Today was largely overcast, yet very warm. This morning, entertained by trilling birdsong, I carried out a dead heading session; the scents of a multitude of plants pervaded the garden even more as the warmth increased when I stepped out after lunch to walk around it.
I photographed a day lily, numerous roses, two clematis, poppies, a yellow bottle brush plant and a white solanum, all of which bear titles in the gallery.
Later, Jackie drove us to the north of the forest.
Almost the first signs of life we saw were ponies lingering leisurely along the road at North Gorley
and cattle giving drivers an opportunity to rest on the road to Hyde.
We admired the view from Abbotswell Road, on a
verge of which a squirrel hid with its mouth full. I’m not sure who nibbled the tree in the foreground.
Driving down Blissford Hill is always a bit nerve wracking because it is necessary to get up speed to the dappled area beneath the trees in order to climb up the very steep slope, hoping not to encounter another vehicle coming down.
We hope to arrive at the wider top where dog walkers are enjoying the levelling out of the surface.
Donkeys are usually in evidence outside the school at Hyde. Today they were accompanied by a number of foals. The last two photographs in this gallery are Jackie’s.
On our way home a helpful Jay pointed the way to Ringwood.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s very tasty liver and bacon casserole; mashed swede and potatoes sweet and white; and carrots, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts flavoursome and al dente, with which I drank Chilean reserva privada Malbec 2022.
The flower and donkeys are so cute! Your garden is very beautiful, guys. ❤️????
Thank you very much, John
You’re welcome. ????????
I was glad you pointed out that the bird is a jay. It looks quite different from ours, but it’s certainly a lovely bird. I will confess I’m still trying to get my mind around a liver and bacon casserole; that’s a line I don’t think I could cross, except in the most dire of straits.
Thank you very much, Linda.
Love the variety of animal and plants that surround you,
Thank you very much, Pat
The donkeys are so cute!
Again, you have those lovely photos of flowers in your garden. And those donkeys, wha a serene place.
Thank you so much, Arlene
Good shot of the jay. We have them round here and I hear them a lot more than I see them.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Beautiful images Derrick… and it was nice to have it feel warm out for a change… xx and no rain today xx
Thanks very much, Sue. XX
Such beautiful wonderful garden and forest photos, Jackie and Derrick!!
You know how very much I love donkeys! I thought you might enjoy this story about Diesel the donkey. When you get to the link/news story then click on the blue link to watch the video of Diesel and his new family.
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lost-donkey-elk-herd_n_666da1cfe4b0dbea0515024a
Thank you very much from us both, Carolyn. Lovely donkey story. XX
Yeah … I hadn’t seen the donkeys for a while Derrick …
Thanks very much, Ivor
I love the first Abbotswell Road shot and the second bird atop a sign post.
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Your roses are delightful, Derrick 🙂 Judging from the large number of rose bushes, I would find dead heading quite a daunting task.
Thank you very much, Rosaliene. It sure is
Unlike Liz, I can’t pick a favorite. I was trying with the flowers, but there were too many, then the landscapes–but I really do love the donkeys and their foals.
Thank you very much, Merril
Beautiful display of flowers, countryside and donkeys. I love the photos of the jay on the sign post.
Thank you very much, Eugi
Blissford Hill looks blissful but does not live up to its name when you have to drive it. Sounds like quite an adventure! Thanks for the beautiful flowers and sweet donkeys.
Much appreciated, JoAnna
I’ve never seen a white bottlebrush before! Your garden is indisputably in full bloom, Derrick!!!
Thank you very much, Judy
I enjoyed seeing the jay – as well as all of the other animals 🙂
Thank you very much, Anne
I love you photographs and Jakie’s Eurasian Jay.
Thank you very much, Sherry
What a handsome Jay. And that road must be so stressful. Kind of ironic to call it Blissful!
Yes – the name is ironic. Thanks very much, Dale
????
Beautifu photos.
Thank you very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
Deer are prolific at nibbling the bark, as are goats!
Yes – probably deer – although sometimes these nibbles are too high for them. Thank you very much, Sue
I love your Jay! He’s a bit more understated than our flashy fellow. Wonderful photos Derrick of delightful scenery. Love all the critters.
Thank you very much, Cindy
Your garden is lovely, your roses are glorious, and Jackie’s pictures of the bird perched on top of the signpost are delightful.
Thanks very much, Dolly
What a beautiful day out amid the flowers, and the scenery and animals north of the forest! It is always a pleasure to take this virtual travels with you and Jackie.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
Beautiful photos as always.
Thank you very much, Chrissy
Derek, your garden is absolutely thriving, it’s so very lovely. And those donkeys are so sweet.
Thank you so much, Miriam
That’s a great jay picture. Takes a really skilled photographer to get a shot of that quality. I could go on and rub it in a bit more, but will content myself with saying that it must be really nice being married to a talented photographer like Jackie. 🙂
Thank you so much, Quercus
🙂
Simply gorgeous!
Thank you very much, Riba
Everything’s looking very summery
Thank you very much, Sheree