tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post6177784527223149097..comments2024-03-26T00:26:19.756-07:00Comments on The Bluebirds are Nesting...: Feather your Nest Friday, 25 November, 2016.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-88862883908530329772016-11-29T04:02:09.648-08:002016-11-29T04:02:09.648-08:00Terri,Thankyou , yes I am in NZ , lower North Isla...Terri,Thankyou , yes I am in NZ , lower North Island, 15 minute drive to City and harbour(in good traffic flow).I was reading our local paper tonight and local council aren't happy that some people still aren't stockpiling, and suggest that we have at least 7 days food and water as we are close to areas that a Tsunami could come with very little notice if we had a long quake rather than a short one.Fortunately we live on a hill so better off up higher .<br />You did have a lovely thanksgiving, and I know what you mean when you say you are a home loving body, the social calls of this season can be a bit much .With love Maria xx Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-35247786407374518612016-11-26T17:06:54.729-08:002016-11-26T17:06:54.729-08:00Dear Terri, That was a lovely Thanksgiving! A 24 h...Dear Terri, That was a lovely Thanksgiving! A 24 hour shift! That is incredible. I would need 12 months recovery! <br />I am doing the same as you and trying to make December free of the big projects and will start again in January. I want to enjoy Christmas and have family time and be happy with what we did this year and have a little break. This week will hopefully see me finish many tasks!<br />Have a good new week! With lots of love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-89939335199854864542016-11-26T17:03:57.863-08:002016-11-26T17:03:57.863-08:00Dear Maria,
I think you are right we don't cou...Dear Maria,<br />I think you are right we don't count many things as savings as we just do them and always have yet probably others would think they are huge savings!<br />It must be disruptive and stressful for everyone with the earthquakes. I don't think you could ever just get used to that as even small ones make you feel what if a bigger one is coming? Anyway it must be tiring and difficult.<br />I think what is our normal Christmas experiencing changes isn't easy either. Finding a new normal or making things as good as possible and as normal as possible is probably the best thing. Children being happy and joyful will make it good!<br />How exciting for your Grandson to be starting school! It doesnt seem possible he is big enough already! He will love you picking him up!<br />I am hoping I will need lots of freezer space and find lots of specials after Christmas. Last year was the first year I didn't have much luck. This year I will have to try harder. I have Mums freezer as a back up plan! <br />Have a great new week! Wiht love Annabel.xxx<br />Annabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-62573129314164792132016-11-26T16:56:02.615-08:002016-11-26T16:56:02.615-08:00Dear Vicky,
I hope I am not the next sourdough k...Dear Vicky, <br />I hope I am not the next sourdough killer. haha that is funny sounds like cereal killer only instead its bread killer.<br />I would love to see your snowy scenes. Christmas in my mind is white but I have never seen it!<br />Thanks for the cheese tip! With love Annabel.xxx<br />Annabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-45691424488825578082016-11-26T16:52:24.660-08:002016-11-26T16:52:24.660-08:00Dear Jen,
When I cut Andys hair I do it outside an...Dear Jen,<br />When I cut Andys hair I do it outside and we leave the hair on the lawn in theory for the birds to use in their nests. So I always say how there are little birds out there saying "this next is so prickly" haha seriously I say it every time.<br />If you have kept your starter going 6 years then that gives me hope. I am getting going hopefully this week.<br />I am going to let everyone know your kids are baby goats incase they think you are waiting for the children to leave! haha I think the cheese making sounds fantastic. You make so much its amazing.<br />I got a bit further with painting yesterday... and a bit more this afternoon! Plus its really nice weather. So I think this week will be it! <br />Have a lovely Sunday! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-11645945988399041202016-11-26T16:47:30.095-08:002016-11-26T16:47:30.095-08:00Dear Cristy,
The comments are the best part of my ...Dear Cristy,<br />The comments are the best part of my blog I think. I am very lucky with such generous contributors. And you get to know people so well!<br />My sour dough adventures (or misadventures!) being this week!<br />I would love to try cheesemaking! Rachel makes ricotta and Jenn makes cheese as well. I am so glad you did this! There are many things I am still wanting to learn to make! <br />That was a good week as you learned something new! