This morning I reduced the codeine element of my pain relief and toured the garden with my camera.
I was walking better as I wandered around making these images.
Much of the rest of the morning was occupied with mutually supportive family telephone conversations.
This afternoon we took a drive into the forest.
A chestnut pony cropping the verge at North Gorley had clearly been indulging in a mud bath.
Not far away, we passed a distant field of young stags,
on one side of which perched a watching raptor. I am relying on John Knifton to identify this bird. (See Quercus’s comment below – a buzzard)
I can identify the pair of mallards rooting on the soggy terrain beside grazing ponies.
This evening we dined on Mr Pink’s cod, chips, and pea fritter with Garner’s pickled onions.
A day morning and excursion Derrick. The garden is beautiful.
Thank you very much, Kavitha
Great that you got out for a meander around the garden. Lovely photos, Derrick. Your excursion yielded some very interesting shots too.
Thank you very much, Sylvia
I see the garden is insisting that Spring has sprung! And you are ever vigilant in showing my ponies, Derrick. (The stags are lovely too). Thank you.
Thanks very much, GP. You are welcome to the ponies
The garden is looking great. So is the scenery. Thoughts with you and your family.
Very many thanks, Peggy
Your garden looks beautiful in every season, but it looks like spring is coming. I especially liked the photo with the water droplets on the pink petals. It’s good you have the support of family members–thinking of you, Derrick.
Thank you very much for all this, Merril
You’re very welcome.
It’s good to hear you went for a wee wander in the garden Derrick, a bit of normalcy at these times when our hearts are broken open helps. xo
It certainly does, Pauline. Thanks very much X
Beautiful photos. Glad your becoming more mobile.
Thank you very much, Dad
Good to see you back on ambulatory clicking as well as from vehicles.
The results speak up well for themselves.
Thanks very much, Leslie
On this cold, rainy and oh so dreary day, your garden was a delight to see, Derrick. I’m happy to hear you had some family phone time. xo
Thanks very much, Jill. X
Oh, so lovely Derrick! Sounds as though the family is a great comfort right now.
Yes, indeed, Laurie. Many thanks
Glad you are feeling better and walking better and the photos are so nice
Many thanks, Prior
It’s a buzzard Derrick – you did well. They always fly away when I point a camera at them
Garden is looking good – irises are my favourite flower.
Following on from our previous conversation – the deer are looking distinctly succulent. (Apologies to any vegetarians reading this).
Very many thanks, Quercus. Will add a note re buzzard
I once stalked one and took a brilliant picture of a blurred brown bird flying away and defecating copiously in my direction…
🙂
I do like a nice bit of venison myself, at the right time of year the farm shops provide!
I am now looking forwards to a picture of your next venison creation. (Just as soon as gardening and driving allow you time.)
“Oh, my God” says Jackie
Not the first time I’ve had that effect on someone… 🙂
🙂
I am still in awe of your gardens. We are so gray and colorless here, in NJ, with more snow on the way. At least I get to dream of spring when I see your photos. Sending hugs, my friend <3
Very many thanks, Dorinda X
The garden looks beautiful and lively, Derrick! I’m so very glad you were able to get out and tour and photograph! Thank you for making a cold, snowy day brighter and warmer by sharing your flowers! The purple/yellow irises caught my eye! When I was a little girl we had those irises growing in the garden and they became my favorite of the irises. My Dad always had flower gardens, fruit trees, and a huge veggie garden. I learned to garden from him. 🙂
Love your animal “captures”, as always! The ponies shaggy coat makes me smile! And the birds are an honor to see! 🙂
Continued prayers and condolences to you and your family.
(((HUGS)))
Very many thanks, Carolyn X
Glad you could wander your little paradise with reduced pain killers. And it’s always good to have phone calls at a time like this. I’m continuing my prayers and sending more virtual hugs.
Much appreciated, Lisa. Thanks very much
Well done for putting your walking skills to such good use for your readers. The garden looks lovely.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Looks like spring might be springing a little bit there. Glad you are getting around better – the garden looks lovely. I think about you guys a lot and praying for you.
