After a long and eventful Saturday in New Forest, UK, Margaret and I went to pick up Derrick and Jackie once more. Though it was only my second day driving, and I felt quite unsteady still, our rental car would comfortably fit all four of us, and thus I did the driving.
They had shown me a back way to get to their house, and I used it gratefully, as the front of the house faces a busy street and my nerves were still a little rattled in the unfamiliar driving situation. The back lane leads directly to their extraordinary garden, where Derrick and Jackie were outside in the spectacular weather, enjoying a glass of wine.
I already feel as though I know Derrick’s personality, so it was marvelous to get to know his wife’s personality. Jackie is a quick wit; smart and funny in a way that is so enjoyable because you can banter and tease and she is self-assured enough to dish it right back with a smile. These two have a history of employment in social services and lost any delicate feelings long ago. It is so much easier for me to get along with people when I don’t have to take care about hurting feelings. I often say the wrong thing and find myself apologizing, and Derrick and Jackie are the kind of people who would respond with a “don’t worry about it,” were I to put my foot in my mouth.
We exchanged gifts. The day before, Derrick thoughtfully gave me a set of books specifically designed to match my taste: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, illustrated by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. He also gave me a card with an image of Buckingham Palace and the palace guards. More cherished is the note inside. There is nothing so sweet as a hand-written note from someone who cares about you.
In the garden our second night, I remembered to bring my own gifts. A pen from the Cherokee Nation, with an embedded scroll containing the Cherokee language syllabary and Cherokee words and phrases to use, so next time I visit, Derrick and I can speak in Cherokee. Just kidding! I only know a few words. For the other gift, I had to bring a dragon, because dragons are my familiar. I thought the glass ball would look lovely in the dragon garden, but they are worried for its safety. I’m sure the dragon appreciates this care.
I had chosen The Beach House for our evening meal, because I had seen it on Derrick’s blog and wanted to see it for myself. Also, it was advertised as a good place to watch a sunset over the English Channel, and I wanted to fact check.
We were shown our table and I wandered off to take photos. This historic home was built by an internationally renowned Victorian architect name Arnold Mitchell. Mitchell was apparently involved in the concept of the Aswan Dam, which I have seen in Egypt, and railway stations in Argentina. The impressive stained glass windows were installed because the original home owner did not like curtains, which in 1897 were typically used in excess. Eventually, I came across a view to the back.
After we ate a nice meal and were tempted by dessert, I noticed the setting sun and scooted right back outside again with my camera.
After fine desserts to top off our meal, we returned to the garden, which our hosts told us would now be sporting fairy lights. We were awed by the transformation at night. It became a magical world with lights in all directions.
Isn’t it absolutely beautiful? We had to do a garden tour all over again that evening, because it seemed like a new place to us.
Conscious Engagement 
Now I can see fairy lights in your garden. You have bought back so many ideas and projects for Pedro 😂
That is funny, Brian. I did tell him about the lights, but I think he is distracted with other plans right now. He is halfway through a second garden gate – this one with wrought iron, so pretty. After that, I think he is planning to build a new chicken house and fence at the back of our property. I built a chicken tunnel, and it gave him the idea to move their house from right up against our bedroom wall (so noisy….). I think fairy lights he will leave to me, h a ha!
Pedro sure is handy to have around and is keeping busy. Take a photo of the iron gate.
Fairy lights will be easy for you to install.
An absolutely incredible journey. I envy Derrick’s library, and the garden! OHH! THE GARDEN!
Oh my goodness, Lou, if you haven’t seen his blog, it shows more of the garden. The more you see, the more you will envy it. It’s a marvel of southern England. ❤ The library got gasps from us as well.
Oh, Derrick’s garden!!! What a nice journey. I am nerve-wracked driving in UK so completely understand!
Oh hello! Have you visited from Derrick’s blog – your avatar seems familiar. I told myself before I came that aside from meeting him and his wife, the only other #1 goal I had in New Forest was to get a tour of their garden. It’s so funny that you say the roads in your own area are stressful. You have made me feel quite proud of myself for being brave and driving in Southwestern England. It seems to be the ideal way to get around those parts, which aren’t connected well with public transportation. But one needs to be ready for it!
Yes, I used to visit his blog all the time and then couldn’t access it after he left WordPress. I miss it!!! I sounds as though it may have moved again, though, so I’ll see if I can subscribe. I need to get back to reading blogs regularly and maybe writing again. So nice to read your blog, too!
Such a warm and vivid story! I loved how you captured Derrick and Jackie’s personalities and the thoughtful gift exchange. Your sunset and garden descriptions really brought the scene to life. Thanks for sharing this beautiful evening!
I am so glad the evening came through portrayed as I wished it would be. It was warm, both the weather and the friendship feelings, and just about perfect.
You definitely succeeded—everything about it felt heartfelt and real. I could sense the ease and joy between everyone, like I was right there with you. Those are the kind of evenings that stay with you. Thanks again for letting us experience a bit of that magic!
I smiled all the way through reliving your delightful visit through your wonderful photography. We enjoyed getting to know Margaret, too. Those flowers on the cliff edge are thrift.
Thank you, Derrick, for the name of the flower. They are very pretty like that. Such a simple wildflower, but a very nice effect, especially in the golden setting sun. I am glad you enjoyed the story from my perspective, and you can compare it to your own memories. I’m glad you both were so good to my friend Margaret, and she to you. ❤
XX
Ha! Ha! I am now greener than green. That folio edition Derrick gave you is precious. I understand those were very unique publications a while back. (And the Trilogy! My goodness… 👏🏻)
I loved the view of Derrick’s library. Just as I imagined. Also the night view of their fantastic garden…
Compliments to all four for “taking us in”.
🤗 to all.
Brian, how much fun for you to get to see some of our mutual friends’ lives through my lens. I did not hesitate to tell Derrick that he was the entire reason we were in England. Margaret asked me to plan our destination and our intinerary, and I told her a full year ago, “Then it will be England, because I want to meet Derrick and Jackie.” ha ha.
That is the perfect reason.