CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE. THOSE IN CLUSTERS ACCESS GALLERIES THAT CAN BE VIEWED FULL SIZE.
This morning I hand delivered some local cards.
We then drove to New Milton for some very last minute Christmas shopping, and on to Keyhaven
for a look at the harbour where sleek swans and male and female mallards foraged in the silt alongside each other, dripping water as they came up for air;
gulls perched on railings;
and speckled sandpipers trotted about.
On the Hurst spit could be seen silhouetted figures such as the dog hurtling past its owner to cock a leg against a post. Presumably unaware of the urination, Santa rested his bike against the pillar, and another dog game scampering by for a frolic with the first. Fulfilling his social duty, the dog’s owner toted a filled poo bag.
Mathew, Becky, and Ian, with Scooby, arrived for the Christmas holiday at intervals during the afternoon. Tess and Poppy are to follow on later. Jackie fed us on a delicious cottage pie with crisp carrots and cabbage. I drank Doom Bar, and I’m not bothered about what the others chose.
We hope that, tonight, Santa will find his way to the house. So we left some guiding lights on.
Dear Derrick and Jackie,
Have a lovely Christmas and New Year.
From David your old friend from Minstead.i still follow.your blog every day.
Many thanks, David. That is a pleasure, indeed. We hope you are well, and wish you the same.
May Santa deliver lots of loot for all! 😀
Many thanks, Widdershins
Merry Christmas from the land Downunder. They’re forecasting a hot one this year, Adelaide is expecting 40’c. And in Sydney the possibility of an afternoon thunderstorm. Will be thinking of you and Jackie in your cosy house surrounded by loving family xxxx
Very many thanks, Gwen All the best for you both, too.
Hence Santa arriving in the WEE small hours… Happy Christmas again to you and Jackie, Derrick.
Nice one, Bruce. Thanks a lot. Same to you. Tess is opening her presents from N.Z. as I type, cos she says it’s already Christmas with you 🙂
I’m having some Wensleydale cheese and a well chilled Pinot Grigio and am not bothered by what anyone else is having either. Merry, merry to you and Jackie and all the clan you’ve introduced us to. Cheers!
Very many thanks, Susanne. You and yours too
Merry Christmas, Derrick! 🎄
You too, RaineFairy. Thank you
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Derrick!
Thank you. Lisa. And to you and yours
The guiding light would cheerily cue anyone in! Best of Christmas mornings to you and yours.
You too, Cynthia. Thanks a lot
Christmas Greetings to all!
Many thanks, Pauline. You and yours too
Merry Christmas! bilere
Thanks, Bilere. You, too
After a bird had the temerity to take a crap on president-elect Donald Trump during a recent speech, Mr. Trump has announced the creation of a research team that will be working on training all the birds in the world to use a litter box. Merry Christmas, my friend. 🙂
You too, Johnna. Thanks a lot
Poop bags seem to be international. Glad to know that…
Thanks, Steve
Great set of photos, Derrick. I’ve had my own encounter with Santa and he is making a bee line for yours, I’m sure. 🙂 Happy Holidays and all good wishes for 2017 to you and yours.
Many thanks, Mary. And the same to you.
Truly lovely, Derrick. I hope Santa found his way. Merry Christmas to you, Jackie, and all of your loved ones.
Many thanks, Merril. The same to you and yours
https://pacificparatrooper.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/troops-christmastree-e1482662312882.jpg
You, too, GP. Thanks a lot
Merry Christmas, Jackie and Derrick. I feel like I know you both from our Internet friendship. So, to the Isle of Wright from the Illinois plains, I send my greetings. I met Cynthia Jorbin through her interesting and funny comments on your blog. It crossed my mind that it must be nice to spend Christmas in Heaven. Thank you for enriching my life, you two!
~Ginene
Very many thanks, indeed, Ginene. The same to you. I am pleased to have introduced you to Cynthia in such a way.
What lovely and unusual swan pictures. Merry Christmas Derrick. I hope you enjoyed your Christmas dinner.
Very many thanks, Geetha. We did. Just finished it 🙂
Most welcome Derrick. Enjoy the season 😊🎄
Yes, Santa must have found his way to your house, thanks for all the beautiful photos 🙂
Very many thanks, Lakshmi
Happy Holidays! Lovely photos
Thank you, Lynn. You too
Merry Christmas in arrears Derrick! 😊
Just love your pictures of the swan – so graceful 🙂
xx
https://colourpotblog.wordpress.com/
Thanks very much, Clare