Early this morning we shopped at Ferndene Farm Shop for three more 60 litre bags of compost and another tray of bedding plants.
This afternoon we were treated to a most welcome visit from Danni and Ella.
Our great niece made straight for her box of mice that hide under the TV, after which she dragged Jackie into the library where
the toy box lives.
She found a paper bag with which to go shopping. Her Mum was the willing shopkeeper.
The story that came next required an equal amount of rapt attention from mother and daughter.
There was time for a few bubbles to be blown before the contents of the tube found their way to the floor.
Because of lockdown at Easter we were overstocked with eggs which could not be distributed. Ella was the happy recipient of a chocolate Bunny which she was generous in sharing.
After a while, our great niece was happy to wander in the garden.
She offered assistance in sweeping paths and watering plants.
Danni joined her at times.
Individual members of the above gallery bear their own titles – Compassion rose; day lily; pink rose; Welsh poppies beside an owl log; a red climbing rose with a blue clematis; yellow rose, Summer Time; pink Festive Jewel; Gloriana, For Your Eyes Only and Summer season sculpture; and Florence’s basket of bacopa.
When it was time to return home, Ella refused to say goodbye because she didn’t want to leave.
Later, Danni e-mailed me her photograph of me watching Pets2 with Ella on Netflix. I don’t appear terribly impressed, and Ella’s interest soon waned.
This evening we dined on Hordle Chinese Take Away’s excellent fare, with which Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I drank Cotes de Gascogne Merlot Tannat 2019.
That’s so cute. She probably figured that if she didn’t say goodbye, she wouldn’t have to leave!
That’s exactly it, GP. Thanks very much
And it seems as if a good time was had by all.
It was, Pat. Thanks very much
Another willing female helping in the garden!
Indeed, Sheree. 🙂 Thanks very much
Your great-niece is so adorable, Derrick! 😊
Thank you very much, John
What a fun time Ella had. Goodbyes are hard when you’re having a good time.
Thanks very much, Sylvia
Such a gorgeous young lady 💖
x
Thank you very much, Melanie X
😊
you’re good at this great uncle schtick aren’t you? Toys chocolate and hand them back… perfect…
🙂 Thanks a lot, Geoff.
Ella seems to have had the best time — a good play with the mice and the toys, a story with mum, a run through the garden, and some helping time in the garden too! What more could a cute little girl want except to not have to leave?!
Nicely put, Janet. Thanks very much
Oh, those luscious locks. Such a treasure when little ones make themselves at home.
So it is, VJ. Thank you very much
Welcome
She is so adorable and she has grown quite a bit.
Quite a lot 🙂 Thanks very much, Bridget
How time flies. Ella is no longer a baby. Gardens are the perfect place to wander. I see she takes her phone to the garden. Now to show her how to take photos. 🙂
🙂 I don’t even know how to take them with my phone. Thanks very much, Chrissy
LOL! Ella might be able to teach you soon.
I don’t like the camera on the phone myself but sometimes it’s very handy.
Maybe I should learn. People do get amazing results with them now.
Toy boxes – a treasure trove for every new generation to enjoy; how wonderful!
I’ve observed that there is definitely something in the mix of ‘bubbles’ that makes it magnetically attracted to the floor.
Ella is such an interested, lively little lass – great that she’s developing her gardening skills as well as her recycling / bin collection interest, earlier in Lockdown; a busy bee, and a total star! 🙂
Thank you very much, Emma – especially for remembering.
What a fabulous day.
Thank you very much, Andrew
What fun to see the Ella-focused post! I smiled all the way through it–except when she had to leave.
Thank you so much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I like this training of a future under gardener.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Beautiful Ella! 🙂
This post and it’s photos read like a wonderful picture book! The book could be titled…Ella’s Busy Fun Day…Adventures with Ella…Ella the Entertainer…Here Comes Ella…Ella the Smiling Helper…or The Bestest Day Ever… 🙂
I’m so glad she got a chocolate bunny! 😉 😀
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thanks very much, Carolyn X
This child grows more adorable as she grows!
She does. Thank you very much, Dolly
How precious!
Thanks very much, Rosaliene
I love her copper curls! What a sweetie.
