SATURDAY MORNING AT THE BIRD FEEDER - A VISITOR!

The Froggies cousin was visiting from across the other side of the pond. No, not THAT big pond, the one at the garden. He hitched a ride home in the pocket of the mister of the house and hopped down onto the bird feeder as soon as he could. 

The froggies, at the pond couldn't be seen but were heard. They were very noisy and very chirpy to have such nice weather. Froggy 4 decided to join his cousins for a few hours. He recognized the mister as he liked to read blogs and saw his picture one day. That's how he knew whose pocket to jump into.

He was still very noisy and monopolized the conversation, but they didn't mind. Everyone was very happy to have him visit. Out came the best China, the kettle was put on and the teapot was filled with their favorite brew. They had endless cuppas and scones, but someone forgot to buy the clotted cream and jam. No clotted cream and jam for the scones? The horror! That's okay, Cappy the Catbird was very happy to be invited.

The Robins came by later when all was quiet and they missed the party, but there was always a kettle to put on.

 Out came the favorite brew from the cupboard, more happy talking took place. The sun was going down by the time they left. They had a long journey to get back to that fourth tree on the right, at least in Robin steps.

That's how it goes at this week's Saturday Morning at the Bird Feeder.

Thanks for flying in and 

hope your wings aren't too tired. 

For our overseas friends to translate the photos, 

using the translation widget on the right.

Photo 1

"I am very nosy but who is that?"

Photo 2:

"Hello over there. Join us, we are having tea!"

Photo 3 and 4: 

No words.

 

GREEN SPRING GARDENS NEAR THE PONDS ON THURSDAY, MAY 7TH, 2026

This is another favorite place we like to walk, as I have mentioned many times before. The ponds are down the hill from that flat area of the gardens, where we normally go. We used to make a loop at one time, where we would park our car, and start from the flat area, walk down a very steep hill (which is on the other side of the green area and not the one in the picture above though it's steep enough), cross a small bridge and make our way towards the ponds from the opposite end, and then go back up the hill (above photo) to the parking lot. Nowadays Gregg drops me off at the bottom and I have been wanting to go back to this area for a long time. 

There is a road with an electronic barrier for a private home opposite this part of the garden, so we can't park. However, there is access for pedestrians to get to the ponds.  I'm just very happy to be back there and I like looking at the private garden also. The birdhouse has been a fixture there for years.

There are three ponds, two large ones and one very small pond which we often forget about. Not next time! I have already showed you the first one covered in algae, and the turtles. I will mainly concentrate on the second pond this time, with perhaps a few of the first one I shared. 

We were able to sit in the gazebo for a little while. Usually it has others enjoying its shade. The carpet of algae looks like grass in this photo. We saw a fish jump, creating a large circle opening of clear water, and then just as quickly it closed up.  There was a cardinal sitting on the rail as we approached. You will see a little small red in the middle. No time for a decent photo. He was away into the trees.

Below you can see the interesting patterns it created. 

I took a photo of Gregg who was very interested in them too. I share quite a few of his photos here today. Neither of us have ever seen this much algae on the pond before. It looked extraordinary and wondering what it's doing to the turtles and to the fish and any other life in that pond. Hopefully with aeration and the water fountain, it will be a different story when we go back.

On our way to the second pond...

We walk around and I took photo of the only Canada Goose I saw that day. I was wondering if this one's mate was on a nest somewhere hidden. If you look on the left you can see another turtle resting on a log near the water lilies.

I also took photos of a few plants and flowers getting here.

The new growth leaves of the Black walnut was the first thing that caught my eye.

Above is the Golden alexander. I have put a link on all the flowers and plants for more information. Just click on their names.

The glossy ridged plant above is the August lily.

The plant on top of the August lily is called Cleavers.

Above is the Sawtooth blackberry and next...

The Ohio spiderwort was my favorite of the day. 

but on second thoughts I think it ties with the Siberian iris. 

Just a thought. If anyone thinks I have the ID wrong on any of these, please let me know. I would be happy for you to do that as I want to get things correct. 

One last look at our Canada Goose and the turtle.

That's all from our latest trip to Green Spring Gardens until next time.

Thanks for looking and I hope your day is a great one.

TEACHING THE LITTLE ONE YOGA...

 and being ignored.

Recently we returned to Green Spring Gardens to walk around the ponds. We were surprised to see the green algae covering the first pond, but the turtles were out and about. 

I have seen the stretched-out leg pose several other times. I read that it is how they regulate their body temperature and absorb essential nutrients from the sun. It's called basking, where a turtle climbs out of the water onto a log or rock to soak up heat and light. It has been called 'turtle yoga'. 

By spreading their legs and widening their feet, turtles increase the amount of skin exposed to the sun, allowing them to absorb heat more quickly and efficiently. Sunlight also provides vital UVB rays that help turtles produce Vitamin D3. It is necessary for them to process calcium, which maintains a strong and healthy shell. 

As ectotherms (cold-blooded animals), turtles rely on external heat to fuel their metabolism, support their immune system, and aid in digestion. Stretching helps the turtle's skin and shell dry completely, which is necessary for proper shedding and helps eliminate external parasites. When a turtle feels safe and comfortable in its environment, it will "sploot" or fully extend its limbs as a sign of complete relaxation.

