Heavy rain fell throughout the day, unrelenting when we drove to Elizabeth’s home and back
through mid-afternoon headlights-gloom.
Although the celebration meal is planned for Saturday, as it is my sister’s 70th Birthday today,
we sloshed through the sodden lanes. The last two of the pictures in this gallery were produced by Jackie, who also photographed
sheep behind a dripping fence,
and a swathe of snowdrops.
Our intention had been to surprise Elizabeth, but, despite her car being in her drive she was not at home. Obviously someone had taken her out, so we left her Gertrude Jekyll potted rose and card in her conservatory.
These are pictures from our own garden taken in September 2022.
This evening we all dined on baked gammon, piquant macaroni cheese, and tender green beans, with which Jackie drank more of the rosé and I drank more of the shiraz.
Happy birthday to your sister.
x ???? x
Thank you very much, Melanie X
Disappointing to find the birthday girl not at home after slogging through all that rain.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal. We were happy we could leave it
Surprise visits often back fire. But at least you left the gift. And hopefully the weather will be drier when you return for celebration.
I thought as I read your title before opening it was a touch of SNOW
Thanks very much, Catherine.
That’s a lot of rain.
Thanks very much, Chrissy. We are lucky. Much of the UK has severe floods
Happy Birthday to Elizabeth! Hopefully the Saturday drive will be more pleasant.
hank you very much, Merril
Happy and blessed birthday to your sister Elizabeth.❤️
Thank you very much, Arlene.
Rain for the roses
Sustains their poses
Thanks very much, Ivor
Happy birthday to Elizabeth!
Thanks very much, Liz
Nothing like roses to brighten a rainy day!
Thanks very much, Rosaliene
What a bummer that after all that effort in a deluge, your sister wasn’t home. Beautiful rose.
Thanks very much, Pat
The hedges along Warborne Lane remind me of a maze. I hope you have sunny skies on Saturday. Happy Birthday, to your sister!
Thank you very much, JoAnna
Gorgeous rose not so much the rain. Nearly springtime and I suppose more unpredictable weather.
Indeed. Thanks very much, Suzanne
It’s a big milestone for many lucky to reach it! Congratulations to Elizabeth on her 70th! Too bad the surprise was for you, though you were able to leave her evidence of your visit and intent.
Thank you so much, Doug
“sheep behind a dripping fence” and “a swathe of snowdrops” are such beautiful, vivid descriptions!
Happy 70th birthday to your sister!
Thank you very much, Donna
I am planning a surprise visit for my brother’s 70th. This involves flying to Johannesburg – fortunately, my sister-in-law is going to collaborate with me 🙂 The rose is a delightful gift.
Thank you so much, Anne
Happy Birthday to Elizabeth! I hope she has a wonderful weekend of celebration, laughter, and love! (((HUGS))) ❤️
Thank you very much, Carolyn
Hi Derrick, that’s the risk with surprise visits.
Yep. Thanks a lot, Robbie
Happy birthday to your sister! Too bad she wasn’t home, but I bet was a treat to come home to find those lovely flowers.
Thank you very much, Laurie
Sometimes when there are heavy rains we are advised to not drive unless necessary. I hope you take care. It is so easy to get stuck in high water.
Indeed. We sometimes don’t try to cross fords. Thanks very much, Sherry
I love the atmosphere of the wet roads in the headlights. Gertrude Jekyll was always a favourite of my ex-wife. Very beautiful.
Thank you very much, John.
How far is your sister’s home from your place ? Nice photos.
About 6 miles. Thanks very much, Lakshmi
The rose is a beauty. What a nice surprise to find at your door when you return home.
Thank you very much, Bridget
For an envious moment I thought you already had roses blooming! LOL
Thank you very much, Elizabeth. I had fun with the header
Wishing Elizabeth a happy birthday! The potted roses was a wonderful gift. The photos of that rose in you own garden is very beautiful, Derrick and Jackie. I was also taken in for a moment, thinking one was blooming in your garden already.
Thanks very much, Lavinia. Yes – a rather incongruous header 🙂
Love the roses.
Thanks very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
Ooof. That’s a lot of rain. Love all those snowdrops though!
Thanks very much, Crystal
A lovely gift.
Thank you very much, Rupali
Happy birthday to your sister, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Eugi
My pleasure, Derrick.
Happy Birth Day to Elizabeth … surprises are sometimes just as much a surprise for the surprise-er as for the surprise-ee:D … gorgeous rose 😀
Thanks very much, Widders
What a miserable day! I love the images of the car headlights driving along the dark, rain-soddened roads.
Happy birthday to Elizabeth, I hope Saturday’s celebrations go well.
Thank you so much, Sue
Happy birthday to your sister! What lovely roses amidst the muck of rain.
Thanks very much, Dale
This will eventually end! ????????????????
Thanks very much, John
What a beautiful rose and I’m sure she was delighted with her gift.
Ahe was, Sheree. Thank you very much
They look to be almost web-footed, those snowdrops !! And the sheep are not far behind. I wonder if some breeds tolerate rain better than others!
I expect so, John. Thank you very much
What a beautiful rose! Happy belated birthday to your sister!
Thank you very much, Riba