Before Ellie was born, Becky knitted her a matching jerkin to one she had knitted for Jackie. Yesterday Flo photographed them, with her daughter also wearing her contrasting pumpkin hat.
Today Dillon photographed me with his daughter in my arms.
This morning’s steady drizzle increased its speed in time for our trip to the Recycling Centre to dispose of a carload of dripping bags of soggy garden refuse with a few clinging slugs thrown in.
Under progressive new management strict rules now apply to what was once known as the dump. Those who have managed to register in time “for free” need to make an appointment, also on line, for a precise half hour slot – neither early nor late. It is the luck of the draw whether or not the guardian of the entrance gate has you on his list – more often not. You could talk your way in if you have brought with you your allocated on line number also given to those who have the internet handy.
One can only access the various bins like those for printer cartridges or clothing, or the Reuse Shop, by walking along a narrow perimeter pathway behind barrier railings. This is to deter folk from wandering across the route of albeit slow moving cars intent on dumping their rubbish, as one gentleman did on another site with fatal consequences.
Christchurch Road was dark enough for reflections of headlight stars in wet tarmac puddles.
We diverted to Pilley Hill where the anonymous crochet artist had managed in the short space of time available to replace her pillar box Jubilee tribute with the now necessary Memorial to Queen Elizabeth II.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s tasty, wholesome, chicken and vegetable stewp and fresh bread, with which she drank South Point Sauvignon 2021 and I drank Louis Latour Marsannay Rouge 2018. The young family ate a little later.
Ellie is so adorable, the photos are beautiful, guys! I like the new design on the pill box too. God bless Her Majesty and the United Kingdom. 🙏🏻🇬🇧❤️
Thank you so much, John
🙏🏻☺️
Their matching jerkins are adorable; with the pumpkin hat a star in its own right. This is the first photo I’ve noticed of Ellie where she looks like a baby her age and not the alert gaze of someone who would normally be a few months older. Both Greats look Great with the newest member. I love the incognito crocheter. Marvelous work.
Thank you so much, Pat
Compliments to Becky for the two jackets very well knitted .
I confess when I come on your post I go immediately to the end to know about the meal and the wine. I remain in awe! 🙂
In friendship
Michel
Thank you so much, Michel, mon ami
I can’t get enough photos of your precious little one! That is quite the challenging garbage collection system you have. Most people here would toss their trash in a ditch if they tried that here.
Thanks very much, AnneMarie. That happens here, too
Sad! 😢
How sweet!
Thank you very much, VJ
Welcome
Lovely photos of you both with the latest edition to the family. Love the knitted homage.
Thank you very much, Sheree
I love your latest family photos, particularly the one of Jackie and Ellie in matching sweaters. The crochet artist did the late Queen proud.
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
The photos of you holding the treasure in your hands and arms, are so beautiful. The love lights your face as you look down at the baby. Memories being built for the baby!
Thank you so much, Zakiah
What adorable matching sweaters! And precious barely begins to describe Ellie sitting with you and Jackie! Thank you Derrick, for sharing these touching and personal family moments.
Much appreciated, Maj and Sher
A very dramatic picture of Christchurch Road and a splendid memorial to Her Majesty.
Thank you very much, John. That was 3.30 p.m.
You had rain and we had a dry sunny day that dried the laundry well.
I love the postbox. I was impressed with the ‘Dump’ known here as the ‘tip’ but I’m certain our local one is nothing like this one.
Thanks very much, Sue
Darling, darling baby! And what a sweet tribute to the queen.
Thank you so much, Laurie
Ellie looks adorable in her pumpkin hat 🙂
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
I love the crocheted Memorial to Queen Elizabeth II. Norm is at the Anglican historical church this morning for his part in a memorial service. Being a heritage building, there is no access for wheelchairs so I’ll stay home. Every channel on the TV is playing something rerecorded or live about Elizabeth ll.
Our recycle bins are electronically 24/7 operated. Feeding the big open mouth of the machine is 1 at a time is tedious and spits anything out it doesn’t like. From word of mouth I’m told refunds are give directly to your PayPay account or a local supermarket voucher pops out. Your choice. We drop out bottles and cans at the Koala Hospital where they return recyclables themselves. Last year the KH raise a few thousand dollars from the effort.
