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This morning we went on a drive about the forest in order to try out the lens bag featured yesterday.
Does are normally so timid that they bound, bouncing, away before we have even seen them. The curiosity of this little harem among the trees got the better of them. Some turned their pretty rears, others presented a staring face. Others, with elegant flexibility, did both. When they all looked in the same direction they seemed to emulate meerkats.
The forest terrain is becoming decidedly waterlogged. Trees and sky are reflected in clear pools lying among last autumn’s fallen foliage. When the land is very wet the shallower-rooted trees tend to tip over and lie across land and water. We wonder how anyone can visit such a beautiful spot and lob a Lucosade bottle into it.
A herd of cattle have claimed the crossroads at East Boldre as their own. Wandering into the road at will, or, chewing the cud, resting their mud-caked legs, their knees are decorated with hay and grass.
The green frontage to this group of houses in East End has become a mirror to them and to ponies who still attempt to keep the grass down.
I am happy to be able to report that Jackie’s creation has made it possible for me to switch lenses and cameras with unaccustomed ease. It is definitely the business.
I spent several hours this afternoon completing a detailed timeline on the issue of my mother’s bathroom. This is the attachment that will go with the letter Elizabeth and I worked on yesterday. I then e-mailed it to my sister. I find it easier to write a blog.
After this I thoroughly enjoyed Jackie’s superb chicken jalfrezi, savoury rice, sag paneer, and paratha, with which I finished the bordeaux.
The photos of the does does (Ha! English language!!) capture their brittle awareness. Oh to be able to present face and rear with equal agility! It all looks rather sodden Derrick – those poor cows are bedraggled and the mirror, while lovely must be somewhat alarming for the residents. Pleased to hear the bag is well designed and practical – made with love!
The English language is a thing of beauty and wonder to behold! 😀
Yes, I loved that little point out very well.
Very many thanks, indeed, Pauline. Great use of the English language
Yes, you do live in a very beautiful place, and the only thing people can do is leave rubbish in it. Appalling!
Yes. Thanks, John
Better have Jackie’s design patented before Cannon steals it. 🙂 Great reflections.
Many thanks, Mary
I love your pictures and description of the does. I tried to take some from far away with my iPhone when I visited your neck of the woods: needless to say they are just blurs.
I was certainly lucky today, Susan. Thanks very much
Love the pics.
Thanks a lot, Peggy
Beautiful pictures. I envy you that you live in such a vicinity to the forest…
Many thanks, Maniparna
Oh, those does…you captured the sisterhood ! ❤️ 💜
Many thanks, Van
<3
Excellent depth-of-field usage. So, the community allows the cattle to roam free, do they? Hardly civilized, wouldn’t you say. (Only joking. It just popped into my head and sounded so, how do you say, English). I hope you had as much fun writing the blog as I did commenting…(Steve)
Lovely comment, Steve. Thank you.
Love the reflections
Thanks very much, Lynn
Yes – those are lovely!
Thank you both
That Jackie is as handy as a pocket on a shirt! My grandmother always said that. 🙂 Beautiful photos…I loved the does!
Many thanks, Jill. Good expression from your grandmother.
i love the waterlogged pictures; one day i’ll have to send you on a visit to the Passford House Hotel, between Sway and the Lymington Road and get you to tell me what morning coffee is like there; a famous book is based on it after all…..
Thanks, Geoff. You’re on. Is the book one of yours?
First one
Ah.
Oh my gosh, I love all of these so much! These are some of my favorites! The does, the cows, and the reflections/water/trees!!!! I don’t know what jalfrezi is, but it sounds like something I would like!
Thanks very much, Luanne. One can hardly go wrong on a day like this in the forest. Jalfrezi is a medium to hot curry – one of my favourites
Yum! Yes, that was an amazing day in the forest!
Those does butts are quite seasonable – little hearts – Happy Valentines Day!
Great linking thought, Jodie. Thanks a lot
: )
I wish I could bend my neck like that. I got stuck getting out of the car today because I couldn’t get my head down.
Excellent shots with reflections.
Thanks, Quercus. I have that problem with quite a few cars, too. In my case it’s knees.
There’s a lot to be said for the car designs of my youth. Aerodynamic, no, but easy to get in and out – yes.
Agreed
The deer are beautiful with their open eyes and perked up ears. This post had the most lovely trees, Derrick. My favorites are in the right second photo down and the bottom row of trees, the one with full reflection. The cows are special, too.
Thanks very much, Robin
That deer herd is something. They seem o have smaller ears than deer here. I love the way they stand together, gazing out. And the rain pools look lovely. I can almost smell the air.
Very many thanks, Lisa. It was such a dull day, really
Beautiful!
Many thanks, Brian
animal & beautiful!
Seems the lens bag worked a treat. Fantastic photos – love all the musky rust colours – they really go together all these photos.
Many thanks, Sol
Deer are such beautiful creatures! (I’ve nothing against cows, of course. They’re perfectly charming in their way too.) Incidentally, I’m glad to hear that the bag worked so well. I’m glad to hear that all the work Jackie put into making it paid off.
It certainly did, Bun. Thanks a lot
I love those shots of the trees reflecting in the water Derrick!
Thanks very much, Julie
There’s a lot of water around. I’d like to get back out in the garden but.. I’d sink.
Thanks a lot, Jessica
Deer can be really skittish. How lucky to be able to capture them on camera.
It certainly was unusual. Thanks LL/PS
Wonderful photo’s Derrick you have captured the essence of the countryside around you..
Many thanks, Sue
My pleasure at catching up Derrick xx
What a delightful photo story 🙂
Many thanks, Inese – and for the catch up
Busy this winter, Derrick. I have practically one day a week to go back and read all the stories. Saturday is my WordPress day 🙂
I’m honoured
Great photography Derrick, those refelections are amazing!!
Thanks very much, Sumith
Wonderful!
Thanks a lot for this and for the catch up, Elena
No shortage of creatures in your.backyard, Derrick. 😃 Lovely photos.
Many thanks, Silvia. Perhaps we could do a swap sometime 🙂