Last night I read ‘A True Tale of Love in Tonga’ by Robert Gibbings, and spent some time today scanning
the dust jacket, the front and back boards;
the Foreword;
and the pages, which speak for themselves.
Between bouts of scanning Jackie drove me into the forest, where
I wandered among the gleaming golden gorse around Crockford Clump.
Ponies cropped the verges of St Leonard’s Road, while donkeys
tore at more prickly provisions,
and a pheasant tried camouflage in the long grass of a field.
This evening we dined on Becky’s delicious pork casserole; creamy mashed potato with nutmeg; and firm broccoli, with which Jackie and I each drank more of the Rosé and Rouge respectively.
Fascinating illustrations, gorgeous golden gorse and donkeys – wonderful!
Thank you so much, Sheree
What a beautiful book!
Thanks very much, AnneMarie
Interesting book.
I love the golden gorse, but the ponies on St. Leonard’s Road is a stunning photo. The light is beautiful.
As always, I find those little donkey faces adorable.
Thank you very much, Merril
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Your header picture immediately brought the ballad of “Running Bear” by Ray Stevens to mind. I am glad this story had a happier ending 🙂
https://youtu.be/rA70br3UYlY Thanks very much, Anne
That’s the one 🙂
That foreword does make the story sound intriguing. I like Anne’s thought about “Running Bear”.
Thank you for the animals pics!!
Thanks very much, GP
Beautiful, I must find the book. Love the Donkeys, underrated amazing animals.
Thanks very much, Holly. There are lots on Google – all under £10
I’ll have to take a look! Thank you Derrick
Great etchings, photos and lyrical writing. Plus a forest drive with donkeys and horses. You poor, poor man.???
Thank you so much, Pat 🙂
I love a tale with a happy ending and wonderful illustrations! Thanks for always sharing your reading adventures, Derrick 🙂
Much appreciated, Donna
I’m not sure that the pheasant has quite got the idea of camouflage!
Are those illustrations woodblock prints? They’re gorgeous.
Yes. Wood engravings was her great skill. Thanks very much, Linda
The golden gorse is gorgeous! The donkeys are delightful! The pheasant is phabulous! (Too colorful to hide well! 😉 ) The ponies are pretty! (My fave photo today!)
Oh, gosh and golly! That artwork is amazing! The water, and underwater, illustrations are so captivating, with such great detail.
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thank you so much, Carolyn X
Lovely illustrations, Derrick. I’m glad you and Jackie got out and about. Love the donkeys!
Thank you very much, Jill
Your gorse is stupendous.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
I read the Foreward to A True Tale of Love in Tonga. It sounds very interesting, and of course, I love the engravings. The gorse put on quite a show today!
Enjoyed the bittersweet tale and beautiful engravings.
Thank you so much, Rosaliene
A wonderful book and post. Thank you Derrick.
Much appreciated, Brian
That is a stunning book.
Thanks very much, Gary
The pages do speak for themselves.
That is a beautiful stand of golden gorse, and I enjoy seeing the various residents of the forest. You had nice weather for your drive. We are back to overcast conditions here today.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
This was an especially enjoyable post! The True Tale of Love in Tonga was delightful. And I always love ponies and shaggy donkeys.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
What a fabulous ride! The gorse positively glows.
Thanks very much, Laurie
Looks like a well roumded day.
Thanks very much, Mrs W
You’re welcome.
That is a tremendous scanning effort you have put in transferring the tale I had never heard of before regardless of Byron. The story has turned out like a graphic novel. Your outing has yielded brilliant photos. I particularly liked the photograph with ponies on St Leonard’s Rd.
Thank you so much, Uma. I’m pleased you appreciated the effort
What a stunning book.
Thanks very much, Gwen. I’m pleased you thought so
Love those gleaming golden gorse and the ponies and donkeys… as always, beautifully photographed!
Thank you so much, Jan
“Golden gorse” – indeed! I LOVE those donkey faces. They are so sweet!
Thank you so much, Jodie
xo
What a tale! Gorgeous photos as always!
Thank you very much, Ribana
Interesting illustrations and wonderful photos, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick.
A most interesting sounding book, Derrick. I’ve never heard of it.
Thanks very much, Robbie