On this fine spring morning we took a trip to Mudeford.
Gulls lined up to welcome us as Jackie drove towards the quay.
A pair of serene cygnets sailed across the calm harbour, while a hunched egret tried to pass itself off as a gull.
Currents meeting on the open sea created spray-tipped turbulence
towards which a speedboat motored.
A silhouetted group was breaking up on the quayside,
with its usual stacks of crab pots, buoys, and ropes.
Along the coast at Avon Beach solitary walker ignored the spray, while, try as it might, by kicking up sand, a dog was unable to distract its owner from her mobile phone.
We continued into the forest where, in the vicinity of Burley, grey ponies dotted the landscape.
Having laboured up a steep hill, a trio of cyclists seemed relieved to coast down the other side.
When we returned home I ventured out into the garden for the first time since my surgery. During my tour I was delighted with the array of hellebores, cyclamens, and snowdrops that have proliferated in the last month.
This evening we dined on pork chops baked with English mustard and almonds from elsewhere; roast potatoes and parsnips; crunchy carrots and cauliflower; and tender runner beans with tasty gravy.
Beautiful images, Derrick. Thank you.
Thanks very much to you, Ann
Looks like you had a wonderful day as did all other people, plants and creatures as evident in your wonderful photos!
Many thanks, Gary
Such a lovely day, Derrick, and glad to hear you have managed to go out to the garden.
Thanks very much, GP
A lovely day, and how wonderful that birds and flowers greeted you. Your garden looks beautiful. We had snow here today.
“English mustard and almonds from elsewhere” 🙂
Many thanks, Merril
Good work Derrick – I bet the garden put on a special display to welcome you back! If it’s spring at your place it must mean that Autumn is going to show herself here – the light is moving away, but the heat wave continues…….
Thanks very much indeed, Pauline
It is wonderful to hear that you went out to the garden. Lovely photographs, the silhouettes are my favorites.
Thanks very much, Inese.
It has been a very good year for snowdrops. Unseasonably warm here today which seems to be getting the garden prematurely excited.
Here, too, Andrew. Many thanks
By the looks of your garden, perhaps spring is around the corner…let’s hope!
I think so, Jill. Many thanks
Snow drops my favourite x
Many thanks, Chloe
The garden is looking lovely.
Thanks very much, Susan
Oh, your garden is lovely. Must have been delightful to be able to walk around it.
It was, Laurie. Many thanks
i like the dinner and the flowers,,,
Thank you very much, Puring
I am glad that you are beginning to get about again.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Great photos, Derrick. You’re garden is looking very springlike. Gorgeous snowdrops. You seem to be recovering well. ?
Thanks very much, Sylvia. Recovery is going well
Stunning photos. Good to see it’s going ok.
Thanks very much, Dad
I meant to go looking for snowdrops this weekend and didn’t. It was nice to see yours. I will start checking out the Hellebores, too.
You’re right — I did enjoy the photos of the flowers! Even more, I enjoyed knowing that were able to get out and enjoy them, too. I was thinking about this today: are your temperatures moderated by the water and currents, as ours are? Here on the coast, we can easily average 5-10 degrees warmer than inland areas, and so begin to see spring flowers somewhat earlier.
I think you are right about the effect of the sea, Linda. In addition we have our own micro climate sheltered by the Isle of Wight. Thanks for you kind thoughts, Linda
The garden must be eager to receive your footfalls. Great shots of the sea, ponies and flowers back home.
Thank you very much, Uma. Nicely put
Pretty pictures! I hope you’re recovering nicely! Lots of yummy vegetables!
Thanks very much, Luanne. Recovery going well
Wonderful!
You are like a medicine for me …. lol!! I have to take a look before i start my day !!!!
I am happy you visit your garden and i wish you can go anywhere you want !!! Have a nice day !! Kisses to Jackie!!!!
That’s lovely, Efi. Many thanks
what a beautiful day.
I see that you are starting to get better, you must be delighted with this garden trip and see all these first flowers of late winter show the tip of the nose
Thanks very much, Yoshimi
Still winter up here in the north, and in my garden the snow drops are not out yet, though I do live high up.
When I worked in school I could never understand why we skipped winter. I assumed some minister living and working in the south had originally named the school terms. We had Autumn terms one and two. Spring terms one and two and Summer one and two. To me January and February are firmly rooted in Winter! I don’t expect to see Spring until next month.
It is unusual, even for here, Sue. Many thanks
The garden looks lovely, Derrick and Jackie! That was a lovely day down by the shore and forest, too.
Thanks very much from us both, Lavinia
Great photos and commentary again, Derrick! It’s good to hear you can now potter around the garden again.
I liked the egret doing gull impersonations but loved the leaves on your white cyclamen! (3 of mine are flowering now in what is quite a hot Summer, although i did need to bring them inside for some water and a rest from the heat!). The hellebore are amazing and the snowdrops seem much happier today than last time. 🙂
Did you spot the brown pony with the other 3? He is rather well camouflaged.
Thanks a lot, Bob. I did spot the brown pony – well done, you, for doing so
It is great to see you out and about. You and Jackie take the best side trips – it’s always fun to see what you find. Beautiful photos of your countryside. Awesome first pix of your garden – will be a beauty this year.
Thanks very much, Mary
Live pork chops. Can’t wait for our snowdrops and hellebores to pop, but will be awhile. Ahh, the cell phone attachment, I left mine at home this morning when I went to my school crossing post. I started hyperventilating when I realized it wasn’t on me. I actually had to pay for coffee at Starbucks instead of using the app. I have it now and my BP is normal, again. An app told me so. ?
🙂 Thanks very much, Steve
It’s always such a treat to take a trip with you and Jackie, and see the sights, Derrick. But none so lovely as the trip to your garden because I’m thrilled you were able to get out there, and to see the beautiful flowers. (I write this in the midst of yet another snow storm here in S. Ontario.)
Thanks very much, especially for the kind words, Cynthia. I hope you warm up soon
Beautiful photos and sounds like a great dinner too!
Thanks very much, Lisa
Congrats on you outdoor jaunt … both of ’em. 😀
Many thanks, Widders
OH! I’m so glad you got out-n-about AND to the garden! 🙂
Love the birdies and that sweet doggie! OhGosh! Even doggies get ignored when cell phones are out! 😮 🙁
HUGS!!! 🙂
PS…Busy week for me…I’ve been slow to get around to commenting! 🙂
Many thanks, Carolyn. Your comments are always appreciated, whenever they come X