SATURDAY MORNING AT THE BIRD FEEDER / BIRD BATH - ESME’S VISIT

It wasn't long before Esme disappeared into the distant blue of the sky. They noticed that a flock of three dozen geese appeared, honking their way south. Esme veered off on a slight detour, but still flying in that general direction. 

I came across the name Esme and thought it a very pretty name, a good fit for our little witch. I also found the following information. 

The name Esme (also spelled Esmé or Esmée) means "loved" or "esteemed.

Origin and History

French Origin: it derives from the past participle of the Old French verb 'esmer', meaning "to esteem" or "to love," traced back to the Latin word 'aestimare'.

Historical Usage: originally a masculine name - popularized in the 16th century by Esmé Stewart, 1st Duke of Lennox - it transitioned over time into a predominantly feminine name.

Alternative roots: it can also function as a short form of Esmeralda, a Spanish and Portuguese name meaning "emerald", or connect to the Persian word "esma" ("beloved").

This part is for our overseas friends to translate photos using my translation widget on the sidebar.

Photo 1:

House Finch on the right: "Hello, who are you? You are a lot friendlier looking than the other witches I have seen."

Photo 2: 

"Hello, my name is Esme. I am flying south to visit with my family. I am resting here."

Photo 3:

Finch on the left: "Flying south? Shouldn't you be traveling with the geese?

Esme: "Good heavens no! Have you heard the noise they make? I'd never get a moment's peace."

Photo 4:

House Finch on the left: "Where's your broomstick?"

Esme: "I parked it behind the bushes over there. I didn't want to frighten your neighbors."

Photo 5:

Esme: "Well my Lovelies, if I am to be with my family for Halloween, I must go now. It was very nice meeting you both."

Photo 6:

House Finch on the left: "That was a nice visit. 'She of the House' will be miffed she missed meeting Esme. I wonder if she has her own broomstick?"

House Finch on the right: "It's probably parked behind the other bush."

She of the House out of sight: "I heard that!"

House finch signature says: "And that's how it goes on a Saturday Morning at the Bird Feeder. Thanks for flying in and wishing you all a great weekend. Hugs from Denise"

SATURDAY MORNING AT THE BIRD FEEDER - I CAN TRULY RELATE

The Red-bellied Woodpecker says, "It's windy today."

The male House Finch says, "No it's not, it's Thursday."

The Blue Jay says, "I am thirsty too. Let's have a cup of tea."

Having this kind of conversation with my dear other half on a few occasions, okay, maybe several, we have every sympathy with the hard-hearing birds. I can no longer say, "You need to enunciate", to which the reply is, “You need to go get your ears checked” (conversation not to be taken seriously - it's a running joke with us) and yes, the writing is on the wall, so to speak. I just showed this to my dear other half, and he actually laughed out loud. And then he said, "That's us!" I hope this bit of whimsy gives you a smile.

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

I hope everything is well in your part of the world.

Have a great weekend and 

thanks for flying in.

SATURDAY MORNING AT THE BIRD FEEDER - CHICKENS AND THINGS

Photo 1: 

"Why did the chicken cross the road?"

"Her Fitbit said "Only 37 steps to go.""

"Hmmm...."

Photo 2:

"Somebody needs to start writing them new material."

Sign-off Signature: Cluckopatra the Chicken says, “That’s how we 

cluck on A Saturday Morning at the Bird Feeder apparently. 

Thanks for visiting and have a great weekend - Hugs ❤️ Denise”

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.)

SATURDAY MORNING AT THE BIRD-FEEDER/BIRD BATH

 As the tale continues, the goldfinch is a bit lonely, but at least he has the company of the water nymph and the copper bugs and turtle...  

...and the American Robin turned up later

He was a bit fussy though. They had to remind him that it's still too early for she of the house to put birdseed out. There is still a lot of natural food left everywhere, and the worms are plentiful. They had to remind Robin everyone was trying to stay fit and healthy, and that he ought to get some exercise by digging for them himself. She of the house would help but she's got a thing about touching worms.

You can't please everyone. Even the water nymph looked a bit exasperated with Robin.

