On this much cooler, overcast, morning we visited our GP Surgery for a change of dressing on my injured hand to find that it was now well enough healed to leave it open to the air.
We continued on a drive, first along Saltgrass Lane where
swans and other shore fowl feed in the shallows at low tide
which left white weed striating the rocks.
On 29th January “rules for all types of road users [were] updated to improve the safety of people walking, cycling, and riding horses.” For anyone wishing to learn more these are detailed in https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-highway-code-8-changes-you-need-to-know-from-29-january-2022
On many of of our local lanes the required space is very difficult to provide. On New Lane, Keyhaven it is quite impossible. We waved as we passed this courteous couple who dismounted and heaved their steeds onto the verge of this narrow passageway.
At East End it was Jackie who took us off the road into a Farm entrance driveway for me to photograph the ubiquitous cow parsley which, in my view, looks much prettier in its natural habitat than in our garden.
White and pink dog roses;
early bramble blossom;
plentiful valerian grew out of St Leonard’s medieval barn walls with accompanying earthbound elderflower bushes, are all at their peak.
Jackie photographed some honeysuckle or wild woodbine.
Some verges along St Leonard’s Road are high, ancient, banks.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s authentic chicken jalfrezi and mushroom and onion rice coloured with turmeric.
Good news about your hand. It looks like you had a lovely ride. I think my favorite today is the valerian growing out of the barn wall.
Thank you very much, Merril
Happy to hear about your hand.
The trio of images that really captured my attention are the ones growing out of the barn! Beautiful shots.
The valerian caught my eye as well.
Thank you so much, Dale
I am glad your hand is healing well enough to do away with the dressing, Derrick.
Is this the same valerian whose roots are used to make heart medicine?
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Valerian-HealthProfessional/ I hadn’t known this myself, Dolly. Thanks very much
Thank you for the link, Derrick. Dry valerian root was sold in Russian farmacies as a heart remedy and both Germany and Latvia make valerian root-based heart drops, yet I’ve never heard of its use for insomnia.
Those verges look as if they can support plenty of biodiversity
Thanks very much, Sheree. Some are centuries old
Which is just wonderful
So pleased to know your hand is healing well Derrick.. and Loved the nature photos Derrick.. I have some valerian in my garden, I picked some seed years ago from a railroad track walk … I now have to pull the new self set plants up as they spring up everywhere 🙂 xx
Thanks very much, Sue XX
Gorgeous pictures.Looks similar to some of our rural roads. Which I had half your knowledge of our local fauna. Do recognize honeysuckle.
Thank you very much, Pat
Glad your hand is healing well! I’m always impressed by flowers growing out of rocks like the valerian.
Thank you very much, JoAnna. The first seeds of those must have fallen hundreds of years ago
The required space for passing cyclists is hard to come by on our back roads too. Mostly people driving large SUVs make the space by driving straight at me until I dive into a ditch. It works well as a method.
I’m glad that your hand is much better, Derrick! Lovely photos, and that is a lot of rule changes for horses, cycles and pedestrians, wow! Very different from our road rules in some cases.
Thank you very much, John
☺️☺️☺️
So glad to hear that your hand is healing well! The wild flowers along the roadside brighten the scenery 🙂
Thank you so much, Rosaliene
The swans are always a beautiful sight Derrick …
Page 9, in ‘our’ book, Perceptions …
Swan
Honouring the ancient lakes of Aberdeen
Are you our planet’s queen?
Shyly overseeing this world’s fading green
Serenely grateful and gracious
Solemnly thoughtful and virtuous
Calmly valorous and veracious
No matter your birthright
You are equally adorned black or white
Colour is not your feathers blight
But nature’s pearls of delight
Thank you so much, Ivor
You’re welcome Derrick
The flowers on your verges look very pretty indeed!
Thank you very much, Anne
Gorgeous photos, Jackie and Derrick!! They bring such joy! 🙂
Thank you for sharing your good about your hand, Derrick! I’m so glad it’s healing so well!
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
Much appreciated by each of us, Carolyn XX
I saw honeysuckle like that this week. ???? Glad your hand is almost mended.
Thanks very much, Sherry
I’m pleased to hear that nature can finish off the hand healing.
I love to see flowers in the wild.
Thank you so much, Sue
As always, your photos are gorgeous!
Thank you very much, Luisa
Truly my pleasure, dear Derrick!
I am glad your hand is healing, Derrick. Beautiful photos and impressive valerian.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
That is wonderful news on your hand, Derrick! Glad to hear it is healing up well.
Those are beautiful photos from you and Jackie. I especially love the valerian pants growing out of the old wall. Life will grab a toehold wherever it can.
Thank you very much from each of us, Lavinia
Beautiful photos.
Thank you very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
My favourite is the valerian growing out of the barn walls! Continued healing…
Thanks very much, Rose
Pleased the hand is progressing
Thanks very much, Gary
England is very lovely in the summer.
Thanks very much, Robbie
PS I’m glad to hear your hand has healed.
Thanks again, Robbie
Beautiful photos of lovely scenes and gorgeous flowers, Derrick. You live in such a beautiful place. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Much appreciated Jan