A Paint Job

This morning, before dawn’s light had penetrated neighbouring trees, I photographed

the wakening garden from above.

Aurora first fingered the wisteria;

the crab apple

and the Amanogawa blossoms.

 

 

Aaron of A.P. Maintenance gave the shed two coats of paint,

then drank a mug of tea while, at a suitable distance, I admired his work and we came to the conclusion that we should have a crack at running the country together.

Afterwards I made him prints of this set of photographs and those of “Where’s Aaron?”.

This evening we enjoyed pre-dinner drinks on the decking and watched tiny airborne hoverflies floating around

red and gold Japanese maples;

flecked laurel leaves;

 

Brown Turkey ficus fingers;

and deep magenta rhododendrons – all kissed by the evening sun which

pencilled patterns around the Copper Beech bole,

and imparted a gentle glow to Florence’s sculpted cheek.

Our subsequent meal consisted of Jackie’s perfect pork paprika, cayenne and three chillis speciality, with which I drank more of the Bordeaux, her Peroni having been consumed on the decking.

 

106 comments

  1. Did Aaron color-coordinate his jacket and the paint for the shed? If he’d put on blue in the morning, would you have had a blue shed? Or did he know the shed’s color, and chose his attire accordingly?

    1. I made exactly that observation, Linda. Great minds….. In fact he never knows what he will be asked to do until he arrives – he is that versatile. Thank you very much.

  2. Might not be a bad idea to have the two of you in charge…… worst comes to the worst, Aaron could always tidy up the country’s tatty bits and you could photograph him doing it. The ability to undertake team work is a must in good leaders 🙂 I always enjoy your views from the top windows. The garden looks so serene and tidy and well planned and inviting <3

      1. You’re so lucky to have Aaron. I could certainly do with someone with his skills. Handymen are so hard to find here.

  3. I’d vote for you two to run THE WORLD….as long as Jackie is your top advisor! 🙂

    Aaron is dressed in camouflage! HA! 😀 He’s such a great worker! I’m glad he can still work and be safe these days.

    The hoverfly photo is amazing! 🙂 And I really love the close ups of Florence! 🙂
    HUGS to you and Jackie!
    HUGS for Aaron!

  4. Aaron did a great job on the shed. It looks wonderful. Like Pauline, I always enjoy the photos from the second floor. It gives a whole different perspective. I’m glad you are all staying well. Same here – so far, so good!

  5. It was good to get a different angle on you lovely garden. I might vote for you two to run the country but I would have to known where you stand on cycling infrastructure provision in towns and cities first

    1. All public transport would be free and efficient, with motors banned, leaving towns and cities to those who use their own power. Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal.

  6. I enjoyed these photos from the bookends of your day, Derrick and Jackie!

    Aaron is a very hard worker, and is dedicated to his tasks. All three of you would do a fine job of running the country. 🙂

  7. OK Derrick, a couple of points: is that the pink shed? Please tell me it isn’t. and secondly, although I am fearful of the answer to point #1 the crab apple is today’s all time favourite.

    1. Thanks a lot, John. No, that is a comparatively new shed which had not been painted before. The pink shed, after your observation, will remain untouched until it finally falls down.

      1. You could paint it with a clear flat varnish to preserve it. I’m glad it’s still there. Every decent garden needs a good shed like that.

  8. Absolutely stunning, Derrick. And your photos introduced me to a first for me. Want to guess? This is the first left handed painter I’ve seen. Were you even aware of it? Of all the beauty in your yard, I focus on a left handed painter. Oh, well! Have a great week, Derrick.

    1. Thank you very much, Debby. Actually you didn’t include me in the list, but that is OK because I spend so much time on my blog, responding to comments, and reading and responding to those of others that I really can’t manage the award requirements. I am, of course, honoured.

  9. Green seems to be the colour for sheds at the moment. I still haven’t decided what colour to paint mine but Aaron did a good job for you!

  10. Hmm….thought I commented this post…but, it has been a wild busy day…so I will now…
    So glad Aaron can work and be safe, too. He is such a good worker. He is camouflaged! 😉
    Love the close-ups of Florence’s face! 🙂
    I would vote for you and Aaron to run the world…as long as Jackie is your top advisor! 😉
    HUGS!!! 🙂

  11. The colors of your spring garden are fantastic. And Aaron did a great paint job on the shed. After you get your government established there, maybe you could come over here and straighten us out, too. 🙂

  12. So glad I tuned in today. The flowers, the work in the garden, all of it, reminding me that life continues. Thank you, Derrick!

  13. Aaron seems to have done a great job! I love Wisteria. Am so jealous of you as I would love to have those hanging in my balcony.

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