While I was drafting yesterday’s post Jackie nipped into the garden for a matter of minutes to take photographic advantage of
the last rays of the setting sun. From this end of the Back Drive (take note of the larch beyond the compost bins on the right) she focussed on
the Virginia creeper and accompanying Japanese anemones.
She also caught a pink rose with which I hadn’t been successful earlier on.
The golden light in the background picked up the the tips of the cypress tree;
the weeping birch,
Japanese maples,
and more.
Today, while the Head Gardener continued with her bed clearance, taking occasional trips to make sure she was safe, Nugget kept the enemy from the gate.
He perched on a tree midway,
puffed himself up,
had a good shake,
and a preen;
until he decided he looked hard enough to take on
his rival who was switching between the hawthorn and the larch on the Back Drive.
So, for a little variety “Where’s Nugget’s Rival?”
This evening we dined on Jackie’s nicely matured liver and bacon casserole; crisp Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, parsnips, mushrooms, and butternut squash; crunchy carrots; firm Brussels sprouts and green beans, with which the Culinary Queen drank Blue Moon and I drank more of the Saint-Chinian.
uh-oh Derrick, Jackie has learned the knack for using natural light to highlight her pictures – you’re in trouble now!!
🙂 I am, indeed. Thanks very much, GP.
The afternoon light looks beautiful: that diffuse light at the end of the day is a favourite for me. I also enjoy the way you anthropomorphize Nugget – so well – for it reminds me of the robins in my aunt’s garden in Dorset. It was wonderful for me to experience how tame they became, even for the short time I was there.
Thanks very much, Anne. We are almost in Dorset
Nugget’s rival isn’t very good at the ‘Where’s Wally’ game 🙂 Jackie however has taken some stunning shots. I think my favourite is the second of the evening glow on cypress – I love the colour and form in that one.
Thanks very much, Pauline. He doesn’t know he’s playing 🙂
Stunning photos as always Derrick. Jackie has a great eye.
Thanks very much, Drew
Well Derrick, I think you’re out of a job, Jackie’s photos are superb……
🙂 Thanks very much, Ivor
Nice Nugget shots 📸
Thanks very much, Sherry. He was very close to me.
Great photos, Jackie. Derrick has met his match. 😃
🙂 Many thanks, Sylvia
I agree, the pics are fantastic.
Thanks a lot, Peggy
Nugget looks like he’s getting ready to go out on the town tonight. Jackie’s photos are stunning! I can see why she couldn’t resist that lighting…gorgeous!
Thanks very much, Jill
I agree with others. Jackie’s photos are really lovely, and your Nugget photos are stunning.
Thanks very much, Sue
That golden hour where the sun’s last rays and the leaves combine to produce such a gorgeous colour – wow. Glad to see Nugget is keeping watch, Derrick. I salute the brave guardsman.
Thank you very much, Cynthia
Wowza! Beautiful photos, Jackie!!! 🙂 You’ve captured the light wonderfully! Thank you for adding light to my life!
Your photos are nice, Derrick. Ha! Just teasin’ you! Your photos are ALWAYS spectacular! Love the robin-y photos, always! 🙂
I think Nugget is hoping The Rival will leave, and a Pretty Partner will show up, so they can go on a date! 😉 😀
HUGS!!! 🙂
PS…Does nicely matured liver taste better than immature liver? I imagine immature liver can be goofy! 😛
Tonight I am fixing Chicken Parmesan, chunky (Veggie-heavy) Marinara Sauce, pasta, and a salad.
Most things improve with age 🙂 Your meal looks good too. Thanks very much, Carolyn
I’ll cheer Nugget on!
I’ll let him know. Thanks a lot, Leslie
Awesome photos
Liver and bacon casserole. Mmmmm.
Yep
Beautiful photos. The first one of the cypress is a jaw-dropper.
New “contest” idea; “Name Nugget’s Rival”.
Thanks very much, Oglach. If I can get nearer the rival I will do that 🙂
From the sound of things Derrick you and Jackie each has a large fan club! Congratulations on capturing some lovely shots; I feel as if you have made me so familiar with your yard that I could find my way around there quite easily.
There is a maThere is a map on the ‘About Derrick Knight’ at the top of the page.
That is lovely, Ronnie. Jackie is trying to send you a response re her map. Thanks very much.
Many of the shots are light-paintings. I loved the first two and the trees bathed in deep golden rays of the sun. Nugget seems to have earned a worry in the world after all.
Thanks very much, Uma. Nugget and his rival actually seemed to have agreed on their boundaries
There is a map on the ‘About Derrick Knight’ at the top of the page.
Who knew sunlight can turn trees to gold? Beautiful!
Thanks very much, young retirees.
Not sure if you mean that title as a compliment, but I learned a while back that when in doubt, it’s best to assume a compliment 😉 so… thank YOU!
Of course 🙂
Perhaps, Derrick, you could turn this photo-tale into an avian Tom & Jerry saga.
🙂 Thanks very much, Roland
Jackie definitely caught the mood of the ‘Golden Hour’ perfectly, also the signs of the approaching Autumn – beautiful.
The shots of young Nugget are at least equally beautiful, of course. 🙂
Although the light seemed to be fading i was able to spot Nugget’s rival, but you can let Nugget know he is still king of the Where’s Nugget photos!
Will do, Bob. Many thanks
Beautiful set.
Thanks very much, Rupali
It looks like the sun is trying to persuade your trees and other plants to get a move on and move into autumn golds… it’s very beautiful! And little Nugget is adding to all that (I didn’t look for the rivals, sorry – but will take your word that they’re hidden in there. 🙂 )
Thanks very much, Val
Ooh, nice photos of the sun illuminating the garden. Brilliant (pun intended!)! The autumn colors of Virginia creeper are so beautiful. I love the photo of Nugget with his wing fanned.
Many thanks, Cheryl. Nice pun 🙂
Derrick, Nugget is adorable. She will not be lost while I’m around.🌹
Many thanks, Micheline X
Oh, that golden time of day! Beautiful. Pretty sure I found Nugget’s rival. You might be interested to know that our robins, which look very different from yours and are not nearly as cute, travel about in flocks. I guess they are more sociable.
They certainly must me, Laurie. Thanks very much
Both you and Jackie are so talented. You two are a perfect match and Nugget could not have chosen a better place to live. I think all of us who read your blog secretly wish that we could be Nugget. Thanks again for giving me a small glimpse of your Heaven my dear friend.
Very many thanks, Jerry
Those last rays of setting sun in autumn in the garden sure are lovely! And little Nugget as handsome as ever. Beautiful photos, Jackie and Derrick!
Very many thanks from us both, Lavinia
Glorious photos!
Thanks very much, Merril
Jackie has a lot of work to do with a garden your size – maybe I’ve said it before but it must be wonderful to have so much outdoor space!
It is, indeed, wonderful. I have had it before – but for Jackie this is the first time.
Jackie did a great job of capturing the autumnal light in your garden. Your Nugget close-ups are superb.
I’ve always liked Jackie’s photography. And cooking. And gardening. And I’m sure her driving is spot-on too. Just saying… 🙂
🙂 Thanks very much, Quercus.
My pleasure. 🙂
Little Nugget, protector of his territory! I think the intruder is in the center of the photo. The back light in this series is breathtaking, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Dolly
Well, am I right or wrong?
I’m sorry – right of course 🙂
Thank you, Derrick