CLICK ON ANY IMAGE IN A GROUP TO ACCESS ITS GALLERY, INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF WHICH CAN BE VIEWED FULL SIZE BY SCROLLING DOWN AND CHECKING BOX AT BOTTOM RIGHT
The skies wept all morning and were quite broken up by the time Jackie took me for a drive after lunch.
She parked by the roadside near Norley Wood for me to photograph the surroundings. To our right lay open forest, and to our left a couple of splendidly situated homes. The last picture in the group shows the necessary cattle grid that prevents roving ponies from investigating their grounds.
Throughout the local towns and villages lampposts sport large memorial poppies in tribute to those serving men and women who died in the First World War. On the outskirts of villages such as Burley.
Perambulating ponies with flanks like wet flannels, having interest neither in red poppies nor brighter maples, kept their noses to the grindstone.
A pair of very large Gloucester Old Spot pigs penned in their field must have envied the spritely, grinning, ginger Tamworth teenager who outstripped me further along the road.
The morning’s rain had brought tears to the knitted poppies fixed to the Vaggs Lane gates to St Andrew’s Church. Incidentally, Aaron told us this morning that his mother had knitted many of those at St Mark’s, Pennington, featured three days ago.
This evening we dined on smoked haddock, piquant cauliflower cheese, creamy mashed potato, crisp carrots, and tender runner beans, with which Jackie and I drank Wairau Cove Sauvignon Blanc 2017 and Elizabeth drank more of the Cabernet Sauvignon.
I was so sorry to read about the rain, I do hope it recovers soon. And a grinning teenager of any variety is a pleasure to see, they so often appear unhappy. Another lovely montage of photos today.
Thanks very much, Pauline. A fine day today, and the forest needed the rain
Grinning piggy is adorable, and the photos are stunning, as always.
Thanks very much, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick
Love the shots near Norley Wood, Derrick!
Thanks a lot, Jill. A lane for you
Poppy day used to be a big thing here in The Last Outpost of the British Empire, but has at last gone into decline.
The pig was tickled pink?
Ginger 🙂 Thanks a lot, Leslie
The pig really looks like he is smiling. 🙂
Thanks very much, Rabirius
Lovely photos, Derrick – I especially liked the yellow leaves and the tangle of tree branches that followed it. And, of course, the grinning pig. He also looks a bit mischievous.
Many thanks, Jodie
: )
Nice shot of the piggy grin! You were in the right spot at the right time. Love your descriptions of dinner, always.
Thanks very much, Cindy. I couldn’t keep up, though 🙂
I love the Norley Wood photos–beautiful, despite the weeping skies. I like the grinning pig, too. 🙂
Many thanks, Merril
I learned a new word today since I looked up perambulating. I’d like to do some of that! It’s nice to see happy pigs roaming about like the ponies and the beautiful light on the leaves.
Many thanks, JoAnna
wonderful read
Thanks very much, Dymoon
The morning’s rain had brought tears to the knitted poppies…
Some knit the memories with poppies, and some with words.
Very many thanks, Uma
Such nice photos of ponies and pigs
Thanks very much, Lynn
Ponies, Piggies, and Poppies…
What beautiful pony faces and cute piggy tails! All teenagers (of all species) should grin more! 🙂
The poppies are such a sweet, poignant reminder to remember of those who served and sacrificed.
Wonderful photos, again, Derrick!
HUGS!!! 🙂
Very many thanks, Carolyn. (Nice alliteration 🙂 )
Fun Grinning piggy photos. Thank you for sharing, Derrick. 🙂
Thanks very much, Amy
My favorite is of the grinning pig, who looks like a pig with purpose.
Many thanks, Laurie. Too fast for me 🙂
Lovely read, Derrick and beautiful photos! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks very much, Eugenia
You’re welcome.
Pigs and poppies–good combination! Always enjoy the horsey pics, as well.
Thanks very much, Cynthia
Sounds like a splendid meal to complete another profitable day with your camera Derrick.
Thanks very much, Roland
Tears on the knitted poppies. That’s so poignant. Love the grinning pig. I think that could be the name of a pub. Meet you at the Grinning Pig!
Good idea, Crystal. Many thanks
Amazinggggggg photos
Thanks very much, Lily
I’ve always had a soft spot for pigs, and look forward to seeing photos of them out looking for acorns.
The knitted poppies of remembrance brought a tear to the eye. They are lovely.
Thank you very much, Lavinia. Your wish is granted in the next post, later tonight.
Thank you!
For some reason the “Like” buttons aren’t showing up here.
Another WP glitch.