I am very thankful to be able to find all this information online. I have always enjoyed seeing turtles my whole life, another wonderful part of nature.

I am wondering how green algae affects them? I will be finding out about that soon and in the meantime, if any of you have any knowledge of such things, I would be very happy if you care to share.

Thanks for looking and 

I hope your day is a great one.

ODDS AND BODS FOR WEDNESDAY, MAY 13TH, 2026

Good morning! I hope your day is full of peace and sunshine.

His companion says…

My mind says “Get up!”  My body says Forget about it.”

and with love and respect, their other companion says…

I’m up…but if you’re looking for bright eyed 

And bushy tailed, go find a squirrel.

Okay, enough of that.

“Today I’m going to be sensible and behave myself.

Stop laughing, it could happen.”

This week’s dream cottage has the tree of life carved into the door. How could I not live here?

The gate is perfect…

and I decided to paint my imaginary potting shed. 

I just kept painting in my imagination, so here’s my other shed. 

And not stopping there, here is a gate on the other side of the garden. 

Not stopping there, my imagination 

told me to paint this for the vegetable patch. 

I had to plant one but…

“For all you lovely people! - Garden Rules -

plant the seeds - wish for rain - listen to the birds - 

get your hands dirty - enjoy the beauty”

Time to get back to the house and get cozy…

It will be time to go to bed soon. Still a little chilly at night but that cozy fire will keep us toasty as the rain falls outside. My vegetable patch is very happy to get all that liquid sunshine. 

Time for fun with Food

This looks like a nice dressing.

Homemade Greek Dressing - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 clove garlic minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 

This looks very nice too.

Ciabatta - This iconic bread from ‘deesviral’ is known for its airy crumb, 

crisp crust and rustic shape. Simple ingredients and slow fermentation give it incredible 

Flavor - Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose or bread flour, 1-1/2 cups warm water - 2 teaspoons 

active dry yeast - 2 teaspoons salt - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Directions: dissolve yeast in warm 

water and let it foam. Mix flour and salt, then add yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a sticky 

dough forms. Cover and let rise 2 to 3 hours until bubbly. Gently shape into loaves on a floured 

surface. Bake at 425 degrees F. (220 degrees C.) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and crisp.  

This is light inside and crusty on the outside, and perfect for sandwiches - save recipe and follow ‘deesviral’ for more classic breads. 

Potato and Carrot Soup: 2 slices of bacon, diced - 1 onion, minced - 3 cups diced potatoes

3 cups water - 1 cup grated raw carrot - 2 teaspoons salt - 1/4 teaspoon pepper 

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 3 cups milk - Cook bacon in kettle until golden. Add

potatoes and water, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender. Add carrot and

seasonings. Blend flour with a little of the milk. Stir into hot mixture and cook, stirring 

until slightly thickened. Add remaining milk and heat. Sprinkle with bacon. Makes 4 servings.

Same recipe below but without the bacon if you want to go vegetarian.

Now for dessert. A little hard to read so below are instructions not only for our overseas friends, but for us who speak the language and don't have the

eyes of an eagle!

Lemon Raspberry Bars: Ingredients: Shortbread crust - 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter

1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar - 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour - 1/4 teaspoon salt

Lemon Filling: 3 large eggs - 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar - 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 lemons) 1/3 cup (80ml) fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted - Raspberry Layer: 1-1/2 cups (180g) fresh or frozen raspberries 

1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Topping: Powdered sugar for dusting - Instructions: 1. Preheat oven: preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

(175 degrees C.). Line an 8 x 8 inch (20 x 20cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhanging.  2. Make the Crust: In a bowl beat the butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add flour and salt and mix into a soft dough. Press evenly into the bottom of prepared pan. Bake for 18 to 20

minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. 3. Prepare Raspberry Layer:

In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, cornstarch and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat

stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5 minutes). Spread evenly over the crust.

4. Make the Lemon Filling: In a bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until smooth, then add flour, 

salt, lemon zest and lemon juice. Cook over a saucepan of simmering water. Whisk until combined.

Pour gently over raspberry layer.  5. Bake: Bake 25 to 28 minutes or until the center is just set and does not jiggle. Let cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.

6. Slice and Serve: Lift bars out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares. Dust with

powdered sugar before serving if desired. Tips: Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Store

in refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Time for a new word, just one, 

and for a change, it’s from a list of …

Seda - Female name of Armenian origin that means

spirit of the Forest.”

As this is winding down, I am going to leave you with a few wise words

“Observe and reflect, and become 

a little wiser every day - anonymous”

“My to-do list for today: count my blessings -

practice kindness - let go of what I can’t control -

listen to my heart - be productive yet calm -

Just breath - The Girl’s Guide to Loving Life”

Very important to remember…

You are loved!

and also very important to remember…

“Never forget you are a LIMITED EDITION. There is no one like you.

 and that is great.

Be proud of yourself for being unique!

Thanks for stopping by everyone

and have a great day!

(With thanks to Pinterest for today’s inspiration.)