This morning Jackie drove me to the GP surgery in Milford on Sea where I was relieved to learn that my lingering symptoms are probably due to stress – I can certainly agree with that, and just continue to take it easy.
This afternoon my Chauffeuse took me on a trip to the north of the forest.
A motley array of pigeons set off flying from the colourful tiles of the roof of Moyles Court School as we travelled through Rockford.
In a field across the road the more delicate domestic horses still sported their rugs as protection against the cold nights.
The sturdier New Forest breeds have no need of such raiment.
I closed my window before this chestnut at South Gorley could stick its nose through it.
As always, a pair of mallards took up occupation in a pool at North Gorley.
Donkeys lined the verges at Ibsley and on the Gorley Road,
where deer lounged in the sunshine, also frisking beneath Abbots Well Road,
where grazing ponies enhanced the landscape.
It is normally impossible to stop the car on Roger Penny Way. Today was the exception that enabled me to snatch this shot before following traffic arrived.
No passenger seat was vacated in the making of this post.
This evening we dined on excellent chicken shaslick, salad, and paratha from Forest Tandoori, followed by ginger ice cream.
Great Pics Derrick and all taken from within your car!
Thanks very much, Gary
Success! Such lovely pictures. And, yes, I am sure the stress is dragging you right down. Rest and do whatever little thing you can to take of yourself.
Thanks very much, Laurie
Ah, wow! ♥️
Many thanks, Grace
You are very welcomed. 😀
I hope you’re feeling better each day, Derrick. The photos are so wonderful–such a variety of wildlife, I can’t choose a favorite. It’s good to see that your sense of humor is coming back: “No passenger seat was vacated in the making of this post.” 🙂
🙂 Very many thanks, Merril
Wonderful photos. You must gain such pleasure from these drives out that never fail to give you so many photo opportunities.
Thanks very much, Sue. I have to be quite selective in my clicks 🙂
Wonderful photos, Derrick! I am glad to hear that there are no physical reasons for your post-op discomfort, and it’s due to stress, sadly. Wishing you peace of mind and speedy recovery!
Thanks very much, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick
Amazing set of photographs taken flying by the seat of your pants, as it were!
Thanks very much, Leslie
Of course it is! Processing takes time, grieving takes time, shock contributes and so on and so forth. Sunshine and reflections and ponies ease the moments. Breathe deeply and feel. It helps. xoxo
Very many thanks, Pauline XX
Ginger ice cream is just up my street. Taking it easy is wise. I’m sorry you’re having to go through this.
Thanks very much, Susan
Stress can do a lot of harm to the body…please take care of yourself, Derrick. Relax and enjoy garden and of course, all of the critters. Great photos!
Very many thanks, Jill
Wonderful capture of those pigeons, Derrick. Glad you’re continuing to take things easy. Take care.
Thank you very much, Sylvia
Great pics Derrick. Try to take things easy. Relax and enjoy the garden and your scenic views. Stress can be very harmful. Be well my friend.
Thanks a lot, Drew. It’s been quite a year so far
It has beena trying year for you. Peace will come my friend.
🙂
The pigeons reminded me of a little walk I did up to my daughter’s house (a mile or less) last week. One house has solar panels – and about 50 pigeons. Obviously a long standing problem as there was a wooden owl on the ridge tile – being totally ignored by the birds. The panels were covered in … and none of the other houses were being roosted on. Strange.
Warmth, perhaps? Thanks very much, Chris
I hope you get well 🙂 and feel tip-top very soon, Derrick! Stress really does a number on the body. 🙁 Rest as much as you can. Continued prayers for you from me.
Oh, you know what?!
On a good day, your photos make the day even better! 🙂
And on a rough day, your photos bring joy, smiles, and they help me to take some deep breaths and relax. Thank you! 🙂
“No passenger seat was vacated in the making of this post” made me snort-laugh! 😀
I still want to bring one of those donkeys home with me! 🙂
HUGS for you and Jackie!
And tell Jackie to give you an extra-HUG today! 🙂
Snort-laugh. Nice
HA! Thanks! 😀
I am pleased you went to see your GP and that your symptoms are not caused by anything worse than stress – which is bad enough! Take care, my friend.
How wonderful to have these visual riches available without even standing up.
🙂 The necessity has given me a whole new perspective on shots. Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
It is always nice to see these lovely photos of country scenery.
Thank you very much, Arlene
Great photos as always. Look after yourself sir.
