ANOTHER OLD FAVORITE - A LITTLE CORNER OF DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH DEVON, UK

“Leave room in your garden for the fairies to dance.”

~Author Unknown ~

It had rained hard the night before and flattened the flowers around it, but they only seemed to add to this pretty photo. It was found in a little corner of Dartmoor National Park, in Southwest Devonshire, England, tucked into the side of a country lane lined with small cottages. I had a feeling this was everyone’s little patch to enjoy. The photo was taken in 2015.

I used to live the same distance from the Moors as I do now from the Shenandoah Mountains. We could see the Moors in the distance from our kitchen window, and went there often from when I was eight years old, when we first started going down to Devon on our holidays. We moved there permanently when my father retired. I was 15 years old. I had a great love for the Moors, still do and now I also love the Shenandoah Mountains. 

Take good care of yourselves everyone.

Thanks for visiting 

ODDS AND BODS FOR 9-16-26 - STARTING OFF WITH AN OCEAN FEELING

Good Morning! How are you today?

I am starting off with an ocean feeling. I lived next to the sea for half of my married life, and also lived on the other side of the Atlantic a mile from the beaches from the time I was 15 years old, ten years before I met dear husband. I was always rock pool exploring and dipping my toes in the ocean. We moved inland when hubby retired from the navy in 1989 and he started his second career. In some ways it feels like yesterday, in others not so much. 

Here is pretty art for the kitty lovers. 

and one more.

Here is my imaginary home this week, which is still in the forest…

and here we are at the back with a lovely porch. Come on over and we can sit for a spell. Let’s wait for dark while we sip on a beverage and wait for the fireflies. 

I have been enjoying this planter box at the back of the cottage. I bet a very talented person could put this together, no problem, at least someone who knows one end of the screwdriver from another.

On my walk through that lovely forest, I have my very own bench to sit and take shelter when it rains. The trees are always welcoming. 

How about a recipe or two, starting off with something delicious to dip our bread?

Ingredients: 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - salt and pepper,

to taste - 1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

(Optional) - 1 loaf of crusty bread, for dipping. 

Got any French Fries?

Much better birdie. It is a great recipe and a nod to our beloved Dolly Parton. I was delighted to come across this. Has anyone ever made it? I also love that it is another slow cooker/crockpot recipe. I will make this real soon. Added note: since putting the one below on here, I have read this version is more like Dolly’s soup. Whichever one is true, they both sound delicious. I have added the link for you to see the other. 

Dolly Parton’s Stampede Soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of potato soup

1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies - 1 can (15 ounces)

whole kernel corn - 1 pound ground beef - 2 cups milk - 2 cups shredded

Cheddar cheese. Directions: brown ground beef in a skillet and drain excess

grease. Dump beef, cream of potato soup, diced tomatoes, corn and milk 

into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine. Cover and cook on LOW 4 to 5 

Note: Add the 2 cups cheddar cheese at the end of the cooking time, while the 

soup is still hot enough for the cheese to blend nicely. This would be great 

to take along to a potluck.

Here is another recipe for the seafood lovers.

Baked White Fish with Panko Garlic Butter Crunch - Ingredients: 1.5 pounds 

white fish filets - 4 tablespoons butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1.5 cups grated Parmesan 

cheese - salt and pepper to taste - fresh parsley, chopped - Lemon wedges for serving.

Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. (200 degrees C.)  2. Melt butter in a

small saucepan over medium high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes,

Until fragrant. Remove from heat.  3. In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan 

cheese, salt and pepper. Stir in the garlic butter and mix well.  4. Place fish filets on a

lightly greased baking dish. Press the panko mixture evenly over the tops of the fish.

5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping 

is golden brown.  6. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Our one and only dessert today is…

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars: 1 Strawberry Cake Mix (1 box)

1 unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted) - 1 Cream Cheese (16 ounces) - 1 Large Egg

1/2 cup Granulated Sugar - 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract - Fresh strawberries 

1/2 cup crushed golden Oreos (1/2 cup)  Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 

Line a 9 x 13-inch dish with parchment paper. 2. Mix cake mix with melted butter 

and egg in a large bowl. 3. Press dough into the prepared baking pan.  4. Beat cream cheese 

and sugar for 1 minute in a separate bowl.  5. Spread cheesecake batter onto the strawberry 

crust.  6. Add strawberry pieces to the crust, pressing down slightly in.  7. Top with Oreo 

crumbs and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until set. Cool and Chill.

Hello, I am Denise and I am... 

Birdcrastinating: (verb) When you have a million things to do,

But stop everything just to watch birds, listen to their songs and

forget the world for a moment. 

I don’t think that’s an actual word, just someone with a good imagination and who knows, it might end up officially in the dictionary one day. There are a lot of us out there!

Must be nice! Ataraxia, a state of serene calm and freedom from worry. 

On the cup it says “Just breathe”.

