tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post8243926408991861196..comments2024-03-26T00:26:19.756-07:00Comments on The Bluebirds are Nesting...: Feather your Nest Friday, 3 July, 2020.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-56977665084354801652020-07-08T15:44:19.584-07:002020-07-08T15:44:19.584-07:00Hi Annabel & Bluebirds
I hope everything goes...Hi Annabel & Bluebirds<br /><br />I hope everything goes well for the safe arrival of Lucy & Kato's baby.<br /><br />First week of school holidays went well here. After a clean out of cupboards I found lots of crafts that DD10 had been gifted for birthday and Christmas so I put them in a box and she had to choose at least 1 to do each day. We have also painted rocks to write messages on.<br /><br />Your food as always looks so inviting and delicious.<br />The pantry housing looks fantastic, so neat and tidy.<br /><br />Like everywhere I am sure but toilet paper here has once again become scarce. It has been interesting on reading what others have stocked up on as I have come across a few that I would not have thought of.<br /><br />I am avoiding major places where I can an just shopping local. We are lucky enough to have a shop that has all local handmade products in. I have been going in there once a week and buying a few items for my gift box and also getting ideas on making items.<br /><br />Take Care<br />Aly xxxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-63852787291556347592020-07-06T18:44:09.757-07:002020-07-06T18:44:09.757-07:00I share your feelings about China and that we shou...I share your feelings about China and that we should try and buy locally and in our country when that is possible. You know I never thought to check the origin on those seeds I got at the dollar store. Probably because the brand name was American Seed Company! I will be sure and check that out. However, if all I could get was those cheaper seeds, that's what I would be planting!pamintexashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07943782786934325023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-73625232976921705542020-07-06T15:43:32.601-07:002020-07-06T15:43:32.601-07:00Thank you Annabel for sharing your thoughts with u...Thank you Annabel for sharing your thoughts with us and sharing about meeting the man at the post office. We can all benefit from your wisdom. I am finding it difficult to know exactly what to stock up on and so many things are already unavailable where I live. One thing that came to mind while reading everyone's comments was purchasing extra needles for my sewing machine and also for hand sewing if I can find them. I had not previously thought of those two items. I feel there is so much to do and so little time to do it. I am one of those that needs prescription drug to stay alive so I may not make it long but I want to live my family in the best possible position.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-83583215002092511842020-07-06T10:59:24.989-07:002020-07-06T10:59:24.989-07:00If you buy seeds at the dollar store, check the pa...If you buy seeds at the dollar store, check the package to see if it mentions country of origin. I don't know about their seeds, but 99.9% of Dollar Tree merchandise seems to come from China. I only want to plant seeds that originate in my own country.<br /><br />I'm not shopping much either at DT or Harbor Freight, because nearly all their merchandise comes from China. I understand that some types of merchandise are only made in China. But I want to buy products made in my own country, if possible. I am paying more for products made in the USA (and friendly countries) BUT I must be buying less, because overall I am spending less. And I don't seem to be lacking anything, either. Most of us buy a lot of stuff we don't need, especially if it is cheap.<br /><br />I feel I should explain. I'm not exactly punishing China for the corona virus, but I'm not going to help them feather their nests, either. I understand the global economy. But, whenever possible, I think it is very important for all of us to support our local economies, both in manufacturing and distribution. My priorities are Made in USA, locally-owned store, chain store with local employees, internet purchase.mikemaxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06569666073239903588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-90487185205482841322020-07-06T06:52:05.735-07:002020-07-06T06:52:05.735-07:00I am so glad you shared with us. This confirms wha...I am so glad you shared with us. This confirms what I have been feeling also. This week I ordered a cord of wood even though it is in the 90’s now. I had our propane tank filled as well. We are taking our vacation check and using it to fill in the gaps, since there will be no vacation due to Covid. They are testing here like crazy so the numbers keep rising. Hospital deaths are down though. Today we are expecting the governor to close all restaurant down again. They closed all bars last week again. Two of our Mints have shut down. Coins are scare now. Every store has signs asking people to bring their change in. <br />We don’t eat wheat in our house too. My son has Celiac and it is just easier for us to go wheat free also. I must say your GF bakery goods look very delicious. What flour do you use? I have given up on baking. I usually buy his bread at Costco, but it is expensive. <br />I have stocked up on dish towels, underwear, socks any thing I think will be hard to get. I am looking into boots for my husband and son too.<br /><br />Praying your little grand baby has a safe arrival and they can come home quickly. <br /><br />Wishing you and the Bluebirds a safe and fruitful week.