All other recyclables are taken to the dump where one can leave all matter of items into the care of a 8am to 6pm staff.
What a faff progress can be. Thanks very much, Chrissy
🙂
Lots of things to make us smile here – and the odd wry grimace, thinking of the tip rules.
Thank you so much, Susan
Mrs T likes nothing more than a visit to our council dump. You have to make an appointment for that too these days.
Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal. Another similarity
No free disposal of our garbage here Derrick, we pay every time we go to the recycling centre, and fees increase with boot/size to trailer/size …
Thanks a lot, Ivor
Neither you nor Jackie look one bit crotchety holding that dear baby. The photos are charming, and that’s some fine knitting. My mother was quite the knitter, and my dolls always had their own hand-knit clothes.
Nice one, Linda. 🙂 Thank you very much
The little “pumpkin” is adorable!
Thank you so much, Dolly
Adorable photos of you and Jackie with Ellie. I love the Memorial to Queen Elizabeth II including the corgis. Your community’s conscientious recycling system is admirable.
Thank you so much, JoAnna
What a bundle of love! And those matching jerkins! ❤️
Thank you very Buch, Crystal
Jackie and Ellie look like a classic painting —the photo is a beauty. Rigours of disposing trash reads like dystopian fiction. The indomitable crochet artist shines through celebrations and grief.
Thank you very much for these thoughtful comments, Uma
Adorable photos of both you and Jackie with the baby. A gift made by hand is the most meaningful, and knitted sweaters last a long time. My grandma knitted a sweater for me before I went to college for the next fifty years.
Thank you very much, Nicki. I’m pleased to have prompted that memory
I enjoyed the family photos, Derrick, especially that little pumpkin hat on Ellie. 🙂
The anonymous crochet artist does some beautiful, thoughtful work!
Thank you so much, Lavinia
Oh so sweet! It doesn’t get better than this.
Thank you so much, Cindy
You and Jackie’s photos with little Ellie are so beautiful…such treasures! ❤️ 🙂
Becky’s gifts for Jackie and Ellie are so wonderful! 🙂
I love the Corgi pups in the memorial for Queen Elizabeth. 🙂
Good to see some rain. We had a good hard all day rain yesterday. I thought we might have to start on an ark! 😉 😀
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thank you so much, Carolyn X
Aw… darling photos of the baby and Jackie and you. The recycling seems very complicated…No home pickup?
There is a monthly service of one bag. We have far too much for that. Thanks very much, Judy
Wonderful, Derrick!
Thanks very much, Jill
Ellie is really beautiful. Cute pics with you holding her. Unforgettable memories.
Thank you very much, Geeta
Well, where is Jackie’s pumpkin hat? I think she would look very fetching in one.
I’ll pass it on, Yvonne. Thanks very much
So, so adorable!
I love this post, Derrick! The adoration is glowing everywhere on you sweet photos!
The car headlights really work in that photo. A nice triblute to the Queen’s passing.
Thank you for this welcome array of comments, Dwight
You are welcome, Derrick! I am just catching up!:>)
Thank you for doing so, Dwight
Such beautiful photos. Ellie is beautiful.
Thank you so much, Eugi
Most welcome, Derrick.
OH, how precious. The matching knitted jackets and the pumpkin hat is just adorable.
Thank you so much, Bridget
Glad you are enjoying Ellie.
Thanks very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
Gorgeous photos of Jackie and Ellie in their matching outfits 💕
x
Thank you very much, Melanie X
I simply love the photo of Christchurch road. The mood, the cars, the lights, the lighting….so nice. I also love the matching sweaters, err.. jerkins! Just darling. Very few old style “dumps” left here either. Most are carefully watched and regulated and charge fees. Ah well.
Thanks very much, Crystal. That is the road we live on.
You are fortunate. <3
We are
Those first three photos had BIG awwwws from me.. <3
Thanks very much, Sue X
The pumpkin hat is adorable, Derrick. That is a great picture. Our laws regarding refuse disposal are no where near as complex as yours. It is easier our way, but better the UK way.
Thank you very much, Robbie
Such a beautiful little baby, congratulations on becoming grandparents to this little one Derrick 💙
Thanks very much, Agnes. Great-grandparents, actually 🙂