Late yesterday afternoon, beginning with
“Where’s Nugget?” (78), Jackie produced a series of photographs.
She was fascinated by the hairy borage
and a spiky caterpillar masquerading as a cactus.
Clematis Star of India occupies the wisteria arbour
through which is framed her favourite view of the garden. Left of centre, the Chilean lantern tree was lit by the evening sun.
Late this afternoon today, following the relaxed lockdown rules Jackie drove me to Bisterne Close along which I walked for 40 minutes before she picked me up and we returned home.
Unbeknown to each of us The Assistant Photographer and I focussed on the same subjects
Here we have tree fungus -Jackie’s
and mine.
To the right of this young female jogger stands a tree marked
for foresters’ attention, as in my photographs.
This would be too late for fallen (mine)
or broken (Jackie’s) trees.
One runner was exercising himself and his dog;
other people took a more leisurely pace.
I enjoyed a pleasant conversation with the friendly woman who kept the required distance from the runner and his pooch shown above.
There was much blooming rhododendron Ponticum along the lane.
Casting its shadow, a dark brown pony left a group ahead of me.
These wallowed in what, when we were last here, was a waterlogged verge.
Our final coincidental subject was the last of these ponies who, by the time Jackie approached was reaching for drier fodder.
We passed another pony on our way back along Bennetts Lane.
Golfers are now free to play on the Burley Course.
More ponies frequent the moors of Holmsley Passage.
This evening, along with her exquisite savoury rice, Jackie produced a variety of prawns: tempura; salt and pepper; and hot and spicy; and small vegetable spring rolls. She drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the El Zumbido Garnacha Syrah.
It’s funny that you and Jackie took similar photos. Or maybe not. 😀
Her favorite garden view is beautiful.
I like that final action shot of the pony with its tail flickering.
Thanks very much, Merril. Yes, maybe not 🙂
😀
Agreed – that pic was my favourite too 🌿
Thanks a lot, Tiny.
Great minds! 😀
🙂
Wonderful Photos Derrick!
Thanks very much, Dwight
Nugget has gotten distracted! I am very fond of hairy borage too – it is a wonderful herb and every stage of its life fascinates me! The fungus that you both photographed reminds me somewhat of the caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland…… I’m not surprised that you were both drawn to it 🙂 It seems life is opening up again across much of the world – ready or not!
Yes – ready or not. Thanks very much, Pauline X
Ready or not!
Nice to see the horses. Stay safe be well.
Thanks very much, Laurie. We will be careful.
I can’t help thinking that life opening up is a little too much and too soon.
Oh, I am glad you visited the forest ponies and I love that you both took such similar photographs!
Great collection of photos! You and Jackie make a great team.
Thank you so much, Jill
I am glad to see that you both have an appreciation of fungus.
I’m sure. Thank you very much Tootlepedal.
Lovely captures from you both! Enjoy this unfolding of Spring
Thank you very much, Val.
So funny that you took such similar pictures. I do feel like golfing and walking and other outdoor activities could be opened with common sense rules involved. They had closed parks and golf courses around here, which just lead to everyone congregating on streets in even closer proximity. So I am glad those things have reopened. As long as I can run down my road a few miles and run back, I am happy. I am in no hurry to be out and about with anyone at this point.
Happy running, Jodie. Thank you very much.
Oh, it IS happy. Every time. Never a mistake to go running. I know you know that to be true.
Some might say I did too much 🙂
Nothing a couple of painful surgeries and years of rehab can’t fix! : )
🙂
We have just entered Step one of restriction lifting. Now we can have five people come and visit. For this releif much thanks, Horatio.
Fingers crossed, John. Thanks a lot.
I enjoyed walking with you and seeing how connected you and Jackie are! My daughter loved seeing the horses (as usual).
Thank you very much, Lisa. That is pleasing.
Lovely photos Derrick. Nature has been such a tonic for all us during this time. Take care and stay well. 😊
Thanks very much, Miriam. You, too.
You always have the best captured moments in photo
Thank you very much, More
You’re welcome Derrick
I can see why Jackie was fascinated by the hairy borage. It’s fascinating! And isn’t it amazing how many different forms fungi can take? Made me wonder if there are infinite types, so I looked it up: “There are about 75,000 scientifically identified species of fungi, with scientists believing there may be as many as a million fungal species yet unidentified.” Thanks for motivating my research. Nice to see the ponies.