<br />LyndAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-70464728665026903982020-07-06T06:27:57.956-07:002020-07-06T06:27:57.956-07:00Dear Cookie I had missed your post nas I have been...Dear Cookie I had missed your post nas I have been ill with my asthma <br />I went back and saw your post. I am so happy that it all has arrived and that you like it <br />XxxLorraine Chookasmumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08419723204569278592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-11203028153799419862020-07-06T06:01:39.728-07:002020-07-06T06:01:39.728-07:00NSW and VIc are closing our border tomorrow Tues n...NSW and VIc are closing our border tomorrow Tues night So interesting times aheadChookasmumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08419723204569278592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-52302117029874812222020-07-06T04:31:53.047-07:002020-07-06T04:31:53.047-07:00Dear Mel, Very interesting to me what your husband...Dear Mel, Very interesting to me what your husband is saying. Thank you for sharing that. I am glad you got the refund. And the mortgage is a good place to put some. Freezers are very hard to get so grab one if you can. A bigger fridge is also great. I had to increase here on the farm and am glad I did. I do agree these things can be seen as an investment. I am thinking very much on good investments. Thank you Mel! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-60578138117272657622020-07-06T04:24:32.211-07:002020-07-06T04:24:32.211-07:00Dear Clare, I really agree with you as writing thi...Dear Clare, I really agree with you as writing things down and lists help me not feel overwhelmed. Having a plan A, B and C is so good. And finding alternatives is excellent! <br />I love Anne of Green Gables. This is very lovely reading.<br />I hope your Dad has been able to come home. That is so hard! When my Dad was in hospital it was hard enough without having to be kept away due <br />to the virus. I really pray he is doing well. This would be a big worry for you. Your garden is a good way to prepare without spending much. If we grow too much of something it does give us the possibility of selling or trading some. If everything you buy is something that will be used then the money is never wasted. I hope you have lots of opportunities! With much love, AnnabelxxxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-88305630954353839662020-07-06T04:15:14.324-07:002020-07-06T04:15:14.324-07:00Dear Elaine, Thank you for persisting! I got this...Dear Elaine, Thank you for persisting! I got this one! Thank you so much. I think this is a good way... make hay while the sun shines and be ready if it doenst! I am sorry to hear Arizona is a hot spot. Please take every care Elaine. With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-4860414737674785282020-07-06T04:11:32.081-07:002020-07-06T04:11:32.081-07:00Dear Deborah, It is the same here. People underst...Dear Deborah, It is the same here. People understandably keen to get back to normal and also get their businesses etc up and running. It has all seemed a long time and been pretty hard... but now this happened the virus has taken off and it is looking like worse lock downs than before. Over the border from us it is looking bad. So I think you are wise. Use this time to get everything.. hopefully you wont need it. But if you do you will be so glad you got ready! With love Annabel.xxx<br />Annabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-85538321111566861542020-07-05T18:58:49.520-07:002020-07-05T18:58:49.520-07:00Love your blog as always! Became creative this wee...Love your blog as always! Became creative this week with the Working Pantry Challenge and used Airpoints (since I won't be using them for flying anytime soon) & bought 12 LED power efficient lightbulbs for our pantry. They are quite expensive ordinarily so it was great they were free (& added bonus we have noticed power savings from the ones we have put in already). Keeping an eye out this week for other ways to rebuild my pantry creatively!debflynn11https://www.blogger.com/profile/11889322859037637283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-35768962484046057712020-07-05T17:01:26.086-07:002020-07-05T17:01:26.086-07:00My husband and I have been working on rebuilding o...My husband and I have been working on rebuilding our pantry after depleting it over these past few months. We are especially thinking about stocking up on things that were hard to get, like yeast and flour. Lots of people here (in Michigan US) seem to be ready to go back to normal, and forget all this. I do feel we may be in for some harder times though. Prayers for your new grand baby's safe birth.Deborah Montgomeryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-60740860519267484892020-07-05T16:49:16.530-07:002020-07-05T16:49:16.530-07:00Dear Annabel,
I have been praying for Lucy and fam...Dear Annabel,<br />I have been praying for Lucy and family for a safe new arrival. Thankyou so much for this post. I live in country Victoria and watching our capital Melbourne's news daily with cases now out of control. My 80 year old father had a major heart operation in a hospital in Melbourne last month and is not quite strong enough to come home. He ended up in ICU for 6 days instead of 2. With the Covid situation only my Mum and one other sibling have been able to visit him once a day for a short time. It has been so hard. We pray we can get him home soon. I had an idea yesterday that I want to share with all the Bluebirds. I have been feeling overwhelmed, I often have too many things swirling in my head and start to berate myself about lack of preparation - worrying and confusing myself. Well my idea is this: I am writing a list of all things that I like to "live" with or are essential to life in my house and