The Persistent Suitor

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.

Ponies and cattle co-exist happily on the green at Woodgreen, from where,

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.

67 comments

  1. 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.

  2. 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!

  3. 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!!! 🙂

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Such beautiful photos from your day, Derrick and Jackie! The donkeys are very sweet. 🙂

    Glad to hear you are making progress on your knee!

  7. Glad to hear you’re good as new. Fabulous photos as always and I particularly enjoyed those of the donkeys.

  8. 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. 🙂

  9. 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.

  10. 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

  11. 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?

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