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When Aaron and Sean cleared space for the promised greenhouse, they stacked the cut branches at the end of the Back Drive.
I chopped or broke them into manageable sizes and filled two of our large orange containers with them. There is still enough for two more bags. Jackie and I took them to the dump and returned with a very large saucer for a big planter tub.
While I worked, big black bees and Small White butterflies were equally busy alongside me among the fuchsias and the verbena bonarensises in the New Bed.
From the recycling centre we went on a driveabout.
At Sway we came across a group of ponies bearing the identification marks showing that they had experienced The Drift.
When I featured this annual event, I explained that tails were clipped, collars replaced, and branding applied. This animal displays all three.
It was actually quite difficult to show the cuts on the tails because they were constantly being used as fly whisks.
Wherever the creature had rolled in the mud, it had besmirched its nice new collar;
whilst this one’s bath had obscured its brand.
We visited Milford on Sea to investigate the fortunes of Mr Pink’s Fish and Chips since its recent fire. Unfortunately it is closed until further notice.
The shingle and the rocks along the coastline were well populated, as can be seen by this shot of Hurst Point Lighthouse, the story of which can be seen here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurst_Point_Lighthouse
Others were bathing in the water,
seated on folding chairs,
reading newspapers, or flashing tattoos.
This evening we dined on duck breasts in plum sauce; roast new potatoes in their jackets and peppers in chillies and herbs; and crisp carrots and green beans. I finished the Fleurie.
Hello…any chance you’d be able to share your recipe for duck breasts in plum sauce? Thanks!
Thank you walksandrambles. I’m afraid it was Tesco’s finest – sauce supplied. When we have Jackie’s recipes I always say the meal is Jackie’s, so happy to oblige on others.
Sounds delish! We have a number of duck breasts in our freezer so always looking for ways to use them. Thanks for your reply!
A great day all the way around, it appears!
Yes, thanks, GP
These moments of happiness captured are such a welcome treat after a gruelling day!Thank you for sharing them with the world!!!
Many thanks, Sofia. After our meal, Jackie usually asks whether I have fished my post. ‘Just got to tell the world ………..’ (what we had for dinner) 🙂
Or even “finished” 🙂
Dammit, Paul. That is such a good observation I can’t even amend the original 🙂
Looks like some fabulous weather.
Still is, Lisa. Thanks
So sorry about Mr. Pink’s…
We have green waste collection once a fortnight. The waste is taken to the tip and recycled. Garbage and recyclable waste (sorted) are collected once a week. Household waste are collected once a fortnight – this brings out the most interesting ‘collectables’ for gleaners – furniture, plant pots and the like.
Nice to see the ponies in recovery.
It’s strange to see so many fully clothed people on the beach. Usually I am the only one 🙂
Thanks, Mary. Our green waste is collected, but the bags are far too small for our stuff. Garbage and recyclable both once a week, bigger stuff you have to pay extra for, so we do it ourselves while we still can.
Did I miss Mr Pink’s fire while I was either partying or getting over the flu? And I am highly amused at the thought of all those post-drift ponies determinedly going incognito ……….
Thank you, Pauline. We hadn’t known about the fire until seeing the notice outside. http://milfordonsea.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/fire-at-mr-pinks.html
My vote was for the vat fire – such a shame though as it’s holiday time! And, oh dear, what will you do on fish’n’chip night now?
We thought vat fire, too. Well, there is a posh restaurant overlooking the sea at Barton 🙂
I suggest calling ahead to ascertain if they do fish’n’chips 🙂
They do, oh, they do :). Mind you, we used to go to a much less posh one in Highcliffe before we discovered Mr Pink’s. Watch this space 🙂
My cousins owned a horse farm. These are such beauties.
Thanks, Candice. They have had such a mild winter that they haven’t gone short of food.
Gardens, ponies, and beach–then your delicious dinner. It sounds like a wonderful day.
The photos are beautiful. I was amazed at the detail you can see on the bee. The ponies look very content. I liked the beach shots, too–quite a stony beach.
Many thanks, Merril. Yes, there is no sand on that beach. The bee was taken with the little point and shoot camera – it is amazing for that kind of pic which is actually quite a big crop
I adore the bee shot, Derrick…well done!
Thanks a lot, Jill.
Bumblebee was so fuzzy, detailed. I liked the beach and lighthouse in the distance. I really like ponies and horses, too. Your photos were wonderful, Derrick.
Many thanks, as ever, Robin
Great description with lovely pictures as always and in the end you never fail to make my mouth water with the yummy menu details… loved it.. like always. Thanks for sharing Derrick!!
Thank you very much, Zigyasa
It seems like a great day out !
After the hard work bit. 🙂 Thank you, Sylvie
Your life seems positively idyllic, Derrick! Gardening, horses and lighthouses all in the same day – I admit to being a little envious!
Not bad, is it, Anna? Many thanks
Can I come to the conclusion that you’re happy with your newish camera?
I would certainly say so. Thanks, Yvonne. Although some of the photos are still taken with the older one – only the first today, but most the day before
Your close-up pics make me highly aware of the limitations of my digital point-&-shoot camera, which flaunts on its body that it does 3.2 MP, which was high, once. I joke that it carries an endorsement by Louis Daguerre. I tried photographing ladybirds (as it turned out, their pupae) on our runner beans, to post on a Facebook page to seek some ID, and the results were embarrassing, mainly because the focus is a minimum of half a metre, not much good for creatures only about 7 or 8mm across. The group still identified them for me, though (and no-one laughed about my antediluvian camera, bless ’em!)
Believe it or not, my close-ups are best when taken with the point and shoot. It took me a while to find the macro facility on mine. Let me have a look at yours when next we meet.
Why on earth do women have tattoos? And what terrible news about Mr Pink. You must let us know when he is back again in business.
Thanks John. Will do. How about this one: https://derrickjknight.com/2012/10/10/oiling-the-lion/
HA!
Why does ANYone?
Quite
Gorgeous set of very beautiful photos. Among them, my favorite are horse photos.
Thanks very much, Sartenada
What a lovely day and beautifully captured through your lens Derrick!
Many thanks, Geetha
Welcome Derrick
Love your bee close-up and the ‘fly whisk’ shot. 🙂
Many thanks, Sylvia
It’s so interesting to see your world and to learn about new things. The horses look so different with their tails clipped.love the beach
Thank you very much, Lynn
most welcome
All the pictures are wonderful but that little bumble steals it for me …. He looks so furry and cuddly and snugly on his flower …. Adorable
Many thanks, Osyth