Halcyon, calm, happy, peaceful moments in time. 

A little poetry. This one is appropriate considering that we are fast approaching the last day of Summer on Tuesday, September 22nd.

Summer and Fall: Today it still is summer, tomorrow will

be Fall.I see the purple asters, I hear the Autumn call. I

feel the warm sun shining as a balmy south wind blows;

the goldenrod is waving, the bees are in the clover. I hear

a distant honking - the geese are flying over. The maple

leaves are golden; the pumpkins, round and yellow, the

apple cheeks are rosy, the pears are getting mellow. The

nuts are growing rounder, the cornstalks, brown and sear.

By twenty lovely tokens I know that Fall is near. Today I

still am barefoot - oh how I love it all. Nona Keen Duffy.

A few wise words.

There is beauty in the small things. 

And talking about small things …

Tkalla Creations - The Ant’s Secret - Small steps every

 day build great things. One, a tiny ant watched the big animals.

They were strong, fast, and mighty. But the ant knew it had

something too - a big heart and the power to never give up.

The ant worked hard every single day. It carried one leaf, then 

another, then another…it never stopped. One day the animals 

saw a beautiful nest the ant had built. They realized, great 

things come from small effort, every single day. The Lesson:

Little by little, you can achieve anything. “Don’t underestimate 

your small steps. They lead to s beautiful tomorrow.”

I thought this was cute. What do you think they are saying/thinking? She’s away with the fairies again?

Looks like a great place to be. It is magical and good for the soul, so they tell me.

And as we are at the end of today's Odds and Bods, time to send lots of hugs to someone special.  

You!

Have a great day my dear friends

and always remember you are loved.

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

HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE - FAIRY GARDEN AT MEADOWLARK GARDENS, VIENNA, VIRGINIA

These are from Meadowlark Gardens, in the early days of the Fairy Garden. I haven't been there since I had problems with my knee sprain now turned into arthritis. I can't believe that started almost two years ago. It is very hilly for those of us who have trouble walking. I hope to get out there one day to see if the fairies are still there. Things were being changed around it seemed, so I am keeping my fingers crossed and I will let you know.

"When the first baby laughed

For the first time, 

Its laugh broke into a thousand pieces

And they all went skipping about

And that was the beginning of fairies."

~Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie~

(side note: when Mr. Barrie passed away, he gave the rights away to the Peter Pan works to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London, which continues to benefit from them. How wonderful is that? His biography at the link above is very interesting.)

 "Who knows what secrets fairies like to keep.

Perhaps they whisper about the follies of humankind"

~Fairy Secrets - Brian Froud~

 "Blessed are those who see things in humble places,

Where other people see nothing."

~Author unknown~

 "Garden fairies come at dawn,

Bless the flowers and then are gone."

~Author Unknown~

 "And though you should live

In a palace of gold,

Or sleep in a dried-up ditch,

You never could be as poor

As the fairies are,

And never as rich."

~Rose Fyleman~

"Someday you will be old enough

To start reading about fairytales again."

~C. S. Lewis~

"Did you know,

hanging a spray of primroses on your door

is an invitation for fairies to come into your home

and bring fairy blessings?"

~Author Unknown~

"Children, children, don't forget

There are elves and fairies yet.

Where the knotty Hawthorne grows

Look for prints of fairy toes.

Where the grassy rings are green,

Moonlight dances will be seen.

Watch and wait, oh lucky you,

If you find a fairy shoe:

For a ransom he will pay

Hobbling barefoot all the day.

Lay it on his mushroom seat,

Wish your wish and go your way.

If your wish should be discreet,

Never fear but he will pay."

~Dora Owen~

"Stories are like fairy gold, the more you give away, the more you have."

~Author Unknown~

"Admit it, we all need books

and fairy dust once in a while."

~Author Unknown~

"Down along the rocky shore, 

Some make their home.

They live on crispy pancakes 

Of yellow-tide foam.

Some in the reeds 

Of the black mountain lake,

With frogs for their watchdogs,

All night awake."

~Excerpt from The Fairies by William Allingham~

(You can read the rest of the poem here.)

Down along the rocky shore

Some make their home,

They live on crispy pancakes

Of yellow tide-foam;

Some in the reeds

Of the black mountain lake,

With frogs for their watch-dogs,

All night awake.

Read more at http://www.poetry-archive.com/a/the_fairies.html#UlT7OpdpIZVRRRYp.99

"Mist-clad in the light of the moon,

Starspun seekers I search for thee!

Faery light I ask they boon

Of branch and thorn and Elder tree!

Wood woven creatures, shadow weavers

River keepers come to me!

Just beyond reaching, never in keeping

Spirits of Faery I call unto thee.

Wind-hewn wildness, dark and brightness,

Spiral enchantments born of the sky.

Cradle me with Elven hands,

Abide with me, thy human child!"

