This was a day of fleeting sunshine, pelting showers, and gusting gale force winds.
So far I am still wearing sandals with no socks. This is because I always continue with this footwear as long as possible; and because it remains difficult to don shoes and socks. When answering the door to a neighbour I managed to drag the front door across the big toe of the more recently operated leg. The ensuing gash – and Jackie – suggested it was time I reverted to more sensible footwear.
Fortunately this morning Jackie and Nugget were able to manage a certain amount of planting – when
the little familiar wasn’t getting under the Head Gardener’s feet.
As usual, Nugget would occasionally zip up to a level at which he felt more equal in stature.
“Where’s Nugget?” (37)
This afternoon we drove to the bank at Lymington where we completed the forms for adding Jackie jointly to my account. Next call was at Ferndene Farm Shop where we acquired three more bags of compost.
We continued into the forest, where, on Burley Road, trees bore increasingly autumnal foliage,
as, less so, did those of Burbush Farm.
Ponies at Thorney Hill seemed to be waiting patiently for
pigs, clad in their own autumn best, making their way along the verges snuffling and sloshing about their business of vacuuming up the acorns for their equine neighbours’ culinary comfort.
This evening we dined on fish cakes – one Thai flavoured with Jackie’s savoury rice, the other cod and parsley with Duchess potatoes; piquant cauliflower cheese, crunchy carrots, and tender runner beans with which The Culinary Queen drank Blue Moon and I finished the Malbec.
I enjoy your pictures of Nugget. I have never seen a black-spotted pig with brown hair before.
Thanks very much, Cindy. Nor me. They are Oxford Sandy and Blacks
Nugget is such a beautiful fellow, I love the way he poses for the camera. Very ably assisting the photographer to capture his best side and the beautiful colours of his plumage. Spoiler alert: He’s in the erigeron pretending to be an autumn leaf and I think he shouldn’t do that – he could get swept up!
He should be careful at this time of year! you are so right. I have to be sure to move carefully and slowly he is so often standing behind me not more than 12-9 inches away from my foot!
That was my thought as I looked at that photo Jackie – he is so tiny and so close – with complete confidence in you that all will be well. It’s both a delight and a fright in one I’m thinking.
Thanks very much, Pauline. Well spotted. He really does seem to converse with Jackie
On balance more delight than fright, but he is a bit of a pain, rather like a child who offers to ‘help’, you know it will take soooo much longer!!
My sentiments exactly!
Nugget seems like a family member now.
Wonderful shots Derrick.
He is, indeed, Rupali. Thanks very much
Your pictures show very lovely colors.
Thanks very much, Mrs W
Your welcome
Nugget looks like managing is in his blood. 🙂
🙂 Thanks very much, Sylvie
🙂
That robin is a sheer delight. How sorry I am that life has proved too hazardous for a couple that have tried similar companionship with us.
We are hoping he lives longer than most, Leslie. Many thanks
Gorgeous Derrick, especially Nugget and the polka dot pig.
Many thanks, Cindy. The pigs are Oxford Sandy and Black – a rare breed
Found the little buddy this time, but I needed Clif’s help.
Well spotted both of you. Many thanks
I think Nugget is an official member of your family now.
True, Peggy. Many thanks
Oh, all those lovely photos of Nugget brought smile to my face this morning, and looking forward this warm, sunny Saturday over here in Geelong….
Thanks very much, Ivor
I was sorry to hear about your foot accident. It sounds very painful.
Those are handsome pigs.
Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal. Foot fine today
Our rain and gusting gales must have traveled across the ocean. 🙂 Lovely photos of Nugget–as well as the other animals, and the autumnal foliage. I read your dinner description to my husband, and he was salivating.
🙂 Many thanks, Merril
Nugget just cracks me up, Derrick! If there is a camera around…he’s there! Your foliage is beautiful. We’re still waiting, but I don’t think there will be much of a show this year due to the dry conditions. Happy Weekend!
Thanks very much, Jill 🙂
Nugget is adorable
Those pigs look like they are curious to find something to eat. Haha
Great post Derrick.
How are you?
Thanks very much, More. I’m fine, today.
Oh very good
Dear little Nugget steals the limelight yet again 😃 So sorry about your foot injury. Reminds me of when I dragged the wooden foot of a settee across my foot, almost removing my big toe nail. The doctor had to finish the job after a very painful injection. Some things we never forget even decades later. 😱 Hope yours is feeling better soon.
