Dropping In

In yesterday evening’s fading light Jackie wandered around the garden with her camera, and produced

this gallery of garden blooms, individual titles of which are available by clicking on any image to access them.

I have mentioned before my regret that modern life with its heavy schedules and geographical distance between friends and family has largely put paid to dropping in for visits.

Coming downstairs from a late shower this morning I was aware of delighted voices in the sitting room. Opening the door I was greeted by Danni and Ella who are the exception to the rule. We are always pleased to see them.

Ella knows pretty much where everything is, so immediately led Jackie to the library where

the toy hamper, formerly a filled Fortnum and Mason Christmas present from Wolf and Luci, is kept. Before diving in,

assisted by her mother, she had to make a lidded home for bear.

An important work phone call was taken before completing a variety of puzzles.

Quiet times were also enjoyed. Here Danni drinks coke while her daughter ransacks her purse.

In the form of the reflected rainbow prism cast by her treasured lightcatcher, the spirit of our late friend, Pauline appeared present for a while.

Mother and daughter stayed for lunch, cleared up thoroughly, and set off home hoping that our great-niece would sleep in the car on the way.

Early this evening, Carole and Brian didn’t exactly drop in because they had sent me a message first, but they came to see us while staying at Brockenhurst. They are a couple we hadn’t seen for some years, and one of those friendships with whom the years disappear when meeting again after such a gap. We enjoyed a splendid, albeit short, conversation.

When they returned to their hotel for their booked evening meal, Jackie and I dined on oven fish, chips, and peas, with which she drank Hoegaarden and I drank Patrick Chodot Fleurie 2019.

72 comments

  1. Jackie’s photos are beautiful. What a lovely day you had! I love the serious business of play that your grandniece demonstrates.

    The paragraph about Pauline’s spirit quite touched me. I only really knew her from your blog.

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  5. Beautiful photos by Head Gardener that do justice to her marvelous plants. Very expressive black and white.
    It is always a pleasure to see photos of your adorable great-niece, Derrick.

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  6. Ella really “dove” into that toy box! What a pleasant day you had. I loved seeing all the smiles (and the flowers and rainbow). Thanks for sharing.

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  10. She is certainly growing up. Our granddaughter Ella is also growing up but with sadly restrictions to drive that far means I haven’t seen her since February. We have planned a trip for the end of September…if all goes well.

    The flowers are beautiful as usual, Jackie. I love wondering through your garden.

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  12. Beautiful photos, Jackie, the gardens are full of color and life!

    Little Ella is growing fast! It is wonderful they can drop in to see you. 🙂

    How is the Nugget family?

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    1. Thanks very much, Lavinia. The garden is devoid of small birds. We have just read an article in a gardening magazine telling us that this is quite normal and they will return when food in field and forest gets sparser.

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  18. I am confident Ella remembers the contents of the treasure trove at her disposal and she brings to bear her penetrating inquisitiveness of a rising star child to bear upon the motley collection.

    That is a beautiful if startling statement about your late friend.

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    1. Thank you very much, Uma. We have a collection of little felt mice that had gradually dwindled down to one. At the bottom of the treasure trove they appeared neatly packed in a small box. No prizes for guessing how they got there.

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  19. what a lovely visit, Derrick! Ella is simply adorable! great photographs of Jackie especially the petunias in hanging baskets. delightful! 🙂 🙂

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  20. Pictures of the toy box pulled at my heartstrings: it gives me immense joy that my little grandchildren – whom I last saw in December – know exactly where to find what they want, despite the many months that go by between visits. Our older grandchildren – now sadly living abroad – knew our home probably better than we did. I love the scene with toys scattered all over the floor. Your comment about people no longer ‘dropping in’ is a sad indictment of the times we live in – how different life used to be!

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  24. Jackie, your photos are wonderful! The garden poses, and smiles so beautifully, for you! 🙂

    YAY for sweet family and friends visiting…. bringing joy to your day!
    Sweet Ella gave me smiles!
    And Pauline’s rainbow-visit got me teary-eyed.
    (((HUGS)))

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