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Today our April showers began. This morning Jackie continued her planting, weeding, and tidying; while I dug out a bank of sycamore seedlings dropped onto the Back Drive borders by a tree in the garden of the vacant North Breeze next door, and a large bramble from the Rose Garden.
In the variable light numerous plants like
tiny saxifrages,
various tulips,
honesty petals and seed cases,
rhododendrons,
lilies,
and little lamiums sparkled with raindrops.
Others, including libertias,
geranium Phaeums,
clematis Montanas,
another rhododendron,
and the wisteria, were too sheltered to catch the rain.
The wisteria brightens Jackie’s view from the kitchen window,
in front of which hangs Pauline’s beautifully faceted light catcher.
The sun came and went above the garden paths, three views of which include the Florence sculpture;
and a fourth, the Brick Path.
This afternoon we drove around the forest.
Up on the moors we could watch the rainclouds sending down shafts of their precipitation, in darker indigo slashes, whilst the sun picked out the glowing gorse.
I waited a while for the sun to pierce the cloud cover and play with this scene of stepped tree roots ascending a gravelly slope.
Brooding clouds, sunlight, gorse, and thatched roofs provided a dramatic entrance to Frogham,
beyond which we spotted our first pony foal of the season, its mother providing instruction in planting yourself firmly on the road. Notice its nice new shoes.
Between Godshill and Cadnam, alongside Roger Penny Way, another, adventurous, new baby kicked up its heels and rushed back to its mother on my approach, then continued to explore the terrain at a safe distance.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s luscious liver, bacon, and sausage casserole, new potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower, followed by custard tart. She drank Peroni and I drank more of the Madiran.
Splendid post, Derrick. I’m so impressed with your flower knowledge. My husband and I say things, like those blue flowers are beautiful with no idea of what they’re called. Jackie’s kitchen window view is lovely.
This sentence made me feel like I’d dropped into a novel: “Up on the moors we could watch the rainclouds sending down shafts of their precipitation, in darker indigo slashes, whilst the sun picked out the glowing gorse.”
Very many thanks, Merril. I usually have to check some of the flower names with Jackie 🙂
🙂
Yes, I loved that “novel” piece as well.
Thanks, Jodie
Wow! Definitely one of my top favorite posts, Derrick. Your photos are amazing! If I were Jackie, I’d wash dishes all day…what a view!
Many thanks, Jill. That’s quite a comment
This was more-than-usual special today…just what and how you caught life being lived amid sun light and rain, new ponies and such a tree fanning out over the slope; the brilliant light catcher..and Jackie’s sink spot. Oh, the flowers, so varied. Felt like a little visit to a happy land.
Lovely, eloquent, comment, Cynthia. Many thanks
What a great day for photographs. The garden, the showers and the foals – it must be spring.
Yep. Many thanks, Mary. Incidentally, Gwen suggests you might be able to identify the eucalyptus in https://derrickjknight.com/2017/04/30/the-meteorologists-kept-their-promise/ She says there are only about 900 to choose from 🙂
Flowers in the rain…beautiful. I love your cloud photos too.
Thanks very much, Arlene
Jackie’s kitchen window is beautiful. As are your weather pictures! And the mare and foal. And what luck to catch one feeling its oats and kicking up its heels.
Many thanks, Lisa. The little creature had been lying down and rolled over with its legs in the air. I missed that 🙂
A beautiful poetical description and photos of the day, and what a pleasant, peaceful view from the kitchen window! I love the pony foal and her mother. 🙂
Thanks very much, Lavinia
Feels like we’re just getting to March around here 🙂 … loved the baby kicking up its heels … and that magnificent spreading tree … all splendid.
Very many thanks, Widders
I always think that to have a proper butter dish (as I spied next to your kettle) is a sign of sophistication, good taste, and class. (I too have one very similar!) My mother always said that a true gentleman is someone who uses a butter knife when dining alone. A splendid kitchen vista!
Very many thanks, Bruce
What a lovely view from the kitchen!
Thanks a lot, John
I’ve been off-line all day, but I’m glad I managed to squeeze in a quick visit. How thrilled was I to see the light catcher hanging in the kitchen window with that gorgeous vista! I hope it makes nice sparkles and comet and rainbows for Jackie while she slav…….. er, creates her gourmet delicacies 🙂
It certainly does, Pauline. Many thanks
You had me at custard tart! But I love the photos of the foals, too!
Many thanks, Kerry
With the pictures you have today – you sure out did yourself!!
Very many thanks, GP
Your garden is abloom and beautiful! And, oh, those foals.
Many thanks, Laurie. Jackie has been looking for the foals for a few weeks 🙂
So very sweet. New life!
Such beautiful flowers, sun rays and ponies … all the spectrum of beauty Derrick.
Many thanks, Miriam
Beautiful photos, I mostly like the ones with the horses!
Thank you, Cecilia
Some lovely blooms, and the garden remains a picture. Always much of interest on the drives, too.
Many thanks, Leslie
So lovely derrick!
Many thanks, Lynn
Love the suncatcher – Beautiful job. Is the Pauline who made it the same one who frequents here?
She is. She sent out several as ‘prizes’ about a year ago. Each of the little charms has something to do with gardening, cooking, wine, photography, (English) tea – all thoughtfully chosen for us.
Such beautiful photos Derrick…
Thanks very much, Julie
My favourite are the saxifrages, so delicate
Many thanks, Pleasant
The first pony foal was so cute and adorable! I liked how he looked back at you and also how cozy he was with his mum.
The geranium Phaeum blooms dropping down were so exquisite.
I love Pauline’s emerald and diamond dangler which Jackie may view while in the kitchen. Thank you for sharing it with us, as well as being her patrons. 🙂
Many thanks, Robin. Actually, Pauline’s dangler was a gift.
Pauline has a warm and caring spirit. I didn’t realize this but it is believable.