The eponymous small piece of land to which Jackie drove us on another rain-spattered afternoon; having been donated by purchaser John Perkins to Boldre Parish in 1977; is today carpeted with daisies, and furnished with a splendid wooden bench.
This image details the history of the 18th century wheelwright’s business, and demise with the advent of the motor car
The use of the wheelbed on display is described on the board illustrated above. Enlargement will show a small piece of fungus growing between two spokes as they join the hub.
Distant horses grazed in a field alongside.
Another group of horses caught my eye in a field alongside Church Lane. As I approached to photograph them, they took off and galloped up to the far end of their paddock.
At Pilley Street a ponies’ Christmas party had clearly come to an end. Most wore Santa hats; one posed as a reindeer. Each steed and rider was led happily home.
We dropped in on Elizabeth in her new house where she was in the midst of struggling on the telephone with BT who were messing her about. Much of the time she was kept on hold listening to muzak on loudspeaker. We made her a cup of tea and went home.
This evening we dined at The Royal Oak. My splendid meal consisted of succulent venison, roast new potatoes, purple sprouting broccoli, and red cabbage; Jackie’s equally enjoyable choice was a chicken burger, with coleslaw, salad, onion rings, and French fries. I drank merlot while my lady quaffed Amstel.
Well Merry Christmas to BT!! They sure know how to keep their customers on edge. Is the fungus those two little white protuberances on the left side? That was all my poor eyes could spy……
Well spotted, Pauline. Many thanks
BT monumentally bad customer care. Beautiful animals.
Many thanks, Dad. I agree about BT
Ugh…poor Elizabeth! Getting stuck listening to muzak is the worst! Funny, I was just searching for images of children on ponies in a paddock for my next book. I should have checked your blog first!
Feel free, Jill. There are a few to choose from 🙂 Many thanks
It would seem that giving ponies little girls for Christmas is in vogue!
😃👏🏻
It would indeed – but the parents looked like all year round horsepeople. Thanks, Leslie
I take it you mean the gift’s parents. The ponies’ parents were, of course, horses. 🙂
🙂
History, gardens, a Christmas pony party–you live in a wonderful place–except for the phone service (is that what BT is)? But I think all those companies are the same, as far as having to be on hold and making service plans so confusing. Beautiful photos, as always, Derrick!
Thanks very much, Merril. BT is a telephone company – not sure I’d call it service 🙂
🙂
You do seem to have more than your fair share of ponies in your neck of the woods, Derrick. I abhor Muzak being forced into my ear whilst waiting for my call to be addressed. Why can’t we have a proper symphony concert or even Elvis Presley? 😃
You clearly have good taste, Sylvia. I forget where I read a serious music critic claiming that Elvis was the greatest tenor she ever heard. Many thanks
The photos of the children riding ponies are adorable! I especially loved the antlers on one horse—charming!
Thank you very much, Diane
Ponies with Christmas hat’s.. love it:)
Thanks very much, Nalinda
What an interesting place, Derrick, and little kiddies on horseback (or, rather, pony-back) – precious!
Thanks very much, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick
I love the ponies Christmas fun! 🙂 Looks like the kids and adults are having fun, too! the ponies look festive in their Santa hats! 😀
I hope everything got worked out for Elizabeth. Getting musak-ed like that, is no fun. 🙁
HUGS!!! 🙂
Many thanks, Carolyn. I doubt that Elizabeth will get her service resolved before Christmas X
UGH. 🙁
Are you expecting a white Christmas, Derrick? With all the smiles around, it seems most are in the spirit.
Thanks very much, GP. Not very likely. 12/14 degrees C today
Sorry about Elizabeth’s troubles, but a ponies’ Christmas party?! Oh, my gosh! How fun is that?
Sounds like a nice day Derrick!
It was, Lynn. Full of surprises. Thanks very much