Early on an extremities tingling morning of this cold-cloud-bright day, we bought 3 bags of compost and a few comestibles from Ferndene Farm Shop, and continued for a forest drive.
Visitors made use of Holmsley Passage crossing the path created from the disused railway track outside the modern house built on the footprint of the keeper’s cottage permitted before the forest became a national park.
This has been an exceptional year for camellias, with many bushes flowering profusely, like this one between two oaks along Bennett’s Lane.
Mud, pools, and moss remained on the terrain along Mill Lane despite our recently drier spell, while a cat keeps watch on this weather vane.
It was not until we returned home along Holmsley Passage
flanked by golden gorse to our left and charcoal stems to our right, that
ponies began to leave the comparatively warm shelter of the woods.
After lunch I settled down for a rugbyfest which was the final day of the Men’s Six Nations Championship including Italy v. Ireland; Wales v. England; and France v. Scotland, giving us the opportunity before the last, evening, game to enjoy Jackie’s chicken Jalfrezi, savoury rice, sprinkled with fresh coriander; onion bhajis and vegetable samosas.
It’s good to know your wet spell might be abating … while our 4 week hot spell seems to be abating, and here this morning it’s cool, cloudy, and rainy, Derrick …
Thank you very much, Ivor
I hope things warm up and dry out soon, Derrick. Brr!
I am sorry that we couldn’t help the English out.
You did your very best. Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
The first mossy trunk seems to be dancing on the bank. I love vegetable samosas and wonder how Jackie made them. I bet they were delicious.
I love vegetable samosas, too!
Maybe one day I’ll learn how to make them, but my Indian food is rarely as good as in the restaurants.
Her samosas come from an Indian shop, JoAnna. Thank you very much
Ah! Thanks. Maybe I can find them in a grocery store.
The camellias looks so bright and cheerful, and I love the whimsical cat weathervane.
Thank you very much, Merril
Those camellia bushes are incredible!
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Wow! What glorious camellia bushes!
Thanks very much, Rosaliene
A cat on a weather vane seems to be delighfully unusual.
Thank you very much, Anne
I do love the twisted trunk trees. But the gorse!!! Here it is a weed and in some places whole paddocks are invaded.
Thanks very much, John
Wowza on the camellia bushes! What a huge burst of color! 🙂
That sweet pony sure seems to be thinkin’ about somethin’. 🙂
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
Thank you very much, Carolyn XX
A good day for Rugby if not for Wales.
Thank you very much, Andrew
Yes, like so many of your followers, I am partial to those camellias, Derrick. Beautiful! Your camera skills capture the beauty of your countryside so artistically. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you very much, Jan
Beautiful photos! I thought the first one was a fabulous painting
Thank you very much, Luisa
You’re more than welcome, dear Derrick დ
Ah yes, Spring is in your part of the world!
Thanks very much, GP
One would be hard pressed to find the rare clear-bright days in these parts, along the Great Lakes. Cold, yes. Clouds, yes. But bright with some sunshine? Rare! The forsythia have blossomed, always the first color of Spring.
Thank you very much, Steve
The camellias are gorgeous, and I love the whimsical weather vane.
Thank you very much, Eugi
Most welcome, Derrick.
Startign to look like Spring. I see a few signs of it here. Lovley post.
Thank you very much, Sherry
Gorse and ponies! Such a lovely place.
For me, the sight of sunshine, even in bursts, makes the world feel less cold. We should keep our eyes out for a cat weather vane to put on our house. 🙂
My first thought when I saw the cat on the weather-vane was, ‘how the hell did it get … oh, right!’ 😀
The sunshine on the pony makes it look warm! Spring will come.