Martin P spent the morning starting on the plastering left from our recent refurbishments. He will complete the job the day after tomorrow.
On another cold, bright, afternoon we took a trip to Ferndene Farm Shop to stock up on vegetables, then continued into the forest.
Jackie parked alongside the high point of Braggers Lane. I wandered up and down photographing
sunlit landscapes;
woodland;
and cattle.
A pair of donkeys grazed in a field beyond Sopley Mill, where
Jackie photographed me photographing the pattern of rippling railings reflected in the millstream.
She also focussed on the sunset viewed from the church of St Michael and all Angels, and on starlings perched on the weather vane atop the spire.
This evening we dined on succulent roast pork with crisp crackling; apple sauce; boiled baby new potatoes stir-fried with leeks; crunchy carrots and cauliflower; firm Brussels sprouts, and tasty gravy, Jackie drank Hoegaarden while I drank more of the Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cows and donkeys enjoying the new year, eh?
Yep. Thanks a lot, GP
The donkeys seem smaller than the other donkeys Derrick photographs?
I think you are right, Liz
There must be different varieties of them?
I think so
Yes, they do.
So many beautiful photos, Derrick the countryside there is so beautiful. I would love to try Jackie’s cooking, it sounds so delicious! ❤️??
Much appreciated, John.
Beautiful rippling, I love it!
Thanks a lot, Sylvie
The repeating ripples are mesmerizing. The animals are also welcome subjects.
Thanks very much, Pat
Yeah, donkeys!
🙂 I’m pleased. Thanks a lot, Sheree
I would brag if I lived on that lane. ?
🙂 A good point, AnneMarie. Thanks very much
I always feel that plasterers perform some kind of magic as they finish their work perfectly … don’t like the mess though and a good idea to escape the house whilst he’s busy! The views are beautiful this winter’s day and there is such a quiet serenity in your photos!
I like your phrase describing the photos, Annika. Thanks very much
Beautiful landscapes, and I love the little donkeys, too. I agree with others about the mesmerizing effect of the ripples. ?
Much appreciated, Merril
I’m craving now for not only roast pork but a drive in the country. 🙂 Beautiful pics as usual.
Thank you so much, Chrissy
Love the shady lane sheltered above by tree branches holding hands! The layers of nature in your landscapes are beautiful! The 3 little starlings on the weather vane are a beautiful capture, Jackie!
You know I always love to see the donkeys! They are so cute! Your header photo today is so cool…oh, sun and shadows getting artistic again! 🙂
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thank you so much from us both, Carolyn X
Those ripples are something else. Amazing.
Thank you so much, Gary
Your reflection images are always so beautiful.
These remind me of houndstooth fabric 🙂
How different the treescapes look – the copper hue brings so much warmth, as it does to the bright weather vane!
Thank you so much, Emma
I love the burnished copper hue in Derrick’s landscape photos.
The black and white rippling railings photo is stunning, Derrick.
Thank you so much, Dolly. I’m pleased you thought so
You are very welcome, Derrick.
That looks just as lovely a day as the one we had. Not a single cloud in a blue cold sky.
Thanks a lot, John
What a pleasant outing that ended in one of my favourites dinners of roast pork and apple sauce.
Thanks a lot, Sue
The second shot of the sinuous road carries off the prize for me today.
Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
I agree with your other readers on the rippling railings being a standout! You had some magical light for your forest drive today. Your photos capture it beautifully.
Thank you so much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I want to be you when I grow up. Sounds like an amazing day ?
Thank you very much, Billie Marie 🙂
Nice picture of the rippling railings. Those donkeys are mighty cute. I particularly like the photo of the black and white ones.
Thanks very much, Laurie
Aw…I love the donkeys! Beautiful shots today, Derrick. Thanks for taking us along!
And thanks to you for coming along, as always, Jill.
I love the subtle misty quality in these landscapes, and especially the second photo of the winding Braggers Lane.
Thank you very much, JoAnna. I have often wanted to photograph these landscapes, but the light was never right before
Twisting and turning roads have been captured beautifully and are a joy to behold. Denuded, rust coloured trees, front-lighted and in angled lighting, bring to us the pristine existence of the woodland. Hooved beings, as nonchalant as ever, and unbothered by the viruses tormenting the bipeds, are a joy to watch. Jackie has set her sights on truly high existences.
Thank you for such observant comments, Uma
The large landscape photo in the middle of the post is appealing. I especially like the way you’ve framed the single tree, and the light reminded me of Constable and his cohort.
That is very pleasing, Linda. Thank you
Looks like another glorious day! I love those black silhouetted trees against the slanted golden light and the ranges fading in the background. Just beautiful. And, the thought of “succulent roast pork with crisp crackling” made my mouth water – LOL!
Many thanks, Anna
Haha… you have made my day Derrick .. the donkeys are gorgeous …
Thank you so much, Ivor
Lovely light.
Thanks very much, Rupali
It looks like you had a beautiful day for a forest drive. I love the low-angled sun, a most beautiful lighting. I enjoyed all the photos, Derrick and Jackie!
Thank you very much from us both, Lavinia
The sunlit landscapes are gorgeous! They have a coppery hue to them.
Thank you very much, Eugi. This sloping valley repays seasonal photography.
I iove 2 and 3 especially. Oh, trees and light and shadow! 🙂 Such a pretty area. With donkeys trhown in.
Thanks very much, Cynthia
“rippling railings reflected in the millstream” from the master of alliteration! (You could have substituted ‘rivulet’ for ‘millstream’, just to make my day complete, Derrick.)
I bought a little pork roast today, I only hope it turns out as tasty as Jackie’s no doubt was.
Many thanks, Yvonne
Braggers Lane looks very intriguing. There is a cross roads near Bishop Auckland called ‘Four Lanes End’, Kim tells me that as a child it was ‘Four Laying Hens’. We have a small road nearby called ‘Potato Pit Lane’.
Thanks a lot, Andrew. We have never been able to find the origin of Braggers
You highlighted the ripples. I thought you might choose that one. I loved the donkeys, too, Derrick. I wanna go face-to-face with that cute gray one. He looks huggable!!
Thanks very much, Jan.
Gorgeous photos from both of you!
Thanks very much from us both, Ribana
The forest pictures are so beautiful. It must have been so pleasant to walk there.
Yes, Geetha. We are so lucky to have it all around us. Thanks very much.
Welcome Derrick