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This morning we transported two huge bags of garden refuse to the Efford Recycling Centre, then drove on to Peacock Computers at Lymington to collect my MacBook and the dongle which enables me to load pictures from my camera.
On this beautifully sunny day we then drove on through the forest.
Of the many groups of somnolent ponies foraging among the gorse and May blossom, the first to catch my eye were those moseying around the moors beside East Boldre. Some simply chomped; one appeared to be resting its neck by standing in a dry ditch; others rested their legs, rising awkwardly to their feet; waited for a bus at a request stop, or occasionally wandered across the road.
Further along towards the Norleywood crossroads a pair of similarly spindly-legged foals were learning to get to grips with the uneven terrain. When they considered I had come a little too close each darted to its own respective mother.
Some of the forest pools still contain enough water in which cattle can slake their thirst. Calves and their parents drank at this one before crossing the road to comparative shade. One protective parent persuaded me to step aside before leaving its offspring to follow.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s delicious beef stew, new potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, and curly kale. The Culinary Queen drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Apothic.
Soon you’ll be able to outrun those ponies,
Thanks a lot, Oglach. I wouldn’t have to be that fast 🙂
You know how to catch me, don’t you, Derrick? A whole bunch of pony pictures and cows thrown in for good measure – thanks!
🙂 I can’t miss an opportunity, GP. Thanks a lot
Great photos! Tomotrow’s the big day, right? I’m sending lots of healing vibes your way!
It is tomorrow, yes. Thanks very much, Leslie
This weather is very welcome. Best wishes for the imminent op, Derrick 🙂
Many thanks, Sandra
Heavens those cows are big girls – makes me feel positively slim!! 🙂 Keeping up the good wishes xo
LOL – We’re just a couple of slim crafters.
XX Thanks again, Pauline
Wow! Such beauties..
Thanks very much, Nandita
They probably behave as a postcard of many years ago depicted a comment by a cow on the Knysna road: ‘Gather round, chaps; there’s another car coming!’
🙂 Thanks a lot, Leslie
Ponies waiting for a bus – LOL. I think they all look happier now that winter is over – just like me.
Thanks very much, Jodie. It being a request stop I’d like to see them hail the driver 🙂
: ) Have a good night, sir. We’ll be thinking of you. <3
XX
I’m glad you had a beautiful day today. Some of those horses really looked sleepy.
I hope all goes smoothly tomorrow. Will you have your surgeon take photos? 😉
I’ll take them myself 🙂 Many thanks, Merril
🙂
Wishing you all the very best for tomorrow Derrick. I’m sure it will all go swimmingly and you’ll be back on your feet before you know it. And if all else fails you’ll just have to get Jackie running about after you (ducks for cover…) x
Very many thanks, Jessica. 🙂 X
You got some great photos, Derrick. Thanks for sharing them with us. Will be sending up some prayers for you tomorrow. LOL! I’m laughing at Merril’s comment. 🙂
Very many thanks, Jill
Beautiful pictures Derrick and good luck😍
Very many thanks, Laleh
Beautiful photos of the ponies and cows, Derrick!
Good luck tomorrow! Wishing you all the best.
Very many thanks, Lavinia
What a pity we humans aren’t like these beautiful creatures; there’d be no more wars 🙁
Quite so, Brian. They do, however administer the odd head butt. Thanks a lot
The tranquility that shines out of your pictures of the animals just going about life have the same effect on me as staring at a Constable painting. HB2 and I agree that the stand-out is the two moos drinking – absolutely wonderful photo and he went into raptures at your meal choice – particularly the new potatoes. Bon courage for tomorrow – I will be thinking of you (though probably rather after the event due to pesky time differences)
Not left home yet, Osyth. So many thanks. To be compared with Constable is indeed an honour
As you know, I only ever say what I mean and that is absolutely what I felt (and often do) about your Forest pictures.
Wonderful ponies! Good luck with the surgery.
Many thanks, Laurie
Good luck for tomorrow/today, Derrick. I assume you’ll show the first line of today’s (17th’s) blog to the surgeon, to show how seriously you’re taking your preparation for the op. 🙂
I think not, Paul. It was a couple of bags too far. Thanks very much
Love the pony in the ditch. Energy conservation at its finest. 🙂
Perhaps Jackie night be persuaded to post a brief update later in the day? … if not, we’ll all see you on the other side of today.
Many thanks, Widders. Our daughter, Becky is coming with us. She’ll probably do it.
Wow dear. The piece of work is amazing.
The way you describe each and every part is amazing.
Pictures are lovely.
Very many thanks, Shreya
Hello
I searched on the internet without finding, so that ponies can be raised freely and move on the streets.
Do you have explanations or can you name the place or the name of the breeding?
The animals in the New Forest all have freedom to roam. These are ancient rights going back 1,000 years. All are owned by commoners who pay a fee for pasturage. The animals have right of way on the roads. You might find this post interesting: https://derrickjknight.com/2016/08/30/the-drift/
thank you for this explanation that I did not know at all. She is very interesting and thanks for the link
OH! I could look at these ponies and calves all day! 🙂
Beautiful photos of them, Derrick!
We can learn so much by observing these amazing animals!
Continued best of luck on your surgery! We go with you in spirit! You are not alone!
HUGS,
Carolyn 🙂
PS…your meal sounds lovely and yummy!
Very many thanks, Carolyn
Good Luck – sure you will be up and about quicker than you think. x
Many thanks, Anne
Great Rural pics Derrick, you are privileged to be able to live in such a relaxing environment mate.
Always wondered what that cord was called that you use to download pics from your Camera, now I know, A Dongle.
Cheers, Ian
Fine country-horsey shots, Derrick–loved them.
Many thanks, Cynthia,