My sitting room chair looks out onto the front garden where the
Amanogawa cherry is now blooming, while
the winter flowering cherry lingers on.
After shopping for compost and comestibles at Ferndene Farm Shop we continued on a forest drive.



The streaky pink and indigo pastel tinged clouds enhanced the moorland landscapes alongside Holmsley Passage
where several ponies enjoyed a morning rest.
Others, along Bisterne Close, one of which stretched to reach holly leaves, bore bare patches on their thick winter coats.

Prolific camellias along the route still carry a profusion of blooms,

while tree fungi like this decorating a small log remain comparatively rare this year.
This afternoon I read more of ‘Richard III’.
Our dinner this evening consisted of Jackie’s cottage pie; parsnips, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, with which I drank Hacienda Don Hernán Rioja 2022.
You are really waxing poetic in this piece, Derrick. Great pictures too.
Thank you very much, Pat
Beautiful photos, Derrick!!

Such a pretty drive
Thanks very much, Dale
Gorgeous photos and views, Derrick! I very much enjoyed the scenery and the tasty meal with you.
Thank you very much, MM
That sky is indeed beautiful!
Onward, ho with wicked Richard!
Thanks very much, Laurie
Amazing photos and fabulous garden that is blooming beautifully
Thank you very much, Luisa
You’re so very welcome, Derrick!
I didn’t know there was a winter flowering cherry–both types are beautiful. How fortunate you are to see them from your sitting room. A lovely early spring post.
Thank you so much, Merril
So lovely to see that all is well in your back yard, Derrick and Jackie. xo
Thank you very much from each of us, Jodie
A wonderful collection of varied photos, Derrick
Thank you very much, Ivor
Love the Amanogawa cherry blossoms and camellias
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
Beautiful flowers pictures.
Thank you very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
The yellow blooms on the moor are gorse?
That camellia is a stunner.
Thank you very much, Tootlepedal
Hi, Derrick – We have two cherry trees in our yard as well. So many similarities in our weather even though we live continents apart!
Thank you so much, Donna
Love this country scenery Derrick, so peaceful.
Thank you very much, Arlene
Beautiful cherry blossoms and camellias! I hope the bare patches are just short-term seasonal effects. I like that you and Jackie always have plenty of healthy vegetables with your dinner.
Thank you so much, JoAnna
The ponies always make me smile when they’re shedding their winter coats. I imagine these ones would love the luxury of a good brush.
Thank you so much, Sue XX
So, there you have it – there’s no better sign of Spring than the animals losing their winter coat!
Thanks very much, GP
Lovel the ponies.
Thank you very much, Sherry
Great pony pictures!
Thank you very much, Kim
The Amanogawa cherry is beautiful, Derrick and Jackie. I love the scenes from your forest drives. Spring is unfolding with the gorse and camellias, and shaggy ponies enjoying the sun. It won’t be long now before those winter coats shed, and there is a new crop of foals.
Thank you so much from each of us, Lavinia
Some beautiful hopeful signs of spring!


Love that gorgeous sky and those sweet sweet ponies!
(((HUGS)))
Thank you very much, Carolyn XX
A lovely and colorful display of photos, Derrick. I love the pictures of the ponies.
Thank you very much, Eugi
Most welcome, Derrick.
I love that forest drive – the animals, the flowers, the scenery in general… so beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
Much appreciated, Jan
Beautiful photography
Thank you very much, Gary
Those camelias look fabulous