On another dull, overcast, morning, Jackie drove to a follow-up appointment with her knee surgeon whilst I stayed at home for a visit from Paul, the Double Glazing Doctor, who arrived on time and gave the promised, reasonable, estimate later on. The work will be done next Wednesday when the new television is to be installed.
I amused myself by sorting and scanning a few more of the photographic prints returned by Elizabeth.
In 1986 Jessica, Sam, Louisa, and I spent some time house sitting for the Drapers in Meldreth, and in the process, enjoying a holiday.
This shot of Sam shows that a gentle, kind, boy nevertheless has a penchant for playing soldiers. Give him a cricket bat and his grandfather’s military cap and what does he do with the bat? My son is living proof that children who play in this way are not necessarily destined to grow up with killer instincts.
Later that year, on an outing with Elizabeth, Rob, Adam, and Danni, Louisa enjoys a ride on the back of my brother, her uncle Joseph.
Louisa, of course, will have a go at anything. Here she is rolling around in a galvanised tub on the lawn at Lindum House in May 1989. I know it has a jagged hole and she has bare feet, but she was very careful, and parents must allow children to be adventurous. Had Jessica and I been more timorous ourselves would this little girl have grown up to complete the Three Peaks Challenge? I know I couldn’t have done it, even when fit.
This much brighter afternoon, I heaved the rest of the rocks out of the recovered bed, laid a few more stepping stones, and built up borders with them.
Later I took a stroll down to Roger’s farm gate and back.
A freshly blooming dahlia in The Shady Bed is veiled by small ornamental grasses,
and alongside The Brick Path eryngium is nicely framed by the red Japanese maple.
On Downton Lane the secret garden gate looked particularly inviting,
and blackberry blossom is developing into as yet green fruit.
This last quartet of un-enhanced photographs were shot on the setting that replicates film.
This evening Jackie produced her classic sausage casserole which we enjoyed with crisp carrots, cabbage, and new potatoes. She drank her customary Hoegaarden whilst I drank Parra Alta malbec 2014.
All these flowers help me while I wait for spring.
Thank you, Sylvie
Then photo of the eryngium and the maple is stunning. I have never been able to grow the sea holly – it shrivels up and dies on me. Maybe I’m too prickly for it.
Thanks Bruce
Great Post Title. It should be on a t-shirt!
Thanks Pauline. Becky puts her comments on Facebook. She says she remembers Louisa covered in scabs fro her escapades.
These pictures and the words that accompany them, made me so happy. Such beauty and hope.
Thank you
1. Absolutely, children need freedom to explore. 2. What is eryngium called when it’s home with its family? 3. Have you been in the secret garden? That’s exactly the title I gave the picture before I kept reading.
Thank you, Lisa. I think it was your comment the last time I photographed the gate, that made me call it secret. There isn’t a way in to it from the roadside. Eryngium is sea holly. I have Bruce to thank for that.
I had seen it in bouquets and thought it was dyed that color! I wonder if I could grow it in my borders…
Try
My gosh that eryngium is just stunningly iridescent!
Thank you, Matt. The light was just right
I do like the blackberry blossoms, also. A very nice walk today.
Thank you, Cynthia
Great pictures of the children. Love the picture of Louisa in the tub.
Thank you, Laurie
The ‘last four’ looks great, though I don’t know what is the difference between film and digital.
But what about the cricket, Derrick? Have you stopped pinching yourself?lovely pictures, mind you, as ever. Love Jessica in the can: health and safety? Pah!
Thanks Geoff. I just remembered in time to watch it on 5 + 1
Lovely pictures, Derrick — of the children and of gardens. I like that secret garden gate.
Thank you, Cynthia
Hello from the beach, Derrick. What a lovely photo essay, and I agree … children need outside exploration! I’ve enjoyed watching the children at the beach. No phones or electronic games. Just the gifts of Mother Nature.
Your photos are great … I’m drawn to the secret gate!
Thank you Laurie