CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE. REPEAT IF REQUIRED.
Today’s weather pattern was similar to yesterday’s, that is mostly overcast with the sun emerging late in the afternoon. The emergence was rather later this time, and
the orb lacked complete confidence as it vied with the smoky clouds.
Once again we ventured into the forest where, on the moors near Holmsley, I disembarked to mingle with a group of ponies.
One of this year’s earliest foals was growing into a fine young chap.
He seemed rather brighter when the sun burst through;
as did his blonde companion.
A woman in the background hurried through this shot in order not to spoil it. I told her that, on the contrary, she had made it.
I followed the animals as they forced their way through their bracken camouflage,
and crossed Holmsley Passage
to try the fodder on the other side.
I spent some time with them here.
A group of walkers with a couple of small dogs passed by
and I turned to rejoin Jackie in the Modus. She was not where I had left her. I set off down the hill in search. Soon I saw her driving back up. Not having seen me slinking into the trees, she had gone in search of me. As she said, at least she had not been trying to preserve a table in a crowded café, which has sometimes been her lot as I have gone a-wandering.
On our return to Lymington we took a diversion to Goatspen car park to watch the skies taking on a smoky pink hue as the solar frisbee skimmed across them.
Jackie was delighted to spot a group of large toadstools.
We dined at Lal Quilla. My main meal was lamb Ceylon; Jackie’s, chicken sag; we shared special fried rice, an egg paratha, and an onion bhaji. We both drank Kingfisher. The food and friendly service was as good as ever.
I can see a future for you that includes high visibility clothing and a tracking device. 🙂
Lots of chuckling here, Quercus. Many thanks.
🙂
Such wonderful photos, Derrick. The love the horses. The photos the sun are wonderful, both the series and the one at the top (which I would have thought was the moon).
And Jackie’s expression–priceless!
Very many thanks, Merril. It did look just like the moon. Jackie rushed me over to see what she had found.
What a great shot of Jackie! She’s liking those huge toadstools. 🙂
She certainly is 🙂 Many thanks, Jill
Nice story!
Thanks very much, Rekha
I thought those first shots were of the moon.
The horses/ponies are magnificent, you’re calling one a fine young chap and his made me wonder; how many of these beautiful creatures are male?
I’d have supposed that the majority would be female, in the belief that nature liked to have more female than males of all species (humans excepted) for procreation purposes.
I think most are female, Brian, especially the pregnant ones. 🙂 I can’t really tell unless I spot an appendage. The sun was indeed most moon-like. Thanks a lot.
Are you sure about the ones in foal? 🙂
🙂
Your photographs of the ponies are really nice! I am sorry your weather has been so cloudy recently thought your photos of the murky sun are excellent!
The weather offers all kinds of photographic bonuses, Clare. Very many thanks
And on a totally different note Derrick I have been instructed to pass on some information to you as I have been rather remiss in doing so……. Do you recall last year sending me three lovely prints of your garden? Two hang here, one in my art room, another in the kitchen and the third got whipped out of my hands and absconded to my daughters flat where she framed it and hung it in her bedroom. It is a particularly pretty pink section of the garden, featuring flowers and lots of greenery and it served as the jumping off point of inspiration for her living room do-up that I featured on my recent post. The print now hangs on her living room wall pretty much opposite the inky doodles. She wanted me to ensure you knew this. She thanks you very much 🙂 I did, as usual, enjoy reading this post 🙂
Very many thanks, Pauline. We both found that lovely to read. Of course I remember sending the prints, but not exactly which ones. Perhaps the blog will tell me. 🙂
I shall make sure to include a photo of that side of the room in my next post Derrick.
🙂 Look forward to it
Those ponies seem to be blissfully free from worldly woes! Perhaps their tranquility is infectious. The images of the sun, especially the one in which he is peeking through the conjoined trees, are delicious.
Thanks very much, Uma. That was our favourite sun picture, too
Those toadstools could’ve served as umbrellas. Such a shame it didn’t rain!
🙂 Many thanks, Bruce
Calm and quiet!
Thanks very much, Arlene
Well, by the look on her face Jackie seemed quite pleased to have rediscovered you.
Thanks a lot Paol
I was so convinced the sun was the moon while browsing through the images in my email before I read and realised what it was. Loved the horse close-ups.
Very many thanks, Geetha. It looked just like the moon.
Welcome Derrick 🙂
I’m amazed at how those ponies allow you to go right up to them to photograph them! Such beautiful, gentle creatures! They have obviously been well cared for.
They are amazing, indeed.
You seem to be having excellent weather for toadstools.
I always love your photographs of the horses, especially in the sunshine.
Thanks very much, Melanie
Wonderful gallery as always and so the post.
Thank you very much, Rupali
I very much enjoyed this excursion with the ponies.
Many thanks, JoAnna.
I enjoyed this entire collection and so happy you featured the youngest addition to the horses. His coat is so handsome and such a very nice sheen to it, too. The close-up one with eyelashes and soft fur just makes me want to pet him.
The skies in the dusty rose tinge, sun resembling moon and the dark silhouettes are all superb! 🙂
Very many thanks, Robin. Although some are known to bite, the ponies are, on the whole, wonderfully gentle creatures.
I sense an easygoing spirit in those ponies who roam freely in these woods and along roads. So glad you took the time to let me know this, Derrick.
Always love to see the ponies. You and Jackie have a wonderful life, Derrick!
Very many thanks, Lavinia
I was also fooled as others here were regarding the stunning moon you photographed which turned out to be the sun, after all!
Another quote by Shakespeare sprung to mind as Katherine and Petrochio argued in The Taming of the Shrew:
“I say it’s the moon that shines so bright. … And whatever it is—moon or sun or anything you like—if you want to call it a tea candle, that’s what it is as far as I’m concerned …”
Ah, you inspire me so!
Many thanks, Rose. A wonderfully apt quotation. Well done.
I am curtsying, your majesty. 😉
🙂