Thanks so much, Cindy
I love how curious Ella is…I’m sure she’ll sleep well tonight. Wonderful photos, Derrick! I thought it was about time for you to have Chinese. 🙂
Thanks very much, Jill 🙂
How can she leave from such a wonderful place? 😁 Toys, chocolate and nature 😉🌱 the perfect place 😉
Florence’s basket is absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you so much, Ribana
Everything ooks beautiful, Derrick and Jackie! That was a wonderful day with Ella and Danni. I can see where Ella will be helping Jackie in the garden before long! 🙂
🙂 Many thanks from us both, Lavinia
I still enjoy blowing bubbles. Ella is such a well rounded child: playing, shopping, sharing her chocolate, reading, helping in the garden…. I can understand her not wanting to leave. Maybe she can sleep over sometime when she’s older.
Maybe she can, JoAnna. Thanks very much.
Children are true time machines. It is through them we can revisit our younger selves in the past. Ella has had quite a picnic with her adult friends. She is going to love plants and gardens forever now!
They are, indeed – and I trust she will love all this forever. Thanks a lot, Uma
So cute!
Thanks very much, Sylvie
🙂
Ella is a beautiful child, and she seems to become more beautiful as time passes. Those curls are such fun. Remember the old rhyme? “There was a little girl who had a little curl, right in the middle of her forehead. When she was good, she was very, very good, but when she was bad, she was horrid!”
I can’t imagine Ella being horrid, although I’m sure she has her times!
Yes, I do remember that, Linda – and she’s bound to have her times – but she certainly has a lovely nature. Thanks very much
A delightful peep into a special world.
Thank you so much, Anne
You two sitting there watching a film is so adorable.
Thank you very much, More
You’re welcome Derrick
You are so lucky to have such enthusiastic and willing helpers Derrick … a thoroughly enjoyable coolection of photos today ..
Thank you very much, Ivor
Well, Derrick, nobody could complain that you didn’t keep Ella entertained !
Thanks a lot, John
Looks like a wonderful day with the lightness only a child can bring.
Absolutely, Mrs W. Thanks very much
Your welcome.
What an absolutely heartwarming post. I do enjoy Ella’s visits to you, and it’s pretty obvious that Ella does too.
Those warm memories will stay with her for ever.
As a young child I adored visiting my great aunt and uncle. They never had children, but fussed about us with toys to play with, and even small gifts on every visit. All these years later and I still think about Aunty Nell and Uncle Edgar.
I love that you also have a toy basket and books just as I do for my grandchildren. 🙂
Thanks very much, Sue. That box contained a Christmas hamper from good friends who have both died – it keeps their memories alive, too. Yes, I think she will always remember. Even the long Covid-induced gaps between visits haven’t affected her knowledge of us.
I noticed that about her. 🙂
A beautiful world of your’s Derrick. Ella is adorable and the image where she is blowing bubbles is great to frame.
Thank you very much, Rupali. It was virtually the best effort she made.
Such a delightful post, Derrick. I can’t even begin to pick a favorite photo–though I really loved the series with the book and how rapt Danni’s expression is. It looks like a wonderful day for all.
It was. Thanks very much, Merril
The minute I see those auburn curls popping up on the header I begin to smile. I thought for a moment, that the two of you were watching the rugby sevens, and neither none too pleased with the state of play …
🙂 Thanks very much, Gwen
Derrick, Ella is darling- her curls! Wonderful photo essay of your day together. Terrific images.
Thank you very much, Jane
Ella is a beautiful bloom of a child. Prettiest flower in the garden (and your garden is full of beauty!). Ella has such focus on her face – a portrait of concentration. Who can blame her for not wanting to go home? <3
Thanks very much, Pam 🙂
Just “Awwwwww”. What a splendid time was had by all.
I wish I lived close enough to explore that toy trove.
Thanks very much, Yvonne 🙂
I remember the days when my daughter wouldn’t say bye bye to Granny and Granddad. It must be lovely to have new little ones in your life and that you can see them properly again.
Your sitting room looks lovely, by the way. I’m glad Ella seemed to find sweeping paths more interesting than Netflix.
🙂 Thank you so much, Helen
What a cutie! She’s a doll. And such lovely, calming pictures of your garden. Really enjoyed them. 🪴
Thank you very much, Mrs N
What a cutie!
Thank you very much, Barbara