Thank you very much, JoAnna. I’m always happy to prompt research – especially when I get the results of it 🙂
Lovely weather for the joggers and others -and love that rhododendron
Thanks very much, Yvette.
Nugget is of course near his reinforced station towards the top right of the frame. It’s great to see life returning to normalcy. The post has interesting photographs.
Well spotted, Uma. Thank you very much.
Your blog won’t take my comments.. let’s see if this works..Please give Jackie my compliments on her photos. And, I think it is a great idea to have duelling lenses! I loved seeing your differing views on the same subject.
Thanks very much, Judy – for persevering, and for your observations and good wishes.
Oh good. I’m back in your good graces again.
🙂
Love that arbour view too.
Thanks very much, Chrissy.
Nugget is such a cutie. Lots of very cool textures here!
Thank you very much, Luanne
Different eyes: sometimes when my husband and I return from an outing to a particular place and look at our photographs one might be forgiven for thinking we had been on separate excursions! It is always fun to see the perspective of another.
Indeed, Anne. Thank you very much.
Jackie and Derrick:
Your photos are brilliant! So many of them made me say “Oh!” and smile that I can’t list them all!
I especially “Aw’D” at Jackie’s favourite view of the garden!
The broken trees make me sad…but such is life…and your photos of them are fabulous!
As always, the ponies are a joy to see!
The layers of nature, the bright colors, the textures, the life…all captured so wonderfully!
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thank you so much from us both, Carolyn. XX
You are both welcome! 🙂
Hopefully “borage” is a rhyme for “porridge” rather than being pronounced in the French way, “bor-AGE”.
🙂 Thanks a lot, John.
I will have to tell you the story of my uncle, the pannaging pig and the errant golf shot at Burley sometime. Meanwhile lovely to see you moving around more as the forest blossoms
Many thanks, Geoff. That is a tantalising summary.
Be safe, Derrick!Long time no speak. Hope all is well. Love your photos. Especially the one with the caterpillars is just awesome. Hugs to all!
Thanks very much, Sofia. You, too
Nugget shows us his behind while enjoying some food 😉
Wonderful nature as always!
Thanks very much, Ribana 🙂 Well spotted
Thank you, Derrick. Some beautiful ponies today – though I doubt I can ever say I’ve seen an ugly one!!
Obviously I thought of you and was most disappointed until I saw my first ponies in that pool near the end of my walk. Holmsley Passage had also been devoid of them on our way out. Thank you, too.
Where do you think the others are?
I think they were just taking a siesta and were back as we returned home
A beautiful set of photos from you and Jackie, Derrick! It is always good to see little Nugget, and I love those forest drives and the ponies. I am glad you were able to get out on such a beautiful sunny day and share it with your readers!
Thank you so much, Lavinia
It is amazing how the two great minds meet! Even though the photos produced are markedly different (yet both sets excellent), the eyes are drawn to the same subjects.
Mr Nugget is availing himself of the feeder, hiding behind a branch.
Thanks very much, Olly. Well spotted.
You are very welcome, Derrick.
Sorry – Dolly!
Mo problem
The hairy borage is a new one for me. I don’t think I’ve noticed you taking a shot of this plant before.
Not yet, Cindy. A survival from last year so much bigger than usual. Thanks very much.
I always like the photos of the ponies, and of course Nugget. Glad you and Jackie have a bit more freedom now as things “loosen” up. Be careful and be safe!
Thanks very much, Maj. We will be careful. I am afraid we will have another wave.
Out of this group, I’m going to have to go with the spiky caterpillar masquerading as a cactus. I got a kick out of the similarity of subjects that you and Jackie chose, particularly the tree fungus.
Thanks very much, Liz. The similarities were amazing, as I had gone out of sight quite quickly.
Good that you can still go out and enjoy nature.
Thanks very much, Arlene.
Ah, a day out to enjoy the garden, the ponies, the fresh air, and capture your wonderful images… how wonderful! I love them all, Derrick, but the hairy borage is definitely my favorite today. Beautiful… fascinating! Again, thanks for sharing.
And thank you so much, Jan
I confess that I pushed the relaxation to the limit. I drove 100 miles to see my children. I did feel guilty and rehearsed excuses if I was pulled over. I observed social distancing rules but even without a hug it was good to see them. I received a bottle of Bombay Sapphire for my upcoming birthday.
Well done, Andrew. I’m sure you were sensible about it. Thanks very much.