are selling ...Dear Jen!<br />When nice 'caulies' are selling for a good price, we tend to have a good feed of them! Whole steamed cauliflower - cut into servings - and cheese sauce is what we like!! This could be called 'the cauliflower post'!!!!<br />Your bubbly sourdough observations sound nerve-wracking and fun at the same time!! Keep up your bubbly work!!<br />Making financial ends meet, and coping with poor health, certainly makes life a chore! It's good to be able to say that you came off lightly with only a $300 car bill. Phew!! That's easier than using Shanks' pony!<br />Have a good new week!!<br />Regards,<br />RachelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-83587996702199392142017-06-25T04:01:22.733-07:002017-06-25T04:01:22.733-07:00Dear Sarah!
The sheet mending, the gifted tomato p...Dear Sarah!<br />The sheet mending, the gifted tomato plants, the recipe testing and the 'making do' menus are all very satisfying and worthwhile!! It's even better when they bring joy to your household!!<br />Yes, these posts are all the richer when times are tougher! Having real contributors like yourself makes the blog go around!!<br />What countries are the readers from? I'll start off - Australia, New Zealand, Nova Scotia, America, Great Britain, the island of Guam, .... You learn to pick the individual commenters and match them to their countries!!<br />Regards,<br />RachelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-4853014959813235982017-06-25T03:53:14.878-07:002017-06-25T03:53:14.878-07:00Dear Patsy!
Enjoy your garden! What a wonderful wa...Dear Patsy!<br />Enjoy your garden! What a wonderful way to profit and fill your pantry!!<br />It seems that cauliflower is a treat for so many!!<br />Regards,<br />RachelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-7722760256697865312017-06-25T03:50:28.844-07:002017-06-25T03:50:28.844-07:00Dear Cookie!
I hope the storm has fizzled out for ...Dear Cookie!<br />I hope the storm has fizzled out for you, and that you're safe and sound!!<br />Two flavours of dairy-free ice cream is, most definitely, nest feathering -- of the best kind!! It would be interesting to hear how you made this!!<br />Radish greens! Yum! We've had ours on a salad bun, and in pasta!!<br />You are beautifully creative!!<br />Regards,<br />RachelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-69298342240719500162017-06-25T03:43:07.323-07:002017-06-25T03:43:07.323-07:00Dear Tootles/Lori!
I love that you are flabbergast...Dear Tootles/Lori!<br />I love that you are flabbergasted for us!! Without our American friends, who would have known?!!!! Ha ha!! Australia, of course, is largely a dry country, and our population density is low. Hence, higher prices!<br />Thank you for the tip on preparednesspro.com. I've had a peek already! Your focus on the Eternal is everything!<br />Yes, Annabel and co. are full of beautiful and practical homemaking ways!! Your company has been enjoyable! Thank you!<br />Regards,<br />RachelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-60765516379139193222017-06-24T18:41:12.760-07:002017-06-24T18:41:12.760-07:00How wonderful to spend time with the grandchildren...How wonderful to spend time with the grandchildren! Enjoy!Lanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09380649410508372279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-6508654384534416792017-06-24T14:02:25.392-07:002017-06-24T14:02:25.392-07:00"Beak up, Bluebird!!" Ohhhh, that gave ..."Beak up, Bluebird!!" Ohhhh, that gave me a belly laugh, Rachel!!!Debby in KShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10678580135625880717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-55375345795561881562017-06-24T08:49:17.602-07:002017-06-24T08:49:17.602-07:00Hi Annabel and everyone
We haven't had caulifl...Hi Annabel and everyone<br />We haven't had cauliflower yet this year due to the cost. At the supermarket the other day they had bags reduced because they needed to be used very quickly, and they were $5 for a small bunch! I didn't even check the regular price. <br /><br />You are making gorgeous breads of all varieties with your sourdough. I thought I had killed mine! It just wasn't bubbling like it had when I first started it. So I kept feeding and feeding it without much difference. It was getting to be quite a lot of starter, so I decided to make a sponge and hope for the best. And it worked beautifully! I made four pizza bases and they were great. So I made more the next day and haven't solved the mystery as to why there weren't many bubbles in the starter, but am not too bothered since the sponges are still getting very bubbly and the end result is good lol. <br /><br />We started our new spending plan this week, and I shopped further afield. That was definitely worth it, I will do that once a fortnight. Having gone the previous fortnight on a tight budget due to my car service bill being high, I was looking forward to having a fairly unpredictable fortnight budget-wise. And then the other car broke down. We thought it was going to be not worth fixing, which would have been far from ideal timing, but the mechanic managed to fix it for $300. So a bit of a dent in the new spending plan, but loads better than it might have been! <br /><br />I've had a cold this week, and have been quite low on energy, but I finished a cross stitch this week, knit some more facecloths for Christmas, and I'm feeling motivated to get some more gifts done before the end of the month. <br /><br />Have a lovely Sunday everyone<br /><br />Jen in NZAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-9003009967707141932017-06-24T03:05:03.120-07:002017-06-24T03:05:03.120-07:00Dear Debby,