then I am going to print out information about alternatives - even if I never use the alternative. For example: I like to have tissues in the house. I have collected a couple of handkerchiefs and have decided to add a couple more. I am going to print out how to sterile them and I will put this in my PREPARATION folder. Best case scenario - I don't use them. Worst case, they are there, I can and I know how to wash them. Another example is sanitary items. I have a little stockpile plus have purchased a few of the modern sanitary underwear for myself and my daughter. But I will also print the patterns to make sanitary pads and make sure I have the right kind of material. Best case scenario for me - I don't have to make them up, Worst case I have pattern and material ready to go. Lighting: I have an old fashioned Kerosene lamp and have wicks and Kerosene. Best Case: I use for fun. Worst Case: I need to use it. I will buy all the people in my house a new set of socks and underwear. I will put these away. Best case scenario they are a normal Christmas gift. I like a certain kind of dog food for my little dogs. Again I have a little stock pile. But I will print out homemade dog food recipes in case I need to make their food. Do you understand my idea - it is helping get the swirling out of my head and making me feel calmer. I am printing any resources I need so if for some reason the internet goes down I have every thing I need. All the extreme (to my mind) preparations that I have not quite got my head around to implement as I am hoping it won't get that bad - well even if I haven't implemented them yet I will still be half way prepared and at least my folder will be there for future reference if not needed this time. Its a planning to plan file. Half way if you will. It's a simple idea, sometimes I'm a bit slow off the mark and most of you have probably been prepared for ages but I thought I'd share in case it helps someone. (I know none of this is NEW and Annabel you have been saying it all for a long time - it just takes me a while to assimilate it into my life and find a way for myself). In the last little while I have frozen on some points -having trouble deciding whether or not to do a certain thing - this way I am thinking through my whole house and not necessarily changing the way we are living day to day as yet until I NEED to. I also plan to plant more flowers in my garden to make me happy. I have started re-reading my Anne of Green Gables set - an easy, mind soothing thing to do. We don't have a lot of spare money and I have been conflicted between saving or buying some things and have concluded that right now purchasing a few needed items wins as I worry those things may not be available when I need them. Chins up everyone, keep going, I get inspiration and ideas from all of you. Love Clare P.S. www.grandmadonna.blog is a great reference some of her ideas are so simple they are profound. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-49805891189098975182020-07-05T16:15:40.042-07:002020-07-05T16:15:40.042-07:00Dear Annabel,
This is my third attempt to comment....Dear Annabel,<br />This is my third attempt to comment. I'm not going to repeat it all but I wanted to let you know that I appreciate you and your blog very much and find it a source of encouragement, wisdom and joy. I'm making hay while the sun shines. Praying for the best, but preparing for the worst. Love from Arizona, a Covid hotspot, ElaineElainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05853730375701542219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-48929786913259429182020-07-05T15:31:30.614-07:002020-07-05T15:31:30.614-07:00Dear Annabel, I loved Mel's story about her gr...Dear Annabel, I loved Mel's story about her grandmother and great grandmother. Such wise women! That story encourages us to share our knowledge with our daughters and granddaughters! I can see you doing that in almost every thing you post here :D. You are doing a tremendous job with your family and also with us Bluebirds and I thank you for that and for Mel's story! Can't wait to hear about the arrival of Lucy's baby. Love to you all.<br /> pamintexashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07943782786934325023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-5623771450273029422020-07-05T15:12:07.449-07:002020-07-05T15:12:07.449-07:00Hi, Terri! I don't know what part of the coun...Hi, Terri! I don't know what part of the country you are in but I think most areas have dollar stores. I've found that at the end of summer or early fall a lot of the dollar stores put big discounts on their seeds. I've bought packs of seeds for as little as .08 cents per pack! They don't have as many seeds per pack as some of the name brand seeds but I've found the quality and germination to be comparable. I think you are wise to start a garden and there are so many how-to's on youtube. Someone here mentioned Roots and Refuge Farm and yes, that is a good one for garden info. Good luck and have a great week! Pampamintexashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07943782786934325023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-25523350851951167312020-07-05T07:30:23.888-07:002020-07-05T07:30:23.888-07:00Hi Annabel, your post has tallied with my own thou...Hi Annabel, your post has tallied with my own thoughts at the moment and, from reading the comments, with a lot of other peoples' too. I am so glad to know that I am not alone! <br />Regarding removing sticky labels, I also try soaking in detergent and hot water, along with a good scrub. If that doesn't work I find that any oil to hand will do the job - WD40, vegetable oil, olive oil, baby oil. They all seem to do the job wonderfully, but do require a good rinsing afterwards.