This still life arrangement needed no tweaking from me. Even the January morning sunlight was warm enough to defrost the bread.
After lunch Ian drove us through the forest until we arrived at Rockford Common which we eagerly explored.
Ian left off his conversation with one pony to warn me that another was rapidly advancing on me from behind.
The creature was momentarily nose to nose with me, but moved off and continued chomping grass,
with companions spread around the area.
I wandered around on my own for a while,
until spotting Becky, Ian, and Scooby on top of the sandy hill.
Our daughter and her dog followed Ian back down.
Becky then led me back up to the top where we walked along a footpath,
then returned the way we had come. We looked down on the ponies with which I had earlier been communing.
Back in the car, on the way home we stopped for a pleasant drink at the attractive Royal Oak pub in North Gorley.
This evening we reprised yesterday’s macaroni cheese meal, without the asparagus. Jackie and Ian both drank Peroni, and I started on the last bottle of El Sotillo.
Your posts always paint such a lovely portrait of life. You are blessed, Derrick. ☺
Many thanks, Van. I am blessed by comments such as yours
Delightful photos Derrick. When the winter sun can defrost the bread, one knows that global warming is indeed not something to be loafed at.
Thank you Bruce, for your compliments and for your usual slice of wit
Laurie Graves said that the winter light is clear, clear, clear. So it is and you have captured some great images in that light. I am impressed by the tenacity of those trees, clinging to the degraded slopes for life.
Thank you, Mary. The trees are amazing
Such beautiful photos!
Thanks, mommermom
I love British pubs 🙂
Thanks, Sylvie
Brilliant stunning photos, as ever. Lovely jaunt out!
Thanks Ian
A mild winter, ponies and a chocolate box pub! What a life!!
’tis innit? Thanks, Pauline
Your photos are beautiful, Derrick. I love the photo of the pub, it looks like someone’s home.
Thank you, Jill
Another beautiful walk with such lovely pictures. I love all those of the ponies particularly and the contrejour picture of the bare tree against the sky filled with clouds. Thanks for sharing Derrick
Thank you, Geetha
Welcome Derrick 🙂
There is quite a lot of forested area in your photos. I was under the impression that most of England’s forest had been cut, but it looks like that is no longer true!
The New Forest was begun by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. As a National Park it is protected, although Henry VIII used the oaks for shipbuilding
Interesting. Thanks, D. This isn’t stuff they teach us in our meagre history classes here.
Gorgeous photos, Derrick. The ponies are beautiful. 🙂
What a leisurely look at things…a real mosey. Such a lovely land–thanks, Derrick, again!
Thank you, Cynthia G
Stunning trees and skies…..
Thank you, Cynthia
What a wonderful place for a wander!
Thank you, John.
Particularly taken with the still life shot Derrick. Great!
Many thanks, Max
Beautiful horses! 🙂
Thank you, Rockhopper
I love the Royal Oak at Gorely – great beer there! Rockford common used to be my favourite place for a picnic, stroll or bike-ride when I lived in the New Forest. Your beautiful photos make me think I should get out there now.
You should. Thanks, Sol
Horses, a dog, family, a walk, and a pub. Who could ask for anything more?
Nice to see all that sunshine.
Yes. Thanks, pagedogs.
Beautiful photos once again Derrick. I love the tree growing out of the hill…
Thanks, Julie
Did you see me? I was right out there walking the trails with you and Becky and Ian – it was a lovely day! Really though your photography of the landscape has been capturing some stunning shots. Love these posts Derrick.
Many thanks, Mary. I look out for you next time
You eagerly explored because you had what to explore, Derrick. Rockford Common is a heavenly place. As I already told you, Derrick, you’re a painter 🙂
Many thanks, Monica
I want to ride that beautiful horse♡
Thank you, Candice
Beautiful tranquil green walk. Thanks, my house windows show a blowing snow, I needed a bit of a virtual digital break. 🙂
Thank you, Joseph
Scooby, the ponies and that intriguing and photogenic roots system with sun shining upon it orangish, were amazing, Derrick.
Many thanks, Robin