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-54760643194151153612016-11-26T14:40:40.308-08:002016-11-26T14:40:40.308-08:00I had a busy enough week. I went down to visit my...I had a busy enough week. I went down to visit my son in his new home place twice. On Sunday for his baptism and on Thursday to spend time with my two boys and their children for Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful week filled with two Thanksgiving meals (one away and one here for John and I on Friday after he finished his 24 hour shift). The upside to his shift is the vast amount of overtime pay he will receive. It will be a decent check despite the vast amount of taxes, lol. I am calling big projects done until start of New Year when I will tackle a new list of tasks. Not to say December is all restful. The first week alone we must finish up shopping and host a family dinner plus we have one or two social obligations. It feels like a lot to a home loving body like myself, lol. http://bluehousejournal.blogspot.com/2016/11/frugal-friday-holiday-daze.htmlterricheneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06865436021565986224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-34695149919704337472016-11-26T14:34:58.324-08:002016-11-26T14:34:58.324-08:00Maria I take it you are in New Zealand then...My p...Maria I take it you are in New Zealand then...My prayers are with you as I know these earthquakes were devastating.terricheneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06865436021565986224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-41778417079929413182016-11-26T04:52:44.409-08:002016-11-26T04:52:44.409-08:00Thanks, Cookie! I really could have laughed aloud ...Thanks, Cookie! I really could have laughed aloud at your reply, but the household is asleep!!<br />RachelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-84092622873939940102016-11-26T04:18:20.048-08:002016-11-26T04:18:20.048-08:00Thanks for the tip, Vicky. I'll have to look f...Thanks for the tip, Vicky. I'll have to look for that. I had no idea I could even make the rennet! Taking it to the next level. :)Cristyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11885394458317264217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-47950101243138847482016-11-26T03:51:32.804-08:002016-11-26T03:51:32.804-08:00Dear Rachel,
As always, I really enjoyed your post...Dear Rachel,<br />As always, I really enjoyed your post. It sounds like you had a lovely time with your Mum walking down memory lane. The "dog digging to China" put a huge smile on my face. That's because as young children my brother and I decided we were going to dig to China in the sandbox at the playground. So amazing that we can be across the world from each other and yet have some of the same consciousness. Truly we are all more alike than different. Blessings, CookieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-36153125984264028382016-11-26T02:45:42.177-08:002016-11-26T02:45:42.177-08:00Annabel, do I still play the piano? I wonder if I ...Annabel, do I still play the piano? I wonder if I can? ..... I have hardly touched a piano in ten years!! My husband bought me a wonderful banjo instead. It is something he likes the sound of, and it is eminently portable! I was telling Mum, recently, how, with the banjo, you play the same string at the same time with both hands ..... as opposed to totally different things, at times, with each piano hand! This is a good thing about the banjo! Mum then recalled how, once, I had told her that piano was easy, and that she should learn! Well, I picked up on something and said that, if Mum had any interest, that she should learn!! I think I will be giving my Mum piano lessons! She hasn't objected at all, and it's the least I could do!!!!! Besides, we're just starting up a special trade. If they find jars and bottles for me, I will gladly give them a massage in thanks! We all enjoy it!!<br /><br />With very warm regards,<br />RachelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-10065320268842202682016-11-25T18:46:09.052-08:002016-11-25T18:46:09.052-08:00Hi Annabel,
Just to add that I bought baker's...Hi Annabel,<br /><br />Just to add that I bought baker's flour from Costco in a 12.5kg bag last week. Not sure it will be as high protein wise as the bread flour at Gagani's. It was around $10. I bought it for foccacia and other artisan type breadmaking. It might need a little boost with an improver still. Will know once I use it! ;-) think its protein 11%. Australian product. Hope the sourdough works out well! <br /><br />Love, Kaye xoKayeBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02893434891123813140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-90692896832342709782016-11-25T15:54:12.243-08:002016-11-25T15:54:12.243-08:00Dear Cookie,
Years ago florists sold dried hydran...Dear Cookie, <br />Years ago florists sold dried hydrangea heads for $2 each so they are probably much more now. This area has a lot of hydrangea and mostly people cut the flowers off and throw them away! I had always dried and saved them and I used to make topiary trees etc for weddings and decor. I can see how you could make beautiful wreaths to sell! They are just lovely. I have had some dry better than others. I notice if they dry slowly with water in the vase for a few weeks they dry better. I might try adding glycerine this year. I think I will have a fair few so want to do something...<br />Your Thanksgiving cooking sounds beautiful! And your sewing! You have done heaps! I hope your husband is doing really well. <br />Now onwards towards Christmas! I hope the lip balm goes well! I have a lot of lemon peel drying. I also need to juice and freeze some lemons which I better get on to today! Have a great weekend! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-1455764610531369442016-11-25T15:47:27.029-08:002016-11-25T15:47:27.029-08:00Dear Gardenpat,