And that's how it goes on a Saturday Morning near the empty bird feeder.

Thanks for looking at another tale of whimsy.

Have a great weekend and I hope all is going well in your part of the world.

For our overseas friends to translate the photos above.

Photo 1:

"I don't think anyone if going to come until she of the house starts feeding the birds again."

Photo 2:

"I am an introvert and I am happy with that."

"Me too, I have seen how crowded those pools can be."

"She's resorted to telling jokes again."

"Oh boy!"

Photo 3:

"I hear you have worms."

Photo 4:

"Five-star bird bath but I am deducting one star for the lack of worms."

SATURDAY MORNING AT THE BIRD FEEDER OR IT PROBABLY SHOULD READ, AT THE BIRD BATH

 

"Why am I called a Goldfinch?" - "Because 'extremely handsome yellow bird' was already taken."

"Why are you looking at me like that? It's true!"

And that's how it goes on a

Saturday Morning at the Bird Feeder/Bird Bath.

Thanks for visiting and as you fly through the day, 

may it be a safe and happy flight.

SATURDAY MORNING AT THE BIRD FEEDER - 8-15-26

Bubbles is back with a few proposals. 

"Oh yes, what are those then?"

"Did you volunteer for this, or did everyone step back and you were the only one left in front? That happened to me once." He looked bashful and pressed on.

"They heard about those dried mealworms I bought, didn't they? Those are supposed to be for the colder months. There's still plenty of your natural food out there you know." He pressed on.

"That's more like it then. Come back tomorrow and you'll have a nice surprise. I am always willing to compromise, within reason." 

And that's how it goes on a Saturday Morning at the Bird Feeder, when Bubbles stops by every day, bless him, but his flock think it's too far to fly to splash in a pool and not get fed tasty dried up meal worms for their hors d'oeuvres! You would think flying from the trees down the road was a journey to the moon.

Mrs. Squirrel also stops by every day, but she has babies to feed. Maybe I should help? I saw her with a whole mouthful of leaves this afternoon, more than I thought it possible to carry. I know her nest way up there in the treetop is being fortified. Life goes on around here and sometimes you need a little help from your friends.

Thank you for reading today's whimsical tale. I hope you are all having a great weekend.

From the photos so that our international blogging friends can translate using my sidebar gadget.

Photo 1:

"I am back with a few proposals."

Photo 2: 

"They told me they can't justify a spa day on an empty stomach."

Photo 3:

"We are willing to overlook the fact that your neighbor has a much shinier birdbath if you start feeding us again."

Photo 4:

"We also miss Froggies3, Sophie Squirrel and the Missing Bunnies."

Photo 5:

"And you thought I was cheeky!"

SATURDAY MORNING AT THE BIRD FEEDER - 8-1-26

 The birds and I want to wish you Happy 1st Day of the Month and a Happy August!

Nice to meet you Bubbles.

Thank you, I hope you will like it.

Yes, you're very handsome Bubbles.

Yes we do but they are rare these days. I will move the birdbath under the cover of some branches. You will all feel more comfortable as it's a short flight up to the lowest branches.

That's great, tell everyone there will be fresh water every day and free photos taken.

It almost looks like there is a water sprite in the shape of the fountain. Look! He’s waving at him. Yes, imagination is a fine thing. 

The squirrel likes it too. She visits every day.

I bought animals shapes out of copper because someone told me that copper keeps the algie down. I bought extra leaf shapes for the other ground bird bath that I am putting down several feet away. 

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

Thanks for flying in and 

I hope your weekend is a great one.

For my overseas friends to use the translation widget on my side bar.

Photo 1: 

Hello, I am Bubbles. Don’t judge, my flock named me. 

Photo 2:

 “I am checking out your new bird bath before I give it the okay.”

Photo 3:

“Nice reflection, I’m looking very handsome, aren’t I?”

Photo 4:

“Very nice location but you need more cover. You have hawks in this area don’t you?”

Photo 5:

“I will chat to the flock and let you know. I am sure they will like it.”

Photo 6:

“See you later!”