Before breakfast this morning Gay and Mick toured the garden,
where the light played with the eucalyptus bark.
Later Gay sent me some of her photographs.
After breakfast we led our inlaws on a search for New Forest wandering animals.
Donkeys at East End were out in force. The last of these images was sent to me by Gay.
Ponies and cattle shared the moor at East Boldre. Again the last of these pictures is by Gay.
A couple of foals accompanied a group of ponies, eventually joined by a few cattle, at Beaulieu Road.
Bringing two facing vans to a standstill, the cows drifted between them.
During yesterday evening’s conversation, Mick spoke of his keen interest in Australian avifauna, some of which he has taught to speak. I was therefore pleased to point out this wagtail which is different from those found in Perth.
Gay photographed Jackie and me together as, having directed the couple to the road to London, we parted company and saw them on their way.
This evening we dined on perfect roast beef; creamy mashed potato; crisp Yorkshire pudding; crunchy carrots, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli; and tender runner beans. Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Carmenere.
Your visitors got to see a fine array of wandering Forest animals Derrick. I particularly like the foal staring down the camera – and it is lovely to see a photo of you and Jackie side by side too.
Thanks very much, Pauline
Wonderful photos! There are no fences for the animals there? There are so many rules here for animals to be fenced in. My daughter loved the photos of the foals. And I loved the photos of you and Jackie!
Many thanks, Lisa. Cattle grids keep them from some areas. Glad you both liked them
Looks like you all had a lovely time. X
We did, thanks a lot, Ali. X
Great photo of you and Jackie, Derrick! I’m glad you had a nice visit. The close up of the foal is fantastic.
A very different Wagtail, indeed!
Thanks very much, Frank
Agree with Jill, that close up is lovely!
I agree three
🙂
Thanks very much, Sheree
I wish I could visit.
Thanks very much, Laleh. Any time you are over here
🙏🙏🙏❤️
Love that last photo of you both Derrick…
Wonderful photography and I just love how those donkeys get comfy at the side of the road 🙂
Enjoy your weekend both of you. <3
You, too, Sue. Many thanks
🙂
the eucalyptus bark is beautiful and so are the wandering animals – I like Gay’s pics too – lots to smile about in this post – including perfect roast beef – mmmm
Thanks very much, Yvette
Excellent.
Thanks very much, Rabirius
Such wonderful photos of the area’s animals. Your guests certainly got to see many different animals roaming about. I love the photo of you and Jackie.
Thanks very much, Merril. We were fortunate in our choice of route
Okay, that last photo…of the smiling young couple…just made my day! Your smiles have warmed my heart and made me smile! 🙂
Love all of your animal and bird photos, always….really enjoy these of the donkeys and foals today! That portrait of the foal…so beautiful!
Thank you to Gay, too, for her photos!
HUGS!!! 🙂
PS…tonight I’ll fix salmon and a salad…and maybe some grilled veggies. 🙂
Thanks very much, Carolyn. I trust your meal was as good as ours X
I was! 🙂
Your photos of the donkeys always fascinate me Derrick.
Thanks very much, Ivor
How nice to have guests who send you such splendid photographs.
Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
Wonderful animal shots but the donkeys are my true loves.
Many thanks, Luanne
Great photos, especially nice to see the one of you and Jackie.
Thanks very much, Peggy
Love your pictures
I love the one of you and Jackie, too!
Thanks very much, Clare
That foal close up is especially beautiful and so rich with texture. I enjoyed the sweet photo of you and Jackie. You look dapper in that grey vest, too!
Thanks very much, JoAnna
That is an excellent portrait of a pony. The angle of the image in which you and Jackie have presented yourselves to the camera has put in oodles of gaiety in the perspective.
Thanks very much, Uma
When I see the picture of this donkey sleeping on the side of the road I’m scared for him
It looks peaceful but I hope that the cars that pass on this road roll really slowly and pay attention to these animals
More wonderful photos to start my day, thank you. Even though it’s only breakfast time your supper is making my mouth water!
Thanks very much, Sue. Bon appetit
Another fascinating photo collection, Derrick. You certainly know where to go to find them.
We do know, but we were lucky with our choice – sometimes there are none to be seen. Thanks very much, Roland
Beautiful set of images Derrick.
Thanks very much, Rupali
So what’s it feel like to be on the other end of a camera for a change?? 🙂
You two look wonderful, happy and healthy in the Sunshine!
I believe you have captured a Pied Wagtail this time, Sir! 🙂
Have you posted photo’s of Gay before – because she’s looking very familiar to me? And is that a poppy she is holding?? The stem and flower are HUGE compared to mine!
It is a poppy Bob. I haven’t posted a photo of Gay before, but you both live in Perth. Thanks a lot
You’re pretty tall, yet I always imagine you to be a bit of a squirt like me./
Love all the ponies
🙂 Thanks a lot MeLud
Great Pics. Looks like you had a wonderful visit with in-laws
It was good, Gary. Many thanks
Excellent photography again Derrick, your idyllic rural habitat is to be envied mate, so much opportunity for a variety of photographic moments, well captured.
Thanks very much, Ian, mate
Donkeys are so underrated in beauty. Lovely clicks 👍
Many thanks, Zeeshan
It appears that Gay enjoys the animals as much as I do!!
And, psst, Jackie…are you losing weight? (Tell me your secret!)
Very well spotted, GP. No breakfast, light lunch. no puds; lots of gardening. Thanks very much
Terrific!
Another post tpo make me smile. Love the pic of you and Jackie.
Really nice picture of the two of you!
Thanks very much, Andrew
Donkeys and cattle are fine – and great photos, of course – but the little foal scratching itself with its hind leg is precious! Nice to see a photo of you and Jackie smiling together, looking great and obviously enjoying the day and the visit.
Very many thanks, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick
I just love donkeys. All of them. Except, perhaps, if they hang a camera around their neck. But that does make an excellent photograph (Selfie)
🙂 So kind, Paol. Much appreciated
Lovely photos, especially you and your wife standing together.
Thanks very much, Byung
Lovely day apparently. Both of you seem to have lost weight
Yes, indeed. Well spotted
Sounds like a great visit! Nice to see you and Jackie in the same frame!
Thanks a lot, Leslie 🙂
gorgeous garden!!! 👍💕🍃
so many to observe and enjoy!
any tips on growing poppies?
my seeds never seem to grow.
Thanks very much krc. It all depends on the soil. Normally we just scatter the seeds. Mostly they like it to be well drained – Welsh poppies are happy in a dark bog.
i agree!
i finally got dahlias to grow after changing the soil.
Lovely collection of donkeys getting in some sunbeams 😀 among all the other great shots too. especially the one of you and the Head Gardener. 🙂
Thanks very much, Widders