Much better today and stopped bleeding. Nowhere near as bad as yours was. Thanks very much, Sylvia.
Good to hear, Derrick. 😃
Nugget is surely a kin in reincarnation. Today he is trying to look like Autumnal foliage in the grass in the Quiz. The thatched cottage make for stunning pictures, as do the trees dressed in the season’s colours.
Very many thanks, Uma. Well spotted
And those pigs are spotted like leopards! I have never set eyes on such variations in those.
Thanks very much, Uma. Your comment sent me to Google. They are a rare breed called Oxford Sandy and Black.
Such lovely views, and the pigs are very pretty too. As always, Nugget continues to bring a smile simply by being who he is. Wishing you both a good weekend.
And, I am sorry about your foot injury. It must be painful and inconvenient, I hope it heals fully soon.
Thanks again, Takami. The foot feels better today – and has stopped bleeding
Many thanks, Takami. You, too.
Glad to read that your foot is recovering. I had very little trouble from two hip replacements but stubbing your toe or opening a door on top of it moves you into a world of much worse pain.
🙂 Thanks a lot, John. Hips are definitely easier than knees
OH, so sorry to hear about your foot! Is it any better today?
I did that same thing once and ended up breaking my pinky-baby-toe. 🙁
Beautiful ponies and piggies (Not toes! 😛 )!!!
Gorgeous leaves…fiery colors! 🙂
Nugget is so handsome! And quite the little peeper! 😉 😀
HUGS!!! 🙂
It was very thoughtful of you to give us so many pictures of your adorable robin immediately after recounting your toe injury, to ease all our discomfort! They were very much appreciated.
Am glad to hear you feel a bit better today. 🙂
Those trees definitely tell the marching on of the season, although the ponies don’t seem to be putting on their long winter coats just yet. They must be made of sterner stuff.
That is a great shot of the 3 ponies ‘waiting’ on the pigs. 🙂
I spotted Nugget as he plays hide-and-seek with Jackie, keeping just the one beady eye out for her to make sure she does not wander off to far. 🙂
Thanks very much, Bob. Your comments were thoughtful, too. Well spotted
I hope your big toe mends soon, Derrick. Sounds painful!
Anyway, lovely to see both Nugget and sine autumnal colour. I still haven’t noticed much my way but then the last week has been a bit of a blur….
Many thanks, Helen. Toe very much on the mend
That’s good to hear!
A beautiful series of Nugget photos, Derrick. I would say he enjoys having his picture taken. 🙂
Autumn looks beautiful there. Even grey and rainy days have a special quality to them. The pigs and ponies were also enjoyable. I imagine footing for the ponies is also easier after the acorns have been vacuumed up by the pigs.
I imagine so, Lavinia. Thanks very much
Beautiful photos of Nugget. My silly iPhone upgrade is so sensitive that I can’t scroll through your whole post if pictures don’t have text or captions between them, but I did get to view some of Nugget.
Thanks very much, Leslie. More evidence that WP is moving towards mobile phone usage for which the Gutenberg editor which I have finally given up on has been designed.
It’s frustrating for me to miss out on the bulk of your photos, but when I see Nugget I’m somewhat mollified.
🙂
“So far I am still wearing sandals with no socks. This is because I always continue with this footwear as long as possible; and because it remains difficult to don shoes and socks.” ~ I cannot say how much I admire this 🙂 I do the same, not a better feeling until that day when the cold is just a bit too much. Great photos of both Nugget (truly great shots) and also of the incredibly beautiful autumn you are having and enjoying around you. Cheers to at least a few more days of sandals!
Much appreciated, Dalo. Thanks a lot. 🙂
Hope the injury to your foot is improving. Due to the cooler weather I have reluctantly given up both my indoor and outdoor sandals in favour of socks, indoor slippers and outdoor shoes. It will soon be time for the extra layer of clothing, 💨🌨. I found Nugget, oh and I loved your photos of him.
Thanks very much, Sue. Actually, Jackie took the Nugget photos. Well spotted. Have taken the plaster of my foot, but probably won’t put socks on it 🙂
Brilliant photos, Jackie 🙂
Nugget seems to be posing for pictures, and so are the ponies. Lovely to see the colors of the forest change in autumn, especially for us, denizens of the tropics. Thank you for this treat, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick