This is the view that, a couple of days ago, prompted me to wander round the garden with a camera. By the time I got around to it the sun had fled along with its shadows.
So I had another go this morning.
In particular I was keen to capture such blossom as had survived last week’s gales. These include the towering Amanogawa cherry; a more normal pink one; and burgeoning crab apple.
After lunch Jackie and I took a forest drive where there was not much
sign of life until we came across a trio of somnolent donkeys adorning the verge of Tanners Lane.
All bore small patches of skin exposed from torn tufts of hide;
one carried a cross upon its back.
I wandered a little further down the lane, photographing
blackthorn and
bluebells on a bank beneath a tree from which emanated sweet birdsong, the ambience being somewhat soured by the oppressive pong of muck spreading.
The most awake donkey ambled down to join me in the shade.
This evening we all dined on moist roast chicken; flavoursome pork and apple sausages; crisp roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding; soft cabbage; crunchy carrots; firm cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, and tasty gravy, with which Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Côte’s du Rhône.
Beautiful pictures of a garden that soon will be in full bloom. The patio looks very nice and very clean.
Thank you very much, Bridget
Soon the garden will fully bloom, Derrick. I like the first photo with the table and chairs, very inviting!
Thank you very much, John
You are welcome sir!
Tanners Lane. I wonder if there was a tanner there once upon a time. I know it used to be a smelly process.
We have always wondered that, Sherry. Thanks very much
Reading your blog is like taking a little holiday. Always necessary, always enjoyed.
Thank you so much, Rachel
Those patio chairs in the sun sure look inviting.
Thanks very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
We were on holiday in Skegness many years ago when the man in charge of the donkeys on the beach told us that all donkeys have a cross like that to mark the fact that Jesus was carried into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. He told us to find one that hadn’t got a cross and certainly, I never have.
Fascinating, John. I’ll look closely. Thanks very much
I heard that story too, but it also included Mary and her journey to Bethlehem on a donkey.
Hi Derrick – I always enjoy the donkey pictures – was Eeyore in that group?
🙂 Thanks very much, Barbara
The donkeys remind me a bit of Buddy. Gorgeous pictures and a delicious dinner.
Thank you very much, Pat
Your garden is flourishing, an enjoyable trip down the garden path. We had a housesit in Spain where one of our chargers was a donkey, I had a few good conversations at feeding time/
Thank you very much, Suzanne
Your table and chairs are sporting one of my favorite colors. It’s a good choice for your garden — not so brash as the primary colors that often are favored here.
I’m pleased you appreciate that, Linda. Thank you very much
What a perfect place to spend sunny garden evenings
Thanks very much, Gary
YAY the donkeys! ❤️❤️❤️ “Live like someone left the gate open! 🙂
All beautiful photos of your garden and your forest drive!
In your garden I loved seeing the sun and shadows creating art!
Plus Martin’s recent work, over the past 2 months, looks lovely! Especially the welcoming patio! What a lovely place to sit and enjoy so many things.
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thank you so much, Carolyn X
That gorgeous patio with the lovely table and chairs is a garden highlight for sure. Those donkeys look to be the sweetest animals.
Thank you very much, Jodie. The donkeys are very gentle creatures
The guardian and patio look lovely. I especially like the weeping birch. It’s always fun to see the donkeys.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
Beautiful set if photos even with shadows.
Thank you very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
I’m so glad you were “keen to capture such blossom as had survived last week’s gales.” I really enjoyed your views of the garden. And of course, the donkeys always amuse me! I remember them up close and personal. Thank you for sharing your lovely views!
Much appreciated, Jan
Your outside table and chairs look an inviting place to sit and contemplate the garden … we have donkeys all over town, so it was fun seeing yours.
Thank you very much, Anne
Blackthorn, cherries, bluebells and donkeys. Spring favorites!
The new patio looks like a great place for a cuppa.
Thank you very much, Val
I would love to sit at the table in your beautiful garden.
As always, I love the donkeys. 🙂
That would be a treat for us, Merril. Thank you very much
Terrific post, Derrick.
Thank you very much, GP
Your outside table and chairs are lovely and most inviting, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I very much enjoyed this sunny garden walk and forest drive, Derrick and Jackie. I love the potted tulips on the table, too! Our fruit trees have buds, and I am hoping for some blooms next week, weather depending.
The donkeys look sweet and shaggy with their winter coats, enjoying the sunshine, too. Best to both of you, and thank you so much for sharing your lives and beautiful countryside with readers.
Very much appreciated by us both, Lavinia
The crab apple tree looks very healthy. Will there be crab apple jelly in due course?
No. We are not as industrious as you in that respect. We save it for the blackbirds. Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
The garden is looking lovely, and I like the extended patio. I hope Ellie is making good use of it and enjoying her naps in the warm spring air. Weather permitting of course.
Thanks very much, Sue. She loves being pushed round the garden.
Your garden is a sight for sore eyes Derrick. I love the quaint table and chairs too
Thank you very much, Geetha
Blossom and donkeys- an irresistible mix
Thanks very much, Sheree
The garden is looking lovely.
colours of the mules are so different between the group.
Thanks very much, Chrissy
🙂
Beautiful photos! Those donkeys seems to be enjoying the spring time 🙂
Thank you very much, Ribana