<br />Tracy XTracynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-83989605000218638822020-07-05T05:12:09.772-07:002020-07-05T05:12:09.772-07:00Thank you for this post Annabel! Like you and the ...Thank you for this post Annabel! Like you and the Bluebirds, we also feel things are going to get worse. "The calm before the storm" sums it up perfectly. My husband has told me to keep shopping and building up our pantry as come August/September it is going to be very bad. I think this all has just been a test and the main event has yet to come so we all must keep preparing. We have a friend who is a lady in her 70's and she has voiced this also and has groceries stockpiled. <br /><br />The young adults in the house are used to us having food stored in every free space available and saw how beneficial this was during the food shortages. Mr 18 and his girlfriend however, think we are a bit over the top! Her family shop almost everyday and wouldnt even have a weeks worth of groceries on hand. <br />Our flights to Indonesia for next month have finally been cancelled. We have been waiting for this to happen as now we can apply for a refund. I put half of our holiday savings on to the mortgage, we will not be going overseas anytime soon! I am thinking about getting a bigger fridge and freezer as well. I think this would be a good investment. I am thinking of you and your family xxMelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00535442579149449469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-86332548296885181882020-07-05T02:51:29.677-07:002020-07-05T02:51:29.677-07:00Dear Su, Sometimes I get a stubborn label, which I...Dear Su, Sometimes I get a stubborn label, which I hate! If soaking for a few hours in hot water isn't working I used a knife to scrape off what I can then a scourer. Eucalyptus oil is still my number one thing to remove sticky glue. I hope this helps.<br />How nice of your work colleague! Well done on the lovely soap! This is a great skill to have too. Nan used to boil everything up. Everyone now is doing strip soaks and being horrified how dirty things are! Yikes! Boiling is a good way to remove germs and very effective. Our Nans knew what they were doing and their whites were white! What you did was very effective but also kind of a shock experiment! Interesting!<br />Yes there is so much we can do. We have so much to be grateful for too! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-10416713303427248652020-07-05T02:44:44.905-07:002020-07-05T02:44:44.905-07:00Dear Maria, I think your sewing machine would be ...Dear Maria, I think your sewing machine would be a great asset to have. Mending and making are a big help. I should give my machine a bit of tlc and some oil. I think you are doing good things. More veggies, protection for them and fertiliser are all good. We too have re focused and we stay pretty close to home. I now think it is more important to invest in things as you are and anyway I just wouldnt get on a plane now or anything as I have daughters to help and Granddaughters to be with as much as I can, which I know you understand. Thanks for the good comment Maria. With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-31959283222211937692020-07-05T01:44:33.619-07:002020-07-05T01:44:33.619-07:00Dear Cookie, Thank you! I think even a cup of te...Dear Cookie, Thank you! I think even a cup of tea itself is so much nicer in a pretty cup. So it does apply to all things... I remember Mum used to often serve our meals in individual ramekins. Each was black on the outside but had a different pastel colour inside. Well they seemed so special! <br />I know the old man was no coincidence especially considering my prayers the night before. But how unbelievable! I am thankful. I cant say I asked for answers and never got them!<br />I am glad you had success online! It is interesting to hear what is sold out there. The blueberries and cherries sound so wonderful to me!<br />Thank you so much for your prayers. I am praying also for M and her baby. I am believing all will be well and fine there! With much love, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-59042511698011642902020-07-05T01:40:55.711-07:002020-07-05T01:40:55.711-07:00Dear Laura,
It is great you are in this better po...Dear Laura, <br />It is great you are in this better position now. I would say health comes first and good nutrition and then your pantry. You can do both. I do not eat any wheat at all and this helps me keep my carbs lower. There is lots of good low carb things still to store as obviously I dont store wheat! I think you are wise to be building up the pantry too! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-24726936351951928262020-07-05T01:38:22.090-07:002020-07-05T01:38:22.090-07:00Dear Mandy, Thanks. Others disbelief and also pos...Dear Mandy, Thanks. Others disbelief and also possibly disapproval! It really interests me that someone can have 500 pairs of shoes and everyone is fine with that but a pantry full of food! Oh you must be a hoarder! mmm Interesting!<br />I love out community too. Many of us are so far apart geographically yet so similar in our ways and thinking! Have a good new week! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-52400718446479325322020-07-04T23:35:59.946-07:002020-07-04T23:35:59.946-07:00I use recycled jars all the time. Some labels are ...I use recycled jars all the time. Some labels are now plastic and peel off if you can get a corner lifted and you pull it back slowly. Other jars leave a gummy residue after washing/soaking in warm water. Try scraping with a butter knife to remove the last bits and if there's any gum left I use eucalyptus oil on a cotton ball as that dissolves the adhesives.<br />Kate Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com