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I am happy to say a couple of reasonably quick telephone calls appear to have resolved yesterday’s banking problems. First I phoned NatWest and established that my urgent transfer of 4th will be sent off today to the correct BIC and IBAN numbers in France. Then I called Barclays, France, and received confirmation that I would not be charged for the overdraft that resulted from their negligence. Obviously the proof will be in the pudding.
This afternoon, Jackie drove us to New Hall Hospital at Bodenham, just south of Salisbury. This was in order to test out the journey time for my Monday morning appointment with the knee surgeon. If one has to contemplate treatment, I can think of worse venues than this Georgian listed building with its attractive lodge house, mature trees and shrubberies, pink cherry blossom and banks of primroses.
Once again a murky ermine cape had been thrown over the shoulders of the forest, rendering smoky hues to the landscape. This was most apparent when, on our homeward journey we diverted to look at the mill race on the approach to Woodgreen.
It was on the bridge over the River Avon that I engaged in a friendly conversation with Richard, who had parked beside us. This engaging young man had much local knowledge and a keen interest in wildlife. He showed me where he had seen an otter with three cubs near the top right hand corner of the penultimate picture above. Knowing full well that there were no salmon at this location, he had nevertheless chosen the spot to practice his casting. First, he needed to confront the fast flowing waters and, since the river was at least a foot deeper than usual, test the depth. He was satisfied. I took a few photographs. We waved our goodbyes. Well, I waved. Richard had his hands full.
On this Friday early evening Lyndhurst was likely to be bottlenecked. We therefore opted to take the route though Minstead and Emery Down, only to encounter a motley herd of heifers exercising their right to occupy the road.
We are now driving to dine at Dynasty in Brockenhurst with Elizabeth, Danni, and Andy. I may report on that tomorrow.
‘A murky ermine cape’: I like that. It’s raining here at the moment, but I’m happy because we haven’t had rain for a month!
Yes- I liked that saying very much, as well.
Thanks to you both
I would be, too, Jane. Enjoy it. Thanks very much
Even with the thought of a visit to the surgeon on your mind, you describe the magnificent countryside and have a wonderful day. Good for you, what a great attitude!
Very many thanks, GP.
I have to say that I have never understood the desire to stand waist deep in cold water to catch a fish. I usually go to Morrisons for mine!
Me too, in truth, Andrew. But he made an excellent subject. Thanks a lot
“Once again, a murky ermine cape had been thrown over the shoulders of the forest…” excellent.
Very many thanks, Oglach. It came to me in the car on the way home 🙂
I with the others–the murky ermine cape. . .is great.
The hospital and its setting are quite lovely.
Those cows look very determined!
(BTW, I think in my dream last night, someone was reading “Schindler’s Ark.”) 🙂
🙂 Many thanks, Merril. I do hope it was a pleasant dream
So glad you went to find out about the time for your morning journey! I hope you are feeling ok and not nervous! Love the wildlife as always! xxxxxx
Thank you very much, Lynn X
I love that massive tree, Derrick. I’m happy you got out and away from frustrating phone calls!
🙂 Thanks very much, Jill
That lodge house is wonderful. As for the fisher, my father used to wade into rivers like that. I’ve always been for going about knee deep or staying on the bank. But casting. It isn’t like riding a bicycle–especially with a fly rod. I’d probably have to learn again, as it’s been some time since I fished. I’m glad you’ve got the times down for the trip. It makes things less stressful. Hope dinner is good.
Many thanks, Lisa. The evening was as enjoyable as ever
Best wishes for that appointment, Derrick!–I hope the course chosen provides excellent relief.
I enjoyed the part with Richard. I am not a fisher woman but appreciate eating good fish! (We have wonderful fresh salmon in the NW here.) I suspect you have made more friends of strangers than most people!
Thanks very much, Cynthia. So many are happy to engage
The cherry blossoms, the fisherman and the heifers on the road lowered my blood pressure but perhaps not for those in the traffic 🙂
I am glad your banking woes have been sorted out. That was a nice trip, yet again.
Thanks very much, Uma. It’s amazing what turns up when you go looking
I bet those bovine lasses were glad to get out of the knee-deep mud for a while. 🙂
I’m with you on doing the ‘trial run’ for important engagements, and this one’s a biggie.
Yep. Many thanks, Widders
Ah, lovely cherry blossom! it reminds me of cherry blossom festival in South Korea. Best wishes for your knee appointment.
Very many thanks, Byung
I’m glad your bank issues are resolving and hope the appointment goes well. I believe your love and appreciation for the natural world around you helps distract from the pain, but it is time to get help for those knees.
I’m afraid it is, JoAnna. Many thanks
Always good wen you finally resolve something with the Bank after many calls and long waits on hold listening to elevator music!
It is. Thanks very much, Gary.
That hospital is unlike anything I have ever seen. Lovely!
It is rather. It specialises in knees and, we think, has only 43 beds! Thanks a lot, Laurie
Small but beautiful! How long will you be convalescing?
Monday, I believe, is just an assessment. I’ll have more of an idea after that
Keep us posted.
I will. 🙂
Totally majestic pictures 😍
Many thanks, Sakshi. WP says your blog no longer available. Is that true?
No. Not true..
https://sakshiblogs11.wordpress.com/2018/04/12/he-is-my-favourite-in/
Check this
I din’t think it could be, given that I had seen and enjoyed that post. Not the first time that’s happened
Thank you so much. Really glad!
I always think it a very sensible thing to do to test the route and the time it takes to get anywhere and to have a look at a place I’m due to visit. I’m so pleased you managed to sort out your banking problem.
Thanks very much, Clare. Jackie is a great advocate of that testing
I’m so glad they may have resolved the bank issue! Loved these photos and wish you well with your knee. I had to have a knee replacement in 2015 and the new one has been working splendidly since then. Hugs and blessings, N 🙂 <3
That is good news, Natalie. Very many thanks
Good luck with the knee. Once again your post is a masterclass in how to take photographs whilst out and about. I really must try harder. 🙂
Very many thanks for both comments, Quercus
🙂
So glad everything was worked out!
Many thanks, Lynn
Are you feeling ok derrick??
Thanks, Lynn. I am – The pain is now so hampering I don’t care what they do 🙂
It is sometimes good to just be at that point so you are totally ready! So sorry the pain is so hampering! You sure put on a brave face😀😀
You are right about the ready point 🙂 X
I am sure!!
‘A bad day of fishing is still better than a good day at the office’… or, something like that. And what a pretty face on that cow. I’m always amazed to see the loose. FREEDOM!
Many thanks, Steve. The angler, a teacher, was probably still enjoying Easter holidays. The freedom of the animals is wonderful if you are not in a hurry, which we seldom are.
Derrick, I love your pace…
🙂