Yes, good eggs are five dollars!!!!!!!...Dear Debby,<br />Yes, good eggs are five dollars!!!!!!!! here in Australia!!<br />You know, once the heat is over, you'll be able to look back and have appreciation for the things that were accomplished during the terrible heat! For me, right now, I am enjoying my kitchen towels made and crocheted during the heat of our last summer!!<br />Beak up, Bluebird!!<br />Regards,<br />RachelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-38224997190853382232017-06-24T03:00:33.203-07:002017-06-24T03:00:33.203-07:00Dear Lana,
Summer rain must be very useful! That i...Dear Lana,<br />Summer rain must be very useful! That is an asset!<br />Your new storage shelving - working upwards - is going to be very, very useful! When one area falls into place, others benefit, also! What a good move!!<br />Yes, comparing our prices is very interesting! We Aussies just have to grin and bear it -- and get our own chooks/chickens!!<br />Thank you for writing!!<br />Regards,<br />RachelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-29403972502828714682017-06-24T02:44:43.630-07:002017-06-24T02:44:43.630-07:00Dear Cheryl!
Thank you very much for commenting!
I...Dear Cheryl!<br />Thank you very much for commenting!<br />I think bread can make the week, since it is the staff of life! My garlic chives are just starting off, & now I know one lovely way to use them!!<br />Regards,<br />RachelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-51756340385281090862017-06-24T02:42:12.829-07:002017-06-24T02:42:12.829-07:00
Dear Kathryn!
I have been told that threading cop...<br />Dear Kathryn!<br />I have been told that threading copper wire through the stem of each tomato plant can be wonderful against fungal disease. <br />A bountiful crop of thyme sounds beautiful!!<br />Regards,<br />RachelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-37013901128763298012017-06-23T22:19:47.447-07:002017-06-23T22:19:47.447-07:00Dear Jane, It sounds like you are having the best ...Dear Jane, It sounds like you are having the best time! I am glad you are enjoying it so much. These are very special times! I have the best memories of holidays with my Grandparents. Now I am like you... cherishing time together and all the moments of little ones again. Yes life is wonderful! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-28130779525762223402017-06-23T21:37:55.945-07:002017-06-23T21:37:55.945-07:00I remember your mentioning that you sometimes have...I remember your mentioning that you sometimes have the kind of heat we get. We are really grateful for air conditioning! I hope you don't have to deal with electricity shortages or outages next summer! Mrs. Gillamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12291243154053490970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-41647087516610944072017-06-23T21:35:13.741-07:002017-06-23T21:35:13.741-07:00Hi Annabel and Bluebird friends,
Our week has seen...Hi Annabel and Bluebird friends,<br />Our week has seen Bluey and I on Grandparent duty. We have been having a ball. We have 2 more days until we part company. We are soaking up as much of this time as we can. <br />we can't put a price on this time. It is golden.<br />Life is brilliant!Janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06964345893499561504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-84378520171609693812017-06-23T21:17:29.781-07:002017-06-23T21:17:29.781-07:00Dear Elaine,
The wedding sounds like a beautiful ...Dear Elaine, <br />The wedding sounds like a beautiful family celebration and get together! <br />I am sorry about the heat. I know what this is like. We have that kind of heat here. It is hard on people, animals and plants! I have old sheets and I cover a lot of my garden which looks like a chinese laundry but it saves things. We are worried that we will get this kind of heat next summer and not have enough electricity or have none at all as power stations have closed down and they have not been replaced with anything! If this happens we could face disaster. <br />Having flowers from the wedding in the house would have been lovely! I would dry some to keep if there are suitable flowers or press some. Possibly even strike a cutting from some! <br />Your grand daughter would have loved her goodie bag! <br />Well done on your week! Thank you so much for sharing it! With love Annabel.xxx<br />Annabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-42144719124694742202017-06-23T19:20:07.301-07:002017-06-23T19:20:07.301-07:00Dear Teresa, thank you for your lovely comment , t...Dear Teresa, thank you for your lovely comment , that was very kind of you to say . <br /><br />Dear Annabel , my Dad is very kind and he helps me a lot as you know .i love him and my mum very much.<br />The golden circle factory outlet is great Annabel , I buy breakfast biscuits for $7 for a carton of 8 boxes , a saving of at least $28 compared to the supermarket . It is a big saving Annabel. <br />Thank you Annabel and Teresa, happy weekend to you both and to all of my fellow bluebirds. <br />Love Barb Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-87660754570876128972017-06-23T18:42:48.586-07:002017-06-23T18:42:48.586-07:00I am so glad Andy has had work!