I’m doing my best, Dad. Many thanks
a wonderful visit. your meals always sound so delicious !!
Thanks very much, Dymoon
Of course I giggled at your title, and immediately thought, “No passengers were harmed in the writing of this blog post.” And ginger ice cream? I’ve never tried it, but it sounds wonderful. I wonder if the chestnut at South Gorley might have been hoping for ice cream?
Thanks very much, Linda. I’m pleased you got a giggle. The ginger ice cream is perfect after a curry. The chestnut was certainly hoping for some treat
You take me close to Nature day after day. You and the Chauffeuse are a team that delivers with a remarkable consistency.
Very many thanks, Uma
I love to see the photos from your drive through the forest, Derrick and Jackie. Yes, please do continue to take it easy. All will heal in time.
Thanks very much, Lavinia
I love to watch flying birds and all your photos are so beautiful. Ginger ice cream sounds very interesting. Is it tasty ?
Thanks very much, Lakshmi. This one certainly is tasty – it has bits in it
These photos are fantastic and they take me right there. Thank you for brightening the grey here as well! So gorgeous!!
Very many thanks, Efi
Doctor knows best, Derrick. Take it easy !
🙂 Thanks a lot, John
A good set of images. Good to know that you have steady recovery.
Thanks very much, Rupali
Stress is something that can certainly impact both physical and mental health but is hard to address. I hope you have great success putting it in its place. 🙂 Love the horse photos especially the one of the two drinking.
Thanks very much, Judy. I’ve certainly had a basin full in the last couple of months
The other day, I pulled up at the gym and saw 2 Mallards calmly parading down a row of parked cars. So nonchalant around humans and the autos, I had to laugh. I can’t imagine where they came from, no pond around in the general vicinity – now if I can only coax some ponies around here!!
🙂 Thanks a lot, GP
Love the shots of your local countryside Derrick, it’s almost like being there in the back seat as you click and Jackie drives ( just without the conversation!) 😉
The pony walking toward camera with the flowing white mane reminded me somewhat of a gentleman who shall remain nameless! 🙂 And i suspect a donkey very much like the Grey with a mate in your photo was A.A. Milne’s inspiration for Eeyore.
Great stress relief! Keep up the good work. 🙂
Thanks a lot, Bob
Continue to pamper yourself. I never would have guessed you took all these pics while sitting in the car.
Thanks very much, Sherry. Interestingly it has given me a new vantage point
That’s so true! They are amazing photos.
Thanks, Jodie
Beautiful photos, Derrick. I’m glad that your symptoms are likely just stress-related. Now, you’re on doctor’s orders to relax and enjoy. 🙂
Thanks very much, Diana
Stress can affect our bodies in many ways. I hadn’t known you weren’t feeling well. Please take care, Derrick, I hope you feel better soon. Lovely photos, as always…
Thanks very much, Julie – you may have missed second knee replacement and death of eldest son
No, I did know about both of those, and I’m so very sorry for your loss, I can’t even imagine what you’re going through and I’m sending you and yours so much love. I just thought by you mentioning the lingering symptoms that it was an additional illness you were referring to. Please take care, Derrick. xx
Thanks a lot, Julie – feverish virus and diverticulitis lingered XX
Hope you’re feeling much improved now, Derrick. 🙂
I am, thank you, Julie
Ginger ice cream sounds excellent. The mallard photo was excellent, your driver really has a good eye for a shot. 🙂
She does, indeed, Quercus. Thanks very much
Keep up the good work, both of you. 🙂
🙂
Oh my, Derrick, your Chauffeuse did a great job getting you out and about without having to literally get “out.” And your camera must have a wonderful macro lens to bring these animals up close and personal! I love those horses. They emit calmness, don’t they? Thanks for sharing. God bless you <3
Many thanks, Jan. Th ponies do emit a gentle calm.
Wonderful photos, Derrick! Hope the presence of the ponies, and other signs of spring will aid in your swift recovery.
Thank you very much, Anna.
Your area is so idyllic. Nice pictures. All my best.
Very many thanks, Steve
Now, that’s a REAL ride in the country. It’s all so beautiful and bucolic. A perfect place of which a writer can fill his cup to share later. Glad you did and all from the car window too ! Lovely x B
Very many thanks, Boomdee X
Lovely post, Derrick. It has all the elements: great photos, pithy commentary, and a lusty appetite. I think you are rebounding. <3
Thanks very much, Jodie
: )