Matthew, Tess, and Poppy came to visit this morning. Becky and Ian followed on this afternoon.
I printed Matthew and Becky each a copy of this image of Michael being big brother taken from ‘The Hat’.
This afternoon we were visited by a very tame cock pheasant. Poppy named him ‘Lucky’.
This evening we dined on Hordle Chinese Take Away’s excellent fare, after which Becky and Ian drove home and the others stayed the night.
Love the picture of your children when they were young, Derrick. That partridge is a handsome chap. Also looks like he thinks so too! LOL
Thanks very much, Lydia
That’s a beautiful pheasant, has he visited before? That’s a lovely photo of a happy Michael being big brother to his two little siblings. I’m glad to hear the family is gathering. xoxo
Thanks very much, Pauline. We had a pheasant visitor called Eric a couple of years ago. Could he have been the same? I wonder. X
Your children are beautiful, and I think the pheasant stopped by to cheer you up.
Thanks very much, Cindy – correct on both counts, I’d say
Beautiful. Both the grandies and the pheasant.
Thanks very much, Cynthia
Good to see everyone getting together – family can be a great comfort. I hope the pheasant stays Lucky!
Yes, indeed, Quercus. Thanks very much
Lucky is mighty lucky to have found such a friendly place!
Thanks very much, Jan
A real ‘happy memories’ photo, Derrick. I think that pheasant wants to be adopted.
Thanks very much, Sylvia. We had a visiting pheasant a couple of years ago. He was called Eric.
A fine name for a pheasant. ?
I think he probably IS lucky –to have escaped a predator or a trap or even some errant birdshot. I’m glad you’ve got the warmth of family coming in.
Very many thanks, Lisa
Very British – sandals and socks. Lovely picture.
Many thanks, Andrew 🙂
What a beautiful photograph, Derrick. How special that Matthew and Becky will have their own copy to treasure.
Thanks very much, Jill
🙂 good to see the happy faces!
Thanks very much, Rupali
Super photo of your children… Such special memories x
Many thanks, Melanie. You know all about the importance of photographs X
Of that, I do.
Such priceless memories.
x ? x
X
Childhood photos bring back such wonderful memories. So glad you were able to share this one with Matthew and Becky. The pheasant is so tame and very handsome.
Thanks very much, Peggy. I have given each of my children albums of their childhood photographs (all prints from film)
Wonderful gift.
Good picture of the three.
Also a most colourful one of the pheasant. I hope no backward member of the royal family has in mind to shoot him.
Thanks a lot, Leslie
Michael looks comfortable and happy in his big brother role; it’s a charming photo. Your pheasant is quite charming, too. Perhaps he is the one who visited before; there’s no question that birds will do that.
Thanks very much, Linda.
That’s such a lovely photograph. Look after yourself.
Many thanks, Dad
Lucky is so colorful
🙂
Thanks very much, Prior
That is a lovely photograph, Derrick and Jackie. Michael looks like such a good-hearted, sweet boy. I am glad you have family and friends staying on to help see you through this.
I like your pheasant visitor, too.
Very many thanks, Lavinia
I love this picture – it’s fun to imagine what your children are thinking and what happened next.
Thanks very much, Book Club Mom
Wonderful family pictures that must have so many memories attached. Good to know that you are all helping to take care of each other, especially during this difficult time. I also went back to have a look at “The Hat,” since I’m one of your newer blog readers.
You have beautiful birds like this cock pheasant that just walk around where you live? Marvelous!
Thank you very much, Becky. At the moment the fields and lanes are full of pheasants
I saw a pheasant on the side of the road one time many years ago and it was a thrill. Your place is like a wonder land with the ponies and the donkeys et al.
Many thanks, Jodie. It is rather
: )
Enjoyed the pictures
Thanks very much, Suz
Michael does appear loving his charge. Nature may destroy it’s own creations but love is indestructible.
So well said, Uma. Many thanks
What a beautiful family photo. You will all have so many wonderful memories of Michael!