Very many thanks, M.B. Much appreciated
Glad you’re walking better and able to get out and about to enjoy your gardens and the surrounding area.
Many thanks, Gary
Lovely pics. Make me long for warmer weather
Thanks very much, Mrs W
Your welcome.
I always enjoy the virtual tours of your gardens so much inspiration 🙂
Thank you very much, msw
Good to see you’re out and about in the garden. I can’t think of a more beautiful place in which to heal.
That’s true, Leslie. Thanks very much
I’m happy you are walking better. Being out in the garden and forest will surely add to your healing.
Many thanks, JoAnna
Good to hear your knee is improving, and you got out to the garden today. Beautiful photos of all those late winter flowers!
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, Derrick and Jackie.
Very many thanks, Lavinia
I am so happy for your courage Derrick!! Focus on what you can do and how you can overcome obstacles to do more.
Send you all my love!!!
Very many thanks, Efi
Everything is beginning to grow again and winter starts its retreat. And by the way, Mr Oak is quite right, it’s a buzzard.
Thanks very much, John
Despite reducing part of your pain relief, you were able to walk around the garden and take photographs, now that is good news.
Thanks very much, Sue
The garden looks lovely and you have captured early Spring so well. Let’s hope that Winter doesn’t come back and spoil it! I have a profusion of Ladybirds in my garden. The Buzzard looks magnificent, there are a few pairs near by and they have no objection to being photographed! good news about the knee. I hope that all of your pain is easing!
Thank you, Andrew – especially for the ‘all’ in the last sentence
It looks a lot like there’s Spring in your garden and one in your step. Well done, that man.
Nicely put, Paol. Thanks very much
You have so many things blooming – beautiful. It’s just more rain and grayness here. I suspect that when the sun does finally show her face – there will be plenty to see.
Good to hear you are up and about – it does a mind good to be out.
Suz
Thanks very much, Suz
I would have loved to have taken that walk with you my friend. But I see you are never alone and that must be something. I add myself to the swell of hearts who think of you and hold you dearly.
Very many thanks, Candy x
So wonderful that you are maneuvering the garden paths quite well. Thanks for sharing all of your journey with me and all of your readers, Derrick. I enjoy your blog and the depth you create with your authenticity. Still thinking of you and your family. x
Thank you very much, Cheryl
How keenly the garden must have awaited those footsteps! I am happy to learn about your improved walking prowess.
Very many thanks, Uma
Lovely photos, Derrick. Glad you’re walking better – and having mutually supportive phone conversations. <3
Thanks very much, Julie X
Gorgeous photos. 😀 … not quite the February you were expecting to have, eh? … so glad you are surrounded by all that love. 🙂
Very many thanks, Widders
It’s always good to be able to reduce codeine! I hope that the pain hasn’t returned. Your garden always looks beautiful but especially so on a dry and bright morning. I loved the photo of the stags.
Pain is reduced. I am hoping to stop meds altogether in a week. Thanks very much, Clare
Good news!
Thanks very much, Clare
Good to see you are out and about Derrick, camera in hand indicates you are on the mend mate, wish my probs would heal quickly, hernia will take a few more months and slipped disc not helping.
Cheers mate.
Dammit for you, but thanks very much, Ian
Good to hear your body is recovering and you can now enjoy your garden with your camera.
Hopefully that will also help heal the deeper wound somewhat.
Glad i did not make you puke today! 🙂
🙂 Many thanks, Bob
The photos of the garden are beautiful. I am glad you can walk better.
Thanks very much, Sylvie
?
Beautiful garden starting to wake up – lovely Derrick. I noticed your wonderful female statue – she is perfectly elegant for her surroundings. Happy to read that your knee is really on the mend – before we know it you’ll be out there running the 5k!
Many thanks, Mary
It’s lovely to have you up and about and photographing the flowers.
Thanks very much, LL/PS