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There was so much snow and ice around on Friday 2nd March, that we were unable to leave the house. It was, however, fifty years since Jackie and I first married. In our circumstances we are uncertain whether this date or that of our second wedding last year takes precedence. We couldn’t really let it pass unnoticed as we chomped our sandwiches in the evening, and I decided to buy a token present today. Jackie therefore drove me into New Milton where I bought some Givenchy Organza perfume which made her even more fragrant.
This afternoon we drove into the forest. Although the snow had largely disappeared there were a few pockets in the more sheltered spots.
More trees, like those on Boldrewood Drive, had been shattered by the winds of Storm Emma, requiring their limbs to be cut up, and left to join the relics of previous arboreal casualties, retained for ecological purposes.
The two small ponies seen foraging by the roadside were perhaps last year’s later foals. One, in particular, decorated its mane at tail with crisp bracken and leaves.
We stopped for a drink at The Royal Oak, North Gorley. Jackie, reflected in a pool on the road outside the pub, sports her own ponytail.
We then returned home just in time to receive a call from Richard of Kitchen Makers who came to fit the front of one of the drawers that had not been delivered to him before; and to change an existing power point so that it would match the new ones he had installed. Such is his attention to detail.
Having mastered the hobs, this evening Jackie fed us on her spicy pasta arrabbiata. She had stocked up on her frozen delicacies. The bulk of this meal was heated up and more pasta cooked on the induction hobs. The Culinary Queen drank Hoegaarden and I finished the Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon.
Lovin’ your day out among the ponies, The Royal Oak, but is the Culinary Queen about ready to give up her apron for a garden trowel?
It’s definitely going to be a dilemma, GP. Thanks very much
Congrats on your 50 th!
Many thanks, Gary
Happy belated wedding anniversary to you both Derrick ❤️? Great pictures of the ponies too.
Many thanks, Miriam
The 50 years definitely called for celebration. Lovely pony pis. 🙂
Thanks very much, Sylvia
50 years! Congrats
Many thanks, Lynn
That was clever, Derrick. Ponytails and pony tales all in one blog.
Many thanks, Roland
A belated Happy Anniversary to you and Jackie! Those trees are striking–like some kind of ghostly creatures.
The pub looks comfortable and cozy–or at least you seem relaxed. Jackie’s pasta looks delicious!
Many thanks, Merril. One of many such pubs
Yes, I’m sure. 🙂
Happy belated anniversary to you both! I’m surprised you all are leaving the house…I figured you’d be camped out in your new kitchen. 🙂
That’s very tempting, Jill. 🙂 Many thanks
You two are living the good life. Cheers!
Many thanks, Leslie. A pretty good stage of life
What a great idea to remarry on a different day so you can celebrate twice a year! 🙂
Good thinking, Mary. Many thanks
You got it in one Mary!
I’d add the two anniversary years together – and that way you’ll get to 100 a lot quicker. Congrats!
Many thanks, Bruce. That would be the first century I’ve ever scored
You often score 100 in my book, Derrick! That means either – Hurrah! or Over the Hill and Far Away! Take your pick!
🙂
In the first picture, the tree in the forground is surprisingly humaniform. The one in which Jackie is reflected in the puddle is a great shot. I have a feeling I can smell the perfume through the screen!
That was quick, the mastery of the gadgetry by Jackie!
Very many thanks, Uma
WooHoo!!! … the first meal! … even if it was heated up, it still counts. Congratulations. 😀
Many thanks, Widders
Happy 50th, Derrick and Jackie!
You had quite the windstorm there. I am thankful we have not had one here, yet, this year.
The ponies are always a treat to see. 🙂
Thanks very much, Lavinia
When in doubt, celebrate both! Happy 50th anniversary.
Well said, Gwen. Many thanks
I think that we probably will, both have meaning and deserve to be celebrated.
Exactly what I was thinking. One does not replace the other. They are both significant for their own special reasons.
I am glad you had a Golden Day for your anniversary. And I am glad you marked it. Rather like our Monarch, it seems to be fitting that you should have two anniversaries to celebrate each year, you both having walked long and often hard walks in your lives. I wish you both much joy, laughter and contentment in the years ahead.
Very many thanks, Osyth. A lovely comment
Definitely a milestone to be marked – like the Queen has two birthdays, you can have two anniversaries. Congratulations to you both 🙂
Many thanks, Sandra
Love the leafy pony tail! You may have started a fashion trend. 🙂
Thanks very much, Susan
That pony tail needs a brushing. 😉 A very happy anniversary to you and Jackie, no matter which one you celebrate.
Many thanks, Laurie
Happy Anniversary! (Part 1?) ?
So it seems, Cheryl. Many thanks
You are a daring man, buying your wife perfume, Derrick. Happy Anniversary to you both! Love shots of the pony and its decorations, and those poor ravaged trees.
Many thanks, Anna 🙂
Happy fiftieth (first wedding), anniversary.
?
Many thanks, Melanie X
Most welcome.
x
Congrats Derrick. 50 years is a great accomplishment. We celebrated my in-laws 50th last year.
You’re a god man Derrick
Thanks very much, Andrew
A lovely post Derrick. Happy 50th anniversary.
Lovely pictures of woods. Thanks for sharing them.
Thanks very much, Rupali
The best part is the dinner.
Thanks very much, Cathi
Here’s to love with deep roots to weather all storms and to sweet young ponies. I deserve to celebrate as many anniversaries as you desire. Congratulations on all fronts! 🙂
Thanks very much, JoAnna. When we got together again my Fortune Cookie from a noodle bar read “Nothing is more beautiful than love that has weathered the storms of life”. It stands in a small frame beside my desk now.
I love this! I’d frame it, too. 🙂
🙂
I noticed that The Royal Oak flies the English Flag not the Union flag outside. I like that 😀
:0 Thanks for that, Brian
Yes, Jackie hasn’t lost her cooking “touch!” ?✨
The ponies look so healthy and the tangled bracken just makes them seem like messy children!
Jackie’s hair in a ponytail looks long. She is lucky to have thick hair.
Derrick, thanks for the “Kitchen Chronicles!”
Many thanks, Robin. A good series title 🙂
Belated Happy 50th Anniversary, Jackie and Derrick! ??
Cheers to the swell and royal couple!??
Very many thanks, Robin X
How did I miss this one??!!
You are forgiven 🙂 🙂 XX and thanks very much, Candice