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After an exchange of e-mails this morning, I had sufficient information to make the bank transfer of payment for the unexpected French land tax demand. Jackie drove me to the bank at Lymington where I completed the process.
We then took a brief drive into the forest. Seeking colour under a sunless granite sky was a little optimistic, but the unusually warm temperature was pleasant enough.
Undershore, popular with intrepid pedestrians
links land alongside Lymington Reed Beds with Pilley Hill. A footpath signed before a picket fence follows the side of Lymington River. Road closures in Pilley, where we wanted to book a table at the Fleur de Lys for tomorrow night, meant we retraced our wheels to take this route.
Two of the usual hopefuls waited at the door of Greatham House at Brockenhurst for pony treats.
This evening Jackie and I dined at Lal Quilla. Jackie chose chicken sag as her main course; mine was chicken jaljala; we shared special fried rice and an egg paratha; we both drank Kingfisher. Jackie was given two large carrier bags full of chillis – enough to see us out. I hope there is enough room in the freezer.
To have a pony at my door would be a dream residence!!
I’ll bet, GP. Wish I could send you one. Many thanks
It’s the thought that counts!
π
Love the green in the photographs. Most of ours has been blown away. Yes a pony at the back door would be fabulous.
Being that much further south makes such a difference. Thanks a lot, Single Parent
I agree with your friend Mr Cox, it would be so nice to have a pony at the door. I would put in a stable door and leave the top open π The forest pictures are simply stunning and made me very happy on a particularly grey and windy morning.
Thanks very much, Pauline. It really didn’t matter that our was a grey day, too
How lovely to have a pony looking for treats at the door. I’d swap one of our iguanas for a pony any day. π
Many thanks, Sylvia π
Two large carrier bags? Did I read that correctly?
You did, Susan. They each had to be double wrapped. I hope they survive a long time in the fridge. Many thanks
I wouldn’t chase away iguanas, as well as other tropical fauna teaming in our courtyard, but I’d love to pet those ponies once in a while! The forrest photos are simply gorgeous, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Dolly. Millennia of history walking about
Very welcome
I loved, loved, loved this post, Derrick! Gorgeous photos! I’d enjoy having a couple ponies come calling. π
Many thanks, Jill. I hoped you might π
Oh, those ponies! And what lovely woods, even under a cloudy sky.
Thanks very much, Laurie. Yes, the lack of sun just offers something different
I would love to have a pony show up at my door! π I’ve had dogs, frogs, cats, bunnies, cool looking moths, praying mantis, lizards, birds, a tarantula, etc., at my door, but never a pony! π
OH my gosh! Your photos are so beautiful, Derrick!
I love how the trees limbs are hugging and creating a canopy of beauty over the road! π
And all the leaves are so beautiful!
Glad you were able to deal with the land tax stuff.
HUGS!!! π
Very many thanks, Carolyn. It is a pretty magical area X
How perfectly lovely. I remember staying in Burford for a summer after I finished grad school, many moons ago, in a very old cottage with a Dutch-door, every afternoon when we would open the top door, the local pony would amble over and pop his head in hoping for a treat which he always got.
Many thanks, Cindy. I’m so pleased to have triggered such a memory
Knock knock!! ππ
π Many thanks, Dorinda
Always a pleasure, Derrick π
Those are breathtaking photographs, Derrick. The framing and exposure are exceptional. I feel like a horse who having waited for pony treats got them in bucketfuls.
Glad you noticed the bucket, Uma. Many thanks for the comments
Derrick, I wish I owned a greeting card or stationery company because I would purchase all of your photographs of winding lanes. They would make the most charming note cards.
Many thanks, Ginene. We are running out of cards we made several years ago. I’ll bear this comment in mind when we do some more
Ξvery day I am waiting for your post and I am travelling to wonderful places with people who are wonderful !!!!
Send you my appreciation and love !!!!
Very many thanks, Efi. That is lovely. XX
Your photos remind me of this: β«βͺlong and winding road that leads to your door βͺβͺβ«
Thanks very much, Arlene π
I keep seeing leaves on the ground during my hikes, but have not seen much color yet. With all the rain we’ve had, we should have a pretty fall, but it hasn’t happened yet. Just checked my front door to make sure there weren’t any unusual animals seeking treats.
π Thanks very much, Karen
Beautiful landscapes, Derrick, but I, like others, love that pony at the door.
Enjoy those chilies!
Many thanks, Merril
Inviting paths.
They are, indeed. A couple of years ago, I walked the length of them. I hope to do so again. Thanks very much, Sherry
Well, I’ve already gone on and on about how much I love your pictures of ponies, but these took my breath away! Adorable is a word that comes to mind!
Very many thanks, Diane
Lovely sights.
Thanks very much, Leslie
You have such a beautiful forest. I love your theme of the pathways through the openings of trees and fence. The ponies at the door was a special treat. I hope they don’t start pawing at the door like my dog does.
π Thanks very much, JoAnna. That would complete the theme
Yes!
May that be the last to be seen or heard of the ‘French House’! π
Hear, hear. Thanks very much, Widders
Lovely photos of the pony standing by the door. π Beautiful winding roads.
Thanks very much, Amy
I would love a pony at my door, that would be a treat in itself. Instead I get lizards and some people get the occasional alligator…. π
Ponies are preferable, I’d say. Thanks very much, Kim
Wow the pony at the door, cool. The path lined by leaves is lovely
Thanks very much, Lynn
most welcome. That is the coolest photo with the pony
Beautiful woodland photos, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Clare
How wonderful to have such visitors knocking on the door! Lovely photos of the woods. But the pony pictures are our favourites.
Thanks very much, LL/PS