Soon after lunch on this cold-sunshine day I walked around the garden and photographed
a few flowers, namely daffodils and a cluster of blue wood anemones.
Afterwards, stopping at Gregg’s bakers for Jackie to replenish the sweet trolley. While waiting outside, through the car windscreen, the laundrette window, and some reflections, I was entranced by
a rather noble hooded face.
On our journey north the roads and terrain, their waters replenished by two more days and nights of heavy precipitation, were as saturated as ever, but I chose not to focus directly on them on this occasion.
A tyre swing above the rippling and swollen River Avon was now swinging underwater with the force of the current sweeping from the
bubbling Woodgreen millstream, alongside which
a soft toy lounged on a bench and a stump creature reared its head.
As I rounded the broken corner of the bridge wall into which someone had crashed,
Jackie was herself photographing the river encroaching upon the car park; the bridge for Tootlepedal; and me on the bridge watching
the rippling waters.
Ponies, dogs, and walkers basked on Woodgreen, where a glorious magnolia spread in the garden of a thatched cottage. The last pair of ponies in this gallery were depicted by Jackie.
Trees against the clouds at Hale included those sporting their usual crops of mistletoe.
Ferns flourished on a bank cropped by soggy donkeys. While I was photographing these I heard the clopping of hooves further down the road , and turned to see
these berugged horses being led to their paddock beside the ford.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s beef and onion or chicken pies, according to choice; boiled potatoes, tender runner beans, and carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli al dente. She drank Hoegaarden and I drank Reserva Privada Chilean Malbec 2022.
Derrick, hopefully less rain and more spring flowers for you both. I liked the reflection of the submerged tire.
Thanks very much, Suzanne
Oh my gosh, so much water! The River Avon looks to be way over it’s normal level. Lovely photos, and dinner sounds so delicious, Jackie! Stay dry. We have a windstorm underway with 70mph gusts today and tonight, not good.????
Thanks very much from us both, John. We quite often have 70 mph. Yesterday was only 20+
Wow! Probably the same storms we had that crossed the Atlantic.
That is some high water beneath the arched bridge!
Thanks very much, Liz. Surrounding fields are awash
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I would prefer Jackie’s cooked meal rather than the donkeys’ meal of soggy greens.
Well said from one who cooks for donkeys, Pat. Thanks very much
So many wonderful photos today, it’s difficult to choose which to comment on. I thought the hooded man was a monk at first–like a ghost–except for the shirt. š That thatched cottage with the magnolia–both glorious. I feel sad for the poor bridge, and I like Jackie’s gallery of photos, too–especially you examining the bridge.
Thank you very much, Merril – especially for all those comments
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Your photos are beautiful and intriguing. I like saying the name, “Tootlepedal.”
Thanks very much, JoAnna
I love the images from you both and especially the ones of the River Avon and the millstream.
Such a shame about the bridge, thereās always someone who forgets where the break pedal is. Matching up stonework is never easy.
I was amazed to see you wearing a lightweight summer jacket. Has winter finished in the south? š
Not really terribly cold, but we did have a frost last night. Thanks very much, Sue
An impressive solid brick bridge Derrick, I wonder how old it is?
I wondered that. Brick built could be some sort of clue
Jackie has since discovered the bridge was built in 1867.
Thank you Jackie ????????
Hi, Derrick – Our weather usually seems to be similar but today we got SNOW which totally dashed my hopes of an early Spring. Your Spring flowers are beautiful!
Thanks very much, Donna
Love the daffodils!
Thanks very much, Becky
A great variety of photos, all very interesting.
Thanks very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
Does the rain never stop? But look at that green, green field, so pleasing to the eyes.
Thanks very much, Arlene.
A fine bridge for Tootlepedal. But, gosh, so much water!
Thanks very much, Laurie
Beautiful photos, Jackie and Derrick!
I especially love spotting the owls. The bridge is wonderful! (Do you know it’s age?)
The daffodils are lovely! The soggy donkeys and the ponies…all so sweet!
I especially like the bench with much character and the “scary” stump creature! Great finds!
(((HUGS))) š ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø
Thanks very much, Carolyn. I’m pleased you noticed the stump creature. The bridge was built in 1867.
OH, that is a very well-seasoned bridge! Thank you for answering my question. š
Beautiful shots!
Have a nice Sunday
Thank you very much, dear Luisa
My pleasure!
Looks like a lovely day out.
Thanks very much, Sherry
That is an impressive bridge, Derrick. We don’t see many like that anymore. Gorgeous and stmospheric photos.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I so love the word Tootlepedal š Beautiful shots and that is a crazy amount of water. Love that you captured the soft toy and “scary” stump creature! A wonderful series of pictures from you both.
Thank you so much, Dale. I’m pleased you liked those two pictures
I liked them all but … some stick out more!
Wonderful photos, Derrick. Those bright daffodils are especially lovely sight to see! Like sunshine! āļø
Thanks very much, Julie
A beautiful set of early spring photos, Derrick and Jackie! So the rain and flooding are still with you? Be careful walking amid trees in watterlogged soil. They can suddenly topple. and take out a pedestrian or a car.
Thank you very much from each of us, Lavinia. One car driver at least has been killed by a tree toppled onto his car
I am sorry to hear that.
Ah, spring draws ever nearer! Can wait to see the transformation in your garden and the neighboring landscapes after all this rain š
Thank you so much, Rosaliene
The stump creature seems to be sniffing the air. š ready to spring forth at a moment’s notice.
That is what I thought, Widders. Thank you very much
Loved the lounging toy…also, daffodils make me happy
Gorgeous spring-like scenes
Thank you very much, Sheree
A lovely day very well captured by both of you!
Thank you very much, Riba