~W. B. Yeats~ 

I left links where I could. I am thankful to be able to find out more about these wonderful authors.

Down along the rocky shore

Some make their home,

They live on crispy pancakes

Of yellow tide-foam;

Some in the reeds

Of the black mountain lake,

With frogs for their watch-dogs,

All night awake.

Read more at http://www.poetry-archive.com/a/the_fairies.html#UlT7OpdpIZVRRRYp.99

Thank you for looking at today's tale of whimsy. 

I wish you all a great Sunday!

FROM GRAY WOODS THEY COME…

“From gray woods they come, on silent feet into a cone of light. A lifting note, O fair! O fleet! There the night through we take out pleasure, dancing to such a measure as earth never knew.”

~Seamas O’Sullivan~

Seumas or Seamus O’Sullivan (born James Sullivan Starkey, July 17th, 1879 - March 24th, 1958), was an Irish poet and editor of The Dublin Magazine. His father, William Starkey (1836 - 1918), a physician, was also a poet and a friend of George Sigerson. He was born in Dublin and spent his entire adult life in the suburb of Rathgar. In 1926 he married the artist Estella Solomons, sister of Bethel Solomons. You can read more at this link.

My photo was given an artistic effect but as it was done several years ago, I have long forgotten which one I used. The fairy was part of the Fairy Garden at Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna, Virginia  

MERRIFIELD GARDEN CENTER - 6-13-25

Our latest trip to the garden center. I have added this link that will take you to all the other times visited. It will include today’s post, but if you keep scrolling you will see the others. Quite lengthy as it is a favorite place to wander around. My photos taken are to make a record, so that I can go back and buy a few things, when I have to think about them for a while.

Sometimes they are still there. Other times I 'snoozed', as in 'you snooze, you lose' just a bit too long. But, doesn't happen very often and though I don't visit as often as I would like, there is always something else that takes my fancy when I go back, if whatever I looked at is gone.

One of the staff was watering the plants and she stopped when she saw that I was interested in them. I can't say enough nice things about those who take care of everything, as they are consistently pleasant. I hesitated about crowding her and told her I didn't want to get in her way. She turned and smiled and started one of those conversational interactions that I find so pleasant when visiting these places. She couldn't have been more helpful. 

I told her what I was interested in, which were two green pots and the addition of the Lantana inside them. They only had one of the size I wanted, and my symmetrical brain had already found the exact spot where I was going to put two, and I wanted identical pots. They would be on each side of the bench on the deck, along with the Lantana. She offered to go into their storage area to find its partner. I had also asked where their succulent plants were, as I had another pot at home, and it has been a long time since I bought cacti. She told me they were in the greenhouse, and she would bring the pots to me as soon as she had found them. So, off she went...off I went...and Gregg joined me soon after as he had been parking the car. I had my eye on those toadstools, not to buy as I couldn't figure how they would fit in and besides, wasn't looking for toadstools to take home with me. They were fun to take a picture of though, as well as other things. Same thing, enjoyed looking at them but wasn't going to buy.

I really loved the yellow Lantana, so sunny and cheerful, and this is the green pot I had my eye on.

I passed by this delightful bird bath.

and the Yarro...

and then found myself heading inside. 

The greenhouse is on the right and I saw these pretty fucia almost immediately...

near this old beauty. I wondered about it as it used to be in the front of the building, but it has a new home. 

I shared it once before at this link in case you need a refresher. I see many of my blogging friends had left a comment there. I checked online at the time and identified it as a 1930 Ford Model A Pickup. 

I never did get as far as the succulents, but I spotted these big pots...

and no I didn't buy as I had committed to the green and had already purchased those, or at least Gregg did. He was putting them and the plants in the car. 

I was searching for a bench to sit on and my eyes wondered to this little creature...

and then I found these, and my whimsical side appeared. My impulse purchases of the day (below).

I resisted the fairies but am still determined to make my own fairy garden, and every now and again I add to it. 

Anyhow, no fairies but the turtle and the rabbit are joining the fairy family today.

They have quite a nice selection that I will be checking out later.

I am still heading to the bench to wait for Gregg, but saw these lovely orchids.

These looked interesting too...

and I stopped myself from looking at every one of these items on the long display bench, top and bottom.

I resisted any further temptations, took one last look...

and headed to the cashier's desk with my impulse buys. Gregg came back to see where I was (I am moving extra slowly lately). He had put all the other purchases in our vehicle. A good job too as I had forgotten that I had given him my wallet (didn't want to bring a purse and wasn't wearing anything with pockets). I would not have been able to buy rabbit or turtle and we all (not Gregg) breathed a sigh of relief (not really but whimsy occasionally takes hold).

Lastly, I had fun playing with my collage app to which I added photos in today’s post.

It was fun and good to get out for a bit. I went home, put my feet up, put my slippers on and had a cup of tea, and maybe a nap, not necessarily in that order.

Thanks for looking! I hope you have a great week ahead.