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!
Her samosas come from an Indian shop, JoAnna. Thank you very much
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
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.
Wowza on the camellia bushes! What a huge burst of color! 🙂
That sweet pony sure seems to be thinkin’ about somethin’. 🙂
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️