CLICK ON ANY IMAGE IN A GROUP TO ACCESS ITS GALLERY, MEMBERS OF WHICH CAN BE VIEWED FULL SIZE BY SCROLLING DOWN AN CHECKING BOX TO BOTTOM RIGHT. THOSE NOT IN A GROUP CAN BE ENLARGED WITH A CLICK OR TWO
We enjoyed another splendidly sunny summer’s day. In the garden the eucalyptus cast its welcome shadow across the grass;
while tulips, daffodils, wallflowers, and cowslips glowed in the sunshine.
At lunchtime I received a date for my first knee replacement. It is 18th May. I have never heard of anything so fast. This afternoon I undertook the blood test for the hip replacement check. Jackie having driven me to Lymington Hospital for the latter, we continued into the forest.
The primrose bank alongside the stream in Royden Lane was also streaked with shadows. A pair of cyclists happily rode by at an opportune moment.
I imagine the hay heaped in the field opposite was essential food for the horses a week or so ago. Now the grass is coming through again.
This land may have dried out now, but parts of the forest, like this area outside Brockenhurst, were still waterlogged. Instead of shadows we were treated to reflections of trees, some of which had fallen. After such wet periods as the terrain has recently endured, there are always more fallen trees. Often the roots rot and the giants topple.
Two ponies, dozing under a railway arch may, perhaps, two or three weeks ago have used this shelter as an umbrella; today it was a parasol. A pair of cyclists skirted the animals in order not to disturb them. “It’s their road, not mine”, said the leading woman.
Orange berberis flamed in the hedgerows outside Exbury Gardens, while white wood anemones, yellow celandines, and little violets festooned the banks of a dry ditch opposite.
This evening we dined at The Royal Oak. Jackie enjoyed a huge portion of chicken tandoori, while I tucked into an excellent rib eye steak cooked exactly as I asked. Jackie’s drink was Amstell, mine was a rather good Argentinian Malbec.
Your flowers are loving the sunshine and I am sure you are too! Keep the sunshine trend going!
Thanks very much, Gary
You found my ponies under the bridge – thanks.
🙂 Yours, indeed, GP. Many thanks
Yes, everything does glow beautifully with the return of the sunshine and warmth! Happy days Derrick – and good news too, worthy of a good dinner out!
Many thanks, Pauline
Derrick I hope you don’t the beauty of these landscapes for granted. Being a city boy, I would love to be surrounded by such serenity and beauty.
Growing up in London, Andrew, I always dreamed of living in the countryside. And where we have wound up could never be taken for granted. Thanks very much
That is wonderful. I need to make a similar move.
What a gorgeous day! Thank you for sharing your lovely photos, Derrick. I’m happy your surgery is scheduled…. getting it done sooner is always better. The rib eye sounds yummy!
Thanks very much, Jill. I can’t wait for the op now
You’re going to do great and feel great, too!
🙂
Is this weather typical for this time of year?
Clearly not, at least, not in London, which today recorded its hottest April temp. in 69 years. The spell is very brief, though, however welcome.
Much of the US is still dealing with abnormally cold temps. I live in Florida, though, where it’s already warm.
This post https://derrickjknight.com/2012/07/26/the-paris-marathon/ contains a mention of me getting my clothes covered with tar from the melting tarmac outside our house in 1947. It is possible I’m a year out.
Thanks very much, Leslie. I’ve provided an ancient link in response to Paul
Your opening photo and line, “another splendidly sunny summer’s day. In the garden the eucalyptus cast its welcome shadow across the grass;” says it all for your wonderful collection of springtime photos today.
Many thanks, Ivor. Your appreciation of my attempts at poetic prose is always welcome
You do have quite a way with words, Derrick. : )
Much appreciated, Jodie
: )
Intriguing “crocodile head” image in “Fallen Tree Reflection”. Very antediluvian.
Well spotted, Paul. Thanks very much
What a gorgeous garden and a lovely day! Wow fast service there derrick!
Thanks a lot Lynn. I thought 6 months wait for the hip was good
yes
Now, that’s my kind of bicyclist! 🙂 … congrats on your surgery date. 😀 remember to breathe.
Thanks very much, Widders. I’ll keep pumping
Shadows and dappled sunlight are an enduring delight. Hurray for your bionic bonus!
Very many thanks, Uma
Liked that tunnel shot of horses and people with their two-wheelers!
That was a real stroke of luck. Thanks very much, Cynthia
Love those lucky moments–we need them to get the best shots!
Yep
I love that they got off their bikes to ease their way past the horses. Perhaps I am disillusioned with my country, but I can’t see such a thing happening here.
And two surgeries? Egads, thou art a brave one!
I kid you not. Anything is better than the pain at the moment. I can hardly get out of the car and walk a few yards to take my pics 🙂 Thanks very much, Cynthia
Derrick, no one should endure that, so surely it is a “slam-dunk” regarding improved outcome and quality of your life…I hope and pray for the healing to be swift, not unduly trying. I know you may keep us abreast of the progress. 🙂
Thanks again. I will 🙂
These are beautiful pictures.
Thanks very much, Rupali
The fallen tree reflection is a really nice photograph with the cracks in the dead bark.
Many thanks, John
Such splendid photos (and lovely summery weather). The shadows and sunlight are wonderful. I like the photo of “the log creature,” too. 🙂
Congratulations on getting a date for your surgery–not too far away now, though it may seem like a long month for you.
Thanks very much, Merril. Knowing how long most people have to wait I am grateful the op is so soon
Beautiful day paired with great company and steak dinner. Happy to hear you have a date set and get to recuperate around so much beauty!
Thanks very much, Lisa
Good luck on the knee replacement Derrick. I love those pockets of shadows in your garden.
Many thanks, Arlene
Good luck to you, Derrick.
Garden looks wonderful! 🙂
Many thanks, Amy
Just looking at those pictures, I can almost feel the lovely warm air and smell the flowers. That was quite a traffic jam with bikers and horses. Love the attitude of the bikers. And, yes, best of luck with that knee surgery.
Very many thanks, Laurie
This was a thoughtful post, Derrick.
It exudes serenity. 🕊️ 🌷
Very many thanks, Robin X
White pony!!!
Yep. I’m told that the technical term is grey. Thanks very much, Candy
When’s the knee surgery? Shall be keeping fingers crossed my dear friend 💓
18th May, Candy. They really did mean it when they said it was urgent! Many thanks for your concern XX
GOOD POST.! Derrick, my total knee replacement about 12 years ago (smashed it on a mountain bike jump) was really painful – so don’t be surprised at the pain when you wake up from surgery. BUT, after three months of physical therapy, I was hiking, jumping, cycling with no pain at all. It was SO worth it! As long as you do the therapy, it works (but you absolutely have to do it) And don’t be afraid to demand strong pain killers – you’ll need them in order to push your body during therapy..
This is exciting news – I’m happy for you.
That’s very encouraging, Claire Marie. Thanks very much indeed
Good luck with the upcoming knee replacement, Derrick. May 18th is not far off!
Beautiful spring photos, especially the vernal pools. I bet there are tadpoles in there somewhere. 🙂
Thanks very much, Lavinia. I am actually looking forward to May 18th, now. I’ll keep an eye out for frogs 🙂
Beautiful photos.
Thanks very much LL and PS