Thank you very much, Diane
I think that the pheasant is tame because he has been bred in captivity and then released to be shot. He may apply for political asylum in your garden eventually. As a general rule, if game birds, ducks or geese have extra white bits, that is the mark of an inbred population with a small gene pool. With pheasants the collar is the first thing to appear and the same for mallards too.
Thanks for this, John. He is pecking seeds at the moment – and his reflection in a garden mirror 🙂
That photo is so sweet! Michael definitely was a great big brother!
So glad family surrounded you and you were able to share that sweet photo with them.
What a handsome pheasant! Lucky picked a perfect day to visit!
(((HUGS))) and <3 for all of your family
Thank you very much, Carolyn X
As I was reading your post I heard a pheasant call, such a coincidence. I see them pecking about the fields quite often. Occasionally they come into the garden and sometimes in pairs a he and a she. A couple of years back two males used to visit regularly, but never together and I began to notice how very different their markings were.
I’m glad you were able to enjoy your family day, a time for tears and smiles too as you remembered your much loved son and big brother.
Very many thanks, Sue. At the moment our pheasant is pecking at a garden mirror 🙂
Oh how wonderful, You have given me the idea of putting one in our garden. ?
See John Knifton’s recent comment
I will thank you
That is a charming photo of Michael and siblings.
That is quite a dapper (cocky?) pheasant–and he must be quite tame.
Thanks very much, Merril. The general opinion seems to be that the pheasant was likely bred for the shoot, but he is still around
I’m glad he is!
Friends, family and wildlife all come to soften your day.
🙂 Thanks very much, GP
People are still sending their thoughts and prayers for you and Jackie. You and your family are quite special.
More thanks 🙂
It’s a beautiful photograph Derrick evoking special memories. I love looking back on old photographs they are very special. X
Very many thanks, June X
Beautiful pheasant. Glad your kids are around during this dark time
Thanks very much Mrs W
Your welcome
I haven’t “liked” recent posts for obvious reasons but I read and I think of you and I care. What a lovely picture of them all my dear Derrick.
Very many thanks, Candy X
Our happy memories, of our beloved departed, live on.
Thanks very much, Rosaliene
That pheasant is definitely an A-Lister. Such poise in front of the camera.
🙂 Thanks very much, Alex
I’ve sometimes noticed wild beasties turning up at times like these, as if to check in with us and share a moment or two of peace.
Continue to keep those memories alive. Remember, Michael’s vibrant spirit is with you and your lived ones always and he us smiling down upon you all.
Thanks very much, Gary
…and tomorrow, maybe pheasant in wild mushroom and madeira sauce.
🙂 Thanks very much. Paol
How is no one mentioning Jackie’s legs? She is stunning.
Well spotted, Jodie. Thanks very much
Give that lady a hug from New Jersey.
Will do X
What a wonderful memory of ‘Big Brother’ Michael – i just Love the socks and sandals look! 🙂
Wow! What a handsome fellow ‘Lucky’ is (and Michael and Matthew of course!)
Both of those must have brightened everyone’s mood a little. 🙂
Yes, indeed, Bob. Thanks very much
Sweet connections of love that lives forever.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
Beautiful photograph Derrick that Michael and Becky will cherish forever. You are in my thoughts – perhaps Mr. Lucky will help during this time. My best to you and the family.
I meant Matthew, very sorry for my error. Please forgive me Derrick.
No problem, Mary. Michael would have treasured it too – it is in the album of his childhood that I gave him, and that his own children regularly thumbed
Your photographs are gifts to not only your family , but also your friends around the world .
🙂
Thanks very much, Mary
When I am sad about time’s passing I look to the same, my children’s laughing faces back then, and know that smiles will come again. I must finish their photo books.
Wonderful and beautiful, thank you for sharing them with us.
I think my favourite is on another page, the children singing in (or to? ) the flowers.
That is a favourite, too, Pleasant. Many thanks