When we brunched at Hockey’s Farm Shop two days ago that had been because Jackie wanted to try out The Potting Shed at Hyde, which, unbeknown to us is closed on Mondays. We therefore took another trip north to enjoy a late breakfast there this morning. It did not disappoint.
In Woodcock Lane a huge spider clung to a tree above a pair of booted legs diving into the soil below. A pair of eyes watched from a window behind, while poppies on a garage door awaited Armistice Day.
A persistent donkey took the advantage of my open window to stick its nose in
until I managed to persuade it to join the rest of its family in the ditch across Gorley Road.
After our meal at Hyde I disembarked to photograph distant deer through a gap in the trees.
I took the opportunity of photographing a friendly equestrienne with cyclist escort passing a group of forest ponies ignoring their broken cousin.
Had I not needed to walk along the verge to find a break in the foliage for a good view of the deer I would not have noticed
a cluster of well-rounded mushrooms beside my feet.
I was really blown about while photographing the
swirling and bubbling stream crossing the Ibsley ford,
at the corner of which a dying tree looks more skeletal at each visit.
Across the road a group of horses were enjoying the fare at their trough.
This evening we repeated yesterday’s chicken jalfrezi meal with different beverages – Hoegaarden for Jackie, and more of the Côtes du Rhône for me.
The up-close and personal donkey takes the prize today!
Thanks very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Yes, it’s a great shot. I assume he was looking for a treat?
He was, indeed, Sheree. Thank you both
I love the witch’s feet in the flower bed
Thanks very much, Bridget
Wonderful photos, Derrick. Cute donkeys, horses, deer and of course the huge spider in the tree! Do the gabion style bags with the black stones make up the support for the Ibsley Ford path?
Thanks very much, Maj. The gabions hold back the bank
Thanks very much, Maj. The gabion hold back the bank
The tree trunk is fantastic, and the curious donkey is very cute. These mushrooms look edible to me, but I am not an expert, of course.
Thanks very much, Dolly. I wouldn’t dare try 😀
Neither would I, but they look like Russian Boroviki, which are edible. You are very welcome, Derrick.
Mr. Donkey is so cute, the tree looks very skeletal! I hope it doesn’t land on someone when it falls.
Thanks a lot, John
Looking very autumnal in your neck of the woods. I like the photos with the ‘broken’ pony. The red jacket is such a bright spot.
Thanks very much, Jane
An insightful comment
Thanks very much Jane. An insightful comment
We don’ t know what was this famous late breakfast, Derrick ?
About the donkey , he wanted probably to get a kiss on its nose ! Who knows ?
In friendship
Michel
It was a large full English fry up, friend, Michel. I did photograph it, but it wasn’t in focus. Thanks very much
The donkey reminds me of Buddy who also sticks his head in front of the 📸
Lovely day.
Me too, Pat. Thanks very much.
LoL, Derrick.😎
Such beautiful photos! The donkey is funny–I can’t imagine that happening anywhere around here.
Thanks very much, Merril. Sometimes we have to wind the window down quickly:)
I guess you do! When I first read it, I thought it was the window of the restaurant. 🤣
That’s what the donkey thought 🤣
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🤣🤣
Fabulous Derrick, your mushroom photos always fascinate me and stir up that inner imaginations of mine …
I’m pleased, Ivor. Thank you very much
I’ve roughed out a poem today, maybe I’ll have poem done tonight 🤗📖
I’m pleased, Ivor. Thank you very much
I agree – the donkey nose takes the biscuit… at least that’s what it was hoping. The old tree is a marvellous sight. We might see it as on its last legs, but it will be providing a home for more than we can imagine.
Thank you so much, Susan, for this amusing and insightful comment
I wonder howe long that tree will hang on. Years ago, my wife and I were told that an oak tree has about 600 years. 200 to grow, 200 to flourish and 200 to die. Whether that is true or not, I don’t think any of us will ever know!
😀 Thanks very much, John. We have known it like that for a decade
A grand selection of pictures today.
Thanks very much, Toodlepedal
The mushrooms are perfectly spaced for a good composition. I do like the donkey photo the best, though.
Thanks very much, Jean. Nice observations
Absolutely brilliant photos today! Such artistic nature photos! 🙂
Oh, what a sweet persistent donkey! Are you surprised I love that photo?!?!? 😀 Did the donkey get a smooch on the nose? 🙂
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Caroĺyn. X 😀
You’re welcome! Hope all is well today. ❤️
Aww…the donkey wanted to be a guest on your blog. Sweet!
😀😀😀.
Thanks very much, Eunice
You are welcome.
😀 He made it, Jill. Thanks very much
That tree is a fantastic survivor. It amazes me how long they can hang on.
Indeed, Quercus. Thanks very much
🙂
It is amazing how trees can continue to live with their middles hollowed out. I’ve read that other trees help with more than physical support, but also with nourishment. Enjoyable post. I especially like the donkey face coming in the window.
Thanks very much, JoAnna. That is interesting
Old trees have their own beauty, clinging to life while supporting other life. Here is a good book you and your readers might enjoy.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finding_the_Mother_Tree
It is looking more wintry in your area, Derrick and Jackie. Stay warm and dry!
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Thanks very much from us both, Lavinia
I always enjoy looking at your photographs, Derrick, for you have a good eye for detail and colour. Today’s pictures of the “swirling and bubbling stream crossing the Ibsley ford” are particularly attractive – especially the oak leaf floating on a bed of bubbles.
Thank you very much for this appreciation, Anne
The persistent donkey takes today’s post almost into the realms of visiting a Safari park.
You know I love the ponies, but I must say that donkey really won the prize today!
Thanks very much, GP
The spider was interesting.
Thanks very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
The photo of the donkey is just priceless!
Thanks very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Excellent detail Derrick. I do like detail.
Thanks very much, Andrew
Tree trunk looks like a sculpture from best artist – Mother Nature!
Quite so, Alexander. Thanks very much
That spider would give me the shakes if I met it on a dark night.
It lights up in the dark, Gary. Thanks very much
Great donkey shot, Derrick! I really enjoy your outings and all the animals you meet along the way. It fills my heart with peace.
I’m pleased, Anna. Thanks very much
Wow, that giant spider in the tree is great. I wouldn’t have added the other things as they just detract from the spider.
Agreed, Robbie. Thanks very much
The decorations are really good and that persistent donkey is very cute 😉
The donkey was very close to you!!
Yes. I was amazed I got much of it in focus 🙂
I half expected another unfortunate witch’s legs sticking out from the skeletal tree!
That would have been good. Thanks very much, Rose
Ah, indeed, that was quite a “persistent donkey!” Bold and beautiful – as donkeys go that is…
Thank you very much, Jan
I especially enjoyed the photos of the stream. Well done, that is hard to catch, especially if you are being blown about yourself
Many thanks, Rose
You spill such beauty with the photographs and your words on to these pages Derrick. I loved each shot ; how calm and blissful every thing seems…. even the donkey who wanted to acknowledge you!
Thank you very much, Zakiah