You made me think... yes things be...Dear Gardenpat,<br />You made me think... yes things becoming normal routine are great savings. I just cook dinner and make the work lunches and the coffee in the morning and send it to work etc. There are a lot of savings that are more or less automatic. Making something from the shelf or freezer for a super quick meal is another, it is faster than getting takeaway anyway!<br />Your week is always wonderful! I hope you will find a great special on Turkeys then you will have another one to go into the freezer to replace the one you just used! <br />I need to find out what instant pots are... I will look that up! <br />You did an amazing job hosting so many for Thanksgiving! Truly wonderful and I am amazed the price you did it for! Really that was an excellent week.<br />You are always finding ways to bring in some extra money, save some and get ahead. I love hearing your week! Thank you so much! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-27620701492601270642016-11-25T15:39:31.780-08:002016-11-25T15:39:31.780-08:00Dear Rachel,
I don't mind frogs... but toads w...Dear Rachel,<br />I don't mind frogs... but toads with scare me half to death. Those little eyes looking at me... <br />It sounds like there are some treasures at your Mum and Dads! Everything sounds lovely especially the glass covered cake dish! I love those. Everything is more special served on one.<br />Do you still play the piano? I like the lovely gifts you were given for your lessons. <br />I hope the tunnel to China was eventually filled and not re dug! haha! <br />Have a wonderful weekend! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-34508381497865843252016-11-25T15:34:41.519-08:002016-11-25T15:34:41.519-08:00Dear Tania,
This sounds like a fantastic break! I...Dear Tania,<br />This sounds like a fantastic break! If you go to Gaganis Specialty Foods the wholesale butcher is near there in Theberton. I am loving that place! However you might get good prices on meat at Costco and not need that at all. It sounds like you will go home with wonderful supplies! <br />Having a sewing and craft room will be wonderful! <br />I will let you know how the sourdough goes... I am hopeful but worried about killing the starter! <br />Have a safe trip! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-69521908834618225622016-11-25T15:30:19.492-08:002016-11-25T15:30:19.492-08:00Dear Jane,
It is a difficult one with renovations....Dear Jane,<br />It is a difficult one with renovations.. it is great to get them done but it is such a disruption and mess and for you it has come at a busy time and maybe one thing too many! I hope it turns out much faster than the builder now thinks!<br />Well doen on the pudding and it is great that Katie now knows how to do this as well.<br />When I was a kind I had a pet Rainbow Lorikeet. He liked condensed milk straight out of the tube. That was his treat! I love those birds!<br />Thank you Jane... I hope Bluey is doing well and that you get a restful weekend as that is probably what you need most of all. Rest, sleep and a bit of sunshine are good medicines. With lots of love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-63098753337539285432016-11-25T13:05:35.057-08:002016-11-25T13:05:35.057-08:00Oh dear I lost a long post as I'm on my phone ...Oh dear I lost a long post as I'm on my phone and hit google account I didn't see anonymous But now I can ...so briefly <br />Dear Annabel , Nanna Chel is a darling sending you the starter I wish you well in using it.<br />Well done on getting to 96 days you have achieved heaps ! <br />Here things have slipped but as someone mentioned above there are lots of daily savings that just happen from habit .<br />I got some good markdowns this week for my family Christmas hampers .<br />We did some garden tidy and planted seeds Into bigger pots . <br />I'm thinking of turning my chest freezer back on so that good meat specials eh can be put aside for christmas and summer .<br />It has been such a year of changes and happenings here and around the world . Changes here mean our Christmas Day will now change its format and I'm adjusting to that and trying to be optimistic . As my DH says change is inevitable life does not stand still . But he is struggling to these changes too . <br />The earthquakes here though not centered in our area have still impacted greatly in our main city waterfront area buildings with s huge list of ones shut down and these are main buildings to . The wharf and ferry terminal areas.as well .<br />And our local mall in my area which is 15 minute drive from the city has been extra busy as the other city's big mall has been closed while engineers check structural elements . <br />We are lucky in that no damage to our place or area not to our mall . I'm very thankful for that .<br />I'm trying to finish gift shopping sooner now as with that and Dgs starting school this week I'm doing pickup duties two days a week . I'm looking forward to seeing his bright little face and chattering non stop :-)<br />Cristy - I felt the joy in your post sharing cheese making with your family , Thankyou X<br />Love Maria xxx<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-57588152327831747552016-11-25T12:03:18.355-08:002016-11-25T12:03:18.355-08:00What beautiful work you do, Cookie! I'd love t...What beautiful work you do, Cookie! I'd love to see it, especially the table runner, placemats and coasters! What yummy reading!!<br />Rachel HoltAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-42529468802913797522016-11-25T11:59:06.802-08:002016-11-25T11:59:06.802-08:00Cristy, I liked your comment, too!! An excitement ...Cristy, I liked your comment, too!! An excitement for life comes through your words! <br />Last night, I had to ponder. There was not much relevant to share, but I like to make things interesting, and I love a true story!!<br />Regards,<br />Rachel HoltAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-88388978021722367162016-11-25T07:15:24.394-08:002016-11-25T07:15:24.394-08:00Annabel,