I noticed today...I am so glad Andy has had work! <br /><br />I noticed today that the regular grocery store we shopped at this morning had prices 2-3 times the produce prices at Aldi. That is our best source for produce in my area but your prices are way more than here. I am so glad you are finding better places to shop for yours. Cooking without fresh produce is difficult.<br /><br />We installed eight feet of tall storage shelves in our garage. Shopping around helped us purchase them for less than half. We are gaining many feet of real estate by clearing out things that we no longer need or use. Neighbors who have five children have gladly taken so many items that our children enjoyed and it is good to know they will be used.<br /><br />We have just had a week of a lot of rain and horribly humid gray weather but next week will be beautiful so we are looking forward to it. My tomato plants have loved it though and are all covered with tiny green tomatoes.<br /><br />Have a good weekend!Lanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09380649410508372279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-35584006919539055612017-06-23T15:48:38.679-07:002017-06-23T15:48:38.679-07:00Hi Annabel and thank you.
I am not sure what area...Hi Annabel and thank you.<br /><br />I am not sure what area you are in there but $300 + for a trailer load of firewood is astronomical, ouch. Yes that is how we view it too a good wood stockpile is huge security to us as we can get down to -11oc here in winter.<br /><br />So worrying on those prices is just how people manage to pay that price and unfortunately I think a lot of people are not able to afford heating. I am assuming that that is a 6' x 4' trailer load as well ?. That would probably only be a tad over .5 of a cubic metre of firewood.<br /><br />Sewingcreations15Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-43684064616799618332017-06-23T12:46:33.813-07:002017-06-23T12:46:33.813-07:00Dear Annabel and Bluebird Friends,
I'm glad y...Dear Annabel and Bluebird Friends,<br /><br />I'm glad you and Andy have had a good week! Great job on tracking down better prices on produce! Your baking looks delicious, as usual.<br /><br />Going back a few days, it has been an exciting, joy-filled time for us as we celebrated the marriage of our oldest granddaughter. Our son and family came from Colorado, too. We hadn't seen him since July due to his deployment. It was wonderful having our whole family together several times along with the wedding. Since the day after the wedding was Father's Day, everyone but the newlyweds gathered at our house for lunch/dinner and to relax and visit.<br /><br />The description of your weather sounds wonderful, Annabel! As you know, we are in the southwest U.S. We have been having extreme heat warnings. The day of the wedding it was 114 F. A couple days later, we hit 121F and have had several days of record breaking heat. <br /><br />We have been keeping extra water going to our plants and trees. Last year, we had made a cover for my garden area with shade cloth, so that was in place. We used some extra pieces to cover a few other plants. We also moved a few of the potted plants to shade and brought most of the hanging plants inside. I have still picked a few small tomatoes that set before warmer weather.<br /><br />My husband had some oral surgery done this week. We are thankful it went well. Since insurance covered very little of it, I asked if they could give a cash discount. We were very pleased that they gave us a 10% discount for paying by check rather than credit card.<br /><br />Getting ready for company, I finally got new drapes hung in our bedroom. It looks so much better and also keeps the light out better when they are closed. <br /><br />I am continuing working on decluttering. <br /><br />Our daughter shared a table bouquet and a large arrangement of flowers from the wedding, so we have been enjoying their beauty and lovely fragrance.<br /><br />Thinking we might want to take some of the family out for dinner, I purchased gift cards for a favorite restaurant for 20% off that we were able to combine with a coupon for 15% off total purchase for a nice discount.<br /><br />I put together a goodie bag for the youngest granddaughter with a new game, coloring book, shirt, candies and things I thought she would like, most of which I had bought deeply discounted or free. Not only was it nice having something to give her while she was here, but it also saved the cost of postage.<br /><br />I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!<br />Elaine Mrs. Gillamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12291243154053490970noreply@blogger.com