Today was largely overcast, yet very warm. This morning, entertained by trilling birdsong, I carried out a dead heading session; the scents of a multitude of plants pervaded the garden even more as the warmth increased when I stepped out after lunch to walk around it.
I photographed a day lily, numerous roses, two clematis, poppies, a yellow bottle brush plant and a white solanum, all of which bear titles in the gallery.
Later, Jackie drove us to the north of the forest.
Almost the first signs of life we saw were ponies lingering leisurely along the road at North Gorley
and cattle giving drivers an opportunity to rest on the road to Hyde.
We admired the view from Abbotswell Road, on a
verge of which a squirrel hid with its mouth full. I’m not sure who nibbled the tree in the foreground.
Driving down Blissford Hill is always a bit nerve wracking because it is necessary to get up speed to the dappled area beneath the trees in order to climb up the very steep slope, hoping not to encounter another vehicle coming down.
We hope to arrive at the wider top where dog walkers are enjoying the levelling out of the surface.
Donkeys are usually in evidence outside the school at Hyde. Today they were accompanied by a number of foals. The last two photographs in this gallery are Jackie’s.
On our way home a helpful Jay pointed the way to Ringwood.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s very tasty liver and bacon casserole; mashed swede and potatoes sweet and white; and carrots, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts flavoursome and al dente, with which I drank Chilean reserva privada Malbec 2022.