This week was a lot of cleaning and movin...Annabel,<br />This week was a lot of cleaning and moving things around again. Most of our Thanksgiving dinner was from everything I had on hand except fresh veggies for a veggie tray. I did have to buy a turkey as well since I didn't find any marked down last year, but I bought on sale at the lowest price so still saved quite a bit. <br />I tried sourdough one time. LOL I killed it! Yeast things I am not that good with. Your flowers are so beautiful I love flowers! The landscape here isn't much to behold at the moment, but I imagine soon we'll get some pretty winter scenes. <br />Cristy- Congratulations on your cheese making! What a wonderful endeavor. And if you poke around online there are instructions on how to make homemade rennet. <br />XOXO<br />VickyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-21698818634873430472016-11-25T05:35:38.202-08:002016-11-25T05:35:38.202-08:00Hi Annabel,
I laughed at your comment about Andy&...Hi Annabel,<br /><br />I laughed at your comment about Andy's hair...and this reminds me of another "Little Women" reference, at least to the movie that stars June Allyson as Jo. When she cuts her hair to get money to help the family, one of her sisters laments the loss of her beautiful hair. She replies, "Really? I find it deliciously light and cool." And every time one of us gets a hair cut in summer, we say, "It's so deliciously light and cool," while shaking our tresses (or lack of) magnificently. :)<br /><br />I hope your sourdough goes well! I have kept mine going for a good 6 years, now, and it makes wonderful bread! I wanted to let you know that I haven't been making any cheese, other than ricotta...I've been waiting for the kids to go and for the milk available to increase. I'm so glad to hear that Cristy's been trying cheese! Lots of it is easier than you think, and it truly is a lot of fun!<br /><br />Good luck on your last four days of your challenge! I know it will feel so good to get all of that painting under your belt...what a massive goal! <br /><br />Have a wonderful weekend.<br /><br />Love, Jen in NSAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-32293532732327069502016-11-25T04:46:03.217-08:002016-11-25T04:46:03.217-08:00I love to read everyone's comments. I always e...I love to read everyone's comments. I always enjoy Rachel Holt's comments immensely. It really brought a smile to my face when she was talking about Jo and Little Women. That such a good picture and I loved that book, too.<br /><br />And gardenpat's comments about her Thanksgiving prep sound beautiful, loving and fun! And she saved money while doing it. <br /><br />All of you inspire me so much!<br /><br />Annabelle, you are planning to try your hand at sour dough bread. Good luck and God bless with that. I hope you have all the success you dream of.<br /><br />While you are working to learn to make sour dough, I finally got around to trying something I have been thinking about for 3 years: cheese making! It was SO much fun and really neat to watch the milk separate into curds and whey. My kids loved watching the transformation as much as I did. I knew your group would appreciate this. I don't have anyone in my immediate circle of friends locally who appreciates that sort of thing. So it helps me to have some people with whom to share my joy. This group is a blessing to me!Cristyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11885394458317264217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-9053845951989429532016-11-25T04:27:54.785-08:002016-11-25T04:27:54.785-08:00Dear Annabel,
Gorgeous roses and hydrangeas. Hydra...Dear Annabel,<br />Gorgeous roses and hydrangeas. Hydrangeas were always my "cash crop" as they would be dried and made into wreaths to sell. I still dry them,but not on such a grand scale. The meat sauce looks yummy.<br /> <br /><br />It was a quietish here in nest feathering too. I got two turkeys, one for Thanksgiving and one that got cut in half and frozen for later use. Made an Impossible Pumpkin Pie and pumpkin cheesecake for dessert, homemade cranberry sauce. Infused some avocado oil with the dried lemon peel and now I'm ready to proceed with the lip balm, which hopefully can be gotten to today. Cut out some flannel squares to make handwarmers for some of the men on the gift list. Finished sewing some new placemats, coasters and table runner for my table, sewed crocheted edging on tea towels. I think that's it for me. Wishing everyone a beautiful weekend. Cookie <br /> <br /><br /> <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com