My early morning walk to open the back gate for Aaron displayed
various beds, yucca, evening primroses, Welsh poppies, petunias, hollyhocks, a bee using a bidens as a trapeze, phlox, agapanthus, gaura, a Large White butterfly on a verbena bonariensis, and lilies in the Rose Garden. As usual the individual images are labelled in the gallery which may be accessed by clicking any one and viewed full size by clicking the boxes underneath them then further enlarged.
Later, Nugget Junior 2nd demonstrated his prowess at darting to catch insects on the wing. We really hope he hasn’t seen off his Dad.
Before he left I printed copies for Aaron of a couple of photographs I took of him last week.
He really likes this portrait, as do I. “It tells so many stories”, he said. Most of my pictures of him go into an album which he could use, should he ever have the need, to advertise his work as A.P. Maintenance. This one will be framed and hung on his wall.
Our friends, Barbara and Adrian Chapman, sent as an e-mail attachment a copy of this well composed and executed oil painting by Adrian, based on one of my photographs and a Google street view. I particularly like his use of colour and the turn of the neck of the foreground pony, and am honoured to have provided the inspiration.
This afternoon I offered a certain amount of assistance to Jackie with the general garden maintenance. My tasks were dead-heading, pruning under instruction, and cutting up material for the compost bin.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s sumptuous savoury rice; spicy pork paprika; and pork ribs in barbecue sauce, with which she drank Hoegaarden and I finished the Squinzano.
Aaron is a hard worker, he deserves a nice portrait on his wall. You can tell him, he is even appreciated 4,730 miles away!!
Nugget Jr, is cute, but Nugget is still around, right?
And also from 17,000 km away! That is a brilliant portrait, Derrick.
The painting by Adrian is also brilliant, he is very talented.
Yay, pork two ways.
Thank you so much, Yvonne. I will tell him.
I will, indeed, GP. We will keep our eyes out for Nugget and report accordingly. Thanks very much.
now there’s a face that launched a thousand petunias…
🙂 It is, Geoff. Thanks very much.
You take great shots, but there is something about Aaron.
There is indeed. Thanks very much, Crystal
That is a wonderful portrait of Aaron!
Thanks very much, m Sheree
I love that oil painting by Adrian. I am sure Aaron will never be out of work 🙂
You are quite right, Rupali. Thanks very much
Wonderful photo-portrait of Aaron that expresses his personality and a lovely painting, Derrick.
It seems that Nugget Junior 2 has earned his orange jersey,
We haven’t given up on Nugget senior, but it looks that way, Dolly. Thanks very much for the portrait appreciation.
My pleasure, Derrick.
What a wonderful photo of Aaron! He is such a hark worker and works with such care and love in the garden! He is right about his photo…and all of his stories are important. Please tell him we appreciate him and are so glad he is in the world! 🙂
Oh! The painting by Adrian is so beautiful! Love the colors and it’s sereneness. 🙂
OH, gosh. Nugget, Jr might have sent Nugget, Sr. packing?!?! I hope not. Keep us updated on the situation.
Always good to see the bees and butterflies about and busy! 🙂
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thanks very much for all these comments, Carolyn. We will certainly keep you posted on Nugget, and let Aaron know – we always do.
Beautiful garden arrangements as always. The painting is impressive.
What a wonderful photo of Aaron. Nugget Junior is looking so cute! Thanks for sharing your beautiful photographs, Derrick.
And thank you, Jill, for your regular reading and commenting.
That is a wonderful portrait of Aaron!! I was also taken with the white butterfly photo and the painting.
Thank you so much, Liz
That is a very nice painting. It must feel good to be a muse.
It does, Tootlepedal. Thanks a lot.
That’s a majestic candid portrait of Aaron — I’m glad he likes it too!
Thank you so much, Janet.
Beautiful shot of Aaron.
Much appreciated, Cindy.
That’s the face of a gardener or mountaineer.
Isn’t it just!?. I am so pleased that it doesn’t actually matter who it is. Thanks very much, Gary.
Wow! The oil painting is gorgeous! And I agree with Aaron! That picture tell a lot of stories! 😉
Thank you very much, Ribana.
Not just Aaron’s face that tells a thousand tales, it’s his hands. I’ve always found it a good habit to have a glance at a person’s hands when meeting them. They always tell some truth. I feel they were purposefully included by the photographer here. It is an exceptional portrait.
Thanks very much, Oglach. You have nailed it.
