On another gloomy and cold morning we ventured out into the forest trusting that the nearer we arrived at midday the brighter the light may become. If anything there was more darkness at noon.
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6382.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6386.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6383.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6384.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6385.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6388.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6387.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6381.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6393.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6389.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6390.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6392.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6394.jpg)
We stopped at Setley Ridge Garden Centre which Jackie, masked up, entered and bought some Christmas presents while I focussed on the displays outside, in the doorways, and through the window.
Afterwards Jackie tucked the Modus onto a verge in Church Lane while I
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6395.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6398.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6396.jpg)
photographed the fast moving bubbling, rippling, stream with its arboreal reflections.
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6400.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6402.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6403.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6404.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6405.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6409.jpg)
The old quarry lake at Pilley was once more full enough to provide a still canvas for artistic reflections.
No-one had plucked mistletoe from a fallen tree. I guess there is not much call for it in 2020.
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6411.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6416.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6412.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6413.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6415.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_6414.jpg)
A trio of donkeys spilled over the road at Jordans Lane.
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_3558.jpg)
![](https://derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_3559.jpg)
Jackie photographed a driver’s eye view.
Our starter for this evening’s dinner was Jackie’s chicken, bacon, and vegetable stoup. The main course was her succulent shepherd’s pie topped with crisp croquette potatoes; served with firm Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower and broccoli; and meaty gravy. Dessert was apple and gooseberry crumble and custard. The Culinary Queen drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Merlot.