This morning Jackie drove me to New Hall Hospital and back for follow-up visits to surgeon Mr Ivar Kask and to physiotherapist Vanessa. Both were happy with progress and neither needs to see me again.
We followed an unnamed narrow winding lane from Bodenham, just behind the hospital, to Charlton-All-Saints. Hoping we would not meet another vehicle along the way we first encountered a young woman so engrossed in her mobile phone that she was in danger of walking straight into us.
Ponies, as usual, grazed or lazed on and around the green at Hale,
where a group of donkeys presented a tableau before a thatched cottage. A solitary creature to the left of these pictures stepped across the grass leaving the two dozing on the right
to the attentions of this character who had been lurking out of shot. He made his way steadily towards the other two,
intent on making further acquaintance.
His sweet-faced intended simply walked away from beneath him as he pursued his suit. He returned in persuasive mood. She didn’t seem to mind his nuzzling up,
but drew the line at a further approach from the rear.
He had to settle for a consoling scratch.
Hatchett Lodge, being the 19th century lodge to Hale Park, is a Grade 2 listed building.
The village stands on land high enough to offer views of distant landscapes; bluebells now embellish banks; the bole of a gnarled oak tree commands attention.
beyond an aged oak, one of its limbs propped by a makeshift chock, can be seen Braemore House, standing since the time of Queen Elizabeth I.
We lunched at The Green Dragon, Brook. My egg was not broken when it was delivered, but I had pierced it with the obligatory chip before deciding to record it for posterity. My meat was gammon. Jackie very much enjoyed her battered haloumi with mushy peas and French fries, which, of course demanded a dousing in the spicy dip. Jackie drank a flat white coffee while I drank Wadsworth’s 6X.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s substantial vegetable soup and fresh crusty bread with which she drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Juicy Assemblage.
The food of Kings and Queens. Again stunning photography.
Many thanks, Gary
Beautiful photographs, Derrick. You know I particularly enjoyed the first and second. 🙂 I glad you had an over-sized plate for that meal!
🙂 Many thanks, Jill. Had you in mind for first two pics
That makes me happy. 🙂
Good news that you don’t have to return to see the professionals about your knee. I enjoyed the chronicle of the donkey courtship–and the rest of the photos, too, of course. It sounds like you and Jackie enjoyed your meals–the chips and fries look delicious.
Thanks very much, Merril. It was a good day
Stunning scenery and cute donkeys, tasty food and good news about the limbs…. A satisfactory day all round really 🙂
Not bad. 🙂 Thanks very much, Pauline
I enjoyed reading about and seeing all the photos from your excursion!. Thanks so much for sharing your lovely day.
Thank you very much, Gettingrealwith PTSD
We will have to wait quite a while to see our bluebells so it was a treat to enjoy yours by proxy.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal. It is amazing what difference a few hundred miles makes
More delicious food! Donkeys have wonderfully expressive faces.
So gentle, too. Thanks very much, Laurie
Nice!
I love those tree-embraced country lane shots…and finally spring looks more lush and sunny there! The donkey business is in keeping with the season, glad things are moving on as usual in those fields. I adore your countryside shots, Derrick, mine cannot rival them for texture/color/viewpoint and assorted scenarios!
…And you surely eat well, my goodness!
Thanks very much, Cynthia, for your close reading and comments
YAY for good progress!!! Great news, Derrick!!! I’m so happy for you!!! 🙂
Aw, a whole ‘lotta’ donkey cuteness, nuzzlin’ and lovin’ goin’ on there! Sweet sweet photos of those sweet sweet faces! 🙂
I have a dove courtship going on ON my car! Yes, my car! I just blogged about it. 🙂
Love the bluebells! And all the green growing! Lovely photos! 🙂
As for your meal…I’m so pee-sed you gave pees a chance! HA! 😀
HUGS for you and Jackie!!! 🙂
Many thanks, Carolyn. I’ll look forward to your doves
These are wonderful photos, Derrick! Wow. So glad that your doctor and physio are pleased with your recovery. Well done.
Thanks very much, Cynthia. Still a lot of exercising to do
Derrick….Love the donkey pics!
Thanks a lot, Gary
It is great to hear about the progress of your other knee. Those are sterling images of the thatched cottage and the historic building. The very pictorial story of the innocent-faced donkeys in quest of requiting the primal urge is immensely amusing.
So pleased you liked this, Uma. One day we may visit Braemore House. Thank you very much.
What a beautiful place you live in.
We do, indeed, Judy. Thanks very much
I think the lady donkey required a longer romancing period. The winding lane is mysterious and enticing; great photos, as usual, Derrick.
I am glad the doctor is happy with your progress. I hope you are happy as well.
Thanks very much, Dolly. I am pleased, but a way to go yet
Best wishes for speedy recovery, Derrick
Thanks again
My pleasure
Such beautiful photos from your day, Derrick and Jackie! The donkeys are very sweet. 🙂
Glad to hear you are making progress on your knee!
Thank you very much, Lavinia
I am so glad for you Derrick!!! Incredible photos. Thanks for sharing!!!!!
Thank you very much, Efi
Glad to hear you’re good as new. Fabulous photos as always and I particularly enjoyed those of the donkeys.
Thanks very much, Sheree
Piercing your egg yolk with a chip. You don’t get that in Florence.
Thanks a lot, John
Donkeys getting frisky? it must be Spring – at last! Definitely getting greener it seems. 🙂
Great news about your knee and no longer needing checkups by the hospital. 🙂
Thanks very much, Bob
fun post and the food says so much – glad you got a picture for us
Thanks very much, Yvette
Another double-whammy, getting the horses and donkeys along with the thatched cottage!! That Hatchett Lodge is old, but still appears to be quite sturdy.
Thanks very much, GP. Jackie has enlarged the shot and says the building needs much work. It is apparently occupied
I fear that the donkey made an ass of himself!
He Haw, John. Many thanks
Great news about your knee! Thank you for the donkey pics—what interesting creatures!
Thank you very much, Diane. They are gentle, largely silent creatures
So happy that your progress met with the doctors’ approval. Wonderful photos again and oh my, that was quite some lunch. 😃
Many thanks, Sylvia – I didn’t finish the beer 🙂
Lovely photos, and I’m so glad to hear of your improving healt–very nice all around.
Thank you very much, Donnalee
Congratulations on never seeing your physio and surgeon again! 😀
Thanks a lot, Widders. May you get there too
That cottage looks so beautiful, I would love to see one from inside.
Thank you very much, Lakshmi. You are not alone
I’m so pleased you no longer need to attend the specialist and the physiotherapist – well done! I love the views and the bluebells.
Thanks very much, Clare
So glad to hear “They don’t need to see me again!” Congratulations on your terrific progress. Keep at it, my friend. You’re a trooper! I love those donkeys. <3
Thanks very much, Jan X
Good to hear your knee is all right.
These donkeys are such darlings 🙂
Thanks very much, Inese
Many more posts like this and you’ll be gettina triple X rating Derrick.
Have those donkeys no shame?
The eggs look good were they fried in peanut oil by any chance, looks a bit that way>
But eggs with peas? Really Derrick……………….
Have you no shame?
You should have known by now that in culinary matters I have no shame. No idea about the eggs. Thanks very much, Brian