That’s a post jam-packed with stories! You must be exceptionally chuffed with that portrait, and to know it will see the light of day and not only exist on the computer. The artwork is also inspirational.
Thanks very much, Gwen. Well chuffed.
So there is a Nugget junior now, wonderful. I love the painting too. That’s a white moth, right?
A butterfly, Arlene. Thank you very much.
Wow so beautiful
Thank you very much, More.
You’re welcome
Your photographs frequently assume the quality of paintings —Adrian’s art is a proof, as is Aaron’s portrait.
Thank you so much, Uma.
The photograph of Aaron is truly magnificent. It is now on my list of “photos I wish I had taken”.
That is praise indeed, John. Thank you very much.
Looks like a wonderful day. Hopefully Nugget is still around.
We do hope so, Mrs W. Tanks very much.
Your welcome.
You have an early morning walk most people would envy! 🙂
That is an exceptional portrait of Aaron you took, and Adrian’s oil painting is beautiful!
I hope Father Nugget is still with you.
Thank you very much, Lavinia, especially for the comment on the portrait. We will definitely be looking out for Nugget.
Thanks for this lovely post.
And thank you, Sheree.
Your picture of Aaron might be viable in just black and white. It’s certainly a beautiful photograph.
Thank you so much, John. You are right.
What a visual feast today: flowers, a portrait AND a painting. Life is good.
Thank you so much, Anne
You have created a wonderful portrait of Aaron and your friend Adrian has created a wonderful painting. Both indeed have so many stories to tell. And then there is Jaqi – constantly creative in the kitchen and garden. What a talented and generous bunch you are, to share these delights with the rest of us 😊
Thank you so much, Sandra.
That portrait is wonderful, the details of the hands, the framing, and Aaron looking out of frame come together perfectly.
Thank you so much, Libre
Excellent pictures of the garden and an exceptional portrait of Aaron. Nice to see Jackie isn’t the only talented one in the family. 🙂
🙂 So kind, Quercus. Thanks a lot.
Derrick, even before I read the post, I saw Aaron’s photograph and was so impressed.
Thank you so much, Steve.
a beautiful portrait of Aaron. truly it tells so many stories. your garden is always a delight to see! 🙂
Thank you so much, Lola
Derrick, you caught beautiful moment for this lovely portrait. It is really, really talented piece of Art.
I remember as a boy that dad would require me now and again to do garden chores, These were generally menial tasks and I remember thinking that I wasn’t too keen on gardening!
🙂 Thanks a lot, Andrew.
I agree, it’s a “well composed and executed oil painting.” Great work, Adrian!
Thanks very much, Rosaliene
What a beautiful post–photos, portraits, and paintings. (And Nugget, Jr.)!
That’s lovely that you did a portrait of Aaron and keep a photo album for him, and how wonderful to have a painting based on one of your photos!
Thank you so much, Merril
Great photos! I like Aaron’s portrait. It’s very soulful.
Thank you so much, Cheryl
Beautiful colors, a thoughtful portrait, and superb painting. I’m hoping and praying Nugget is okay, wherever he is.
Thank you very much, JoAnna. So are we.
That photo of Aaron is a prize-winner! 🙂
Thank you so much, Widders. I’m chuffed with it.
You tell so many stories, Derrick, with words and photos. I appreciate them all.
Thanks very much, Ann
Exceptional portrait–love this greatly. You share unique visions of people–as well as other views. (Have long wanted to try portraiture but am shy of asking others.) The garden dumbfounds me each time I see it…Please share with Jackie that I am duly impressed by her designs and choices.
Thank you so much from us both, Cynthia.
PS-The painting is quite lovely. Made me wonder where your drawings are lately.
Thanks again, Cynthia. I haven’t done any drawing for a year.
Would like to see more 🙂
Thanks very much. Maybe I’ll pick it up again.
Okay, now I’m worried about Nugget.
So are we, Leslie. We’ll keep you posted.
A superb portrait Derrick. A picture does indeed paint a thousand words.
Thank you very much, Lindsey.
You took an excellent picture of Aaron. What an interesting and keen face he has as well.
He is the classic working man. Thanks very much, Geetha.
Most welcome Derrick.
Just lovely Derrick, there is nothing like the early morning’s air and walking through an awakening garden. I too love your friend Adrian’s painting, I love the shapes of roofs and houses in a painting especially if they are in vernacular style. Great blog, much enjoyed.
Thank you so much, Agnes. Hope all is well with you.
Thank you Derrick, yes I am just fine. A busy day ahead.