“It’s Their Road, Not Mine”

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Eucalyptus shadow

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.

Horses in field

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.

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67 comments

    1. 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

  1. 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!

    1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Intriguing “crocodile head” image in “Fallen Tree Reflection”. Very antediluvian.

    1. 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.

    1. 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 πŸ™‚ Thanks very much, Cynthia

      1. 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. πŸ™‚

  4. Such splendid photos (and lovely summery weather). The shadows and sunlight are wonderful. I like the photo of “the log creature,” too. πŸ™‚
    Congratulations on getting a date for your surgery–not too far away now, though it may seem like a long month for you.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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. πŸ™‚

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