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This afternoon we visited Otter Nurseries in order to buy rambling roses to supplement the planting Jackie carried out this morning.
The Head Gardener was soon into a discussion about campanulas with a another customer seeking information.
I wandered around the plentiful displays while Jackie selected Perennial Blush and Super Elfin ramblers. A bee flitted from lavender to lavender.
As we parked for me to investigate the Heywood Mill stream, a family group wandered, chatting, down the road.
The stream itself was unhindered one side of the road bridge,
and bore the reflections of a fallen tree on the other.
As we drove away, I spotted a deer. This necessitated by driver screeching to a halt and , heart in mouth, reversing back along the narrow, winding, lane until I could poke my lens into the hedgerow. The creature did not hang around.
English bluebells lined the verges and
carpeted woodlands.
Tempted by the sight of two white ponies, one of which was very pregnant, we drove down an even narrower lane.
Further on we encountered a horse and rider, requiring us to stop for them to edge on by.
Next came the penned-in horned sheep. One of these woolly animals was particularly inquisitive.
There were so many ponies on the road near Pilley, that a young driver was unable to move on. Jackie had to drive round her. She apologies, saying that she was petrified by the ponies. It was only when the horses thinned out a bit that she was able to get back into gear.
One of this group was a foal, still very wobbly on its legs.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s sublime cottage pie, served with carrots and Brussels sprouts. I finished the Vacqueyras. Jackie didn’t imbibe further as she had drunk her Hoegaarden on the patio beforehand.
After I view your pictures each day [and proceed to get a fit of jealousy], I read what you’ve had for dinner [and immediately go from jealous to hungry!] – I’m going to have start demanding that that Jackie go from Head Gardener to Recipe Queen!!! Has she ever thought to have her own food blog?
Thanks a lot, GP. She prefers to give me material 🙂
Oh me too!!!!!
Thanks from us both
Let J know that there is a hungry appreciative crowd just younder 😉
🙂
Scared of ponies. 🙁 Poor lass.
Especially here. Thanks very much, Widders
You photographs are a delight, Derrick. I’m spending a few days in Sidmouth next month. I must make a point of visiting Otter Nurseries.
Many thanks, Roland
You’ve made me spend an unproductive hour looking for an alternative meaning for “patient” where Jackie downed her Hoegaarden. Has the autocorrect changed it from “patio”? Is it a word of rare meaning understood mainly by crossword puzzle-setters?!
Dammit! I blame WP. Now corrected. Thanks very much, Bruce.
At least I know I’m not as ignorant as I thought!
🙂
Great photos! I love seeing animals in their natural habitat.
Many thanks, Contessa
You are so welcome Derrick! Have a great weekend!
You advertise the English country side well. They should give you an award for your promotion. 🙂
Very many thanks, Mary
Just stunning all of your photos Derrick.. The bluebell words have been gorgeous this year again.. The long horned sheep look ready for a hair cut.. 🙂 Have a perfect week.. Sue 🙂
Many thanks, Sue. You too
Amazing photos, Derrick! Can you guess my favorite? The family wandering…great shot!
Thanks very much, Jill. I did guess it 🙂
Wonderful, as usual, Derrick. I particularly like the “carpeted woodlands” shot.
Thanks, Merril. We’d been looking for one of those. As I took the verge pictures, Jackie drove on seeking a place to park, and spotted that scene
Those are all very beautiful pictures of your area, especially the ponies.
Thanks very much, Lavinia
Oh, that picture of the family walking down the road. I would love to have such a shot of my own family – from behind – just being ourselves and enjoying nature and our time together. So lovely.
Many thanks, Jodie. You got the essence of it
: )
Another great day in the New Forest. Loved the horned sheep. I think living with pony infested lanes could grow wearing after a while, cute as they are. 🙂
TanGental would have something to say on that. Thanks a lot, Quercus.
🙂
Bluebell woods are one of the wonders of the UK! Just beautiful <3
Many thanks, Pauline. Our house in Newark had been built on a bluebell wood. We got the benefit every spring
I’ve always loved the lush English countryside. Your photos show it at its best! Thanks!
Many thanks, Diane
Lovely photos Derrick. I like those of your shots on horses.
Many thanks, Arlene
Thoroughly enjoy your pictures Derrick, that scenery is absolutely beautiful, living in countryside like that must be a daily pleasure, the serenity and peacefulness of a rural lifestyle must do wonders for the mind and body, you are very fortunate my friend.
It is a wonderful way to enjoy one’s final bonus years, Ian. Thanks very much, especially for surmounting WP problems and catching up
These photos are beautiful!
Many thanks, Amy
Lush green pictures…. I could walk through that road for hours… 🙂
Many thanks, Maniparna. A couple of years ago I could, too 🙂
🙂 …
Would you believe that the War Office and I, dined on my superb cottage pie, served with steamed pumpkin and broccoli, washed down with a Jacobs Creek Merlot, last night?
How could anyone be frightened by those gentle ponies?
Sounds an excellent meal. Actually the ponies can bite. Thanks, Brian
but only if provoked I suspect
I imagine so. I haven’t tried it 🙂
perhaps you could persuade Jackie to try it 🙂
I had to chuckle but was also touched when Jackie screeched to a halt and had to reverse the car, so you could take your photo of the shy deer. Lovely way you both show your support of one another.
Many thanks, Rose.
I want to move to pony land
Many thanks, Candy
You do realize you are beginning a cult right? 😉
Excellent 🙂
I hope your neighbors don’t mind the fire and the tents too much 😉
I forgot to mention I loved the alliteration of petrified by ponies. Brilliant!
So pleased it wasn’t wasted 🙂
Never is
Love the woods
Thanks very much, Sherry
Beautiful compositions. Better to be petrified by ponies, than to have your car mangled by moose. A Northern Ontario proverb. 😀
🙂 Thanks a lot, Joseph