SATURDAY MORNING AT THE BIRD FEEDER - SPLISH-SPLASH…

 They are taking a bath! The house finches are having way too much fun to do any chatting, and they are very feisty  The video is noisy fair warning. There was some kind of saw being used. You can tap the sound icon bottom left of the video if it bothers you.

In the meantime, and an hour after the finches left…

“Wendy, are you there?”    

“I have been hiding, are they all gone yet?”

Wendy the Water Nymph took a while to come out of the fountain, and the sun stayed under a cloud to give her a little more time. Her friend the squirrel stayed long enough for her to feel safe. 

She of the House said she is very happy the birds are finally using the bird bath, at least that’s what squirrel told the water nymph.  Wendy the Water Nymph wasn’t so sure. 

She didn’t know what to think after all the chaos she saw, along with the racket. Squirrel told her there were a lot of tree branches being sawn off after the thunderstorms and windy weather from a couple of weeks ago. She stayed inside the fountain until it was all quiet. It took a while! 

That’s how it goes at this week’s 

Saturday Morning at the Bird Feeder/Water Bath(?)

We all hope you are well and thank you for visiting. 

Take good care of yourselves and see you next time.

SATURDAY MORNING AT THE BIRD FEEDER/BIRD BATH

 She of the House says, “Are we still going on about this?”

Didn't Romeo say that to Juliette? Didn't Juliette throw her delicate little shoe at Romeo?

Sparky the Squirrel and Wendy the Water Nymph, that's very smart of you both.

And that's how it goes on a 

Saturday Morning at the Bird Feeder/Bird Bath.

Thanks for hopping by and 

I hope your day is a great one.

For our international friends to read what is on the photos, when they use my translation widget on the right-hand sidebar.

Photo 1: “I don’t mind if she hasn’t put the birdseed out. I prefer bread! A nice piece of hot toast slathered with butter and jam, you can’t beat it.”

Photo 2: “Well, you know what they say? Bread is like the sun, it rises in the yeast and sets on the waist.”

“Who said that, I’ve never heard that before.”

“He made it up, he said that.”

Photo 3: “I know nothing!”

“I also know nothing.”

HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE - ODDS AND BODS FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2026

Good Morning! Denise’s Morning Brew.

Well, I have never appeared in my PJ’s, but today, in that imagination I am so fond of talking about, here I am. I also seem more wide awake than usual. Truthfully, I am not a morning person, but my other sleepy kitten personality below tells all, little blabber mouth! No worries, I am deep in the forest miles from anywhere, with no fear of any looky-loos walking by or unexpected drop-ins. Just me, the squirrels and birds and maybe a friendly rabbit, fox, raccoon and must not forget the family of deer. I could have Bigfoot stop by for a cup of tea. He would be welcome too, everyone is welcome. Hey, it’s my imagination, and here's me, moving on! 

My mind says “Get up!” My body says “Nope!” 

This week’s imaginary home in the middle of the forest.

I truly believe that...

The whole forest is my garden, how lucky am I?

Cute photo and…

pretty art.

I love this and in my world the cub's mama is okay with the little girl babysitting her little one. Mama Bear is happily foraging for berries and will be home soon. 

The cat had a good night casting shadows but...

 later returned home to its human.

Do you feel like a coffee smoothie? I would like to try this. My dear husband would rather have a coffee milkshake. I can see his point. Do you have a favorite smoothie you would like to share, and what is your favorite ice cream? Being nosy and curious seems to be going hand-in-hand with this one today.

Coffee Smoothie: 1 banana - 3/4 cup brewed coffee - 1/4 cup milk

2 tablespoons honey

Fun with Food

For the little kiddos and the big Kiddos.

Teddy Bear Toast

It is still too hot to put the oven on. I have another slow cooker pork dish for us to try. I don’t make these recipes before I publish them on here. It is always a culinary adventure.

Slow-cooker Pork Tenderloin: 2 pounds pork tenderloin - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

 1 tablespoon yellow mustard - 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons diced dried onions - 1-1/ 2 teaspoons garlic salt or powder. Place pork tenderloin in the slow cooker. Mix all ingredients together and pour over tenderloin. Cook on low for 6 hours. 

Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole: you will need - 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen meatballs 

1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce - 3 cups water - 1 box (16 ounces) uncooked rotini pasta

2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions: 1. preheat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9 x 13

inch baking dish. 2. Add the frozen meatballs to the baking dish. 3. Pour the marinara sauce

and water evenly over the meatballs. 4. Sprinkle the uncooked pasta evenly over the top.

Do not stir. 5. Sprinkle with oregano and garlic powder. 6. Cover the dish tightly with

aluminum foil. 7. Bake for 45 minutes. 8. Remove foil, stir gently to ensure pasta is

tender. Sprinkle with shredded Mozzarella cheese. 9. Bake uncovered for an additional 

10 to 15 minutes, or until pasta is tender. 10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. 

Bake time - covered: 45 minutes - uncovered: 10 to 15 minutes - total time: 55 to 60

minutes. Serves: 6 to 8 servings. Tips: for extra flavor, stir in a handful of chopped

parsley. Nutritional information (approximately per serving) - Calories: 520 

Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 56g - Fat: 20g - Saturated Fat: 9g - Fiber: 3g 

Sugar: 7g - Sodium: 950g

No dessert today. I’ll be good and eat some of this fruit. 

 

Wise Words for anyone who needs them.

Well, keep moving….you’re doing a great job….just keep going….No matter what

One day at a time….You’ve got this….Keep going

May you always dance to your own song and let the world see you as we do.

Life is busy for everyone. There will always be work, long

days, unexpected plans and a hundred things competing for

someone’s time. But the people who truly care never make

you feel like you’re another task on their list. They don’t always 

have hours to give, but they always find a moment to remind

you that you matter. Because real care isn’t about having more

free time, it’s about making sure the people you love never

have to wonder if they’ve been forgotten. 

It is time for me to get going and start my day. The cottontails let me know they will be visiting, and they are already on their way. 

Time to put the kettle on for a cuppa.

Let us have a cup of tea and talk about happy things. 

Thanks for stopping by.

I hope your day is full of blessings, and...

always remember you are loved 

because you deserve to be.

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

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.

 

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.)